Saturday, July 25, 2020

Senators Cantwell, Murray Announce New Legislation to Protect Constitutional Rights...


Block Federal Law Enforcement Occupations in Major American Cities.
Press release from Cantwell 7/ 21/20
President Trump has previously threatened to deploy federal law enforcement in other American cities like Seattle against the wishes of local and state leaders
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that they are co-sponsoring the Preventing Authoritarian Policing Tactics on America’s Streets Act, which would restrict the Trump Administration’s ability to conduct federal law enforcement against Americans. The legislation comes after a week in which heavily armed, unidentified federal forces in unmarked vehicles have been grabbing protesters off the streets in Portland, Oregon, and over the weekend deployed munitions and tear gas against protesters. According to local leaders, the federal incursion has inflamed conflict in Portland at a time when there have been efforts to de-escalate friction between protesters and police, and has been opposed by elected officials in Portland and throughout Oregon. The senators also introduced the legislation as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which the Senate is currently debating.

 “One of Americans’ most fundamental rights is the right to protest, and that means being able to protest without unidentified, militarized federal officers being called. This bill protects our First Amendment rights and the safety of all Americans,” Senator Cantwell said.

“The inexplicable violence and aggression we’re seeing from federal law enforcement in Portland right now is completely unacceptable, and the brazen Constitutional rights violations on display should deeply concern every American,” Senator Murray said. “Congress must act immediately to protect our constituents and communities against this aggressive executive overreach, no matter where it occurs.

Specifically, the legislation would:

Require individual and agency identification on uniforms of officers and prevent unmarked vehicles from being used in arrests.
Limit federal agents’ crowd control activities to federal property and its immediate vicinity, unless their presence is specifically requested by both the mayor and governor.
Require disclosure on an agency website within 24 hours of deployments specifying the number of personnel and purposes of deployment.
Make arrests in violation of these rules unlawful.



Related story:


THE PRESIDENT:  A great honor to be with you today.  And being here is a real — a really important moment, as far as I’m concerned.  My first duty as President is to protect the American people, and today I’m taking action to fulfill that sacred obligation.

In recent weeks, there has been a radical movement to defund, dismantle, and dissolve our police departments.  Extreme politicians have joined this anti-police crusade and relentlessly vilified our law enforcement heroes.  To look at it from any standpoint, the effort to shut down policing in their own communities has led to a shocking explosion of shootings, killings, murders, and heinous crimes of violence.  This bloodshed must end.  This bloodshed will end.

Today, I’m announcing a surge of federal law enforcement into American communities plagued by violent crime.  We’ll work every single day to restore public safety, protect our nation’s children, and bring violent perpetrators to justice.  We’ve been doing it, and you’ve been seeing what’s happening all around the country.  We’ve just started this process, and, frankly, we have no choice but to get involved.

Editorial Comment: I agree with the President on this, we can't allow radical Marxist run a muck, with support of local government officials! The Feds needs to step in and regain order.



WORLD  NEWS HEADLINES:

COVID-19: World leaders to stay at home, in first ‘virtual’ UN General Assembly.
The General Debate of the General Assembly, traditionally the most high-profile UN event of the year, will be a slimmed-down affair this September, with world leaders staying away from New York, and contributing set-piece speeches via video link, a UN spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.

'Temporary Basic Income' could slow COVID surge, provide lifeline for world’s poorest.
The immediate introduction of a Temporary Basic Income for the world’s poorest people could slow the current surge in COVID-19 and enable close to three billion people to stay at home, according to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report released on Thursday..

COVID-19 provides opportunity to resolve conflicts, address weaknesses across Arab region: UN chief
While all Arab states are facing difficulties in responding to COVID-19, the pandemic can also provide an opportunity to resolve long-standing conflicts and address structural weaknesses across the region, the UN Secretary-General said on Thursday.

New ECOSOC President outlines focus on pandemic, SDGs and climate action.
Now is the time to implement policies and commitments to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the new President of one of the UN’s main bodies said on Thursday.

Amid fears of worst recession in decades, urgent calls for solidarity, a united economic front.
With multilateral cooperation under strain, senior UN officials, Nobel laureates and eminent academic experts, gathered virtually on Wednesday for the launch of a new report recommending “an adjusted approach” to economic development, and a policy dialogue exploring how countries can recover from COVID-19, in ways that lead to real structural transformation.

Iran urged to release rights activist with COVID-19 symptoms ‘before it is too late’.
A group of independent UN human rights experts has called for Iran to urgently release an activist who reportedly is ill with COVID-19 symptoms “before it is too late”.

UN PRESS RELEASES:

Secretary-General Urges Bold, Visionary Thinking, in Message to Online Dialogue on Europe’s Role in World.
Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the online dialogue on Europe’s Role in the World, hosted by the Jane Goodall Institute and the European Citizens’ Forum, in New York today:

I send my warmest greetings to Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Othmar Karas and the participants in this online dialogue.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated vulnerabilities everywhere.  It risks reversing progress on eradicating poverty and hunger, on gender equality, and on other Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Jane Goodall has been at the forefront of those warning that the systems on which we depend — food, trade, health and climate — are increasingly fragile, and that human actions have pushed nature beyond its limits.  As we strive to respond and recover from the pandemic, we must find a better way to build back inclusive and sustainable economies and societies.

I welcome your initiative to host a top-level dialogue on Europe’s role in the world.  Europe has a responsibility and an opportunity to play a central role in shaping the frameworks that govern our relationship with our planet and all life on it.  I urge you to be bold and visionary in your thinking, and wish you every success.


No Excuse Not to Meet Net-Zero Emission Target by 2050, Secretary-General Says in Global Lecture on Climate Change, Stressing Time for Small Steps Has Passed
Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to Tsinghua University:  “Global Lecture on Climate Change — Recover Better Together”

FROM THE US MISSION TO THE UN:

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Political Situation in Syria (via VTC)
" We need to see a real, genuine progress and negotiations. Not staged photo opportunities and elections that are far from being free and fair. The Trump Administration sees the July 19 parliamentary elections for exactly what they are – a false pretext to undermine the UN-led political process and another in a long line of the Assad regime’s stage-managed, unfree votes in which the Syrian people have no real options to select their leaders."

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East (via VTC).
" What’s worse is the prospect that the regime in Tehran is poised to unleash even more misery and bloodshed, not just in Gaza, but in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, should this Council allow the lifting of the arms embargo on Iran. Arguably, this session and the meetings on the Middle East in the months to come, should be focused on this great threat to peace and security."


U.S. Sanctions Moron Brothers for their Role in Regime Corruption
The United States is sanctioning brothers Santiago Jose Moron Hernandez and Ricardo Jose Moron Hernandez for their sustained support of corruption by the illegitimate Maduro regime.  By enabling an illicit gold scheme and other blatant public corruption, these two men have turned a blind eye to the suffering of the people of Venezuela who are the victims of their corrupt enterprise.---US STATE DEPT.




NATIONAL HEADLINES

President Donald J. Trump Is Protecting Our Suburbs and Preserving the American Dream for All Americans---White House fact sheet
PROTECTING AMERICAN COMMUNITIES: President Donald J. Trump is protecting American communities from excessive Federal overreach and preserving local decision-making.

President Donald J. Trump Is Protecting Our Nation’s Vulnerable Seniors
PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE: President Donald J. Trump is making it a priority of our COVID-19 response to protect America’s most vulnerable citizens.---White House fact sheet

Defense Department Improves 'Ready for Issue' Rate for F-35 Parts.
The Defense Department has been working to improve issues that affect the ready-for-issue rate for F-35 joint strike fighter parts, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment told Congress.

Former Congressman Charged with Ballot Stuffing, Bribery, and Obstruction
A former U.S. Congressman was charged Tuesday in an indictment unsealed today, with conspiring to violate voting rights by fraudulently stuffing the ballot boxes for specific candidates in the 2014, 2015, and 2016 primary elections, bribery of an election official, falsification of records, voting more than once in federal elections, and obstruction of justice.

Michael “Ozzie” Myers, 77, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is charged with conspiring with and bribing the former Judge of Elections for the 39th Ward, 36th Division, Domenick J. Demuro.   Demuro, who pleaded guilty previously in federal court in Philadelphia, was responsible for overseeing the entire election process and all voter activities of his division in accord with federal and state election laws.---DOJ press release

USDA Ensures Food, Funding during Pandemic.
This is a challenging time for many Americans when access to food is more essential than ever. Thankfully, USDA’s vital partners are helping feed those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. And for that, we couldn’t be more grateful. To support these important efforts, USDA is stepping up to provide over $6 billion worth of food and administrative resources in response to the crisis.--USDA Blog 7/17/20

Trump Administration Announces $85 Million to Support Disadvantaged Students in Nation’s Capital Attending K-12 Private Schools of Their Choice.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today that the Department of Education will award at least $85 million over the next five years for disadvantaged students from families with lower incomes in Washington, D.C., to attend private schools of their choice, as part of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program. The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (DCOSP) is the only federally-funded school choice program in the nation. The program was restored by President Donald J. Trump in May 2017 following a cruel decision by the Obama Administration to cut its funding.---US DEPT. of Education

SECRETARY CARSON TERMINATES 2015 AFFH RULE
Removal of rule returns power to localities in effort to advance fair housing nationwide.---HUD press release.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today announced the Department will ultimately terminate the Obama Administration’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) regulation issued in 2015, which proved to be complicated, costly, and ineffective— so much so that Secretary Carson essentially removed its burden on communities by suspending the regulation’s 92 question grading tool in January 2018.



BUSINESS & FINANCE HEADLINES

Treasury Targets Individuals Supporting Illegitimate Maduro Regime’s Corruption.--US Treasury Dept.
Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated brothers Santiago Jose Moron Hernandez (Santiago) and Ricardo Jose Moron Hernandez (Ricardo) for, respectively, providing support for Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra (Maduro Guerra) and the corrupt activities of members of the illegitimate regime of his father, Nicolas Maduro Moros (Nicolas Maduro).

Working Virtually: Protect tax data at home and at work with the "Security Six;" Part 1 of Security Summit tips for tax professionals---IRS Press release.
WASHINGTON — With cyberthieves active during COVID-19, the Internal Revenue Service and the Security Summit partners today urged tax professionals to review critical security steps to ensure they are fully protecting client data whether working in the office or a remote location.

Federal Reserve Board announces expansion of counterparties in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility, Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility, and Commercial Paper Funding Facility.
The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday broadened the set of firms eligible to transact with and provide services in three emergency lending facilities.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR CITES OHIO NURSING FACILITIES FOR FAILING TO FULLY IMPLEMENT RESPIRATORY PROGRAMS TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES FROM CORONAVIRUS
CLEVELAND, OH – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited healthcare company OHNH EMP LLC for violating respiratory protection standards following an inspection initiated after the company reported the coronavirus-related hospitalization of seven employees.  

During the Pandemic We Must Bolster Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance---US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval for millions of our fellow citizens, The New York Times recently ran an opinion piece “Employer-Based Health Care, Meet Massive Unemployment,” in which the author proposes to disrupt health insurance for nearly 160 million more Americans through a public option or Medicare-for All approach.

FTC and Missouri Attorney General Warn Hearing Aid Sellers About Deceptive Stimulus Payment Claims.
The Federal Trade Commission and Missouri Attorney General have sent warning letters to two companies that sent mailers to consumers that suggested that they could provide government stimulus money to customers to purchase their hearing aids.

Commerce Department Adds Eleven Chinese Entities Implicated in Human Rights Abuses in Xinjiang to the Entity List.
The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added to the Entity List 11 Chinese companies implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, forced labor, involuntary collection of biometric data, and genetic analyses targeted at Muslim minority groups from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). 



From our congressional delegation:

House Passes Kilmer Priorities to Support National Parks and Public Lands
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the Great American Outdoors Act, legislation that advances Rep. Kilmer’s long-standing priority of permanently and fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and providing funding to address priority repair needs in America’s national parks.

Cantwell Celebrates House Passage of Historic Public Lands Legislation, Calls for Quick Signing into Law
Cantwell-authored legislation will permanently fund Land and Water Conservation Fund, provide hundreds of millions to address maintenance backlog on public lands in Washington state.


Senator Murray Introduces Bill to Prevent Benefits Gap for Elderly Refugees and Refugees with Disabilities.
The Protecting Benefits for Elderly Refugees and Refugees with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act will ensure elderly refugees and refugees with disabilities will remain eligible for vital SSI benefits during the on-going pandemic.




STATE NEWS HEADLINES

Inslee announces rollbacks to some activities to slow COVID-19 exposure
Modifications related to weddings and funerals, restaurants, bars, and fitness and entertainment centers.
From the Governor's medium page

Quote: Fitness centers
The number of individuals allowed to use fitness centers and other physical health venues at a given time will also be reduced.
In Phase 2, only five individuals — not including staff — will be allowed for indoor fitness services at a time. This includes gyms, fitness studios, and indoor pools, ice rinks, volleyball courts, and tennis facilities. These are limited to small group instruction or private training.
Fitness center occupancy in Phase 3 will be reduced to 25%. All group fitness classes are limited to no more than 10, not including the instructors.
The changes are effective July 30.


AG FERGUSON: CHARTER TO PAY $255,000 TO THOUSANDS OF WASHINGTONIANS OVER HIDDEN FEE.
OLYMPIA — In the latest action of his office’s Honest Fees Initiative, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that Connecticut-based telecommunications and mass media company Charter Communications will pay more than $255,000 to Washingtonians after failing to disclose its “Broadcast TV Surcharge” to customers who ordered the company’s services online.

WASHINGTON LEADS LAWSUIT AGAINST EPA FOR GUTTING CLEAN WATER ACT REGULATIONS.
SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a federal lawsuit today against the Trump Administration for attempting to dismantle key environmental protections within the Clean Water Act. The new regulation undermines Washington’s right to keep its rivers, lakes and coastal waters clean by handcuffing the state’s ability to police a wide range of water pollution and related environmental damage.

Commerce announces $20 million emergency response grants for Tribes.
Public health staff, medical facilities, telehealth, business and job support, and social supports such as food, housing to benefit from new state CARES Act funding.

Fecal Matters:
Water contact recreation is now open near Les Davis Pier, Pierce County--DOE


“We Take This Opportunity to Repudiate This Case”: Washington Supreme Court Reverses 1916 Ruling in Tribal Fishing Case
July 11, 2020
Compelled to correct an injustice committed by its 1916 bench, the Washington State Supreme Court today reversed an old ruling that mandated criminal charges against a Yakama Nation tribal member for fishing outside of his reservation on traditional tribal fishing grounds.---Washington Courts


Agencies to begin fourth and final round of translocating mountain goats from the Olympics to the Cascades--WDFW
PORT ANGELES - Starting July 27, a coalition of state and federal agencies, with support from local tribes, will begin the fourth and final two-week round of translocating mountain goats from Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest to the northern Cascade Mountains to meet wildlife management goals in all three areas. Since September 2018, 275 mountain goats have been translocated. 

Popular DNR Parcel Closed to Shooting During Elevated Fire Danger.
“Stonelodge” site near Suncrest closed effective July 24
Due to high fire danger, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), working with Stevens County, will temporarily close a portion of state land to shooting beginning July 24, 2020.



EDITORIALS & LOCAL MEETINGS

Editorials:
Will We See Another Kent State Incident?
Perhaps by now, you’re among those suffering from riot fatigue. Since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, protests have spread from that city to both coasts and most places in between, making it impossible for any but the most avid news junkie to keep up with all the freeway disruptions, looting, clashes with police, and general mayhem. ---PJ MEDIA

Conservatives Self-Cancel
Thanks to the vicious cancel culture, fewer are willing to share their political opinions.
If you’ve bitten your tongue recently, you’re not alone. Self-censorship is on the rise, and a comprehensive survey released by the libertarian Cato Institute shows us the extent of it.---Patriot Post

Baseball, Hot Dogs, and BLM
All the Yankees and Nationals on the field took a knee before the game last night, after listening to a voice-of-god social-justice oration from Morgan Freeman and holding a long black cloth together. This quasi-religious ceremony — ridiculously solemn, with no evident dissenters — was another indication that BLM is being made into part of the American civil religion---National Review

Rep. Louie Gohmert: ‘It’s Time to #CancelDemocrats’
Congressman introduces resolution demanding name change for party tied to Confederacy and Klan.
As the saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for.”
For the past several weeks, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and various Democrats have been swept up in the Cancel Culture. They have been busily applauding the tearing down of statues of Confederate leaders (not to mention Washington, Lincoln, U. S. Grant, Columbus, and African-American abolitionist Frederick Douglass). Not to mention that they have cheered for the renaming of U.S. military bases named for this or that Confederate general.--American Spectator

Why I Still Fly An American Flag With Pride
If future generations are to look upon Old Glory and see it as a symbol of hope, freedom, and justice, we must always protect and defend what we know to be true about it.---The Federalist

Wall Street Journal editorial board slams 'cancel culture': 'We are not the New York Times'
The Wall Street Journal editorial board took a swipe at The New York Times in a note to readers Thursday night, saying it will not bend to the “progressive cancel culture” sweeping the country.---Washington Times

Goodbye, after nearly two centuries, to the national party conventions.
If things had proceeded according to schedule, we’d be checking the polls this week to see if Joe Biden had gotten a bounce from his acceptance speech in Milwaukee. That’s because the Democratic National Convention was originally scheduled for July 13-16.---Washington Examiner


LOCAL MEETINGS:

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS

Clallam County Commission work session for 7/27/20

Clallam County Commission meeting for 7/28/20

PORT OF PORT ANGELES COMMISSION MEETING FOR 7/ 28/20

CITY OF SEQUIM COUNCIL MEETING FOR 7/27/20

CITY OF FORK CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR 7/27/20

CLALLAM COUNTY PUD MEETING FOR 7/27/20

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:

Jefferson County Commission meeting for 7/27/20







He became the ultimate sacrifice 

Weekly Scripture verse: Psalm 119:60 (New King James Version)
I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.
 
 

Weekly Bible Study: The Historical Accuracy of the Bible--by Jim Sasser



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)


 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly publication, published every Saturday by, Peter Ripley, Publisher. Your donation is appreciated.








Saturday, July 18, 2020

Kilmer Secures Critical Support for Shipyard Workers, Defense Communities.



Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee advanced the fiscal year 2021 funding bill for the Department of Defense, which included a $20 million investment championed by Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) to fund the Navy Facility Sustainment, Modernization, and Restoration Program, which will invest in critical infrastructure upgrades at the nation’s four public shipyards – including Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton – to improve resiliency to fires, earthquakes, and other natural hazards.

“This bill includes critical investments to improve the quality of life of our service members, their families, and the civilian workforce that are the lifeblood of our defense communities,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This shipyard investments in this bill are about jobs and about having the backs of the brave women and men who serve our country.”

The legislation also included a $50 million investment Rep. Kilmer advocated for to the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which funds projects that address commuter workforce issues, school construction, and other local infrastructure that support military instillations like Naval Base Kitsap and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  Kilmer has worked with the City of Bremerton and Kitsap County in hopes of securing federal funds to reduce congestion into the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Finally, the bill advanced by the Appropriations Committee also included a three percent pay increase for members of the armed forces as well as a provision championed by Rep. Kilmer to repeal three Executive Orders that have made it harder for shipyard workers and other federal employees to negotiate fair pay, benefits, and working conditions.

“I appreciate Representative Kilmer and his team supporting the civilian workers who come in day after day to keep our Navy operational and mission ready so they can help to keep our great nation safe,” said Eric Morse, President of the Bremerton Metal Trades Council.

Rep. Kilmer spoke in support of the legislation before the Committee yesterday. The Committee then passed the bill, which will likely be considered by the full House before the end of July.


WORLD NEWS HEADLINES








UN PRESS RELEASES:





FROM THE US MISSION TO THE UN









NATIONAL HEADLINES:















BUSINESS & FINANCE HEADLINES:










FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:






STATE NEWS HEADLINES:


OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s new rule vastly limiting anti-discrimination protections under the Affordable Care Act. Among many other changes, the rule removes explicit protections against discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex stereotyping. This allows for discrimination against LGBTQ patients — particularly transgender patients.

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today issued the following statement after President Trump announced sweeping and unjustified revisions to longstanding environmental review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA — a move that undermines public health and the environment and conflicts with federal law. President Nixon signed NEPA into law in 1970 after it passed Congress with bipartisan support.


State board awards funding to support community and economic development and rural broadband infrastructure in Cowlitz, Douglas, Grays Harbor, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish and Walla Walla counties.

OLYMPIA – Unless Congress acts to extend or adjust it, the additional $600 per week in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Program (FPUC) benefits, available under the federal CARES Act, will stop after the week ending Sat., July 25, 2020. FPUC is entirely federally funded and available only at federal discretion. 

ELLENSBURG – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will use herbicide treatments to control noxious weeds at Mattoon Lake in Kittitas County the week of July 20.



EDITORIALS & LOCAL MEETING AGENDAS

The closures were just supposed to be two months when everyone was told about it. At the start, there was even a lack of clarity about whether restaurants and businesses needed to close at all.

The governor urges young people, who are not getting infected the most, to curb their social habits.---Everett Herald 



Over 140,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, more than any other nation by far. Our efforts to address COVID-19 are so poor that Americans are banned from visiting Canada and Europe.---The Olympian





LOCAL MEETINGS AGENDAS



CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS



Board of health meeting secluded for 7/21/20
at 1:30pm, no agenda was published.



JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS










He became the ultimate sacrifice 

Weekly Scripture verse: I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.
 Psalm 119:7 (New King James Version)
 
 








 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly publication, published every Saturday by, Peter Ripley, Publisher. Your donation is appreciated.






Saturday, July 11, 2020

Cantwell, Newhouse Lead Washington Delegation in Letter Urging USDA to Make Sure Specialty Crop Growers Receive Needed COVID-19 Assistance.



Press release from Sen. Cantwell

Specialty crops include apples and potatoes; Washington apple industry estimates they will see a nearly $190 million loss this year, potatoes will experience significant losses due to COVID-19 pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04) led the entire Washington congressional delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue expressing concern that the USDA program designed to provide relief to farmers, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), disadvantages specialty crop growers in Washington state and throughout the country. In the letter, the delegation expressed concerns that the data used in determining CFAP eligibility does not fully take into account the losses Washington growers have faced due to COVID-19. They urged USDA to change its CFAP eligibility requirements to ensure specialty crop growers get the assistance they need for their COVID-19 losses.

In addition to Cantwell and Newhouse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D., (D, WA-08), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R, WA-05), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R, WA-03), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), and Denny Heck (D, WA-10).

“We believe that specialty crops are at a disadvantage because of the terminal and shipping point data USDA used to determine whether they qualify under the CFAP does not accurately reflect the price loss these growers actually experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the members of Congress wrote. “We encourage USDA to consult with our growers and use price data that accounts for the actual prices growers’ received. In addition, we believe USDA should consider the crop supply and the grower-buyer contracts that were cancelled due to the pandemic.”

As of July 2, only 53 specialty crop applications in Washington state received CFAP support, compared to 1,082 applications that received similar economic support from USDA’s Market Facilitation Program and would be eligible for CFAP if similar criteria were used. “This demonstrates that CFAP calculations do not work for our specialty crop growers, but a more accurate calculation can,” the members wrote.

The letter also references comments from Washington state growers filed in the Federal Register to outline issues with CFAP eligibility. Those comments can be found HERE.

Agriculture is a major component of the Washington state economy, supporting 164,000 jobs and producing $10.6 billion in annual revenue from over 39,000 farms of all sizes. Washington growers produce over 300 commodities, many of them specialty crops. Washington ranks first in the United States in the production of apples, pears, hops, and sweet cherries and second for potatoes, grapes, and onions. The apple and pear industry in Washington estimates they will see a nearly $190,000,000 loss this year, with little to no CFAP assistance. Meanwhile, potato producers have also seen significant losses across their dynamic growing and production industry that may not have been fully taken into account when USDA decided qualification factors for CFAP.

“We understand USDA must implement parameters to the CFAP. However, we ask that USDA reconsider qualifying factors so that specialty crop growers are able to receive much-needed relief,” the members concluded.

Text of letter to the USDA:
Dear Secretary Perdue,

We write you to express our concerns with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). We believe that specialty crops are at a disadvantage because the terminal and shipping point data USDA used to determine whether they qualify under the CFAP does not accurately reflect the price loss these growers actually experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage USDA to consult with our growers and use price data that accounts for the actual prices growers’ received. In addition, we believe USDA should consider the crop supply and the grower-buyer contracts that were cancelled due to the pandemic. As of July 2, 2020, only 53 specialty crop applications to the CFAP have received support in Washington State. This compares to the over 1,082 applications that received similar economic support from USDA’s Market Facilitation Program and would be eligible of CFAP. This demonstrates that CFAP calculations do not work for our specialty crop growers, but a more accurate calculation can. Washington’s specialty crop growers have provided comments to the Federal Register under Docket ID FSA-2020-0004 in response to the CFAP Notice of Funds Available (NOFA). We share our support of these comments and urge USDA to change its eligibility requirements for specialty crop growers.

As you may know, agriculture is a major part of the Washington economy, supporting 164,000 jobs and producing $10.6 billion in annual revenue from over 39,000 farms of all sizes. Washington growers produce over 300 commodities, many of them specialty crops. Washington ranks first in the United States for our production of apples, pears, hops, and sweet cherries and second for potatoes, grapes, and onions. We have always worked in a bipartisan effort to support our growers, and today is not any different. Given today’s challenges, our growers are struggling to continue operating. We appreciate the investment by USDA to assist Washington’s growers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we believe, along with our growers, the CFAP in its current form does not adequately account for the market losses that Washington specialty crop growers experienced from January 15, 2020, through April 15, 2020.

After reviewing comments from growers and stakeholders, we compiled a few examples where our growers have shown significant losses during the program period. For example, Washington is the number one apple and pear producing state in the country. According to the apple industry, losses calculated by the Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) were not accurate to current industry measurement tools. Approximately 95% of apple sales nationwide are made between packer/shippers and supermarket chains. USDA concluded the apple industry did not reach the 5% price decline within the specified program time. Thus, apples were not included in category one direct payments under CFAP. However, industry data, as provided in comments from growers, show price declines ranging from 6% to almost 25%. The apple and pear industry in Washington estimates they will see a nearly $190,000,000 loss this year, with little to no CFAP assistance. We also share the CFAP modification request made by our growers to include payments for each eligible producer based on the volume of production sold or in inventory during the CFAP eligibility period between January 15, 2020, and February 15, 2020.

Potato producers have also seen significant losses across their dynamic growing and production industry that we feel USDA may not have taken into account when deciding qualification factors. Over 1.5 million pounds of fresh potatoes-for-processing and potato products remain in storage, leaving many growers with no ability to sell their 2019 or 2020 crop, and many contracted growers have seen their contracts canceled. The industry also heavily depends on the food-service industry as intrinsic to their sales, with 60% of all potatoes used for processing, which was not factored into the CFAP formula. In the National Potato Council’s NOFA comments, they point out that AMS data shows Washington potato growers during the CFAP period saw a carton price drop from $17.50 to $13.00 or a 26% loss.

These are just a few examples of the impact COVID-19 has had on the Washington agriculture industry. Many other specialty crops, such as mint, berries, wine grapes, and others, are struggling to stay in business. We understand USDA must implement parameters to the CFAP. However, we ask that USDA reconsider qualifying factors so that specialty crop growers are able to receive much-needed relief.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES






UN PRESS RELEASES





From The US Mission of the UN:








*************NATIONAL HEADLINES****************




A Mississippi businessman pleaded guilty Thursday for his role in a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans, and their respective family members, as well as private health care benefit programs, by paying kickbacks to practitioners and distributors for the prescribing and referring of fraudulent prescriptions for not medically necessary compounded medications that were ultimately dispensed by his pharmacies, as well as for his role in a scheme to launder the proceeds of the fraud scheme.---DOJ press release

Where it Counts, U.S. Leads in Artificial Intelligence.
When it comes to advancements in artificial intelligence technology, China does have a lead in some places — like spying on its own people and using facial recognition technology to identify political dissenters. ---DOD press release

Secretary DeVos Releases Statement on the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative Executive Order.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos issued the following statement on the White House Executive Order establishing the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative:

"Hispanic families, like so many families across America, want their children educated in personalized ways that meet their unique needs and their family’s values. We know that a great education is also the launching pad to a great job and long-term prosperity. I applaud President Trump’s strong leadership in support of more educational opportunities and greater prosperity for all Hispanic Americans. At the U.S. Department of Education, we’re working to open up new career pathways including apprenticeships and earn-and-learn opportunities, expanding support for Hispanic Serving Institutions, prioritizing new public charter schools in Opportunity Zones, and fighting for education freedom so Hispanic students—and all students—can find their right fit."---Dept. of Education press release.

Federal Incentives for Businesses to Donate Food.
If businesses have an excess inventory of wholesome food, they can donate it to hunger relief organizations, such as food banks, food pantries, and community-based organizations, to help families in need. These donations are particularly important in challenging economic times. Donating food can also help businesses with their bottom line and divert food from being dumped in landfills, which in turn helps the environment.----USDA BLOG


FHA EXPANDS HOME RETENTION MEASURES FOR HOMEOWNERS FINANCIALLY IMPACTED BY COVID-19
Streamlined loss mitigation options will help more homeowners avoid foreclosure
 
WASHINGTON - The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today announced additional home retention measures to help homeowners with FHA-insured single family mortgages who are financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to bring their mortgage current at the end of their COVID-19 forbearance. Effective immediately, mortgage servicers will be able to use an expanded menu of loss mitigation tools, known as a “waterfall,” to assess homeowners’ eligibility for other options to bring their mortgages current if they do not qualify for FHA’s COVID-19 National Emergency Standalone Partial Claim. These options are available for homeowners whose mortgages were current or less than 30 days past due as of March 1, 2020.----HUD press release 7/8/20

HUD PROVIDES EVICTION PREVENTION AND STABILITY TOOLKIT IN LATEST COVID-19 RESPONSE EFFORT
Toolkit is the most recent effort by the Department to identify individuals who have felt the economic impact of Coronavirus and provide a range of resources to support housing stability---press release 7/8/20





*****BUSINESS & FINANCE HEADLINES*****













U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES FINAL RULE ON TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor made publicly available today a final rule to update regulations governing its program for assistance to workers adversely affected by foreign trade. The updated regulations reduce regulatory burden by modernizing, simplifying and clarifying state administration of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program.--Press release 7/10/20





***FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION***

Kilmer Secures Critical Funding for Puget Sound Restoration
Appropriations Committee Approves 15% Funding Increase to Key Recovery Program.
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to approve a $5 million increase in the Puget Sound Geographic Program, which provides critical grant support to state, local, and tribal governments to implement projects to improve water quality, protect shorelines, and enhance fish passage and salmon habitat.---press release 7/10/20




 



*****WASHINGTON STATE NEWS HEADLINES******

Inslee announces five carriers intend to participate in public option.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced today five insurance carriers have applied to offer public option plans in a majority of counties across the state. The first year of Cascade Care, the public option program, begins later this year with plans to start coverage on Jan. 1, 2021. ---Press release 7/7/20











******EDITORIALS & LOCAL MEETINGS********


Trump Finally Reveals His Role in Putting Down the 'CHOP' Antifa Occupation in Seattle---PJ Media





The journalist and Soviet defector long ago pegged the current left-wing moment--American Spectator






******LOCAL MEETINGS & AGENDAS**********



CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS









JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS





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He became the ultimate sacrifice 

‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
Jeremiah 32:17 NKJV
 
 








 

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