The main headline this week was another school shooting.

The solution from the President. . . arm teachers.

Editorial Note: This week the main top story was about the Parkland Shooting in Florida. During the week the President held a meeting with Students and teachers discussing the options of school safety. The following is an excerpt from that meeting, which was held in the White House, the President suggest arming teachers....
Remarks by President Trump and Vice President Pence at Listening Session with Students, Teachers, and Parents
From the White House ( link source)

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you, too.  And I will say, again, background checks are going to be very strong.  We need that.  And then after we do that, when we see there’s trouble, we have to nab them.
You know, years ago, we had mental hospitals — mental institutions.  We had a lot of them, and a lot of them have closed.  They’ve closed.  Some people thought it was a stigma.  Some people thought, frankly, it was a — the legislators thought it was too expensive.
Today, if you catch somebody, they don’t know what to do with them.  He hasn’t committed the crime, but he may, very well.  And there’s no mental institution, there’s no place to bring them.  And we have that a lot.  Even if they caught this person — I’m being nice when I use the word “person” — they probably wouldn’t have known what to do.  They’re not going to put them in jail.  And yet — so there’s none of that middle ground of having that institution, where you had trained people that could handle it and do something about it and find out how sick he really is.  Because he is a sick guy.  And he should have been nabbed a number of times, frankly.
Your concept and your idea about — it’s called concealed carry — and it only works where you have people very adept at using firearms, of which you have many, and it would be teachers and coaches.  If the coach had a firearm in his locker when he ran at this guy — that coach was very brave.  Saved a lot of lives, I suspect.  But if he had a firearm, he wouldn’t have had to run; he would have shot and that would have been the end of it.
And this would only be, obviously, for people that are very adept at handling a gun.  And it would be — it’s called concealed carry, where a teacher would have a concealed gun on them.  They’d go for special training.  And they would be there, and you would no longer have a gun-free zone.   A gun-free zone to a maniac — because they’re all cowards — a gun-free zone is, let’s go in and let’s attack, because bullets aren’t coming back at us.
And if you do this — and a lot of people are talking about it, and it’s certainly a point that we’ll discuss — but concealed carry for teachers and for people of talent — of that type of talent.  So let’s say you had 20 percent of your teaching force, because that’s pretty much the number — and you said it — an attack has lasted, on average, about three minutes.  It takes five to eight minutes for responders, for the police, to come in.  So the attack is over.  If you had a teacher with — who was adept at firearms, they could very well end the attack very quickly.
And the good thing about a suggestion like that — and we’re going to be looking at it very strongly, and I think a lot of people are going to be opposed to it; I think a lot of people are going to like it — but the good thing is that you’ll have a lot of people with that.  You know, you can’t have a hundred security guards in Stoneman Douglas.  That’s a big school.  That’s a massive school with a lot of acreage to cover, a lot of floor area.
And so that would be, certainly, a situation that is being discussed a lot by a lot of people.  You’d have a lot people that’d be armed.  They’d be ready.  They’re professionals.  They may be Marines that left the Marines, left the Army, left the Air Force.  And they’re very adept at doing that.  You’d have a lot of them, and they’d be spread evenly throughout the school.
So the other thing — I really believe that if these cowards knew that the school was well-guarded, from the standpoint of having, pretty much, professionals with great training, I think they wouldn’t go into the school to start off with.  I think it could very well solve your problem.
So we’ll be doing the background checks.  We’ll be doing a lot of different things.  But we’ll certainly be looking at ideas like that.
You know, a lot of people don’t understand that airline pilots now, a lot of them carry guns.  And I have to say that things have changed a lot.  People aren’t attacking the way they would routinely attack.  And maybe you have the same situation in schools.
So does anybody like that idea here?  Does anybody like it?  Right?  Yes.  For Meadow — your beautiful Meadow.  We talked about that.
And do people feel strongly against it?  Anybody?  Anybody?  Strongly against it?
All right.  I mean, I could — look, we can understand both sides.  And certainly, it’s controversial.  But we’ll study that along with many other ideas.

Related stories....
SCHOOL SHOOTINGS: Senator Murray to Secretary DeVos: I Agree, Let’s Hold Hearings on School Shootings and Gun Safety
Press release issued 2/ 15/ 18 (link source) 
(Washington, D.C.)  – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, released the following statement in response to Secretary DeVos calling for Congressional hearings into school shootings.
“As a mother and a grandmother, I can't imagine the shock and pain families in Florida are going through right now, and sadly those feelings are not new or rare in our country. Families across the country are tired of waiting for Congress to step up, have the tough conversations, and adopt common sense gun safety and other policies to end this scourge in our schools and communities, so I am very glad that Secretary DeVos has requested Congressional hearings on this issue and I wholeheartedly agree. I look forward to working with Chairman Alexander and other members of our committee overseeing education to invite Secretary DeVos and other witnesses to a hearing in our committee to push this conversation forward and move toward action.

DeVos calls for congressional hearings on school shootings (Politico)
Following a shooting at a Florida high school that left more than a dozen dead, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said Thursday that Congress should hold hearings on school shootings.
“Congress needs to be holding hearings on these issues. And we’ve seen lots of discussion about this every time we’ve had another incident,” DeVos said during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/15/florida-school-shooting-betsy-devos-412176

Amid student anger, Trump hosts live White House special on gun violence
A week after the Parkland shooting, the president found a way to respond, letting students and families express raw emotions and divergent views on guns. (Politico)
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/21/trump-gun-violence-student-anger-420491

Inslee statement on Parkland shooting
February 15, 2018 press release
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-parkland-shooting
“Our nation’s families and communities are grieving from the loss and fear of yet another school shooting, the 18th shooting in only seven weeks. Washington state extends our deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and friends in Parkland and pray for those currently battling for their lives.
"Elected leaders need to do more than grieve. They need to take action. We are not doing nearly enough to regulate access to weapons designed to cause mass casualties. We can do better if we choose to do better. If we are serious about honoring the 17 lost lives in Parkland, and the 96 lives that are likely to be lost to gun violence today and every day to come, we will take action to keep our children, our homes and our communities safer.”

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES

UN PRESS RELEASE: Adapt Peacemaking, Security Tools to Overcome Humanitarian Crisis, Emerging Crisis Worldwide, Particularly in Syria, Speakers Urge Security Council
(see full statement)
The Security Council must swiftly and effectively discharge all its power and responsibilities to overcome emerging threats and prevent massacres, genocide and the killing of civilians around the world and immediately in Syria, members heard today while they considered the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
“We have to rebalance our approach to international peace and security,” United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres said, appealing for the Council’s action to swiftly end the violence in eastern Ghouta, Syria.  “Our goal must be to do everything we can to help countries avert the outbreak of crises that take a high toll on humanity.”

As relevant as ever, UN Charter is ‘our living template’ for tackling global challenges – Guterres
The Principles outlined in the United Nations Charter remain the foundations of international relations and global harmony at a time when conflicts have come more complex, new threats and challenges have emerged and impacts of instability are felt far beyond their source, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/02/1003221

Evidence-based approach crucial to migrants and migration – top UN officials
As Governments begin to negotiate a global compact on migration, an accurate portrayal of migrants, and of migration, is needed more than ever before to help shape public discourse and policy, senior United Nations officials said Wednesday, underscoring the importance of an evidence-based approach to the issue. 
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/02/1003261


US MISSION TO THE UN: Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Purpose and Principles of the UN Charter in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security
(see full statement) Dated 2. 21. 18
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8313
Quote: " Sovereignty is critically important. The United States will never forfeit our sovereign right to govern ourselves and determine our future. All Member States share this right. But all Member States also struggle to balance their sovereign interests with the need to work cooperatively with other nations. In the United States, our constitution and democratic system of government binds us to act in the interests of our people. I am accountable to the American people in what I say and what I do. Governments that are not accountable to their people are less constrained. They often point to sovereignty to justify bad behavior – and to claim this Council has no business meddling in their affairs. But sovereignty gives no country the right to trample on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others."

US STATE DEPT: United States and Libya Sign Cultural Property Protection Agreement
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs I. Steven Goldstein and Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under Secretary for Political Affairs Lutfi Almughrabi will sign a landmark bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on cultural property protection on February 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the U.S. Department of State.
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/02/278502.htm

US DEFENSE DEPT: Stoltenberg Discusses NATO Transatlantic Link at Munich Conference
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2018 —
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is arguably the most successful alliance in history, ensuring no general war in Europe since the end of World War II. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the Munich Security Conference last week that the organization is adapting to ensure it continues its success against new threats and challenges.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1446630/stoltenberg-discusses-nato-transatlantic-link-at-munich-conference/

IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION

PAGE 2: Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding the Russia Indictments 

PAGE 3: Tax Reform Pads Workers’ Wallets

page 4: Task force outlines next steps for bolstering apprenticeships, career-connected learning in Washington

Page 5: Inslee statement on House supplemental budget

Page 6: NEWS STORY COMMENTARY: Keeping the barbarians at the gate.

UNCLE SAM WANTS YOU! TO ACCEPT BOX OF CAN FOODS RATHER FOOD STAMPS!

Press Briefing by OMB Director Mick Mulvaney on President Trump’s FY2018 Budget
White House press release dated 2/ 12/ 18
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/press-briefing-omb-director-mick-mulvaney-president-trumps-fy2018-budget/
DIRECTOR MULVANEY:
All right, so that’s a lot of things we’re doing on drug prices.  Opioids, again, $3 billion last year, $10 billion this year.  On top of that, I think there’s a couple hundred million dollars — there’s $100 million from us on a pilot program we’re trying to do with NIH to specifically get private industry to participate in research, to get us to non-addictive pain — a pain replacement for opioids.  One of the most interesting things, I think, we’ve come up with — very excited about that work.

SNAP.  Food stamps.  A couple of changes there.  We’ll hit the highlights.  You may have heard about this already: the Food Box Program.  One of the most innovative things — actually, I think it originated at the USDA.  Secretary Perdue wanted to give it a chance.  We thought it was a tremendous idea so what we do is propose that, for folks who are on food stamps — part, not all — part of their benefits come in the actually sort of — and I don’t want to steal somebody’s copyright — but a Blue Apron-type program where you actually receive the food instead of receive the cash.  It lowers the cost to us because we can buy prices at wholesale, whereas they have to buy it at retail.  It also makes sure that they’re getting nutritious food.  So we’re pretty excited about that.  That’s a tremendous cost savings.

We’re also — contained within SNAP and a lot of the other welfare programs — a lot of the able-bodied work requirements that you’ve heard us talk about last year, and during this year.  Repeal and replace Obamacare — that’s fine, we talk about that.  We talk about welfare reform, that’s mostly focused on able-boded adults.  Medicare, we talked about some that.  Drug prices.

That farm bill subsidy, same as last year where we try and limit the subsidies to farmers who have adjusted-gross incomes of less than $500,000 — AGI of less than $500,000.  Not only, on an orderly year, are we still going to cover 98 percent of farmers with that, as I point out to all my farm friends, when you have a bad year, your AGI will drop below $500,000 and you would qualify for some of the benefits and so forth.

So that hits the highlights on 2019.  If I go to the next slide — I’m almost done, I promise.  Macro, because we get a lot of this.  We’ve changed the macroeconomic assumptions from last year slightly, as you would imagine.  Here would — our assumptions last year for the GDP growth.  Remember we had 2.3, 2.5, 2.8, and then we ramped up to 3.0 [percent].  Yes, I will take some pleasure in realizing that a lot of you accused me being crazy when I said that.

Our Congressional Delegation reactions, on the Budget.
Senator Murray’s Statement on President Trump’s Budget Proposal
press release issued 2/ 12/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=BFD29AF5-4F00-4983-9FC0-6A2F467A8783
Washington, D.C.)  – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump unveiled his Fiscal Year 2019 budget request that deprioritizes several critical funding needs, including investments in education, strengthening the safety net and protecting the environment, that are vital to families in Washington state and nationwide.

This budget is crystal clear about what President Trump prioritizes: massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations over critical investments in education, health care, the environment, and other middle class priorities. Instead of working with Democrats and Republicans to build on the bipartisan budget deal that he himself just signed into law, President Trump has instead chosen to put partisanship, division, and right-wing ideology ahead of workers, families, and the economy.  While I am glad that President Trump has finally accepted the need for new investments to tackle the opioid crisis, the most positive thing I can say about the overall budget proposal is that it will quickly be rejected by Democrats and Republicans who are focused on actually delivering results for the families we represent.

Senator Murray’s Statement on Trump Budget Director’s Admission of Opposition to Trump Budget, Attempt to Backtrack from Clear Response
Press release issued 2/ 13/ 18
(Washington, D.C.)  – Today, U.S Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney admitted to her in a Budget Committee hearing on the President’s Budget that he wouldn’t vote for the budget he was proposing and asking them to support. The Office of Management and Budget then sent a note to reporters trying to backtrack and claim that he wasn’t actually saying that.
“I was surprised to hear Director Mulvaney being so honest with me about the fact that he was asking us to support a budget he’d never vote for as a Congressman—and then I was disappointed that the White House refused to let this honesty stand and Director Mulvaney was forced to backtrack on his very clear statement to me.”

President Trump’s EPA budget for 2019 would eliminate federal role and investments in Puget Sound recovery
Press release from Congressman Kilmer dated 2/ 13/ 18
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/president-trumps-epa-budget-for-2019-would-eliminate-federal-role-and-investments-in-puget-sound-recovery
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Denny Heck (WA-10), cofounders of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, reacted to the proposed budget from the Trump Administration to cut the entire federal investment in Puget Sound cleanup within the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget.
“President Trump tried to drastically cut Puget Sound’s funding last year, and it didn’t work,” Rep. Heck said. “We’ve told him and shown him that there is bipartisan support for federal investments in Puget Sound recovery, and his budgets should reflect that. Americans want clean waterways and the EPA’s Geographic Programs are an important part of that commitment.”

What other news sources are saying about the proposed plan to replace food stamps, to USDA approved food boxes for the needy:
SNAP Beneficiaries May Get More Food in a Box, Less Cash on a Card
(CNSNews.com) - The Trump administration's Fiscal Year 2019 budget envisions major changes to the nation's food stamp program, or SNAP.
https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/susan-jones/snap-beneficiaries-may-get-more-food-box-less-cash-card

Trump SNAPs to It With Reform Proposal
It goes without saying that every welfare and entitlement program demands a major overhaul. Constitutional issues aside, there simply isn’t enough money flowing into the Treasury to continue the status quo. More importantly, the way in which these programs are structured is broken and unsustainable. Consequently, this makes them highly vulnerable to abuse to varying degrees, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a.k.a. food stamps.---Patriot Post
https://patriotpost.us/articles/54134-trump-snaps-to-it-with-reform-proposal

WP: Mulvaney suggests 'Blue Apron-type program' instead of food stamps
White House budget director Mick Mulvaney explained on Feb. 12 how the Trump administration hopes to save money on food aid after proposing to cut food stamp funding.

NYT: White House Proposes $4.4 Trillion Budget That Adds $7 Trillion to Deficits
Quote: " The blueprint has little to no chance of being enacted as written and amounts to a vision statement by Mr. Trump, who as a businessman once called himself the “king of debt” and has overseen a federal spending spree that will earn him that title in an entirely different arena.
The White House budget request would add $984 billion to the federal deficit next year, despite proposed cuts to programs like Medicare and food stamps and despite leaner budgets across federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency."

AMERICAN SPECTATOR: America Ripe for Reform, Trump’s Terrible, Swift Sword
Quote: " The president signed a bill authorizing increases in domestic spending to secure larger increases in defense spending last week. This followed a State of the Union address petitioning Congress for various spending hikes, including $200 billion in federal funds for a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan. This week, he targets 12 departments for cuts.
The Departments of Agriculture (-16 percent), Commerce (-6 percent), Education (-10.5 percent), Energy (-3 percent), Health and Human Services (-21 percent), Housing and Urban Development (-18.3 percent), Interior (-16 percent), Justice (-1.2 percent), Labor (-21 percent), State (-26 percent), Transportation (-19 percent), and Treasury (-3 percent) all endure cuts. Defense (+13 percent), Homeland Security (+8 percent), and Veterans Affairs (+11.3 percent) receive increases under the plan."
https://spectator.org/trumps-terrible-swift-sword-2/


WORLD NEWS HEADLINES FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES
UN PRESS RELEASE: Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau Must Focus on Supporting National Efforts to Select New Prime Minister, Special Representative Tells Security Council
The political situation in Guinea-Bissau was evolving swiftly, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative told the Security Council today, as he outlined the latest developments in that country, including those that had obstructed the full implementation of the Conakry Agreement.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13209.doc.htm

UN says more than 10,000 civilians killed or injured in Afghanistan conflict last year
“The chilling statistics in this report provide credible data about the war’s impact, but the figures alone cannot capture the appalling human suffering inflicted on ordinary people, especially women and children,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/02/1002791

New guidelines on global care standards during childbirth issued by UN health agency
The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines on global care standards throughout labour and immediately after childbirth aimed at reducing the use of needless and potentially harmful routine clinical and medical interventions.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/02/1002781

UN agency sets ambitious target to reduce hunger and poverty for millions worldwide
Amid a global rise in hunger and poverty on back of the impacts of climate change and conflict, the United Nations rural development agency today announced an ambitious target to generate resources to fund loans and grants to enable millions in developing countries strengthen their food security and livelihoods.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/02/1002622

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Syria, Ambassador Nikki Haley; press release from the US Mission to the UN
Quote:" Iran was once again doing what it does – risking conflict and testing the will of its neighbors and opponents to resist its aggression. Israel rightly took action to defend itself. The United States will always stand by our ally when confronted with provocations from Iran, Hezbollah, or the Assad regime."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8305

US STATE DEPT: Remarks at Memorandum of Understanding Signing and Press Conference
Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State
Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi
Quote: " The MOU represents a 27 percent increase to the United States previous bilateral commitment to Jordan. We’ve also increased the length of the MOU from three years to five years, giving Jordan greater certainty of planning for the future. The additional funds and the years will support Jordan’s important role in addressing regional conflict and instability, including the impact that the crisis in Syria has had on Jordan. The elements of the new MOU will also support His Majesty King Abdullah’s political and – importantly – his economic reform agenda, and move Jordan closer to achieving the self-reliance that it seeks." ---- Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State
During press confrence
https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/02/278319.htm

US DEFENSE DEPT: Mattis: NATO on ‘Right Trajectory’ to Protect Nations, Values
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2018 —
NATO defense ministers agreed to continue projecting stability beyond its borders and will continue to build capabilities within the alliance, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said in Brussels today.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1442654/mattis-nato-on-right-trajectory-to-protect-nations-values/

IN THIS WEEK's EDITION:

page 2: Kilmer, Buck Lead Bipartisan Call to President Trump: Fill Vacant Seats on Federal Election Commission Immediately

page 3: Murray, Cantwell Bill to Provide Compensation for Spokane Tribe Passes Committee

page 4: Cantwell Joins Bipartisan Effort to Ensure Senate Appropriators Respect State Marijuana Laws 

page 5: Washington state partners with community groups in push for equity, diversity and inclusion.

page 6:  NEWS STORY COMMENTARY...UNCLE SAM SAYS...TAKE YOUR BOX AND LIKE IT!

Little memos, and oil drilling are top stories this week

CIA Director says Russia will try to interfere in this year’s elections; Sen. Murray demands Republicans commit to efforts to preserve the integrity of U.S. elections
Press release from Sen. Patty Murray dated 2/ 6/ 18
(Washington, D.C.)  – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined her colleagues on the Senate floor to call on their Republican colleagues to defend our democracy from attacks by foreign adversaries, which is especially urgent in light of CIA Director Mike Pompeo’s comments last week that he fully expects Russia to attempt to meddle in the 2018 midterm elections. Sen. Murray also questioned why President Trump missed a deadline to implement Russia sanctions, despite overwhelming support in Congress to do so.
Sen. Murray’s Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

Thank you. I commend my colleagues who are sounding the alarm about Russia’s interference in U.S. elections and who have worked tirelessly for months on their respective committees to get the answers Americans deserve and give the confidence Americans need to know that their government is committed to preventing such interference from happening again. This work is incredibly important to people around the country and in my home state of Washington.

I’ve heard from countless people who deeply love this country, but fear for its institutions and are concerned about the integrity of its elections. Because here are the facts. More than a year ago, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russia interfered in the last U.S. presidential election-- calling Russia’s meddling a “significant escalation in directness, level of activity, and scope of effort” compared to previous attempts. That’s not my opinion, it’s not a partisan statement—it’s a fact.

Even more troubling, they’re already back at it. We know because our president’s own hand-picked CIA Director said last week that “of course” Russia is trying to meddle in this year’s midterm elections. That is exactly why this Congress approved sanctions months ago in order to punish Russia and show them the steep price of doing this again because if there is one thing we should all be able to agree on, it is that no one should get away with such a devious attack on our democracy.

But somehow, while the public demands action, the White House has gone silent, refusing to implement the sanctions for reasons President Trump can’t or won’t explain. The same president who has no problem speaking and tweeting on any other topic under the sun clams up when it comes to Russia.  Or tries to change the subject. Or launches a political attack. The same president who promised to put “America First” has failed to live up to the most basic duty of defending our elections and enforcing congressional actions to punish Russian meddling. The same president who promised “law and order” has been lashing out against a special counsel investigation with a campaign to discredit our agencies of law and order by criticizing the men and women of our nation’s top law enforcement agencies, firing or threatening to fire those who stand up to him, and sowing doubt about the media that dares report the facts.

And let us remember, the Putin regime that President Trump is so fond of is one that has invaded and annexed part of Ukraine, and continues to incite war in Ukraine, is propping up the murderous Assad regime, and is every bit as responsible for those heinous acts as Assad himself, and constantly tries to instigate conflict by threatening our troops around the world.

M. President, perhaps the most disappointing piece of this, President Trump is not acting alone. He gets help from members of Congress who have joined the partisan attacks on the FBI and the Department of Justice.

Just think about that. We have a president and members of the Republican Party more interested in helping a foreign power get away with interfering in our elections than allowing an investigation to run its course. It is simply stunning how far some of my Republican colleagues will go to undermine the Special Counsel and Congressional investigations in order to score political points.

This doesn’t just put them at odds with the public in the short-term, this has long-term consequences for the men and women who protect our country from harm.

A few days ago, a former supervisory special agent with the FBI—who served as a counter-terrorism investigator and special assistant to the bureau’s director—explained why he was resigning from the FBI in order to speak publicly. He said his resignation was painful, but, “the alternative of remaining quiet while the bureau is tarnished for political gain is impossible.” He said he worries the damage from attacks on the integrity of the FBI could last generations.
So there are a number of things this Congress must commit to. First, we must ensure Special Counsel Robert Mueller stays on the job and continues to follow the facts wherever they may lead, without threats or intimidation, and with all the resources he needs. We already know the president talked about firing Mr. Mueller last year. Well, the president should be on notice that firing Mueller is not an option. The same goes for trying to fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
I also want to be clear– doling out presidential pardons to try to cover up any collusion or obstruction of justice is unacceptable and will be met with furious resistance across the country. This is about our elections, our national security, and our standing around the world. And no one—  no one— should stand in the way of a thorough investigation.
In the coming days, weeks, and months, Congress must work to fulfill its duty to the American people by ensuring the integrity of our elections and safeguarding investigations by allowing them to run their course, free from political pressure.
The question is whether the Trump Administration and all members of Congress will choose to act in the best interest of our country and our democracy, or whether they will continue to act out of self-preservation and short-sighted political gain.
The world will be watching. Thank you, I yield the floor.



Related stories....
 Senator Murray’s Statement on the Release of the GOP House Intelligence Committee Memo
Press release issued on 2/ 2/ 18
(Washington, D.C.)  – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement.
“The American people deserve the truth about Russia’s interference in the 2016 election, and they deserve to have confidence that their government is committed to preventing such interference by a foreign power from ever happening again. Sadly, it’s clear the sole intention of this misleading and untruthful ‘memo’ released today— against the wishes of the Department of Justice and the FBI— is to distract the public from these goals. This partisan exercise is not only self-serving and extraordinarily reckless, it’s deeply damaging to the public’s faith in our institutions and to the men and women who go to work every day to keep our nation safe from harm. President Trump’s complicity in this release is disgraceful.
“As I’ve said from the outset, it is critical that Special Counsel Robert Mueller is able to continue to follow the facts wherever they may lead—without threats or intimidation, and with all the resources he needs—so the American people get the full explanation they deserve. This investigation isn’t about politics—this is about the integrity of our elections, our national security, and our standing around the world. No one should stand in the way of a thorough investigation.”
Earlier today, Senator Murray joined her colleagues in a letter to President Trump warning him that using the partisan Nunes memo as a pretext to fire Special Counsel Bob Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein – who is overseeing Special Counsel Mueller’s Russia investigation – would be considered an attempt to obstruct justice and spark a constitutional crisis.

Just released partisan & misleading memo seeks to discredit the Russia investigation, Deputy AG Rosenstein, and the hard-working men & women of the FBI as a means of protecting President Trump 
Press release from Sen. Patty Murray dated 2/ 2/ 18
Washington, DC – In a new letter to President Trump, top Senate and House Democrats today warned the president that using the newly-released partisan Nunes Memo as a pretext to fire either Special Counsel Bob Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein – who is overseeing Special Counsel Mueller’s Russia investigation – would be considered an attempt to obstruct justice and spark a constitutional crisis not seen since the Saturday night massacre.

The letter, signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Patty Murray, House Democratic Caucus Chair Joe Crowley, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Adam Schiff,  Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler, notes that House Intel Chairman Devin Nunes’ selective and misleading partisan memo seeks to discredit the FBI and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, all as a means of protecting President Trump and undermining Special Counsel Mueller’s Russia investigation.
Text of the Democrats’ letter to President Trump can be found below:

Dear President Trump:
The decision to release a partisan and misleading memo over the objections of your own Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director and the Department of Justice (DOJ) was a transparent attempt to discredit the hard-working men and women of law enforcement who are investigating Russia’s interference with our Presidential election and that nation’s ties to your campaign.

We are alarmed by reports that you may intend to use this misleading document as a pretext to fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, in an effort to corruptly influence or impede Special Counsel Bob Mueller’s investigation.

We write to inform you that we would consider such an unwarranted action as an attempt to obstruct justice in the Russia investigation. Firing Rod Rosenstein, DOJ Leadership, or Bob Mueller could result in a constitutional crisis of the kind not seen since the Saturday Night Massacre.

related headlines....
PJ Media: Russians Lobbied Clinton on Uranium One as Spies Infiltrated Her Inner Circle
On Wednesday, a former FBI informant testified to three different congressional committees that Russian officials paid a lobbying firm to convince then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to approve the Uranium One deal. The effort came at a time when Russian nuclear executives were still working with Iran, and as Russian spies infiltrated Clinton's inner circle.

PJ Media: Democrats Are Headed for a World of (Deserved) Hurt
After years of  non-stop virtue signaling as the party of "truth, justice and equality," the Democrats are slowly, inexorably being revealed to be the reverse.  They are being hoisted on the petard of their own moral narcissism.  It has made them blind.

Patriot Post: Why FISA-gate Is Scarier Than Watergate
The Watergate scandal of 1972-74 was uncovered largely because of outraged Democratic politicians and a bulldog media. They both claimed that they had saved American democracy from the Nixon administration’s attempt to warp the CIA and FBI to cover up an otherwise minor, though illegal, political break-in.

WP: Did Hillary Clinton collude with the Russians to get ‘dirt’ on Trump to feed it to the FBI?
“The truth is that they [Democrats] are covering up that Hillary Clinton colluded with the Russians to get dirt on Trump to feed it to the FBI to open up an investigation into the other campaign.”

THE HILL/ Opinion: Urgent hearings needed to expose Russian midterm attack
There is a clear and present danger that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has directed his intelligence services to attack the 2018 midterm elections for the purpose of destabilizing and, in my opinion, helping Republicans win those elections, as Russia worked to help Trump win the 2016 elections.

American Specator: Hillary’s Attempt to Steele the Election
The intensity of the media’s attacks on a Republican is always in proportion to the degree to which he is impeding one of its causes. The doggedness of Nunes — his refusal to let a politicized FBI and Justice Department stonewall his committee — has thrown considerable light on the real scandal of 2016: not that Trump colluded with the Russians to win but that the Obama administration colluded with Hillary to defeat him.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES from THE UN NEWS CENTER & Other Sources

UN PRESS RELEASE: Islamic State/Da'esh Using Social Media, Extortion to Retain Might after Military Setbacks, Territory Loss, Top Counter-Terrorism Official Tells Security Council
Despite military setbacks and loss of territory last year, Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) was a present and continuing threat, the senior United Nations official for counter‑terrorism told the Security Council today, as he presented the Secretary‑General’s sixth report on the international and regional threat posed by that group (document S/2018/80).

Syria: Life 'living nightmare' for children in East Ghouta, UNICEF chief warns
9 February 2018 – Following reports that dozens of children have been killed in violence this week alone in Syria, a senior United Nations official on Friday stressed the need for unconditional evacuations of sick and wounded children from East Ghouta and other sieged areas.

UN seeks $1.06 billion to help fragile countries create ‘firewall against famine’
8 February 2018 – Ongoing conflicts and climate-related shocks have left millions of people on the brink of starvation, the United Nations agriculture agency warned on Thursday as it launched a $1.06 billion appeal to save lives and livelihoods, and tackle acute hunger in 26 countries.

In Seoul, UN chief says Global Goals must be a blueprint for fair globalization
8 February 2018 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday highlighted the importance of engagement and empowerment to transform the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into benefits for all people worldwide and called on all sectors of the society to actively involve themselves in this endeavour.

From the US Mission to the UN
Ambassador Nikki Haley on the Failure of Talks between the Venezuelan Opposition and Maduro Regime

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the UN Mission in Kosovo

THE US STATE DEPT: Press Availability With Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Leading U.S. Experts Appointed to U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation Board of Governors
The United States has appointed three new representatives to the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF) Board of Governors who bring a wealth of scientific expertise and program management experience to the organization.  

US DEFENSE DEPT: Mattis Clears Up DACA Deportation for Service Members
U.S. service members who are a part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program cannot be deported, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told Pentagon reporters today.





IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION....

page 2: Our Waters Are Worth Protecting, Too: Why We Must Preserve Our Coasts


Page 3: Kilmer Supports Bipartisan Plan to End Government Shutdown, Calls for Action for Dreamers

page 4: USDA Programs Empower Arkansas Farmer

Page 5: Statement from Secretary of State Kim Wyman on Department of Licensing voter registration error


Page 6: NEWS STORY COMMENTARY: Another trip down the "let's do this to feel good lane...."

NIGHT OWL COMICS page 7

KEY POINTS IN STATE OF UNION MADE SENSE TO ME

Remarks by President Trump in State of the Union Address

"Perhaps someday in the future, there will be a magical moment when the countries of the world will get together to eliminate their nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, we are not there yet, sadly."---President Trump during his State of the Union Address
From the White House webpage posted 1/ 30/ 18

Key quotes from Trump's speech:
( 1) " Terrorists who do things like place bombs in civilian hospitals are evil. When possible, we have no choice but to annihilate them. When necessary, we must be able to detain and question them. But we must be clear: Terrorists are not merely criminals. They are unlawful enemy combatants.  And when captured overseas, they should be treated like the terrorists they are.
In the past, we have foolishly released hundreds and hundreds of dangerous terrorists, only to meet them again on the battlefield — including the ISIS leader, al-Baghdadi, who we captured, who we had, who we released.
So today, I’m keeping another promise. I just signed, prior to walking in, an order directing Secretary Mattis, who is doing a great job, thank you to reexamine our military detention policy and to keep open the detention facilities in Guantanamo Bay.
I am asking Congress to ensure that, in the fight against ISIS and al Qaeda, we continue to have all necessary power to detain terrorists, wherever we chase them down, wherever we find them. And in many cases, for them, it will now be Guantanamo Bay.
At the same time, as of a few months ago, our warriors in Afghanistan have new rules of engagement.
Along with their heroic Afghan partners, our military is no longer undermined by artificial timelines, and we no longer tell our enemies our plans.

(2) " Last month, I also took an action endorsed unanimously by the U.S. Senate just months before. I recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Shortly afterwards, dozens of countries voted in the United Nations General Assembly against America’s sovereign right to make this decision. In 2016, American taxpayers generously sent those same countries more than $20 billion in aid.
That is why, tonight, I am asking Congress to pass legislation to help ensure American foreign-assistance dollars always serve American interests, and only go to friends of America, not enemies of America.
As we strengthen friendships all around the world, we are also restoring clarity about our adversaries.

(3) When the people of Iran rose up against the crimes of their corrupt dictatorship, I did not stay silent. America stands with the people of Iran in their courageous struggle for freedom. I am asking Congress to address the fundamental flaws in the terrible Iran nuclear deal."

(4) "But no regime has oppressed its own citizens more totally or brutally than the cruel dictatorship in North Korea. North Korea’s reckless pursuit of nuclear missiles could very soon threaten our homeland. We are waging a campaign of maximum pressure to prevent that from ever happening.
Past experience has taught us that complacency and concessions only invite aggression and provocation. I will not repeat the mistakes of past administrations that got us into this very dangerous position.
We need only look at the depraved character of the North Korean regime to understand the nature of the nuclear threat it could pose to America and to our allies."
Listen to full speech here

(see commentary on page 6)

Reaction from our Congressional delegation to Washington D.C

Congressman Kilmer: Kilmer Statement Following the State of the Union
Press release issued 1/ 31/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. –This evening, following President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union, Representative Derek Kilmer made the following statement:
“While America has seen some economic progress over the past several years, the recovery hasn’t been felt everywhere.  In my view, the government needs to get focused on creating more economic opportunity for more people in more places,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said. “Tonight, the president promised a couple of things that I’ve long supported, such as investing in the nation’s infrastructure and building a skilled workforce.  To fulfill those promises, he’ll need to do something he hasn’t adequately done so far – work across the aisle.  I’m going to keep pushing to move our economy – and this government – forward.”

Related news release from Kilmer on 1/ 26/ 17
Kilmer, Martinez Teaming Up to Advocate for Investments in Region’s Infrastructure, Workforce at Trump State of the Union
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Rep. Derek Kilmer announced he will bring the President of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, Mark Martinez, to advocate for infrastructure investments and the jobs that come with them at President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union. The president will deliver the speech on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
“Investments in infrastructure in our region mean great jobs,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said. “We’re losing ground to other countries, but we can beat them in the long run if we invest now. In addition to fixing the region’s roads and bridges, the government needs to expand rural broadband and equip workers with the skills to compete in the changing economy.”

Senator Murray: President Trump’s first year marked by so much divisiveness and empty, unfulfilled rhetoric, “it’s hard to take his new promises today too seriously”
(Washington, D.C.) –  Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress:

“President Trump can try to take credit for the economy he inherited, and he can try to convince people that every problem in America is someone else’s fault—but one year into his Administration it is very clear that our country is more divided, more chaotic, less safe, worse for workers, women, and the middle class, and a whole lot better for millionaires, billionaires, and massive corporations.

“President Trump may be proud of his work over the past year, but I know the vast majority of people in Washington state and across the country are appalled by his rhetoric and his policies, and they want a change. So I am hopeful that this next year can be spent bringing Republicans and Democrats together to restore respect and get results in spite of President Trump’s bullying, divisiveness, and anti-middle class agenda—because there is a whole lot that needs to get done for families and communities in Washington state and across the country.

“President Trump has spent his first year in office breaking the promises he made during his campaign, so it’s hard to take his new promises today too seriously. He promised to address the opioid crisis but hasn’t proposed any new funding. He promised to improve health care for patients but instead has sabotaged it at every opportunity. He promised tax cuts for the middle class but jammed through a tax plan that gives millionaires and billionaires another tax break. He touted infrastructure investment—something long supported by Democrats—but still can’t articulate a plan that doesn’t punish middle class families. The list of broken promises goes on and on, which makes it very difficult for Democrats or Republicans to count on anything he’s proposed today.
“Although I may not agree with President Trump’s assessment of where we are as a nation or where we should go, I remain hopeful and energized by the millions of people across the country who are fighting for something better.  I was proud to invite an amazing woman named Leah Griffin from Washington state to be my guest tonight. Leah is an incredibly brave person who turned her own painful experience into a personal mission to make sure that others who experience sexual violence get the respect, support, and compassion they deserve when they seek help. I’m amazed by Leah’s dedication and compassion for advocating for meaningful legislation to address gaps in our system, and I couldn’t be prouder to help lift up Leah’s voice—and her cause—in Congress.
“Our nation is facing some serious challenges, and our government isn't rising to them just yet. But with people like Leah fighting every single day for a stronger union and a better tomorrow, I am confident that we will get there.”

Note: Sen. Cantwell offered no comment on the State of the Union address but did manage to release the following : Senators Cantwell, Murray Fear Trump Administration Nuclear Posture Review Policies “Raise the Real Possibility of Nuclear Conflict”
Release on 1/ 29/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) called on President Donald Trump to reconsider policies outlined in a leaked draft of its Nuclear Posture Review that would lead to the development of new nuclear weapons and reintroduction of Cold War-era weapons systems that would be unnecessary and destabilizing. In a letter sent today by Senators Murray, Cantwell and fourteen of their colleagues, the senators write that taking these steps would increase America’s nuclear warfighting capacity that would pressure other nuclear states like North Korea to follow suit. The Senators also expressed concern that the new weapons and missions would require additional funding beyond the $1.7 trillion the Congressional Budget Office estimates it would cost to modernize existing U.S. nuclear forces.
“The sole purpose of our nuclear arsenal should be to deter nuclear attack against the United States, our allies and partners,” write the senators in the letter. “However, the reported policies outlined in your forthcoming Nuclear Posture Review increase the risk of a nuclear arms race and raise the real possibility of nuclear conflict. As the world’s greatest nuclear power and the only nation that has ever used nuclear weapons in combat, we have a unique responsibility to continue to lead the international community towards eventual nuclear disarmament.”

Note: Governor Jay Inslee also offered no comment on Trump's State of the Union address. However in case you missed it see the State of the State address
Quote: " Inslee’s State of the State calls for action this session to put a price on carbon
Following the Legislature’s successes tackling transportation and education, Inslee says it’s now time to turn attention to acting on carbon pollution" Speech text here

In other related State of the Union headlines...
PJ Media: 5 Times Democrats Should Have Stood and Clapped During Trump's State of the Union — But Didn't

NYT: Trump’s Speech Leaves Two Sides Further Apart Than Ever on Immigration

The Daily Signal: In 16 Reactions, How the Left Responded to Trump’s First State of the Union

In other headlines...

Pacific Northwest Lawmakers to Secretary Zinke: Hands Off Our Coast

Cantwell Joins Colleagues in Urging Trump to Fund National Sea Grant College Program

Top Senate & House Democrats Warn President Trump: To Use Nunes Memo as Pretext for Firing Deputy AG Rosenstein, Special Counsel Mueller or other DOJ Leadership Would be Viewed As an Attempt to Obstruct Justice in Russia Investigation

Senator Murray’s Statement on the Release of the GOP House Intelligence Committee Memo

Senator Murray Urges President to Include Rural Broadband in Infrastructure Proposal

Just in: Trump claims GOP memo ‘totally vindicates “Trump” in probe’ (WP)

From the US Mission to the UN: Ambassador Haley on the President’s State of the Union Address
" Tonight, the President made it clear that America is finally leading again. We know our country is always stronger when we take clear action that puts the safety and security of Americans first. For the first time in a long time, our friends know that they can count on the United States to have their backs, and our enemies know that we will no longer give them passes when they threaten American interests. We are standing strong against dangerous and destabilizing regimes that continue to violate their international commitments, as well as terrorist organizations like ISIS that are losing ground and on the run. We are squeezing the North Korean regime with the strongest ever UN Security Council sanctions, and we are sharing with the world concrete evidence of Iran’s destabilizing actions. Across the world, and at the UN, we are standing up for our allies and our ideals again, paying close attention to who stands with us and who goes against us. America will continue to be a generous country – because it is the American way – but as the President has said, we are done writing blank checks to countries who act against us. It’s a new day – and a great day – for America."

In World News headlines...
From the Un News Center:
Security operations by Myanmar show ‘established pattern’ of domination over ethnic groups – UN expert
1 February 2018 – What Myanmar’s Government has claimed are military and security operations are “actually an established pattern” of domination and aggression against ethnic groups, the United Nations independent expert on the rights situation there said on Thursday, reporting on her visit to nearby countries, including Bangladesh, which is hosting nearly 900,000 Rohingya refugees.

Human cost of conflict in South Sudan has reached ‘epic proportions,’ warns UN refugee agency chief
1 February 2018 – The human cost of South Sudan’s long-running conflict has reached “epic proportions” with the number of refugees set to rise beyond three million by the end of this year, potentially making it Africa’s largest refugee crisis since the mid-1990s, the head of the UN refugee agency said on Thursday.

Giving voice to Yemen’s voiceless: Jamie McGoldrick reflects on two years leading UN’s relief effort
1 February 2018 – This year’s UN Response Plan for Yemen, describes the war-torn country as “the worst man-made humanitarian crisis” in the world, with more than 22 million people – around three-quarters of the total population – in need of help.

In this week's edition:

Sharing Washington state’s story of innovation, success with the world (pg 2)


Reminder From Davos: Trade Moves on Without Us (pg 3)


Secretary DeVos Convenes Higher Education Summit: Innovation Blends Technology and the Personal Touch (pg 4)

Despite Continued Challenges, China Offers Huge Potential for U.S. Farm Exports( pg 5)

Key points from State of Union made sense to me.(commentary pg 6)

See our new comic strip page " Night Owl Comics" (pg 7)

Senators Murray, Cantwell, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge President Trump to Keep Campaign Promise on State Marijuana Laws

press release issued 1/ 25/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and 52 of their House and Senate colleagues criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind Department of Justice (DOJ) guidance on state marijuana laws, and urged President Trump to adhere to his campaign promise to respect the will of millions of Americans, including over 1.7 million Washingtonians, who have voted to legalize and regulate marijuana.

In a letter to President Trump, the senators urged the administration to reconsider its decision to rescind the DOJ’s 2013 Cole Memorandum, which has allowed states and localities to decide how best to enforce marijuana laws as long as they have sufficient regulations in place. In particular, Senators Murray, Cantwell and their colleagues pointed to the confusion and anxiety the move has caused in states with recreational marijuana laws.

“This action has the potential to unravel efforts to build sensible drug policies that encourage economic development as we are finally moving away from antiquated practices that have hurt disadvantaged communities,” the members of Congress wrote. “This new guidance will have a chilling effect across the country in states that have worked tirelessly to implement voter-approved laws, creating legal and economic uncertainty.”

The members of Congress also urged President Trump to stand by his previous statements in support of state and local rights regarding marijuana:
“As a candidate, you stated: ‘I really believe we should leave [marijuana] up to the states’ and that ‘it’s got to be a state decision.’ We trust that you still hold this belief, and we request that you urge the Attorney General to reinstate the Cole Memorandum. This step would create a pathway to a more comprehensive marijuana policy that respects state interests and prerogatives.”
In 2012, voters in Washington state approved Initiative 502, providing for the production, processing and sale of marijuana to be regulated, licensed, and taxed. Eight other states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Vermont), as well as the District of Columbia, have also passed recreational marijuana laws. Since the nomination of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a long-time opponent of state marijuana legalization, these laws have had an uncertain future.
Last March, Senators Murray and Cantwell wrote a letter to Attorney General Sessions expressing concerns about how rescinding the Cole Memo would impact states, like Washington, that have legalized marijuana. The senators also sent a letter last week urging the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network at the Department of the Treasury to continue to allow financial institutions to provide banking services for cannabis businesses in states with legal marijuana. (see letter here)

Senator Murray’s Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Threat to King County Law Enforcement Funding
press release issued 1/ 25/ 18

(Washington, D.C.)  – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), released the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions threatened to subpoena records and withhold federal funding from King County for its policies related to communication with federal immigration enforcement.

“Threatening to cut off funding for public safety does not make our communities safer. The Trump Administration’s intimidation tactics are reckless, wrong, and in no way reflect the values or priorities of so many communities across our state or country, nor does it reflect responsible use of limited taxpayer resources at the Department of Justice. Instead, this announcement—which strikes even more fear into our communities and attempts to intimidate state and local leaders who have complied with the law—is not about solutions but about pandering to the hard right. If Attorney General Sessions and the rest of the Trump Administration was truly serious about public safety and better cooperation among all levels of government, they would work with Congress to support community policing and other practices that actually keep our communities safe—not threaten this vital funding.”

Senator Murray: “We need a voice to reject such damaging ideological decisions and to champion evidence, science, and sound policymaking. I do not believe Mr. Azar is that champion.”
Press release issued 1/ 24/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, voiced her strong opposition to President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Murray reminded her colleagues about the ethics issues of former Secretary Tom Price, who resigned amid scandal, and stressed the importance of putting patients and families first as HHS Secretary. Senator Murray went on to outline a series of concerns about how Azar fails to meet this standard, including his outdated views on women’s health, his past endorsement of health care sabotage, and his record raising drug prices as a pharmaceutical executive at Eli Lilly.
Key Excerpts of Senator Murray’s floor speech:

“After a year of President Trump’s health care sabotage, there were over 3 million more uninsured people in our country. So we need a voice to stand up and defend the health care our families rely on. I am alarmed by Mr. Azar’s statements cheerleading health care repeal efforts, predicting the Affordable Care Act was “circling the drain” even though enrollment stayed strong across the country this year, and detailing specific steps to, as he said, hasten the demise of patients’ and families’ health care.”

“I’m alarmed that Mr. Azar believes a woman’s employer should be able to decide, based on ideology, whether or not her birth control should be covered. I’m alarmed by his extreme and out of touch views on Roe v. Wade, as shown by his support for legislation and political candidates who would undermine the Constitutional rights enshrined in this important decision, and his use of ideological rhetoric in discussing the rights guaranteed to women by this landmark case. Unfortunately, Mr. Azar is latest in a string of ideologically-driven health care appointees from President Trump.”

“After months of Republicans putting politics ahead of funding health care for children—and as Republicans continue to put politics ahead of funding for community health centers, like those in rural Washington state, and those across the country helping underserved communities, as they continue to ignore other primary care programs that bring medical professionals to populations in need like teaching health centers in Spokane—we need strong leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services that will demand we put public health first, not partisanship. And so I urge my colleagues to stand with me in voting against his confirmation.”

Military, Political Strategy Vital to Addressing Terrorist Threat in Somalia, Special Representative Tells Security Council
UN Press release issued 1/ 24/ 18
Following the worst improvised explosive device attack ever carried out, defeating terrorism in Somalia would require the use of both “carrots and sticks”, the Security Council heard today, as representatives were also updated on the humanitarian situation and political developments in the country.
“Al-Shabaab remains a potent threat, despite or perhaps precisely because it is on the back foot as a result of financial pressures, counter-terrorism operations and air strikes,” said Michael Keating, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), introducing the report of the Secretary-General on Somalia
On 14 October 2017, an estimated 512 people were killed, nearly all civilians, in a truck bomb attack in Mogadishu, said Mr. Keating, underscoring that both a military and political strategy were needed to address the continued terrorist threat in the country.
Sustained efforts to address deficits that lent extremists a degree of credibility were also needed, said Mr. Keating, including those that aimed to tackle corruption, lack of educational and job opportunities for young people, weak national justice and corrections capacity, and grievances arising from unresolved disputes.
Beyond terrorism, numerous other daunting challenges faced the county, he said, including chronic poverty and persistent humanitarian needs.  The risk of famine still loomed after four consecutive rainy seasons and food security needs were nearly double the five-year average, with an estimated 62 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.  Malnutrition had reached emergency levels in many locations and were expected to rise, while drought and conflict had displaced more than 2 million people within the country, up to a million of them in the last 12 months, including many children and more than 80,000 pregnant women.
Given the recurrent nature of droughts in Somalia, addressing the root causes of Somalia’s fragility and building resistance to shocks to prevent further refugee flows and displacement was imperative, underlined Mr. Keating.  Continued support was needed to help Somalia break the cycle of recurrent crises that caused so much suffering and undermined the peacebuilding and State-building process. (see more from link source)

From the UN NEWS Center
Libya: UN relief wing and partners seek $313 million to assist hundreds of thousands of people
25 January 2018 – With people across Libya suffering amid the fallout from a protracted political crisis, outbreaks of violence and displacement, the United Nations humanitarian wing and its partners launched on Thursday a $313 million appeal to cover the basic needs of 940,000 who need assistance and protection.

Safety of Rohingya children must be guaranteed, before return to Myanmar – UNICEF
25 January 2018 – Improved security and unimpeded humanitarian access in Myanmar are essential before Rohingya children can be returned from Bangladesh, a senior official of the United Nations children's agency has said.

Spike in attacks on ‘blue helmets’ means UN peace operations must adapt, says peacekeeping chief
24 January 2018 – With United Nations ‘blue helmets’ facing increasingly grave threats, including armed groups with no interest in peace, the UN peacekeeping chief called on Wednesday for greater political engagement and leadership from the Security Council and the world body’s Member countries to ensure UN troops – and the populations they serve – are better protected.




Table of Context for this week's edition


Cantwell Requests More Bomb-Sniffing Canines for Sea-Tac (pg 2)

State adopts Washington’s first reclaimed water rule (pg 3)


Commission advises WDFW on chinook plan that would guide Puget Sound salmon fisheries (pg 4)

Secretary Zinke Approves Initial Plan to Build a Life-Saving Road for Alaska Native Village of King Cove (pg 5)

News Story Commentary:  Inslee's carbon tax proposal,  In a word...INSANE! (pg 6)



Editorial Note: A reminder of our annual fundraising drive, Jan 31st is the last day to donate toward our fundraising goal. So far only $47.00 was collected let's make an effort and donate.

Cantwell Calls On Department Of Energy To Improve Safety Culture At Hanford

Press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-WA) questioned Trump administration nominee, Anne Marie White, regarding the Department of Energy’s ability to improve and maintain worker safety at Hanford. If confirmed, Anne Marie White would be the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Environmental Management which is currently responsible for cleaning up 16 nuclear weapons sites in 11 states. 

Hanford is unlike any other environmental cleanup operation in this country. The site was the proving ground for nuclear production reactors and for developing the first plutonium extraction process. This has left a legacy of a complex mix of chemicals and radioactive materials that our best minds are still figuring out technological solutions to remediate.

During the hearing Senator Cantwell said, “If confirmed, you [Anne Marie White] will need to improve the safety culture at the site, ensure health and safety of our cleanup workers in addition to making sure that we have adequate funding, and keeping the cleanup effort on track to meet the cleanup milestones which the Department I know is committed to.”

“Our country owes a great deal of debt to those men and women at Hanford who helped our country in time of great national security. We owe it to them to make sure we get the cleanup process right,” said Senator Cantwell. “That’s why I want to make it clear to the Administration that we need a budget that doesn’t shortchange Hanford. Last year was cut by over $100 million dollars than what was acceptable.”



Kilmer, Heck, Murray and Cantwell Question Federal Railroad Administration on Positive Train Control Implementation
Press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Washington Representatives Derek Kilmer and Denny Heck and Washington’s Senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, led the Democratic members of Washington’s Congressional Delegation in asking the Acting Administrator of Federal Railroad Administration, Heath Hall, for a comprehensive update on the current status of Positive Train Control’s implementation. They also asked the Acting Administrator for the FRA’s plan for completing nationwide implementation by the December 2018 deadline set by Congress three years ago, and the cost of getting the job done on time.

The lawmakers represent the people from the region affected by last month’s derailment of the Amtrak Cascades 501 as it crossed a highway overpass above Interstate 5 near Dupont, Washington. The derailment killed three passengers and injured 62 passengers and crew members, and injured an additional 8 individuals in their vehicles on Interstate 5.

“In the aftermath of this tragic incident, it is clear that achieving nationwide implementation of Positive Train Control must be a top priority for the Federal Railroad Administration,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. “With less than one year until the December 31, 2018 implementation deadline, it is imperative that FRA conduct vigorous oversight of the data provided by railroads and use all the tools within the FRA’s authority to ensure that all railroads complete full PTC implementation by the deadline. It is also essential that FRA make available additional funding to implement this technology.”

Positive Train Control is a technology designed to automatically slow trains traveling faster than a safe speed. While the National Transportation Safety Board has not yet issued a final report on the derailment, the NTSB’s preliminary report said, “in this accident, PTC would have notified the engineer of train 501 about the speed reduction for the curve; if the engineer did not take appropriate action to control the train’s speed, PTC would have applied the train brakes to maintain compliance with the speed restriction to stop the train.”

Since 1969, the National Transportation Safety Board has investigated 148 railway accidents that it determined PTC could have prevented. These accidents resulted in 298 deaths and 6,763 injuries.

The Federal Railroad Administration is the government agency Congress tasked with ensuring railroads meet the 2018 PTC implementation deadline. This year’s deadline is the second chance for the railroads to implement PTC. In the leadup to the original 2015 deadline, the Government Accountability Office issued a report to Congress which found most railroads would not make the 2015 deadline for a variety of reasons including low funding and the complex challenge of integrating PTC technologies. The report, which was the basis for Congress’s decision to extend the implementation deadline to the end of this year, also said the FRA’s oversight efforts at the time were “not sufficient to oversee progress made by individual railroads and to hold them accountable for making progress in meeting the mandated PTC deadline.” Congress responded by enhancing the FRA’s mandate so it could adequately assist railroads and hold them accountable for reaching full implementation by 2018. (see link source for more)


In Fight to Protect Open Internet, Senators Cantwell, Murray Mark Milestone in Effort to Reverse FCC’s Net Neutrality Decision
press release issued 1/ 16/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Democrats, including U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Patty Murray (D-WA), announced today that the legislation to overturn the FCC’s recent vote to repeal the net neutrality rule now has the support of all 49 Democrats in the United States Senate. Today’s announcement is the latest milestone in the Democrats’ fight to stand up for average consumers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Last month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to repeal the 2015 Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court upheld in 2016. The Open Internet Order prohibited internet service providers from blocking, slowing down, or discriminating against content online. Repealing the net neutrality rules could lead to higher prices for consumers, slower internet traffic, and even blocked websites.

The resolution of disapproval, which now has the support of the entire Senate Democratic caucus, would rescind FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s item and fully restore the Open Internet Order. CRA resolutions allow Congress to overturn regulatory actions at federal agencies with a simple majority vote in both chambers. In accordance with the Congressional Review Act, the Senators will formally introduce the resolution after the rule is submitted to both houses of Congress and published in the federal register and then force a vote within 60 legislative days.

“It’s time for our Republican colleagues to decide whether they stand with big corporations who are trying to slow down innovation and job creation or stand on the side of consumers and the businesses and innovators of our future,” said Senator Cantwell. “We cannot allow the FCC to put a choke hold on the internet by allowing big corporations to create artificial fast lanes or charge consumers more. The open internet rule was created to protect a level playing field and to make sure no one can throttle access or block content.”

“The FCC’s backward decision to roll back internet protections for consumers is as shameful and wrong today as it was last December. Washington state families, students, innovators and entrepreneurs have continuously raised their voices against the Trump Administration’s repeated attempts to turn public goods into more money-making opportunities for the largest corporations, and the FCC’s vote to change the internet as we know it is no exception,” said Senator Murray. “As a voice for Washington state, I will continue fighting with every tool at my disposal to keep the internet free and open.”



As flu-related deaths & hospitalizations increase in Washington state and across the country, Senator Murray leads Senate hearing to investigate the nation’s preparedness to address serious global health threats 
Press release issued 1/ 17/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) –  Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, questioned top U.S. health officials about the nation’s ability to respond to future public health emergencies. In the first in a series of hearings about the nation’s preparedness to handle widespread public health threats, Senator Murray cited rising cases of flu-related hospitalizations that have led to at least 46 deaths in Washington state as evidence of the need to improve the country’s ability to respond to public health crises, and criticized the Trump Administration’s failure to deliver an effective response to recent public health threats like the opioid epidemic and the public health crisis caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where many Americans are still living without electricity and clean water.

Led by Senator Murray, the committee heard testimony from Robert Kadlec, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at Health and Human Services (HHS), Scott Gottlieb, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Dr. Stephen Redd, the Director of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response at the Centers for Disease Control. A long-time supporter of strong investments in public health, during the hearing Senator Murray urged continued bipartisan action to strengthen our nation’s public health emergency and response capacity.

Senators Murray, Cantwell Join Bipartisan Group of Senators to Urge Federal Agency to Stay the Course on Cannabis Banking, Provide Certainty to Businesses and Consumers
Press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Washington Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today joined a bipartisan group of their colleagues to urge the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) at the Department of the Treasury to keep in place its 2014 guidance that has enabled some financial institutions to provide banking services for legitimate cannabis businesses in states, like Washington, that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana.
“We urge FinCEN to preserve this guidance to continue to support banking infrastructure and access to financial institutions for businesses that are operating in accordance with state and local law and abiding by 8 other stated factors in your guidance,” the senators wrote. “FinCEN’s stated priorities have allowed such businesses to conduct commerce more safely through financial institutions which reduces the use of all cash, improves public safety, and reduces fraud…. This guidance must remain intact because the risks involved in removing it are too great.”
The Senators’ letter follows Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ attack earlier this month on states’ rights to set their own cannabis laws, as well as the will of the voters who passed these laws. The Sessions decision throws into chaos years of work to create a safer, more stable market, and threatens to drive cannabis sales back underground into the dangerous black market.
In Washington state, 12 financial institutions currently do business with licensed cannabis enterprises, providing them with access to credit and bank accounts. Because the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board no longer permits marijuana businesses to pay their taxes in cash, FinCEN’s guidance has been crucial to the growth of Washington’s marijuana industry, which is projected to contribute $730 million to the state’s revenues over the next two years. ( more on link source)


Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Constitutes ‘Major Achievement of Nuclear Non-Proliferation’, Says Secretary-General on Implementation Anniversary
UN Press release issued 1/ 17/ 18
The Secretary-General welcomes the second anniversary of the achievement of “Implementation Day” under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on 16 January.  This marks another significant milestone in the historic agreement reached by the E3/EU+3 [comprising China, France, Germany, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States] and Iran, and endorsed by the Security Council in its resolution 2231 (2015).

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action constitutes a major achievement of nuclear non-proliferation and diplomacy, and has contributed to regional and international peace and security.  The Secretary-General remains convinced that the Plan of Action is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and to realize the promised tangible economic benefits for the Iranian people.  He notes that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly confirmed that Iran is fulfilling its nuclear-related commitments under the Plan of Action.

The Secretary-General calls for concerns regarding its implementation to be addressed through the mechanisms established by the agreement.  He believes that issues not directly related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action should be addressed without prejudice to preserving the agreement and its accomplishments.

President Trump Returns to Pennsylvania, a Promise Kept
White House press release issued 1/ 18/ 18
Three months ago, President Donald J. Trump spoke before men and women of the American Trucking Associations in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At the time, he had good news to report on the economy, but Congress was still working to send tax reform legislation to his desk.

“We want lower taxes, bigger paychecks, and more jobs for American truckers and for American workers,” the President said to applause. “We need a tax system that is fair to working families and that encourages companies to stay in America, grow in America, spend in America, and hire in America.”

On January 18, 2018, he returns to Pennsylvania—with even better news to share. Less than a month after the Tax Cuts Act became law, nearly 200 companies have issued bonuses, raised their minimum wage, planned investments, or donated to charity as a result of lower taxes.
Some of the country’s largest corporations are sharing the benefits of tax reform with their employees and their communities:

Walmart raised its minimum wage to $11 an hour and issued bonuses up to $1,000.
Fiat Chrysler issued $2,000 bonuses and now plans to build a Ram factory near Detroit, Michigan, with production set to start in 2020.
BB&T raised its minimum wage from $12 to $15 an hour and issued $1,200 bonuses.
Southwest Airlines issued $1,000 bonuses and donated $5 million to charity.
Comcast issued $1,000 bonuses.
Fifth Third Bank raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour and issued $1,000 bonuses.
JetBlue issued $1,000 bonuses.
U.S. Bank raised its minimum wage to $15, issued $1,000 bonuses, and donated $150 million to the U.S. Bank Foundation.
Wells Fargo raised its minimum wage to $15.
See the full list of companies announcing good news, courtesy of Americans for Tax Reform.

In addition to making U.S. businesses more competitive on the global stage by lowering America’s corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act delivers substantial relief for working families through cuts on the individual side. For families with children under 17 years old, the child tax credit was doubled to $2,000. The Obamacare individual mandate—a costly tax that primarily hits lower-income Americans—was repealed, as well.



In other news headlines

 Senators Murray, Cantwell Join Colleagues to Stand Up for Protecting Consumer Bureau’s Independence (pg 2)

 How Should We Rebuild our Infrastructure? The U.S. Chamber Will Offer Up a Plan. (pg 3)

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Nonproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Confidence Building Measures (pg 4)

Federal Reserve Board announces $29 million penalty against U.S. operations of Mega International Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. (pg 5)

News commentary: City focus on long term solutions over bridge safety, while yet another suicide attempt is averted.(pg 6)