KEY POINTS IN STATE OF UNION MADE SENSE TO ME

Remarks by President Trump in State of the Union Address

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

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

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

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

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

(see commentary on page 6)

Reaction from our Congressional delegation to Washington D.C

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In other headlines...

Pacific Northwest Lawmakers to Secretary Zinke: Hands Off Our Coast

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

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

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

Senator Murray Urges President to Include Rural Broadband in Infrastructure Proposal

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

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

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

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

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

In this week's edition:

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




Table of Context for this week's edition


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

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


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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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



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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



In other news headlines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.