Kilmer amendment directs GAO to determine whether, how Department of Homeland Security is securing voting machines from outside threats.
Press release dated 7/ 25/ 18
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-amends-house-spending-bill-to-demand-answers-on-election-security
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, the House Committee on Appropriations adopted an amendment to a spending bill from Representative Derek Kilmer, the committee’s Vice Ranking Member, which demands answers from the Department of Homeland Security on how it plans to protect the nation’s election machines. The amendment directs the Government Accountability Office to urgently study what the Department is doing currently, and whether it plans to increase protection.
The amendment comes just a week after President Trump, standing next to Russian President Vladimir Putin, publicly doubted the US intelligence community’s unanimous opinion that Russia is actively seeking to undermine US election systems.
“The intelligence is clear: foreign nations are targeting America’s voting systems. The American people deserve to know the steps the government is taking to protect the machines that record their votes,” Kilmer said. “I’m pleased the committee gave its bipartisan support to this study. I’ll keep pushing to protect America’s elections.”
Kilmer amended the FY 2019 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill during a committee markup this afternoon. The Amendment was approved as part of the “manager’s amendment” which traditionally indicates bipartisan support.
Here is the text of the amendment:
Election Security. Given that elections infrastructure – election and voting systems, products, and service vendors and related supply-chain participants – have been designated as part of the Nation’s critical infrastructure, DHS has a significant role in assisting State and local election officials as they prepare for Federal elections. The Committee appreciates that DHS is working to provide that assistance and that there is an ongoing OIG investigation to examine the status of that work. To aid the Committee in its oversight function, the GAO shall examine how DHS is implementing its key responsibilities in overseeing protection of the elections critical infrastructure subsector and the reported benefits and challenges of such efforts.
House Passes Kilmer, Costello Bill to Protect Deploying Service members from Burdensome Fees
Press release issued 7/ 24/ 18http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-kilmer-costello-bill-to-protect-deploying-servicemembers-from-burdensome-fees
Washington, D.C. – Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2409, legislation to ensure servicemembers can terminate their cable, satellite television, and Internet access service contracts while deployed without incurring early termination fees. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) introduced the bipartisan legislation.
Under current law, similar protections are granted to servicemembers with active duty orders for long-term civil agreements, such as rental leases, automobile leases, and cellphone contracts. This legislation would update the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to include pay TV and internet service contracts when they have military orders to move or deploy. While relief provisions do exist in some states, this legislation would enact a policy at the federal level so that all our country’s servicemembers and their families are provided uniform assistance.
"If you serve your country, we should have your back,” said Kilmer, “When servicemembers are deployed or required to relocate, they shouldn’t have to worry about getting jammed financially because they have an outstanding cable bill. I’m proud to partner with Rep. Costello so the men and women serving on our behalf don’t have to sift through a mountain of paperwork or spend their last few days before deployment on hold with a cable company.”
“When servicemembers and their families receive military orders to deploy or relocate, they should not have to face fees from internet, cable, or other paid television service providers in their moving process,” said Costello, “This commonsense legislation would implement a federal solution to ensure military families do not have to pay these fees. Thank you to Rep. Kilmer and Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe for their support and work to help pass this bill.”
“Military families have enough to worry about when they receive orders to deploy or relocate and should not be burdened with the additional worries about penalties for their cable, satellite television and internet services. I’m glad the House passed this bipartisan bill to ensure our servicemembers do not face additional fees and penalties when given new orders,” said Chairman of House Veterans Affairs Committee Phil Roe, M.D.
🌏WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
From UN News Center, and other sources:
South Sudan Crisis, Detrimental Impact of Israeli Occupation, Among Texts Adopted as Economic and Social Council Concludes Coordination, Management Meeting
The Economic and Social Council adopted 13 resolutions and 12 decisions on issues ranging from Haiti’s long-term development, to the economic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation, to non-governmental organizations and regional cooperation, as it concluded its 2018 Coordination and Management meetings today.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/ecosoc6946.doc.htm
Deputy Secretary-General, on Margins of Global Disability Summit, Declares That United Nations Is ‘by Your Side’
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/dsgsm1208.doc.htm
Pakistan: UN chief condemns suicide attack that killed dozens near polling station
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on Wednesday condemned the killing of dozens of people near a polling station in the western city of Quetta due to a suicide attack, as voters headed to the polls in Pakistan’s general elections.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/07/1015542
Proposal for Spain to reckon with its past during Franco era, welcomed by UN rights experts
A group of UN human rights experts has welcomed the announcement earlier this month by the Spanish Minister of Justice that the Government is paving the way for a Truth Commission to investigate violations that occurred during the civil war and the era of dictatorship under General Francisco Franco that followed.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/07/1015522
Cameroon violence needs urgent investigation, says UN rights chief Zeid
Persistent reports of grave human rights abuses in Cameroon — including a widely shared video showing the alleged execution of a woman, child and baby — must be investigated by the authorities urgently, UN rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/07/1015512
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Senator Murray: “Let me say again that the threat to women’s reproductive rights is frighteningly real. It is real because unless Democrats and Republicans come together, President Trump will follow through on his promise to overturn Roe”
Press release issued 7/ 25/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D30979D3-F2BD-47AD-980C-7243F54AD849
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee and the highest ranking woman in the U.S. Senate, took to the Senate floor to outline her opposition to Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court and raise the serious threat his nomination poses to women’s right to safe, legal abortion by detailing Judge Kavanaugh’s record of standing against women’s access to reproductive health care. Since President Trump announced D.C. Circuit Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh as his nominee to the Supreme Court on July 9th, Senator Murray has expressed her vocal opposition to his nomination, citing President Trump’s specific declarations to only appoint people to the Supreme Court who passed his extreme, ideological test on overturning Roe v. Wade, undermining women’s reproductive care, and more.
Senator Murray has pledged to do everything in her power to fight Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court, and in her floor remarks called on women and men throughout the country to take action and speak up about their opposition to Judge Kavanaugh. Senator Murray also shared the stories of women from before and after Roe v. Wade to illustrate the importance of the decision, and detailed how Judge Kavanaugh’s judicial philosophy and record align with President Trump’s stated goal of nominating judges committed to overturning Roe v. Wade.
Key excerpts from Senator Murray’s remarks:
“When I was in college, a friend of mine—we were very close and lived together in the dorms—went out on a date. She was raped and got pregnant. She didn’t know where to get a safe abortion—and she wasn’t wealthy, so she didn’t think she could afford it either. The botched procedure she ended up having left her, at a very young age, unable to bear children. I saw my friend hurt, frightened, alone, and unable to get the care she needed because someone else’s beliefs mattered more under our laws than her health and her future. That impacted me a lot, and has stayed with me to this day.”
“Roe, and the rulings that have upheld it, make clear what women across the country know at their core to be true—that reproductive freedom is essential to a woman’s ability to control her future, plan her family, and contribute to her community in all the ways she may choose to—as these three women were able to…reproductive freedom means women are more able to participate equally and fully in our country.”
“When I examine the record and history of a Supreme Court nominee, I hope to see a breadth of life experience, or the ability to walk in someone else’s shoes. Judge Kavanaugh has not demonstrated either of these qualities.”
“In expressing support for Justice Rehnquist’s dissent in Roe, where the Justice argued for allowing restrictions on women’s reproductive rights, Kavanaugh agreed with the idea that if a right is not explicitly stated in the Constitution, it must be ‘rooted in the traditions and conscience of our people.’ But he made clear he does not believe a woman’s right to choose is rooted in the traditions or the conscience of our people.”
“In one opinion, Judge Kavanaugh ruled to allow the Trump Administration to block a pregnant seventeen year old who arrived alone at our border from accessing an abortion until the government could place her with a sponsor. He felt that she needed a ‘support network’ around her before she was capable of making this decision, even though she had been seeking an abortion for months, and had already met state-level requirements.”
“…women matter too. And they deserve a Justice who accounts for their rights and liberties in his or her decisions. Unfortunately, Judge Kavanaugh’s opinions indicate he will not do so.” Instead, they display a fundamental lack of trust in women’s ability to make their own health care decisions.”
“If an employer tries to deny his employee affordable birth control because he thinks he knows better, or if a politicized federal agency is physically detaining a young woman in hopes it can impose its beliefs on her, or if a woman does not want to carry her rapist’s child to term, our nation’s laws must affirm her autonomy—because our laws are her place of last resort.”
“I urge anyone—woman or man—who is concerned right now to make that clear—loudly and immediately. If you have a story that shows why reproductive rights matter in our country, share it. If you haven’t signed up to vote—and told your friends to—do it…one year ago this week, three of my Republican colleagues stood with Democrats and stopped President Trump’s effort to enact Trumpcare…That happened because people across the country knew what was at stake and spoke up—despite how long the odds seemed.”
Related press release...
Senator Murray voices support for federal workers, condemns President Trump’s executive orders targeting federal employees’ right to organize and ability to collectively bargain.
Press release issued 7/ 25/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7C31BE20-5F46-43D5-B1A2-BCFEC1AC7D20
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate labor and pensions committee, recognized the important and underappreciated work that federal workers do every day and voiced opposition to President Trump’s continued crusade against worker’s rights. In remarks on the Senate floor, Senator Murray emphasized that the federal government has a responsibility to ensure every worker can work under safe conditions, earn a living wage for their family, and retire with dignity. She stressed that the government has a direct responsibility to treat its own employees with respect and should be a model for protecting the rights of workers.
Senator Murray condemned President Trump’s series of anti-worker executive orders, which make it harder for working families to become economically secure and limit the ability of workers to unionize and collectively bargain for safer conditions and fairer wages. She also criticized President Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, spotlighting the judge’s consistent rulings in favor of corporate special interests at the expense of workers. Senator Murray encouraged every worker who believes in a fair economy to make their voice heard and urge their Senators to oppose Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination.
Key excerpts from Senator Murray’s remarks:
“Through a series of executive orders—President Trump has made it harder for workers to organize, for their unions to effectively represent them when they have a dispute with management, and for federal agencies to bargain collectively with their employees in good faith…Since day one, President Trump has undermined worker protections, including their right to overtime pay and collective bargaining, and made it harder for working families to become economically secure. And now, he has nominated another anti-worker, anti-union judge to the Supreme Court.”
“But Judge Kavanaugh’s record proves he would not be the fair voice working families need. Throughout his long career—Judge Kavanaugh has sided with corporate special interests at the expense of workers and their rights. He has argued against health and safety standards for workers—a view not shared by the other members of the Circuit Court. He has argued against workers’ right to be paid fairly for the work they do, and repeatedly, he has been hostile towards workers’ right to organize, join a union, and speak up together for better wages and working conditions.”
“Our government, our economy, and our country are strongest when workers are able to make their voices heard, and are a part of this process. So I hope my colleagues across the aisle who claim to care to about the economic security of working families and the middle class will join us in pushing back against President Trump’s harmful executive orders and opposing his anti-worker Supreme Court nominee.”
Senator Murray and Representative Davis today introduced the Stop Child Summer Hunger Act, a common-sense approach to ensure kids don’t lose access to critical nutrition
Press release issued 7/ 25/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=1FB5ED19-50F3-466A-9BEB-42D602D331B0
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, and U.S. Representative Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd District) introduced legislation to tackle the silent crisis of child hunger impacting families across the country during the summer months. During the academic year, millions of kids from low-income families are able to get free or reduced-priced meals at school, so they can get the nutrition they need to learn in class. But when school lets out for the summer, many of those same kids lose access to regular meals—and many go without the nutrition they need to live healthy lives. To address this challenge, the members introduced the Stop Child Summer Hunger Act, a bill that would provide families who have children eligible for free and reduced-price school meals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. This EBT card would provide $150, equal to about $60 per month, for each child eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, so the family can purchase groceries to replace the meals that the children would otherwise receive at school. Senator Murray reintroduced the bill—originally introduced in 2014—in the Senate, and Representative Davis introduced companion legislation in the House.
“I’m proud to work with Representative Davis to help make sure that kids aren’t missing out on the vital nutrition they need to grow and learn while they’re away from school during the summer months, which is unfortunately a real issue that impacts too many families in communities across our country,” said Senator Murray. “Anyone who has raised kids or worked with kids understands the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child”—and this bill is very much in that spirit of caring and commitment to our kids and communities. Making sure children have year-round access to healthy, nutritious meals is an essential component of setting them up for success – at home, in school, and in life – and the Stop Child Summer Hunger Act is a major step toward ensuring our nation’s families have the support they need so that none of our kids is left wondering where their next meal will come from.”
“No child should go hungry and no parent should have to worry about being able to feed their child,” said Representative Susan Davis, a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. “I want to thank Senator Murray for her leadership on the issue of ending summer hunger. This bill builds on a proven and simple solution to filling the meal gap that millions of children face every summer. Expanding this program will be good for our kids, good for education, and good for the economy.”
“The Stop [Child] Summer Hunger Act would give children access to food and improved nutrition during the long summer vacation, ensuring that children and teens return to school healthy and ready to learn. We endorse the legislation and encourage the Senate and the House to enact this important Act,” added Crystal Weedall FitzSimons, Director of School and Out-of-School Time Programs at the Food Research and Action Center.
The Stop Child Summer Hunger Act expands on the successful Summer EBT for Children demonstration project that has been piloted in 14 sites and 10 states and Indian Tribal Organizations. This pilot had positive results, decreasing hunger among children by 33 percent.
An existing federal program, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) attempts to fill the summer meals gap by providing funding to nonprofit, government, and religious entities to serve food in congregate settings to low-income children during summer breaks. However, while some areas of the country see great success with the SFSP, many barriers to participation in the program remain, including unfamiliarity with the program or sites, lack of transportation, and limited food distribution hours. According to the Food Research and Action Center, in July 2017 three million children ate lunch on an average weekday at a summer meal site—only a fraction of the 20 million low-income children who participate in school lunch each day during the school year. Much of the low participation is due to limited public funding available to support summer programs for low-income children to attend, and as a result, children in Washington state and around the country are more likely to be hungry during the summer. The Stop Child Summer Hunger Act, in conjunction with the SFSP, would ensure that children across the country don’t go hungry when school is out.
More world news headlines...
UN human rights experts urge Egypt to release jailed poet who penned hit protest song
Galal El Behairy has been held in detention since February after penning a song critical of Egypt’s policies, prompting United Nations human rights experts on Thursday to urge the government to release him immediately.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/07/1015612
From the US Mission to the UN
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
" We must also not lose sight of the violence we have witnessed recently in eastern DRC. The United States commends MONUSCO’s quick response to clashes in Bijombo this month, but remains deeply concerned by reports of human rights abuses, with tens of thousands of people fleeing the violence."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8533
Remarks on Item 16: Economic and Social Repercussions of the Israeli Occupation on the Living Conditions of the Palestinian People
" The United States objects to this Council’s consideration of the proposed oral amendment. Under Rule 54 of the Council’s rules of procedure, amendments – whether they are called revisions or amendments – must be circulated to all members 24 hours in advance unless the Council decides otherwise. The United States objects to the Council deciding otherwise. The 24 hour rule exists for good reasons. It gives Council members an opportunity to review and consider the substance of proposed amendments. Member States should consider the consequences of disregarding this rule. Thank you"
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8531
Remarks at a UN Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East
" If one were to judge every nation’s commitment to the Palestinian people by the words that are spoken in the United Nations Security Council and in the United Nations General Assembly, one would come away with an extremely distorted picture.
Here at the UN, thousands of miles away from Palestinians who do have real needs, there is no end to the speeches on their behalf. Country after country claims solidarity with the Palestinian people. If those words were useful in the schools, the hospitals, and the streets of their communities, the Palestinian people would not be facing the desperate conditions we are discussing here today. Talk is cheap."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8529
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Cantwell, Colleagues Call on Republicans to Drop Harmful Plan Promoting Discrimination Against Potential Foster or Adoptive Parents
Press release issued 7/ 25/ 18https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-call-on-republicans-to-drop-harmful-plan-promoting-discrimination-against-potential-foster-or-adoptive-parents
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 39 of her Democratic Senate colleagues in an effort to stop congressional Republicans from promoting discrimination against LGBTQ Americans seeking to be foster or adoptive parents.
In a letter to Senate appropriators, the senators slammed a House Republican proposal, passed earlier this month, to allow taxpayer-funded adoption and child welfare agencies to discriminate against children and parents based on their religion, LGBTQ status, or family structure. The senators urged the Senate Appropriations Committee not to include this dangerous proposal in the upcoming appropriations bill.
“Allowing child welfare agencies to close the door to willing and fully qualified foster and adoptive parents due to a difference in religious belief opens the door to taxpayer-funded discrimination and deprives vulnerable children of safe and loving homes,” the senators wrote. “We strongly encourage you to reject this language and instead, support federal laws and regulations barring discrimination, and protect the rights of all qualified parents who answer the call to foster and adopt children in foster care.”
The harmful House Republican proposal would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to withhold federal funding from states that prevent child welfare agencies from denying services to LGBTQ parents or children, penalizing states with existing nondiscrimination policies, including Washington. Late last week, over 100 child advocacy organizations sent a letter to Congress opposing this proposal.
Cantwell, Graham Urge Strong Action in the Face of Mounting Cyber Attacks from Russia
Press release issued 7/ 25/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-graham-urge-strong-action-in-the-face-of-mounting-cyber-attacks-from-russia
Washington, D.C. – Today, in a letter to President Trump, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, called for greater action from the federal government to defend the U.S. energy grid from cyber attacks.
Despite overwhelming evidence of destabilizing threats to the U.S. electric grid and recent reports of Russian hacking of the control rooms of U.S. electric utilities, the federal government has not laid out a comprehensive threat assessment or taken sufficient action to protect critical U.S. energy infrastructure.
“We are concerned about Russia’s capabilities with respect to cyber attacks on our energy infrastructure,” the senators wrote. “Furthermore, on July 23, 2018, the Wall Street Journal reported that “[h]ackers working for Russia claimed ‘hundreds of victims’ last year in a giant and long-running campaign that put them inside the control rooms of U.S. electric utilities where they could have caused blackouts.”
“We believe the federal government needs to take stronger action prioritizing cybersecurity of energy networks and fighting cyber aggression to match your Department of Energy’s outward facing commitment.”
The senators are requesting, within 90 days, a thorough written analysis of:
a) the scope of Russian capabilities to use cyber-warfare to threaten our energy infrastructure;
b) the extent to which the Russians have already attempted cyber-intrusions into our electric grid, pipelines, and other important energy facilities; and
c) what steps [the] administration is currently taking to combat these Russian cyber-warfare capabilities and intrusions into our energy facilities.
Cantwell has been the leading voice on protecting critical U.S. infrastructure, including energy infrastructure such as the electric grid and oil and gas pipelines, from cyber attacks. On March 12, 2017, and June 22, 2017, Senator Cantwell sent letters to President Trump calling on him to defend energy infrastructure and to instruct DOE to conduct an analysis of Russian capabilities with respect to cyber attacks on U.S. energy infrastructure. In hearing after hearing, Cantwell has pressed for increased collaboration between the government, private sector, utilities, military, and academia to protect U.S. energy infrastructure from cyber attacks.
In addition to Senators Cantwell and Graham, cybersecurity experts are weighing in on the need for the federal government to take action to protect critical energy infrastructure.
“We have entered a new era of warfare in which the adversary sits in our backyard watching our every move, and we have left the back door to our homes unlocked. This new reality requires a situational awareness that is not consistent across the country. The threats that Russia and other actors pose to our grid, pipelines, ports, and other infrastructure is real and serious, and more must be done on the federal level to ensure we are adequately prepared,” said Barbara Endicott-Popovsky, Executive Director of the Center for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity at the University of Washington.
NATIONAL HEADLINES....
WHITE HOUSE: Presidential Proclamation on the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2018
On the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we celebrate this historic legislation, which echoed our Nation’s founding promise to recognize and secure the equal rights of all men and women. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to cultivate further opportunities for all Americans to live full and independent lives, and recognize the many contributions enabled by expanded participation of Americans with disabilities in our society.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-proclamation-anniversary-americans-disabilities-act-2018/
DOD: Dunfords, Students Discuss Leadership, Civic Responsibility, Military Life
WASHINGTON --
Seventeen-year-old Kenneth Hannah of Killeen, Texas, has a lifetime of lessons from being a military child and shares those lessons with other young people to help them on their journey.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1584562/dunfords-students-discuss-leadership-civic-responsibility-military-life/
DOJ: Owner of Durable Medical Equipment Company Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Medicaid of More Than $9 Million
The owner of a company that provided durable medical equipment pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of health care fraud for carrying out a scheme in which she fraudulently obtained more than $9.4 million in District of Columbia Medicaid payments.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/owner-durable-medical-equipment-company-pleads-guilty-defrauding-medicaid-more-9-million
DEPT. of INTERIOR: Paddle Wild and Scenic Rivers for a Wild and Scenic Summer
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, a historic landmark in river conservation. Since 1968, 12,734 miles of some of the nation’s most impressive rivers have been protected in their free-flowing state. What better way to celebrate our nation’s rivers than by enjoying some river time with friends and family?
https://www.doi.gov/blog/paddle-wild-and-scenic-rivers-wild-and-scenic-summer
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos Commends Passage of Perkins Act.
WASHINGTON--U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released the following statement after final passage of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act:
This is an important day for America's students, workers and our economy. Congress came together to expand educational pathways and opportunities and give local communities greater flexibility in how best to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. I look forward to seeing President Trump sign this bill into law and make yet another important investment in our future.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-secretary-education-betsy-devos-commends-passage-perkins-act
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Sen. Cantwell Announces $16M for New Runway at Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport
Press release issued 7/ 24/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cantwell-announces-16m-for-new-runway-at-pullman-moscow-regional-airport-
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport received more than $16 million in funding for construction of a new runway.
“This new runway at Pullman-Moscow regional airport will make the Palouse more attractive for job creation and economic opportunity for everyone,” Senator Cantwell said. “As the top Democrat on the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, I will continue to prioritize smart investments in infrastructure throughout the Northwest, especially in our rural communities.”
The $16 million the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport will receive comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides funding for airport development and planning. The grant will help the airport pave, flight check, and open the new runway for full service in fall of 2019.
As the former Chair and current top Democrat on the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, Senator Cantwell has been a strong advocate of federal grant money to help Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, as well as for airport projects throughout the state of Washington. Earlier this year, Cantwell helped secure $10 million to help fund the ongoing runway realignment project at the airport. In 2017, she secured $5.2 million for Pullman-Moscow to begin the runway realignment project.
Since 2014, Senator Cantwell has helped secure more than $41 million in funding for airport improvements in the state. And in March of 2018, she worked with her colleagues to secure a $1 billion increase in funding for the Airport Improvement Grant program, which has provided funding for Pullman-Moscow and many other projects throughout the state.
Cantwell, Colleagues Urge Administration to Lower Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs
Press release issued 7/ 24/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-urge-administration-to-lower-skyrocketing-prescription-drug-costs
Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and a bipartisan group of 20 of her Senate colleagues sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar urging the Department of Health and Human Services to increase transparency and take steps to lower prescription drug prices for Washington seniors.
"We write to urge the Department of Health and Human Services to move forward with a proposal to meaningfully address skyrocketing drug prices by specifically addressing pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration fees in the Medicare Part D program," the senators wrote to Secretary Azar.
Under the current system, when a Medicare Part D patient picks up a prescription, the patient is charged a percentage of the drug's cost as a co-pay. The pharmacist works with a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) to collect the remaining payment from the patient's insurance company. The patient's co-pay is based on the drug's price at the point of sale, but PBMs are allowed to come back to pharmacies well after a drug is sold and pay less than the patient was originally charged by applying a fee, known as direct and indirect remuneration (DIR). As a result, seniors pay more out of pocket than they need to and pharmacies are forced to absorb the loss and face uncertainty in their reimbursements.
In the letter to Secretary Azar, the senators ask the Department of Health and Human Services to take regulatory action to require the reporting of DIR fees in the negotiated price at the point of sale, thereby lowering out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries.
Senator Cantwell has long fought for transparency and oversight of the prescription drug industry, including PBMs. In 2010, Cantwell secured a provision in the health reform law that requires PBMs to report information on their contracts with drug companies to the Department of Justice. Senator Cantwell has also fought for measures to decrease the cost of prescription drugs. She has introduced legislation with her colleagues to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices directly with manufacturers on behalf of 41 million Medicare Part D beneficiaries. In 2017, she introduced legislation with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) to lower prescription drug costs by allowing Americans to safely import medicines from Canada.
More national headlines....
CDC: New Data Show Dramatic Progress in Namibia Toward HIV Epidemic Control and Substantial Gaps in Cote d'Ivoire and Cameroon
Amsterdam, The Netherlands (July 25, 2018)—The Government of the Republic of Namibia, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and ICAP at Columbia University (ICAP) released new data today at the 2018 International AIDS Conference demonstrating that the HIV epidemic is coming under control in Namibia.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0725-HIV-Epidemic-control.html
Secretary Pompeo and Vice President Pence Address the Ministerial To Advance Religious Freedom
July 26: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence delivered opening remarks at the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.
https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/07/284550.htm
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the process FDA is undertaking for reviewing and modernizing the agency’s standards of identity for dairy products
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm614851.htm
U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Antidumping Duty Determination on Forged Steel Fittings from Taiwan
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the affirmative final determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of imports of forged steel fittings from Taiwan.
https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2018/07/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-final-antidumping-duty
EPA Deletes Fulton Terminals Site in Fulton, New York from federal Superfund list
New York, N.Y – July 26, 2018) After cleaning up more than 10,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and approximately nine million gallons of contaminated groundwater, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deleted the Fulton Terminals Superfund site, located in the City of Fulton, New York, from the National Priorities List, which is the federal Superfund list of the most contaminated hazardous waste sites.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-deletes-fulton-terminals-site-fulton-new-york-federal-superfund-list
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Cantwell Calls for Action, Slams Giveaways to Big Oil Companies as Gas Prices Rise state drivers forced to pay $452 million more for fuel this summer.
Press release issued 7/ 24/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-calls-for-action-slams-giveaways-to-big-oil-companies-as-gas-prices-rise-
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As summer gas prices throughout the United States have reached their highest point in the last four summers, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today highlighted the impact of rising gas prices on Washington state families and called for aggressive action to lower the prices consumers pay at the pump. Washington state has the third highest gas prices in the nation.
“Gasoline and diesel prices are currently around 60 cents more than they were at this time last year, and that’s the highest that we have seen in four years,” Senator Cantwell said in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on rising oil prices. “Every gas station fill-up costs Washington drivers about eight dollars more than it did last summer. That means less take-home pay and higher retail prices for goods.”
At the hearing, Senator Cantwell called on Congress and the Trump administration to do more to reduce prices for consumers by promoting alternative fuels and competition at the pump.
“It’s very hard for us to drill our way out of this problem. The effective way to reduce our fuel costs, both nationally and individually, is to beat the OPEC monopoly with some good old-fashioned competition at the pump,” said Cantwell, going on to describe alternatives like increasing the use of domestic biofuels, pushing for more electric vehicles, and blocking Trump administration efforts to roll back vehicle efficiency standards. “Americans should be able to fill up with home-grown biofuels instead of the Saudi or Russian crude, and we should continue to push for electric vehicles and lower operating costs for our consumers.”
Specifically, Cantwell highlighted several areas for actions to lower gas prices:
Promoting alternatives to gasoline, like domestic biofuels and electric cars and trucks
Maintaining existing fuel economy standards
Stabilizing foreign policy to avoid disrupting world oil markets
Policing oil futures markets to ensure they are free from manipulation
Cantwell also pointed to the failures of the recent Republican tax bill, questioning the return Americans got for the $4 billion in new tax breaks gifted to big oil companies.
“So what did we get out of the four billion dollar tax break in the tax plan that [was given to] oil companies?” Senator Cantwell asked. “I don’t think that’s fair use of the taxpayer money to give these oil companies a huge tax break, and now we’re seeing a spike in prices.”
Senator Cantwell’s remarks at today’s hearing come as the average price of gas in Washington state has climbed to $3.41, a 60 cent – or 21 percent – increase over last summer. The average price of diesel has reached $3.56, a 74 cent – or 26 percent – increase over last summer. These price run-ups mean the typical Washington state family will pay $149 more this summer for fuel than last summer.
BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS HEADLINES...
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: A Pledge to the American Worker
Last week the administration launched what it termed “the next step” in its economic agenda: a sweeping, administration-wide effort to equip the American workforce to succeed in the modern economy. To propel this initiative forward, it is seeking advice and cooperation from leaders in business and education. Our message at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is simple: Count us in. We look forward to continuing our work with the administration on this issue of critical importance to the entire business community.
https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/pledge-the-american-worker
The Department of Labor Celebrates National Hire a Veteran Day
With 6.6 million open jobs across the nation, America’s job creators are ready to hire. As we celebrate National Hire a Veteran Day, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) has an important message for those job creators: America’s veterans are ready to work.
https://blog.dol.gov/2018/07/24/hire-veteran-blog-post
USDA BLOG: What Drives Consumers to Purchase Convenience Foods?
Many Americans lead busy lives and don’t have a lot of time to prepare food for their families. Faced with greater time constraints from work, childcare, and commuting, they often turn to convenience foods. Convenience foods are defined as types of foods that save time in food acquisition, preparation, and cleanup.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/07/24/what-drives-consumers-purchase-convenience-foods
US TREASURY DEPT: The United States and France Take Coordinated Action on Global Procurement Network for Syria’s Chemical Weapons Program
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm443
FTC Returns Money to People Targeted by Phony Debt Collection Scheme
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 597 checks totaling more than $184,000 to people who were allegedly tricked into paying phony debts
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/07/ftc-returns-money-people-targeted-phony-debt-collection-scheme
PAGE 6
Cantwell, Washington State Democrats Join 139 Members of House and Senate to Speak Out Against Charging Migrant Parents Up to $8/Min. to Speak With Their KidsPress release issued 7/ 24/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-washington-state-democrats-join-139-members-of-house-and-senate-to-speak-out-against-charging-migrant-parents-up-to-8/min-to-speak-with-their-kids
Washington, D.C. – Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Washington state’s Democratic members of Congress joined 139 of their colleagues in the House and Senate to demand immigration detention facilities immediately end their practice of charging migrant parents as much as $8 per minute to speak with their children by telephone. More than 2,400 migrant parents have been separated from their children under the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy.
In a letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), the members wrote:
“Many of the thousands of mothers and fathers affected by this policy are currently being detained in ICE facilities across the country, hundreds or thousands of miles away from their children. Reports and first-hand accounts have indicated that many of these detained parents have been forced to endure weeks without any information as to the location of their children. Once their children are finally located, moreover, reports indicate that their parents are forced to pay as much as $8 per minute to speak with them by telephone, and that their access to this service can be limited to as little as one call per week. Charging these detained parents to speak with their children is callous, shameless, and completely unjustified given the minimal cost borne by detention facilities in providing this service. Moreover, we firmly believe that this policy contradicts the relevant provisions of ICE's detention standards.”
The members continued: “The parents affected by the President's zero tolerance policy have been attempting to reach their immediate family members—their children—and they are clearly in a state of family emergency due to their forcible, prolonged separation and lack of communication. Therefore, charging these individuals to make these calls is clearly against agency standards […] The current practice of charging detainees to make these calls is creating profit for private corporations while also serving as a barrier to communication within an exceptionally vulnerable population. This practice is unacceptable, and it must end immediately.”
Washington state headlines...
JUDGE DENIES ADMINISTRATION’S ATTEMPT TO DISMISS AGS’ CHALLENGE TO CENSUS CITIZENSHIP QUESTION
SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued the following statement today, after U.S. District Court Judge Jesse M. Furman rejected the Trump Administration’s attempt to dismiss Ferguson’s multistate lawsuit over the federal government’s decision to include a question about citizenship status in the 2020 U.S. Census.
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/judge-denies-administration-s-attempt-dismiss-ags-challenge-census-citizenship
AG FERGUSON INVESTIGATION LEADS TO FACEBOOK MAKING NATIONWIDE CHANGES TO PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATORY ADVERTISEMENTS ON ITS PLATFORM
SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that Facebook signed a legally binding agreement with his office to make significant changes to its advertising platform by removing the ability of third-party advertisers to exclude ethnic and religious minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ individuals and other protected groups from seeing their ads.
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-investigation-leads-facebook-making-nationwide-changes-prohibit
Landowner agrees to multi-million-dollar restoration of Rattlesnake Creek in Asotin County
ASOTIN – The owner of an unpermitted, private dam that failed last year at the headwaters of Rattlesnake Creek in Asotin County has agreed to a multi-million-dollar restoration plan.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2018/Rattlesnake-Creek-restoration
Washington awarded nearly $5 million in federal funds to help people affected by the opioid crisis find employment
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced nearly $5 million in new federal grant funds to help Washingtonians affected by opioid use disorder find employment. The National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Demonstration Grant will support projects in Snohomish, Grays Harbor, Mason, Thurston, Lewis and Pacific counties.
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/washington-awarded-nearly-5-million-federal-funds-help-people-affected-opioid-crisis-find
Fire Precaution Levels to Increase in Northeast Washington
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the following changes in industrial fire precaution levels (IFPL) on DNR-protected lands.
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/fire-precaution-levels-increase-northeast-washington
📢LOCAL & REGIONAL MEETINGS AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
County Commission meetings
County work session for 7/ 30/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1117
Agenda highlights
1) Contract with Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts for Becca Program
2) Contract with Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts for Court Appointed Special Advocate services
3) BOARD OF CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSONERS
AND PORT OF PORT ANGELES PORT July 30, 2018 - 11 a.m.
http://clallam.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=clallam_c91ff3244adb5f53ed71b433c697604e.pdf&view=1
Agenda highlight: Quarterly Reports
1. Clallam County Economic Development Report
2. Small Business Development Center Report
County Commissioner regular session for 7/ 31/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=386
Agenda highlights:
1) Resolution adopting the following Supplemental Appropriations:
Sheriff - Emergency Services - Award of Federal and State funding for the Clallam County Hazard Mitigation Plan update, Washington State Military Department contract D17-008/$65,525
Public Works - Solid Waste - Public works applied for and received a Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance Grant for the grand cycle 2017-2019, a program reinstated by the State Legislature Capital Budget in 2018/$21,500
Department of Community Development - Environmental Quality - US Fish & Wildlife Services grant $105,580 to be used over the next three years to assist in funding there construction of the current McDonald Creek Fish Barrier/$40,000
2) Consideration of resolution adopting the following Debatable Emergencies:
HHS – Developmental Disabilities – Employment Coordinator position was approved for a new pay grade (HR Pay Study) and increased to 40 hours per week effective 12/2017, which was too late to change the 2018 submitted budget. This updates the 2018 salary and benefits line to reflect the change. Paid by millage/$21,299
NonDepartmental – Resolution 68, 2018 authorizes expenditures to Healthy Families of Clallam County in the amount of $4,245.93 and to Forks Abuse Program in the amount of $2,286.27 for Domestic Violence Prevention/$6,533 Auditor’s Document Preservation – Upgrade Eagle Recorder to allow electronic recording/$15,000 Treasurer’s O & M – Cost of foreclosure reports is significantly higher in 2018 and there are more reports needed/$30,000
3) Department of Finance hearing – Discussion and approval for the following (Each item will be voted on separately):
* An Ordinance amending articles 4.20, 6.20, 9.30.010, 9.40 and 9.50 and the addition of a new section 5.15 to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter
* Resolution calling for a special election to consider amendments to articles 4.20 6.20. 9.30.010. 9.40 and 9.50 and the addition of a new section 5.15 to the Clallam County Home Rule Charter
* Explanatory Statement
* “For” and “Against Committee Appointment Form
Special Meeting Notice - Port Angeles City Council
Special Meeting Notice
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Port Angeles will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 11:30 a.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street. The purpose of the meeting is for Council to view a webinar training provided by the Association of Washington Cities. The one-hour video, “Community Planning and Development 101 for Elected Officials”. It is the third webinar of a four-part series specifically designed for elected officials.
The upcoming webinar schedule is as follows:
August 1 – Community Planning and Development 101 for Elected Officials
October 11 – Effective Local Leadership: How to Move Initiatives Forward and Get Things Done
The meeting is open to the public. No action will be taken.
CITY OF SEQUIM MEETING for Aug 4, 2018
http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1919
As part of the City Manager’s annual review, the City Council will meet in Executive Session to review the performance of the City Manager (RCW 42.30.110(g).
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA FOR 7/ 30/ 18
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=eabb812b-48fc-4be8-b8b0-6e34d42ab839&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda highlight: DISCUSSION re: Interlocal Agreements on Homelessness and Affordable Housing Using Funding From Recording Fees Pursuant to RCW 36.22.178, .179 & .1791
🌍🌎🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍
🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.--Philippians 3:14 NIV
Weekly Bible Study
Unity or Division: When to Have the Lord's Supper: Day, Frequency
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 teaches Christians to remember Jesus' body and blood by breaking the bread and drinking the fruit of the vine in the Lord's Supper. Most denominations practice this communion in some form. But when and how often should we partake?---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
From, Squigly's Featured Games
http://www.squiglysplayhouse.com/BrainTeasers/CleverBrainTeasers.php#top
last week's question: An electric train is going 40 mph north, the wind is blowing 60 mph south. Which way is the train's smoke blowing?
last week's answer: The train is electric, therefore there would be no smoke.
New Question: A boy is stuck on a deserted island. There is a bridge to connect the island to the mainland. Halfway across the bridge there is a guard. The guard will not let anyone from the mainland to the island, or anyone from the island to the mainland. If the guard catches someone, he sends him or her back. The guard sleeps for 30 seconds and then is awake for 5 minutes. The island is surrounded by man-eating sharks, and the boy does not have anything with him except for his own shirt and his pants. It takes the boy 1 minute to cross the bridge. How does he cross the bridge without getting caught?
Answer next week.
