Saturday, February 8, 2020

DEMS LOSES ON TWO COUNTS!

Trump is Acquitted of the two articles of impeachment, and the Democrats behavior during the SOTU address.
The following press releases and news articles:




Statement by Representative Kilmer on Today’s Impeachment Votes in the U.S. Senate.

Press release issued 2/ 5/ 20
“I didn’t come to Congress to pursue impeachment. Rather, as the folks I represent know, my focus has been on trying to create more economic opportunity in our region and pushing to have a government that works better - period. Having said that, the very first thing I do as your representative is raise my right hand and swear an oath to uphold the Constitution. That’s an oath I take seriously, and it remains my guiding principle. And it was with that oath in mind that I voted in December in support of articles of impeachment based on evidence brought to light in the course of the impeachment inquiry that showed that the President abused the power of his office and obstructed Congress in its investigation to evaluate that abuse.

Like most Americans, I had hoped that the Senate would hold a fair trial with the opportunity to hear from witnesses. That didn’t happen. But Democrats and Republicans have now acknowledged that President clearly used his office to pressure Ukraine to dig up dirt on his political rivals - and that he withheld military aid to increase the pressure.

I still believe that no one is above the law. Just as reforms were made following Watergate, Congress should look at ways to improve the system so that it is more transparent, more accountable, and more ethical. I will keep pushing to make sure that elected officials work for the public interest - not their own gain.”


Murray Statement on Vote to Convict President Trump

Press release issued 2/ 5/ 20

Murray: “I am now on the record, representing millions of people in my home state of Washington, in saying it is unacceptable for a president, now or ever, to ask a foreign country to interfere in our election for their own benefit”

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement today after voting “guilty” on both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

“I’ve said many times throughout this trial that each senator’s decision to choose fairness or a cover-up, and country or party, is theirs alone to make and live with—and that this isn’t just about this president, it’s about every future president. I am now on the record, representing millions of people in my home state of Washington, in saying it is unacceptable for a president, now or ever, to ask a foreign country to interfere in our election for their own benefit. I want every American to know my strong feeling is that we, the people, elect our presidents, they owe their office to the American people, and Americans must be their priority. I am grateful to every senator who stood up for this fundamental American principle today.”

Commentary Note: Fortunately, their dreams and hopes were dashed with most of the Republican Senate, voting to acquit.


As for the State of the Union:

 2020 State of the Union Address
President Trump delivered his third State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The address occurred on the eve of a Senate vote on a verdict in the president’s impeachment trial. As President Trump gave copies of his speech to Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the speaker extended her hand to shake his, but he turned to face the chamber. President Trump addressed a wide range of issues, including immigration policy, health care, jobs, the economy, and border security. During his speech, he acknowledged several guests in the audience and awarded radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh with a Presidential Medal of Freedom. He later surprised a military wife with the return of her husband who was deployed. As the president concluded his remarks, Vice President Pence and Speaker Pelosi stood, and she picked up her copy of the president’s address and tore the pages in two, dropping the ripped pieces on the table in front of her.---C-SPAN
TEXT of Speech

Remarks by President Trump in State of the Union Address

Related news stories:


Pelosi May Have Violated Fed. Law by Tearing Trump's Speech, Gaetz Calls for DOJ Prosecution---WJ

Pelosi laces into Trump, defends tearing up his State of the Union speech---WP

Pelosi: 'That was not a State of the Union, that was his state of mind'----Washington Times

Nancy Pelosi was classless to rip up Trump's State of the Union speech, but stop freaking out----Washington Examiner

Trump’s State Of The Union Proposed A New, New Deal
In essence, the president told Americans he agrees with Democrats that we need a big, energetic government, but not their kind of big, energetic government.--The Federalist

Trump’s State of the Union Address Affirms Americanism as Nation’s Guiding Ethos---Daily Signal


Trump Thanks Widow, Son of Fallen Soldier; Blames ‘Monster’ Qassem Soleimani---CNSN

Trump Brings Rush Limbaugh to Tears, Awards Him Highest Civilian Honor During SOTU-----WJ






WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:


Slight fall in coronavirus infections ‘nothing to celebrate’, says UN health agency
A slight drop overnight in the number of people infected by the new coronavirus is welcome but “nothing to celebrate”, a top UN health official said on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1056862

Central African Republic: One year after peace deal, a ‘long, steep’ road ahead to ensure child rights protections
A year since the signing of a peace deal between the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and 14 armed groups, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported on Thursday that millions of children across the country remain threatened by violence and a lack of access to food, health care and other basic needs.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1056842

Female Genital Mutilation costs $1.4 billion annually: UN health agency
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) poses serious risks to the health and well-being of women and girls, but it also exacts a crippling economic toll, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1056802

2020: the year for action, to ‘rise up’ and safeguard ocean life
With the ocean in deep crisis, members of civil society and philanthropic organisations are urging governments and corporations to take bold action to safeguard the ocean.  After a two-day preparatory meeting in New York ahead of June’s UN Ocean Conference in Portugal, activists handed over what they termed “A Blue Call to Action” to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1056792

$675 million appeal to stop coronavirus in its tracks, as deaths rise
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) appealed on Wednesday for $675 million to boost international measures to counter the new coronavirus epidemic, as deaths from the outbreak neared 500.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1056772

Refugee resettlement: ‘Tremendous gap’ persists between needs, and spaces on offer.
Although around 1.4 million refugees are estimated to be in urgent need of resettlement worldwide, only 63,696 were resettled through the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) last year - that's only 4.5 per cent  -  due to a continuing shortage of offers of sanctuary from governments across the world. 
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1056742

Africa’s Sahel: Act now before the crisis ‘becomes unmanageable’, urges Grandi
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) is stepping up response in Africa’s Sahel region where escalating violence has forced a rising number of people to flee their homes.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1056782




Bonnie Tyler - It's A Heartache



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Saturday, February 1, 2020

On Third Anniversary of President Trump’s Travel Ban, Senator Murray Calls for a National Commitment to Refugee Resettlement.


Press release issued 1/ 28/ 20

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced a resolution marking the third anniversary of President Trump’s executive order barring travelers, immigrants, and refugees from majority-Muslim countries from entering the United States, and calling on Congress to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to providing a safe haven for refugees fleeing oppression. Three years ago, President Trump issued the first of three executive orders banning refugees, immigrants, and visitors from seven predominantly Muslim countries to the United States. Since then, the Trump Administration has continued to pursue anti-immigrant, anti-refugee policies rooted in religious and nationality-based discrimination, with additional bans looming.

“President Trump’s bigoted travel ban is a hateful and needless policy that flies in the face of America’s promise as a land of opportunity for those seeking a better life,” Senator Murray said. “Over the past three years, the President has pushed an anti-immigrant agenda that Washingtonians and people across the country have repeatedly rejected. Our country has long been a refuge for those fleeing turmoil and persecution, and despite the President’s best efforts I will continue fighting to keep it that way.”

As the global displacement crisis continues to worsen – with more than 25,400,000 refugees worldwide – the resolution directs the United States to commit to resettle a robust number of refugees to meet its share of the global need. The United States has set a record low in refugee admissions goal for fiscal year 2020 of just 18,000 refugees.

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






Following Reports of Additional Washington State Residents Being Tested for Coronavirus, Senators Murray, Cantwell Press Trump Health Secretary for Updates, Call for Continuing Robust, Science-Driven Response.
Press release issued 1/ 28/ 20

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) sent a letter to Secretary Alex Azar at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requesting updates on the Administration’s response to the novel coronavirus outbreak and information on the steps being taken to keep families safe. In the letter, Senators Murray and Cantwell asked the Department to keep them updated with the latest information regarding the severity of the disease, the country’s capacity to diagnose cases, what steps were being taken to prepare U.S. health care workers, what screening systems were in place at U.S. airports, the status of a novel coronavirus vaccine, and more.

The Senators also urged the Department to continue its robust, scientifically-driven response to the outbreak and asked what steps Congress should take to support their efforts to keep families safe.

“We write to express concern about the rapidly evolving 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), to urge your continued robust and scientifically driven response to the situation, and to assess whether any additional resources or action by Congress are needed at this time. A quick and effective response to the 2019-nCoV requires public health officials around the world work together to share reliable information about the disease and insight into steps taken to prevent, diagnose, and treat it appropriately,” Murray and Cantwell wrote.

Despite the Trump Administration regularly calling for cuts to public health programs, Congress recently passed a budget deal that increased funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund, which provides the agency with an immediate source of funding to prevent, prepare for, or respond to an infectious disease emergency either at home or abroad.

As the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, Senator Murray has been closely monitoring the situation and released a statement on Friday following a briefing from Trump Administration officials on the latest developments regarding the recent coronavirus outreach, saying in part, “The safety of U.S. citizens here domestically, as well as in China and other affected countries, is our first priority.”



WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:


Iraq: Solutions needed ‘urgently’ to quell ongoing violence, break political deadlock.
Amidst ongoing anti-government protests, rising casualties and the likelihood of further demonstrations, the top UN official in Iraq on Thursday, urged politicians to break the political deadlock, and “press ahead with substantial reforms”.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056312

A question of trust: the UN political chief working behind the scenes to prevent tomorrow’s wars
When it comes to dealing with armed conflict, the eyes of the world often turn to the UN Security Council and members’ attempts, with varying degrees of success, to resolve or prevent bloodshed.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056282

Youth leaders share positive visions of the future, as Guterres launches UN75 in New York
Six youth leaders from around the world were at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday to share their ambitious visions for a future where international cooperation is prioritized and everyone’s voice is heard.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056252

Coronavirus: First case confirmed in Gulf region, more than 6,000 worldwide.
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the coronavirus outbreak has now spread to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The vast majority of cases continue to be declared in China, with more than 6,000 confirmed, 68 of them outside of the country.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056222

End Syria fighting to avoid ‘even greater humanitarian catastrophe’
The “dire and deteriorating humanitarian situation” affecting women and children in northwest Syria was the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator’s top concern on Wednesday morning as he briefed the Security Council in New York.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056272

Stepped-up efforts needed to combat pneumonia; save nearly nine million children’s lives.
Scaling up pneumonia-related interventions could save the lives of nearly nine million children during the course of the next decade, the United Nations Children’s Fund said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056232

Yemen: Escalation in fighting must stop ‘before it’s too late’, Griffiths tells Security Council.
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen told an emergency session of the Security Council on Tuesday that a recent upsurge in violence between pro-Government and rebel forces following weeks of relative calm, had to end “before it’s too late”.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056192





President Trump Rally in Wildwood, New Jersey


President Trump Holds Rally in Des Moines, Iowa




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Saturday, January 25, 2020

Sen. Patty Murray: We all need to vote today for evidence and fairness, not a sham designed to protect an impeached President from the facts”


Press Release issued 1/ 22/ 20
(Washington, D.C.) – Following the release of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) proposed rules package for the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined her fellow Senate Democratic leaders to decry McConnell’s resolution as a “cover-up” that would not lead to a fair and transparent trial. In remarks delivered during a morning news conference at the U.S. Capitol, Senator Murray emphasized the importance of both the Senate and the public hearing from key witnesses and seeing relevant documents that President Trump has withheld, and castigated Senator McConnell’s proposed resolution for breaking with bipartisan precedent—in particular by holding some of the most important parts of the trial in the dead of night.
See the full text of Senator Murray’s remarks below:

“Thank you very much.
“Last week, my colleagues and I signed our names in the official Senate record affirming our promise to ‘do impartial justice.’
“It was a sobering experience, especially since Senator McConnell has explicitly said he would do the complete opposite.

“He said ‘no’ to impartial justice in spite of the careful and thorough investigation the House conducted…
“In spite of President Trump’s unprecedented stonewalling, which denied Congress access to key material witnesses and documents, directly related to the President’s actions, during the House investigation…
“In spite of the President’s continued refusal to provide any credible defense against the allegations against him, including in the trial brief we saw this weekend…

“And, the Majority Leader’s position has not changed despite new evidence made public in recent days, which lays out a complex web of falsehoods and corruption surrounding the President’s actions in Ukraine.
“And now, as the trial begins, as new evidence comes out, and after each of us has reaffirmed our most solemn responsibilities to our states and our country, it is clear people across the country are watching this carefully, and they are deeply concerned our President may have demanded a foreign government interfere in our next election, to help him in his campaign.

“They want to know all the relevant testimony and evidence is being considered—and the Senate is acting fairly rather than staging a cover-up.
“So I hope Republican senators remember they have a choice.
“I hope they choose to recognize we cannot do our job as senators to ‘do impartial justice’ without key documents and witness testimony that has so far been hidden from the public.
“And I hope they choose to work with Democrats to make sure fairness and honesty in this process—because that is what the people we represent here deserve.

“And I want to make one more point: the President’s actions are on trial—but the U.S. Senate is on trial, too.
“I’ve heard many Republicans say they want a trial modeled after the Clinton impeachment trial.
“But I will remind all of us that at the end of that trial, no one doubted the Senate had acted fairly and honorably.
“That’s the truly critical test before us and this institution, beginning today…

“And to be clear, we will fail that test with a dead-of-night, rushed cover-up resolution like the one Majority Leader McConnell has put forward.
“We all need to remember the oath we took and act in ways that prove the Senate, and all of our democratic institutions, are worthy of the public’s trust now and for generations to come…
“We all need to vote today for evidence and fairness, not a sham designed to protect an impeached President from the facts.
“Thank you.”




Senator Murray: Despite Republican Attacks, Support for Right to Safe, Legal Abortion Stronger Than Ever On Roe v. Wade Anniversary
Press release issued 1/ 22/ 20

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee and the highest ranking woman in the Senate, released a video statement regarding the 47th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, which affirmed the constitutional right to a safe, legal abortion.

“Today we recognize the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a decision that has made women across the country more free to plan their lives and families as they choose. But while Roe has been the law of the land for almost a half century, the fight to defend every woman’s constitutional right to a safe, legal abortion—and to make sure they can actually exercise that right—has never been more urgent… extreme politicians across the country, in the Capitol, and in the White House, are doing everything they can to undermine and overturn the constitutional right to abortion,” said Senator Murray










WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

Top UN court orders Myanmar to protect Rohingya from genocide.
Myanmar must take steps to protect its minority Rohingya population, the top UN court unanimously ruled on Thursday.

UN health emergency committee to re-convene on global threat posed by China coronavirus.
Experts convened in Geneva by the World Health Organization (WHO) will meet again on Thursday to determine whether novel coronavirus is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

UN health agency to gauge global threat, as China confirms coronavirus transmission between humans.
Following an announcement by China’s national health body that a new virus first identified there, can be transmitted from person to person, the World Health Organization (WHO) is to hold a meeting on Wednesday to decide if it should be declared a global health emergency.

Rising inequality affecting more than two-thirds of the globe, but it’s not inevitable: new UN report.
Inequality is growing for more than 70 per cent of the global population, exacerbating the risks of divisions and hampering economic and social development. But the rise is far from inevitable and can be tackled at a national and international level, says a flagship study released by the UN on Tuesday.

‘Negative developments’ undermining two-State solution in Middle East.
Recent heightened tensions in the Middle East underscore the critical need for dialogue and diplomacy in the region, the UN’s Political Affairs chief told the Security Council on Tuesday.

Independent UN rights experts call for ‘immediate investigation’ into alleged Bezos phone hack by Saudi Arabia.
Independent UN rights experts said on Wednesday they were “gravely concerned” over allegations that in 2018, a messaging app account belonging to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia was used to hack into The Washington Post owner’s mobile phone, calling for an “immediate investigation” by authorities in the United States.

UN chief outlines solutions to defeat ‘four horsemen’ threatening our global future.
The start of the New Year finds the world facing four looming threats to human progress: surging geopolitical tensions, the climate crisis, global mistrust and the downsides of technology, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday.

UN Press release:
Speakers Decry Israel’s Unilateral Actions to Legitimize Presence on Occupied Arab Lands, as Security Council Concludes Middle East Debate
Speakers in the Security Council today roundly denounced unilateral moves by Israel to legitimize its presence on occupied Arab lands, with several rejecting such actions — and United States recognition of them — as a blatant trampling of sovereignty and glaring violation of international law.

Outlining Road Map for Change in 2020, Secretary-General Says World Must Unite to Tackle Nuclear Menace, Rising Tensions, Climate Emergency.

Illegal Settlement Growth, Widespread Hopelessness among Youth Eroding Middle East Peace Prospects, Under-Secretary-General Tells Security Council
Negative trends continue to undermine prospects for a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs told the Security Council today, citing a deadlocked political process, illegal settlement expansion and a pervasive hopelessness among young people that peace will ever be achieved.

US MISSION TO THE UN:
Remarks at an Arria-Formula Meeting on Syria Chemical Weapons
The United States categorically objects to Russia’s blatant attempt to use a Security Council meeting to weaken the credibility of the OPCW and its findings on the Douma attack.

Remarks at a UN Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East.
Thank you Mr. President. Thank you Under Secretary DiCarlo, thank you for your briefing. Addressing these issues in a fair manner is not easy, and we appreciate the efforts of you and your team to do so. Thank you as well Assistant Secretary Mueller for your briefing.

Remarks at a Press Availability Following a UN Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East


Phil Collins - Another Day In Paradise (Official Music Video)



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Saturday, January 18, 2020

Kilmer, Jayapal Secure $1.5M Grant to Convert Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry.

Press release issued 1/ 13/ 20

Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) announced that they helped secure a $1,500,000 grant from the Department of Transportation for the Seattle-Bainbridge Island Ferry Service to convert one of its two ferries from diesel to hybrid electric drive. The grant, provided through the America’s Marine Highway Grant Program, will enable one of the two ferries to reduce its emissions by 95%.

“I’m proud that the federal government is stepping up to reduce the carbon footprint of one of the most heavily used routes in the Washington State Ferry system,” said Rep. Kilmer. “Our region is continuing to lead the way in reducing carbon emissions and growing green jobs. Federal investments to make this route - and our public transportation system in general - more green and more clean are winners for our planet and our economy.” 

“Reducing carbon emissions in Washington State is an enormous and urgent task that requires investment and cooperation from the federal government. I could not be more proud of our region and our state for its leadership in making our ferries more sustainable—this federal investment will support and strengthen our commitment to a more green and clean transportation system in Washington,” Rep. Jayapal said.

According to the Washington State Ferries (WSF), the Bainbridge-Seattle route is the system’s most used – with nearly 6.4 million riders utilizing the route in 2018.

WSF has been working with the Department of Commerce and Maritime Blue in its ongoing effort to develop strategies for Washington’s maritime sector to become a global leader in innovation and sustainability. Since 2012, WSF has been exploring the feasibility of converting vessels to hybrid-electric propulsion and has identified vessel conversion as a Maritime Blue demonstration project that could potentially attract support from the private sector.





Senators Murray, Cantwell Slam FDA E-Cigarette Policy Riddled With Loopholes for Kid-Appealing Flavors
Press release issued 1/ 14/ 20


(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn criticizing the FDA’s decision to break the Trump Administration’s promise to clear all non-tobacco flavored e-cigarette products from the market by announcing a weak policy that includes huge exceptions regarding menthol-flavored products and any flavored e-liquids that are not in a cartridge.

“As the newly confirmed FDA Commissioner, you have the opportunity – and the obligation – to take meaningful action to address the ongoing youth vaping crisis. FDA’s recently announced compliance policy fails to prioritize children, families, and the public health ahead of industry objections. We strongly urge you to abandon this policy and instead implement the proposal President Trump and his Administration promised in September,” wrote the Senators.

As youth e-cigarette use has skyrocketed in Washington state and across the country, Senator Murray has been a leader in pushing the Trump Administration for its failures to take strong action to address the crisis, and opposed Commissioner Hahn’s nomination because of his unwillingness to commit to strong tobacco policies. She has also pressed the Administration regarding the epidemic of vaping-related illnesses. Senator Cantwell has also pushed the Trump administration to address the crisis, writing a letter to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission calling for them to enforce the Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2015 and cosponsoring legislation to restrict all flavored e-cigarette products that could be appealing to children.



WORLD NEWS HEADLINES (pt1):



Climate crisis ‘affecting quality of life and fuelling discontent’
The climate crisis, as well as persistently high inequalities, and rising levels of food insecurity and undernourishment, is affecting the quality of life in many societies and fuelling discontent, the UN warned on Thursday, on the publication of the 2020 World Economic Situation Report (WESP).---UN NEWS.

Syrian conflict has ‘erased’ children’s dreams: new UN report
Nearly nine years of conflict in Syria have robbed boys and girls of their childhood and subjected them to “unabated violations of their rights”, including being killed, maimed, displaced, forced to fight or subjected to torture, rape and sexual slavery. 

2019 second hottest year on record, UN confirms
Last year was the second warmest year on record, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed on Wednesday. 

Implementing peace deal only path for stabilization in Mali: UN peacekeeping chief.
implementation of the 2015 peace agreement in Mali provides the only pathway for stabilization there, the head of UN peacekeeping told the Security Council on Wednesday. 

Sudan: Lives of traumatized, displaced women in West Darfur under threat.
Ongoing instability in Sudan’s West Darfur region has left the lives, health and safety of thousands of women hanging in the balance, according to the  United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA. 
Philippines volcano: UN stands ready with support, as thousands told to flee.
The UN is concerned over warnings issued by Philippines’ authorities that volcanic eruptions on the country’s most populous island could last “days, months or even years”. 

UN aviation experts to join Ukraine Airlines Iran crash investigation
Experts from the UN aviation watchdog, ICAO, will support the investigation into the crash of a Ukrainian Passenger plane in Iran on January 8, following an invitation from the Iranian authorities, which was accepted on Tuesday.



Tom Petty - Free Fallin' (Official Music Video)

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

Kilmer, Herrera Beutler Lead Legislation to Improve Federal Fishery Disaster Process, Increase Accountability

Press release issued 1/ 8/ 20
Washington, DC – Yesterday, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) led the introduction of the Fishery Failures: Urgently Needed Disaster Declarations Act (Fishery FUNDD Act), which aims to improve the federal fishery disaster process and ensure more timely disaster relief for impacted communities.

The Fishery FUNDD Act would set a timeline for the federal government to respond to a fishery disaster request and set a timeline for disbursal of appropriated funds following a disaster. It will also clarify the disaster request process, including by allowing direct payments to be made to affected members of fishing communities as an eligible use of relief funds.

“In Washington, our coastal fisheries are an essential part of our local economies. In recent years, multiple disasters on our coasts have wreaked havoc on our fisheries and on the finances of the people who rely on them to make a living,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This bipartisan bill will expand eligibility for disaster funds so charter boat operators, processors, and other fishing related businesses that are impacted can get access to these critical relief and recovery funds. Importantly, because delays can damage communities, this bill will also increase accountability, ensuring that when the federal government commits to helping in the wake of disaster, our tribal, commercial, and recreational fishing communities see these relief and recovery funds on time and in full.”

“When a disaster strikes that causes severe economic hardships on fishing businesses in Pacific County, we need to ensure relief is getting to those who need it as quickly as possible,” said Rep. Herrera Beutler. “When relief is delayed, the costs to citizens’ livelihoods and government only increase. I’m pleased to help offer this bipartisan solution to ensure financial assistance is delivered more quickly to those charter boat businesses and other fishing-dependent entities.”

“Fishing is the way of life for many here on the coast,” said Butch Smith, a third-generation salmon and sturgeon fishing charter captain who serves as the Ilwaco Port Commissioner. “When disaster strikes, like it has in recent years, we need to know that the federal government has our backs. This bill will help ensure that our communities get the recovery and the relief funds they need when the going gets tough – and hold the federal government to its word. I’m glad to see Washington Representatives like Rep. Kilmer and Rep. Herrera Beutler leading the charge to ensure that happens.”

“The failure of a fishing season is devastating to fishermen and their communities, but in recent years, the poor performance of our fishery disaster assistance program has itself become a disaster,” said Noah Oppenheim, executive director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations. “Fishery disasters impact port communities, but they also harm the broader economy and limit Americans' access to domestic seafood. This important bill will enhance our commercial fishing safety net, ensuring that fishery disaster assistance reaches communities in need in months instead of years.”

Under current law, fishing communities can receive federal financial assistance when fish populations decline, during closed seasons, or if other disruptions cause economic losses. However, the current disaster relief process has been slow to respond to requests and has failed to allocate funds to all impacted sectors of the industry. The Fishery FUNDD Act clarifies the process and implements timelines for faster delivery of disaster relief to impacted communities.

Specifically, the bill:

Maintains the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to determine fishery disasters;
Specifies required information for disaster requests, guidelines for evaluation of requests, and required information for spend plans;
Specifies criteria for determinations based on revenue loss and includes consideration of impacts on charter fishing and subsistence uses;
Sets a 120-day timeline for the Secretary to evaluate a request, either upon receipt or immediately after the close of the fishery season, and sets a 90-day timeline for disbursal of appropriated funds after completed spend plans are submitted;
Specifies the eligible uses of fishery disaster relief funds, including direct payments to affected members of the fishing community, habitat restoration and conservation, management improvements, job training, public information campaigns, and preventative measures for future disasters, and would prioritize hiring fishermen displaced by the fishery disaster for this work;
Requires the Department of Commerce to make a request in its annual budget for outstanding, unfunded fishery disasters and requires a GAO report on how fishery managers are preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change, a major factor in recent fishery disasters; and,
Consolidates the legal framework for the federal fishery disaster declaration process under the Magnuson Stevens Act
Authorizes appropriations as necessary, including supplemental appropriations.
Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Rep. Steven Palazzo (MS-04) also serve as original cosponsors of the legislation and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced similar legislation that was approved by the Senate Commerce committee in late 2019. The text of the House legislation, numbered H.R. 5548, can be found here.

For years, Reps. Kilmer and Herrera Beutler have worked persistently with Washington’s U.S. Senators to secure fishery disaster funds in Congress’s spending plans – and did so successfully in February 2018, securing $200 million in supplemental funding to support multiple commercial and tribal fishery disaster declarations in Washington, Alaska and California as part of the government funding plan passed by the Senate and House. The relief funding was intended to support investments that will encourage fishery recovery and job training, among other initiatives.






Inslee statement in response to Washingtonians detained at Canadian border

press release issued 1/ 6/ 10

"The reports out of the border crossing at Blaine are deeply alarming. Washingtonians who happen to be Iranian-American were detained at the Canadian-U.S. border for extended periods of time for no other reason than their ethnicity or country of origin.

"This is wrong and rife with constitutional and moral problems. No one should be treated differently due to where they come from, how they look or what language they speak.

"What Americans endured over the weekend in Blaine is unacceptable. This will not stand in Washington state, and we will continue to push for answers to ensure that it does not happen again. We've learned time and again that we cannot trust the Trump administration.

"Customs and Border Protection denials of these reports are simply not credible. There are multiple firsthand accounts of CBP agents seizing people’s passports while they waited for up to 12 hours for re-entry into the United States. By all accounts, this is detention, regardless of whether the waiting area has bars on the windows. And it is in line with this administration’s never-ending vilification of our immigrant populations.

"We can never forget that Japanese-Americans were detained in Washington state during World War II and their constitutional and civic rights were removed out of fear and hatred. This cannot become a new era of intimidation and division.

"Let’s be clear: this overreach is the direct result of President Trump’s recklessness. Following his indefensible decision to abandon diplomacy and dismantle the nuclear deal, Iran has restarted its previously abandoned nuclear program, and violence threatening Americans has increased. Rather than making us more safe, his unilateral actions increase the risk to Washingtonians at home and abroad.

"I will continue to stand up for the rights and protections of all Washingtonians."









WORLD NEWS HEADLINES


Iran-US attack in Iraq: Guterres pledges ‘active engagement’ in further de-escalation efforts.
In the wake of an Iranian ballistic missile attack on air bases which house US forces in Iraq, the UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday that he would “continue his active engagement” to de-escalate tensions and avert full-scale war.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1054961

‘Unprecedented terrorist violence’ in West Africa, Sahel region
The top UN official in West Africa and the Sahel updated the Security Council on Wednesday, describing an “unprecedented" rise in terrorist violence across the region.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1054981


UN PRESS RELEASE:
Amid Unprecedented Violence, Escalation of Terrorist Attacks in West Africa, United Nations Regional Office Needs Greater Role, Speakers Tell Security Council
The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) has an increasingly important role as the countries in the region seek to counter an unprecedented level of violence, relentless terrorism and other cross-border threats, speakers said today, as the Security Council continued to discuss the Office’s mandate renewal.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sc14069.doc.htm

Ukraine jet crashes in Iran, killing 176: UN chief offers deepest condolences
A Ukrainian airliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran on Wednesday morning, killing all 176 passengers and crew members on board. In a statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ offered his deepest condolences, saying he was “deeply saddened by the crash”.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1055021

Spread of polio still an international public health concern
The spread of polio internationally remains a global public health concern, experts meeting in Geneva have concluded.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1054921

From the US Mission to the UN: Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel.
https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-a-un-security-council-briefing-on-the-un-office-for-west-africa-and-the-sahel/

Security Council Press Statement on Haiti
https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sc14070.doc.htm

UN PRESS RELEASE: Secretary-General, Opening Art Exhibit, Calls for Global Cooperation in Protecting Cultural Heritage from Conflict, Terrorism, Climate Change Threats
https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sgsm19931.doc.htm

US STATE DEPT: Supporting the Venezuelan People.
https://www.state.gov/supporting-the-venezuelan-people/

DOD Statement on Iranian Ballistic Missile Attacks in Iraq
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2052103/dod-statement-on-iranian-ballistic-missile-attacks-in-iraq/




The Doobie Brothers Listen to the Music 


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Saturday, January 4, 2020

THE RELUCTANT HERO Jack Wilson! THE MEDIA IS CONFUSED


Why he won't play along and pat himself on the back.
Could it because of his believe in Christ Jesus?

of course the liberal media was criticizing Wilson for his brave act of saving helpless worshipers that would be killed other wise at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, near Fort Worth, and opened fire, killing two people.
But others didn't make mention that Wilson gave the credit to God rather to him self Quoting an article in the Western Journal, a right wing sided paper.

Quote: “The events at West Freeway Church of Christ put me in a position that I would hope no one would have to be in, but evil exists and I had to take out an active shooter in church.
“I’m thankful to GOD that I have been blessed with the ability and desire to serve him in the role of head of security at the church. I am very sad in the loss of two dear friends and brothers in CHRIST, but evil does exist in this world and I and other members are not going to allow evil to succeed.
“Please pray for all the members and their families in this time. Thank you for your prayers and understanding.”

The fallowing headlines Shows  how the media covered this story form the liberal media, and the conservative side:

The gunman who shot two parishioners at the West Freeway Church of Christ had come earlier looking for food and money, church leaders said.


















Murray Statement on Death of Qasem Soleimani in U.S. Airstrikes

Jan 03 2020
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement on U.S. confirmation that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in U.S. airstrikes.

“I voted against going to war in Iraq because I felt the Administration was asking us to send our brave men and women into harm’s way without clear plans or goals. Today, while I agree wholeheartedly that Qasem Soleimani was an enemy of the United States, I am gravely concerned this President’s escalatory actions jeopardize American servicemembers, allies, and interests and could put us on a path to deeper, sustained engagement—once again without a strategy or clearly defined objectives, and this time without any attempt to seek Congressional approval.

“In decisions of war and safety our country must come first. Regardless of party, members of Congress on both sides of the aisle should now be demanding the President provide his legal justification for this action, commit to coming before Congress in advance of any further escalating steps, and explain how he will manage the consequences of his decision with the goal of protecting Americans, our allies, and our interests.” 




WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
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UNICEF chief hopes 2020 will be 'a year of peace' for Syria’s children.

The United Nations on Wednesday launched the biggest global conversation on the world's future: the UN75 dialogues.  Views and ideas gathered throughout the year will be shared at a high-level event in September to mark the Organization's 75th anniversary.




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Saturday, December 28, 2019

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Calling on the Bureau of Indian Affairs to conduct a much-needed assessment of current safety and sanitation conditions at the sites, in coordination with the affected Columbia River Treaty Tribes; and
Authorizing the Bureau to work on improving sanitation and safety conditions in several key areas such as structural improvements (restrooms, washrooms, and other buildings); safety improvements (wells and infrastructure to address fire concerns, and more); electrical infrastructure to ensure safe electrical hookups; and basic sewer and septic infrastructure.
The legislation is supported by the four Columbia River Treaty tribes— Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe—as well as the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission..






Inslee statement on Lower Snake River Dam Stakeholder Study

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

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

Background and more information on stakeholder and public engagement:

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

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

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

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





WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:
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Ending war only ‘real hope’ for prosperous Afghanistan: UN mission chief
Only by ending the war in Afghanistan can there be “real hope” for a prosperous future for the country, the top UN official there said on Thursday. 

Independent UN rights experts raise alarm over ‘incommunicado detention’ of Chinese scholar
Independent United Nations human rights experts expressed apprehension on Thursday over the “incommunicado detention” of a Uyghur Muslim academic who has reportedly been sentenced to death. 
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1054311

Violent attack in Burkina Faso leaves dozens of women dead, draws censure of UN chief
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has “strongly" condemned an attack carried out yesterday by unidentified gunmen in northern Burkina Faso.

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

FIRST PERSON: Community helping to heal New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana. 
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Saturday, December 21, 2019

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



Press release issued 12/ 16/ 19
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), today Washington state’s Democratic congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA, 8th), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th) applauded the announcement of the forthcoming signing of the full funding grant agreement (FFGA) for the Federal Way light rail extension, following months of pressure urging U. S. Department of Transportation officials to follow Congressional direction and approve the grant. Once signed, the final agreement cements a more than $1.4 billion commitment from the federal government to help fund the Federal Way link extension project, including a $790 million grant awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program, and a $629.47 million direct loan also approved through the Department’s Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. According to Sound Transit, the company is ready to proceed with construction once the FFGA and TIFIA loan are signed and executed. Officials from Sound Transit have indicated the loan will be signed this week and the agreement will be signed in mid-January.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

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

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

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






Rep. Kilmer Statement on Support for Articles of Impeachment.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
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UN health agency reports 60 per cent drop in cholera in 2018
International action to drive down cholera led to a 60 per cent decrease in cases in 2018, compared with the previous year, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday. 

UN health agency signals tobacco might be reaching burn-out among men
Two decades of increasing tobacco use around the world are set to go into reverse, UN health experts have predicted, after revealing data indicating that fewer men and boys are smoking than before.

Low cost breast cancer medicine move good news for women: UN health agency
More women could soon have access to an affordable version of an expensive life-saving breast cancer treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday. 

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

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




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

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

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Saturday, December 14, 2019

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


In bipartisan letter to congressional leaders, mayors push for passage of legislation that would build 550,000 new units nationwide in the next decade; Mayors representing 8 of 10 most populous U.S. cities, communities in 19 states sign letter
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter sent today, a bipartisan group of 45 mayors representing communities in 19 states throughout the country and the District of Columbia urged congressional leaders to include affordable housing legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01) in any tax package considered by Congress before the end of the year. The list includes mayors representing 8 of the 10 most populous cities, and 14 of the top 25, in the United States.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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







Cantwell Introduces Legislation to Provide Technical Assistance for Trade Enforcement Programs

Technical assistance, capacity building programs help grow international trade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
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‘Embrace the transformation’ to a carbon-neutral world by 2050, UN chief tells COP25
With millions of workers increasingly affected by the climate crisis the route to securing livelihoods in the future lies in a wholesale transformation of how we power the planet and manage our resources, the UN chief said on Thursday, at a COP25 climate action event focused on greener jobs.

South Sudan famine threat: UN food security agency in ‘race against time’
The World Food Programme (WFP) is warning against potential famine in South Sudan as hunger deepens due to drought, floods and an uncertain political future. 

Universal Health Coverage will ‘drive progress’ on 2030 Development Agenda
Last September world leaders at the United Nations endorsed an ambitious political declaration on universal health coverage, “reaffirming that health is a human right”, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday in his message for International Universal Health Coverage Day.

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

COP25: Support business efforts to tackle climate change, urges Guterres.
The UN Secretary-General has called on business and civil society leaders to press Governments into articulating policies that support private sector efforts to address climate change. 

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