The Department of Veterans Affairs progress toward a paperless records system was halted Oct. 8 when the partial federal government shutdown stopped all software development by the department. The latest negative impact on the nation’s veterans prompted a strong response from American Legion National Commander Daniel Dellinger. On Oct. 8, VA was forced to furlough… Keep reading →
Congressional News/Views
Study Says Retailers Have Shared Debit Swipe Fee Savings But Consumers Could Save More if Fed Set Cap Lower
By businesswireThe National Retail Federation welcomed a new study released today that shows retailers have passed along the majority of the savings from debit card swipe fee reform to their customers, and that the resulting increase in consumer spending has boosted job creation across the country. But the study also shows that benefits for consumers and… Keep reading →
In a statement issued Sept. 28, the Department of Veterans Affairs warned that funding for veterans benefits “will run out by late October” if the federal government shuts down. “At that point, VA will be unable to make any payments.” While claims processors at the Veterans Benefits Administration would continue working after a shutdown, funding… Keep reading →
National security cannot be diminished in the event of a federal government shutdown, American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger said Monday. “The political impasse that is threatening to shut down the U.S. government cannot and must not compromise the readiness and welfare of our armed forces and their support personnel,” said Dellinger, who leads… Keep reading →
Servicemembers Doubt Congress Will Act In Time To Avoid Government Shutdown, First Command Reports
By businesswireThe majority of servicemembers and their families doubt that lawmakers will take appropriate actions to avoid a government shutdown in October or a second round of sequestration in the coming year, according to the First Command Financial Behaviors Index®. The latest survey results reveal that 86 percent of middle-class military families (senior NCOs and commissioned… Keep reading →
The following statement can be attributed to Michael Petricone, senior vice president, government and regulatory affairs, Consumer Electronics Association®, regarding House Judiciary Committee Chairman Goodlatte’s issuance of principles governing collection of sales taxes on products purchased online. “Leaders in both parties recognize that differential tax treatment of online and brick-and-mortar retailers is unjustifiable and unsustainable…. Keep reading →
The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today sent letters to members of the United States Congress, urging members in both chambers to oppose H.R. 1250, the Medicare Audit Improvement Act of 2013, introduced by Reps. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and the Senate version of the bill, S. 1012, introduced by… Keep reading →
CREW Names the 13 Most Corrupt Members of Congress; Four More Earn Dishonorable Mentions
By businesswireToday, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) released its annual Most Corrupt Members of Congress report, which takes a bipartisan look at Washington’s worst. Members on this year’s list engaged in misconduct ranging from collecting illegal campaign contributions to accepting improper gifts and loans, and even using campaign funds for personal expenses. In… Keep reading →
U.S. House of Representatives Approves H.R. 1410 ; A Bipartisan Supermajority Support the “Keep The Promise Act” and Send a Resounding “No” on Tohono O’odham Glendale Casino
By businesswireToday a supermajority of The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1410, The Keep the Promise Act, thus reaffirming the commitments made to Arizona voters who voted “yes” on Proposition 202 – the Indian Gaming and Self-Reliance Act of 2002. H.R. 1410. The bill, which now moves on to the U.S. Senate, would prohibit Indian… Keep reading →
Today, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) released a new advertisement via The Hill newspaper, highlighting the effects of H.R. 527, the Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act, and S.783, the Helium Stewardship Act sponsored by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), on the Federal Helium Program (FHP). H.R. 527, introduced by Representative Doc Hastings… Keep reading →