Kilmer Seeking Veteran for Fellowship in Washington, DC Office

Press release issued 1/ 9/ 18
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06) is seeking a wounded warrior or medically retired veteran for a fellowship position in his Washington, DC office.
The fellow will manage a policy portfolio, work with the military and veteran constituents to handle veterans-related casework, and act as a facilitator between constituents and government agencies at the federal, state and local level.
“Veterans bring a unique and valuable perspective to the workplace,” Rep. Kilmer said. “Working on legislation and advocating for veterans and military families who ask for assistance from my office is a great way to continue serving the country.” 
The fellowship is funded through the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, which was established by the House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities for wounded or disabled veterans within congressional offices.
The program is limited to veterans who meet all of the following requirements: Honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last five years, terminal pay grades at or below E-5 or O-3, 20% or greater service connected disabilities (waived if you have a Purple Heart). Veterans who are in receipt of a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible for the program.

During Senate health committee hearing, Senator Murray shared stories from Washington state underlining grave impact of opioid misuse on individuals, families & communities 

Press release issued 1/ 9/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, examined the impact of the opioid addiction in Washington state and the government’s role in the fight against the opioid epidemic during a committee hearing to discuss how the opioid crisis evolved and the urgent need to respond with additional funding and services. During the hearing, Senator Murray heard testimony from Sam Quinones, author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic,” and emphasized the broad impact of the opioid epidemic, sharing stories from her visits with patients, medical providers, and law enforcement officials throughout Washington state about how opioid misuse affects families and communities. Senator Murray also criticized the Trump Administration for failing to live up to its promises of serious action to address opioid addiction.

As part of her on-going commitment to help prevent opioid misuse and end the opioid epidemic in Washington state and across the nation, Senator Murray previously led bipartisan efforts to pass the 21st Century Cures Act and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) which provide federal investments to help combat opioid misuse and addiction. Through her leadership on the Senate health committee, Senator Murray will convene additional hearings on the opioid crisis, including a hearing to learn more about how families are impacted by the epidemic. (cont. on page 2 are her remarks)

 Senators Murray, Cantwell Shred Trump Administration’s Expansion of Offshore Oil Drilling

Press release issued 1/ 9/ 18
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sharply criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to ignore years of public input and fact-finding and instead reopen offshore oil and gas drilling leases three years ahead of schedule, putting vast stretches of Washington state’s coastline and coastlines along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts and in the Arctic at risk. In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the Senators urged the Department to reverse its decision to expand offshore oil and gas drilling and maintain current regulations protecting the country’s continental waters.

“This draft proposal is an ill-advised effort to circumvent public and scientific input, and we object to sacrificing public trust, community safety, and economic security for the interests of the oil industry,” wrote Senators Murray and Cantwell. “We urge you to abandon this effort and maintain the protections outlined in the current 2017-2022 plan.”

In the letter, the Senators highlighted overwhelming public concern and outright opposition to new leases, including states, cities, businesses, and members of the fishing community.

“The governors of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Oregon, Washington, and the Attorney General of Rhode Island all are formally opposed to new leasing off their respective shores,” the Senators continued. “Additionally, more than 150 municipalities on the East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf of Mexico have passed resolutions opposing offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration. The New England, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the Department of Defense, Air Force, and NASA have all weighed in expressing serious concerns or opposition to offshore exploration and drilling. More than 41,000 businesses and 500,000 fishing families have also expressed opposition to drilling in their communities.”

The Trump Administration’s decision to push a rewrite of the existing 2017-2022 offshore drilling plan has wasted valuable taxpayer resources and ignored extensive community input that went into the original plan. In Washington state and many locations across the country, public input urged strong protections against drilling, as coastal communities that rely on commercial fishing and tourism for their economies feared the impacts that drilling and the potential of spills could have on their ecosystems, businesses and jobs. Last January, Senators Murray and Cantwell introduced legislation to permanently prohibit offshore oil and gas drilling on the outer continental shelf off of Washington, Oregon, and California. ( the letter sent can be seen on page 2)

Cantwell, Markey Announce Net Neutrality Resolution Reaches 40-Vote Milestone in the Senate

Press release issued 1/ 9/ 18
Washington, D.C.  – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) continued her push to protect the open internet and restore the 2015 net neutrality rules. Today, Senator Cantwell, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) – among others – announced that 40 senators have signed on to co-sponsor a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval that overturns the anti-consumer regulations passed in December by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai and supported by Donald Trump to end net neutrality.

At a press conference, Democrats made clear they will “force a vote” on the resolution to restore the 2015 Open Internet Order.  Thirty members are needed to send the CRA to the floor for a vote and a simple majority is needed for its passage. The measure will be formally introduced after the FCC regulation has been published in the Federal Register.

“Over the last several years, the biggest job growth that we have seen in America has come from internet businesses. We are seeing an attack on that internet economy by FCC rolling back this open internet rule,” said Senator Cantwell. “We cannot allow the FCC to put a chokehold on the internet by allowing big corporations to artificially charge consumers more. The open internet rule was here for a reason. It was to protect a level playing field and to make sure no one artificially created opportunity and access by controlling the internet.”
“Last month, the FCC turned a deaf ear to millions of Americans standing up for a free and open internet and instead gutted net neutrality,” said Markey. “The anti-consumer regulations passed by the Trump administration takes away a fundamental right that ensures the internet is a diverse, dynamic and open to everyone. We can force a vote to restore net neutrality and level the playing field away from the big corporations. There will be a political price to pay for those on the wrong side of history. Momentum is on our side.”
Last month, the 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. A recent poll showed that 83 percent of Americans do not approve of the FCC action to repeal net neutrality rules.

Speakers Concerned About Violent Protests over Delayed Presidential Election as Security Council Discusses Situation in Democratic Republic of the Congo

UN press release issued 1/ 9/ 18

Discussing the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today, Security Council members expressed their concern about the recent protests in the country over the delays in holding presidential elections, as well as violence last December that left 15 United Nations peacekeepers dead and many others wounded.

Presenting the report of the Secretary‑General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (document S/2018/16), Jean‑Pierre Lacroix, Under‑Secretary‑General for Peacekeeping Operations, said that the Comprehensive and Inclusive Political Agreement signed last December had given the Council great hope, but one year later its implementation was still incomplete.  In addition, violent demonstrations showed that the situation in the country remained fragile.

On a more positive note, preparations for the upcoming elections were advancing despite continued political tensions, he said.  The electoral calendar had been published, the amended electoral law had been promulgated by the President, and the voter registration process was near completion.  To support those efforts, MONUSCO had enhanced its support to the political and electoral processes and continued to provide logistical and technical support to the Electoral Commission for voter registration and other electoral activities.

The Secretary‑General had appointed former Assistant Secretary‑General Dmitry Titov to lead a special investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident in North Kivu that resulted in the deaths of 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers and the wounding of 44 others, said Mr. Lacroix, noting that it was the latest in a string of deadly attacks perpetrated by suspected Allied Democratic Forces.

The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo emphasized that the focus of all political actors had been on the electoral process and the efforts to revise the electoral register.  The country’s President had underscored in a public address that the authorities were determined to hold elections.  He cautioned, however, that fringe groups of the opposition were not ready to take part in them.

Referring to the holding of public demonstrations, he said that they were regulated by legislation that required the submission of a request to authorities to ensure order and protect demonstrators.  The organizers of the 31 December demonstrations did not comply with those requirements, he said.  The Congolese national police had not recorded any deaths in places of worship that were associated with those demonstrations, and the only recorded violent deaths on that date had nothing to do with the protests.

Sweden’s representative noted that the Democratic Republic of the Congo faced surging humanitarian needs, and that the lack of resilience among the population had made it vulnerable to conflict.  There were more people forced to flee their homes in that country in 2017 than in any other country in the world, he said.

The representative of Bolivia said that the threat of armed groups had led to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which had resulted in the internal displacement of 4 million people.  On the upcoming elections, he welcomed the publication of the electoral calendar and underscored the importance of holding timely, credible voting that resulted in the peaceful transfer of power.
Also highlighting the need for credible elections in the country, the representative of Côte d’Ivoire said that it was up to all stakeholders to do their utmost to ensure that the 23 December 2018 election date was respected.  The parties involved should also work towards the establishment of conditions that were conducive to the holding of democratic and peaceful voting, he said.
Delegates also denounced the incident in North Kivu, with the representative of Kuwait condemning the repeated attacks against MONUSCO, including the armed attack of 7 December 2017.  He called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
The representative of the Netherlands noted that her delegation approved of the establishment of an inquiry to investigate the attack in order to determine how MONUSCO should be reformed to ensure its ability to protect civilians.  The suffering of the Congolese people had reached unimaginable levels, she said, pointing out that the country’s famine was man‑made, and that 7.7 million people faced severe food shortages.

Port Angeles City Mayor: " It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Mayor of our beautiful City."

After emailing out new city mayor, Sissi Bruch, she emailed the following statement on being selected as City Mayor:
" It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Mayor of our beautiful City.  We have a new council filled with much energy and drive and I am looking forward to working with them.  For me, my main priority is updating our comprehensive plan, as that leads us into the future.  I'm proud of our previous council that took action on difficult decisions, while ensuring that our children are not saddled with the burden.  I'm looking to our new council to help plan and set our future vision. 
Port Angeles is a community that welcomes and celebrates diversity.  As proof of this, for the first time, an immigrant Latina woman with Native South American heritage is leading our City.  I believe this is also the first time that Port Angeles will be represented by two women. 
I am grateful to the citizens for this great opportunity and welcome all feedback and suggestions on how to continue to grow and improve our City."

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Work session agenda item highlight
Letter to Charlie Wright, Bloedel Timberlands Development Inc., requesting his support to begin the process of negotiations with Bloedel Timberlands for a 1.5 acre strip of property in the City of Forks (1c)
(see full agenda)

Regular County Commission meeting agenda highlights
Resolution calling for a hearing to be held at 10:30 a.m., January 30, for consideration of the following Debatable Emergency: 
Clerk – Transfer of funds from the 2017 budget to the 2018 budget for the purchase of 11 bar code printers for the new statewide software system Odyssey/$6,551

Letter to the Washington State Legislature in support of the William Shore Pool District’s request for funding

Resolution establishing right of way acquisition procedures and appointing staff personnel responsible for the various elements of the acquisition process and authorize the Chair to sign the Clallam County Right of Way Procedures and Waiver of Appraisal Procedure form
(see full agenda)

(see more local & regional meetings on page 2)



Table of Context other leading stories:

Kilmer Statement on Exclusion of Florida in President’s Offshore Drilling Plan pg 2

Commission to receive briefing on proposed plan for Puget Sound chinook salmon (pg3)

U.S. Chamber Hopes for Progress on NAFTA, Infrastructure, Immigration (pg 4)

Secretary Zinke Creates New Council for Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation (pg 5)

Commentary: Closing fish farming makes as much sense as thinking food in the grocery store comes from the sky. (pg 6)

Statement from Inslee regarding reports that USDOJ will rescind Cole Memo

Press release issued 1/ 4/ 18 (link source)

Gov. Jay Inslee issued the following statement today upon news that the U.S. Department of Justice would announce its decision to rescind the Cole Memorandum that has allowed Washington and other states to implement common-sense marijuana laws:
“If news reports are accurate, today’s forthcoming announcement from Attorney General Sessions is the wrong direction for our state. It is also disrespects Washington voters who have chosen a different path for our state. I am especially frustrated that this announcement comes after Sessions has refused offers from Attorney General Ferguson and myself to meet with him to discuss these policies in person, after he has disregarded the input that we and other state leaders have provided to his department.
“In Washington state we have put in place a system in place that adheres to what we pledged to the people of Washington and the federal government; it’s well regulated, keeps criminal elements out, keeps pot out of the hands of kids and tracks it all carefully enough to clamp down on cross-border leakage. We are going to keep doing that and overseeing the well-regulated market that Washington voters approved.
“Make no mistake: As we have told the Department of Justice ever since I-502 was passed in 2012, we will vigorously defend our state’s laws against undue federal infringement.”
Last year Inslee and Ferguson wrote to Attorney General Sessions urging him to respect Washington state’s marijuana laws, and offering to meet with him to discuss federal treatment of marijuana laws. Inslee also joined with the governors of Alaska, Colorado in Oregon in sending another letter to Sessions and U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin telling them to retain the Cole Memo and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) guidance that respects state marijuana systems.

 Kilmer Statement on Reports That Justice Department Will Rescind Cole Memo

Press release issued 1/ 4/ 18 (link source)

TACOMA, Wash. – Today, following news reports that the United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions plans to direct the US Department of Justice to rescind the Cole Memorandum, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) issued the following statement:

“This action by Attorney General Sessions would silence the voices of the majority of Washington state’s voters. No matter how you feel about the legalization of marijuana, this decision by the federal government to meddle in a state issue settled by public referendum is particularly troubling and would create tremendous uncertainty.  It’s the wrong decision and is in direct conflict with the Attorney General’s long career of advocating for more autonomy for state and local governments.”

Senator Murray Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions Ending Common Sense Approach to Legalized Marijuana 

Press release issued 1/ 4/ 18 (link source)
Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he rescinded the Cole Memorandum, an Obama Administration directive that allowed states such as Washington to decide how to regulate the use of marijuana.

“Today’s announcement is just the latest example of President Trump and members of his Administration breaking their promises and trying to jam through an ideological agenda that would be deeply damaging to people in Washington state and across the country.

“When it comes to the legal, adult use of marijuana, the voters in my home state of Washington, and in many other states, have spoken clearly. In the years since, Washington state has created a well-regulated system that works for families and communities, and I have supported policies at the federal level that provide clarity, stability, and security for consumers, regulators, business owners, banks, and credit unions. This latest move from the Trump Administration and Attorney General Sessions only makes our work to provide clarity at the federal level that much more urgent, and I intend to keep fighting to make sure Washington state is able to continue carrying out the will of its voters.”

 New year brings new opportunities for inmates released in Seattle

Sec. of State press release issued 1/2/ 18 (link source)
OLYMPIA – A new partnership between the Washington State Library (WSL) and The Seattle Public Library (SPL) grants inmates a library card before they’re released to the Seattle area. Now, the first inmates to take advantage of this opportunity – two men soon to be released from the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton – won’t face the stigma of announcing at the library counter that they’re in need of post-incarceration resources.
This groundbreaking arrangement has multiple positive outcomes,” said State Librarian Cindy Aden. “Inmates with easier access to resources have a lower risk of returning to the lifestyle that got them locked up in the first place, giving them a better chance at successful reintegration while also keeping our communities safer.”
Under the terms of the agreement, inmates being released to Seattle from state correctional institutions can get a card from SPL before they even leave prison. WSL already provides classes and workshops to inmates prior to their release. A similar partnership has also recently been formed between the State Library and The Spokane Public Library.
The first statewide recipient of a library card under these partnerships was an inmate released from the Washington Corrections Center for Women to Spokane in December. The State Library, a division of the Office of Secretary of State, operates the institutional libraries found in state correctional facilities and hospitals.
Washington’s Office of Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, regulating corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office also manages the State Archives as well as documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington.

Senator Murray Statement on Trump Administration’s Efforts to Expand Offshore Oil Drilling in U.S. Coastal Waters

Press release issued 1/ 4/ 18 (link source)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced plans to draft and implement new oil and gas leasing guidelines that would expand access to offshore drilling in nearly all of the United States’ continental waters, including coastal waters in Washington state.

“The Trump Administration’s effort to open up areas off the Washington coast and elsewhere to drilling is outrageous and wrong, and once again demonstrates exactly what this Administration stands for: Big Oil and the relentless pursuit of profit, no matter what it may mean for our environment, public health, economy, or the many, many people who want their pristine coasts preserved. The Trump Administration’s move is especially egregious given the years of fact-finding and public input that already established the need to protect ecologically-sensitive areas. I urge people across this country to make their voices heard—again—to make sure this Administration backs down from this short-sighted proposal.”

One year ago, Sen. Murray introduced legislation to permanently prohibit offshore drilling on the outer continental shelf off of Washington, Oregon, and California. 

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS HIGHLIGHTS

Clallam County Work Session agenda
1) Letter to the Washington State Legislature in support of the William Shore Pool District’s request for funding
The Board of Clallam County Commissioners is writing this letter in strong support of the William Shore Pool District's.request for funding through the Washington State Legislature for the upcomíng expansion of the William Shore Pool. While this project will increase capacity of the facility it will also spur community revitalization and economic investment in a key district that has been identified by the city.

2) Letter to Washington State Health Care Authority providing notification of the County’s intent to continue operation of county-based Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization 

3) Discussion to learn about the Washington State, Clallam County, and Serenity House commitments to "Housing First" and the impact on the County Housing Crises Response system
(see full work session agenda)

Regular County Commission meeting agenda highlights

1) Contract with the Economic Development Corporation to promote and enhance economic development and employment opportunities for $60,000
2) EXECUTIVE SESSION - 1 p.m.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested an Executive Session with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, the Director of Community Development, the Director of Human Resources/Risk Department, outside legal counsel and the WCRP Claims Manager. 

The purpose of this session is to discuss with the BoCC the federal lawsuit filed on December 21, 2017 by Judy Lee against Clallam County and Director Winborn under cause #3:17-cv-06065.  Underlying the lawsuit is an application for a 32,000+ square feet structure proposed by applicant Judy Lee.  Lee asserts her application is for a bed and breakfast within a single family residence while the County has determined the application is for a hotel.  Parallel to the lawsuit, the consolidated hearing before the Hearing Examiner regarding the land use and building code issues is now scheduled to occur on Thursday, February 15, 2018. 

Discussing such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency.  RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session for the above-described purposes, specifically actual litigation against the County. 

3) Federal grant application for Services for Victims and Survivors (VOCA) to help Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program meet national standard requirements
(see full agenda)

PORT OF PORT ANGELES AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
WASHINGTON SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER “WSBDC” FUNDING REQUEST
The Washington Small Business Development Center (“WSBDC”) is a government program created in 1980 by the U.S. Small Business Act.
The WSBDC is governed through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of SBDCs, and is hosted and administered in the State of Washington by Washington State University.
The WSBDC’s purpose is to provide confidential, in-depth one-on-one guidance at no cost to businesses in the private sector, to stipulate well-informed business owners that start, grow and/or transform their businesses and enhance local and regional economic development.
In 2015, WSBDC relocated its regional office to Port Angeles to better serve the North Olympic Peninsula and the Port provided space in the Port’s Admin office building. In light of WSBDC’s stated purpose and goals and the positive impact of WSBDC on economic development within the local economy, the Commission approved “in-kind” rent in exchange for services from WSBDC.
The lease with WSBDC has been in place since July 2015 and expires December 31, 2017. The lease has a one-year term and has two remaining one-year renewal provision at the option of the Port.
The lease covers 566 sq. ft. of office space and is currently valued at $579 per month; this amount will be adjusted by CPI on January 1st of each year. The WSBDC pays the Port for electricity/water & sewer. WSBDC directly pays providers for phone and internet connections.
The Executive Director has the authority to approve the lease renewal because the lease renewal terms were contemplated in the original lease and the “in-kind” waived rent and $23,000 in cash services were included in the 2018 budget.
Commission has expressed support for continued funding of the WSBDC for services in addition to inkind rent On January 4, 2018 the Executive Director and Real Estate Manager met with Kevin Hoult to discuss further opportunities for business development and interagency development and ways to further improve upon the services provided.
(See full agenda)

( more meetings and highlights can be found on page 3)

 Other headlines...
Page 2: Cantwell Statement on Department of Justice Rollback of Cole Memorandum

Page 3:  U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia and Thailand

page 4: Promises Made, Promises Kept: Interior Releases Comprehensive List of Accomplishments under President Trump & Secretary Zinke

page 5: NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission Locates Elusive Electron Act

page 6: Commentary; THE DOJ's Strong hand tactics Causes more harm than good.

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

From the Publisher

It's that time of year when I go seeking donations to this publication.
As you know the content of this paper is free, you can access it anytime. I don't sell advertising space, but willing to promote worthy causes free of charge. BUT! As always I am grateful for any donations. So if you can swing $25.00 or more my way I would appreciate it very much.  As an incentive,  if donations reach a certain threshold  the Globe will  donate 15%  to a local charity in Port Angeles Wa. So if it reaches $500 or more 15% will be donated, to the local Hospice.
I have a paypal account to handle such transactions. See link
If you been enjoying the Port Angeles Globe show it by donating today. Thanks!
Peter Ripley





DONATIONS THUS FAR COLLECTED:
$47.00

We didn't reach our goal this year. BUT you can still make donations to this paper anytime, as well as donating to the Clallam County Hospice anytime.

WEEKLY EDITION

Kilmer, Reichert Call on Defense Secretary Mattis to Immediately Implement Inspector General’s Recommendations to Comply with FBI Background Check Reporting Requirements

Press release issued 12/ 27/ 17

WASHINGTON, DC – Following the report earlier this month from the Department of Defense’s Inspector General showing that the Military Services did not consistently submit convicted offenders’ fingerprint cards and final disposition reports to the FBI’s Next Generation Identification Database, Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) issued a letter asking Secretary of Defense James Mattis to immediately implement the OIG’s recommendations to prevent future reporting lapses. The bipartisan pair also requested an outline of the DOD’s plan to correct previous reporting errors.

The OIG found that the military’s failure to report convictions and to deliver fingerprints to the FBI was systemic. The OIG has conducted regular investigations identifying this issue since 1997. This most recent report found 601 of the 2502 fingerprint cards that the DOD was required to report on to the FBI were not submitted as required. That amounts to 24 percent. One of the unreported cases was the Air Force’s court-martialing of Devin P. Kelley who was convicted on two counts equivalent to felonies in the civil system stemming from a domestic violence incident. Had the Air Force properly reported the conviction, Devin Kelley would have failed an FBI background check, possibly preventing him from purchasing the guns and body armor he used to murder churchgoers at the First Baptist Church in Southerland Springs, Texas in one of the nation’s deadliest mass shootings in history earlier this year.

“The Texas mass-shooting, like too many other acts of gun violence, was preventable, but the government failed to do the simple paperwork required to keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said, “Everyone I have talked to in our community wants to see guns kept out of the hands of dangerous convicted criminals. Background checks are useless if the databases designed to prevent convicted violent criminals from getting guns aren’t up to date. Secretary Mattis shouldn’t waste another second to implement the Inspector General’s recommendations which could prevent future tragedies.”

Rep. Reichert said: “As a former Sheriff and law enforcement officer for 33 years, I know how important it is to keep guns out of the hands of those who seek to do harm. It is why we should do all we can to make sure our federal background check system is strong and effective, including ensuring relevant information is in the system. I am proud to join with Rep. Kilmer to urge the Department of Defense to quickly improve their background check reporting practices and to request specific information on how they plan to ensure no individual slips through the cracks.”

The DOD OIG made several specific recommendations to address these deficiencies. For example, the OIG recommended that the Secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force ensure that all fingerprint cards and final disposition reports be promptly reported to the FBI. More broadly, the OIG recommended that the Secretaries of each of the military’s branches, as well as the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, and the Deputy Chief Management Officer immediately perform a comprehensive review of their criminal investigative databases and files to ensure all required fingerprint cards and final disposition reports for qualifying offenses at least to 1998 have been submitted to the FBI in compliance with the DOD and FBI requirements.
Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of US Senators also called on the DOD to implement the Inspector General’s recommendations. According to Politico, US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said, "The thing that is infuriating is this shooter, it was illegal for this shooter to have a firearm. The reason he had a firearm is the federal government screwed up."
In addition to complying with federal background check reporting requirements, Reps. Kilmer and Reichert supported a bill Rep. Kilmer co-introduced called the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act, which would increase the mental health care options available to veterans with an “other than honorable” discharge. Last month, the House of Representatives passed the legislation. Under current law, service members separated from the military with an “other than honorable discharge” are not allowed to seek care at VA facilities, which bars many veterans in need of mental health care from receiving it.

Burn ban begins Jan. 1 in Eastern Washington

DOE press release issued 12/ 28/ 17 (link source)
Stage 1 burn ban in Asotin, Ferry, Pend Oreille, Okanogan and Stevens counties
SPOKANE – Cold, stagnant weather forecasted for early next week is expected to create poor air quality conditions in Eastern Washington. In an effort to prevent unhealthy air quality, the Washington Department of Ecology is limiting indoor and outdoor burning in Asotin, Ferry, Pend Oreille, Okanogan and Stevens counties.

 A Stage 1 burn ban begins at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, and will continue until further notice.
 Current air quality monitors show elevated levels of air pollution, and the levels are expected to increase further because of weather conditions. This puts communities at risk because fine particles from wood smoke can easily get into people’s lungs and cause heart and breathing problems.
Under a Stage 1 ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including residential, agricultural and forest burning. Use of uncertified wood stoves, fireplaces, inserts, and other uncertified wood-burning devices is prohibited unless they are a home’s only adequate source of heat. Certified wood stoves, pellet stoves and other certified wood-burning devices are allowed.
Call 866-211-6284 if you think someone is illegally burning or you are impacted by smoke.
Up-to-date burn ban information is available at www.waburnbans.net.

Clallam County Discussion regarding Economic Development Corporation contract.

During their first work session of the year the County Commission will discuss the EDC contract. During the December 18 work session there was discussion regarding Economic Development funding. It was decided that more discussion should take place during the next work session in January. Attached is a draft contract for 2018 to continue the discussion on what changes should be made, if any, and direction on how to proceed.

Other items on the work session include

• Requests for qualifications and letters of interest from architecture and engineering firms for 2018 professional services

• Agreement with the Olympic Visitor Bureau for promotion of year-round tourism for $490,000

(See full agenda)

The County to consider Proposed changes to Clallam County Admin Policy 455 - Property Control

During their first regular session:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clallam County Board of Commíssioners will conduct a public hearÍng on Tuesday, January 2,2018, at 10:30 am., or ãs soon thereafter as possible in the
Commissioners'Meetíng Room of the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 East 4h itreet, Room 16e port Angeles, WashÍngton. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider amendments to policy {55, the text of which is being published in summary and in compliãnce with RCW 65,16.160 and Clallam County.

Other items on the regular session include:

• Contract with Peninsula Behavioral Health for dedicated tax funds for mental health counseling services to persons with developmental disabilities

• Agreement with The United States Department of the Interior National Park Service, Olympic National Park to grow locally sourced native plants at the Matt Albright Nursery

(see full agenda)

 (More news on page 2)




HAPPY NEW YEAR READERS!

I hope you'll enjoy this weekly edition of the Port Angeles Globe.
World and national news, along with commentary, and comics are on page 6. See side panel menu.
I hope we all can find true peace and brotherhood of all mankind this coming year. Let's work toward that goal.

Turning into a weekly edition Saturday

From the publisher.
Peter Ripley

Readers, I've decided to try and do a weekly edition starting on Saturday. I've been battling a health issued for sometime, which seems to drain me of me enthusiasm, and energy. This is due to having the shingles a few years ago, and apparently still feeling the pain and stiffness in one of my legs, and the place where it was which was on my back side! So you can safely say now I'm pain in the backside! I use a wheelchair, so I can't sit up in my chair for long hours like I use to. Nevertheless, besides my health issues I'm battling, the material I use are press releases and so on, from some localized sources, however they don't always update their pages on a daily basis. They usually update in midweek, if at all. Since this publication is local the first few stories or more local, and state headlines. Some complain I don't do much stories about Port Angeles other than the meeting agenda highlights, true, but I do the best I can given the information I can gleam from various sites. So the most you are going to get is from our congressional delegation, and state government sources. The Globe is more than a local publication, we have readers from around the world and nation, so of course world and national news will be paramount at times.   I hope you'll still enjoy this publication. It's my dream to continue to provide you an alternative news source, regardless the lack of local stories other than the governmental meeting highlights, and at times some commentary along with those stories
All the best
Peter Ripley

Senator Murray on DREAM Act: “We will get this done. We have to get this done.”

Press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) strongly urged her Republican colleagues to finally pass the DREAM Act and uphold Congress’ promise to find a permanent solution for hundreds of thousands of young people enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA. President Trump and Attorney General Sessions rescinded the program last September, impacting an estimated 800,000 young men and women, including nearly 17,000 in Washington state. In her speech, Senator Murray shared stories from young Washingtonians enrolled in DACA, underscoring the fear and confusion President Trump’s reckless decision has posed on their lives, families, and futures, and stressed the urgent need to pass the DREAM Act to alleviate their uncertainty. Senator Murray also highlighted the moral and economic costs of not honoring the commitment made to young people who signed up for DACA, and underlined the immeasurable value recipients of DACA contribute to their communities in Washington state and nationwide.

Excerpts from Senator Murray’s floor speech:

From health care to tax reform, there’s no doubt that some days it feels impossible to get the majority of Republicans on-board with policies that truly help the families we represent. But there is one thing that unites not only a large, bipartisan contingent in Congress, but also the vast majority of the American people. And that is finding a path forward for the estimated 800,000 young men and women whose lives are right now in limbo. Eight hundred thousand people—including nearly 17,000 men and women, boys and girls, from my home state of Washington who shared their information, paid a large fee, and upheld their end of the bargain, only to have President Trump rip the rug out from under them three months ago when he and Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of the DACA program.

This Congress may not be able to change the Trump Administration’s hateful rhetoric or short-sighted policies overnight, but we can and should pass the DREAM Act as soon as possible. And that’s why we need more members of Congress—on both sides of the aisle—ready to roll up their sleeves and get this done. Because every single day Republican leaders refuse to bring the DREAM Act to the floor to a vote, another 122 young people lose their DACA status, lose their ability to work legally, and lose their protection from deportation. That means 122 of our neighbors, students, coworkers and friends could be forced from the only country they know, despite the promise the federal government made to them when they signed up for DACA, and despite their immeasurable contributions to our schools and hospitals, our universities and stores, our farms and churches, our offices and so much more.

Stop letting so many promising young men and women fall off the rolls of this program each and every day. Stop kicking this can down the road, and come together to do what’s right for these young people. Ending the DACA program is not what our country is all about. It doesn’t do anything to fix our broken immigration system, prepare for the future or grow our economy. Ending DACA won’t heal the divisions we’ve seen in our communities, or make them any easier to fix.  And ending the DACA program certainly doesn’t reflect a country of opportunity or promise—something the U.S. has always aspired to be.
I urge my colleagues here in the Senate and over in the House: think about the communities you represent.  Think about the young men and women who are currently studying for finals, caring for our sick, teaching our children, responding to natural disasters and opening businesses in the communities that you travel to and live in. Think about the young men and women who hope to serve in the military and defend your freedoms someday. Think of the Dreamers who have grown up in our country—and whose children are the future of our nation. Think about how much good we could do for these young men and women if my Republican friends brought the same commitment and zeal to this task as they did to their tax bill, and finally worked with Democrats to find a real solution to end this unnecessary uncertainty.
I want to thank Paul—as well the other advocates from Washington state who I met this morning in my office—and the many thousands of others who are showing up in every way that they can to make their voice heard and call on Congress to act. Dr. Martin Luther King once said that justice too long delayed is justice denied. And Dreamers aren’t asking for anything other than what we’ve promised to them. This is an incredibly difficult and uncertain time for so many. But Dreamers need to know, many of us in Congress—and so many others across the country—have your back. We will get this done. We have to get this done. (read more from link source)

New Year brings with it higher minimum wage and paid sick leave for Washington workers

WA Labor & Industries press release dated 12/ 20/ 17
Final rules detail how new requirements for employers will be enforced

Tumwater – Many more workers around Washington will have paid sick leave soon. The state's new mandatory paid sick leave law takes effect in less than two weeks, on Jan. 1, 2018. Voters approved the change as part of Initiative 1433, which passed in November 2016.

The initiative also included annual increases to the state minimum wage through 2020. In 2017, the minimum wage climbed to $11 an hour; that'll change to $11.50 when we ring in the 2018 New Year.

Under the new paid sick leave law, employees will earn at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. The law also requires employers to carry over up to 40 hours of an employee's unused sick leave from one year to the next.

"Paid sick leave is important for all of us. No one wants employees to come into work sick. It's bad for them, their coworkers, and customers," said Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Director Joel Sacks. "The new law allows employees to take care of themselves, or their family members, when they're sick. It makes our state a better place to work."

This week, L&I adopted final rules with specifics on how the law will be enforced. The rules explain how L&I will respond to employers who violate the paid sick leave law, fail to pay employees the tips and service charges that they're owed, or retaliate against an employee. Employees can file a complaint with L&I if they believe their employer is not complying with the new law. Businesses can face fines and have to provide back pay.

Resources to help employers prepare
To help employers get ready, L&I has launched an online Employer Resource Center that covers key topics like how to implement a paid sick leave policy and how to notify employees of their paid sick leave rights.

Businesses can also sign up for a webinar, scheduled through February 2018, to learn more about the new requirements. Some webinars already held were full to capacity because of the high amount of interest in learning more about implementing the new law.

Along with webinars and other in-person outreach, L&I has a paid campaign with TV, online, radio and social media ads to make sure employers know that the new law is coming, and what it entails.

L&I also mailed a new required workplace poster - updated with paid sick leave information — to all employer worksites in Washington. The Your Rights as a Worker poster is available for downloading in eight languages on L&I's website.

Washington is the seventh state to have a paid sick leave law. Others include California, Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Arizona, as well as the District of Columbia.

PAGE 2: U.S. Chamber’s Donohue: These Are ‘Bold Reforms for Lasting American Growth’,Wednesday, December 20, 2017 - 1:00pm

LINK SOURCE
Policymakers Deliver on Their Promise of Pro-Growth Tax Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue today issued the following statement after final passage of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” sending the legislation to President Trump to sign into law:

“Today, Congress achieved what many said was impossible – overhauling our country’s broken, outdated tax code and updating it with bold reforms for lasting growth.

“American businesses will become more competitive around the world. The business community has long called for lower rates for all businesses, full and immediate expensing, and a territorial tax system because we know these elements are the pro-growth reforms our economy needs to thrive.

“We applaud the House and Senate Republican leadership, especially Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, as well as House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, for their hard work and dedication to ensuring this tax reform is as pro-growth as possible. Our country will reap the benefits of this once-in-a-generation achievement for years to come. When this legislation is signed into law, Americans will see bigger paychecks as well as more opportunities for jobs and for energy development from Alaska.”

In July, the Chamber said tax reform failure is not an option, so we engaged on all fronts to ensure its passage. Below is additional background information on the Chamber’s efforts to date:

Engaged state and local Chambers of Commerce across the country to weigh in with their members of Congress in support of tax reform;
Educated and activated hundreds-of-thousands of grassroots supporters on the merits of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” and urged engagement with legislators through phone calls, letter-writing campaigns, and social media engagement;
Communicated feedback from the business community to the Senate and House throughout the entire process, starting with our principles and continuing with guidance on specific provisions in the final legislative text;
Ran a seven-figure paid media campaign in targeted districts and states across the country, including through television, digital, and radio mediums, encouraging action on tax reform;
Organized more than 300 in-district tax events with leaders from local business communities;
Created Tax Reform for America, a microsite dedicated to providing constituents with a platform to communicate with their legislators while also hosting historic facts, testimonials, polls, and talking points; and
Prepared and distributed 435 district-specific and 50 state-specific one-pagers on the economic impact of tax reform for members of Congress.

IRS Statement – Withholding for 2018

IRS press release issued 12/ 26/ 17 (Link source)

The IRS is working to develop withholding guidance to implement the tax reform bill signed into law on December 22.  We anticipate issuing the initial withholding guidance in January, and employers and payroll service providers will be encouraged to implement the changes in February. The IRS emphasizes this information will be designed to work with the existing Forms W-4 that employees have already filed, and no further action by taxpayers is needed at this time.

Use of the new 2018 withholding guidelines will allow taxpayers to begin seeing the changes in their paychecks as early as February.  In the meantime, employers and payroll service providers should continue to use the existing 2017 withholding tables and systems.

IRS Criminal Investigation Releases Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Report

Press release issued 12/ 20/ 17 (link source)


WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the release of the Criminal Investigation Division’s (CI) annual report, reflecting significant accomplishments and criminal enforcement actions taken in fiscal year 2017.

Focusing on employment tax, refund fraud, international tax enforcement, tax-related identity theft, public corruption, cybercrime, terrorist financing and money laundering, CI initiated 3,019 cases in FY 2017.  The number of cases initiated is directly tied to the number of special agents that CI has.

“We have the same number of special agents—around 2,200—as we did 50 years ago,” said Don Fort, Chief, CI.  “Financial crime has not diminished during that time– in fact, it has proliferated in the age of the Internet, international financial crimes and virtual currency. Despite these challenges, we continue to do amazing work, investigating some of the most complicated cases in the agency’s history.  Criminals would be foolish to mistake declining resources for a lack of commitment in this area.”

The annual report is released each year for the purpose of highlighting the agency’s successes while providing a historical snapshot of the make-up and priorities of the organization. The very first Chief of IRS CI, Elmer Lincoln Irey, served from 1919 to 1946 and envisioned releasing such a document each year to showcase the agency’s investigative work.

CI is the only federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over federal tax crimes. This year, CI again boasted a conviction rate rivaling all federal law enforcement at 91.5% while spending more than 72% of their investigative time working tax cases. That conviction rate speaks to the thoroughness of the investigations and CI is routinely called upon by prosecutors across the country to lead financial investigations on a wide variety of financial crimes including international tax evasion, identity theft, terrorist financing and transnational organized crime.

CI investigates potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and related financial crimes in a manner to foster confidence in the tax system and compliance with the law. The interactive report summarizes a wide variety of CI activity throughout the fiscal year and includes case examples from each field office on a wide range of financial crimes.

“Since taking over as the Chief of CI this summer, I could not be prouder to lead the men and women of this organization,” said Fort. As financial crimes—and the way we investigate them—continue to evolve, CI continues to set the standard for financial investigations worldwide.”

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS NEARLY $60 MILLION IN GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN LABOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMBAT CHILD LABOR AND MODERN SLAVERY AMONG TRADE PARTNERS

Press release issued 12/ 22/ 17 (link source) 


WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced nearly $60 million in grants to NGOs and a range of organizations to promote labor law enforcement and help end exploitative labor practices in 25 trade partner countries. The grants will support projects to combat some of the most abusive labor practices, including the use of child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking in global supply chains. New technical assistance will also support trade partners’ compliance with the labor requirements of U.S. trade agreements and preference programs.

The new grants are part of a broader departmental effort to combine direct enforcement of trade-related labor commitments with targeted technical assistance to help trade partners who share our commitment, but lack the means, to strengthen the rule of law and fully comply with commitments made in trade agreements.

“Meeting trade agreement labor standards helps to shine a light into the shadowy acts of offenders who use the deplorable path of exploitation of their own people to try and gain an unfair advantage over U.S. competition,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “These grants are a useful tool for the U.S. and our allies in our goal of permanently rooting out the despicable practice of labor exploitation.”
Grants announced today by the Department will strengthen and expand efforts to identify, monitor, and combat abusive labor practices abroad that put U.S. businesses and workers at an unfair disadvantage.
Specific issues the projects will address include encouraging partnerships between the coffee industry in Latin America and buyers in the U.S. to develop social compliance systems to combat exploitative labor in their supply chains; working with labor ministries and other labor stakeholders to build their capacity to identify indicators of forced labor and human trafficking; and developing a toolkit to help program implementers reduce the risk of child labor and unacceptable conditions of work in women’s economic empowerment initiatives. Another project will help improve enforcement of minimum wage laws, hours of work and occupational safety, and health laws in the agricultural export sector, helping to ensure U.S. trading partners comply with their labor commitments.
The grants are made available through the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, whose mission is to promote a fair global playing field for workers in the U.S. and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking.

PAGE 3: WORLD NEWS

Ambassador Haley on the United States Negotiating a Significant Reduction in the UN Budget

From a US MISSION to the UN press release dated 12/ 24/ 17
Today, the United Nations agreed on a budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. ‎Among a host of other successes, the United States negotiated a reduction of over $285 million off the 2016-2017 final budget. In addition to these significant cost savings, we reduced the UN’s bloated management and support functions, bolstered support for key U.S. priorities throughout the world, and instilled more discipline and accountability throughout the UN system.

“The inefficiency and overspending of the United Nations are well known. We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked. This historic reduction in spending – in addition to many other moves toward a more efficient and accountable UN – is a big step in the right direction. While we are pleased with the results of this year’s budget negotiations, you can be sure we’ll continue to look at ways to increase the UN’s efficiency‎ while protecting our interests,” said Ambassador Haley.

UN NEWS CENTER
Field teams working 'around the clock' in wake of deadly storm in the Philippines – UNICEF
25 December 2017 – Relief supplies prepositioned by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are ready for dispatch to areas of Philippines hit by Tropical Storm Tembin (known locally as “Vinta”) and its field teams are working around the clock to assess the scale of damage, the UN agency has said.
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58350

Vital that all Yemeni ports kept open for aid and commercial vessels, stresses UN humanitarian chief
24 December 2017 – With close to three-fourths of all people in Yemen in need of humanitarian assistance, the United Nations top relief official has underscored the need to keep all ports open to both aid and commercial vessels so that life-saving assistance reaches those in desperate need.
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58349

Nigeria: Cholera outbreak in restive Borno state successfully contained, says UN health agency
24 December 2017 – A five-month long cholera outbreak in Nigeria's conflict-affected Borno state has been successfully contained, the United Nations health agency has announced.
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58348

Security Council further tightens sanctions against DPR Korea
22 December 2017 – The United Nations Security Council today imposed new sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), increasing the depth of measures imposed on the country in the wake of its continued nuclear and ballistic weapons programme, including the ballistic missile launch on 28 November.
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58345

PAGE 4: NATION

US STATE DEPT: Three Notable Nonproliferation Milestones in 2017
Blog posting 12/ 26/ 17
By Jennifer Bavisotto on December 26, 2017

Over the years, foreign policy successes ebb and flow in nonproliferation. Our victories are—at times—marked by how far we’ve moved a pebble forward. Sometimes we liken our efforts to Sisyphus, refusing to give up. But eventually, through patience, persistence and perseverance, we celebrate diplomatic achievements that have a real world impact.

Regardless of the level of success, our work in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation continues unabated: we work every day to keep the world’s most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous people. As we wind down 2017, we’re taking stock of our year and sharing three notable nonproliferation successes.

1. The U.S. Launched its “Pressure Campaign” Against the DPRK

Early in the year, President Trump and Secretary Tillerson announced a new, more aggressive approach toward dealing with the burgeoning crisis from North Korea. In April, Secretary Tillerson chaired a special ministerial meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the threat to international peace and security posed by the DPRK’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The meeting gave UN Security Council members an opportunity to discuss ways to improve implementation of UN sanctions and to show their resolve to respond to further provocations. In his remarks, Secretary Tillerson called on UN members to take three actions against the DPRK:

Isolate North Korea financially
Suspend or reduce diplomatic relations
Enforce all UN sanctions
Since the Secretary’s remarks in April, more than 20 nations have acted to restrict North Korean diplomatic activities. Several countries halted military cooperation or suspended trade relations, and the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council continue to expand.

2. The Global Health Security Agenda was extended until 2024.

In October, nearly 50 nations met in Kampala, Uganda for the Ministerial of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA)—a partnership of nations, international organizations and NGOs to help build capacity to create a world secure from infectious disease threats and elevate health security as a global priority.

GHSA launched in 2014 as a five-year initiative to increase country-level health security capacity to stop outbreaks at their source. GHSA now includes more than 60 nations all working to close gaps that allow infectious disease to take root and spread. More countries have strengthened their surveillance and laboratory capacity to diagnose dangerous pathogens. Yet there is much work to be done to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate.

Our highest priority at the Kampala meeting was to get international consensus on extending GHSA for an additional five years through 2024, which would offer an opportunity for the global health security community to continue working together to enhance data sharing, preparedness planning, epidemiological and laboratory surveillance, risk assessment, and response to infectious diseases and other health threats.

Now that the GHSA has been extended, the U.S. government will continue to work with partners to strengthen the next phase of this multilateral initiative, and shape the GHSA mission and structure to reflect the current global health security environment. These important efforts will help lead us all closer to a world that is both healthier and more prosperous.

3. States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention adopted a four-year workplan.

For more than four decades, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) has embodied the norm against the use of disease as a weapon, and we are all safer because of it. That norm remains strong, as does the U.S. commitment to work with other BWC Parties to combat this threat.

At its annual Meeting of States Parties (MSP) in December 2017, countries were able to complete the unfinished work of the BWC’s Eighth Review Conference by agreeing on a new, more ambitious workplan for the next four years, leading to the next Review Conference not later than 2021.  Nations came ready to negotiate, robustly supported by civil society, ready to remedy the less-than-satisfactory outcome of the BWC’s Eighth Review Conference in Geneva in November 2016. The positive outcome was based on the groundwork that Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States had laid, combined with the skillful chairmanship of Indian Ambassador Amandeep Singh Gill and a keen recognition among all States Parties of the importance of continued work to combat the threat of biological weapons. In kicking off the MSP, U.S. Special Representative for the BWC Ambassador Robert Wood said, “From adversity springs determination,” and he called upon States Parties to make good use of the second chance afforded by the MSP, and not walk away “from the opportunity to combat the threat of biological weapons.”

The work plan focuses on five distinct meetings of experts. Each meeting will have a designated chairperson. We look to this “core group” of five expert group chairpersons to help steer efforts in this rejuvenated workplan to successful outcomes.

As the life sciences rapidly evolve, it is vital that the international community cooperate to prevent the acquisition or use of biological weapons by anyone.

While these are just three of ISN’s more notable nonproliferation successes in 2017, others deserve a well-publicized shout out as well.

After many years of strong U.S. diplomatic support, the IAEA Fuel Bank opened in August 2017
India entered the Wassenaar Arrangement in December, bringing the number of countries participating in this important body to 42.
Our nuclear security partnership with China took a significant step forward in November when we conducted our first-ever bilateral scenario-based policy discussion on countering nuclear smuggling.
Looking forward to 2018, we will continue the work we do every day with our partners to disrupt WMD shipments, to prevent WMD terrorism, and to enforce UN sanctions. Maybe some of these efforts will make splashy headlines. But if they don’t, our efforts to work bilaterally, multilaterally, and in partnership with like-minded countries to prevent the proliferation of WMD will not be diminished. As long as the proliferators are at work, our efforts will continue.


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He's in your corner
Daily Bible Verse: he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
Luke 2:28-32 NKJV

 Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
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http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
http://www.pacofc.org/index.php



Editorial note: Readers I have decided to try doing a weekly edition instead of a daily. Saturday's seem the right time to publish since the weekly meetings are usually posted on the local governmental sites by then. So bare with me while I'm trying this out. Also my health issues seems to drain my enthusiasm a bit. Saturday's seem to be a good day to publish, so I'll try it and see how it works out for me, that way I can spend time dealing with my health issues more fully.

SUNDAY EDITION

 Sens. Murray, Cantwell, Wyden, Merkley Demand DOT Hold Railroads Accountable for PTC Implementation after Fatal Derailments, Safety Shortfalls

Press release 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) joined a group of fifteen total senators calling on Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to hold railroads accountable for failing to implement sufficient safety measures.

The Senators demanded a status report on railroads’ implementation of positive train control (PTC), a lifesaving technology required by Congressional mandate to be fully implemented by 2018. The Senators’ letter comes four days after the tragic Amtrak train derailment near DuPont, Washington, which resulted in three fatalities and injured many dozens more. This accident is the latest in a troubling trend of fatal train derailments and collisions.

“Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred,” wrote the Senators. “The PTC deadline is now almost one year away – December 31, 2018.  It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline.  They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt.”
The full text of the Senators’ letter to Chao is available for download here, and copied below.

Dear Secretary Chao:

On Monday, an Amtrak train derailed onto a busy interstate highway in DuPont, Washington.  This tragedy reminds us of the urgent need to improve rail safety, including the nationwide implementation of positive train control (PTC) technology, as mandated by Congress.  We write requesting an update on the status of railroads’ compliance with the pending deadline for implementation and your efforts to carry out other rail safety measures.

The NTSB has been urging the adoption of PTC technology since 1970, soon after a collision in Darien, Connecticut killed four people.  Following the 2008 Chatsworth, California crash that killed 25 people, Congress mandated that railroads implement the technology, which prevents trains from colliding and speeding.  For years, however, the implementation of the technology has been delayed.  Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred. 
The PTC deadline is now almost one year away – December 31, 2018.  It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline.  They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt.  Please provide information on the following questions: 

1. Based on the reports and information provided to you by railroads, and your knowledge of efforts necessary to complete PTC implementation, what railroads do you anticipate will have fully implemented PTC by the end of 2018? 
2. What railroads do you anticipate will fail to implement PTC by 2018? 
3. What is your plan to impose fines and penalties for railroads that fail to comply with the law? 
4. Can you confirm that you will be vigorous in enforcing the deadline, imposing strong fines and penalties, where necessary, on railroads that fail to meet the deadline? 
5. How are you communicating your enforcement plans to the industry? 
6. What steps are you taking to implement other provisions of law and safety requirements, such as requirements from the 2015 surface transportation bill, known as the FAST Act, that passenger and commuter railroads complete a speed-limit action plan (section 11406) to prevent over-speed accidents into curves and commuter railroads improve inspection practices (section 11409)?   
7. What level of funding will be included in the President’s yet-to-be-released infrastructure proposal to expedite PTC implementation and advance other rail safety efforts?
8. What steps is DOT taking to approve and expedite the use of federal funds and grants by recipients for the implementation of PTC?
We appreciate your attention to this matter and urgent efforts to ensure railroads implement lifesaving PTC technology.

Senator Murray Blasts Republicans for Putting Special Interests, Corporations Ahead of Middle Class Families in 2017

Press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 (link source, includes video)

(Washington, D.C.) – Joined by fellow Senate Democratic leaders at an end-of-year news conference, today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) criticized Senate Republicans for their lack of action before the end of the year on several legislative priorities that would provide critical support to middle class families in Washington state and nationwide, and highlighted a number of ways Republicans have hurt women, workers, retirees, and students by rolling back rules intended to put them first—choosing instead to prioritize massive corporations and special interests.

Republicans have wasted months failing to pass their disastrous Trumpcare bill and rushing to jam through their unpopular tax plan instead of taking up several policies aimed at helping working families, like renewing funding for community health center and special diabetes programs and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or finding a permanent legislative fix for the Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals program, known as DACA. Additionally, Republicans undertook several actions over the last year that weaken protections for middle class families, including eliminating rules for worker safety, undermining women’s access to reproductive health care, taking away retirement savings options, and undermining guardrails intended to ensure all children receive a quality education, no matter who they are or how much money their parents make.
In her remarks, Senator Murray blasted Republicans for wasting the past year championing legislation that primarily benefits the wealthiest corporations and richest Americans, and refusing to work across the aisle to advance policies that would aid middle class families, saying “…this year, more than ever, Republicans have made clear exactly what it is they want to do: take from the very people President Trump said he would help and give to the wealthy and special interests. “
“…the massive burden they’ve put on the middle class is wrong—for families and for our country as a whole,” Senator Murray added. “This isn’t the direction we should be headed in.”

Page 2: STATE NEWS

Amtrak commits to paying derailment costs, speeding implementation of positive train control

Press release from Governor Inslee's webpage dated 12/ 20/ 17

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement today following a conversation with Amtrak's president:
"Earlier today, Transportation Secretary Roger Millar and I spoke with Richard Anderson, President and Co-CEO of Amtrak, regarding the tragic train derailment in DuPont.
"The swift response to this tragedy has been the result of cooperation from all the involved jurisdictions. The priority has been on taking care of those on board the train and restoring access to I-5 as soon as safely possible. This response, however, does not come without financial costs. Mr. Anderson committed to me during our call that Amtrak will pay for the costs of the derailment including all the medical and incidental expenses incurred by those injured and their families, the clean-up and repair of the roadway, and the restoration of passenger rail service. This is a significant commitment and I appreciate that he has offered this support early and unequivocally.
"I also asked how Amtrak can work with its railroad partners to expedite the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC). There are several entities responsible for fully implementing PTC in Washington state and Mr. Anderson committed that Amtrak would seek to make PTC operational statewide on its trains as soon as possible and before the December 31, 2018 federal deadline.
"I want to be clear there are still many unanswered questions about how and why this incident occurred. I have confidence the NTSB’s investigation will provide those answers. Crews have made commendable progress on restoring I-5 and I ask that travelers continue to be patient as they complete opening of the lanes."

Washington economy continues to improve

ESD press release issued 12/ 20/ 17

OLYMPIA – Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 4.5 percent in in November, despite preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that indicate the state added 9,800 jobs over the month.

“While the unemployment rate didn’t change, Washington’s economic outlook is bright,” said Paul Turek, economist for the department. “Unemployment stands at a record low, businesses are adding jobs and more people are joining the labor force. That’s great news for everyone as we head into the holidays.”

The Employment Security Department released the seasonally adjusted, preliminary job estimates from BLS as part of its November Monthly Employment Report. The department also announced that October’s previously announced gain of 6,900 jobs was revised downward to 6,300 jobs.
In November last year, the statewide unemployment rate was 5.2 percent.
The national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in November and 3.8 percent in the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett area.
Employment Security paid unemployment insurance benefits to 54,386 people in November.
Labor force continues to grow in Washington
The state’s labor force was 3.7 million in November — an increase of 5,200 people from the previous month. In the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett region, the labor force increased by 4,400 over the same period.
From November 2016 through November 2017, the state’s labor force grew by 98,600 and the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett region increased by 21,900.
The labor force is the total number of people, both employed and unemployed, over the age of 16. Ten sectors expand, three contract 
Private sector employment increased by 13,100 and government employment decreased by 3,300 jobs in November.
This month’s report shows the greatest job growth occurred in professional and business services up 3,800, education and health services up 2,900, and other services up 2,300. Other sectors adding jobs were wholesale trade up 1,300, construction up 1,200, transportation, warehousing and utilities up 1,000, information and manufacturing both up 900, retail up 200 and mining and logging up 100.
Government faced the biggest reduction in November, losing 3,300 jobs. Additionally, leisure and hospitality cut 1,400 and financial activities trimmed 100 jobs respectively. 
Year-over-year growth remains strong
Washington has added an estimated 97,900 new jobs from November 2016 through November 2017, not seasonally adjusted. The private sector grew by 3.2 percent or 87,100 jobs, and the public sector increased by 1.8 percent, adding 10,800 jobs.
From November 2016 through November 2017, 12 of the state’s 13 industry sectors added jobs. Manufacturing (-1,500) was the only sector to report job losses.

The three industry sectors with the largest employment gains year-over-year, not seasonally adjusted, were:

Professional and business services with 17,900 new jobs;
Construction with 14,400 new jobs; and
Education and health services with 13,800 new jobs.
Employment Security is a partner in the statewide WorkSource system, which offers a variety of employment and training services for job seekers, including free help with resumes, interviewing and skills training. WorkSource also helps employers advertise jobs, convene hiring events and connect with subsidized employee training.
WorkSource locations and more than 140,000 job openings can be found on WorkSourceWA.com.
Check it out! ESD has new labor market information and tools, including a video tutorial, to highlight popular information and data.
Note: The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently updated its “alternative measures of labor underutilization,” or U-6 rate, for states to include the third quarter of 2017. The U-6 rate considers not only the unemployed population in the official U-3 unemployment rate, but also “the underemployed and those not looking but wanting a job.” The U-6 rate for Washington through the third quarter 2017 was 9.4 percent compared to the national rate of 8.9 percent. Washington’s U-6 rate is the lowest it has been since 2007.

PAGE 3: Our Health Digest

FDA updates the label of Tasigna to reflect that certain patients with a type of leukemia may be eligible to stop treatment after sustained response

FDA press release dated 12/ 22/ 17 (link source)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today updated the product label for the cancer drug Tasigna (nilotonib) to include information for providers about how to discontinue the drug in certain patients. Tasigna, first approved by the FDA in 2007, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). With today’s updated dosing recommendations, patients with early (chronic) phase CML who have been taking Tasigna for three years or more, and whose leukemia has responded to treatment according to specific criteria as detected by a test that has received FDA marketing authorization, may be eligible to stop taking Tasigna.
“Patients diagnosed with CML generally face a lifetime of treatment to keep their leukemia from growing or recurring,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval shows that some patients may be able to stop treatment with Tasigna altogether if they are showing a strong response to therapy. While we welcome this progress in patient care, it’s important to note that any discontinuation of treatment still means patients must be regularly monitored for disease recurrence.”

CML is a cancer of the bone marrow and causes the body to make too many white blood cells. Almost all patients with CML have an abnormality known as the Philadelphia chromosome, which produces a protein called BCR-ABL. The National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health estimates approximately 8,950 patients will be diagnosed with CML this year, and 1,080 will die of the disease.

Tasigna is a kinase inhibitor that works in CML by blocking a protein called BCR-ABL, which promotes abnormal cell growth. Today’s action adds information to the product label for patients and health care providers regarding the conditions under which patients may be eligible to discontinue treatment and notes that if treatment is stopped patients must be regularly monitored for disease recurrence.

The information about discontinuing Tasigna was based on two single-arm trials of patients with Ph+ chronic phase CML. The trials measured how long patients were able to stop taking Tasigna without the leukemia returning (treatment-free remission, or TFR). In both trials, patients had to meet rigorous criteria showing how their cancer had responded to treatment before stopping Tasigna. In the first trial, among the 190 newly diagnosed patients with CML who stopped Tasigna after taking it for three or more years and meeting other specified criteria, 51.6 percent were still in the TFR phase after approximately one year (48 weeks) and 48.9 percent were still in the TFR phase after approximately two years (96 weeks). In the second trial, among the 126 patients who had stopped Tasigna after taking it for three or more years after switching from the cancer drug imatinib, 57.9 percent were still in the TFR phase after approximately one year (48 weeks) and 53.2 percent were still in the TFR phase after approximately two years (96 weeks).

An important part of both trials was regular and frequent monitoring of specific genetic (RNA) information that specifies the BCR-ABL protein level in the blood with a diagnostic test that has received FDA marketing authorization. Monitoring with a test able to detect reductions of specific RNA information with high accuracy and precision is critical to the safe discontinuation of Tasigna, as this monitoring provides the first signs of relapse.

Common side effects in patients who discontinued Tasigna include musculoskeletal symptoms such as body aches, bone pain and pain in extremities. Some patients experienced prolonged musculoskeletal symptoms.

Common side effects of taking Tasigna include nausea, rash, headache, fatigue, itching (pruritus), vomiting, diarrhea, cough, constipation, joint pain (arthralgia), upper respiratory inflammation (nasopharyngitis), fever (pyrexia), night sweats, low levels of low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) and low levels of certain blood cells (myelosuppression or thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and anemia).

Severe side effects of taking Tasigna include myelosuppression, blockages in the heart or arteries (cardiac and arterial vascular occlusive events), inflammation of the pancreas and high levels of enzymes in the blood (pancreatitis and elevated serum lipase), severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity), abnormal levels of electrolytes in the blood, metabolic abnormalities (tumor lysis syndrome), severe bleeding (hemorrhage), drug interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors, total surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy) and fluid retention. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Tasigna because it may cause harm to a developing fetus or newborn baby.

Severe side effects typically associated with Tasigna administration occurred less frequently in patients who discontinued Tasigna. However, the long-term outcomes of patients discontinuing versus continuing treatment are unknown at this time.
The labeling for Tasigna contains a boxed warning to alert health care professionals and patients about the risk of abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation) and sudden death. Tasigna should not be taken by patients with low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), low levels of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia), or QT prolongation. Sudden deaths have been reported in patients taking Tasigna. The boxed warning also states Tasigna should not be given with drugs known to prolong the QT interval or with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Patients should not eat two hours prior to or one hour after taking Tasigna.
The  update to the Tasigna labeling information was granted Priority Review, under which the FDA’s goal is to take action on an application within six months where the agency determines that the drug, if approved, would significantly improve the safety or effectiveness of treating, diagnosing or preventing a serious condition. Tasigna also received Orphan Drug designation, which provides incentives to assist and encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases.
The FDA granted the approval of the Tasigna label changes to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

AT THE STATE LEVEL

State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department’s Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions and advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2017NewsReleases/17174SuspensionM1757NewsRelease

PAGE 4: World and NATIONAL

Secretary General Extends Mandate of Special Tribunal for Lebanon, in Accordance with Security Council Resolution 1797 (2005)

UN press release issued 12/ 22/ 17 (link source)
Secretary‑General António Guterres has extended the mandate of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon from 1 March 2018 for a period of three years, or upon the completion of the cases before the Special Tribunal if sooner.  The extension is in accordance with Security Council resolution 1797 (2005).
The mandate of the Special Tribunal, which is based near The Hague in the Netherlands, is to hold trials for those accused of carrying out the attack of 14 February 2005 in Beirut, which killed 22 people, including the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafiq Hariri, and injured many others.  The trial, in absentia, of four individuals indicted over the killing began in January 2014 and is currently ongoing.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon also has jurisdiction over attacks carried out in Lebanon between 1 October 2004 and 12 December 2005, if they are connected to the attack of 14 February 2005 and are of a similar nature and gravity.
The Secretary‑General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to support the work of the Special Tribunal in the fight against impunity for such major crimes, in order to bring those responsible to justice.  The United Nations looks forward to the completion of the mandate of the Special Tribunal in a timely manner.  The United Nations also looks forward to the continued support and cooperation of the Government of Lebanon.

NATION

What Tax Cuts Have to Do with Making America Great Again

White House press release issued 12/ 21/ 17 (link source)
Congress has passed the first overhaul of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years. The Tax Cuts Act is a powerful symbol of what Republicans can accomplish when they unite behind a positive governing agenda for the country.
But this legislation isn’t about Republicans vs. Democrats. Rather, it’s an early centerpiece of the vision President Trump laid out on the campaign trail. Americans of all backgrounds want a government that’s more accountable, more democratic, and less eager to line its pockets with cash from taxpayers and small businesses.
The U.S. tax code was an over complicated mess, so we understand Americans want to know exactly what’s different under the new law. It makes three important changes to our tax system:

The Tax Cuts Act means less money taken out of Americans’ paychecks. It provides $5.5 trillion in tax cuts by nearly doubling the standard deduction, doubling the child tax credit, protecting tax savings for higher education and retirement, and lowering rates across the board. It also repeals Obamacare’s individual mandate tax, 80 percent of which hit households earning less than $50,000 a year in 2016.
The bill puts American businesses on a level playing field with foreign competitors. America’s corporate tax rate will go from being the highest in the developed world to below the average for Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. A one-time tax on corporate earnings stashed overseas will end the incentive for companies to keep their profits outside of the United States.
The act will eliminate dozens of special interest tax breaks and loopholes. The Tax Cuts Act will raise $4 trillion in revenue to help offset tax cuts by closing the door on dozens of corporate accounting tricks. The bill eliminates a loophole used to deduct compensation for executives earning more than $1 million a year. Washington isn’t spared, either: Members of Congress will no longer be able to deduct their living expenses.
Talk is cheap, of course—the proof will come when Americans begin seeing more money in their paychecks as early as February. (read more from link source)


NEWS STORY COMMENTARY
From the Seattle Times: Pulling out of NAFTA would jeopardize our security and economy
Trump should not lightly discount the border and homeland security implications of a NAFTA withdrawal. A fracture in the American-Mexican relationship and the resulting consequences should worry us all.


WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY
Undenominational Christians?
Peter, Paul, and other first-century disciples were Christians, but what denomination were they members of? None at all! Denominational division, as we know it, did not exist in the first century. All Christians were in one body, the church which belongs to Jesus (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:3-6). First-century Christians were members of Jesus' church, but not members of any denomination. Why can't you and I do the same today?---Gospel Way
https://www.gospelway.com/topics/church/undenominational_christians.php

COMIC CORNER

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Picture by, Peter Ripley using IMVU props

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Luke 2:16-20 NKJV

Starting every Sunday I'll post a comic post on here. Using my IMVU props, making these pictures with a caption. And a little storyline along with it. 

Monday there will be no update taking the day off for Christmas. In the meantime have yourself a safe, and blessed holiday.