DOE: Landowner fined for oil spill to Sulphur Creek and Yakima River

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 13/ 17 (link source)

YAKIMA – A property owner in the community of Outlook has received a $28,000 penalty for an oil spill from an above-ground storage tank in March of 2015.
Approximately 2,700 gallons of oil was lost from the tank, 1,900 gallons of which damaged seven miles of Sulphur Creek and 12 miles of the Yakima River, from Mabton to Prosser, over four days.
The oil travelled from the property through underground piping that spilled into the creek, and from there reached the Yakima River. Dozens of ducks and geese were harmed by the spill and several died despite bird-rehabilitation efforts. The spill also impacted important wetlands, Yakama Nation reservation lands, and threatened a fish hatchery.

A unified command comprised of the Department of Ecology, the local irrigation district, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Yakama Nation, responded to the immediate spill to clean up the oil reaching water. Soil and groundwater at the property remains contaminated and needs a long-term clean-up plan.
“Old above-ground storage tanks that contain oil pose a threat to the environment and are common in rural areas,” said Sam Hunn, with Ecology’s Spills Program. “When one fails, it can be an expensive and avoidable mistake.”
“We regret this incident occurred and we’re working closely with Ecology on next steps to get our land cleaned up,” said Ward Deaton of Deaton Land LLC, owner of the property.
Besides the penalty, and under state law, the owner also faces a Resource Damage Assessment for harm caused to public resources. In Washington, an oil spiller is responsible for adequately compensating the public for injuries to their resources. Compensation could include a restoration and enhancement project or study, or the spiller may be assessed damages, which are paid into a restoration fund managed by the state.
The penalty took more time than usual to finalize because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted its own investigation of the incident and later deferred the action to the state.
The property owner has 30 days to pay the penalty or file an appeal with the state’s Pollution Control Hearings Board.

Local meetings agenda highlights

COUNTY COMMISSION MEETINGS
Work session meeting agenda highlights
1) Contract with Kitsap Public Health District for Marijuana and Tobacco Prevention Programs

2) Agreement with State of Washington State Department of Ecology for renewal of the Litter Cleanup Program

3) Contract with Peninsula Community Health Services for .50 FTE and supplies for Health and Human Services to provide referrals for clients using the Syringe Exchange Program to Medication Assisted Treatment (2c)*
(See full agenda)

Regular session agenda highlights of Clallam County
1) Agreement Amendment 5 with Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for the North Olympic Peninsula Lead Entity 2015-2017 project

2) Ordinance amending Title 33, Zoning, Chapter 33.52, Recreational Marijuana

3) Request for proposal(s) to be received no later than 3 p.m., October 18; proposals will be opened publicly October 24 at 10 a.m. for:
* Chemical Dependency, Mental Health and related services – CD/MH Proposal 2018

( see full agenda)

PORT OF PORT ANGELES COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHTS
2018 Community Partner Program
( see full agenda for details)


CITY OF PORT ANGELES MEETING AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHTS
Budget Amendment #2 / Conduct Second Reading / Adopt Ordinance
The 2017 Budget is being amended for the second time to reflect changes in revenues and expenditures that have occurred during the second quarter of 2017. This budget amendment primarily includes changes resulting from the 2017 Budget savings process; as well as capital adjustments to ensure consistency with the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP). This is the second reading of the ordinance. There have been no changes since the first reading.
(see full agenda)


Other local and regional meetings...
CLALLAM COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1
COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE FOR SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
Special Meeting
There will be no regular business meeting of the PUD Commissioners on Monday, September 18, 2017. A special meeting of the Board of Commissioners will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the
District’s Main Office in the Salt Creek conference room, located at 104 Hooker Road in Carlsborg. The purpose of the meeting is to hold an executive session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant(s) for public employment, pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). No final action is anticipated and no other business will be transacted. The executive session portion of the meeting is not open to the public.
(see link)

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM
Ordinance 3182 Related to the Security of Publicly-Owned Property; Adopting a Process for Excluding Individuals whose Behavior is Unreasonably Disruptive, Establishing an Appeal Process to Protect Excluded Individuals’ Rights, Adopting a New Chapter 9.50 “Trespass Warnings On City And Other Publicly-Owned Property,” and Amending Chapter 11.01 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code

Action: Move to approve first reading of Ordinance 3182 Related to the Security of Publicly-Owned Property; Adopting a Process for Excluding Individuals whose Behavior is Unreasonably Disruptive, Establishing an Appeal Process to Protect Excluded Individuals’ Rights, Adopting a New Chapter 9.50 “Trespass Warnings On City And Other Publicly-Owned Property,” and Amending Chapter 11.01 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code.
(See agenda for more details)

JEFFEERSON COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION re: 1) Resolution: Intention to
Sell Surplus Property, Gallagher House (House Only) Located in Quilcene; 2) Hearing Notice: Intention to Sell Surplus County Property; Hearing Scheduled for Monday, October 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers
( see full agenda for details)



AGRICULTURAL REPORT

USDA BLOG POST: Manufacturing is Relatively More Important to the Rural Economy than the Urban Economy
Posted on 9/ 12/ 17 (link source) 

Compared to urban areas, in 2015, manufacturing represented a greater share of both private nonfarm rural jobs (14 percent vs. 7 percent) and rural earnings (21 percent vs. 11 percent). A new report from USDA’s Economic Research Service, Rural Manufacturing at a Glance, examines the manufacturing sector in rural America.

Manufacturing jobs in rural areas totaled about 2.5 million jobs in 2015 and pay relatively well; among all rural sectors, only mining had higher median earnings.

The manufacturing sector’s share of employment and earnings in rural areas began to exceed its share in urban areas in the 1980s, when import competition forced domestic manufacturers to lower costs. Rural areas generally have lower wages, property taxes, and land prices, making these areas relatively attractive to manufacturing firms.

Overall, manufacturing is no longer the driver of job growth that it once was. Between 2001 and 2015, a period that included two recessions (in 2001 and 2007-09), manufacturing employment fell close to 30 percent. In addition, 71 percent of U.S. counties experienced a decline in manufacturing employment. Counties with the largest relative declines were concentrated in the eastern United States, the traditional hub of U.S. manufacturing.

Despite the relative importance of manufacturing to the rural economy, economic restructuring is altering job opportunities for rural areas of the country. Rural manufacturing employment was smaller both in relative and absolute terms in 2015 than in 2001. There were 21 percent fewer manufacturing jobs while total employment grew almost 7 percent. That is, manufacturing employment became a smaller piece of a larger pie.

When a manufacturing plant closes in a community, there is a reduction in local employment, earnings, and government tax revenue. To better understand factors affecting manufacturing plant survival, another ERS study, released in May, followed the plants quarterly from 1996 until the end of 2011, if they survived that long. It found that rural plants have a higher survival rate than urban plants. All else being equal, plants in urban counties were 23 percent less likely to survive than plants in rural counties.

Survival rates were significantly lower for textile and apparel manufacturing industries than other industries. In rural America, textile and apparel manufacturing plants had a 26-percent survival rate between 1996 and 2011. During the same period, rural plants as a whole had a 57-percent survival rate. Trade-related policy changes and automation were two of the reasons for textiles and apparel manufacturing declines during the study period.



USDA BLOG: How the Forest Service Helped Shape our Nation’s Disaster Preparedness Framework
POSTED ON 9/ 11/ 17 (link source)

In 2001, Forest Service Incident Management Teams and crews responded to the terrorist attacks of September 11th with a well-coordinated response of multiple local, state, and federal emergency personnel. Our response to this national crisis highlighted the critical role of incident management systems when responding to an unforeseen national emergency.

The Forest Service has a long history of responding to emergencies. In 1970, southern California was under a siege of wildfires, most notably the Clampitt and Laguna Fires. These were the largest wildfires in California’s history at the time, in which 700 structures were destroyed and sixteen people lost their lives. Although national, state, county, and local responding agencies cooperated to the best of their ability, problems with communication and coordination often compromised their effectiveness. After this incident, Congress tasked the Forest Service with designing a system to effectively coordinate interagency actions. In partnership with other emergency response agencies, we helped develop and field test the Incident Command System, or ICS. This personnel management structure was designed to help responders from multiple agencies command, control, and coordinate emergency response within a common hierarchy.

By 1980, the ICS had been used to successfully respond to numerous wildland fire incidents and was recognized as a system that could also help public safety responders with floods, hazardous materials accidents, earthquakes, and aircraft crashes. In 1982, the ICS was folded into the National Interagency Incident Management System, or NIIMS, along with supporting standards and qualifications. After the terror attacks of September 11th, a presidential directive mandated the development of a national incident management system to “enhance the ability of the United States to manage domestic incidents by establishing a single, comprehensive national incident management system.” The following year, NIIMS began its conversion to NIMS – the National Incident Management System in use now.

ICS is a key part of NIMS, as it is the national standardized incident organizational structure for emergency responders. More than 20 countries have already adopted the ICS, and other countries are also considering doing so. For instance, this past July, French Fire Commander Christophe Frerson participated in the initial mobilization of a Forest Service Incident Management Team and observed the mobilization, in-briefing, and decision-making on an incident as France considered the adoption of ICS.

Today the NIMS is used by U.S. government agencies to respond to emergencies and disasters, from wildfires raging in the West to hurricanes battering the Southeast. Its use is mandated for federal emergency agencies and is a condition for certain preparedness funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies. By providing a standardized framework, the NIMS enables federal, state, tribal, and local governments to work together to prepare for, mitigate, prevent, respond, and recover from the effects of incidents.



USDA: Farmers and Ranchers Affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma Granted Extra Time, Procedures, to Document and Claim Disaster Losses
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 13/ 17 (source link)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced special procedures to assist producers who lost crops or livestock or had other damage to their farms or ranches as a result of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Also, because of the severe and widespread damage caused by the hurricanes, USDA will provide additional flexibility to assist farm loan borrowers.

“The impact is shocking and will be felt for many months,” said Secretary Perdue. “In addition to efforts being made on the ground to assist producers, we have taken a hard look at our regular reporting requirements and adjusted them so producers can take care of pressing needs first and mostly deal with documentation and claims later.  President Trump’s directive is to help people first and deal with paperwork second.  And that’s what USDA is doing.”

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), is authorizing emergency procedures on a case-by-case basis to assist impacted borrowers, livestock owners, contract growers, and other producers. The measures announced today apply only to counties impacted by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-determined tropical storm, typhoon, or hurricane, including Harvey and Irma that have received a primary Presidential Disaster Declaration and those counties contiguous to such designated counties.

Financially stressed FSA farm loan borrowers affected by the hurricanes who have received primary loan servicing applications may be eligible for 60 day extensions.  Full details are available at https://go.usa.gov/xRe8V.

A more complete listing of all of the special farm program provisions is posted at https://go.usa.gov/xRe8p.

Among the actions announced today are lengthened deadlines for certain provisions under the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) program, the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL), and the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP).  Emergency grazing may also be authorized under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for up to 60 days.

In addition, the deadlines to file a loss for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP) are extended, and special provisions are provided for “acceptable proof of livestock death and inventory for livestock losses.”  

Farmers and ranchers affected by the hurricanes are urged to keep thorough records of all losses, including livestock death losses, as well as expenses for such things as feed purchases and other extraordinary costs because of lost supplies and or increased transportation costs.

Producers with coverage through USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) administered federal crop insurance program should contact their crop insurance agent for issues regarding filing claims. Those who purchased crop insurance will be paid for covered losses. Producers should report crop damage within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. The Approved Insurance Providers (AIP), loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well trained in handling these types of events.  For more information see https://www.rma.usda.gov/news/stormdisaster.html.

As part of its commitment to delivering excellent customer service, RMA is working closely with AIPs that sell and service crop insurance policies to ensure enough loss adjusters will be available to process claims in the affected areas as quickly as possible.

In anticipation of flooding due to Hurricane Harvey, RMA took several proactive steps to ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of the crop insurance program.   RMA authorized the use of emergency loss adjustment procedures to streamline certain loss determinations on specific crops and accelerated the adjustment of losses and issuance of indemnity payments to policyholders in all Texas and Louisiana counties impacted by Hurricane Harvey. RMA is reviewing the need for additional measures in response to Hurricane Irma.

USDA encourages all farmers and ranchers to contact their crop insurance agents and their local FSA office, as applicable, to report damages to crops or livestock loss. To find the FSA office nearest you, please visit https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.  Additional resources to help farmers and ranchers deal with flooding and other damage may be found at www.usda.gov/disaster.



Secretary Perdue: Japan Expands Market Access for U.S. Chipping Potatoes
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 15/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON, September 15, 2017 – Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that Japan is expanding market access for U.S. chipping potatoes, resuming imports from Idaho for the first time in 11 years.

“The United States has a reputation around the globe for growing high-quality potatoes,” said Secretary Perdue. “We are committed to opening up new market opportunities for U.S. producers, and I am gratified that farmers in Idaho, our largest potato-producing state, will prosper while helping Japan with their supply of fresh chipping potatoes.”

The United States enjoys a 98-percent share of the Japanese potato market, with exports of fresh and chilled potatoes growing from $1 million in 2010 to $19 million in 2016.  Beginning with the 2018 season, Idaho will again be among the U.S. states eligible to ship chipping potatoes to Japan.

Japan halted imports of chipping potatoes from Idaho after detection of pale cyst nematode (PCN) in the southeastern part of the state in 2006. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has worked closely with the U.S. potato industry and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PCN eradication program. As a result, Japan has reopened the market to chipping potatoes from all Idaho counties except Bingham and Bonneville, which remain under quarantine for PCN.

Japan has also clarified that all U.S. seed-producing states that are free from PCN and golden nematode are eligible to supply seed potatoes to produce chipping potatoes for export to Japan.

WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS....

From the UN NEWS CENTER
On International Day, UN highlights importance of collective action to protect ozone layer
16 September 2017 – Commemorating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, senior United Nations officials, including Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the contributions of the Montreal Protocol – an international environment agreement on the elimination of ozone depleting substances.

Global hunger rising again, driven by conflict and climate change – UN report
15 September 2017 – The number of people hungry around the world is up for the first time in more than a decade, says a new United Nations report issued today, pointing to violent conflicts and climate change as the major drivers.

At annual event, UN invites Member States to join multilateral treaty framework
15 September 2017 – The United Nations will be hosting the annual Treaty Event next week at its Headquarters in New York, inviting Member States to sign multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General or to become parties to them by depositing instruments of ratification or accession.

NATIONAL

WP: Fla. nursing home where eight died after Irma defends actions, says it called governor for help
The night before Hurricane Irma began roaring over Florida, staffers at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills locked the doors, shuttered the windows and turned the temperature down to about 67 degrees — a buffer, administrators thought, to keep the building cool in case the power went out.

WP: Melania Trump slowly finds her first lady persona: More Bess Truman than Jackie Kennedy
In the early days of the Trump White House, the question frequently lobbed about by Washington’s chattering class was, “Where is Melania?”

Daily Bible Verse: [ Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom ] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

James 3:13 NKJV

 Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)

http://www.pacofc.org/index.php

MORE THAN $41M HEADED TO CONSUMERS IN AG FERGUSON’S LCD PRICE-FIXING CASE

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 14/ 17 (link source)

OLYMPIA — Beginning next week, checks will be in the mail for consumers affected by an elaborate price-fixing conspiracy by LCD manufacturers, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today. A total of $41.1 million is on its way to 24,632 consumers and businesses in all 39 counties.

The recovery is among the largest in the AGO Antitrust Division’s history.

“This conspiracy affected millions of products Washingtonians purchased over a period of eight years,” Ferguson said. “This step brings closure and a measure of justice to consumers who were harmed by this scheme. When powerful interests don’t play by the rules, my office will be there to hold them accountable.”

Rather than participate in a multistate case, the Attorney General’s Office chose to pursue an individual case in order to get a better deal for Washington consumers. The recovery in the state’s individual lawsuit may be as much as 30 percent higher than what Washington might have received as part of the multistate settlement.

On average, each consumer will receive about $203. The total varies based on the number and type of items claimed.

Claimants will receive:

$72.19 per LCD television, up to 10,000 units
$23.95 per flat-screen monitor, up to 10,000 units
$48.03 per notebook computer, up to 10,000 units
$6 per color-screen iPod
$6 per color-screen cell phone
A breakdown of the number of claims by county is available here.

In total, checks for more than 1 million items will be mailed: 232,224 televisions, 510,134 monitors, 242,395 notebook computers, 17,343 iPods and 68,227 cell phones.

Consumers who filed a valid claim can expect a check sometime in the next few weeks. Those who filed a deficient claim that did not qualify for payment have already been notified.

Case background

For eight years, consumers in Washington and throughout the world were significantly overcharged every time they bought a product with a liquid crystal display, or LCD, screen because of a conspiracy by the world’s largest LCD manufacturers.

For some products, this scheme may have increased the price consumers paid by as much as 20 percent.

According to the AG’s complaint filed in 2010, LCD manufacturers participated in cartel meetings in which they exchanged price information and agreed to fix prices and manipulate the supply of LCD panels to artificially increase prices.

The earliest meeting occurred over a round of golf in Taiwan in 1998, where the LCD manufacturers met to discuss concerns over increased competition in the industry.

This led to regular gatherings, known as “crystal meetings,” where the LCD manufacturers met to fix the prices on LCD panel prices by exchanging confidential price and shipment information.

They agreed that rather than compete on price, they would fix LCD panel prices and restrict the supply to artificially increase prices.

This industry-wide collusion continued until 2006.

In May 2015, AG Ferguson recovered $63 million from the nine LCD manufacturers who participated in the price-fixing scheme. A total of $41.1 million will be returned to consumers, another $6 million will go to state agencies affected by the scheme, and the remainder will cover the costs of the case and fund antitrust efforts in Washington.

In March 2016, a claims process began for consumers and businesses, which closed Sept. 30, 2016. Once the claims period closed, the claims administrator, AB Data, began the lengthy process of auditing the claims. This includes identifying deficient claims, requesting additional documentation, and identifying fraudulent claims. Nearly 1.5 million claims were submitted for approximately $100 million.

Checks will be mailed out within the next week, and should arrive with claimants in the next few weeks. People with questions about their claims should contact AB Data at 866-778-9468 or walcdsettlement@abdata.com.

Antitrust Division Chief Jonathan Mark, Assistant Attorneys General David Kerwin and Steve Fairchild, and then-Senior Counsel Bill Clark handled the case.

OUR PARKS AND FOREST...

US DEPT. OF INTERIOR: Secretary Zinke Directs Interior Bureaus to Take Aggressive Action to Prevent Wildfires
PRESS RELEASE 9/ 12/ 17 (link source) 

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke directed all Department of the Interior bureaus, superintendents, and land managers at all levels to adopt more aggressive practices, using the full authority of the Department, to prevent and combat the spread of catastrophic wildfires through robust fuels reduction and pre-suppression techniques.

This year-to-date, 47,700 wildfires have burned 8 million acres across the country, with the majority of the devastation in the states of California and Montana. High-profile fires in Yosemite and Glacier National Parks have caught national headlines, however millions of acres of forest and grassland have burned in recent months.

"This Administration will take a serious turn from the past and will proactively work to prevent forest fires through aggressive and scientific fuels reduction management to save lives, homes, and wildlife habitat. It is well settled that the steady accumulation and thickening of vegetation in areas that have historically burned at frequent intervals exacerbates fuel conditions and often leads to larger and higher-intensity fires," said Secretary Zinke. "These fires are more damaging, more costly, and threaten the safety and security of both the public and firefighters. In recent fire reviews, I have heard this described as 'a new normal.' It is unacceptable that we should be satisfied with the status quo. We must be innovative and where new authorities are needed, we will work with our colleagues in Congress to craft management solutions that will benefit our public lands for generations to come."

The Secretary is directing managers and superintendents of units that have burnable vegetation to address the threat of fire in all of their activities, and to use the full range of existing authorities, to reduce fuels.

Bryan Rice, Director of the Office of Wildland Fire, said, "It is critical to fully consider the benefits of fuels reduction in the everyday management activities that we carry out for our public land management objectives, such as clearing along roadsides, around visitor use areas like campgrounds and trails, near employee housing areas, and within administrative site areas subject to wildfire."

The Department has lost historic structures in wildfires like Glacier National Park's historic Sperry Chalet lodge. In an effort to help prevent future losses, the Secretary is also directing increased protection of Interior assets that are in wildfire prone areas, following the Firewise guidance, writing: "If we ask local communities to 'be safer from the start' and meet Firewise standards, we should be the leaders of and the model for 'Firewise-friendly' standards in our planning, development, and maintenance of visitor-service and administrative facilities."

“I welcome Secretary Zinke’s new directive and his attention to the catastrophic fires taking place in many western states,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Treating our landscapes mitigates wildfire risk, increases firefighter safety, and makes our forests and rangelands healthy and resilient. We can no longer delay the implementation of this important work.”

House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop said, "We must ensure our land management agencies have the tools and resources they need to protect communities and landscapes from catastrophic wildfire. Over the long term, Congress and the Administration must work together to reverse the sorry state of our federal forests and grasslands. I’m heartened to finally have an Administration that’s focused on actively managing and addressing the on-the-ground conditions that are contributing to our historic wildfire crisis. I hope to build on this by enacting comprehensive legislation to restore the health and resiliency of federal lands.”

"If we don't start managing our forests, the forests are going to start managing us," said Montana Senator Steve Daines. "The fires burning across Montana are a catastrophe, and we need all available resources to combat this threat. I applaud Secretary Zinke’s action to focus resources on attacking wildfires."

“I applaud Secretary Zinke’s effort to thin the threat. If we can reduce the fuel loads in our forests and rangelands we will provide our fire fighters more defensible space to do their jobs," said Idaho Senator James Risch. "We need bold actions like this not just for the hurricanes in the south and east but also to avert the devastation caused by the wildfires in the west.”

“More than 50 million acres in the United States are currently at risk for catastrophic wildfire. That is why we must act to prevent calamitous fires. Management actions taken by Secretary Zinke today will not completely stop the risk, but it is an important step forward in our fight to turn unhealthy, overgrown, and infested forests into thriving, healthy ecosystems," said Congressman Bruce Westerman. "I commend Secretary Zinke for recognizing this emergency situation and taking steps to address prevent further loss of life and property due to these preventable, catastrophic wildfires. I am committed to working with him and my colleagues in Congress to find a permanent solution to this problem that emphasizes active forest management as the first line of defense against catastrophic wildfires.”

With Western Fire season reaching its natural peak in September, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) elevated the National Fire Preparedness Level to “5”, the highest level NMAC declares, on August 10, 2017. Above normal major-fire activity continues to be observed across portions of the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, northern Great Basin, and northern California. Fuel moisture levels and fire danger indices in these areas are at near-record to record levels for severity. Drier and warmer than average conditions across the central Great Basin and Southern California are allowing for the fine fuels to become more receptive to fire activity.



US INTERIOR DEPT: Overview: Department of the Interior and Federal Government Support Hurricane-Battered U.S. Virgin Islands
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 12/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior is expediting all possible support and assistance to the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and FEMA in the wake of destruction from Hurricane Irma.

FEMA continues to lead the efforts of Interior and others in the federal family to support territorial, tribal, local, private-sector, and non-profit partners to address the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Irma—on the islands as well as the mainland.

“The Department of the Interior actions in the USVI are part of our responsibility for federal policy related to the U.S. territories,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. “We commend the cooperative actions of the White House, USVI government, FEMA and the whole federal family to provide urgent relief to the Virgin Islands.”

Secretary Zinke and Acting Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Nikolao Pula applaud and support President Donald J. Trump and his White House for their efforts in ensuring the U.S. Virgin Islanders receive the assistance and support needed to recover from Hurricane Irma. The Secretary and the Acting Assistant Secretary have also personally pledged their support to Governor Kenneth Mapp of the U.S Virgin Islands toward recovery efforts.

Interior has expedited an advance payment of $223 million to the USVI -- as soon as today -- for estimated FY 2018 rum excise tax collections -- providing money to the USVI quickly so that its government can cover normal operations and focus on emergency operations.

FEMA recently transferred more than 146,000 liters of water, nearly 443,000 meals, and 56 rolls of tarp to the Virgin Islands National Guard for the territory to distribute to individuals at Points of Distribution. FEMA also is coordinating debris removal, search and rescue efforts, medical teams and other federal family efforts. Federal assistance is being provided to address health and evacuation needs due to major destruction at hospitals. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is conducting search and rescue operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is providing search and rescue capabilities to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to assist with lifesaving and life-sustaining efforts. Army Corps of Engineers is providing coordination and execution of debris removal for St. Thomas.

For Interior updates on FEMA actions in the USVI, see https://www.doi.gov/oia/usvi-recovery.

Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is working with the USVI government and FEMA to identify federal technical expertise and financial assistance that may be available to help get public facilities and services back up. OIA will continue working on hurricane recovery with the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as with other federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Health & Human Services, the Department of Labor and the Department of Agriculture. OIA has directed numerous individual inquiries to FEMA and related disaster-coordinating efforts in support of the federal government’s continued life-saving activities for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Interior’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), through the Emergency Management Council (EMC), is coordinating with all bureaus and offices to ensure that information and support needs to USVI are addressed in a collaborative way within the Department. OEM’s Interior Operations Center (IOC) is serving as the Department’s single point for collection and distribution of information related to the response and recovery efforts. OEM also has personnel deployed to FEMA’s coordination centers to ensure that the Department’s activities are integrated to address the priorities of the government of the USVI.

Other Interior agencies with offices in the USVI also are helping with recovery efforts, which are being hampered by communication problems and the fact that virtually all of St. Thomas and St. John remain without power except for a handful of locations serviced by underground feeders, such as the Cyril E. King International Airport and the Roy Schneider Medical Center.

The National Park Service Eastern Incident Management Team is coordinating recovery operations at the USVI parks. Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John sustained significant damage, the full extent of which is still being determined. Power has been restored to the park visitor center and emergency crews are working to re-establish communication lines. Parks located on the island of St. Croix (Christiansted National Historic Site and Salt River Bay National Historical Park) suffered less damage; they have external water and sporadic power. The team will initially focus on providing support for affected employees, damage assessments of park facilities, and debris removal at parks.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USVI national wildlife refuges – Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Point – as well as the Caribbean Refuge Complex headquarters in Puerto Rico are closed, but FWS has been undertaking recovery and support efforts as soon as possible.

The U.S. Geological Survey will be aiding with collecting high-water marks as soon as staff can get into the field.


Secretary Zinke Announces Boost to Wetland, Waterfowl Conservation, Access to Public Lands Through Conservation Grants, Federal Duck Stamp Funds
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 7/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON – The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, chaired by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, approved $21.9 million in grants for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners to conserve, enhance or restore more than 92,000 acres of lands for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other birds in 16 states.

The grants, made through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), will be matched by more than $45 million in partner funds. NAWCA grants ensure waterfowl and other birds are protected throughout their lifecycles.

“I grew up hunting and fishing and know first-hand how important the outdoors is for our own health, the health of our communities and the health of our economy,” said Secretary Zinke. “The projects approved by the commission will benefit hundreds of wetland and coastal bird species, other wildlife, and their habitats, ensuring we have the ability to pass our shared heritage down to our kids and grandkids.”

Wetlands provide vital habitat for fish, wildlife and a variety of plants. They buffer communities from the effects of storms and floods, and contribute to the $156 billion hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation industry.

NAWCA grants conserve bird populations and wetland habitat, while supporting American traditions such as hunting, fishing, birdwatching, family farming, and cattle ranching. This year’s projects include:

Prairie Lakes IX Wetland Initiative: $1 million. More than 25 partners will help conserve over 2,000 acres of habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region of Iowa through protection, restoration and enhancement activities. All acres will be open to hunting and other recreation.
Russell Sage WMA Kennedy Tract Enhancement: $999,939 to conserve and enhance 2,672 acres of forested wetlands and marsh in Mississippi and Louisiana, part of a region which hosts 60% of bird species in the continental U.S. Activities include an enhancement project on an active rice farm.
Wetlands of the Sacramento Valley II: $1 million to restore and enhance 2,314 acres of critical wintering waterfowl habitat in California. Partners include several ranches, sporting clubs, conservation organizations, and a state agency.
The Commission also heard a report on 32 NAWCA small grants, which were approved by the North American Wetlands Conservation Council in February. Small grants are awarded for smaller projects up to $100,000, to encourage new grantees and partners to carry out smaller-scale conservation work. This year, $3.6 million in grants were matched by $10.9 million in partner funds.

NAWCA is the only federal grant program dedicated to the conservation of wetland habitats for migratory birds. Since 1989, funding has advanced the conservation of wetland habitats and their wildlife in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico while engaging more than 5,700 partners in over 2,700 projects. More information about the grant projects is available here.

The commission also approved more than $5.4 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to conserve 2,259 acres for six national wildlife refuges. The approvals will improve refuge management capability and enable the Service to open thousands of acres to public waterfowl hunting for the first time. These funds were raised largely through the sale of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as “Duck Stamps.”

“Hunting and fishing underpin the North American model of conservation, founded on principles of sustainable use and access for all,” said Secretary Zinke. “Sportsmen and women continue to be the engine behind the nation’s wildlife conservation efforts, as demonstrated by these Duck Stamp funds. The Duck Stamp puts hunting revenues back into public lands to improve access and enhance outdoor opportunities not just for millions of sportsmen and women, but for all Americans who spend time outdoors.”

For every dollar spent on Duck Stamps, 98 cents goes toward the acquisition or lease of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Duck Stamps – while required by waterfowl hunters as an annual license – are also voluntarily purchased by birders, outdoor enthusiasts, and fans of national wildlife refuges who understand the value of preserving some of the most diverse and important wildlife habitats in our nation.

On the state level:

WDFW: Fish and Wildlife Commission takes action,on protective status of 8 species
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 11/ 17 (link source)

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission took action on the protective status of yellow-billed cuckoos, loggerhead sea turtles, fishers and five whale species at its Sept. 8-9 meeting in Port Angeles.

The commission is a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

During the meeting, commissioners agreed to list yellow-billed cuckoos as an endangered species in Washington and elevate the level of state protection for loggerhead sea turtles from threatened to endangered.

In 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service distinguished the cuckoo in western North America as a distinct population and listed it as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. In Washington, cuckoos have been considered a candidate species for listing since 1991. Meanwhile, the north Pacific population of loggerhead sea turtles has declined substantially since the last half of the 20th century.

Commissioners also voted to keep blue, fin, sei, North Pacific right, and sperm whales as state endangered species in Washington.

Those whales have been listed as endangered species in Washington since 1981. Populations of all five species greatly declined in the 1800s and 1900s from being severely overharvested by whalers. All five species face potentially significant threats from one or more factors, including collisions with ships, entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris, and climate change.

Additionally, the commission approved WDFW's recommendation to keep fishers, which are mid-sized members of the weasel family, on the state's endangered species list.

Fishers were eliminated from the state in the late 1800s and early 1900s. WDFW has worked with landowners to protect fisher habitat and has reintroduced fishers to the Olympic Peninsula and Cascade range. Despite these efforts, fisher populations in the state do not yet meet the criteria outlined in the species recovery plan that would allow fishers to be downlisted.

With the exception of the fisher, many of these species are found infrequently in Washington. However, the commission's actions acknowledge the species' imperiled status, align with federal listings, and support the conservation efforts of other agencies and organizations.

Status reviews for the eight species are available on the department's webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/endangered/status_review/.

In his monthly report, WDFW Director Jim Unsworth provided an update on a variety of issues, including wolf conservation and management; the recent release of Atlantic salmon from a Cooke Aquaculture net pen near the San Juan Islands; operations at the Wells Hatchery in northcentral Washington; and the agency's response to legislative direction given in the 2017-19 budget.

In other business, the commission received a briefing on the status of salmon and steelhead populations in the Elwha River following the removal of two dams.

Commissioners also heard from WDFW staff about the department's 2018 supplemental capital budget request and monitoring and recovery efforts of the state's fish populations listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).


WDFW schedules tentative razor clam digs through December
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 8/ 17 (link source) 

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a tentative schedule for the fall razor clam season set to begin in early October.

Final approval of all scheduled openings will depend on results of marine toxin tests, which are usually conducted about a week before a dig is scheduled to begin.

"We're releasing a tentative schedule to give people plenty of time to make plans to go digging this fall,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.

State shellfish managers are also seeking public input on management options, including scheduling for spring digs. Comments on the spring digs can be sent via email to razorclams@dfw.wa.gov.

A summary of last season and an overview of the recently completed razor clam stock assessment are available in WDFW's 2017-18 Razor Clam Management Plan at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/seasons_set.html.

Based on beach surveys conducted this summer, WDFW estimates the total razor clam population on Washington's beaches has decreased significantly from last season, which means fewer days of digging this season.

Ayres said the decline in clam populations was likely caused, at least in part, by an extended period of low salinity in surf zone ocean waters, particularly those near Long Beach and Twin Harbors.

"The total number of clams may be down this year, but we still expect good digging on most beaches," Ayres said.

WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

From the UN NEWS CENTER:
UN Secretary-General condemns DPRK ballistic missile launch
15 September 2017 – Condemning the launch of yet another ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on the country's leadership to halt such activities and explore resumption of sincere dialogue on denuclearisation.

New UN global innovation forum to 'creatively disrupt' status quo for women and girls in tech
14 September 2017 – The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) today launched the Global Innovation Coalition for Change with partners from the private sector, the academia and non-governmental organizations to encourage innovation and technology work better for young women and girls around the world.

Security Council approves mandate, operations and size of UN Verification Mission in Colombia
14 September 2017 – The Security Council today approved the Secretary-General António Guterres' recommendations regarding the size, operational aspects and mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.

NATIONAL

Senator Warren introduces Equifax bill, launches industry probe
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren said on Friday she has begun an investigation into Equifax’s massive data breach and, along with 11 other Democratic senators, introduced a bill to give consumers the ability to freeze their credit for free.

Nearly 2 million, mostly in Florida, without power in Irma's wake
MIAMI (Reuters) - About 1.9 million homes and businesses in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas remained without power from Hurricane Irma on Friday, five days after the deadly storm ripped through the U.S. Southeast.

Pastors stand firm as Trump's U.S. evangelical base weakens
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As President Donald Trump bowed his head in the Oval Office earlier this month, Texas Southern Baptist Pastor Robert Jeffress and other U.S. religious leaders laid their hands on Trump’s back and prayed for Hurricane Harvey’s victims.

Daily Bible Verse: And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:16 NKJV

 Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)

http://www.pacofc.org/index.php

NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Sen. Murray, Senators Urge Trump Administration to Investigate Equifax Stock Sales Following Massive Data Breach
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 13/ 17 (link source)

(Washington, D.C.) – Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and a bipartisan group of 35 U.S. Senators is asking the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the sale of nearly $2 million in Equifax stock held by high-level Equifax executives shortly after the company learned of a massive cybersecurity breach.

Equifax, a major consumer credit reporting agency, recently disclosed that unauthorized parties had obtained sensitive information – such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and driver’s license numbers -- for as many as 143 million people.  The breach is believed to have occurred in May and was discovered internally by Equifax in late July.  Within days of Equifax’s internal discovery of the breach, three top level Equifax executives -- the Chief Financial Officer; the President of U.S. Information Solutions; and the President of Workforce Solutions -- sold large amounts of Equifax stock, though its customers, shareholders, and the public were not notified of the breach until September 7.

Equifax has stated that the three executives were not notified of the breach when they sold shares and exercised options.

In their letter, Sen. Murray and her colleagues express concern about potential insider trading violations: “As part of your investigations, we request that you conduct a thorough examination of any unusual trading, including any atypical options trading, for violations of insider trading law.  To the extent that your investigations uncover any information regarding whether Equifax management employed reasonable measures to ensure the security of the now compromised data prior to this cyber breach, we would appreciate your sharing these details.”

The Senators also write: “We request that you spare no effort in your investigations and in enforcing the law to the fullest extent against anyone who is found to be at fault.” Previously, on September 11th, Sen. Murray helped lead a broad Democratic effort to push Equifax to completely end its use of forced arbitration agreements, which limit the ability of consumers to pursue justice in a public court of law or challenge widespread corporate wrongdoing. (for more see link source)

Sen. Murray Urges Focus On Common Ground at Health Care Hearing: “Goal is Making Care More Affordable, Not Less” for Washington State Families
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 12/ 17 (link source)
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the Senate health committee, joined by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), the committee’s top Democrat, held its third scheduled hearing on bipartisan steps Congress should take to stabilize the individual insurance market with state flexibility experts. In her opening statement, Sen. Murray highlighted several areas of agreement between many witnesses thus far: multi-year certainty for out-of-pocket cost reductions, need for additional ideas to make health care work better for patients and families, such as establishing a reinsurance program, and end to Administration sabotage on open enrollment and consumer outreach.

Sen. Murray expressed her consistent concerns that suggestions on increased state flexibility could wind up increasing out-of-pocket costs and lead to the loss of guardrails that so many patients and families rely on.

NOTE: On Thursday, September 14th, the committee will hold its last scheduled hearing with health care stakeholders representing doctors, hospitals, insurers, and patients. On September 6th, during the committee’s first bipartisan hearing on improving care, Sen. Murray and her colleagues heard from Washington state Insurance Commission Mike Kreidler, OD, who joined state insurance commissioners from Alaska, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to provide testimony on ways Congress can lower health care costs for patients and families.

  Key Excerpts from Sen. Murray’s Opening Statement:

“Even if we don’t agree exactly on the cause, we do agree on the challenge facing this committee: families will see higher premiums and fewer options as a result of uncertainty in our health care system….Now last week we heard some valuable recommendations in our conversations. First of all, Governors and state insurance commissioners, from all corners of the country—Republicans and Democrats—agree we need multi-year certainty for out-of-pocket cost reductions…Second, there’s consensus that, along with guaranteeing out-of-pocket cost reductions, we should consider additional ideas to make health care work better for patients and families…And third—and Democrats have been very focused on this from the start—there’s agreement the damage being done by this Administration on open enrollment and consumer outreach is having a real impact—and could potentially undermine our efforts to restore stability to our markets.”

“Today's hearing, on specific steps we can take to provide some flexibility to states and communities, is an important discussion…Now, I have to say, among the many measures cited as pressing priorities by our witnesses so far, state flexibility isn’t something they’ve said is needed to stabilize the market in the short term. And, while we’ve heard a lot of interesting proposals, I worry that many suggestions could wind up increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients and families—when our principal goal in these hearings and in our bipartisan negotiations is making care more affordable, not less.”

“So I commit on my end—and I know my Democratic colleagues do as well—to seriously listening and considering the ideas presented today. But I hope we can stay focused on our common goal of lowering costs for patients by stabilizing markets as soon as possible. And let me underscore what I’ve said many times: this must be a conversation about moving forward, not backward, when it comes to affordability, coverage, and quality of care. I want to emphasize that because Democrats will reject any effort to use this discussion as a way to erode the guardrails and protections that so many patients and families rely on.”



Sen. Murray Introduces Legislation to Remove Barriers, Provide Support for Homeless and Foster Students in Higher Education
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 12/ 17 (link source)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate education committee, and Rob Portman (R-OH), joined by Representatives Katherine Clark (D-MA) and Don Young (R-AK), introduced the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2017 to help remove barriers and provide support to help homeless and foster kids access and succeed in higher education.

“The skyrocketing costs of college impact all students, but for homeless and foster students, the challenges they face far too often put higher education out of reach,” said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to provide support for homeless and foster students to access, afford and graduate from college, and I will keep fighting so every student who wants to join the middle class through higher education has the opportunity to do so.”

“Kids in foster care face an uphill battle when they pursue higher education.  It is in all of our interests to help these kids who have aged out of the foster care system or have experienced homelessness and ensure that services for them are a priority in existing federal programs,” said Senator Portman. “This common-sense legislation will remove unnecessary barriers and make college more affordable these youth.  It will support college retention, and greater success in higher education to allow these youth people to graduate, pursue their dreams, and achieve their God-given potential.”

The Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2017 asks colleges and universities and the federal government to work together to improve outreach to and resources for homeless and foster youth, including streamlining the FAFSA, clarifying eligibility for financial aid, providing housing options between terms, and designating a single point of contact to help provide services for these vulnerable students. It also requires the U.S. Department of Education to help resolve questions about a student’s independence, publish more transparent data on the number of homeless and foster youth served, and ensure its grant programs identify, recruit and prepare homeless and foster students for college. The bill also asks states to grant in-state tuition rates for those students who haven’t had stable residency.

“Every day, our homeless and foster youth overcome challenges that remain largely invisible to their communities,” said Representative Clark. “The sad, pervasive reality is that too many students don’t know where they will get their next meal or where they will sleep tonight, but they know good grades and hard work are their best shot at a brighter future. Their hard work to better their lives shouldn’t be deterred by policies and paperwork,” said Clark. “Our bill is a simple, common sense way Congress can help students who face unique and significant challenges chart their path to success.”

“Access to higher education should be available to each and every student that has the desire and determination to do so, regardless of their background or their means,” said Representative Young. “As a former teacher and proud grandfather of children who joined my family through the foster system, I strongly believe in the work being done through this legislation to empower our nation’s youth with the knowledge and skills to live up to their potential. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation is only one small step is better serving our homeless and foster youth, but certainly an important one to ensuring they can aspire to any level of education and success.”


Cantwell Continues Push to Drive down Health Insurance Costs through Basic Health Plan
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 12/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) continued her efforts to lower the cost of health insurance through the Basic Health Plan -- a health care option that would provide quality, cost-efficient coverage for 162,000 eligible Washingtonians who do not qualify for Medicaid, but struggle to afford private insurance, according to a joint study by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Urban Institute.

The Basic Health Plan, an option through the Affordable Care Act, empowers states to use federal funding to negotiate directly with managed care plans. The Plan would significantly lower healthcare premiums and deductibles for low-income working individuals who are ineligible for Medicaid.

“If you buy in bulk, you get a discount. And that applies to negotiated rates for either drugs or for healthcare. We must put those individuals in the marketplace in a position of having the clout that you would want somebody who was with a large employer to get,” said Cantwell. “We’ve seen with the Basic Health Plan in New York that they were able to drive down costs because they bundled up a population and 13 different providers wanted to bid on that.”

Andrew Slavitt, who oversaw the implementation of the Basic Health Plan in Minnesota and New York while serving as acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Obama Administration, applauded the Cantwell-authored program.

“I live in a state, Minnesota, that’s taken advantage of [the Basic Health Plan] and it’s worked very well,” said Slavitt.

Starting in 2015, both New York and Minnesota have implemented the Basic Health Plan, leading to large decreases in health insurance costs. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Urban Institute study, premiums and deductibles were far lower for people in New York and Minnesota on the respective Basic Health Plan than for people in other states with subsidized exchange plans. New York state health officials have estimated cost savings of more than $1 billion while Minnesota has had savings of more than $100 million during the first budget biennium under the program.

In addition, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Urban Institute study found that health insurance enrollment in New York increased by 42 percent after it switched from the Exchange to its Basic Health Plan (known as the Essential Plan) for individuals between 138 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The study also found that the Basic Health Plan did not appear to destabilize the Exchange or the individual insurance market in either state.


In Wake of Harvey, Irma & Devastating Wildfires, Cantwell Bill to Improve Phone, Internet, TV, Radio Service in Disaster Areas Passes Senate
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 12/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan bill led by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to help communities quickly restore communications networks in emergencies passed out of the United States Senate by unanimous consent at the end of business yesterday.

The Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act (SANDy Act) would lead to more of these communication services being repaired faster, and at less cost to states. Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, as well as the brutal fire season gripping the West, show how functional communication systems have proven vital for local authorities and relief organizations to coordinate rescue and relief efforts and for impacted communities to connect with the outside world.

“Phone service, broadband, and TV access are critical to saving lives and protecting property when disaster strikes. As extreme weather events like wildfires and hurricanes become more severe, communities across our country will rely more on these communications systems. The SANDy Act paves the way for communities to restore communications and respond more quickly, regardless of what Mother Nature throws at them,” said Senator Cantwell.

In Washington state, the legislation would help communities respond to disasters in the wildfire-prone central and western regions, as well as in coastal communities that are at increased risk for tsunamis and earthquakes.

The FCC reports more than half of cell sites in the Miami-Dade County, as well as five other counties in Florida, are currently out of operation in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Relief and rescue operations, as well as attempts by family members to contact one another, may be affected until service is restored.

Cantwell’s bill will now head to a conference committee between the House and Senate. Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-6) introduced a companion bill in the House, which passed the House with bipartisan support earlier this year.

The SANDy Act was cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Thune (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

The SANDy Act would:

Give FEMA explicit authority to reimburse states for costs associated with supporting the restoration and repair of lifesaving communications services critical to first responders and affected communities.
Modernize and expand the list of service providers that can gain access to disaster sites in order to make repairs to their critical communications infrastructure to include: providers of Internet access, radio and television broadcasters, cable service providers and satellite TV providers.
Recognize and urge adherence to the voluntary framework the major wireless carriers entered into last month to share resources, work together to restore services more quickly and promote local government preparedness during emergencies.
Direct the Government Accountability Office to study the best ways to create and maintain a directory of key contact personnel for communications service providers to help speed up restoration of lost communication services in a given area.
Senator Cantwell has worked to ensure communities have the resources they need to address challenges before, during and after a disaster. In response to wildfires currently burning in the West, she recently urged Senate leadership to include a wildfire funding fix in future disaster aid passed through Congress. Earlier this year, Cantwell secured legislation directing the National Weather Service (NWS) to study areas of the country, including Central Washington, with inadequate Doppler weather radar coverage and develop a plan to improve that coverage.

Last year, Cantwell held roundtable discussions throughout Washington state to hear from local officials and stakeholders on the resources they need to prepare for, fight and recover from wildfires. In addition, Cantwell has met with community leaders and emergency officials on tsunami preparedness, and has passed legislation to strengthen tsunami warning systems and advance new research related to improving tsunami detection, forecasting, notification and response.


CONGRESSMAN KILMER'S BLOG: My Vote on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 601 – Hurricane Supplemental, Debt Limit, Continuing Appropriations, and Flood Insurance Package
POSTED 9/ 8/ 17 (link source)

Earlier this week, the House voted on additional investments for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration in the wake of devastating hurricanes hitting states like Texas. I was hopeful we could move quickly on this because FEMA was about to run out of money and they help pay for things like shelter, food, clothing, and medicine.

Yesterday, the Senate took up the bill we passed, approved it, and also added on short-term measures to raise the debt ceiling and fund our government through December 15. Today, I joined the House in voting to pass this legislation and get it to the President for a signature. The good news is that we can get emergency money to victims of natural disasters, we won’t default on our debt, and we won’t have a government shutdown. America should pay its bills while at the same time getting a handle on our long-term fiscal challenges. We also know how damaging a government shutdown was to our region last time.

That being said, I’m disappointed we will be dealing with the debt ceiling and a potential government shutdown yet again in December. I spent 10 years working in economic development. No business I ever worked with would run its operations this way. In the coming months I’m going to push for a longer-term budget that focuses on growth and can pave the way to help us address our fiscal challenges. It’s past time to bring a little certainty and predictability to this Congress.

Sánchez, Fitzpatrick, Kilmer, LoBiondo, Thompson Introduce Bill to Jumpstart American Apprenticeship
PRESS RELEASE 9/ 8/ 17 (link source)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, along with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), and Mike Thompson (CA-05) today introduced the bipartisan Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2017 to enhance training and education opportunities for American workers through registered apprenticeships. Apprenticeship programs have been an integral part of America’s workforce development, allowing workers to increase their skills while also earning a paycheck. This legislation is the House companion to the bill introduced earlier this year by Senators Maria Cantwell and Susan Collins.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

Substantive apprenticeship programs are an integral part of the quality education that leads to good paying American jobs. A skilled workforce is a critical component to a continued productive economy, but in recent decades employers have been experiencing a shortage of properly trained, available workers.

Apprenticeship programs are a proven tool for workers to learn advanced skills while also earning a paycheck. The bill would create a $5,000 tax credit based upon wages paid by companies who hire individuals enrolled in a federal or state registered apprenticeship program. For employers participating in a multi-employer apprenticeship program, the credit rate would be $3 per hour each individual works. A worker must be employed for 7 months before the credit can be claimed and can be claimed as the apprentice works through the program for a maximum of three years. The bill also allows veterans to apply their previous skills and experience towards education hours so they can be put to use more quickly.

“In today’s global economy there are more ways to succeed than ever before,” said Representative Linda T Sánchez. “The Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act would ensure that more hard-working Americans are able to learn the skills necessary to compete for good paying jobs in today’s most in-demand industries. Expanding apprenticeship programs will help our middle class thrive by closing our skills gap and raising household wages.”

“Apprenticeship programs grow our economy by fostering training programs that will prepare workers for in-demand careers,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. By closing the skills gap, this bipartisan program will encourage more good-paying jobs for working families, while addressing our nation’s current shortage of trained workers.  I am proud to work with Congresswoman Sanchez on this bipartisan legislation to enhance America’s workforce and bring robust job growth to Bucks and Montgomery Counties.”

“Apprenticeships empower workers to get on-the-job training without breaking the bank,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said. “In a rapidly changing economy this is a key path to learning a new skill and earning a decent wage. I’m proud to be part of this effort to create new opportunities for local employers to invest in our workforce and create quality jobs through apprenticeships.”

“As we seek to bolster American job creation and lower unemployment, encouraging apprenticeships will help build the skilled workforce our country needs to compete in the global economy,” said Rep. Frank LoBiondo. “Given the needs for well-trained workers in many fields, this bipartisan legislation would provide opportunities for individuals seeking additional education and experience to further their careers.”

“Apprenticeship programs have consistently proven to be successful models of both career and workforce development, creating opportunities for workers and companies,” said Rep. Mike Thompson. “By allowing workers to earn a living while learning a trade, companies are able to create more jobs and build out their business. This bill would create greater incentives for companies to expand apprenticeship programs and would ensure veterans can apply their relevant military training to their apprenticeships.”

MILKING THE SYSTEM...

DOJ: South Carolina Family Practice Chain, Its Co-Owner, and Its Laboratory Director Agree to Pay the United States $2 Million to Settle Alleged False Claims Act Violations for Illegal Medicare Referrals and Billing for Unnecessary Medical Services
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 11/ 17 (link source)

Family Medicine Centers of South Carolina LLC (FMC), has agreed to pay the United States $1.56 million, and FMC’s principal owner and former chief executive officer, Dr. Stephen F. Serbin, and its former Laboratory Director, Victoria Serbin, have agreed to pay $443,000 to resolve a False Claims Act lawsuit alleging that they submitted and caused the submission of false claims to the Medicare and TRICARE programs. FMC is a physician-owned chain of family medicine clinics located in and around Columbia, South Carolina, whose practices include Springwood Lake Family Practice, Woodhill Family Practice, Midtown Family Medicine, Saluda Pointe Family Medicine, Lake Murray Family Medicine, and the now closed Rice Creek Family Medicine.

The settlements announced today resolve allegations that FMC, as directed by Dr. Serbin, submitted claims to the Medicare Program that violated the physician self-referral prohibition, commonly known as the Stark Law, which is intended to ensure that a physician’s medical judgment is not compromised by improper financial incentives. The Stark Law forbids a clinic from billing Medicare for certain services ordered by physicians who have a financial relationship with the entity. In this case, the government alleged that the Stark Law was violated by FMC’s incentive compensation plan that paid FMC’s physicians a percentage of the value of laboratory and other diagnostic tests that they personally ordered through FMC, which FMC then billed to Medicare. Dr. Serbin, FMC’s co-owner and chief executive, allegedly initiated this program and reminded FMC’s physicians that they needed to order tests and other services through FMC in order to increase FMC’s profits and to ensure that their take-home pay remained in the upper level nationwide for family practice doctors.

“Financial arrangements that compensate physicians for referrals can sometimes encourage physicians to make decisions based on financial gain rather than patient needs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to preventing illegal financial relationships that undermine the integrity of our public health programs and drive up the cost of healthcare for taxpayers.”

The settlements also resolve allegations that FMC, Dr. Serbin, and Victoria Serbin submitted and caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and TRICARE for medically unnecessary laboratory services by creating custom laboratory panels comprised of diagnostic tests not appropriate for routine measurement, performing these tests without an order from the treating physician, implementing standing orders to assure these custom panels were performed with defined frequency and not in reaction to clinical need, and programming FMC’s billing software to systematically change certain billing codes for laboratory tests to ensure payment by Medicare.

“Healthcare decisions should be made by physicians based on medical science and not with regard to maximizing the doctor’s own income,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake for the District of South Carolina. “Our goal in bringing this case was not only to recover money for improper healthcare claims, but also to deter similar conduct and promote health care affordability.”

The allegations settled today arose from a lawsuit filed by a physician formerly employed by FMC, Dr. Catherine A. Schaefer, under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. Dr. Schaefer will receive $340,510.

As part of the settlement announced today, FMC and the Serbins have also agreed to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), which ensures the Serbins will have no management role in FMC for five years and obligates FMC to undertake other substantial internal compliance reforms, including hiring an independent review organization to conduct annual claims reviews.

“Patients and taxpayers should expect that doctors’ best medical judgement is not clouded by what amount to thinly-veiled bribes,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson for HHS-OIG. “We will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to preserve government health funds by bringing violators to justice.”

“We applaud the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina for holding this provider accountable for its actions,” said Deputy Director Guy Kiyokawa of the Defense Health Agency. “The provider’s actions targeted American service members, veterans and their families, diverting valuable resources through unnecessary tests. The Defense Health Agency continues to work closely with the Justice Department and other state and federal agencies to investigate all those who participated in these nefarious, fraudulent practices.”

This case was handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, HHS-OIG and the Defense Health Agency.

The litigation and settlement of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Schaefer v. Family Medicine Centers of South Carolina, LLC, Stephen F. Serbin, M.D. and Victoria Serbin, No. 3:14-cv-342-MBS (D.S.C.).


DOJ: Florida Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 12/ 17 (link source)

A Jacksonville, Florida resident was sentenced to 42 months in prison for her role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clark Morris for the Middle District of Alabama.

According to documents and information provided to the court, from approximately February 2014 through February 2015, in Duval County, Florida, and Pike County, Alabama, Comone Denise Ross, 58, and others obtained stolen IDs, including the personal identifying information of prisoners. They used the information to file over 100 tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeking approximately $411,914 in fraudulent refunds. One co-conspirator, Devon Tucker, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 32 months in prison for selling Ross identification information relating to inmates at the Troy, Alabama City Jail.

In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson ordered Ross to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $285,412 in restitution to the IRS. Ross pleaded guilty in April 2017 to conspiring to defraud the government and aggravated identity theft.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Morris commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Gregory P. Bailey and Michael P. Hatzimichalis of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross of the Middle District of Alabama, who prosecuted this case.


DOJ: California Resident Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 12/ 17 (link source)
A California resident was sentenced to 25 months in prison for filing and conspiring to file fraudulent claims for income tax refunds with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch for the Northern District of California.

According to documents filed with the court, Trong Nguyen aka John Nguyen, 57, and his codefendant Diep Vo aka Nancy Vo, 74, used the identities of homeless and unemployed individuals in the San Jose, California area to file fraudulent claims for refunds with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Vo went to homeless shelters and homeless encampments and falsely represented to individuals that she could get them money from a government program designed to assist people who had not worked in previous years. Vo convinced people to write down their names and social security numbers and to sign blank income tax returns. Vo and Nguyen then falsified the signed returns including bogus income and income tax amounts withheld and sought more than $1.5 million in refunds from the IRS. Vo and Nguyen directed the IRS to send the refund checks to private mailboxes they controlled.

In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Court Judge Beth Freeman also ordered Nguyen to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $700,816. Nguyen previously pleaded guilty in May. Vo also pleaded guilty and she is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Stretch thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, who conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Newman and Trial Attorney Gregory Bernstein of the Tax Division.

DOJ: California Internet Sales Company President Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement and False Tax Returns
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 11/ 17 (link source)

A Manhattan Beach, California resident was sentenced to nine months in prison for wire fraud and filing false tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Alana W. Robinson for the Southern District of California.

According to the evidence presented at trial, James Miller, a California attorney, was the president and managing partner of MWRC Internet Sales LLC, an online sales company. As part of his duties, Miller had check signing authority for the company’s business bank account. From January 2009 through October 2012, Miller wrote unauthorized checks to himself from MWRC’s account, embezzling more than $300,000. Miller used this money to pay for personal expenses and did not report it on his individual tax returns for 2009 through 2012, causing a tax loss of approximately $58,000.

In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Judge George Wu ordered Miller to serve two years of supervised release and to pay $64,329 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Robinson commended special agents of FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Kanter and Trial Attorney Benjamin Weir of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.

WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS...

From the UN NEWS CENTER

UN chief calls for action on Myanmar and DPR Korea; launches reform initiatives
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World's poor bearing the brunt of global crises, stresses UN rights expert
14 September 2017 – Impacts of climate change and the global economic crisis are compounding the threats faced by people living in poverty around the world, a United Nations rights expert warned, calling on the international development community to put human rights at the centre of their work.

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CBS NEWS: Journalist from Mexico denied entry to U.S. for press event in Washington
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HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Emergency crews around hurricane-scarred Florida worked Thursday to make sure elderly residents were safe after eight people died in a sweltering nursing home that lost air conditioning in the storm and multiple other facilities were evacuated.

Daily Bible Verse: [ Unity Through Humility ] Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 2:1-2 NKJV

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DESPITE SCANSIONS N.KOREA CONTINUES NUKE TESTING

WORLD NEWS SPOTLIGHT

UN PRESS RELEASE: Security Council Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Including Bans on Natural Gas Sales, Work Authorization for Its Nationals
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 11/ 17 (link source)

Resolution 2375 (2017) Also Takes Humanitarian Situation into Account as Members Urge Resumed Talks on Denuclearizing Korean Peninsula
The Security Council, acting unanimously this evening, decided to impose a raft of new sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea — including a ban on the sale of natural gas liquids to the North-East Asian nation, and on its textile exports — while also prohibiting Member States from providing work authorizations to its nationals.

By the terms of resolution 2375 (2017), the Council condemned in the strongest terms Pyongyang’s nuclear test of 2 September, saying that action stood “in flagrant disregard” of its resolutions, and reaffirmed that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must immediately suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

Among the new sanctions imposed today was a ban on the supply, sale or transfer of all condensates and natural gas liquids to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as well as a ban on its exports of textiles such as fabrics and apparel products.  The Council further decided that all Member States would prohibit the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of all refined petroleum products beyond 500,000 barrels during an initial period of three months — beginning on 1 October 2017 and ending on 31 December 2017 — and exceeding 2 million barrels per year during a period of 12 months beginning on 1 January 2018 and annually thereafter.  In addition, Member States would not supply, sell or transfer crude oil to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in excess of the amount supplied, sold or transferred by that State in the 12-month period prior to the adoption of today’s resolution.

In addition, the Council decided to extend a number of existing sanctions, including the freezing of one additional individual’s assets, and both a travel ban and assets freeze to be imposed on three additional entities, both annexed to the text.

Expressing concern that nationals of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea frequently worked in other States for the purpose of generating foreign export earnings used to support Pyongyang’s prohibited nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, the Council also decided to prohibit Member States from providing authorizations for that country’s nationals to work in their jurisdictions unless specifically determined by the Committee established pursuant to Council resolution 1718 (2006).

The Council further called for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks — multilateral negotiations involving China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the United States — expressing its commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Following the text’s adoption, Council members emphasized that its “robust” measures were commensurate with the serious and escalating nature of the threats posed by Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme.  The representative of the United States, a co-sponsor of the resolution, said it built upon what were already the deepest-cutting sanctions ever levelled against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  Recalling Pyongyang’s claims that it had tested a hydrogen bomb on 3 September, she warned: “We will act to stop it ourselves” if the regime did not end such activities.  Half measures had failed, she said, adding that the Council had acted in a different way today by attempting to take the future of Pyongyang’s missile programme “out of the hands of its outlaw regime”.

Japan’s representative said today’s resolution would strengthen the sanctions imposed on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to an unprecedented level, with the ban on textile exports expected to reduce its revenues by $800 million and oil imports to be cut by approximately 30 per cent.  Indeed, the text was “an urgent call for the regime to change its behaviour”, he said, emphasizing that the Council would not back off in the face of Pyongyang’s persistent provocations.

Several speakers highlighted the resolution’s support for a peaceful, negotiated diplomatic solution, noting that it left significant room for dialogue.  In that regard, Senegal’s representative joined other speakers in urging the parties to return to the negotiating table, pointing out that the resolution contained critical provisions that could pave the way for a political settlement.

Echoing calls for a peaceful resolution, China’s representative cited the joint China-Russian Federation initiative announced on 4 July, saying it was as realistic as it was feasible.  He expressed hope that the United States would not seek to change the Pyongyang regime, collapse it, pursue an accelerated reunification of the Korean Peninsula, or dispatch military forces north of the thirty-eighth parallel.

The Russian Federation’s representative said his country did not accept Pyongyang’s claim to nuclear-weapon status.  However, the rejection by the resolution’s sponsors of the Secretary-General’s good offices, and their reluctance to reaffirm the “four nos” — concerning regime change, regime collapse, accelerated reunification and military deployment north of the thirty-eighth parallel — raised serious questions that remained unanswered.  It would be a “big mistake” to underestimate the joint initiative of the Russian Federation and China, he said, insisting that it be taken into consideration.

The Republic of Korea’s representative said the swift and unanimous adoption of today’s resolution reflected both a sense of urgency as well as the gravity of the situation on the Korean Peninsula.  The sanctions would substantially reduce the oil supply to the Democratic people’s Republic of Korea, which would also lose two of its largest sources of income — textile exports and overseas labourers.  Emphasizing the importance of international unity on the matter, he said the goal was not to “bring [the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] to its knees, but to achieve a peaceful solution” to the nuclear issue.

Also speaking were representatives of France, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, Italy, Sweden, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Bolivia and Ethiopia.


Secretary-General Welcomes ‘Firm’ Security Council Action in Response to Latest Nuclear Test by Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 11/ 17 (link source)

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes the adoption of a new Security Council resolution in response to the sixth nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).  Maintaining unity in the Security Council is crucial in tackling security challenges on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

This firm action by the Security Council sends a clear message that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must comply fully with its international obligations.  The Secretary-General urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to abide by the decisions of the Council and allow space for the resumption of dialogue, and calls upon all Member States to ensure the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

The Secretary-General has taken note of the Security Council’s desire for a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation, as well as its urging of further work to reduce tensions.  He reaffirms his commitment to working with all parties to this end and to strengthening communication channels.

US MISSION TO THE UN: Remarks Following the Adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2375 on North Korea Sanctions
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 11/ 17 (link source)

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for calling this meeting and allowing us to have this vote.

The images from space of northeast Asia at night show brightness and prosperity surrounding a dark, lonely space that is North Korea. Those images are a good illustration of where the North Korean regime is today. It is alone. It is dark. And it’s getting darker.

North Korea’s neighbors, its trading partners, and the entire international community are united against its dangerous and illegal actions. Today’s resolution builds on what were already the deepest cutting sanctions ever leveled against North Korea. We’ve been down this road before. The Security Council has expressed its condemnation. We’ve leveled sanctions. But today is different. We are acting in response to a dangerous new development: North Korea’s September 3 test of a claimed hydrogen bomb.

Today, we are saying the world will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea. And today, the Security Council is saying that if the North Korean regime does not halt its nuclear program, we will act to stop it ourselves.

Over the years, we have learned many things about the North Korean regime. We have learned that it does not care about being a part of the community of decent, law-abiding nations. It has violated every United Nations resolution against it. We have learned that the North Korean regime doesn’t care about its own people. It has denied them the most basic necessities to finance its weapons program. And we have learned that half-measures against the regime have not worked.

Previous efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table have failed. They have repeatedly walked back every commitment they have made. Today, the Security Council has acted in a different way. Today, we are attempting to take the future of the North Korean nuclear program out of the hands of its outlaw regime.

We are done trying to prod the regime to do the right thing. We are now acting to stop it from having the ability to continue doing the wrong thing. We are doing that by hitting North Korea’s ability to fuel and fund its weapons program. Oil is the lifeblood of North Korea’s effort to build and deliver a nuclear weapon. Today’s resolution reduces almost 30 percent of oil provided to North Korea by cutting off over 55 percent of its gas, diesel, and heavy fuel oil. Further, today’s resolution completely bans natural gas and other oil byproducts that could be used as substitutes for the reduced petroleum. This will cut deep.

Further, a large portion of North Korea’s revenues come from exports, revenues they use to fund their nuclear program. Last month, we passed a resolution banning its coal and iron exports. Today’s resolution bans all textile exports. That’s an almost $800 million hit to its revenue.

When these new stronger sanctions are added to those passed last month, over 90 percent of North Korea’s publicly reported exports are now fully banned. Moreover, this resolution also puts an end to the regime making money from the 93,000 North Korean citizens it sends overseas to work and heavily taxes. This ban will eventually starve the regime of an additional $500 million or more in annual revenues. Beyond the $1.3 billion in annual revenues we will cut from North Korea, new maritime authorities will help us stop them from obtaining funds by smuggling coal and other prohibited materials around the world by ship.

Furthermore, this resolution prohibits all joint ventures with the regime, resulting in a significant amount of lost revenue. But more importantly, the regime can no longer obtain critically needed foreign investments, technology, and know-how needed for its commercial industries.

Finally, this resolution imposes asset freezes on the most central North Korean regime entities, affecting both the military and the government itself. In short, these are by far the strongest measures ever imposed on North Korea. They give us a much better chance to halt the regime’s ability to fuel and finance its nuclear and missile programs.

But we all know these steps only work if all nations implement them completely and aggressively. Today’s resolution would not have happened without the strong relationship that has developed between President Trump and Chinese President Xi, and we greatly appreciate both teams working with us. We have seen additional encouraging signs that other nations in Asia have stepped up to the plate. The Philippines has cut off all trade with Pyongyang. Thailand has drastically cut its economic ties with North Korea. And states much further away are also doing their part. Mexico recently declared the North Korean ambassador to its country persona non grata. Along with strictly enforcing sanctions, these are important steps toward complete international unity. They make clear that all nations can act to deny North Korea the funds to build its nuclear arsenal.

Today is a solemn day in the United States. It is the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly three thousand innocent people – most of them in this very city. It hurts as much today as it did 16 years ago. We will never forget the victims of September 11. And we will never forget the lesson that those who have evil intentions must be confronted.

That day, the United States saw that mass murder can come from a clear blue sky, on a beautiful Tuesday morning. But today, the threat to the United States and the world is not coming out of the blue.

The North Korean regime has demonstrated that it will not act on its own to end its nuclear program. The civilized world must do what the regime refuses to do. We must stop its march toward a nuclear arsenal with the ability to deliver it anywhere in the world. We must do that by cutting off the fuel and the funding that supports it.

We don’t take pleasure in further strengthening sanctions today. We are not looking for war. The North Korean regime has not yet passed the point of no return. If it agrees to stop its nuclear program, it can reclaim its future. If it proves it can live in peace, the world will live in peace with it.

On the other hand, if North Korea continues its dangerous path, we will continue with further pressure.
The choice is theirs. Thank you.

US MISSION TO THE UN: FACT SHEET: Resolution 2375 (2017) Strengthening Sanctions on North Korea
RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 11/ 17 (link source) 

Resolution 2375 (2017), adopted unanimously by the United Nations Security Council on September 11, 2017, strengthens UN sanctions on North Korea in response to the North Korea nuclear test conducted on September 2, 2017. As such, this resolution sends a very clear message to North Korea that the Security Council is united in condemning North Korea’s violations and demanding North Korea give up its prohibited nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Resolution 2375 (2017) includes the strongest sanctions ever imposed on North Korea. These measures target North Korea’s last remaining major exports by fully banning the export of textiles (nearly $800 million each year) and preventing overseas workers from earning wages that finance the North Korean regime (over $500 million each year), reduces about 30% of oil provided to North Korea by cutting off over 55% of refined petroleum products going to North Korea, and fully bans all joint ventures with North Korea to cut off foreign investments, technology transfers, and other economic cooperation with North Korea. The resolution also includes strong maritime provisions enabling countries to counter North Korean smuggling activities of prohibited exports by sea.

Resolution 2375 (2017) includes the following key elements:

Oil/Petroleum

This resolution reduces about 30% of oil provided to North Korea by cutting off over 55% of refined petroleum products going to North Korea.
It will achieve this through imposing an annual cap of 2 million barrels per year of all refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, heavy fuel oil, etc.)
North Korea currently receives a total of about 8.5 million barrels of oil/petroleum: 4.5 million in refined form and 4 million in crude form.
The resolution freezes the current amount of crude oil provided to North Korea by banning countries from providing additional crude oil beyond what China provides through the Dandong-Sinuiju pipeline.
The resolution also bans the supply to North Korea of all natural gas and condensates -- this will prevent North Korea from obtaining substitutes for refined petroleum products.
Textiles

The resolution bans all North Korean textile exports.
Textile exports – North Korea’s largest economic sector that the Security Council had not previously restricted – earned North Korea an average of $760 million in the past three years.
Combined with the previous Security Council resolutions, over 90% of North Korea’s publicly reported 2016 exports of $2.7 billion are now banned (coal, textiles, iron, seafood), which does not include revenues from overseas workers.
Overseas Laborers

This provision we adopt today will eventually deny the regime another half billion dollars each year it takes from the nearly 100,000 North Korean citizens working around the world to earn wages.
In order to minimize business disruptions to existing contracts and work authorizations involving North Korean overseas workers, this provision allows existing authorizations to reach their original expiration dates but does not authorize any renewals.
Interdiction

The resolution provides member states new tools to stop high seas smuggling of prohibited products (e.g., conventional arms, coal, textiles, seafood, etc.). North Korea has been smuggling coal and iron ore to other countries using very sophisticated evasion techniques by sea.
If flag states refuse to allow inspections of suspicious vessels, then the flag state is required to redirect the vessels to a port for inspection.
If a flag state or vessel does not cooperate with inspections, then the vessel can be designated for an asset freeze, denied port access, de-registered, and suffer other penalties.
Joint Ventures

The resolution requires the end of all joint ventures with North Korea. This will not only starve the regime of any revenues generated through such arrangements, it will now stop all future foreign investments and technology transfers to help North Korea’s nascent and weak commercial industries.
However, to protect civilian needs of the North Korean people and continue facilitating international commerce involving the North Korean port of Rajin, the China-DPRK hydroelectric power stations on the Yalu River and the Russia-DPRK Khasan-Rajin rail and port project to transshipment of Russian coal to other markets are exempted.
Designations

The resolution imposes asset freezes on the most important North Korean regime organs: Organizational Guidance Department, Central Military Commission, and Propaganda and Agitation Department that run the DPRK government, military, and keep its people down.
The resolution facilitates the listing of additional dual-use items and technology that could be used for WMD or conventional arms-related purposes that will be banned for transfer to and from North Korea.
The resolution also facilitates a process to identify vessels caught smuggling prohibited North Korean goods to other countries.



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Daily Bible Verse: [ Called to Blessing ] Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

1 Peter 3:8 NKJV

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