Kilmer’s National Park Legacy Act, Other Park Maintenance Plans Clear Important Hurdle

Press release issued 3/ 20/ 18
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmers-national-park-legacy-act-other-park-maintenance-plans_clear-important-hurdle
Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on the National Park Service Legacy Act and other plans to reduce maintenance backlogs in the National Park System.

“National parks across the country desperately need repairs. Fixing them creates jobs and boosts economies around the parks,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said. “I support nature hikes, not entry fee hikes. The National Park Service Legacy Act will fix our national parks and put people to work without sticking visitors with the bill.”
Marcia Argust, the Director of the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Restore America’s Parks Campaign, testified before the committee today.
“Deferred maintenance within our National Park System is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. It will require a bipartisan approach and collaboration.” Argust said in her written testimony. She said her group endorsed The National Park Service Legacy Act “without reservation.”
Today, she brought the committee a list of more than 3,000 organizations across the nation that support directing more resources to fixing up the nation’s parks. The diversity of the groups shows the vital role national parks paly in the economy. It included: county and local officials, businesses, veterans, representatives of the hotel and restaurant industries, conservation groups, labor unions, the recreation industry, infrastructure groups and tourism societies.
The National Park Service Legacy Act would generate dedicated funding for park maintenance over the next 50 years. The amount of funds would be scaled in the following way:

$50 million a year in fiscal years 2018-20.
$150 million a year in fiscal 2021-23.
$250 million a year in fiscal 2024-26.
$500 million a year in fiscal 2027-47.
The act would address the backlog by distributing revenue the government receives from oil and gas royalties back into a restoration fund. It has been endorsed by the National Parks Conservation Association, Pew Charitable Trusts, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Late last year, the Department of the Interior proposed a plan to almost triple the fee for visitors to enter the national parks from $25 per car to $70 in order to pay for maintenance. Kilmer opposes the fee hike. He led events in Washington state to encourage his constituents to weigh in against the proposal during the public comment period. According to The Seattle Times, raising park fees would do little to reduce the maintenance backlog. Rather than the long-term solution the bipartisan National Park Service Legacy Act offers, a fee hike would only generate about 1 percent of the total funds needed to address the maintenance backlog throughout the National Park System.
According to the National Park Service, in 2016 the 3,390,221 people who visited Olympic National Park spent $286,786,300 in communities near the park. That spending supported 3,842 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $398,689,900.
The same study found that for every $1 dollar invested in the National Park Service, an estimated $10 are returned to the nation’s economy. And, it’s estimated that the 331 million visitors to the nation’s national parks spend $18.4 billion in communities within 60 miles of a national park.

As Tourism Season Approaches, Washington Lawmakers Request More Bomb-Sniffing Dogs for Sea-Tac

Press release from Congressman Kilmer's webpage dated 3/ 19/ 18
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/as-tourism-season-approaches-washington-lawmakers-request-more-bomb-sniffing-dogs-for-sea-tac
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Denny Heck (D-WA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) sent a letter to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske requesting five temporary passenger screening canine teams for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) by the end of March.
“We are writing to urge immediate action by the Transportation Security Administration to transfer five temporary passenger screening canines to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in order to meet your assurance before the Senate Commerce Committee of ten canine teams by the end of this month,” the lawmakers requested.
The additional bomb-sniffing dogs are needed to meet Administrator Pekoske’s commitment, made to Cantwell in a January Commerce Subcommittee hearing, to have ten canine teams in operation at the airport by the end of the month.
“March is the start of the busy spring travel season at Sea-Tac, and has historically been one of the most difficult times of year for congestion at screening checkpoints. With that in mind, Sea-Tac needs temporary canine teams now before the problem continues to get worse,” the lawmakers added.
Text of letter sent:
Dear Administrator Pekoske:
We are writing to urge immediate action by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to transfer five temporary passenger screening canines to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) in order to meet your assurance before the Senate Commerce Committee of ten canine teams by the end of this month.
Currently, the airport only has five TSA passenger screening canines, and it could be months until additional permanent dogs are ready to be put into service. Meanwhile, March is the start of the busy spring travel season at Sea-Tac, and has historically been one of the most difficult times of year for congestion at screening checkpoints. With that in mind, Sea-Tac needs temporary canine teams now before the problem continues to get worse.
Unfortunately, despite a strong partnership between Sea-Tac and local TSA staff, passenger screening wait times have increased significantly over the past six months. Last week, for example, only 63 percent of travelers made it through TSA checkpoints within Sea-Tac’s customer service goal of 20 minutes, and peak hour average wait times also exceeded that metric.
Given the surging demand for travel to and from the Pacific Northwest, we are keenly aware of the importance of efficient and reliable security screening checkpoints at Sea-Tac, and how they impact the ability of our region’s economy to thrive. A recent study found that Sea-Tac supports $22.5 billion in total business impact throughout Washington, but this economic activity is highly dependent on the airport providing the reliable customer service, security and convenience that travelers demand.
While there are several long-term factors contributing to this decline, including the fact that Sea-Tac has one of the highest Transportation Security Officer (TSO) attrition rates in the country, we need to ensure that immediate steps are being taken to minimize long wait times at the airport.
The Port of Seattle is doing its part by investing millions of dollars in efforts to increase checkpoint efficiency by facilitating the pre-screening process, and they need more canine resources to complement their work to address this problem. Checkpoint efficiency is critical to keeping lines moving, and Sea-Tac estimates that checkpoints with a canine are able to process 245 passengers per hour, compared to just 140 passengers per hour without a canine.
We appreciative your partnership in ensuring that Sea-Tac remains able to accommodate its growing demand. Thank you for your prompt action in response to this request.




WORLD HEADLINE NEWS FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES...

UN PRESS RELEASE: Security Council Extends Mandate for Expert Panel Assisting Sanctions Committee on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
The Security Council today extended until 24 April 2019 the mandate of its eight‑member Panel of Experts assisting the Sanctions Committee pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. (dated 3/ 21/ 18)
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13256.doc.htm

Successful Elections in Libya Hinged on Tightening Security, Cracking Down on Oil Smuggling, Human Trafficking, Top Official Tells Security Council
While a spirit of optimism was taking hold in Libya, even amid persistent security concerns, a predatory economic system — including the oil smuggling and human trafficking — must be overcome if elections in 2018 were to succeed in restoring peace and stability, the United Nations senior official in the country told the Security Council today. (dated 3/ 21/ 18)
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13257.doc.htm

Hailing African free trade agreement, Guterres says UN ready to support continent’s ‘leap into history’
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the singing of a continental free trade agreement in Africa that has created one of the world’s largest trading blocs with over 50 countries.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1005611

UN agency envoy Cate Blanchett warns of ‘race against time’ as Rohingya refugee camps brace for monsoon rains
As heavy rains and potential cyclones threaten more than one hundred thousand Rohingya refugees living in congested settlements in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, United Nations refugee agency envoy Cate Blanchett is urging increased international support to protect them from the worst impacts of the upcoming monsoon season.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1005531

People with Down syndrome can drive positive changes in their workplaces, communities and beyond
People with Down syndrome, their advocates and supporters gathered at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday to rally employers and make sure they saw the benefits of enabling people with Down syndrome and disabilities to make meaningful contributions in the workplace. 
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1005591

Acts that undermine the Libyan State must not become the ‘new normal,’ UN Security Council told
Libya’s shaky financial position, looming humanitarian crisis and the inability of State authorities to provide services have created a “vicious cycle” where groups with vested interests are trying to step in and undermine the Government, the United Nations envoy to the north African warned on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1005551

From the US Mission to the UN: Ambassador Nikki Haley on U.S. Humanitarian Funding to Colombia to Help Displaced Venezuelans
press release issued 3/ 20/ 18
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8344
President Maduro’s continuing disregard for the universal human rights of the Venezuelan people has triggered over 1.5 million Venezuelans to seek safety in neighboring countries. The United Nations recently called for international support to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to this growing and increasingly vulnerable population. Today the United States announced it will provide an initial $2.5 million to support the Government of Colombia’s efforts to address this crisis, which is a growing threat to regional security and stability. This funding is in addition to the $36.5 million the United States has already provided to support the regional humanitarian operations of the UN’s refugee agency and other international organizations, including support of vulnerable Venezuelans.

“The tragic events in Venezuela are now threatening instability in the entire region. The regime’s refusal to allow the international community to directly deliver humanitarian aid within its borders is only fueling the mass exodus. The United States remains committed to working with our friends in Colombia to help the displaced, and we call on other nations to join us in supporting the UN Humanitarian Appeal. While this assistance will help alleviate some immediate humanitarian needs, free and fair elections and transparent, accountable governance are necessary for restoring democracy, human rights, and prosperity to Venezuela,” said Ambassador Haley.

Remarks at a UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting on Syria
press release issued 3/ 19/ 18
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8343
Quote: " So, while it is shameful that some members of this Council sought to prevent the High Commissioner for Human Rights from speaking on this topic today, and we’ve seen the lengths that some members of this Council will go to to hide and distort the truth about what is happening in Syria."

US STATE DEPT: Department of State Inaugurates New Regional Antiterrorism Training Facility in Jordan
Press release issued 3/ 22/ 18
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/03/279457.htm
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Michael T. Evanoff , U.S. Embassy Amman Chargé d’Affaires Henry T. Wooster, His Royal Highness Prince Rashid, and Jordanian Gendarmerie Director Maj. Gen. Hussein Hawatmeh formally dedicated the new Jordanian Gendarmerie Training Academy, which was funded, constructed, and equipped through the Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program.

US DEFENSE DEPT: Chairman Expresses Enthusiasm About Military Dimension in Afghanistan
FORWARD OPERATING BASE GAMBERI, Afghanistan, March 21, 2018 —
The hard work of Afghan and coalition personnel in the train, advise, assist strategy is already paying off, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is encouraged by the progress.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1472373/chairman-expresses-enthusiasm-about-military-dimension-in-afghanistan/

IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION:

page 2

Senator Murray’s Statement on Securing Priorities for Working Families in Budget Bill

page 3

Cantwell Secures Significant Down Payment to Address the Nation’s Affordable Housing Crisis

page 4

Cantwell Presses Secretary Perry On Trump Administration’s Failure To Protect Energy Infrastructure

page 5

Choose Washington NMA Council announces leadership: Dr. Noel Schulz and Former WSLC President Rick Bender to serve as co-chairs - Washington State Department of Commerce

page 6: New law takes major step in transforming behavioral health care

Commentary: The sudden bimbo eruption, media driven to give publicity to Trump's mistress?  

Senator Murray’s Statement on Meeting with Secretary DeVos

Press release issued 3/ 13/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=37991A80-2520-4222-BB56-59E953334C9D

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after meeting this afternoon with Secretary Betsy DeVos in the Dirksen Senate Office Building about her role as head of President Trump’s new commission on school safety.
“I appreciated that Secretary DeVos came to meet with me, but I was extremely disappointed at how the meeting went. I was hoping that Secretary DeVos would be able to talk to me about real and meaningful steps she could move quickly on as head of President Trump’s new gun commission, but everything I heard from her in our conversation suggested that this is just the latest effort to delay and shift the conversation away from the gun safety reforms that people across the country are demanding.
“While Secretary DeVos said she had no interest in meeting with the NRA as a part of this process, she couldn’t or wouldn’t tell me how the NRA would be allowed to influence the commission’s recommendations, or even that they wouldn’t have veto power. She couldn’t tell me how quickly the commission would move, or give me any kind of clear timeline at all. She wouldn’t agree to put survivors of gun violence, families of victims, or experts on preventing gun violence on the commission—in fact, she told me that the only people on the commission would be federal officials. And she pushed back and asked for continued delay when I suggested that we start by quickly addressing the most common sense gun safety policies supported by the vast majority of Americans—like universal background checks and raising the age for purchasing assault weapons.
“I am hoping that Secretary DeVos gets a handle on this issue and changes her tune, but based on this meeting today, I have no confidence that this commission will be anything other than a tool for continued distraction and delay.”

Related stories

Senator Murray’s Statement on Education Secretary DeVos’ Attempts to Invalidate State Laws Protecting Students from Predatory Student Debt Corporations
press release 3/ 9/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0BE782EC-F651-4A91-9E5F-707D76E5F803
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on the Department of Education’s announcement asserting that state laws protecting students do not apply to student loan companies. Last week, the Washington state legislature passed a ‘student bill of rights’ to address the growing amount of student debt by providing students with support to pay back their loans and protecting them from predatory corporations, including debt collectors.
“While Secretary DeVos has spent the last year putting student loan companies ahead of students, I’m proud my home state of Washington has passed legislation to make it easier for students to pay back their loans and protect them from predatory corporations. Secretary DeVos’ latest move to invalidate students’ protections at the state level is concerning and telling, and I hope the Republicans who claim to care so deeply about states’ rights will join me in fighting back against this overreaching and harmful decision.”

Secretary DeVos Issues Full Forgiveness of HBCU Hurricane Relief Loans
Press release issued 3/ 14/ 18
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-issues-full-forgiveness-hbcu-hurricane-relief-loans
Today U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced full forgiveness of the hurricane relief loans provided to four Historically Black Colleges and Universities after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Gulf Coast in 2005.
"This additional disaster relief will lift a huge burden and enable the four HBCUs to continue their focus on serving their students and communities," said DeVos. "This relief provides one more step toward full recovery."
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 made funds available to fully forgive the loans of Dillard University, Southern University at New Orleans, Tougaloo College and Xavier University of Louisiana under the HBCU Hurricane Supplemental Loan program.

DeVos Announces Additional Funds to Support Students at Colleges and Universities Impacted by Hurricanes
Press release issued 3/ 13/ 18
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/devos-announces-additional-funds-support-students-colleges-and-universities-impacted-hurricanes
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the reallocation of $22.9 million in unexpended funds to assist students at colleges and universities located in Federal Emergency Management Agency-declared major disaster areas impacted by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as postsecondary schools across the nation that have enrolled a significant number of students from the affected areas.

Prepared Remarks to the National Parent Teacher Association Legislative Conference
Press release issued on 3/ 13/ 18
https://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/prepared-remarks-national-parent-teacher-association-legislative-conference
Quote: " The tragedy in Parkland, Florida was a sad reminder that there is still much work to be done to ensure no parent, no teacher, no student has to again endure what many did at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
But now is not another occasion to race off to our political corners or to insulate ourselves from each other and jab at perceived enemies, as too often happens. The practice of talking past each other doesn’t serve anyone, and it doesn’t accomplish anything. Now is the time to have an open and honest conversation with everyoneabout what went wrong, and what we must do now and in the future to ensure our children are safe."


WA AG: APPEALS COURT AGREES WITH AG OPINION ON LOCAL MARIJUANA BANS
Press release issued 3/ 13/ 18
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/appeals-court-agrees-ag-opinion-local-marijuana-bans
OLYMPIA — A three-judge state court of appeals panel today ruled that local jurisdictions have the authority to ban marijuana sales, agreeing with Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s arguments and a 2014 Attorney General Opinion.
This is the first appellate court to rule on the issue. Judges in five trial-court cases have also agreed with the attorney general’s interpretation. The Attorney General’s Office intervened in the case to uphold the will of the voters and ensure proper interpretation of Washington’s marijuana law.
“My office is aggressively working to uphold the will of the voters,” Ferguson said. “Today’s ruling affirms my office’s position and formal opinion. I have said from the beginning: If the Legislature or the drafters of Initiative 502 had intended to require local jurisdictions to allow the sale of recreational marijuana, they could have done so in a single sentence. They did not.”
In its ruling on Emerald Enterprises v. Clark County, the state Court  of Appeals Division II panel held that while Washington law “permits the retail sale of marijuana, it does not grant retailers an affirmative right to sell marijuana.”
The plaintiffs in the case sought to open a marijuana retail business in unincorporated Clark County, despite the county’s ban on such businesses in unincorporated areas (several cities in Clark County, including Vancouver, allow marijuana businesses). The county argues it is not required to allow marijuana retailers under voter-approved law legalizing marijuana.
Local governments like Clark County that have banned marijuana businesses have indicated that if I-502 requires them to allow marijuana businesses, then they will challenge I-502 and argue that it is preempted by federal law. If courts agree with this argument, it could potentially threaten I-502 and Washington’s regulated marijuana system. But if courts continue to agree with the AGO opinion that Washington’s marijuana law does not require local governments to allow marijuana businesses, this threat will be avoided, because courts will not need to rule on the question of federal preemption. This allows legalized marijuana to continue in Washington, in accordance with voters’ wishes.
Ferguson described this threat in detail in an op-ed to The Seattle Times in 2015. He wrote: “While a patchwork system might not be perfect, allowing local bans of marijuana businesses actually protects the initiative against legal challenges.”
Deputy Solicitor General Jeff Even presented arguments to the court.

In WORLD NEWS HEADLINES...
UN NEWS RELEASE: Moscow ‘Highly Likely’ Behind Salisbury Chemical Attack, Prime Minister of United Kingdom Says in Letter to Security Council
Russian Federation Calls Statement Irresponsible, Threatening
The Security Council met today to discuss a letter written by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to the President of the Security Council, which outlined a nerve-agent attack against Sergei Skripal and his daughter that had left them both in critical condition.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13247.doc.htm

UN NEWS RELEASE: Better Laws, Data Essential for Tackling Cyber abuse, Growing Digital Gender Gap, Deputy Secretary-General Tells Event on Ending Online Violence against Women
Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the Commission on the Status of Women side event organized by Estonia “Ending violence against women — opportunities and challenges of information and communications technology”, in New York today.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/dsgsm1142.doc.htm

Security Council Committee Concerning Sudan Amends Three Entries on Its Sanctions List
On 14 March 2018, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan enacted the amendments specified with strikethrough and underline in the entries below on its Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the travel ban and assets freeze set out in paragraph 3 of Security Council resolution 1591 (2005) adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13248.doc.htm

NEWS FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER...
Mexico: UN report points to torture, cover-ups in probe into disappearance of 43 students
The United Nations human rights wing said Thursday that it has strong grounds to believe that the investigation into the disappearance of 43 students from a rural Mexican college in 2014 was marred by torture and cover-ups.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1005022

UN-World Bank panel calls for ‘fundamental shift’ in water management
With 700 million people worldwide at risk of being displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030, water infrastructure investment must be at least doubled over the next five years, a panel set up by the United Nations and the World Bank recommended on Wednesday. 
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1004982

As Syria conflict enters eighth year, UN agencies join call for peace and safe aid delivery
Two United Nations relief agencies on Wednesday joined a chorus of international organizations and partners in the quest to end seven years of conflict in Syria, urging warring parties to allow humanitarian access for the delivery of life-saving assistance to those desperately in need.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1004942

IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION

Page 2: Senators Murray, Cantwell Call On Trump Homeland Security Secretary to Expedite DACA Renewal Process

Page 3: Senator Cantwell Pushes for Additional Funding to Combat Opioid Crisis, Support Treatment Efforts in Indian Country

Page 4: Cantwell Confronts Secretary Zinke On Failure Of Leadership At Interior Zinke Sold Out The American People For The Benefit Of Oil, Gas, and Mining Industry.

Page 5: Sen. Cantwell Announces Grant to Bolster Economic Development in Tri-County Region

page 6: NEWS ARTICLE COMMENTARY & LOCAL MEETINGS HIGHLIGHTS

Men who would be king. A reminder to those who gain power then don't know when to walk away.




OH! BY THE WAY!

HAPPY ST. PATS DAY!

Senator Murray, Senate Democrats joined by survivors & family members of school shootings from across the nation to discuss how to keep young people safe from gun violence

Press release issued 3/ 6/ 18
 Washington, D.C.)  – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, participated in a Senate hearing with survivors and family members from recent school shooting tragedies, as well as education and law enforcement officials, on protecting children from gun violence. Joined at the hearing by several of her Senate Democratic colleagues, Senator Murray heard testimony from students and families who have experienced school shootings, including at Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School (Parkland, FL), Sandy Hook Elementary School (Newtown, CT), and Virginia Tech University (Blacksburg, VA), in addition to a police chief, teacher, and gun violence prevention activist. Senator Murray demanded action to finally address the epidemic of gun violence that has wrecked schools and neighborhoods in Washington state and across the nation.
“Whether it’s raising the age limit in order to purchase certain guns, banning assault weapons, passing universal background checks, or getting the CDC to conduct thorough research, we can and should act. We should act so our kids live in a world where their community isn’t remembered because of a shooting, like Parkland, Newtown, or Columbine. We should act so that other communities traumatized by school shootings—like Marysville in my own state of Washington—and the tens of thousands of kids in schools across our country who are raising their voices know that their leaders hear their calls for action and are committed to doing what’s possible to stop future acts of mass violence. I strongly believe this is a debate we can win—it’s one we must win—and it’s one I’m confident we will win,” said Senator Murray.
“I am here to testify before Congress because Ben, my six year old, can't,” said Francine Wheeler, mother of Ben Wheeler, age 6, who was killed in the 2013 Sandy Hook Shooting. “It is my job as a mother to keep my children safe. It is my responsibility as a citizen to demand the help of our elected public officials.”
“I have dedicated the rest of my life to fighting for the cause of gun safety,” said Fred Guttenberg, father of Jaime Guttenberg, age 14, who was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. “I will not stop. No other parent should ever go through what my family and 16 other families are going through.”

Related story from the US Dept. of Education: Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos Announces Initial Recovery Support for Parkland
Press release dated 3/ 2/ 18
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-education-betsy-devos-announces-initial-recovery-support-parkland
Following the tragic events in Parkland, Florida, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the Department will award Broward County Public Schools a Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) grant. The initial $1,000,000 grant will support recovery efforts at schools in the Broward County Public School system following the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 people dead and 14 others injured on February 14, 2018.
"My heart is broken for the students, teachers and families who have had to endure this unthinkable tragedy," said DeVos. "I am committed to helping identify solutions to prevent another tragedy like this one from happening again. The initial SERV funds awarded today will help Broward County provide services to aid in the healing and recovery process."
DeVos added, "I have had the honor to meet several members of the Parkland community over the past days. The strength shown by these students, family members and educators is an inspiration to us all."
Project SERV provides critical support to school districts and institutions of higher education that have experienced a significant traumatic event and need resources to restore the learning environment for students and staff. Examples of activities that may be funded by Project SERV include mental health services; overtime for teachers, counselors and security staff; and payment of substitute teachers.
Secretary DeVos and Department staff have been in frequent contact with state and local education leaders in Florida over the last two weeks as they assess their needs. Last week at the Department, the Secretary hosted many of the parents, students and educators impacted by the Parkland tragedy and also participated with them in a White House discussion on school safety.

More related stories...
Readout of Secretary DeVos' Visit to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/readout-secretary-devos-visit-marjory-stoneman-douglas-high-school
Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos met with students, teachers and administrators at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The Secretary was greeted by Principal Ty Thompson, Assistant Principal Denise Reed and Superintendent Robert Runcie. Secretary DeVos continued to the guidance office to talk with school counselors followed by the Media Center to greet support staff who have been temporarily working at Stoneman Douglas to help faculty and students upon their arrival back at school.
Principal Thompson and Secretary DeVos then observed and reflected on the site of the shooting by laying a wreath outside the fence of the building.
Secretary DeVos then arrived at the auditorium for a "Personalization Course" and to talk with students and teachers who were working on individual projects. The school newspaper reporter, broadcasting student and year book photographer accompanied the Secretary throughout the visit.
The program for the visit was developed in conjunction with the requests and recommendations of Principal Thompson to provide minimal disruption on students' first full day back in the school.

NYT: With Gun Control Nearing a Dead End, G.O.P. Turns to ‘School Safety’
WASHINGTON — Republican leaders, turning away from significant gun control legislation, have shifted instead toward measures that would beef up security at the nation’s schools, hoping the push will quell public uproar over the recent massacre in Parkland, Fla.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/07/us/politics/parkland-school-shooting-congress-gun-control.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

WP: The Parkland shooting survivors are children. Remember that when they go viral.
The Florida students are waging battle in some of the nastiest corners of the Internet even while they process a trauma. That’s what makes them so effective — and also especially vulnerable.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2018/03/08/the-parkland-survivors-are-children-remember-that-when-they-go-viral/

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES...

UN PRESS RELEASE: General Assembly Adopts Resolution Seeking Alignment of Efforts to End Illicit Diamond Trade, Achieve 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The General Assembly, welcoming progress made by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to break links between the diamond trade and conflict, today adopted a consensus resolution aimed at intensifying that work and aligning it with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. (dated 3/ 7/ 18)
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/ga12002.doc.htm

UN PRESS RELEASE: Briefing Security Council on Democratic Republic of Congo, Special Representative Underscores Need for Credible Electoral Process, Despite Unrest
Discussing the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today, Security Council members underscored the importance of the holding of fair and credible elections, as the electoral process in that country continued amid continued increasing violence and unrest. (dated 3/ 7/ 18)
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13238.doc.htm

FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER:
Stoking fear among followers is not clever politics but a recipe for self-destruction, warns UN rights chief
In a scathing address to the Human Rights Council, the top United Nations rights official on Wednesday warned political leaders who stoke fear and intolerance among their followers for the sake of their own ambitions are merely copying the behaviour of previous generations of once strong, but ultimately catastrophic, leaders and politicians.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1004402

UN seeks $80 million to support refugees in Ethiopia
Two United Nations humanitarian agencies are jointly seeking $80 million to provide food assistance to refugees in Ethiopia, which hosts the second largest number of those in Africa.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1004422

Victims of Syrian conflict ‘denied any meaningful justice,’ says UN-mandated panel
The brutal conflict in Syria has not only claimed civilians as unintentional victims but has seen all warring parties deliberately target them with complete impunity employing unlawful methods of warfare, a new report by a United Nations-mandated inquiry on the war-ravaged country has said.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1004282

US STATE DEPT: U.S.-Africa Relations: A New Framework
Secretary Tillerson (Mar. 6): "We have an opportunity to be part of Africa’s journey to a stable, prosperous future for its people. Each of these priorities – trade and investment, good governments – governance, respect for human rights, combatting terrorism and instability – have the same guiding principle in mind: to help African countries build the capacity to take care of their own people
https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/03/279065.htm

US DEFENSE DEPT: NATO Military Chairman Seeks Constructive Contacts With Russia
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2018 —
The chairman of NATO’s Military Committee would like to see the NATO-Russia Council reinvigorated to address issues pending between the two entities.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1460759/nato-military-chairman-seeks-constructive-contacts-with-russia/



IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION

page 2

TRANSPORTATION: Senators Murray, Cantwell Secure Major Investment for Spokane Valley to Improve Barker Road Railway Intersection

page 3

Cantwell, Bipartisan Senators Introduce Bill to Help Train Next Generation of Aviation Maintenance Workers

page 4

The question of tariffs were brought up during an question, and answer session March 6; Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Löfven of Sweden in Joint Press Conference.

page 5: Washington becomes first state to pass net neutrality protections into law

page 6: News Story Commentary: The City oversteps their purview, by considering a feel good measure.

UNDER THE RADAR THAT DIDN'T WORK

Editorial note: This week's main event was the media v the Washington state legislature. As I always said, news, and politics starts locally, and this week is no exception as you can see by the screaming headlines of local media giants, at least here in the state of Washington. Some state senators took it upon themselves to try and weasel in a bill that would apparently block the media in accessing public records, below is a summary of what the bill would have prohibit, which was part of a press release:

7000 BC

King Zeus says: " In my day we did
things behind the scenes and,
and no one dared objected!
Of course we had no free press,
pestering us! 

Statements from legislative caucus leaders on Senate Bill 6617 (Legislative Public Records Act)
press release issued 2/ 21/ 18
http://mattshea.houserepublicans.wa.gov/2018/02/21/statements-from-legislative-caucus-leaders-on-senate-bill-6617-legislative-public-records-act/
The press release included a summary of the bill:
Summary of Legislative Public Records Proposal
PRA Clarified to Exclude Legislature. The Legislature’
s disclosure duties are established in a new chapter, and it is clarified that the Public Records Act (PRA) does not apply to the state legislative branch, and its houses, members, employees, and agencies. Conforming amendments are made to the PRA to reflect these changes.
Records Subject to Disclosure. “Legislative public records” subject to disclosure are defined. The definition includes all items currently disclosed under the PRA, as well as additional items.
Correspondence, amendments, minutes, etc., from committee meetings.
Transcripts, other records of hearings, written testimony, etc., filed with committees.
Internal accounting and financial records.
Personnel leave, travel, and payroll records.
Bills and bill reports.
Reports submitted to the Legislature.
Final dispositions of disciplinary proceedings by Executive Rules or F&O.
Specified information from legislators’ calendars of meetings or events related to official legislative duties, created after July 1, 2018.
Legislators’ correspondence on legislative business to and from persons outside the Legislature who are not constituents, created after July 1, 2018.
Any other record officially designated a legislative public record.
Disclosure Exceptions. Exceptions to the disclosure obligation are also defined.

Records the disclosure of which would violate an individual’s right to privacy (disclosure would be highly offensive and is not of legitimate public concern), such as personal information in personnel files.
Records of policy development; however, this exception does not apply to records of correspondence with lobbyists, lobbyist employers, etc.
Credit card numbers, bank account numbers, etc.
Records that are relevant to a controversy to which an entity of state government is a party but that would not be available in litigation.
Records subject to the Speech or Debate Clause in Article II, section 17, including but not limited to the deliberative process.
Responding to Requests. The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House are the public records officers for those bodies respectively, and are jointly the public records officers for joint committees and legislative agencies. Requirements for copying, access, responses, and fees are established, most of which are generally based on existing PRA language. However, in language mirroring the judiciary’s disclosure rule, the Chief Clerk or the Secretary may deny a records request if the request was made to harass or intimidate, or if fulfilling the request would present a safety risk.

Review. A person whose request for legislative public records was denied may seek review by the Facilities & Operations Committee or the Executive Rules Committee, respectively, or jointly if the request involved a legislative agency or joint committee. The committees’ decisions are final.

Application. The part of the bill removing the legislature from the scope of the PRA is retroactive and applies to any pending PRA requests or litigation. The Legislative Public Records Act takes effect immediately. (full text of 6617 can be seen here)

Editorial Note: In essence the bill was set up to protect state legislatures being expose of wrong doings. Clever! Is it any wonder why the state, and local media was foaming at the mouth all week.
But by the end of the week the Governor heard the cries of the media and took action.

Examples of headlines which were screaming for action:
Seattle Times: Washington state lawmakers make speedy move to shield their records from the public
Ever seen legislation in Olympia move this fast? With no debate, the Washington state House and Senate approved a bill Friday that makes some legislative records public starting in July — but shields records that already exist.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/without-debate-state-senate-approves-open-records-bill-that-keeps-many-lawmakers-records-closed/

The Olympian: Are legislators telling the truth about the controversial public records bill they just passed? Not so much
Washington state lawmakers passed a sweeping public-records bill Friday, exempting the state Legislature from the state’s Public Records Act and embroiling themselves in a controversy that continues to churn throughout the state.
http://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article202291559.html

Seattle PI: Connelly: Inslee must veto Legislature's public records bill
The 1972 drive for the Washington Public Disclosure Act sent this UW grad student wheezing for days after collecting signatures for Initiative 276 on raw mornings with temperatures in the low 40's and "scattered showers" coming down.
Almost 50 years later, the Legislature is making me sick to my stomach by trying to exempt itself with a bill that blocks release of lawmaker exchanges with constituents. It opens wide loopholes for special interest groups to make sure that communications with legislators never get made public.
https://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/Connelly-The-buck-stops-with-Inslee-Veto-the-12717351.php

Culture trumps strategy, or why legislators failed to learn from the mistakes of Congress----Washington State Wire
https://washingtonstatewire.com/culture-trumps-strategy-legislators-failed-learn-mistakes-congress/
Quote: " Last week’s bill that limited transparency in the legislature was shot through both chambers in a manner that would make Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell envious.  It took about 56 hours from introduction to passage.
Now, there may be good reasons to repeal the Affordable Care Act.  And, there may be reasons to repeal the Supreme Court’s ruling requiring the legislature operate like every other state agency (save the courts, of course).
But, jamming through legislation – whether it’s in DC or in Olympia – is seldom a way to make good policy.  It’s a way to get a bill passed, sure.  But when the US Senate stopped and took a look at the repeal bill, questions about the policy sank the initiative."

The tax happy Inslee responded with action with the press release below. Perhaps diverting attention from critics of his Carbon tax manuver, now the media can write wonderful stories about how Inslee saved the day for them. Maybe they'll white wash the taxes Inslee wants Washington residents to pay up, you think?

Inslee vetoes ESB 6617 – Legislature and media agree to discuss path forward
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-vetoes-esb-6617-%E2%80%93-legislature-and-media-agree-discuss-path-forward
(Press release issued 3/ 1/ 18)
Gov. Jay Inslee tonight vetoed ESB 6617, a bill related to public disclosure obligations of the Legislature. Inslee received a request Thursday evening from a number of legislators to veto the bill after they reached an agreement with media organizations about a process for working together on the issue.

Plaintiffs from the media lawsuit have agreed to join defendants in seeking a stay of proceedings in the trial court during the appeal, and further agree they will not try to enforce the trial court’s order during the appeal. The governor’s veto message and the veto request from the Legislature and media plaintiffs are linked below.

Following his veto, Inslee issued the following statement:
“The public’s right to government information is one we hold dearly in Washington. Transparency is a cornerstone of a democratic government, and I’m very proud of my administration’s record on public disclosure. I believe legislators will find they can fulfill their duties while being fully transparent, just like state and local governments all across Washington.
“I want to thank the legislators who have reconsidered this bill and asked me for this veto tonight. Since this bill passed, my office and lawmakers have heard an unprecedented level of response from the public. Those messages were heard loudly and clearly. I now hope lawmakers, the media, and other stakeholders will work together to resolve differences through a process the public can have faith in.
“I believe the Legislature’s overwhelming vote on the bill was a good faith attempt to increase disclosure and transparency. Though I expressed concerns about the outline of the bill, I did tell legislators I would let the bill become law if they delivered it with enough votes to override a veto. However, that was before I saw the process which failed to meet public expectations for openness and delivered a bill that fell short.
“I appreciate that both sides have been open to discussions during the past few days and will work together to find the right approach to this important issue.”






IN WORLD NEWS HEADLINES FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES

United Nations Agencies Discuss Ways to Align Strategies with Sustainable Development Agenda, as Economic and Social Council Continues Segment
UN Press release issued 2/ 28/ 18
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/ecosoc6894.doc.htm
The heads of various United Nations agencies, funds and programmes discussed methods for aligning their strategies with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development today, as the Economic and Social Council continued its consideration of the United Nations operational activities for international development cooperation within the broader context of Organizational reform.

UN NEWS CENTER
Governments should place more emphasis on drug treatment and rehabilitation, says UN-backed narcotics control board
Governments are being urged to invest more in drug treatment and rehabilitation rather than just focusing solely on prevention, the latest report by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) recommends.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1003871

On ‘Zero Discrimination Day’ UN urges tackling everyday biases; ask yourself ‘what if...?
To mark Zero Discrimination Day, the United Nations agency coordinating the global effort to tackle HIV/AIDS is challenging people to recognize where everyday discrimination takes place and take action to stop it by asking themselves simple questions: ‘What if the person you bought your vegetables from was living with HIV? Would you buy tomatoes from him?’
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1003841

Some 19 million newborns at risk of brain damage every year due to iodine deficiency – UN
Nearly 19 million babies born globally every year – 14 per cent – are at risk of permanent yet preventable brain damage and reduced cognitive function due to a lack of iodine in the earliest years of life, according to a United Nations-backed report released Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1003821

Airstrikes, shelling continue in Syria despite Security Council’s ceasefire call – top UN officials
Despite the Security Council’s demand for a ceasefire throughout Syria, violence continues to plague the war-ravaged country, worsening the humanitarian situation and the suffering of its people, top United Nations political and relief officials said Wednesday, calling on all parties to the conflict to “fulfil their obligations to end the fighting.”
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/02/1003801

US MISSION TO THE UN: Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria---Ambassador Kelley Currie
Quote: " Despite the unanimous call for a ceasefire, the regime’s attacks continue unabated. Hundreds of Syrians have been killed or injured since we passed the resolution on Saturday."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8328

US DEFENSE DEPT: Stratcom Commander Discusses Strategic Deterrence Mission
ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 28, 2018 —
Adversaries are evolving, and the United States needs to stay ahead of these threats to ensure it never enters a “fair fight,” the commander of U.S. Strategic Command said here today.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1454082/stratcom-commander-discusses-strategic-deterrence-mission/

IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION

PAGE 2: Senator Murray Demands Resignation of Scott Lloyd Following Ideological “Ad Hoc” Efforts to Deny Women Reproductive Rights

PAGE 3:  Cantwell, Grijalva Call On Zinke To Give American Taxpayers A Fair Deal Ranking Members Press Zinke on DOI Committee’s Recommended Cut to Offshore Drilling Royalties

Page 4: WSDA prepared to enforce Brassica seed regulations

PAGE 5: DOE: Ecology awards $220 million in clean water grants

Page 6: News Commentary: You think it was barbaric to leave unwanted babies in the wilderness in ancient days, abortion is just as bad.

The main headline this week was another school shooting.

The solution from the President. . . arm teachers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES

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

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

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


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

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

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

IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION

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

PAGE 3: Tax Reform Pads Workers’ Wallets

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

Page 5: Inslee statement on House supplemental budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IN THIS WEEK's EDITION:

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

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

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

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

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

Little memos, and oil drilling are top stories this week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES from THE UN NEWS CENTER & Other Sources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION....

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


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

page 4: USDA Programs Empower Arkansas Farmer

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


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

NIGHT OWL COMICS page 7