THE PORT ANGELES GLOBE

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Inslee announces “Healthy Washington–Roadmap to Recovery”

The state will shift to a two-phase system in accordance with regional case counts.

From the governor's medium page.

https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-announces-healthy-washington-roadmap-to-recovery-229b880a6859

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced “Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery,” a COVID-19 phased recovery plan. Beginning on January 11, the state will follow a regional recovery approach with every region beginning in Phase 1.

“No one was untouched by the effects of the pandemic in 2020; many have and continue to suffer through no fault of their own,” Inslee said during a press conference Tuesday. “We aren’t out of this yet, but we are close to turning the corner on COVID-19 and this third wave of infection.”

Washington has avoided overwhelming the state’s health care systems throughout this pandemic so far through rigorous safety measures, such as physical distancing and masking, as well as social and economic restrictions. This new recovery system aims to safely ease some restrictions while also maintaining crucial hospital capacity, ensuring care for Washingtonians that need it and paving the way for economic recovery.

The regions are mostly based on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) regions used for evaluating healthcare services. There will be eight regions of four or more counties, divided according to available health care services based on metrics such as hospitalizations, case data and disease mobility.

The eight regions are as follows:

Central: King, Pierce, Snohomish

East: Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman

North: Island, San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom

North Central: Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Okanogan

Northwest: Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason

South Central: Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Kittitas, Walla Walla, Yakima

Southwest: Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Wahkiakum

West: Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Thurston

“Our intent is to ensure that regions, the communities within them, and our state as whole have a balanced path toward recovery from the pandemic that relies on multiple key metrics that look at disease trajectory and health system capacity” said Deputy Secretary for COVID Response Lacy Fehrenbach. “This plan offers the start of clear way forward as we continue to slow the spread of COVID-19, while we get more people vaccinated over the next few months.”

Metrics

A region’s phase will be determined by the Department of Health (DOH) in response to four metric requirements. The final metrics for regions will be calculated on Friday, January 8 and will be effective January 11.

To go forward from Phase 1 to Phase 2, regions must meet all four metrics:

Decreasing trend in two-week rate of COVID-19 cases per 100K population (decrease >10%)

Decreasing trend in two-week rate new COVID-19 hospital admission rates per 100K population (decrease >10%)

ICU occupancy (total — COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) of less than 90%

COVID-19 test positivity rate of <10%

To remain in Phase 2, regions must meet at least 3 metrics:

Decreasing or flat trend in two-week rate of COVID-19 cases per 100K population

Decreasing or flat trend in two-week rate new COVID-19 hospital admission rates per 100K population

ICU occupancy (total — COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) of less than 90%

COVID-19 test positivity rate of <10%.

Regions that fail to meet two or more of the above metrics will be moved back to Phase 1.

The metrics for each region will be updated on the Risk Assessment Dashboard every Friday. Dependent on a region’s metrics, DOH will move into a new phase — forward or backward — the following Monday.

DOH and local health departments reserve the right to move a region outside of this timing, and additional phases may be added as the state’s COVID-19 situation changes with continued vaccine distribution and other changes in public health response.

“Our goal is to reopen our economy safely, and to do it as quickly as possible. Every week, we plan on tracking our ongoing progress in protecting our communities against COVID-19,” said Secretary of Health Umair Shah. “The governor’s new plan will allow all of us to understand what measures are being used for the path forward including when it makes sense to ease restrictions across the state.”

Phase 1

All regions will begin in Phase 1, because of current metrics.

Phase 1, for the most part, aligns with restrictions current in place for most counties today, with a few key exceptions. Indoor fitness and outdoor entertainment, for example, were both previously prohibited, but will now be permitted with restrictions.

Currently, all indoor fitness is entirely prohibited. DOH now believes that the state can safely allow appointment-based fitness and training where there is no more than 1 customer per room or 500 square feet for large facilities. This will allow gyms to schedule people wanting to come in to work out in a safe way to ensure activity during winter months. Masks and physical distancing are required.

Outdoor entertainment establishes will be permitted to reopen in Phase 1, including zoos, outdoor theaters and concert venues, and rodeos, among other outdoor venues. Operation must be by ticketed event only with groups of 10 maximum with a limit of two households. Timed ticketing is required, as well as facial coverings and physical distancing.

Indoor gatherings and indoor dining remain prohibited. Outdoor dining with a maximum of six and limit for two households per table is permitted with an 11:00 PM close.

Retail, worship services, personal services, and professional services — where remote work isn’t available—are limited to 25% capacity.

Phase 2

Once a region meets all four required health metrics for three of the four past weeks, they will be permitted to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2. This phase sees some relaxation in regulations, but masks and physical distancing are still required statewide for all activities.

Indoor social gatherings with people outside of the household begins being permitted in Phase 2 with a max of 5 people from outside the household and limit of two households. Outdoor social gatherings maximum in this phase is increased to 15 individuals from two households.

In Phase 2, indoor dining will be permitted with a maximum 25% capacity and an 11:00 PM close. All other indoor activities must also follow a 25% capacity limit. This includes retail, entertainment and groceries, as well as personal and professional services.

Indoor fitness must also follow the 25% capacity limit.

In Phase 2 moderate risk indoor sports and all sports outdoors gain flexibility to have league games and competitions, which will help ensure opportunities for kids to be active, which is especially important during winter months and as kids navigate virtual or hybrid schooling.

Outdoor entertaining may host groups of up to 15 with the two-household limit and an overall 75 person maximum. Wedding and funeral ceremonies and indoor receptions may take place following the appropriate venue requirements. Food and drink service limited to restaurant guidance.

Read the full phase activity chart here.

“It’s a new year, and COVID-19 is no longer new to us,” Inslee said. “We’ve learned a lot; we’ve struggled a lot; we’ve accomplished a lot. Washingtonians are undeterred. This battle continues, but the turning point is on its way.”

(2) State agencies adopt rules to implement Washington’s 100% clean electricity law.

https://wastatecommerce.medium.com/state-agencies-adopt-rules-to-implement-washingtons-100-clean-electricity-law-a9e5c0027ff4

New rules put state on path to greenhouse gas emission-free electricity by 2045

Washington state has passed another milestone on the path to 100% clean electricity. The Washington State Department of Commerce and Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) adopted administrative rules for implementation of the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), the state law passed last year requiring an electricity supply free of greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

The UTC and Commerce adopted the rules late last week after 18 months of work with stakeholders who represent the interests of residential and business customers, environmental and labor advocates, low-income and disadvantaged communities, and electric utilities.

The UTC rules apply to the investor-owned utilities operating in Washington — Puget Sound Energy, Avista and Pacific Power. The Commerce rules apply to 64 electric utilities in Washington, including municipal utilities, public utility districts and rural electric cooperatives.

Electric utilities in Washington must eliminate coal-fired electricity by the end of 2025, transition to a carbon-neutral supply of electricity by 2030, and source 100% of their electricity from renewable or non-carbon-emitting sources by 2045.

“This rule is one of the key pieces of one our most important policies for building Washington’s clean energy future. Ensuring that all customers and communities can have equal opportunity to participate in the benefits of 100% clean electricity was a top priority in developing the new rules,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. ”We appreciate the collaborative work by advocates, utilities and agency staff to develop these rules on time and with broad input.”

“These rules are the product of months of work by our two agencies, with valuable input from utilities and industry groups, consumer and equity advocates, environmental organizations, and others. We have made tremendous progress towards our clean energy future and look forward to working more with these stakeholders in the coming year,” said UTC Chair Dave Danner.

CETA sets the most aggressive timeline for 100% clean power in the country and contains several “groundbreaking” provisions. The Legislature and Gov. Jay Inslee enacted CETA in 2019 and directed the two agencies to adopt rules by the end of 2020 providing additional implementation details. Key legislative requirements of CETA include:

· Utilities must ensure an equitable distribution of benefits from the transition to clean energy for all customers and must make programs and funding available for energy assistance to low-income customers.

· Tax incentives for renewable energy development that encourage developers to pay prevailing wages and use a community workforce agreement or project labor agreement

· Electric utilities must adopt CETA implementation plans by the end of 2021 with targets for achieving CETA’s clean electricity requirements and prepare revised plans every four years.

· By the end of 2025, utilities must remove all coal-fired electric generation from their resource portfolios.

· By 2030, utilities must use a portfolio of electric resources that is greenhouse gas neutral. Under this standard, at least 80% of electricity must be from renewable sources or non-emitting power, and any use of natural gas to generate electricity must be offset by emissions reductions elsewhere.

· By 2045, utilities must use a resource portfolio that is 100% renewable or nuclear to serve Washington customers, with no provision for offsets.

The new rules address utility practices when planning for and acquiring new energy resources, promoting diversity among suppliers and contractors, calculating greenhouse gas content in their resource mix, facilitating public engagement in planning and procurement, assessing impacts of resources on vulnerable communities, and establishing caps for utilities’ spending in compliance with CETA.

CETA allows a utility to delay its progress toward these standards based on cost considerations. The adopted rules provide detailed requirements that must be followed by utilities that opt to use the cost provision.

Both the UTC and Commerce will continue their work in 2021 to implement CETA. Upcoming work includes possible rules to ensure that electricity purchased in interstate wholesale markets meets CETA’s clean energy standards.

Commerce’s rules and more information are posted on the agency’s CETA webpage: commerce.wa.gov/CETA.

Additional information on the UTC’s CETA rules and implementation is posted on the commission’s CETA webpage: www.utc.wa.gov/CETA.

The UTC is the state agency that regulates private, investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington. It is the commission’s responsibility to ensure regulated companies provide safe and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while allowing them the opportunity to earn a fair profit.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

Ecology revises Puget Sound net pen permits for steelhead.

https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2021/Ecology-revises-Puget-Sound-net-pen-permits-for-st

Fecal Matters: No-contact advisory issued for Sinclair Inlet and Eagle Harbor, Kitsap County--DOE

https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/January-2021/Fecal-Matters-No-contact-advisory-issued-for-Sincl

Governor Inslee appoints new Fish and Wildlife Commission members: Fred Koontz, Lorna Smith.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/governor-inslee-appoints-new-fish-and-wildlife-commission-members-fred-koontz-lorna-smith

Land Transfer for Darrington Wood Innovation Center Approved by Board of Natural Resources.

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/land-transfer-darrington-wood-innovation-center-approved-board-natural-resources

(2) IN TODAY'S HEADLINE NEWS

WORLD HEADLINE NEWS

‘An unwanted prison sentence’ for seafarers stuck at home and stranded at sea.

Hundreds of thousands of seafarers have been on board for many months longer than planned, stranded at sea due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Six months after the problem was first revealed, many of them are still struggling to cope with the ongoing uncertainty.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081482

Port explosion which ‘burnt hearts’ of Beirut residents.

Five months on from the devastating port explosion that killed over 200 people, and injured thousands more, the UN has invited Beirut residents to share their hopes and fears for the future of the city, and for Lebanon, which remains in crisis.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081462

UN chief welcomes declaration on resolving the ‘Gulf rift’

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081452

WHO chief begins 2021 with plea for ‘less politicking’ over health.

In a race to “save lives, livelihoods and end this pandemic”, the head of the UN heath agency said on Tuesday that it was important to remember COVID-19 was just one of a number of major disease outbreaks facing communities across the world.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081432

NATIONAL HEADLINES:

The Trump Administration Is Achieving Environmental Progress While Saving Taxpayer Dollars--WH press release 1.6.21

https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/trump-administration-achieving-environmental-progress-saving-taxpayer-dollars/

Secretary DeVos Quickly Makes Available an Additional $54 Billion in COVID Relief Aid for K-12 Students, Teachers, and Schools--US EDUCATION DEPT

https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-quickly-makes-available-additional-54-billion-covid-relief-aid-k-12-students-teachers-and-schools

HUD ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION IN CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FOR RURAL AMERICA

Grants help national non-profits build capacity to create affordable housing and stimulate community development in rural areas--HUD

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_21_001

EPA Releases Briefing Paper on Renewable Energy Waste Management--EPA press release

WASHINGTON (January 6, 2020) — Today, EPA posted a briefing paper outlining difficulties the U.S. will face recycling and safely disposing of the materials used for green energy technologies. Renewable Energy Waste Streams: Preparing for the Future examines the waste produced once solar panels, lithium-ion batteries and windmills reach the end of their useful life. This briefing paper identifies key challenges that America faces in the near future as the growing use of renewable energy technologies creates a new generation of materials that need to be recycled or properly disposed of in order to protect human health and the environment.

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-briefing-paper-renewable-energy-waste-management

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service Release Final Rule on Section 45Q Credit Regulations.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1227

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, December 15-16, 2020.

https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20210106a.htm

Eligible Paycheck Protection Program expenses now deductible--IRS

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/eligible-paycheck-protection-program-expenses-now-deductible

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES FINAL RULE TO CLARIFY INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT--Dept. of Labor

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20210106

(3) IN OTHER HEADLINES...

Did Georgia Really Just Elect an Anti-Semitic Socialist Who Covered Up Child Abuse?--PJ MEDIA

https://pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/matt-margolis/2021/01/06/did-georgia-really-just-elect-an-anti-semitic-socialist-who-covered-up-child-abuse-n1309633

Mike Pence's Electoral Predicament

The vice president is both thoughtful and capable, but he's powerless to overturn the election singlehandedly.---The Patriot Post

https://patriotpost.us/articles/76834-mike-pences-electoral-predicament-2021-01-06

US Capitol in Lockdown, Pence Leaves Joint Session as Protesters Surge---NEWSMAX

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/protest-electoral-college-capitol/2021/01/06/id/1004508/

Mitch McConnell Gives Fiery Senate Speech Rebuking Electoral College Challenge

"I will vote to respect the people’s decision and defend our system of government as we know it.”---The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/mitch-mcconnell-gives-firey-senate-speech-rebuking-electoral-college-challenge

FREE BIBLE STUDIES FROM WBS

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

AG FERGUSON ANNOUNCES COALITION LAWSUIT TO SAVE NATIONAL ARCHIVES.

Press release issued 1.4. 21

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-announces-coalition-lawsuit-save-national-archives

29 tribes, tribal entities and communities, Oregon and 9 historic preservation and community groups join the lawsuit

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his office filed a lawsuit against the federal government for illegally proceeding with the sale of the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) building in Seattle. The government plans to ship the National Archives building’s irreplaceable, un-digitized records more than a thousand miles away to archive centers in Kansas City, Missouri and Riverside, California. This will effectively eliminate public access to the records. Twenty-nine federally recognized tribes, Alaskan tribal entities, and tribal communities from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska, as well as nine community organizations, historical preservation societies and museums and the state of Oregon joined Ferguson’s lawsuit.

The National Archives building in Seattle hosts exclusive and un-digitized tribal and treaty records, as well as Chinese Exclusion Act case files and records regarding the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The records are invaluable resources for researchers, historians and individuals seeking information about their family history or heritage. For instance, tribal members use federal archive records to establish tribal membership, demonstrate and enforce tribal rights to fishing and other activities, trace their lineage and ancestry and access native school records. According NARA’s Seattle director, only “.001% of the facility’s 56,000 cubic feet of records are digitized and available online.”

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, asserts the sale violates the conditions Congress placed on agencies’ ability to sell federal properties on an expedited basis and fails to appropriately account for the records’ importance to the Pacific Northwest region. Further, the federal government refused to consult or cooperate with local stakeholders, including tribal governments, in making the decision to sell the property.

Talmage Hocker, a Kentucky commercial real estate developer appointed to the Public Buildings Reform Board (PBRB) by President Donald Trump, said in a December 2020 interview with the L.A. Times that his agency’s recommendation to sell the property would allow it to “become a part of the community, as opposed to what it is today.”

“My late father was a regular at the National Archives – he, like so many Washingtonians, loved the place,” Ferguson said. “He would have been shocked at the manner in which the federal government has conducted this illegal sale — ignoring the law, hiding the ball, and refusing to listen to the community. To be blunt, these federal agencies don’t give a damn about their legal obligations or what these documents mean to our region. Consequently, this lawsuit is our only recourse to compel the government to follow the law and respect the fact that these irreplaceable records contain the DNA of our region.”

“The Archives are critical partners in the conservation of our community’s history,” said Connie So, president of OCA Asian Pacific Advocates – Greater Seattle Chapter. “Most Chinese Americans left few records of their lives and history prior to 1950, making the Archive’s treasure trove of files related to the Chinese Exclusion Act all the more precious. Once, when Seattle hosted the Association for Asian American Studies conference, we made a special trip to the Archives. People marveled at the fact that they could find information on relatives that they thought were long-lost. People shared poignant stories, especially when they discovered a photo of a family member.”

“The word ‘archives,’ from the view of law firms, businesses and courts, tends to conjure an image of a records storage facility for ‘dead files,’” said Tallis King George, a Puyallup tribal attorney. “I view the National Archives at Seattle as a vibrant, special collection library… A visit to the National Archives at Seattle, for native people whose ancestral historical and cultural records are housed there, fills a deep cultural yearning to know, honor and understand the lives and sacrifices of their ancestors.”

On Feb. 25, Ferguson sent a letter urging the federal government to reconsider the decision to move the records at the Archives. The letter details the regional historical significance of the records. At the same time, Ferguson sought public records related to the proposed sale. For nearly six months, the agencies refused to produce the public records. In fact, the PBRB demanded that taxpayers pay more than $65,000 for records redaction before producing them. In response to the agencies’ refusal to comply with Ferguson’s records request, Ferguson filed three Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits in August 2020 and a fourth in September.

After litigation commenced, the PBRB dropped its demand for $65,000. However, it is now requesting until March 31 to produce its responsive documents — a date by which the Archives building may have already been sold. In response, Ferguson filed a motion asking the court handling his FOIA lawsuits to accelerate the case schedule. To date, the four federal agencies have produced minimal records, and many of those were highly redacted. For example, a document provided by OMB noted “red flag objections” to the sale of the Seattle Archives facility, but OMB redacted the attachment listing these objections.

In October 2020, the PBRB decided that it would sell the Archives building in Seattle early this year as part of a bundled sale along with 11 other federal properties around the country. It buried the details of this dramatic decision deep in a 74-page document on its website from that meeting. The federal government did not inform any interested stakeholders of this decision, including tribal governments or the Attorney General’s Office — despite Ferguson’s letter, public records requests and FOIA lawsuits. The Attorney General’s Office only discovered it when an assistant attorney general happened across PBRB’s website in late November 2020 while conducting separate research. PBRB had previously planned on selling the properties individually over the next year.

Legal claims

Ferguson’s lawsuit asserts the National Archives building was never legally eligible for the PBRB’s accelerated sale process. The law granting the PBRB authority to sell these federal properties specifically excludes buildings used for “research in connection with federal agricultural, recreational or conservation programs.” The National Archives building is exempt from expedited sale by law because it is used for research in connection with federal agricultural, recreational and conservation programs. In other words, the Archives building legally never should have been included in the portfolio of buildings the federal government has put out for bid.

The lawsuit also alleges significant administrative procedural violations. For example, the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) failed to develop the standards, criteria and recommendations required by Congress. Additionally, the federal government failed to consult or coordinate with the tribal governments in violation of federal-tribal consultation law and policy.

Legal coalition

Twenty-nine tribes, the State of Oregon, and 9 community organizations are partnering with Ferguson’s office in bringing the case. They include:

Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation

Confederated Tribes of the Coos

Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

Doyon, Ltd.

Duwamish Tribe

Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon

Hoh Indian Tribe

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe

Kalispel Tribe of Indians

The Klamath Tribes

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

Nez Perce Tribe

Nooksack Indian Tribe

Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe

Puyallup Tribe of Indians

Quileute Tribe of the Quileute Reservation

Quinault Indian Nation

Samish Indian Nation

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

Skokomish Indian Tribe

Snoqualmie Indian Tribe

Spokane Tribe of Indians

Squaxin Island Tribe

Suquamish Tribe

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

Tanana Chiefs Conference

Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation

American Historical Association

Association of King County Historical Organizations

Historic Seattle

Chinese American Citizens Alliance

HistoryLink

Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)

OCA Asian Pacific Advocates – Greater Seattle Chapter

Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

Wing Luke Memorial Foundation

State of Oregon

Decision to sell Seattle’s National Archives building

In 2019, PBRB identified a dozen federal properties around the U.S. as “High Value Assets” and recommended their sale in a manner that will “obtain the highest and best value for the taxpayer” and accomplish the goal of “facilitating and expediting the sale or disposal of unneeded Federal civilian real properties.” Among those properties — many of which are unused warehouses or buildings, vacant land and properties already planned for sale — was the National Archives building in Seattle. No local, state or tribal officials were consulted in its initial selection. A month later, OMB approved PBRB’s list.

In October 2020, PBRB officials claimed COVID-19’s effects on the commercial real estate market justified an accelerated bundled sale of a “portfolio” of 12 federal properties across the country. The Seattle building is included with a mishmash of federal properties, including what PBRB called an “obsolete and largely vacant” group of eight warehouses in Auburn. PBRB seeks to sell all 12 properties at the same time to a single real estate developer.

DNA of the region

The Seattle archives houses a significant collection of tribal and treaty records relating to the 272 federally recognized tribes in Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The archives contain original drafts of tribal treaties and original copies of correspondence from treaty negotiations during the mid-19th century.

Tribal members use federal archive records for many reasons, including to establish tribal membership, demonstrate and enforce tribal rights to fishing and other activities, trace their lineage and ancestry, and access native school records. If these historical records are removed from the Pacific Northwest, many tribal members will be prevented from exercising these important rights.

The federal government did not consult with Northwest tribal leaders before deciding to move these significant pieces of tribal history thousands of miles away from the Northwest, depriving local tribes of access to these critical historical documents.

The Seattle archive facility houses original case files for people who entered the country through ports in Portland and Seattle. These case files includeThe National Archives in Seattle also contains 50,000 case files related to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which was passed to limit the number of Chinese laborers entering the United States. Individuals applying for entry into the United States under the Chinese Exclusion Act had to go through an extensive application process.

The Seattle archive facility houses original case files for people who entered the country through ports in Portland and Seattle. These case files include identification photographs, biographical information, interrogation notes, copies of federal and local court records, as well as personal letters and photographs. These files, created to discriminate against Chinese workers, have become a critical resource to Chinese Americans looking for information about their ancestors.

One person who used these records to map his family tree with the help of archives volunteers said, “it’s all there on paper, so you can literally recreate a picture of the village and family tree through these documents.”

A dedicated group of volunteers has been working to index these files, creating an extensive database of family history. If the federal government moves these files, the volunteers will not be able to complete their work or help people learn about their family history. The Seattle Times profiled these volunteers in a video called, “It’s like reading someone’s life: Seattle’s Chinese Exclusion Act Files.”

Lawsuits against the Trump Administration

Assistant Attorneys General Lauryn Fraas, Kristin Beneski, Brian Sutherland and Nathan Bays are handling the National Archives’ cases for Washington.

Ferguson has filed 85 lawsuits against the Trump Administration. Forty-seven of these cases are awaiting a judicial ruling. Ferguson has 36 legal victories against the Trump Administration. Twenty-two of these cases are finished and cannot be appealed. There have been two adverse decisions on the merits, one of which is currently on appeal.

(2) Washington Public Works Board starts the new year with a new Chair.

https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/washington-public-works-board-starts-the-new-year-with-a-new-chair/

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A changing of the guard occurred Jan. 4, 2021 at the Washington State Public Works Board when Lincoln County Commissioner Scott Hutsell stepped down as Board Chair. Commissioner Hutsell joined the board as an Elected County Representative in 2012 and was appointed Chair by Gov. Jay Inslee in 2017, a time when shifting state priorities had moved dedicated funding away from the Public Works Board, making its future uncertain.

Through Hutsell’s leadership, determination and grit, the board is in a much better place than it was eight years ago. The Governor has proposed a $160 million dollar biennial budget for Public Works Board Traditional Programs and an additional $45 million dollars for the Public Works Board Broadband Program.

Hutsell said: “This is a bittersweet day for me and, while the struggle to regain Public Works Board dedicated revenues remains, I believe that public infrastructure is being recognized once again as the backbone of sustained economic recovery and growth. The Governor’s proposed budget is what I hope to be the first of many wins for the board and the state in coming years.”

The Governor has appointed Kathryn Gardow, PE, Board Chair, marking a return for Gardow who served on the board from 2005 to 2014, including five years as Vice Chair. Gardow brings nearly 40 years of experience in land use and civil engineering to the job. She also currently serves as a board member of the Recreation Conservation Funding Board, the policy setting board for the Recreation Conservation Office.

Gardow stated: “I am excited to be back serving on the Public Works Board, as I know how much good the board’s work does for the people of the State of Washington. I am motivated to continue the positive steps taken to restore the board’s role as a consistent funding and technical assistance source for our local communities. Maintaining and modernizing infrastructure systems with the Public Works Board’s active and consistent participation is critical to helping the state achieve its public health, environmental, equity and economic goals.”

“On behalf of all the Commerce team members who have worked with Scott during his tenure on the board, we commend his tireless commitment to promote vital public infrastructure investments that strengthen communities throughout the state,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with incoming Board Chair Gardow as we work together on important initiatives including broadband expansion that is connecting more people with new opportunities for telemedicine, remote learning and economic development through greater access to affordable, high-speed internet.”

(3) IN OTHER TOP HEADLINE NEWS...

WORLD NEWS:

Syria: ‘Identified gaps, inconsistencies’ raise questions over elimination of chemical weapons.

“Identified gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies” that remain unresolved, have brought into question the true extent of the elimination of chemical weapons during Syria’s bloody conflict, the UN disarmament chief told the Security Council in her briefing on Tuesday.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081412

Weathering a tourist downturn in Kyrgyzstan.

The residents of a small traditional village high in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, which once attracted a steady stream of visitors, are learning how to adapt to the reality of a world where the COVID-19 pandemic has all but frozen out the opportunities provided by tourism.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081372

Central African Republic: Respect final results of the election, UN and partners urge.

Senior officials from the United Nations and regional organizations have called on all political actors in the Central African Republic (CAR) to respect the final results of the recent presidential elections, and to settle any disputes peacefully and in accordance with the country’s laws.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081362

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Chemical Weapons in Syria (via VTC)--USUN

https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-a-un-security-council-briefing-on-chemical-weapons-in-syria-via-vtc-2/

NATIONAL HEADLINES:

Statement from National Security Advisor Robert C. O’Brien Regarding the National Maritime Cybersecurity Plan---WH

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-national-security-advisor-robert-c-obrien-regarding-national-maritime-cybersecurity-plan/

Space Force Senior Enlisted Advisor Talks Future of Enlisted Force

DOD NEWS

https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2462396/space-force-senior-enlisted-advisor-talks-future-of-enlisted-force/

California Woman Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime for Threatening to Bomb Catholic Prep School

The Justice Department announced today that Sonia Tabizada, age 36, of San Jacinto, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to intentionally obstructing persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs by threatening to bomb the Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 247. ---DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-woman-pleads-guilty-hate-crime-threatening-bomb-catholic-prep-school

Acting Secretary Wolf Signs Joint Declaration on Border Security Cooperation with Cypriot Foreign Affairs Minister Christodoulides--DHS

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/01/05/acting-secretary-wolf-signs-joint-declaration-border-security-cooperation-cypriot

Today, Acting DHS Secretary Chad F. Wolf signed a joint declaration on border security cooperation and management with Cypriot Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Christodoulides. The declaration deepens the ties between the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and DHS and furthers both our countries’ cooperation and security goals in critical areas. This Declaration of Intent between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus will strengthen crucial efforts to bolster border security and information sharing.

“The United States and the Republic of Cyprus share a mutual goal of countering threats from terrorism, transnational organized crime and managing irregular migration,” said Acting Secretary Wolf. “The declaration signed today showcases our shared priorities and provides a framework to finalize agreements on border security and information sharing.”

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

Treasury Sanctions Key Actors in Iran’s Steel Sector--US TREASURY DEPT.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1226

IRS revises Form 1024-A, application for Section 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status as part of ongoing efforts to improve service.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-revises-form-1024-a-application-for-section-501c4-tax-exempt-status-as-part-of-ongoing-efforts-to-improve-service

USDA Announces Continuation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, Fifth Round of Food Purchases--USDA

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/01/04/usda-announces-continuation-farmers-families-food-box-program-fifth

(4) IN OTHER HEADLINE NEWS...

Sen. Hawley: Antifa Threatened My Family While I Was Away---CNSNEWS

https://www.cnsnews.com/article/national/susan-jones/sen-hawley-antifa-threatened-my-family-while-i-was-away

Kamala Harris Pre-Election Anecdote Apparently Plagiarized from 1965 MLK Interview---NATIONAL REVIEW

https://www.nationalreview.com/news/kamala-harris-pre-election-anecdote-apparently-plagiarized-from-1965-mlk-interview/

Tulsi Gabbard Exposes 'Mind-Blowing' Hypocrisy Behind Democrats' Gender Language Change---WJ

https://www.westernjournal.com/tulsi-gabbard-exposes-mind-blowing-hypocrisy-behind-democrats-gender-language-change/

China Says Biden Presidency Offers a 'New Window of Hope'---WJ

https://www.westernjournal.com/china-says-biden-presidency-offers-new-window-hope/

FREE BIBLE LESSONS FROM WBS

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Monday, January 4, 2021

USDA Continues to Move SNAP Participants Forward

Final Rule increases opportunities for SNAP participants to gain employment.

Press release issued 1.4.21

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/01/04/usda-continues-move-snap-participants-forward

(Washington, D.C., January 4, 2021) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a final rule enhancing employment and training opportunities for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants.

SNAP participants have exclusive access to training and support services to help them enter or move up in the workforce through state SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs. The final rule makes a wide range of enhancements to these services to empower more SNAP participants to gain the skills, training, or work experience they need to move forward and into work.

“USDA has a long-standing commitment to increasing opportunities for SNAP participants to move towards and into employment. This rule continues USDA’s efforts to connect more SNAP households with the dignity and hope that work provides,” said USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Brandon Lipps.

Background:

In March, USDA published the proposed rule, “Employment and Training Opportunities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.” The rule published today finalizes many of those changes—improving E&T programs by ensuring that states use evidence-based strategies to help participants get the skills local employers need most, by requiring the use of case management services for E&T participants, and by allowing E&T funds to be used for subsidized employment and apprenticeships.

Today’s final rule underscores USDA’s commitment to improving SNAP E&T programs, in partnership with states. Each year, USDA provides more than $100 million for states to operate their E&T programs. In addition, if a state invests its own money or outside funding to improve its SNAP E&T programs, the federal government will reimburse the state for 50 percent of those funds. Beyond funding, USDA efforts to support SNAP E&T include:

Hosting the first ever SNAP E&T National Forum. The virtual, three-day conference took place Oct. 13-15 and connected more than 1,500 partners from across the country to share and learn best practices to promote and boost employment among SNAP households through state E&T programs.

Operating SNAP to Skills, which provides states and their partners with coaching and intensive technical support on how to build strong E&T programs. This year, seven states – Oregon, Colorado, Louisiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island – joined the 22 other states that have participated in SNAP to Skills since the program was launched in 2015.

Providing training, such as the SNAP E&T State Institutes and Learning Academies, to develop expertise in administering SNAP E&T among individuals, partner organizations, and state agencies across the country.

Issuing more than $6.7 million in SNAP E&T National Partnership Grants in 2020 to help four national nonprofit organizations expand program capacity and develop networks of third-party partners to serve SNAP participants.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy. Follow us on Twitter at @USDANutrition.

(2) FDA Takes Steps to Provide Clarity on Developing New Drug Products in the Age of Individualized Medicine

Press release issued 1.4.21

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-provide-clarity-developing-new-drug-products-age-individualized-medicine

Advances in scientific knowledge and drug development technology have provided an opportunity for new approaches to drug development, including the development of drugs for the treatment of rare diseases. These advances have contributed to an increase in development and approval of drugs for the treatment of rare diseases in recent years. In fact, in the past eight years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved more than twice as many drugs for rare diseases, often referred to as orphan drugs, as in the previous eight years.

For genetic diseases, recent approaches to testing and molecular diagnosis have allowed us to pinpoint, in some cases, the exact cause of a patient’s disease. For a patient with a very rare genetic disease, development of a drug product that is tailored to that patient’s specific genetic variant may be possible. This is an important advance in treatment for those with very rare genetic diseases, especially those for which there are no adequate therapies available to treat the disease. Often, these very rare diseases are rapidly progressing, debilitating, and in many cases, can lead to premature death if left untreated.

Developing these products – also referred to as “n of 1” therapies by some because they are designed for a patient population of one person – brings a set of challenges and considerations not seen with the typical drug development process. First, as noted above, the disease is often rapidly progressing, requiring prompt medical intervention. Therefore, development needs to proceed very quickly to have a chance at helping the individual. Second, drug discovery and development for these drug products may be carried out by academic investigators, rather than by biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical companies. These investigators may be less familiar with FDA’s regulations, policies and practices, and less experienced in interacting with the FDA.

At this time, development of individualized genetic drug products is most advanced for antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) products. Therefore, we are taking the first steps in bringing clarity to this emerging area of individualized drug development by releasing a new draft guidance on investigational new drug (IND) submissions for individualized ASO drug products.

The guidance was developed to advise those developing ASO products on an approach to interacting with, and making regulatory submissions to, the FDA. The guidance addresses the following points:

The approach to obtaining feedback from the FDA,

The expectations and process for making regulatory submissions to the FDA,

Recommendations about the requirement for Institutional Review Board (IRB) review of the protocols within, and

How to obtain informed consent.

As also discussed in a New England Journal of MedicineExternal Link Disclaimer editorial in October 2019, we are fully aware that this new drug-discovery paradigm raises many ethical and societal issues that will need to be addressed throughout the process. For example, in these situations, the individuals and their families often function more like drug development collaborators than traditional trial participants. Therefore, it is important to discuss with the individual and family members how effectiveness will be measured. It is also important to ensure that the individual and family members understand the parameters for continuing administration of the investigational drug product before emotions influence decisions, and to recognize that some investigational drug products may fail, or worse, lead to unforeseen side effects.

The FDA understands that we’ll need to work together with the developers of these drug products to bring them safely to patients, and we are willing to engage as needed to address the challenges. For example, for those developing these drug products, it will be important to further understand the required data and information that must be submitted to the FDA so that clinical testing can begin. The FDA is continuing to consider and further develop policy to address some of these issues.

We also are optimistic that development of these individualized drug products may spur gene sequencing that leads to the development of additional individualized drug products for the same disease (though perhaps caused by a different mutation). For this approach to drug development, we need to determine – collectively – how to effectively bring these drug products to all who need them. If we have the scientific ability to develop drug products for these rare diseases, we need to find a way to bring them to patients while ensuring there is the right balance of risk to benefit. This guidance, which provides clarity on the early development and IND submission process, is the FDA’s first step in working with those who are developing these individualized drug products.

(3) TODAY'S TOP HEADLINE NEWS

WORLD HEADLINES:

UN denounces attacks on villages in western Niger

The United Nations Secretary-General has strongly condemned Saturday’s attack by unidentified gunmen on two villages in western Niger, which reportedly left about one hundred people dead, while hundreds of survivors fled the scene on foot. --UN NEWS CENTER

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081322

World Braille Day highlights importance of accessible information.

The United Nations is commemorating World Braille Day on Monday, highlighting the importance of the universal touch-based communication system for the full realization of human rights for blind and partially sighted people. --UN NEWS CENTER

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081312

UN condemns back-to-back attacks in Central African Republic

The UN mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) condemned, in the strongest terms, succeeding assaults launched by armed groups in Damara on Saturday and Bangassou on Sunday.---UN NEWS CENTER

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081282

Myanmar Independence Day--State Dept.

https://www.state.gov/myanmar-independence-day/

On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I send best wishes to the people of Myanmar on the occasion of your independence day.

The United States is committed to partnering with the people of Myanmar in support of the country’s democratic transition, national reconciliation, and economic transformation.

We will continue to work with your government, civil society, and youth to help achieve greater peace, prosperity, and freedoms in Myanmar. May all the people of Myanmar enjoy a healthy and happy new year.

NATIONAL:

President Donald J. Trump to Award the Medal of Freedom to Devin Nunes--WH press release 1.4.21

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-award-medal-freedom-devin-nunes/

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Staff Sgt. Isadore Jachman--DOD

Thousands of American soldiers who volunteered to fight the Nazis had plenty of reasons to partake in one of the most perilous missions ever fought. But perhaps few had more than Army Staff Sgt. Isadore Jachman — one of three Jewish men to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during World War II.

https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Features/Story/Article/2457823/medal-of-honor-monday-army-staff-sgt-isadore-jachman/

FBI’s Innocent Images Program Marks 25 Years of Investigating Online Child Exploitation

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/innocent-images-program-marks-25-years-122820

(4) IN OTHER HEADLINE NEWS...

Campaign Director: Warnock 'Absolutely' Backs Defunding Police, 'Most of Them Are Bad'--PJ MEDIA

https://pjmedia.com/election/tyler-o-neil/2021/01/04/campaign-director-warnock-absolutely-backs-defunding-police-most-of-them-are-bad-n1303017

Trump Reminded Us What It’s Like to Have an American President--PJ MEDIA

https://pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/robert-spencer/2021/01/03/trump-reminded-us-what-its-like-to-have-an-american-president-n1301270

God %$@! America, Again?

Georgia's runoff features one particular America-hating radical leftist--Patriot Post

https://patriotpost.us/articles/76753-god-percent-dollars-at-america-again-2021-01-04

Trump's Call With Raffensperger Was 19th Time He Tried to Reach Him--NEWSMAX

https://www.newsmax.com/politics/trump-phone-call-raffensperger/2021/01/04/id/1004128/

FREE BIBLE STUDIES FROM WBS

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Presidential Veto Message to the United States Senate for S. 906.

WH press release issued 1.1.21

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/presidential-veto-message-united-states-senate-s-906/

TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:

I am returning, without my approval, S. 906, the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act. America’s fishermen have made great sacrifices to ensure that our Nation’s marine fisheries are a sustainable economic engine for coastal communities. Under my Administration, the number of United States fish stocks subject to overfishing is at a historic low. This achievement is the result of a transparent and collaborative regulatory process that is supported by regional fishery management councils. At council meetings, fishermen work with Federal Government and State government representatives to meet their statutory obligations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

In passing S. 906, the Congress has ignored the fact that the regional fishery management process has had strong, bipartisan support since its creation. By forcing the West Coast drift gillnet fishery to use alternative gear that has not been proven to be an economically viable substitute for gillnets, the Congress is effectively terminating the fishery. As a result, an estimated 30 fishing vessels, all of which are operated by family-owned small businesses, will no longer be able to bring their bounty to shore. At a time when our Nation has a seafood trade deficit of nearly $17 billion, S. 906 will exacerbate this imbalance.

Further, S. 906 will not achieve its purported conservation benefits. The West Coast drift gillnet fishery is subject to robust legal and regulatory requirements for environmental protection that equal or exceed the environmental protections that apply to foreign fisheries. Without this fishery, Americans will import more swordfish and other species from foreign sources that frequently have more bycatch than our own fisheries. If the Congress wants to address bycatch, it should insist on a level playing field for imported seafood instead of crushing American fishing families.

My Administration has done more for American fishermen than any President before me. On May 7, 2020, I signed an Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth to bolster our domestic seafood industry while curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing abroad. On June 5, 2020, I issued a Proclamation on Modifying the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to open it to commercial fishing that is conducted in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws, regulations, and requirements. And as fishermen struggled to stay on the water during the pandemic, I issued a Memorandum on Protecting the United States Lobster Industry and later made approximately $530 million available, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Seafood Trade Relief Program, to support the United States seafood industry and fishermen affected by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments.

My Administration would support provisions of the enrolled bill, if passed separately, which would authorize fee collection in a different fishery — the Pacific Halibut fishery. This authority is needed to implement a provision of the International Pacific Halibut Commission Convention, to which the United States is a party. However, for the sake of American fishermen nationwide, I will not let the Congress circumvent the fisheries management process by effectively terminating a fishery without appropriate consultation and input from fishery management councils. If this occurred, it would increase our reliance on imported seafood and take away the livelihoods of hard-working Americans and their family businesses. It is my duty to return S. 906 to the Senate without my approval.

DONALD J. TRUMP

(2) ICYMI: President Trump signs Omnibus Spending and COVID Relief Bill, Uplifting American Families, Investing in American Infrastructure and Enhancing American Conservation--Dept. of the Interior

Press release dated 12.30.20

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/icymi-president-trump-signs-omnibus-spending-and-covid-relief-bill-uplifting-american

WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, providing $1.4 trillion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021. In addition to funding the Federal government, this Act delivers coronavirus emergency response and relief.

“Everyday President Trump fights for the American people, holding leaders accountable and making the government more responsive to the real needs of the American people. His leadership in securing this significant budget uplifts American families, strengthens our economy, invests in our infrastructure and enhances key conservation initiatives,” said Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt.

Enhancing Conservation, Outdoor Recreation & Wildfire Prevention

President Trump has made enhancing our nation’s conservation initiatives a top priority, signing several historic conservation bills, including the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act and the Great American Outdoors Act. Unlike other Administration’s before it, the Trump Administration succeeded in enacting permanent full and mandatory funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and put in place funding to address the long discussed but never solved the problem of the maintenance backlog at our national parks and other public lands. The President also opened or expanded 4 million acres of land to new hunting and fishing opportunities, recovered the most endangered or threatened species in history for the first term of an Administration and treated 5.4 million acres of land to prevent wildfires – a 49 percent increase in comparison to the last 4 years of the previous Administration.

Here are some notable highlights in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 that Interior supported to improve conservation:

Great American Outdoors Act – Provides full funding through the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund for priority projects addressing the maintenance backlog at national parks, wildlife refuges, public lands and American Indian schools and full funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to protect and conserve lands and waters across the country as identified by Interior.

Wildfire Management – Provides $992.6 million ($40.3 million more than 2020) for Interior wildfire management activities, including fire preparedness, fire suppression, fuels management, burned-area rehabilitation, fire facilities and fire science, in addition to $310 million ($10 million more than 2020) for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund. The funding would allow Interior to provide grants to train non-Federal fire departments and similar groups to fight wildfires.

National Recreation and Preservation – Provides two-year funding for the National Recreation and Preservation Account, allowing the National Park Service to more efficiently and effectively manage available resources and adjust for disruptions in a fiscal year.

Sage Grouse – Provides $74 million for sage-grouse conservation.

Long Bridge Project – Permits the National Park Service to convey lands for purposes of transportation and recreation for the Long Bridge project.

1908 Springfield Race Riot Site – Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of areas associated with the 1908 Springfield Race Riot, which Secretary Bernhardt proclaimed as part of the African American Civil Rights Network on Aug. 21, 2020, and make recommendations on its possible inclusion as a unit of the National Park System.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Designation – Redesignates the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia as the "New River Gorge National Park and Preserve" totaling approximately 7,021 acres expanding recreational access.

Supporting Western Water and Tribal Sovereignty

Over the past four years, the Bureau of Reclamation has been implementing provisions of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN) to modernize existing water infrastructure, enhance storage capacity and protect species and habitats in the western United States. For fiscal years 2017-2020, Congress has supported over $300 million for study and construction of storage projects requested by the Trump Administration.

Here are some notable highlights in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 that Interior supported to improve the delivery of water in the west:

The following storage projects were named in the bill text to receive funds from FYs 2017-20:

Friant-Kern Canal Capacity Correction Resulting from Subsidence

Boise River Basin—Anderson Ranch Dam Raise

North-of-the-Delta Off Stream Storage (Sites Reservoir Project)

Los Vaqueros Reservoir Phase 2 Expansion Project

Cle Elum Pool Raise (Yakima)

Delta Mendota Canal Subsidence Correction

Del Puerto Water District

San Luis Low Point Improvement Project

Sacramento Regional Water Bank

Montana CSKT – Authorizes, ratifies and confirms the Confederated Salish and Kootenai-Montana Compact, one of the most significant Indian Water Rights Settlements in the Interior’s history, and provides funding for its implementation. The bill provides $1.9 billion to be used for the rehabilitation and modernization of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, mitigation of damages to natural resources, administration of the Tribal water rights, and more.

Bureau of Reclamation Aging Infrastructure – Establishes an aging infrastructure account to fund Reclamation’s existing extraordinary maintenance program to improve existing water and power delivery infrastructure for system reliability, safety and conservation.

Navajo-Utah Water Rights Settlement – Approves the Navajo-Utah Water Rights Settlement, resolving water rights claims of the Navajo Nation on the San Juan River in the Upper Colorado River Basin in Utah.

Aamodt Litigation Settlement Completion – Finalizes the Aamodt settlement by increasing the agreed-upon federal cost ceiling by $137 million, extending the substantial completion date by four years (2028) and authorizing the agreement to settlement cost-overruns reached between the U.S. and the Aamodt settlement parties.

Aquifer Recharge Flexibility – Provides greater flexibility for Reclamation to use its facilities for aquifer recharge.

Ensuring Better Government Services

From relocating the Bureau of Land Management headquarters to Grand Junction, Colorado to overhauling the Departmental Ethics Office at Main Interior, Secretary Bernhardt has made improved delivery of government services a top priority.

Here are some notable highlights in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 that Interior supported to improve government services:

BLM Relocation – Keeps the Bureau of Land Management in Grand Junction, CO.

Federal Lands Recreation Fees – Extends FLREA, Interior’s authority to collect and spend recreation fees at National Parks and other Federal lands, through October 1, 2022.

Medical Services Fund – Operation of the National Park System account can appropriate amounts collected in the Medical Services Fund (authorized in the Dingell Act).

FOIA Processing – Builds on Secretary Bernhardt’s commitment to reforming FOIA by providing $1.86 million of new funding for the Office of the Solicitor and an increase of $860,000 over current funding levels for the Office of the Secretary to increase the processing capacity of the Interior’s FOIA program and reduce the FOIA request backlog.

Tribal Leases – Establishes a new separate Treasury account providing indefinite budget authority for payments made by Tribes and Tribal organizations carrying out Federal functions under a self-determination contract or self-governance compact under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) section 105(l) lease program. Also directs Interior and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to consult with Tribes regarding the requirements for 105(l) leases.

Reinstating Medicaid Eligibility to Micronesians, Marshallese and Palauans in the United States – Restores Medicaid eligibility to citizens of the freely associated states, who live and work in the United States and its territories, as provided for under the terms of the Compacts of Free Association and for whom eligibility was removed in the 1996 Welfare Reform Act.

Payment in Lieu of Taxes – Extends the authorization for full funding of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, ensuring assistance to local governments with nontaxable Federal lands within their boundaries. PILT funds help to carry out vital services such as firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations.

Sharing Arrangements with Federal Agencies – Extends access to Federal Employee Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance to Bureau of Indian Education “297” grant schools, bringing them into parity with federally-operated BIE schools and BIE schools operated by Tribes through “638” contracts.

(3) TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES.

WORLD NEWS:

Make 2021 ‘safer, healthier world for children’, UNICEF chief urges.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Thursday that more than 371,500 children would be born on the first day of 2021.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081252

Guinea-Bissau: UN chief commits to continued support as peacebuilding office closes.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to the people of Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, the final day of operations for the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the West African country (UNIOGBIS).

https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/12/1081212

After 75 Years, Veteran Will Receive Honors for WWII Service--DOD

The Navy and the Connecticut Air National Guard on Monday will honor Connecticut native son Dan Crowley for fighting against the Japanese in the Philippines 75 years ago.

https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2460552/after-75-years-veteran-will-receive-honors-for-wwii-service/

Removing the Cuban Military’s Grip from Cuba’s Banking Sector---State Dept.

https://www.state.gov/removing-the-cuban-militarys-grip-from-cubas-banking-sector/

NATIONAL:

EPA Issues Rivers and Streams Assessment, Seeks Comment on Modernizing Survey Methods--EPA press release issued 12.31.20

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-rivers-and-streams-assessment-seeks-comment-modernizing-survey-methods

HHS Releases Advisory Opinion Clarifying that 340B Discounts Apply to Contract Pharmacies

On Wednesday, the HHS Office of the General Counsel released an advisory opinion concluding that drug manufacturers are required to deliver discounts under the 340B Drug Pricing Program (340B Program) on covered outpatient drugs when contract pharmacies are acting as agents of 340B covered entities.

https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/12/30/hhs-releases-advisory-opinion-clarifying-that-340b-discounts-apply-to-contract-pharmacies.html

EDITORIAL NOTE: Sorry for the short report today, couldn't fine new press releases from the government sources today. Here are some news headlines from other sources...

Twilight Zone: Has Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Realized That Antifa Violence Is Bad?--PJ MEDIA

https://pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/bryan-preston/2021/01/02/twilight-zone-has-portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-realized-that-antifa-violence-is-bad-n1300732

In 2020, Vote Fraud Claims Were Not 'Baseless'--NEWSMAX

https://www.newsmax.com/michaeldorstewitz/vote-fraud-baseless-merit-scotus/2021/01/02/id/1003982/

New York Stock Exchange delisting 3 Chinese companies under Trump executive order--Washington Times

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jan/1/new-york-stock-exchange-delisting-3-chinese-compan/

Cruz to lead group of GOP senators in challenge to Electoral College certification

Cruz is joined by several other GOP lawmakers who said in a statement that "voter fraud has posed a persistent challenge in our elections, although its breadth and scope are disputed."--Washington Examiner

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/cruz-gop-challenge-electoral-college-certification-senators

Anti-Religious Communist Chinese Government Arrests Catholic Nuns In Hong Kong--The Federalist

https://thefederalist.com/2020/12/31/anti-religious-communist-chinese-government-arrests-catholic-nuns-in-hong-kong/

THIS WEEK'S MEETINGS AND AGENDAS

CALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:

Clallam County Commission work session for 1.4.21

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1244

Clallam County Board meeting for 1.5.21

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7246

City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 1.5.21

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/9288/Final-Packet-01_05_2021

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS: