Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)
Tulsa, OK – Recently, H.R. 9076 passed the House, including Representative Kevin Hern’s (OK-01) priorities benefiting tribal child welfare as part of a larger legislative package.
“Without this fix, millions of families could lose their child support overnight,” said Rep. Hern. “My bill protects those families, keeps the program running for the 13 million families it serves, levels the playing field for Tribes, and saves taxpayers $777 million. I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”
You can view the full bill text HERE and watch Rep. Hern’s remarks HERE. More from Tulsa’s Newson6 HERE.
Background Information
The bill reduces the regulatory burden on states by ensuring they can continue using contractors for the Child Support Enforcement program, preventing disruptions that would affect 13 million families. Additionally, H.R. 9076 includes the Tribal Child Welfare Support Act, which modernizes funding structures by providing direct Title IV-B child welfare funding to Indian tribes without cutting state funds. Child welfare funding for Indian tribes under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act is currently separated into two funding allocations, one of which goes through states rather than directly to tribal grantees.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)
Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding answers on how the agency plans to combat the surge of illegal crossings through the U.S. northern border, which could potentially be exacerbated by Canada’s announcement to cap the number of temporary residents.
Stauber’s letter reads (in part): “The current flow of illegal immigration is already overwhelming our northern ports of entry. They are understaffed and under-resourced, leaving our northern border communities vulnerable. Now, with this crisis on the horizon that will overburden our ports of entry even further, our national security is more vulnerable than ever before.”
Read the full letter HERE.
Recently, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that Canada will be reducing the number of its temporary residents. Consequently, many immigrants will likely illegally target our northern border, which sits wide-open thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration.
Migrant encounters by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the northern border have already hit record highs in 2024, with more than 180,000 between January and August.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)
In Case You Missed It – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), recently published a joint op-ed in The Washington Reporter detailing how the Biden-Harris Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been providing solutions in search of a problem in the name of “climate justice.”
Below are the highlights of their op-ed published by The Washington Reporter.
Click HERE to read the full op-ed.
“When you drive to work in the morning and drop your kids off at school, the EPA wants to make sure they can choose which vehicle you’re using. Their electric vehicle (EV) mandates, which are attempting to make two thirds of all US car sales by 2032 electric vehicles, are completely unrealistic and ignore the factors that make EVs untenable for many families across the country. EV use is limited in mountainous regions where traversing the mountains drains batteries at a faster rate. EVs cost on average $17,000 more than their gas-powered counterparts and some EVs are suspectable to severe weather with battery range cut by up to 40% in cold conditions. This is further evidenced by the high percentage of auto-dealers’ lots filled with unsold EVs because of the continued popularity of gas-powered cars.
The Biden-Harris hypocritical electrification strategy will increase the need for reliable baseload power generation, while at the same time they’re forcing the use of intermittent sources of wind and solar through the Clean Power Plan 2.0 that will drive out fossil fuels that are reliable and keep the lights on. But don’t just take our word for it, the very entities charged with overseeing our grid are sounding alarms about implications of EPA’s plans. Access to electricity is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Power generation is the linchpin to economic activity in our nation. We should see this next-gen economy as an opportunity to reduce our reliance on adversarial nations like China and create stable, good paying jobs that lift up communities across the nation. Unfortunately, the Biden-Harris EPA doubled down on their radical agenda by implementing a host of regulations that target the manufacturing sector in an effort to fulfill a far-left environmentalist wish list.”
Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio
ICYMI: Rubio Exposes Threats Posed by Huawei
Oct 17, 2024 | Press Releases
The goal of China’s telecom giant Huawei is global domination
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
October 17, 2024
Miami Herald
…I first rang the alarm on Huawei in 2018. At that time, the company was making inroads into the United States and our allies’ territories through the sale of low-priced 5G technology… Its primary goal was, and remains, the domination of the global wireless market on Beijing’s behalf, combined with the expansion of the Chinese Communist Party’s ability to spy on and disrupt other countries’ communications….
President Trump was the first world leader to recognize this threat…. Today, 60 countries and more than 200 telecom companies have joined the Clean Network, an alliance to stop Huawei’s monopolization efforts in their tracks…. And yet, Huawei continues to grow. The Wall Street Journal reports that it “has expanded into new businesses, boosted its profitability and…held on to its leading position in the global telecom-equipment market.”
This growth is not a reflection of Huawei’s ingenuity or good business sense; it is a reflection of heavy subsidization by the Chinese state. Keith Krach and Jonathan Pelson point out that “the telecom equipment behemoth abruptly lost about $30 billion annually…following the efforts by the U.S. and its allies to block high-risk equipment”…. Reading between the lines, the hidden hand of Beijing is keeping Huawei from certain contraction or even bankruptcy with tens of billions of dollars….
“If the Chinese government decides to preserve Huawei at all costs,” write Krach and Pelson, “that is consistent with the view that Huawei is a lot more than an industrial ‘national champion’ for China.” Instead, the authors conclude: “[I]t is a tool of foreign policy and geopolitical influence. The money spent on propping up Huawei can be best compared to Defense and Intelligence budgets.” In other words, the company’s current trajectory confirms concerns about the national security threat it poses….
It is key for the U.S. to encourage strong and reliable companies to help regional partners develop alternatives to Huawei and protect them from the company’s predatory policies…. Meanwhile, I urge Latin American leaders not to heed Huawei’s siren song. No 5G deal is worth allowing a totalitarian dictatorship to spy on and interfere in a free nation’s affairs.
Read the rest here.
Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio
ICYMI: Rubio: How Mass Migration Undermined Men
Oct 17, 2024 | Press Releases
How Mass Migration Undermined Men
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
October 17, 2024
Compact
…When the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union collapsed, a generation of elites embraced the international flow of goods, assets, and labor as an unalloyed benefit to the nation. They established one-sided “free trade” with Communist China, rewarded offshoring, and spread an open-borders philosophy that captured both major parties, as well as much of Big Labor. Millions of American blue-collar jobs disappeared, and the foreign-born share of the population ballooned out of proportion….
A White House news release in July claimed that the administration has revitalized domestic production and boosted the male labor-force participation rate. But the reality is that manufacturing employment is decreasing, manufacturing job quality is down, and U.S.-born men were less likely to participate in the labor force at the end of 2023 than they were before the pandemic…. The Biden-Harris administration is factoring in the employment of illegal immigrants to skew the topline economic numbers in its favor.
A more accurate picture of our national trajectory can be seen in Charleroi, PA…. [U]nder the Biden-Harris administration, Charleroi is fraught by an influx of thousands of illegally admitted migrants, whose expansion of the labor supply is almost certainly affecting the local blue-collar job market. Over the last 12 months alone, more than 800,000 native-born Americans have lost employment, but more than 1 million foreign-born workers have gained employment. What are the chances this trend isn’t reflected in Charleroi?
To be clear, this isn’t the migrants’ fault…. [T]his is the fault of the Biden-Harris administration’s unauthorized expansion of humanitarian parole, under which existing parolees—not American citizens—can “sponsor” more migrants for illegal admission into the country. The government then partners with nonprofits to settle these migrants across America, and the nonprofits partner with “staffing agencies” that connect migrants with local employers hungry for cheap labor.
At no point in this process is there a checkpoint that requires nonprofits, government officials, or employers to consider the welfare of American workers…. [A] basic understanding of supply and demand predicts the upshot of this dynamic: fewer and lower-quality blue-collar jobs for U.S.-born men. And yet elites loyal to the post-Cold War consensus, including labor organizations like the AFL-CIO, refuse to consider constraining mass migration in response. Some are even dusting off the old line that migrants are necessary to fill “jobs Americans won’t do”….
Charleroi native Andy Armbruster exposed the flaw in that logic in an interview: “…There’s people who would work if you paid them the going wage for the work. But they want to pay less, and so, they ended up getting involved with these agencies that bring in these workers.” It’s a case study in how free markets don’t always align with the national interest. When companies gain access to an endless supply of cheap foreign labor, they lose the incentive to invest in technology and processes that make American blue-collar jobs more efficient and valuable….
The relentless exportation of blue-collar jobs and importation of cheap labor have left countless U.S.-born men without dignified work, sapping their opportunity and their strength—and no society can long thrive without strong men. Time is running out to chart a new course. We must abandon the post-Cold War consensus, break multinational corporations’ tariff taboo, reinvest in domestic production, and—crucially—regain control of our borders….
Read the rest here.
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
POLK COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, recognized the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) in remarks to Iowa advocates. Grassley was honored by Iowa youth for his work to champion the Charles Grassley Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program. The Coalition for Family and Children’s Services in Iowa hosted the event at Drake University amid Youth Justice Action Month.
“JJDPA for 50 years has brightened futures for youth who’ve entered our justice system. By empowering local stakeholders and bolstering federal protections for minors, this program ensures better outcomes and gives kids the opportunities they need to get their lives back on track,” Grassley said. “I welcome the chance to speak with grassroots advocates in Iowa. Today’s event served as a reminder of this law’s impact in local communities across Iowa, and how together we can continue building on its successes.”
“We were deeply honored to have Senator Grassley join us in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) during Youth Justice Action Month. His steadfast leadership in reauthorizing this landmark legislation has had a profound and lasting impact on Iowa’s youth and families. Through his advocacy, Senator Grassley has championed reforms that prioritize prevention, accountability, and the wellbeing of young people in our justice system. The power of this law goes beyond policy; it changes lives,” Kristie Oliver, Executive Director of the Coalition for Family & Children’s Services in Iowa, said. “As we heard from youth affected by the system, the JJDPA not only provided the youth with critical services at a turning point in their lives, but it also created opportunities for youth to have a voice in shaping the very systems that serve them. The reauthorization of the JJDPA continues to open new doors for youth across Iowa, offering them the support and resources necessary to build brighter futures. We look forward to continuing this critical work together, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, we are reminded of the critical importance of advocating for the rights and futures of our youth. This landmark legislation has had a profound impact on youth justice reform, ensuring that young people are given opportunities for rehabilitation, not just punishment. It was an honor to have Senator Grassley with us, whose leadership on youth justice issues has been instrumental in shaping policies that support and protect our youth. At Drake Law, through our Middleton Center for Children’s Rights, we are committed to continuing this vital work, educating the next generation of lawyers and leaders to advocate for fairness, justice, and equity for all our young people,” said Drake University Law School Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr.
Download photos HERE. Read Grassley’s prepared remarks HERE.
Background:
Grassley is a leading advocate for juvenile justice reform. In 2018 as U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, he championed the first reauthorization of the JJDPA in nearly 16 years, including measures to expand program oversight, promote screening for mental illness and substance abuse, prohibit the shackling of pregnant youth in juvenile detention, ensure the separation of juvenile and adult offenders and provide detained minors access to adequate legal representation. Grassley, this year, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and reauthorize the program through 2029.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)
CHERRY HILL, NJ– Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) presented$696,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF)to Washington Township for stormwater infrastructure upgrades to Ward Lake and Spring Lake.
The funding was secured through the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding package and will be used to prevent flooding and improve safety for residents in the region. The existing stormwater outlets and natural runoff from these lakes have caused erosion and siltation build-up over the past decades. Improvements will include stormwater infrastructure repairs and removal of sediment.
“Community Project Funding grants invest in our communities and support economic development, job creation, and critical projects that improve the quality of life,” Rep. Norcross said. “I’m proud to have secured this funding and present this Community Project Funding award to Washington Township for necessary stormwater infrastructure upgrades. Improving our nation’s infrastructure also means improving public safety, and with this new funding we will be able to mitigate flooding in South Jersey.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Donald Norcross for his strong support and for securing $696,000 in funding for vital stormwater improvements at Ward Lake and Spring Lake,” said Laurie Burns, Mayor of Washington Township. “This investment will enhance the safety and functionality of our infrastructure, positively impacting many residents of Washington Township. Together, we are committed to creating a better future for our community, and we look forward to working collaboratively on future projects that address the needs of our residents.”
“We are proud to support Washington Township in securing the $696,000 in funding for essential stormwater improvements at Ward Lake and Spring Lake,” said Frank J. DiMarco, Director of Gloucester County Board of Commissioners. ” This project reflects our ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements that enhance public safety and environmental sustainability. We look forward to continuing our partnership with local and federal officials to ensure that important projects like this are completed for the benefit of our communities.”
Rep. Norcross recently secured14 CPF awards totaling $13,565,031for projects throughout New Jersey’s First Congressional District to support economic development, create jobs, and respond to the most pressing needs of the community. More information on the 14 projects can be foundhere.
Since the creation of CPFs in 2021, Rep. Norcross has secured $28.8 million in awards for local projects throughout South Jersey. CPF awards secured by Rep. Norcross range from road and transportation projects and affordable housing upgrades to improving health care and education accessibility.
Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin
October 17, 2024
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) released the following statement on the latest data highlighting a 15.44% decrease in drug overdose deaths between May 2023 and May 2024 in West Virginia. This finding continues the trend from data last month showing a 11.56% decrease in drug overdose deaths between April 2023 and April 2024.
“The proof is in the numbers and we are seeing in real time a decline in overdose deaths across the Mountain State,” said Senator Manchin. “I am so proud of the bipartisan work we have done to combat the drug epidemic in my home state and across the nation. Together we’ve passed the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act, continued to implement the Protecting Jessica Grubb’s Legacy Act (Legacy Act) and designated National Fentanyl Awareness Day in May and National Naloxone Awareness Day in June. We have also pushed the Food and Drug Administration for proper education and access to naloxone nationally.”
“This great news breeds hope and is truly possible because of our bipartisan work and tireless dedication. I look forward to seeing next month’s data and I remain focused on doing everything in my power to fight this drug epidemic and protect all West Virginias and Americans.”
Today, Julie Su, the Acting Secretary of Labor the for the Biden-Harris administration, is expected to be in Michigan. Her policies have hurt Michigan farmers by mandating unsustainable wages for farm workers, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). This year, under Acting Secretary Su’s direction, the AEWR in Michigan was raised to $18.50 per hour, the fourth highest rate in the nation.
“Many Michigan farmers are on the brink of bankruptcy because of the failed leadership of the Biden-Harris administration and Acting Secretary Su. I have met with fifth and sixth-generation farmers who fear that unless something changes, they will be the last in their family to farm. President Biden, Vice President Harris and Acting Secretary Su’s policies are responsible for this hardship, and my bipartisan Supporting Farm Operations Act would help provide Michigan farmers overdue relief,” said Congressman John Moolenaar.
Last month, the Protect Our Product coalition had an event with Moolenaar to discuss the high labor costs of the Biden-Harris administration’s policies. The Michigan Farm News reported:
“For the Kropfs, phasing out older varieties of apples on 25 acres carries a replanting cost of around $1 million. It’s money the couple said they won’t have if labor costs under the H-2A program continue to increase. “This money has to come from somewhere, and the price of the product has been relatively consistent, if not dropping,” Chris Kropf said. “We have to control our labor costs — at all costs.”
The AEWR in Michigan has been increased for ten consecutive years. Moolenaar has introduced bipartisan legislation called the Supporting Farm Operations Act. This bill would freeze Su’s increase to the AEWR until the end of 2025. The legislation has been endorsed by multiple Michigan agriculture groups.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
Griffith Announces $500,000 ARC Grant to Piedmont Regional Community Services Board
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Piedmont Regional Community Services Board a $500,000 grant. The funding will support expanded access to recovery services and increase employment opportunities. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:
“This ARC grant for $500,000 helps Piedmont Regional Community Services Board improve greater access to substance use disorder recovery services and enhance the job prospects of recovery-based applicants in the region.”
BACKGROUND
Piedmont Community Services serves communities in Franklin, Henry and Patrick Counties, as well as the City of Martinsville.
The name of this project is entitled Piedmont Regional Community Services Board – Community Recovery Employment Ecosystem Expansion.
DETROIT – United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Patrick Martin will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Martin has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Michigan, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Ison said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Ison stated that: “Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Martin will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (313)226-9168.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (313)965-2323.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Ison said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)
Congressman Mike Lawler Issues Statement on the Elimination of October 7th Mastermind, Hamas Head Yahya Sinwar
Pearl River, NY, October 17, 2024
Today, Congressman Mike Lawler issued the following statement after confirmation that the head of Hamas and architect of the October 7th terrorist attack against Israel was killed by Israeli forces.
“Good riddance to the vile head of Hamas and the architect of its barbaric October 7th terrorist attack against Israel- the worst mass murder of Jews in a single day since the Holocaust. Yahya Sinwar has finally gotten his comeuppance and the Middle East is one step closer to peace with this monster gone,” said Congressman Lawler.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Frieda Zimmerman will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Zimmerman has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Washington, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Waldref said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Waldref stated that: “The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to this right can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Zimmerman will be on duty in this District on election day. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (509) 353-2767.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (509) 458-8100.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Waldref said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over ballot drop boxes, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
SCHAUMBURG, IL –Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has sent a letter to United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting a briefing on the rise in harassment and violence against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, especially following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and reports of violence and intimidation leading up to Bangladesh’s largest Hindu festival of Durga Puja.
In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi writes, “As you are aware, Bangladesh’s Hindu community has historically faced challenges, but recent incidents following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have heightened concerns about their safety. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council recently reported over 2,000 incidents of communal violence targeting minorities, mostly Hindus, across the country from August 4 to August 20, 2024. This included nine deaths of people belonging to minority groups, rapes, and attacks on 69 places of worship, which were vandalized or set on fire.”
Congressman Krishnamoorthi requests a briefing on the matter by October 31, 2024 to better understand the State Department’s efforts to promote security and safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, was eliminated by the Israeli Defense Force.
“Justice has once again been served by the brave men and women of the Israeli military. Yahya Sinwar, the vile, disgusting person who orchestrated the October 7th massacre, is dead. Sinwar’s life was the embodiment of evil and marked by hatred for all that is good in the world. His death brings hope for all those who seek to live in freedom, and relief to Israelis he has sought to oppress.
“Let this be a reminder to Hamas and all those who were involved in the October 7th attacks: you may try to terrorize and intimidate, but those who live under the banner of freedom will never surrender. The eternal flame of liberty and the faith of the Jewish people will never be snuffed out by the darkness of barbarism and the cruelty of antisemitism.
“Still, the death of this man is not the end of Israel’s fight for survival. At this moment, with the bloodthirsty leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah now gone, the Biden-Harris Administration must now work in tandem with Israel to apply a maximum pressure campaign against the head of the snake: Iran. Despite the Biden-Harris Administration condemning his strategies, Prime Minister Netanyahu has produced multiple watershed victories for Israel such that we are on the precipice of a new day of security and freedom in the Middle East. We cannot let this moment go to waste.
“May God bless Israel, and may God bless America.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair and co-founder of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement in response to the reported death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar:
“Yahya Sinwar is dead.
“I continue to pray for an end to the fighting in Gaza and a better future for both Palestinians and Israelis – with real security and prosperity for all in the region.
“Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the architect of the barbaric October 7th attacks, has the blood of thousands of innocent Israelis, Palestinians, Americans, and countless others on his hands. Sinwar was an evil, genocidal man whose preeminent goals were the elimination of the State of Israel and the murder of the Jewish people. He actively sought the death of civilians in Gaza as part of his heinous strategy, even ordering his Hamas terrorists to shoot their own people to prevent them from fleeing active combat zones.
“I hope that Sinwar’s death marks a turning point in this war. Let us all unite in praying that, at last, the door will open to the end of this terrible war, the remaining hostages will be released, the recovery in Gaza will begin, and the efforts toward securing peace will be renewed.
“This historic moment also brings a critical challenge: We cannot allow the enemies of peace to block or destroy the possibility of a better future for the region. The path to peace is real but fragile. We must remain resolute in defending it and foster hope for a brighter tomorrow where the good people dedicated to peace prevail.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Matt Gaetz (1st District of Florida)
Washington, D.C. — Tomorrow, in response to the Biden-Harris Department of Justice (DOJ) suing the Commonwealth of Virginia for removing illegal aliens from its voter rolls, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) will introduce the “National Motor Voter Clarification Act” to ensure the U.S. Code matches what all Americans expect, and the Constitution allows: that states can remove illegal aliens from their voter rolls at any time.
Last week, the Biden-Harris DOJfiled an unprecedented lawsuitagainst the Commonwealth of Virginia for requiring daily updates to its statewide voter list to remove noncitizens after more than 6,300 noncitizens were removed between January 2022 and July 2024. The lawsuit claims canceling voter registrations within 90 days of an election is prohibited despite a Virginia law allowing for the removal of noncitizens from the voting roll. Rep. Gaetz’s legislation, if enacted, would amend Title 52 of the United States Code to clarify federal law to ensure states are clearly allowed to remove voters who are ineligible due to “citizenship status” from their voting rolls within the 90 day window.
“Last week, the Biden-Harris DOJ turned its fire on Governor Youngkin of Virginia, suing to stop him from removing illegal aliens from the Virginia voter rolls.
I agree with the Governor that removing non-Americans from voter rolls is ‘common sense and constitutional,’ which is why I am introducing the ‘National Motor Voter Clarification Act.’ My bill will ensure Governors are allowed to do their jobs and remove illegal aliens from the voter rolls without fear of being targeted by the Biden-Harris Justice Department. It’s telling that the only ‘election integrity’ work the Biden-Harris Department of Justice seems interested in is ensuring maximal turnout for people who can’t even legally vote!” said Congressman Gaetz.
Full text of Congressman Gaetz’s bill can be found HERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the bill by Breitbart News can be found HERE.
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For updates, subscribe to Congressman Gaetz’s newsletter here.
The show demonstrates that young children are capable, curious and competent.(Blue Ant Media)
There is an evolutionary need for parents to protect their children from harm. One of the most difficult and important aspects of parenting is allowing children to take the necessary risks which enable them to grow.
TVO’s Old Enough!, based on a hit Japanese TV series, helps parents consider the balance between protection and creating space for children to develop independence and resilience. It shows very young children being provided the responsibility of running errands seemingly on their own.
It should be noted there are protections in place, for example as seen in Episode 1. Viewers see four-year-old Parker with supports for crossing streets, camera crews and shop keepers who are prepared for the child’s visit. It is not recommended that very young children complete errands unsupervised.
However, the show demonstrates that young children are capable, curious and competent. It encourages us to consider how we can support children in developing their confidence, self-worth and trust, and help them become independent and resilient while ensuring they feel supported and loved.
Independence begins with love
Old Enough! exemplifies many insights for parents about nurturing relationships with their children to support their emerging independence.
Secure attachment develops when a child consistently experiences a loving, attuned and responsive emotional connection, fostering a sense of trust and safety, and learning that their emotional needs will be met.
This is at the heart of raising independent and resilient children. Every experience shapes a child’s brain and influences gene expression. The emotional bond that develops from secure attachment provides children reassurance to take risks and try new things on their own. This emotional security enables them to confidently explore the world, knowing they have a secure base to return to.
In Old Enough!, viewers see glimpses of this trusting and loving relationship with five-year-old Simon and his dad David in Episode 3. Simon’s dads, David and Stephane, have different views around how much freedom Simon should have, with David feeling more protective. The episode shows Simon shopping on his own at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market, with David outside.
Trailer for ‘Old Enough!’ Episode 3.
When the bags are too heavy, Simon drags them outside to give to David, sharing he was “dropping off a load because it was too heavy.” Simon’s dad empathically sighs in agreement.
Simon knows his dad will be waiting for him. There is no concern of where to find his dad, or apprehension his dad would be upset Simon hadn’t finished, or had taken too long. Simon flops on the sidewalk and shares his solo adventure.
His father, clearly anxious, finds a way through his own feelings to ask Simon if he will go back in to finish. Simon proudly beams yes! Upon return, he is greeted with pride and a big hug. Simon is proud of himself, stating “now I know how to shop by myself,” shining with confidence and resilience.
That Simon knows the world is safe and trustworthy was evident in his secure internal working model. This is seen in his willingness to confidently ask others for help, knowing it will be OK if he fails. His reflection “I was not even scared,” emphasizes the confidence in his relationships and secure base from which he explores the world.
Love supports courage to take on tasks
Old Enough! also shows everyday moments of independence parents can foster by allowing children to complete simple, age-appropriate tasks.
Love and autonomy go hand in hand. This emotional foundation provides children the courage to take on tasks, solve problems and struggle through challenges. Love is not just a form of emotional support; it is also a tool for growth.
When children are provided with opportunities to face small challenges, make decisions and manage frustration, we help them build the resilience to handle bigger challenges later in life. This approach reinforces that their loving caregiver trusts and believes in them.
Children who know they are loved unconditionally feel secure in their worth and are more likely to navigate the complexities of life with a sense of inner stability. This emotional foundation prevents them from relying heavily on external validation because they have internalized their worth and value.
As children grow, having a balanced view of themselves, their relationships and the world prepares them to manage peer pressure, bullying and setbacks, reinforcing the understanding of their worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions.
Parents’ own attachment experiences
Parents can support their children’s journey toward independence and resilience by encouraging small acts of autonomy.
Letting children make their own choices, take on responsibilities and engage in problem-solving helps build their confidence. At the same time, parents should be emotionally available, offering comfort and support without taking over. This balance of trust and love gives children the necessary tools to become both independent and resilient, knowing they can face challenges and are always supported.
Parents who want to do more to support their children’s autonomy while maintaining a close connection often find that making changes can be difficult. This is especially the case if they have not experienced secure attachment, unconditional love or have a history of relational trauma.
Managing the real fear and anxiety of stepping back, perhaps fearing your child will feel unloved, can feel incredibly challenging. In Old Enough! such feelings are expressed by Ohelya’s mom, Arfina, in Episode 8, who shares she had to grow up faster than most of her friends and she wants to protect her daughter from this experience, allowing her to enjoy childhood.
Trailer for ‘Old Enough!’ Episode 8.
For parents, it’s important to separate your fears and anxieties from what is real for your child, and ensure your history and experiences do not negatively impact your child’s opportunities for growth and development. Be kind and patient with yourself and your child during this process.
Wait: allow them the time and space to explore and play independently.
Wonder: reflect on their needs and your responses.
By acknowledging and managing your own fears and anxieties, you create space to see your child truly sparkle.
Learn and know who your child is, what their strengths are and what they need support with. It’s never to late to let children show you what they are capable of and reveal their amazing self. With consistency, you will build a deep meaningful connection built on trust and love, which will last a lifetime.
Nikki Martyn does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
[BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador and a coalition of 23 other states filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to stop the Biden-Harris Administration from imposing an electric-vehicle mandate on truck manufacturers in Nebraska v. EPA. This coalition has joined the suit alongside Nebraska as petitioners to challenge the new rule. In April, the federal Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA) published a rule imposing stringent tailpipe emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles that effectively force manufacturers to produce more electric trucks and fewer internal-combustion trucks. The Attorneys General argued that EPA’s electric-truck mandate raises a “major question” that Congress has not clearly authorized EPA to decide. “Once again, the Biden-Harris administration is superseding their constitutional authority in a short-sighted pursuit of their green agenda,” said Attorney General Labrador. “They are making laws and standards which are the sole purview of Congress. This kind of reckless rulemaking will damage our national economy, infrastructure, and resiliency.” The brief points out that just one-tenth of one percent (0.10%) of all heavy-duty trucks sold today are powered by a battery, but that EPA’s rule would increase that number to 45 percent in less than a decade away. That massive shift in the nation’s trucking and logistics industries will slow down transportation of essential goods, stress the electric grid, and raise prices for Americans. The brief also argues that EPA has never before forced manufacturers to produce heavy-duty electric vehicles and that allowing the electric-truck mandate to stand would short circuit the ongoing policy debate that should be left to Congress and the States. In addition to Attorney General Labrador, attorneys general from the following States joined the suit against the Biden Administration: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, South Dakota, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
A space shuttle lifts off high above the surrounding land in this Aug. 1, 1973, illustration. With 135 missions flown over 30 years, NASA’s shuttle fleet achieved numerous firsts and opened space up to more people than ever before. Each space shuttle consisted of three major components: the orbiter, which housed the crew, a large external tank that held fuel for the main engines, and two solid rocket boosters that provided most of the shuttle’s lift during the first two minutes of flight. All the components were reused except for the external fuel tank, which burned up in the atmosphere after each launch. The space shuttle was the world’s first reusable spacecraft. Check out the NASA+ playlist, “The Shuttle Era.” Image credit: NASA
NREL Hosts 24th Pyrheliometer Comparisons for North American Region
Participants from the Physical Meteorological Observatory in Davos (PMOD) attended the 24th NREL Pyrheliometer Comparisons (NPC). PMOD maintains the World Radiometric Reference. NREL visits PMOD in Switzerland every five years, and PMOD comes to Golden, Colorado, four out of every five years to participate in NPC. All photos by Gregory Cooper, NREL
Say you are in the market for solar panels for the roof of your home. You are researching the different types, especially noticing the efficiency that they claim. How do you know that you can trust that number?
Or let’s say you want to build an entire solar array. You need a loan from the bank, but they want to know how much energy you think you are going to get from your array to make sure they make a wise investment. How do you know how much energy you are going to get?
The same answer applies to both of these scenarios because what we are talking about is traceability: the ability to trace your measurement back to a standard source that is common to everyone. The person who sold you the solar panels and the bank that agreed to invest in your solar farm both rely on a traceable measurement, and NREL plays a major role in providing just that.
From Sept. 21 to 27, groups of scientists and engineers from around the globe gathered at NREL’s Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL) on the top of South Table Mountain in Golden, Colorado, for the 24th NREL Pyrheliometer Comparisons (NPC). While Colorado is a destination for many people, NPC’s participants do not just come for the stunning views and the clear skies. As the regional leader, NREL keeps its reference instruments calibrated directly to the World Radiometric Reference and World Infrared Standard Group. Since 1996, NPC has been a gathering place for people from across the globe to calibrate their reference instruments to the world standard.
On the first day of the NPC, participants from Saudi Arabia set up their active cavity radiometers (ACRs) in the morning to begin measurements.
Studying Solar Energy Is Part of What Unites Us
One expert in the field, Tom Stoffel, is a former NREL employee. Tom began working at NREL when it was just beginning as the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) in the late1970s, and he played a major role in establishing NREL as the region’s leader in pyrheliometer comparisons. Tom still comes back to the comparisons every year to share his insights and to join the participants with whom he shares a passion for solar measurement.
“Solar radiation measurements are the basis for understanding Earth’s primary energy source,” Stoffel said. Knowing how much of the sun’s power is available on Earth is crucial for solar and climate research and for the solar industry in general. Since the beginning of time, people have studied the sun and harvested its power for everything from basic needs like heating something to eat and telling time to today’s advanced uses for powering our homes and cars and, moreover, to understand and detect the changes in the Earth’s radiation budget for climate studies.
Measuring the sun’s power remains one of the most difficult-to-define physical measurements. As researchers strive to get more and more precise measurements, they also need to ensure that the measurements used are compliant with international standards. This area of research lies at the origins of NREL’s work when it was once the Solar Energy Research Institute, and it still guides the laboratory’s mission today seeking to transform energy.
A clock runs one hour behind Mountain Daylight Time to align with solar noon, when the sun is at maximum elevation, keeping participants aware of progression throughout the day. The number below the time indicates the current stable irradiance reading.
What Is It Like Attending NPC?
Affectionately referred to as the “sun nerds convention,” NPC serves as a World Meteorological Organization regional comparison for maintaining traceability, hosting participants who seek compliance with the International Organization for Standardization requirements for interlaboratory calibrations. Participants set up their instruments on the top of South Table Mountain and, beginning at sunrise, they start taking solar irradiance measurements in groups of 49 observations at 30-second intervals.
Researchers at the SRRL analyze the data to provide participants with a ratio of their instrument’s measurement to the NREL reference group that allows them to calibrate their instruments to the World Radiometric Reference. Maintaining this traceability to the world standard allows participants to take their instruments back to their organizations and continue doing the important work of solar resource assessment, climate change studies, and atmospheric research with the assurance that their measurements are aligned with the world standard.
As an example, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program personnel James Martin, Jim Stow, and retired Craig Webb participated in this year’s NPC to maintain its traceability of radiometric measurement. This supports the ARM program in closing the gap between the radiative transfer models and solar irradiance measurement.
NPC participants set up and validate data collection to verify that solar alignment is not lost during the measurements. They need precise solar alignment to ensure they are measuring the full solar irradiance (i.e., the full power of the sun).
Collaboration at the Event
After attending this event, participants leave with more than just calibrated instruments. Collaboration and networking are an equally important part for this tight-knit industry to share valuable information about their work across all different industries and in different parts of the world.
Logan Soldo, one participant at this year’s event from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder, Colorado, commented on the value of the opportunity to collaborate.
“Even just sitting here and learning from all of these people who have been around a lot longer than me is valuable,” Soldo said. “I feel like I’m learning so much.”
Charles Robinson from Sandia National Laboratory remarked on how he is grateful for the mentorship he has received in this field. His mentor was mentored by one of the men who was at the very first international comparisons back in the 1960s, and Robinson was still using one of those original instruments at NREL’s comparisons.
Participants from EKO Instruments attended this year’s NPC. EKO manufactures many of the trackers that NREL uses, which orient the ACR to point directly at the sun.
Tom Kirk of Eppley Laboratories said that he enjoyed the opportunity to be in person with his clients who bought Eppley’s instruments and help them with their instruments in a more hands-on way.
Erik Naranen of ISO-CAL North America, “a proud member of the sun nerds convention,” remarked on the value of being together with others in the industry. Many of the participants remarked similarly on the value of hearing from some of the experts in the field and being grateful for the chance to spend so much time with them to share their passion for accurate solar resource measurement.
Future Directions
The future of metrology is bright because of the work being done by NREL and many others in the field. Their goal is to have the most precise measurements possible to ensure that the research is as sound as possible. Measuring the sun’s power is still a difficult task. But when people know their instruments are sound, they can lay a strong foundation to push the envelope of climate and atmospheric research.
More than a dozen ARCs are lined up on the top of South Table Mountain, making simultaneous solar irradiance measurements with one another.
The logistics associated with NPC require support from NREL’s Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality Office; Site Operations; Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness; Power Systems Engineering Center; Shipping and Receiving; DOE’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program; DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies program; and more. Thank you to all the NRELians who pitched in to help advance NREL’s leadership in this area and provide support to an event that improves research outcomes across renewable energy and atmospheric research.
Learn more about NREL’s work in the Solar Radiation Research Laboratory, which includes the Metrology Laboratory. To find out more about attending NREL’s comparisons in 2026 or to learn more about past events, visit NPC’s website.
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
Discreetly Revised Data Shows Violent Crime Has Increased Under This Administration Despite Misleading Claims From Democrats
Washington, October 17, 2024
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intentionally misled the American people into believing violent crime decreased under the Biden-Harris Administration. A discreetly revised FBI 2022 annual crime data report proves violent crimes have increased under the Biden-Harris Administration. A previously reported 2.1 percent decrease in violent crimes has now been altered to show a 4.5 percent increase. This Administration has continuously touted these false numbers to argue violent crime has declined, and the latest revision proves otherwise. While violent crime surges across the country due to Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies, failed bail reform, open borders, and defund the police movement, House Republicans are committed to law and order.
MAKE NO MISTAKE: This revision further proves Americans are less safe under the Biden-Harris Administration. It’s time to restore the safety and security of every American.
THE BIDEN-HARRIS CRIME CRISIS:
New reporting has uncovered that the FBI secretly updated its crime data to show instead of a 2.1 percent drop in violent crime in 2022, it was actually a 4.5 percent increase.
The FBI made no mention of this 6.6 percentage point revision in its press release.
The new data includes thousands more murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults than previously reported.
The updated data for 2022 shows that there were 80,029 more violent crimes than in 2021 – including an additional 1,699 murders, 7,780 rapes, 33,459 robberies, and 37,091 aggravated assaults.
Carl Moody, a professor at the College of William & Mary who specializes in studying crime: “There were no revisions from 2004 to 2015, and from 2016 to 2020, there were small changes of less than one percentage point. The huge changes in 2021 and 2022, especially without an explanation, make it difficult to trust the FBI data.”
There are now questions as to whether the recently released 2023 FBI crime statistics are legitimate due to the massive 2022 revision.
Another problem with this FBI crime data is its reliance on reported crimes, as most crimes go unreported.
An alternative measure of crime that also accounts for unreported crimes, the National Crime Victimization Survey, shows that crime is even higher than FBI data suggests – with violent crime up 37 percent since Harris and Biden took office.
The FBI is not the only government agency to see massive revisions under this Administration – the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently admitted that 818,000 jobs that Kamala Harris and Joe Biden claim to have “created” don’t actually exist.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced a federal investment of $40 million from the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program (GIFMP) to Emissions Reduction Alberta. This funding will help to develop and manage a province-wide program for industry to become more cost- and energy-efficient.
October 17, 2024 Calgary, Alberta Natural Resources Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to maximizing energy performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while helping industry gain a competitive edge.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced a federal investment of $40 million from the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program (GIFMP) to Emissions Reduction Alberta. This funding will help to develop and manage a province-wide program for industry to become more cost- and energy-efficient.
Funding will support Emissions Reduction Alberta’s $50-Million Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program, which will provide industrial and manufacturing facilities with expertise and training in energy management. Industrial participants will be given the opportunity to increase profitability by reducing energy costs and to take advantage of funding to help cover the cost of capital retrofits for industrial process equipment. An additional $10 million was invested by the Government of Alberta for Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Strategic Energy Management for Industry program.
As Canada advances toward a net-zero future, investments like these are key to minimizing emissions while maximizing industry competitiveness. Today’s investment supports workers and industry in Alberta on the road toward a prosperous and clean future.
Quotes
“Energy efficiency means cost savings for Canadian business. Supporting Canadian industrial facilities with their efficiency targets is a necessary step toward improving competitiveness in the global economy. We are pleased to play a part in launching Emissions Reduction Alberta’s innovative Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program, which helps strengthen the knowledge and expertise that Alberta industries need to keep energy-efficient and competitive. Through investments like the $40 million we are providing for SEMI, the federal government is helping provinces, territories and industry in their goal to seize the financial opportunities of a clean economy.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Improving the efficiency of industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities is the quickest, most cost-effective way to lower energy bills and stay competitive. But it takes knowledge, expertise, training and capital. With SEMI, Alberta companies now have even more opportunity to invest in energy- and cost-saving technologies, right here in the province.”
Justin Riemer
CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
“ERA’s SEMI program represents a pivotal opportunity for industry to further our collective mission of enhancing environmental performance and operational efficiency. By providing the necessary financial support, this program will enable companies to invest in advanced technologies and practices that significantly reduce emissions and improve efficiency and energy management solutions to contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Grant Wilde
Board Chair, Spartan Controls and BlueMarvelValidator
“Reducing greenhouse emissions through energy efficiency is a powerful way industries can make a mark on reducing their carbon footprint while reducing energy costs. The SEMI program is an ideal opportunity for industries seeking to decarbonize through energy management and retrofits. At Lafarge, we have benefited from long standing support from ERA, and we are excited to see new opportunities put forward in energy management and conservation.”
Stephanie Voysey
Head of Sustainability and Environment, Lafarge, Western Canada
Quick facts
Canada’s industrial sectors represented about 3,650 petajoules (PJ), or more than 40 percent, of Canada’s total energy use in 2021.
San Francisco, Calif. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul issued the following statement after Yahya Sinwar — the architect of the brutal massacre that killed 1,200 people in Israel on October 7 — was eliminated by the IDF in a military operation in Gaza.
“Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was a brutal terrorist who masterminded the October 7 massacre and all of the death and destruction that followed. I congratulate Israel for having the courage to stand against his evil and for eliminating this violent madman—achieving a small measure of justice for his many, many victims, including dozens of American citizens.”
The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, participated in the Group of Seven (G7) Ministers’ Meeting on Inclusion and Disability from October 14 to 16. Hosted by Italy, the 2024 G7 President, Ministers came together at this event to discuss initiatives that support an inclusive society where persons with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully and meaningfully in civil, social, economic and political life.
October 17, 2024 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
The inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society enriches communities, promotes economic growth, and advances a culture of respect. This is why the Government of Canada continues to invest in programs and policies that help to remove barriers for persons with disabilities and pave the way for a brighter future for all, both in Canada and beyond.
The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, participated in the Group of Seven (G7) Ministers’ Meeting on Inclusion and Disability from October 14 to 16. Hosted by Italy, the 2024 G7 President, Ministers came together at this event to discuss initiatives that support an inclusive society where persons with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully and meaningfully in civil, social, economic and political life.
At the G7, Minister Khera spoke about the actions Canada has and is taking to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of consulting with persons with disabilities in all social, political, and civil processes, in the spirit of “Nothing Without Us,” so that countries can fully benefit from their unique insights and expertise. During the first panel session on “Inclusion as a priority of all countries’ agenda,” the Minister referenced ongoing efforts to realize the goal of a barrier-free Canada as set out in the Accessible Canada Act, and highlighted significant actions being implemented under the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, including the new Canada Disability Benefit.
Minister Khera encouraged G7 nations to consider the importance of initiatives that promote equal access to employment opportunities, highlighting Canada’s new Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities, which aims to close the employment gap between persons with disabilities and those without. The Minister also noted Canada’s dedication to ensuring that the design and use of artificial intelligence (AI) is safe, secure and protects the human rights of persons with disabilities. Accessibility Standards Canada is leading the development of a standard that aims to ensure the application of emerging technologies like AI are equitable, inclusive and do not introduce new barriers for persons with disabilities.
On October 16, Ministers adopted the Solfagnano Charter, the Ministerial Declaration that identifies eight priorities and outlines recommendations and actions for G7 member countries, including universal accessibility, independent living, as well as inclusive education, employment and services.
Minister Khera thanked the Italian Presidency for hosting the G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Inclusion and Disability and stated that Canada is working hard to build a fairer and more equitable future where no one is left behind.
Waleed Saleem Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities waleed.saleem@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Newport (Quebec) – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will hold a press conference to announce a major financial support for the Gaspé Peninsula and Lower St. Lawrence fishing industry.
Newport (Quebec) – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will hold a press conference to announce a major financial support for the Gaspé Peninsula and Lower St. Lawrence fishing industry.
Date: Friday, October 18, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. (local time)
Registration: Media wishing to attend the press conference on site must send an email to media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca to confirm their attendance. The location of the announcement will be sent to media upon registration.
Andrew Richardson Acting Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard andrew.richardson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Quebec Region media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 418-648-5474
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, welcomed a $5.7 million investment to the state of Ohio to address lead and other health hazards in Ohio homes to protect children and families from the life-long health effects of lead exposure.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry that their home is hurting or poisoning their children, but sadly, that’s still a reality for too many in Ohio,” said Brown. “These new resources will help protect children from hazards in their homes like lead paint, make a smart investment in the health and future of our kids and communities, and give parents the peace of mind that their children can grow up in a safe environment.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the investment as a part of their Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from lead poisoning.
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, welcomed a $5.5 million investment to help address lead-based paint hazards in Dayton and Montgomery County. This investment will address lead and other health hazards in homes throughout Montgomery County to protect children and families from the life-long health effects of lead exposure, and support partnerships and coalitions in the Dayton area to assess and address lead-based paint hazards threaten families’ health.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry that their home is hurting or poisoning their children, but sadly, that’s still a reality for too many in Ohio,” said Brown. “These new resources will help protect children from hazards in their homes like lead paint, make a smart investment in the health and future of our kids and communities, and give parents the peace of mind that their children can grow up in a safe environment.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the investments as a part of their lead-based paint and lead hazard reduction demonstration grant programs.
Investments from HUD include:
$3 million to Montgomery County to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from lead poisoning.
$2.5 million to the City of Dayton to build local capacity to address lead hazards safely and effectively in homes throughout the city.
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, welcomed a $3.5 million investment to Hamilton County to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from the life-long health effects of lead exposure.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry that their home is hurting or poisoning their children, but sadly, that’s still a reality for too many in Ohio,” said Brown. “These new resources will help protect children from hazards in their homes like lead paint, make a smart investment in the health and future of our kids and communities, and give parents the peace of mind that their children can grow up in a safe environment.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the investment as a part of their Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from lead poisoning.
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, welcomed a $7.6 million investment to the City of Columbus to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from the life-long health effects of lead exposure.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry that their home is hurting or poisoning their children, but sadly, that’s still a reality for too many in Ohio,” said Brown. “These new resources will help protect children from hazards in their homes like lead paint, make a smart investment in the health and future of our kids and communities, and give parents the peace of mind that their children can grow up in a safe environment.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the investment as a part of their Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from lead poisoning.