Murray Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites Heads to President’s Desk

Press release issued 12/ 20/ 19

Bill would advance improvements at Yakima Nation historical fishing access sites

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded the passage of the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week, which now goes to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Senator Murray is a lead cosponsor of the Senate version of the bill.

“I’m excited to see this important legislation for our Columbia River tribes head to the President’s desk. It is the federal government’s duty to ensure our tribal communities along the river have access to safe, sanitary housing and infrastructure at historical fishing access sites—a critical component of their culture and heritage, as well as an important source of sustenance—and this bill takes another vital step toward fulfilling our government-to-government obligation,” said Senator Murray. “As a representative for our state’s tribes in the Senate, I urge the President to sign this bill into law.”

Beginning in the 1930s, the construction of the three lower Columbia River dams displaced members of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes: Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe. These tribes have a treaty-protected right to fish along the Columbia River in their usual and accustomed places.

Senator Murray has long fought to address the urgent need for adequate housing and infrastructure at tribal fishing access sites constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers, which were originally designed to be used primarily for daily, in-season fishing access and temporary camping. However, in many cases tribal members now use the areas as longer-term or even permanent residences. Many people at these sites are living in extremely distressed, unsafe, and unsanitary conditions, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs has not committed the resources necessary to ensure the basic necessities of clean and safe living conditions at these sites.

Simultaneously, Senator Murray has been working to address unmet federal obligations to the four Columbia River Treaty Tribes, many of whom are living at these fishing sites, for flooding tribal communities and houses during the construction of The Dalles, Bonneville, and John Day dams.  In 2017, after the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) halted work by the Army Corps on a Village Development Plan specific to The Dalles Dam, Senator Murray successfully pushed OMB to reverse its decision, and later announced that the Army Corps allocated $1.8 million to complete The Dalles Dam Tribal Housing Village Development Plan.

The Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act would address the urgent need for improved conditions by:

Calling on the Bureau of Indian Affairs to conduct a much-needed assessment of current safety and sanitation conditions at the sites, in coordination with the affected Columbia River Treaty Tribes; and

Authorizing the Bureau to work on improving sanitation and safety conditions in several key areas such as structural improvements (restrooms, washrooms, and other buildings); safety improvements (wells and infrastructure to address fire concerns, and more); electrical infrastructure to ensure safe electrical hookups; and basic sewer and septic infrastructure.

The legislation is supported by the four Columbia River Treaty tribes— Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe—as well as the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission..

Inslee statement on Lower Snake River Dam Stakeholder Study

Press release issued 12/ 20/ 19

"I thank all the stakeholders from all over the state for weighing in on this crucial issue. I encourage Washingtonians to get engaged in the public comment period over the next month and share their input on what should be done. We need to hear from a variety of people from different regions and perspectives.

“I look forward to the public engagement and to working in partnership with the federal government going forward.”

Background and more information on stakeholder and public engagement:

The draft report, Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Report, is available for public comment until January 24, 2020.  The Legislature provided funding to the governor’s office in the 2019-21 operating budget to conduct a stakeholder process to understand the views of Washingtonians on breaching and removing, or retaining, the lower Snake River dams. 

To date, the Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Study process has included engagement with over 100 local, state, tribal and federal leaders and stakeholders; reviewed hundreds of pages from existing documents related to the dams; and so far has received over 3,500 responses to an on-line survey.

The engagement team was not tasked to make recommendations but asked people they interviewed what is needed to move this process out of a cycle of study, legal action and court decisions to one of greater benefit to the communities affected across Washington, and the salmon and orca.

Three public workshops will include a short presentation of the report findings followed by a panel discussion representing different interests. There will not be time for public testimony during the workshops, but the audience members may submit written questions that can be asked of the consultants and panel, provided time is available, and written comments on the report will be accepted at the workshops and online until January 24, 2020. 

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

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Ending war only ‘real hope’ for prosperous Afghanistan: UN mission chief

Only by ending the war in Afghanistan can there be “real hope” for a prosperous future for the country, the top UN official there said on Thursday. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1054321

Independent UN rights experts raise alarm over ‘incommunicado detention’ of Chinese scholar

Independent United Nations human rights experts expressed apprehension on Thursday over the “incommunicado detention” of a Uyghur Muslim academic who has reportedly been sentenced to death. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1054311

Violent attack in Burkina Faso leaves dozens of women dead, draws censure of UN chief

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has “strongly" condemned an attack carried out yesterday by unidentified gunmen in northern Burkina Faso.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1054301

UN chief offers the world wishes for ‘peace and a blessed New Year’

While visiting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres extended wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a blessed New Year. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1054281

FIRST PERSON: Community helping to heal New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053851

YOU GOT IT---Roy Orbison

Washington State Lawmakers Announce Major Federal Investments for Federal Way Link Extension Project

Press release issued 12/ 16/ 19

https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=635214EA-A982-4EFF-8DE9-646C65DFE311

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), today Washington state’s Democratic congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA, 8th), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th) applauded the announcement of the forthcoming signing of the full funding grant agreement (FFGA) for the Federal Way light rail extension, following months of pressure urging U. S. Department of Transportation officials to follow Congressional direction and approve the grant. Once signed, the final agreement cements a more than $1.4 billion commitment from the federal government to help fund the Federal Way link extension project, including a $790 million grant awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program, and a $629.47 million direct loan also approved through the Department’s Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. According to Sound Transit, the company is ready to proceed with construction once the FFGA and TIFIA loan are signed and executed. Officials from Sound Transit have indicated the loan will be signed this week and the agreement will be signed in mid-January.

“This is an early gift for the South Sound community that will help decrease commute times and reduce traffic congestion for families, students, workers and travelers throughout the region,” said Senator Murray. “As transit ridership in Puget Sound continues to grow and more Washingtonians look to transportation alternatives like light rail to escape gridlock and traffic, this vital infrastructure project will help keep Puget Sound moving toward the future. I commend Secretary Chao and the FTA for working with Washingtonians to move this critical project forward, and I look forward to getting this project underway.”

“This announcement is great news for everyone in the South Sound who will now have the option to take light rail right into downtown Seattle and beyond. Three new light rail stations and 1,200 new parking spaces will help reduce congestion and increase connectivity for commuters and families throughout south King and Pierce counties,” said Senator Cantwell.

“The Federal Way Link Extension Project will connect thousands of passengers in South King County to work, school, and community events. The light rail extension adds transportation options while relieving congestion, connecting communities, and improving access for all. This project will be transformative for the region and it is great news that federal funding has been approved for this expansion,” said Congressman Smith.

“In Washington state, transportation means jobs, and a healthy regional economy cannot move forward without the efficient movement of goods and people,” said Congressman Larsen. “Federal investment in the Federal Way Link and in similar transit projects like the Lynnwood Link will help improve traffic congestion and provide a reliable commuting option for daily riders. I will continue to champion robust federal investment to expand light rail in the Pacific Northwest.”

“Construction of the Federal Way Link Extension is critical for commuters in our region who are spending precious time stuck in traffic when they could be at home with their families. This critical funding will help alleviate congestion and give commuters more options to get to and from their work. Investments in essential infrastructure projects such as this one will meaningfully support our economy and improve the quality of life of our constituents and neighbors,” said Congresswoman DelBene.

“This is great news for commuters in the 8th district and the surrounding area. The investment into light rail will alleviate traffic on our roads and connect the South Sound. I’m glad that the Department of Transportation recognized the need for this vital infrastructure,” said Congresswoman Schrier.

“Like most Washingtonians, I’ve spent far too much of my life stuck in traffic on I-5,” said Congressman Heck. “The Federal Way link extension will be a critical gateway towards connecting the South Sound with region-wide transit and alleviating congestion throughout the region.”

“This significant investment in our region’s transportation system will help Sound Transit expand more quickly, and alleviate the time-sucking traffic congestion my constituents experience. I’m so glad the Department of Transportation heeded our calls to prioritize this funding agreement and look forward to seeing the progress these resources make possible,” said Congresswoman Jayapal.

?“It’s exciting to see this funding agreement come to fruition and the continued progress of the Federal Way Link Extension Project – which will connect our neighborhoods, cut down on traffic and provide new, affordable transit options for folks throughout the South Sound community,” said Congressman Kilmer. “I’m a longtime supporter of projects like this and I’ll keep encouraging Congress to invest in infrastructure projects that create and support local jobs.”

Heralded as the next step in implementing Puget Sound’s much-needed regional system, the Federal Way Link Extension project is a 7.8-mile light rail expansion from Angle Lake, just south of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, to Federal Way. Puget Sound continues to boast the nation’s fastest-growing transit ridership: in the last five years, traffic congestion in the I-5 corridor has increased by 128 percent, while transit ridership has grown by 196 percent. To that end, Sound Transit expects the Federal Way Link Extension to add 40,700 daily trips and save the average commuter approximately 30 minutes of travel time compared to driving. Additionally, the Federal Way Link Extension will make a strong contribution to the local economy: local officials expect the extension to be a catalyst for an estimated $34 million in transit-oriented development and an estimated $1.8 million in annual parking revenue. Additionally, recent, current and projected private-sector development near light rail stations in the City of SeaTac—at the northern end of the project—are expected to total $465 million, and another $680 million of overall public- and private-sector value capture has been identified in the Federal Way Link corridor, presenting additional opportunities for local economic growth.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

The lawmakers have been strong advocates in Congress for federal investments in Washington state infrastructure priorities, sending in a letter to Secretary Chao in October urging her to complete the full funding grant agreement for the Federal Way extension project and follow through on her repeated promises to uphold Congressional direction to approve federal investments affecting projects like the Federal Way link extension. Additionally:

In the Senate: A vocal champion for critical transportation and infrastructure projects in Washington state, as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Murray helped secure a historic $2.644 billion for the CIG program in the FY19 federal spending bill to support ongoing and new transit projects in Washington state and throughout the nation, including the Federal Way Link extension project. Additionally, during a March hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, Senator Murray questioned Secretary Chao about the status of the Federal Way Link extension application and urged the Department to follow through on its commitment to allocate funds to the project. The Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Cantwell has been a long-time advocate for investments in transportation and infrastructure throughout Washington state. In the 2018 omnibus, Senator Cantwell worked with Senator Murray to secure an increase in funding for the CIG program, as well as the National Infrastructure Investments program. In 2015, she authored a grant program to invest in railway, seaport, and highway freight mobility projects to increase efficiency and safety and reduce congestion. Previously, Senators Murray and Cantwell successfully fought back attempts by President Trump and his administration to reduce funding for the CIG program, and pushed the Department of Transportation to move forward with the final funding grant agreement for Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link light rail extension project in Snohomish County, which was executed in December 2018 and cemented a $1.2 billion commitment from the federal government to help fund the light rail expansion.

In the House: Representative Larsen, the only member of the Washington state delegation on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has been a fierce advocate for federal investment to develop vital transportation projects throughout Washington state. Larsen repeatedly pressed Department of Transportation officials, including Transportation Secretary Chao, to execute the Full Funding Grant Agreement for Lynnwood Link Light Rail Extension project, which is scheduled to open in 2024. Larsen also supported an increase in for Capital Investment Grants (CIG) funding in the House FY2020 Appropriations bill to further support vital transit projects.

Rep. Kilmer Statement on Support for Articles of Impeachment.

Press release 12/ 17/ 19

I didn’t come to Congress to pursue impeachment. Rather, as most of the folks I represent likely know, my focus has been on trying to create more economic opportunity in our region and pushing to have a government that works better - period. Having said that, the very first thing I do as your representative is raise my right hand and swear an oath to uphold the Constitution. That’s a commitment I take seriously.

It matters to me that all elected officials are held accountable to the public. It should never be acceptable for a sitting president – or any elected official – to abuse their position of power to achieve their political aims. This is a value that extends beyond party politics and is critical to our adherence to the rule of law and the integrity of our democracy.

To be clear, this cannot be and should not be about politics – now or in the future – nor should it be about re-litigating the 2016 election.

Rather, the focus must be on whether the president abused his office and obstructed Congress in its investigation to evaluate that abuse.

The two articles of impeachment that Congress will consider lay out two important points. First, the President abused the power of his office. In testimony by members of the president’s own administration, it is clear that he withheld security assistance from one of our allies, demanding a “favor” from them in the form of an investigation of his political rival. Second, the President directed the White House and Executive Branch agencies to defy lawful subpoenas, prevent testimony and withhold documents that were within the scope of the impeachment inquiry.

Based on the evidence brought to light in the course of the impeachment inquiry, more than 500 constitutional scholars recently signed a letter saying that they believe the president committed impeachable conduct. This comes on the heels of over 300 national security professionals – Democrats and Republicans – supporting the impeachment inquiry based on the damaging ramifications of the President’s actions related to the Ukraine.

Having reviewed the evidence laid out in the impeachment inquiry and having evaluated these various assessments, I intend to support the articles of impeachment put before the House.

As I’ve said previously, this entire process is disruptive, and it may further polarize a country that is already far too divided. But in my view, these incidents should not be dismissed based on politics, party biases, or the fear of some predicted outcome. My approach on this is not grounded in politics or partisanship but rather a belief that simply ignoring these allegations sets a dangerous precedent for future presidents – and sends a frightening message regarding our adherence to the rule of law.

Some have asked, “why not just wait until the election next November?”

Honestly, that is more difficult when the questionable conduct is specifically focused on a president’s effort to manipulate the 2020 election. In addition, our national security is impacted when any president uses their office to ask a foreign government for political help. In fact, the letter from national security experts states that the President’s actions should be considered a “profound national security concern.”

As the representative for our region, I will continue working every day to grow jobs. And I will keep working to have government work better for the people.

Editorial: A mere foot solider of the democrats, doing a coup of the President.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

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UN health agency reports 60 per cent drop in cholera in 2018

International action to drive down cholera led to a 60 per cent decrease in cases in 2018, compared with the previous year, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1054011

UN health agency signals tobacco might be reaching burn-out among men

Two decades of increasing tobacco use around the world are set to go into reverse, UN health experts have predicted, after revealing data indicating that fewer men and boys are smoking than before.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053891

Low cost breast cancer medicine move good news for women: UN health agency

More women could soon have access to an affordable version of an expensive life-saving breast cancer treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053831

Global Refugee Forum ends with hundreds of pledges

The first-ever Global Refugee Forum concluded in Geneva on Wednesday with more than 770 pledges of support, covering areas such as protection, employment, and education, for refugees and the communities which have taken them in. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053881

Bring global migration compact ‘to life’, urges UN chief

As “policies shaped more by fear than fact” have caused untold suffering to migrants, the UN Secretary-General is urging countries to realize the goals of a global agreement that promotes enhanced international cooperation on migration.  

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053681

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2019
Despite being overwhelm of the forces of evil, and mocking our faith by Others.
We can be rest assured the God will see those who worship, and trying to live our lives godly, through these trying times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siZ-oI95rlM

45 Mayors Across America Call for Action on Cantwell, DelBene Affordable Housing Bill

In bipartisan letter to congressional leaders, mayors push for passage of legislation that would build 550,000 new units nationwide in the next decade; Mayors representing 8 of 10 most populous U.S. cities, communities in 19 states sign letter

Press release 12/ 9/ 19

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter sent today, a bipartisan group of 45 mayors representing communities in 19 states throughout the country and the District of Columbia urged congressional leaders to include affordable housing legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01) in any tax package considered by Congress before the end of the year. The list includes mayors representing 8 of the 10 most populous cities, and 14 of the top 25, in the United States.

The letter was led by the mayors of Seattle, WA, and Tacoma, WA. It was also signed by the mayors of: Anchorage, AK; Mesa, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; East Palo Alto, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Newark, CA; Oakland, CA; Oceanside, CA; Rancho Cordova, CA; Sacramento, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; San Leandro, CA; Santa Monica, CA; Denver, CO; Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; Carmel, IN; Louisville, KY; New Orleans, LA; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Saint Paul, MN; St. Louis, MO; New York, NY; Newburgh, NY; Rochester, NY; Akron, OH; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Dallas, TX; San Antonio, TX; Montpelier, VT; Vergennes, VT; Winooski, VT; Alexandria, VA; Colville, WA; Everett, WA; Madison, WI; and Milwaukee, WI.

“Our nation is facing one of the worst housing crises in our history,” the mayors wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. “The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would have a critical impact in addressing our rental housing shortages and increasing access to affordable housing for hard-working families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.”

Calling the Housing Credit a “model public-private partnership,” the mayors continued: “the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would provide a much-needed investment in our nation’s housing infrastructure, while also generating $48.5 billion in wages and business income, $19.1 billion in additional tax revenue, and 510,000 jobs.”

In June, Cantwell and DelBene introduced the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2019. The bill would expand the Affordable Housing Tax Credit – also known as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit – creating more than 550,000 new units than would otherwise be built, including almost 10,000 in Washington state. The bill would also support more than 11,000 jobs in Washington and add over $1 billion to the state’s economy in wages and business income.

In recent years, the United States has experienced a severe housing affordability crisis. In Washington state between 2006 and 2015, the median rent increased by 18%, while the median income in the state increased only three percent. In 2017, more than 500,000 households – nearly 37% of all households in the state – spent more than 30% of their monthly income on rent, and nearly 400,000 of these households paid more than half of their monthly income. These statistics are even more drastic among extremely low-income renters in the state – 71% pay half or more of their monthly income on rent.

In addition to building thousands of new units, the Cantwell-DelBene legislation would enable the Housing Tax Credit to better serve at-risk and underserved communities by increasing the number of credits available for housing developments serving extremely low-income populations, those with special needs, and those in Indian Country. The legislation would also strengthen veteran-specific housing options and allow states to increase the credits available for projects in rural areas.

Affordable housing has long been a priority issue for Senator Cantwell. In 2018, she successfully secured a nearly $3 billion down payment toward addressing the affordable housing crisis, helping to build over 28,000 units and support an additional 32,000 jobs. Earlier this year, she joined colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation that would establish a task force on the affordable housing crisis. DelBene has been a leading voice in the House of Representatives on affordable housing legislation. She has held numerous round table with local organizations in Washington state to find solutions to the affordable housing crisis facing so many families throughout Washington state. 

Cantwell Introduces Legislation to Provide Technical Assistance for Trade Enforcement Programs

Technical assistance, capacity building programs help grow international trade

Press release issued 12/ 9/ 12

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced legislation to provide $75 million to the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Agency for International Development for technical assistance and trade enforcement programs. The funding will help support critical programs and infrastructure to grow trade between the United States and Mexico.

Trade with Mexico is critical for Washington state’s economy:

“In the state of Washington, we export $2 billion worth of goods to Mexico,” Senator Cantwell said. “It accounts for 107,000 jobs in the state of Washington. And when we’re talking about these things, we should be talking about expanding economic opportunity. There’s a big market outside the United States, but we have to have the tools and the enforcement mechanisms to make sure these agreements are lived up to.”

Last week, Cantwell and Representative Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01) sent a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer urging him to include U.S. technical assistance for labor enforcement programs in Mexico in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

“Capacity building is key to strengthening enforcement of labor rights – an essential element of the USMCA. Furthermore, the United States must also have the requisite resources to monitor and enforce the labor obligations in the USMCA in order to protect workers throughout North America,” Cantwell and DelBene wrote to Ambassador Lighthizer. “Whether it be through capacity building support or monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, we need to make clear that the United States is committed to supporting Mexico's labor reform process.”

Senator Cantwell has long prioritized capacity building and technical assistance programs. In 2015, she worked to create the Trade Enforcement Trust Fund, which provides resources for enforcement actions and helps agencies in charge of enforcing international trade agreements build capacity with trading partners on environmental, labor, intellectual property, and other issues.

She also raised the issue at a Senate Finance Committee hearing earlier this year, questioning Michael Wessel, a staff advisor to the United States Trade Representative and Department of Labor’s Labor Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, about the importance of capacity building assistance:

“Earlier this year, Mexico entered into new labor laws ensuring Mexican workers the right to organize and bargain collectively. And now they have to create their independent labor courts,” Cantwell said at the hearing. “So now they have to implement these reforms. So what do we need to do to build capacity in this area? And don’t we need to put in place enforcement tools to build capacity to protect and enforce labor rights?”

“The market opportunities you’re talking about are enhanced by having workers be able to enjoy their rights so that they are good consumers of our products. So having labor rights in Mexico will enhance opportunities for our exporters of all products,” Wessel replied. “Mexico has a number of things it needs to do on its own, and they have set out a work plan to do some of that… So the U.S. helping on capacity building in Mexico is vital to help those workers who have not had rights or understood their rights for so long… to make sure that we don’t have to go to enforcement where injury has occurred, but that we can build the capacity to be able to make sure the agreement is a success.”

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

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‘Embrace the transformation’ to a carbon-neutral world by 2050, UN chief tells COP25

With millions of workers increasingly affected by the climate crisis the route to securing livelihoods in the future lies in a wholesale transformation of how we power the planet and manage our resources, the UN chief said on Thursday, at a COP25 climate action event focused on greener jobs.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053331

South Sudan famine threat: UN food security agency in ‘race against time’

The World Food Programme (WFP) is warning against potential famine in South Sudan as hunger deepens due to drought, floods and an uncertain political future. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053321

Universal Health Coverage will ‘drive progress’ on 2030 Development Agenda

Last September world leaders at the United Nations endorsed an ambitious political declaration on universal health coverage, “reaffirming that health is a human right”, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday in his message for International Universal Health Coverage Day.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053271

North Korea missile tests ‘deeply troubling’: senior UN official

Recent developments concerning North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes are “deeply troubling”, the UN’s Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific said on Wednesday, briefed the Security Council.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053281

COP25: Support business efforts to tackle climate change, urges Guterres.

The UN Secretary-General has called on business and civil society leaders to press Governments into articulating policies that support private sector efforts to address climate change. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053231



MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Senator Murray Statement on New Trump Administration SNAP Rule.

Press  Release issued 12/ 4/ 19

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the statement below following final approval on a Trump Administration rule that will remove nearly 700,000 people from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“It’s hard to see this as anything but the President being cruel for cruelty’s sake. There is absolutely no reason to deny struggling individuals the food assistance they need. President Trump may not understand how much damage steps like this cause—but I do and I’m not going to stop fighting to get this heartless rule and others like it reversed.”

Cantwell, Murray, Washington State Delegation Denounce Proposed Trump Administration Rule that Would Gut Food Assistance Program in Washington State

New Trump administration rule would significantly reduce Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for more than 350,000 Washington state families

Press release issued 12/ 3/ 19

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA, 8th), Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), yesterday sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, blasting the Trump administration for the third proposed rule this year that would reduce Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for children, families, elderly individuals and more in Washington state and across the country.

This proposed rule would remove states’ flexibility in calculating the gross income of SNAP recipients by setting a single method for calculating Standard Utility Allowances (SUA) under SNAP, which are how states determine the impact of utility costs, such as heating or electricity, on a family or individual’s ability to put food on the table. This change will dramatically reduce the amount of SNAP funding that hundreds of thousands of Washington state families will receive.

“As Members of Congress representing Washington state we share a commitment to guaranteeing that our constituents receive SNAP benefits in accordance with Congressional intent, which is to ensure that low-income people can afford nutritious food and thereby reduce hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and improve child and adult health and employment outcomes,” the Members wrote. “The Proposed Rule… will result in over 350,000 Washington state families seeing a significant reduction in their SNAP benefits.”

The Members continued: “…This rule will hurt Washington state residents, harm public health, and negatively impact local economies.”

SNAP is a critical program in Washington state and across the country that helps to reduce food insecurity, improve nutrition, and reduce poverty for low-income people and families. According to the National Academy of Sciences, SNAP is, “by far the single most important tax and transfer program for reducing deep poverty” in children. However, should the Trump Administration rule go into effect, states would lose the flexibility to consider the impact of utility costs on household income, and instead have to use a nationally-set standard that would effectively lower the value of Washington state’s SUA—leading to more than 350,000 Washington state families having their SNAP benefits reduced, as more than 75% of Washington state SNAP households receive a utility allowance. Moreover, the rule will have a disproportionate impact on Washington state, as the average loss in SNAP funding in Washington state will be $47 per month per household, which is much greater than the national average cut of $32.20 per month.

In addition to the harm it would inflict upon low-income families and individuals across the state, the proposed rule would also negatively impact the state’s government and economy. According to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Service (DSHS), implementing the changes mandated by the new rule would require the state to hire more than 52 new full-time employees, placing an increased administrative burden upon DSHS and financial burden upon state taxpayers. Finally, by reducing the amount of money available to more than 350,000 Washington state families to spend on food, the rule would also inflict direct harm upon the state’s economy.

The members have vehemently denounced the Trump administration’s previous attempts to reduce SNAP benefits for Washingtonians in need, voicing their opposition to the administration’s proposed Categorical Eligibility rule and Public Charge rule. 

USDA Restores Original Intent of SNAP: A Second Chance, Not A Way of Life.

Press release 12/ 4/ 19

(Washington, D.C., December 4, 2019) – At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a final rule to move more able-bodied recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) towards self-sufficiency and into employment. The rule restores the system to what Congress intended: assistance through difficult times, not a way of life.

“Americans are generous people who believe it is their responsibility to help their fellow citizens when they encounter a difficult stretch. Government can be a powerful force for good, but government dependency has never been the American dream. We need to encourage people by giving them a helping hand but not allowing it to become an indefinitely giving hand,” said Secretary Perdue. “Now, in the midst of the strongest economy in a generation, we need everyone who can work, to work. This rule lays the groundwork for the expectation that able-bodied Americans re-enter the workforce where there are currently more job openings than people to fill them.”----USDA press release

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

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Partnerships key to taking landlocked countries out of poverty: UN Chief.

The challenges faced by landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), some of the poorest in the world, can be overcome through more effective partnerships, UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared on Thursday, at a conference held at UN Headquarters in New York.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1052861

Soil erosion must be stopped ‘to save our future’, says UN agriculture agency

Although soils are essential for human well-being and the sustainability of life on the planet, they are threatened on all continents by natural erosion, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on World Soil Day, calling for their protection.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1052831

Malaria: Focus on pregnant women and children, stresses UN health agency report

While more pregnant women and children are being protected against malaria than before, more fast-tracking and greater funding are needed to reinvigorate the global response, according to a new United Nations report launched on Wednesday. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1052751

From landlocked to land-linked: how the UN is helping some of the world’s poorest countries

How can the international community turn some of the world’s poorest, landlocked countries, into thriving, land-linked nations? On Thursday, at UN Headquarters, Member States will renew commitments they have made, to lift the 32 countries designated as Landlocked Developing Countries, or LLDCs, out of poverty.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1052771

Only one in five countries has a healthcare strategy to deal with climate change.

Protecting people’s health from climate change dangers such as heat stress, storms and tsunamis has never been more important, yet most countries are doing too little about it, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1052631





Christmas music

Senator Murray Introduces Bicameral Refugee Protection Act of 2019.

Press release issued 11/ 25/ 19
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=71004E8B-73FF-49B2-AD4F-4787F86ADEAC
(Washington, D.C.) – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) helped introduce the bicameral Refugee Protection Act of 2019. Building upon previous versions of the Refugee Protection Act, the Refugee Protection Act of 2019 is a comprehensive blueprint for restoring and reinvigorating U.S. refugee and asylum systems in response to the Trump administration’s attempts to shut the nation’s doors to refugees and asylum seekers. The legislation comes on the heels of reports that the Trump administration did not allow a single refugee into the country in October, the first time this has occurred since the United States began tracking the number of refugees resettling in the country.

“As the world faces an unprecedented refugee crisis, President Trump’s cruel and inhumane immigration policies have been an unmitigated disaster, both for those already in our country and those seeking safety and security,” Senator Murray said. “The United States has long welcomed refugees, and this bill gets us back on the path to installing comprehensive and fair immigration reform and once again making our country a beacon of hope for children and families across the globe fleeing violence and persecution.”

Senator Murray has been a strong champion for comprehensive immigration reform and other efforts to support the fair treatment of refugees and those seeking asylum, including fighting back against the Trump Administration’s efforts to limit refugee resettlement in the U.S., and demanding President Trump put an end to his Remain in Mexico policy, which unnecessarily places asylum seekers in danger. Additionally, Senator Murray has fought for resources and representation for immigrant and refugee communities in Washington state and across the country.

The Refugee Protection Act of 2019 is endorsed by a wide range of refugee, asylum, immigration, and faith-based organizations. A short outline of the bill can be found here, and a sectional analysis can be found here. Text of the legislation can be found here.
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Refugee%20Protection%20Act%20of%202019%20text.pdf


Inslee statement on I-976 injunction
Press release issued 11/ 27/ 19
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-i-976-injunction

We are taking action today in response to the court order and in consideration of the vote on the initiative. The state will take a fiscally prudent approach by effectively continuing to act as if the initiative is still in place from a state spending perspective.

“Accordingly, state funds from car tabs will be held separately and set aside to function as an escrow account. We will effectively go forward as if the initiative is still in place and these funds will be available for refunds as determined by any further court order. The Department of Licensing will continue to collect car tab fees unless further instructed by the court.

“In addition, today’s court injunction does not change our plans to pause a number of projects across the state as detailed by the Department of Transportation yesterday. We are doing so in order to maintain these funds to be available for further determination by the Legislature. This plan is intended to allow us to preserve essential services.

"I know that Washingtonians want funding preserved for a safe, reliable transportation system which includes provisions for people with disabilities, state troopers on the road, and bus and ferry services.

“I will work collaboratively with the Legislature on a plan to move forward during this period of uncertainty.”


How Washington’s ocean acidification research and action is drawing global interest
Similar coasts, similar stories: How Washington’s ocean acidification research and action is drawing global interest
From the Governor's Medium page
https://medium.com/wagovernor/similar-coasts-similar-stories-how-washingtons-ocean-acidification-research-and-action-is-5d8f78c9c8fd

Washington is unique because we were the first area to create a comprehensive action plan after experiencing ocean acidification. Ocean acidification happens when our oceans absorb carbon dioxide. This means our ocean life ends up living in more acidic environments. It isn’t a good thing because it messes with the ideal living conditions that the organisms need to thrive in. And as climate change worsens, our oceans are only getting more acidic.
Ocean acidification makes it harder for shellfish to build and maintain their shells. But that’s just the start. Today’s scientific research is uncovering a host of other ocean health issues because of acidification. For example, ocean acidification makes it hard for salmon to detect predators. And ocean acidification may also cause plants in the ocean (algal blooms) to produce more toxins.
While this is a global problem, the Pacific Northwest is particularly vulnerable to impacts. Like Washington, Chile’s long coastline rests along the Eastern Pacific Ocean — a place where ocean currents bring nutrient-rich water to the surface. This rich water fosters a highly productive marine environment and creates a greater risk of ocean acidification impacts, since these rich waters also carry the fingerprint of our previous carbon emissions from 50 years ago (this process is called upwelling). And, just like us, Chile has strong cultural and economic ties to fisheries and aquaculture. That means the country is highly vulnerable to how climate change impacts ocean conditions and coastal communities.
Our ocean absorbs nearly one-third of carbon dioxide emissions. The open ocean already has 30 percent more acidity than before the Industrial Revolution took off in Washington.
When ocean acidification first affected the shellfish industry in the Pacific Northwest, we had no idea where our state’s efforts to address this problem would take us. The shellfish growers had dying oysters. They engaged the scientists from the start because they knew they had to act fast. From there, they informed government leaders and other community groups about the issue. Gov. Christine Gregoire created a Blue Ribbon Panel on ocean acidification to look into this. The panel created a plan of action that Washington still uses and updates today — leadership at the highest level really helped solve the issue and Gov. Jay Inslee said the support won’tstop anytime soon.
“Ocean acidification is already negatively affecting the West Coast,” Inslee said. “We know that healthy oceans sustain jobs, support coastal economies and feed billions of people. Now all of this is at risk and will cause great damage to our shellfish industry and coastal communities.”
As Gov. Inslee’s policy expert on ocean acidification, I was part of the group that traveled to Chile. I joined Washington State shellfish growers, a scientist from Washington’s Ocean Acidification Center, and the ocean acidification program staff at The Ocean Conservancy.
We visited a lab in Quintay, on Chile’s coast where Chilean researchers study how ocean acidification and rising water temperatures affect native species.
We talked to small-scale fishing communities in Quintay and Valparaiso where changing ocean conditions affect the species they catch. Our shellfish growers particularly enjoyed meeting mussel farmers in Puerto Montt where they discussed how ocean acidification weakens mussels.
We also met with university scientists who monitor and research ocean acidification and with government officials who want to know how they can better address the impacts of ocean acidification.
We shared Washington’s experience with how we approached ocean acidification — how it impacted shellfish growers and led to collaboration among scientists, government, growers and other local groups to improve our understanding and put our knowledge into action. Through this information exchange, both of our regions learned we need a diverse set of people engaged in this work. We also learned we need a way to coordinate the flow of scientific information and knowledge to decision makers.
Thanks to the governor and the Legislature, we are weaving ocean impacts and solutions into the fabric of our environmental and climate policy work. As a result, we have a more robust, integrated and sustainable approach for addressing ocean acidification and other climate impacts on our ocean.
We’ve also successfully partnered with Oregon, California and the Province of British Columbia to understand how acidification affects our entire west coast region.
With these partners, Washington launched the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification in 2016. This is how states, nations, tribes and cities can take collective action against ocean acidification. We’re elevating the importance of ocean issues in climate forums, and sharing lessons-learned. We’re leveraging our assets. We’re investing together. And we’re growing our region’s climate policy leadership.
(Continued on pg 2)

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
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Is the world ready to end the coal era and embrace clean
Access to electricity has transformed the world, helping countries to develop their economies, and lifting millions out of poverty. However, this success has come at a great cost: the energy sector, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, is responsible for some 40 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions – one of the so-called greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere and warm the Earth – and almost two-thirds of these emissions come from coal.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/11/1052271

Violence in DR Congo Ebola hotspot leaves people ‘caught in crossfire’
Attacks on communities in an Ebola outbreak hotspot in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have sparked a humanitarian crisis and threatened aid distribution, the UN said on Friday, amid reports of serious civil unrest.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/11/1052441

Iraq: UN ‘deeply concerned’ at continued protester deaths
UN chief António Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of the continued use of live ammunition against demonstrators in Iraq.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/11/1052461

COP25: UN climate change conference, 5 things you need to know
Climate change is happening—the world is already 1.1°C warmer than it was at the onset of the industrial revolution, and it is already having a significant impact on the world, and on people’s lives. And if current trends persist, then global temperatures can be expected to rise by 3.4 to 3.9°C this century, which would bring wide-ranging and destructive climate impacts.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/11/1052251

270 million people are migrants, who send home a staggering $689 billion
The number of international migrants in 2019 is now estimated at 270 million and the top destination remains the United States, at nearly 51 million, the UN migration agency said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/11/1052331

Enya - May It Be


This week's Commentary:  God blessed us with animals to care for and show mercy.

Kilmer Honored for Work to Reform Congress and Reduce the Role of Money in Politics.

Press release issued 11/ 19/ 19

Washington, DC – Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) has been awarded the inaugural “Teddy Roosevelt Courage Award” by Issue One, a leading cross-partisan political reform organization, for his efforts to fight to fix the broken political system and secure American elections. The Teddy Roosevelt Courage Award is given in the spirit of the 26th president of the United States who was a staunch defender of good, ethical government and the U.S. political system.

In receiving the award, Kilmer was recognized for his leadership in chairing the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, a committee tasked with identifying reforms to Congress more responsive to the needs of the American people. In addition, Issue One highlighted Kilmer’s leadership on campaign finance reform and working to reduce the role of money in politics.

“For a long time, folks have been justifiably frustrated with the performance of the government. There’s been too much money, too many special interests, and too little accountability. I’m working every day to fix that and ensure Congress takes concrete steps toward creating a government that works better for the American people,” said Rep. Kilmer. “I’m honored to receive this award and I thank Issue One for supporting the ongoing efforts to modernize Congress and get our government back on track.”

“It's hard to find profiles in courage in Congress these days because our political environment doesn't reward it,” said Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee. “But Congressman Kilmer continues to step up and tackle the hard issues like fixing our broken political system and making Congress work better for all Americans. That's why he deserved the Teddy Roosevelt Courage Award.”

“Congressman Kilmer is an example of what real bipartisanship in this town is all about,” said former Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN), Co-Chair of the ReFormers Caucus. “We need more leaders like him.”

“Nothing could be more important to the American people than the work that Chairman Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Vice Chair Tom Graves (R-GA) are doing with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress,” said former Ambassador Tim Roemer (D-IN), Co-Chair of the ReFormers Caucus.

“Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) have consistently reached across the aisle and championed political reform when Washington is at its most divided. They are working to rebuild public trust in our great experiment of self-government at a time when it is cratering,” said Issue One CEO Nick Penniman. “Every day, Americans yearn for leadership and evidence that their concerns about our broken political system are being heard. These four leaders are listening and working in a bipartisan fashion to protect our elections, fix our politics, and modernize Congress. Issue One is proud to work with them to strengthen our democracy as they carry on the tenacious spirit of the 26th president.” 

Kilmer has taken the lead in Congress on campaign finance reform and continues to push for legislation that would improve transparency, create publicly financed elections, and fix the commission charged with enforcing federal election laws.

He co-sponsored and voted to pass H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2019, a sweeping package of reform bills aimed at strengthening the voice of the American people in their democracy by making it easier to vote, reducing the role of big money in the political process, and ensuring public officials work for the public interest. This comprehensive reform package includes two bipartisan bills led by Representative Kilmer, the Honest Ads Act and the Resorting Integrity to America’s Election Act, which aim to increase transparency in our campaign finance and election laws. 

Kilmer also served as an original co-sponsor of the SHIELD Act, legislation to combat foreign interference in American elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending in our elections, boosting disclosure and transparency requirements with the inclusion of Kilmer’s Honest Ads Act, and creating a duty to report illicit offers of campaign assistance from foreign nations or governments.

Kilmer was appointed in January to serve as the Chair of the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, which was created by an overwhelming bipartisan vote at the beginning of the 116th Congress to produce recommendations to promote a more modern and efficient Congress. The Select Committee has issued 29 recommendations to increase transparency in Congress by making congressional operations and legislative updates more accessible and understandable for the American people; improve the way Members of Congress can communicate and connect with their constituents; increasing staff retention on Capitol Hill; improve accessibility in the House for Americans with disabilities, and; overhaul the current onboarding and education processes for new and current Members of Congress. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend the Select Committee through the end of the next calendar year to continue its work delivering bipartisan reforms to make Congress work better for the American people.

Op-Ed in The Oregonian: Giving the green light to a new Columbia River bridge 

Co-authored with Oregon Governor Kate Brown

The only stoplight on Interstate 5 between Canada and Mexico is on the bridge over the Columbia River. As the governors of Washington and Oregon, we know that for too long the antiquated bridge has held our region back, literally and figuratively.

More than 138,000 vehicles cross the I-5 bridge each weekday. People travel between Vancouver and Portland for work, recreation, shopping, and visiting friends and family. The bridge’s importance to the entire region and our connectivity cannot be overstated.

This crucial link has become a major congestion point, and instead of moving the entire region full speed ahead, the bridge has become a symbol of traffic and frustration. Congestion can be so severe during morning and evening commutes that speeds on this interstate highway can be reduced to 15 miles per hour.

We’ve been stuck behind the traffic accidents – the rate of which quadruple during bridge lifts ­– and stuck behind one of our country’s worst freight bottlenecks that constrains the economy. We’ve been stuck with insufficient high-capacity transit and active transportation options even as our population centers grow. And we’ve been stuck behind a century-old structure built on river sand that’s susceptible to damage in even moderate earthquakes.

None of that benefits Oregonians, Washingtonians, and the millions of people who drive this stretch of highway every year.

For safety, traffic relief and jobs, we are recommitting to replacing the I-5 bridge.

Govs. Inslee, Brown announce plans to begin joint project to replace I-5 bridge.

Press release issued 11/ 18/ 19

Govs. Inslee, Brown announce plans to begin joint project to replace I-5 bridge

Gov. Jay Inslee joined Oregon Gov. Kate Brown in Vancouver Monday to announce a bi-state effort to replace the Interstate 5 bridge that spans the Columbia River and connects the two states.

“This is a new day,” Inslee said. “We need to replace the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River to benefit both Washingtonians and Oregonians. Our states are separated by a magnificent river but our values are consistent on both sides of the river. We are starting this process anew, moving forward with resources for a project office and a transparent, data-driven process that listens to the community’s needs.”

The aging bridge poses significant safety risks to drivers during an earthquake, and locals consider the bridge a source of major congestion. Brown said seismic resilience is the project’s first priority. The governors are also exploring options around high capacity transit that could reduce overall congestion.

“The current interstate bridge is over 100 years old, and it’s showing its age,” Brown said. “Replacing the interstate bridge is critical to the safety and economies of both Oregon and Washington. Our states are more interconnected than ever, and by working together, we can make our communities and roads safer while we improve mobility and support the economic vitality of our communities.”

During the event, the governors signed a Memorandum of Intent, an official agreement that reopens the transportation project and lays out next steps.

The two states have allocated $44 million in funding to open an office for the I-5 bridge project. Brown said the new office will gather community input, explore available federal funding options, incorporate past progress and research, and report back to both state legislatures with a plan.

Roger Millar, secretary of transportation at the Washington State Department of Transportation, also attended Monday’s event. He said he looks forward to working with various groups now that the project is back on the table.

“These are complex and difficult problems to solve but we have the partnership to see this through,” Millar said.

Kris Strickler, director at the Oregon Department of Transportation, said the state-to-state partnership is the most important thing going forward because hundreds of thousands of people cross the bridge each day.

“Those bridges have been out there for more than 100 years — at least one of them has — and we need to build something that lasts that long or at least longer,” Strickler said.

In 2017, Washington re-established a baseline of planning information that kept the focus on I-5 and helped move the project forward. This year, the state secured an important extension from the federal government to keep transportation funding options open.

And, in 2015, Washington secured more than $98 million for key infrastructure projects. The money went toward projects such as the I-5 Mill Plain Boulevard interchange (an integral part of the I-5 bridge project) to ease traffic congestion.

Inslee and Brown met with area transportation leaders, stakeholders and legislators during their time in Vancouver.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

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Missile strike kills at least 12 civilians, including children, in Syria’s Idlib: UN humanitarians.

Violence in Syria continues to kill and maim civilians with reports that missiles fired into settlements for people fleeing conflict in the country’s northwest on Wednesday night, killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens more, including children, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

Wednesday’s Daily Brief: Israeli settlements, World Children’s Day, fossil fuel overuse.

A recap of Wednesday’s stories: UN envoy reiterates position on illegality of Israeli settlements, World Children’s Day marked with calls for rights of children to be upheld, new report highlights major gap between use of fossil fuels and commitments to limit global warming.

Serious concerns over Sahel, require ‘urgent action’: Senior UN Africa official

The situation in Africa’s Sahel region continues to be “of serious concern and urgent action is needed”, a high-level United Nations official told the Security Council on Wednesday, attributing a rising number of attacks to terrorist armed groups.

UNICEF reports uneven progress in 30 years of child rights treaty.

Although the world has made historic gains over the past three decades in improving children’s lives, urgent action is required if the poorest children are to feel the impact, a new UN report published on Monday warns.

UN ‘regrets’ new US position on legality of Israeli settlements.

The longstanding position of the UN regarding Israeli settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory – that they are in breach of international law – is unchanged, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said during a press briefing on Tuesday in New York, reacting to the policy reversal announced by the United States.

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Creedence Clearwater Revival: Who'll Stop The Rain

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Senator Murray Delivers Speech on Need for Gun Safety Legislation Moments Before News of California School Shooting.

Press release issued 11/ 14/ 19

(Washington, D.C.) – This morning, moments before news broke of a school shooting in Santa Clarita, California, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) decried President Trump and Senate Republicans for failing to address the gun violence epidemic that continues to plague families across America, and called for a Senate vote on bipartisan background check legislation, HR 8. Despite HR 8 passing the House more than 250 days ago, Senate Republicans have refused to hold a vote on the bill, abdicating their responsibility to address the gun violence crisis to President Trump, who last week went back on his promise to pursue gun safety legislation following several mass-shootings this summer.

“Earlier today, as my Democratic colleagues and I were on the Senate floor calling out President Trump for breaking his promise to act on gun violence and urging Majority Leader McConnell to stop blocking a vote on House-passed, bipartisan universal background check legislation, devastating news broke of yet another school shooting. My heart is shattered by this news and the knowledge that this far-too-common tragedy has now hurt more children and families,” Senator Murray said in a statement following news of the shooting. “As I made clear this morning, the House passed bipartisan, commonsense gun safety legislation more than 250 days ago. There is now nothing standing in the way of this critical step except President Trump, Majority Leader McConnell, and the NRA—and Democrats are going to keep making our case and working as hard as we can for action that helps protect communities from this senseless epidemic.”

The speech this morning is just the most recent step by Senator Murray in her continued push for common-sense legislation to curb gun violence, and follows another effort by the senator to push for universal background check legislation following mass-shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso and Midland, Texas. Senator Murray has long been a strong supporter of gun safety reforms, and as the top Democrat on the Senate health and education committee, has repeatedly fought to invest federal resources in gun violence prevention research.

“Thank you, M. President.

“M. President, I want to thank Senators Murphy and Blumenthal for their tremendous leadership that we are here on the floor today to speak about.

I come to the floor today not just as a member of the Senate, representing my home state of Washington, but as a former educator, as a mother, and as a grandmother devastated by how the gun violence epidemic is tearing apart our families and ravaging our communities, in every state, and I am furious at Republican leaders who continue to stand by and do nothing while more and more lives are lost.

“Just as I was after Newtown, and Parkland, and Sutherland Springs, and Marysville in my home state of Washington, I could go on.

“M. President, we don’t have to continue this cycle of violence, and heartbreak, and inaction.

“And we are here today to emphasize that there is action we can take right now, because earlier this year, the House passed HR 8—meaningful, bipartisan gun safety legislation to address this terrible crisis through universal background checks and other popular reforms.

“But in the two hundred and sixty days since HR 8 passed the House, it has languished here in the Senate despite repeated calls from myself and my Democratic colleagues for a vote.

“And that’s why fifty eight days ago, following the tragic events at El Paso, Dayton, and Midland, I joined my Senate Democratic colleagues here on the floor to try and break the cycle, and demand we address the scourge of gun violence in this country by taking a vote here in the Senate on HR 8, which would install universal background checks, a policy—that by the way–is supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans.

“And in the face of Republican apathy, people across our country raised their voices even louder, demanding action to end the endless waves of gun tragedies, so much so that after this summer’s string of horrors, President Trump bowed to public pressure and made a commitment to finally act to address the gun violence epidemic.

“After months and years of inaction, and far, far too many lives lost, it was the first sliver of hope in a long while that the President and Senate Republicans would finally put the safety of our families over their allegiance to the NRA, and do something substantive about ending this nation’s gun violence epidemic—working with Democrats towards commonsense reforms to end gun violence, and keep people safe.

“Now, more than two months later, President Trump has betrayed his pledge to address this tragic epidemic, as if the past summer never even happened.

“Once again, he’s chosen to abdicate his responsibility to keep our families and communities safe, and has broken yet another promise he made to the American people, kowtowing to the NRA and its unpopular, hard-right agenda to stymie commonsense gun reform as soon as mass shootings were out of the headlines.

“Well, I can assure you Senate Democrats and I are going to keep fighting for commonsense gun safety reforms like universal background checks, even when gun violence isn’t making a headline that day.

“Because while President Trump continues carrying water for the NRA and Senate Republicans continuing hiding behind President Trump, Democrats here understand that Congress has a duty to act to protect lives, and that the President’s cowardice absolutely should not set Congress’ agenda.

“While President Trump’s backtracking on this serious issue is disgraceful, I ask my Republican colleagues to remember that we are not beholden to the President or the gun lobby—that we do not need President Trump’s permission to vote on bills, or to act to save lives.

“In fact, in states across the country, we have been able to take on the gun lobby and make meaningful progress to address this crisis.

“In my home state of Washington, we have closed background check loopholes, and enacted Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

“We were able to accomplish those things because of the advocacy of groups like Moms Demand Action, across my state, the Washington state Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for our Lives,  so many more.

“As well as the dedicated volunteers and activists behind these organizations—the brave people who have been out making their voices heard and putting pressure on lawmakers to do their jobs to end this senseless epidemic.

“People like Jane Weiss who lives in Mill Creek, Washington.

“After she tragically lost her niece to gun violence, Jane joined the fight to pass lifesaving legislation in Washington state by putting pressure on her state lawmakers—and won.

“There are people like Jane all across the country, who are speaking up, fighting back, even when it means reliving some of the hardest moments of their lives, in order to prevent others from suffering as much as they have.

“M. President, that is hard and brave work to do.

“But there is absolutely nothing hard, or brave, about simply having a vote on a bipartisan, House-passed legislation to ensure universal background checks.

“To the contrary, it is the height of cowardice not to hold that vote while families across the country wonder which movie theater or shopping mall or synagogue or mosque or church, or community space is next, and while students spend their time in school on active shooter drills while they should be learning. 

“But unfortunately, cowardice is what we’re seeing from far too many Republicans—here in the Senate and in the White House—when it comes to protecting families from the scourge of gun violence.

“So I want to be very clear. I hope my Republican colleagues allow this legislation to pass today, but if they don’t, for Jane and so many others, Senate Democrats are going to keep shining a spotlight on the inaction on gun violence here in the Senate, and the broken promises coming out of the White House.

“We’re going to keep making our case, building support, and we’re not going to give up until this is done.

“Thank you and I yield the floor.”

Inslee statement on Referendum 88

Press release issued 11. 13. 19

Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement on the outcome of Referendum 88, which was on the ballot in last week’s general election.

“Washington state has long been a place where we work to promote equality and opportunities for everyone regardless of the color of their skin, gender, country of origin, faith or language. These are Washington values and that will not change.

“We know systemic inequities remain that cause communities of color, veterans, people with disabilities and women to face persistent barriers to work and education opportunities.

“Referendum 88 was an attempt to address some of those inequities. While it was not successful, I am deeply committed to continue efforts that address opportunity for all Washingtonians consistent with current law.

“We currently have work underway to address the disparities that exist in state contracting, which is being led by the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises. This past legislative session, an Equity Office Task Force was created and the group is scheduled to present recommendations to me within the next month. Their input will help move our state forward and help ensure equal opportunities for everyone. But that is not enough.

"In partnership with the Legislature, we will continue to explore options that increase access to equitable opportunities and resources that reduce inequality -- including racial and ethnic disparities -- and improve outcomes for everyone statewide.”

Christmas tree inspections allow Washington trees to travel the world.

WSDA press release issued 11/ 13/ 19

It was a chilly, foggy morning a week before Halloween when WSDA plant protection inspectors Sue Welch and Haley Palec pulled up to a remote Christmas tree farm near Cinebar, just west of Mount Rainier National Park. While most people were still carving pumpkins and designing costumes, at Bear Canyon Tree Farm, the smell of fir was in the air. The farm’s freshly-cut Christmas trees were waiting for WSDA inspections so they could be shipped around the world. 

Bear Canyon Tree Farm’s trees were destined for markets in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. In past years, they’ve even sent Christmas trees to Dubai.

To export Christmas trees to these and other countries, an inspection is usually required to make sure the trees don’t harbor any pests that might cause problems in the destination country. WSDA inspectors will visually examine both baled trees (trees that have been cut and wound with string to tightly secure the branches to the trunk) and cut, loose trees.

While baled trees get a close inspection, it’s the loose trees that get the action with a forceful, lengthy machine shaking that will knock loose needles and pests from the trees.

To the untrained eye, the shaking just appears to create a pile of dead tree needles. But inspectors know what to look for. They bend down to carefully examine the pile, looking for needles showing signs of disease or insects that have fallen out.

On this inspection, several insects had lost their grip on the tree, but none were pests of concern and inspectors did not find evidence of any diseases. This was great news for the tree farm waiting to export their trees.

As for the baled trees, they also get a good shake prior to being bound and are then visually inspected.

Washington ranks fourth nationally in the production of Christmas trees, with all of those trees grown on about 400 tree farms statewide.

Noble and Douglas fir trees are the most popular Christmas trees sold in Washington, accounting for 90 percent of all sales.

But many of our state’s Christmas trees end up in Hawaii, California, Canada, Mexico, Asia, and U.S. military bases worldwide.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

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UN mosquito sterilization technology set for global testing, in battle against malaria, dengue.

With more than half the world now at risk from mosquito-transmitted dengue fever, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN has taken the lead on a global effort to eradicate the disease – and many others – by measuring the impact of releasing millions of sterilized pests across several continents, it announced on Thursday.

Human rights experts call for ‘paradigm shift’ on arbitrary detention in Qatar.

A group of independent UN human rights experts is calling for a “paradigm shift” in Qatar to protect people in the Gulf State from arbitrary detention.

UN leads bid for cheaper insulin, expanding access for diabetics worldwide.

Overly expensive insulin could be a thing of the past – and life-changing news – for millions of diabetics under a plan launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday to diversify production globally, just ahead of World Diabetes Day.

Zero new confirmed cholera cases in Haiti for nine months: UN envoy.

Although Haiti is in the “homestretch” of defeating a cholera outbreak first declared nine years ago, the battle is far from over before the country is free of the deadly disease.

Iraqis paying an ‘unthinkable price’ to be heard, UN envoy tells politicians in Baghdad 

Noting that the people of Iraq were at “a critical juncture”, the top UN Envoy in the country told parliamentarians there on Thursday that over the past six weeks, hundreds of thousands have been peacefully voicing their “genuine, legitimate, demands, loud and clear”. 

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 DAVE CLARK FIVE

Because

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NEWS FLASH!
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NEWS FLASH: Port Angeles City Councilman Jim Moran as passed away.
According to a press release from the Port Angeles Business Association press release issued on Sunday by John Brewer.
Qouting from the email sent by the PABA: " PORT ANGELES CITY Councilman Jim Moran is dead.  His wife, Marie, said he died in his sleep Friday night or Saturday morning (Nov. 15-16).
Marie found him in bed at about 4:15 p.m. Saturday after returning to their Port Angeles home from a trip to see family members in Kent. She had talked to him by phone Friday evening.
 Funeral services are pending.  Harper-Ridgeview Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. Jim and Marie have two adult sons who live in southern King County.
 Moran, 71, began his four-year City Council term in January 2018. The City Council will be called upon to appoint a successor to fill his remaining term which runs through December 2021. "