Congressional Dish

The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act grants permission for next year's wars. In this episode, we look at how the new law, in partnership with a reckless Executive Order, will provide weapons to terrorists and legalize American wars fought with foreign humans. Also in this episode, learn about the new Ministry of Propaganda (the "Global Engagement Center") that the United States will open in July. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: Congressional Dish 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bill Highlighted in This Episode National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 Explanatory Statement Title III—Operation and Maintenance Subtitle B—Energy and Environment Sec. 312. Waiver authority for alternative fuel procurement requirement. The Secretary of Defense can waive the requirement that Federal agencies only purchase alternative fuels if the greenhouse gas emissions are equal or lower to the conventional fuel typically used, as long as he notifies Congress. Sec. 316. Sense of Congress on funding decisions relating to climate change. "It is the sense of Congress that... "decisions relating to the funding of the Dept. of Defense … should prioritize the support and enhancement of the combat capabilities of the Dept" funds should be allocated among the programs of the Dept in the manner that best serves the national security interests of the US decisions relating to energy efficiency, energy use, and climate change should adhere to the principles described above Title VI—Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A—Pay and Allowances Sec. 601. Fiscal year 2017 increase in military basic pay. Effective January 1, 2017, the rates of monthly basic pay for military members is 2.1 percent Sec. 604. Reports on a new single-salary pay system for members of the Armed Forces. Gives the Defense Dept one year to report to Congress on a new pay structure: A "single salary system," which will take effect on January 1, 2018. Subtitle E—Commissary and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality Benefits and Operations Sec. 661. Protection and enhancement of access to and savings at commissaries and exchanges. They are going to test a "variable pricing program" which would price commissary goods "in response to market conditions and customer demand" Sec. 662. Acceptance of Military Star Card at commissaries. Subtitle F—Other Matters Sec. 671. Recovery of amounts owed to the United States by members of the uniformed services. Allows the Secretary of Defense is allowed to waive collections of overpayments to military service members if the collection starts over 10 years after the overpayment occurred. The Defense Department will conduct a review of the bonuses paid to California National Guard members from 2004 - 2015, determine how many bonuses were awarded improperly, and determine which ones will be granted a repayment waiver. Waivers will be denied only if the board can make an affirmative determination that the member "knew or reasonably should have known that the member was ineligible for the bonus pay" Title VII—Health Care Provisions Subtitle A—Reform of TRICARE and military health system Sec. 701. TRICARE Select and other TRICARE reform. Creates TRICARE Select: "Eligible beneficiaries will not have restrictions on the freedom of choice of the beneficiary with respect to health care providers." Cost sharing table Title VIII—Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Subtitle F—Provisions Relating to Commercial Items Sec. 874. Inapplicability of certain laws and regulations to the acquisition of commercial items and commercially available off-the-shelf items. Exempts the purchase of "commercial items" from a bunch of procurement laws Sec. 876. Preference for commercial services. Prohibits defense agencies from entering into contracts for services that are NOT commercial services, unless it's determined in writing that there are no commercial services available. Subtitle G—Industrial Base Matters Sec. 881. Greater integration of the national technology and industrial base. Orders a written plan to be completed by the end of 2017 to" reduce the barriers to the seamless integration between the persons and organizations that comprise the national technology and industrial base" Entities to be "integrated" include government entities, universities, nonprofits, and private contractors (including weapons manufacturers) operating in the United States, Canada and (added) the UK, Northern Ireland, and Australia. Title IX—Department of Defense Organization and Management Subtitle B—Organization and Management of the Department of Defense Generally Sec. 915. Repeal of requirements relating to efficiencies plan for the civilian per

No one really knows what Donald Trump plans to do as US Commander in Chief, but the United States' most influential war mongers have a plan. In this episode, hear the highlights from a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing - a hearing that was kept off of C-SPAN and had no one in attendance - and get some insight into the advice our next President will be given to direct our nation at war. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Hearing Highlighted in this Episode Emerging U.S. Defense Challenges and Worldwide Threats, Senate Armed Services Committee, December 6, 2016 Witnesses Robert Kagan Served in the State Department in the Reagan administration Co-founder of the Project for a New American Century, a think tank that laid out a plan for the United States to use our massive military to force a global order centered around American control. Served on the 25 member State Department Foreign Affairs Policy Board under Hillary Clinton & John Kerry. Current: Senior Fellow, Project on International Order and Strategy, The Brookings Institution Current: Board of Directors for the Foreign Policy Initiative Family: "First Family of Military Interventionists" Married to Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State, European & Eurasian Affairs in the Obama administration Father: Donald Kagan, Yale professor and co-chairman of the Project for a New American Century report outlining the global dominance plan Brother: Frederick Kagan, military historian & author, member of the American Enterprise Institute and Project for a New American Century. Was co-architect of the surge (with General Keane) Sister in law: Kimberly Kagan, President at the Institute for the Study of War General Jack Keane Chairman, Institute for the Study of War Former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army during the key Bush years, 1999-2003. Board of Directors at General Dynamics Shawn Brimley Executive Vice President and Director of Studies, the Center for a New American Century National Security Council from Feb 2011-October 2012 Research Associate at CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies) from April 2005-Feb 2007 Columnist at War on the Rocks Council on Foreign Relations member *Clip transcripts below Sound Clip Sources YouTube: Julian Assange tells RT that the Russian government was not the source of Clinton campaign emails, posted November 5, 2016. YouTube: Julian Assange on Dutch television program Nieuwsuur to talk about the danger to their sources and the murder of Seth Rich, posted August 9, 2016. Local News Story: 27-Year-Old DNC Staffer Seth Rich Shot, Killed in Northwest DC by Pat Collins and Andrea Swalec, NBC Washington DC, July 11, 2016. Additional Reading Book: The Pentagon's New Map by Thomas P.M. Barnett, May 2005. Article: Secret CIA assessment says Russia was trying to help Trump win White House by Adam Entous, Ellen Nakashima, and Greg Miller, December 9, 2016. Article: Army accelerates Active Protection Systems technology by Kris Osborn, Defense Systems, October 13, 2016. Press Release: Artis announces Army APS contract award, Business Wire (Berkshire Hathaway), September 28, 2016. Article: Seth Rich: Inside the Killing of the DNC Staffer by Jeff Stein, Newsweek, August 20, 2106. Twitter: Wikileaks offers $20,000 reward for information about Seth Rich's murder Article: Debbie Wasserman Shultz to Resign D.N.C. Post by Jonathan Martin and Alan Rappeport, New York Times, July 24, 2016. Article: Wasserman Shultz immediately joins Clinton campaign after resignation by Victor Morton, The Washington Times, July 24, 2016. Article: Army Pushes Missile Defense For Tanks: MAPS by Sydney Freedberg, Breaking Defense, April 25, 2016. Article: How Hillary Clinton Became a Hawk by Mark Landler, New York Times, April 21, 2016. Email: John Podesta & Staff email his username & password, Wikileaks document, February 9, 2015 Blog post: Iron Curtain: Active Protective System (APS), by the editors of RicardCYoung.com, May 30, 2013. Miscellaneous Sources Webpage: Federal Spending: Where Does the Money Go Recommended Podcast Episodes CD108: Regime Change CD102: The World Trade Organization: COOL? CD093: Our Future in War Jen's appearance on The Sea Hawkers Podcast, November 16, 2016. Hearing Clip Transcipts {18:30} Chairman John McCain: Our next president will take office as the U.S. confronts the most diverse and complex array of global security challenges since the end of the Second World War. Great power competition, once thought a casualty of the end of history, has returned as Russia and China have each challenged the rules-based order that is the foundation of our security and prosperity. Rogue states like North Korea and Iran are

Chip Lake is a member of the Congressional Dish community and the former Chief of Staff to retiring Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Georgia's 3rd district. In this enlightening episode, Chip provides valuable insight on how Congressional offices operate, which committees are the most powerful, what candidates buy with their "campaign contributions", and much more. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Guest: Chip Lake Chip Lake is a member of the Congressional Dish community and a former Chief of Staff to retiring Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Georgia's 3rd district. Chip also works as a consultant at Glendale Strategies and does campaign marketing work for Twin Oaks Connect. Chip Lake is also the host of the Red Zone Sports Podcast Subscribe in iTunes Listen on Blog Talk Radio Contact Chip Twitter: @LakeChip Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD129: The Impeachment of John Koskinen Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

President Trump with a GOP Congress. The shock has not worn off. In this commentary-heavy episode, Jen shares some key moments from her Election Night experience, takes a close look at the incoming 115th Congress, and tries to process her thoughts on what we're in for with a fully Republican Congress working with President Donald J. Trump. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Watch This PBS Frontline: The Choice Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are two of the most polarizing presidential candidates in modern history. Veteran FRONTLINE filmmaker Michael Kirk goes beyond the headlines to investigate what has shaped these two candidates, where they came from, how they lead and why they want one of the most difficult jobs imaginable. Aired 9/27/16 Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

The 2016 Election is finally here; in this episode, we take a look at the job performance of our 114th Congress. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Vote on Trade Promotion Authority (Fast Track) H.R. 2146: Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act (The final version of fast track) House Vote: 218-208 Senate Vote: 60-37 Bill Highlighted in This Episode S. 764: A bill to reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act and for other purposes (The GMO labeling law) The real title should be "National bioengineered food disclosure standard" but S. 764 (about the college program) was used as a vehicle to get the GMO labeling bill into law. Definitions Bioengineering Food that "has been modified through...(DNA) techniques" using a modification that "could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature". Food Food intended for human consumption Establishment of a Labeling Standard By July 29, 2018, the Secretary of Agriculture has to establish a "national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard" Animals fed bioengineered foods will not be labeled as bioengineered themselves Regulations will determine how much of a bioengineered substance needs to be present for the food itself to be considering bioengineered The labels can be text, symbol, or electronic or digital link; the manufacturers get to pick If they choose the electronic or digital link, the bioengineering information must appear on the first page presented and without advertisements. The link can not "collect, analyze, or sell any personally identifiable information about consumers or the devices of consumers" Foods served in restaurants and "very small food manufacturers" are excluded from the regulations "Very small" is not defined. States are prohibited from enacting their own bioengineering labeling laws. Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD096: Fast Tracking Fast Track CD098: USA Freedom Act CD110: Government Funding Crisis of 2015 CD112: Dingleberries on the Omnibus CD113: CISA is Law CD114: Trans-Pacific Partnership Investment Chapter CD127: The FAST Act: Transportation Funding Law CD135: Education is Big Business: Every Student Succeeds Act Additional Reading Article: Puerto Rico Control Board Names Carrion Chair Amid Protests by Katherine Greifeld, Bloomberg Markets, September 30, 2016. Article: John Boehner, House Speaker, Will Resign From Congress by Jennifer Steinhauer, New York Times, September 25, 2016. Article: Former House Speaker John Boehner Joins Washington Law Firm by Elizabeth Olson, New York Times, September 20, 2016. Article: Heavy Smoker John Boehner Joins Tobacco Company's Board by Matt Egan, CNN, September 15, 2016. Blog: Deep conflicts of interest plague Obama's newly appointed fiscal control board in Puerto Rico by Saqib Bhatti, The Hill, September 9, 2016. Report: Scooping and Tossing Puerto Rico's Future: Puerto Rico Borrowed $3.2 Billion to Pay Fees & Interest to Banks & Investors by ReFund Project, August 31, 2016. Article: Who are the Members of the Puerto Rico Fiscal Control Board? by Patricia Guadalupe, NBC News, August 31, 2016. Report: Puerto Rico's Payday Loans: $33.5 Billion of the Island's Debt is Actually Interest on Payday Loans by ReFund Project, June 30, 2016. Article: U.S. Dropped 23,144 Bombs on Muslim-Majority Countries in 2015 by Adam Johnson, Alternet, January 10, 2016. Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

The deadline to fund the government has passed and only one section of the government was funded in full for 2017: Military Construction and the Veteran's Administration. In this episode, analyze the wisdom of the military construction projects that are soon to begin and learn about the rest of the law that extended current funding for eleven out of twelve sections of our government until December 9th. Also in this episode, Jen admits a big mistake, an outline of the "9/11 victims bill", some suggestions to help you research your Election Day ballot, and the longest Thank You segment in Congressional Dish history. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bill Highlighted In This Episode H.R. 5325: Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriates Act 2017 and ZIKA Response and Preparedness Act Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 $7.2 billion for more than 200 military construction projects $177 million will go towards NATO facilities Funds can't be used to pay property taxes in foreign countries Any projects in Japan, a NATO country, or in countries that border the Arabian Gulf worth more than $500,000 must be awarded to United States firm or be awarded to a partnership including United States firms Money can't be used to close or realign the base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba No money can be used to create space within the United States for current prisoners in Guantanamo Bay. Department of Veterans' Affairs Provides over $103 billion for Veteran's benefits Provides approximately $56 billion for the Veteran's Administration and veteran's medical expenses. Provides approximately $7.2 billion in additional funding for private health care for veterans. Adds whistleblower protections and procedures Whistleblowers will submit paperwork to their supervisor; if the supervisor finds it to be legit, the whistleblower will be informed of transfer opportunities. Whistleblowers will have to provide their name and contact information A central whistleblower office will handle all whistleblower complaints, and will have a hotline for anonymous complaints Supervisors can be suspended and/or removed for failing to act on a whistleblower complaint, restricting an employees ability to file a complaint, or conducting a negative peer review or retaliating against a whistleblower. Supervisors who are suspended or removed can have their bonuses denied or rescinded. Includes $1.5 billion for Hepatitis C drug, which is $840 million above the request Zika Response & Preparedness $394 million, available until September 30, 2017, will be put in the "Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund" and be used for: Stockpiles of "products purchased" Purchase of and insurance for motor vehicles in foreign countries Construction, alteration, or renovation of "non-federally owned facilities" at State and local laboratories From Explanatory Statement: "Within the funds provide for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a robust level of funding is intended to support mosquito control efforts conduct by State, county, or municipal programs, including mosquito control districts." $387 million, available until September 30, 2017, will be used for: To response to Zika "and other vector-borne diseases domestically and internationally" To develop and purchase vaccines For health care for mothers and children To reimburse States for health care costs related to Zika that aren't covered by private insurance For projects in Puerto Rico and other territories for mothers and children $152 million, available until September 30, 2017, will be used for: Zika research Vaccine development $145 million will go to "Global Health Programs" for: Mosquito control (spraying) Vaccines The money can be donated to the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the Pan American Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Food and Agriculture Organization Money is prohibited from being spent on "the Grand Challenges for Development" program $15 million will go to the State Department $10 million will go to USAID Money can be used by Dept. of Health and Human Services, the State Department, and USAID to hire people to "perform critical work relating to Zika response" The hires will be exempt from some Federal laws (Sections 3309-3319) The money can be transferred to and merged with other accounts as long as Congress is informed Continuing Appropriations Extends current funding for the other 11 divisions of government until December 9, 2016. $174,000 is appropriated for the family of former Rep. Mark Takai Expla

The Every Student Succeeds Act was signed into law at the end of 2015 and is a major overhaul of education policy in the United States. In this episode, find out how the new law will likely lead to a massive transfer of taxpayer money into private pockets. Executive Producer: David Waldstein Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin Mail Contributions to: Congressional Dish 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! S. 1177: Every Student Succeeds Act Bill Highlights Section 4: Transition Ends previous funding programs on September 30,2016 The Statewide Accountability System created by this law will be effective starting in the 2017-2018 school year Title I: Improving basic programs operated by State and local educational agencies Funding Provides an average of $15.5 billion per year for 2017-2020 At least 7% of the funding must be reserved by States and granted to local educational agencies, who will be allowed to hire for-profit organizations for "improvement activities" States are allowed, but not required, to reserve 3% of their funding for direct student services, which includes AP courses, college courses, transportation to another school as needed, and tutoring. 50 local educational agencies will be allowed to create their own per-pupil method of distributing funds State Plans To receive funding, States must submit a peer-reviewed plan to be approved by the Secretary of Education. State plans will be available online for the public Plans will be required to include "challenging academic content standards" but the State won't be required to submit their standards to the Secretary of Education. Academic standards are only required for mathematics, reading or language arts, and science. Alternate academic standards can be developed for students with disabilities. Testing States will be required to test students in math, reading, and science and is allowed to test in any other subject. Math and reading tests are required each year from grades 3 through 8, and once in high school. Science tests will be required once during grades 3 through 5, once during grades 6 through 9, and once during grades 10 through 12. Results will be reported by race, ethnicity, wealth, disability, English proficiency status, gender, and migrant status. State and local educational agencies must include a policy that allows parents to opt their child out of mandated tests. School Choice Students can choose to attend an another public school controlled by the "local education agency" and the local education agency is allowed to pay for student transportation, but there is a funding cap. Secretary of Education's Role The Secretary of Education is prohibited from intervening or adjusting State plans The Federal Government can't force or encourage States to adopt Common Core standards. "No State shall be required to have academic standards approved or certified by the Federal Government in order to receive assistance under this Act." Accountability The State will publish a detailed annual report card on the State's educational agency's website. Local Educational Agency Plans Local educational agencies can only get Federal funding if they have State-approved plans Parents Right to Know Local educational agencies that receive Federal funds will have to provide parents with information about their kids' teachers, including if the teacher has met State qualifications for the grade level and subject and if the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status. Parents will also be informed if a student has been taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet State certification for the grade level or subject. Parents must give written consent in order for their child to participate in any mental health assessment, except for in emergencies. Children can not be forced to take a prescription medication as a condition for attending a Federally funded school. Schoolwide Programs Can be administered by for-profit providers Funds from Federal, State, and local grants can be consolidated and used to upgrade the entire educational program of schools where at least 40% of the children come from low income families. Schoolwide programs can be exempted by the Secretary of Education from regulations governing education grant programs. Activities can include mental health counseling, mentoring services, "specialized instructional support" services, college courses, activities for teachers, and preschool programs for children under 6 years old. High schools can use the money for dual enrollment of underperforming kids and can pay for teacher training, tuition and fees, books, "innovative delivery methods", and transportation to and from the program. "Targeted Assistance Schools" Can be administered by for-profit providers. Local agencies will decide the criteria that determines which kids are eligible Funds can pay for before and af

Epinephrine injectors are life saving devices for people with food allergies and one company - Mylan Inc. - produces almost all of them. In this episode, listen to the highlights from a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee grilling of Mylan CEO Heather Bresch, and judge her justification for raising the EpiPen's price over 600% since EpiPen's competition was eliminated. Executive Producer: Anonymous Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Sound Clip Sources Hearing: EpiPen Price Increases (Watch on C-SPAN) House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, September 21, 2016. Witnesses Heather Bresch, CEO of Mylan Inc. Doug Throckmorton, M.D., Deputy Center Director for Regulatory Programs Clip Timestamps (In order of appearance in episode) 51:16 - Doug Throckmorton: Available epinephrine injectors 49:55 - Rep. John Mica (FL) and Doug Throckmorton: FDA won't discuss generic applications 0:35 - Chairman Jason Chaffetz (UT) - Introduction 9:25 - Elijah Cummings (MD): Mylan's actions that Congress is investigating 12:20 - Elijah Cummings: List of EpiPen price increases 4:10 - Jason Chaffetz: Executive compensation 16:55 - Elijah Cummings: Martin Shkreli called Congress "imbeciles" 24:10 - Heather Bresch: Introduction 28:16 - Heather Bresch: Mylan's profits from each EpiPen 47:43 - Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD) & Heather Bresch: Mylan did not give Congress requested documents 55:10 - Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton & Heather Bresch: Will Mylan reduce the price of EpiPens? 1:23:26 - Rep. Scott DesJarlais (TN) & Heather Bresch: How long were the price increases going to continue? 1:32:10 - Rep. Gerald Connolly (VA) & Heather Bresch: Mylan's EpiPen is 94% of the epinephrine injector market. 1:56:55 - Rep. Stacey Plaskett (VI) & Heather Bresch: Why are customers paying so much for EpiPens? 2:01:04 - Rep. Mark Meadows (NC) & Heather Bresch: Everyone pays a different price in this system 2:51:15 - Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ) & Heather Bresch: Mylan moved their headquarters to the Netherlands to pay less in U.S. taxes. 2:37:15 - Rep. Peter Welch & Heather Bresch: EpiPens cost much less in the Netherlands 1:03:15 - Rep. John Duncan (TN): Drug companies have manipulated the market. 1:44:25 - Tammy Duckworth (IL) & Heather Bresch: Mylan prohibited schools from buying from competitors 36:45 - Rep. Jason Chaffetz (UT) & Heather Bresch: Heather Bresch's explanation for why her mother used her position to get schools to buy EpiPens from Mylan 1:11:40 - Rep. Tim Walberg (MI) & Heather Bresch: Mylans plan would shift costs of EpiPens to government 1:21:16 - Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA) & Heather Bresch: Veterans Administration is able to negotiate it's drug prices, which makes them lower 53:35 - Rep. John Mica (FL) & Heather Bresch: Executive compensation at Mylan 59:19 - Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) & Heather Bresch: What does Heather Bresch do to earn $18 million per year? 2:48:55 - Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ) & Heather Bresch: Heather Bresch often uses a company private jet 2:13:50 - Rep. Mick Mulvaney (SC) & Heather Bresch: Mylan is getting what it deserves 3:08:08 - Rep. Glenn Grothman (WI) & Heather Bresch: Does Heather Bresch feel guilty? 3:39:40 - Rep. Jason Chaffetz & Heather Bresch: The numbers don't add up. 3:43:30 - Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD) Closing statement Additional Reading Article: Family matters: EpiPens had high-level help getting into schools by Jayne O'Donnell, USA Today, September 21, 2016. Article: Have You Ever Tried to Buy an EpiPen? by Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, August 24, 2016. Article: Everyone Hates Martin Shkreli. Everyone is Missing the Point by Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, February 5, 2016. Additional Information Law: H.R. 2094 (113th Congress): School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act OpenSecrets: Senator Joe Manchin's campaign contributors Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

In a Presidential Election year when the Big Two Parties have selected widely disliked candidates, is it possible to vote None of the Above into the Presidency? In this episode, by learning how the electoral college works, we explore our options for realistically denying the Presidency to the chosen candidates of the Republican and Democratic Parties. *This episode has been updated from it's original version for information accuracy. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! United States Electoral College U.S. Electoral College: About the Electors, National Archives and Records Administration. The 2016 Presidential Election, National Archives and Records Administration. History of Faithless Electors, Fair Vote Democracy Directory of Representatives, United States House of Representatives State Control of Electors, Fair Vote Presidential Elections Reform Program Sound Clip Sources: FBI News Conference: FBI Director James Comey News Conference, Federal Bureau of Investigation, CSPAN, July 5, 2016. Video: Gary Johnson & Drones, YouTube, May 3, 2016. Television News Clip: Hillary Clinton in 2015: Email Server was Permitted, CNN, July 12, 2015. Video: Gary Johnson & Drones, YouTube, May 3, 2016. Videos: Video: The Trouble with the Electoral College By CGP Grey, YouTube, November 7, 2011. Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes Congressional Dish Episode 126: The Presidential Primary, By Jennifer Briney, May 23, 2016. Additional Reading Article: A Reminder of the Permanent Wars: Dozens of U.S. Airstrikes in Six Countries By Missy Ryan, The Washington Post, September 8, 2016. Article: US election: Why is Clinton's Foundation So Controversial? By Anthony Zurcher, BBC News, August 23, 2016. Article: Trump University: It's Worse Than You Think By John Cassidy, The New Yorker, June 2, 2016. Article: The Definitive Roundup of Trump's Scandals and Business Failures By Celina Durgin, National Review, March 15, 2016. Article: Pew Research Center will Call 75% Cellphones for Surveys in 2016 By Kyley McGeeney, Pew Research Center, January 5, 2016. Article: Clintons Personally Paid State Department Staffer to Maintain Server By Rosalind S. Helderman and Carol D. Leonnig, The Washington Post, September 5, 2015. Additional Information Report by the Office of Inspector General: Office of the Secretary: Evaluation of Email Records Management and Cybersecurity Requirements Office of Evaluations and Special Projects, May 2016. Commission on Presidential Debates Polls Used by Commission on Presidential Debates 2000 Official Presidential General Election Results, State Elections Offices Election Polling Methodology, Pew Reseach Center. Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations, with a special thanks to photographer Dennis "Chunga" Cieklinski for the awesome photo of the Bennett School for Girls.

The Federal Aviation Administration performs the essential work of keeping airplanes from crashing into each other in the sky; in this episode, we take a look at the new law that temporarily funds the FAA and makes some important changes to aviation law. We also travel back in time to the week after 9/11 to examine the origin of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and we examine some ideas that the current leaders of Congress have for the future of air travel in the United States and beyond. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! H.R. 636: FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 Title I: FAA Extension Funding Extends FAA funding through September 30, 2017 Extends fuel and ticket taxes through September 30, 2017 Title II: Aviation Safety Critical Reform Safety Establishes a deadline of April 30, 2017 for the FAA to have a pilots records database online and available for use. Creates a maximum $25,000 fine for pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft or in the path of an aircraft. Prohibits the FAA from hiring newly trained air traffic controllers over the age of 35 The FAA must make sure that each employee of repair stations outside of the United States are given pre-employment background checks Drone Safety Over the next two years, the FAA and industry will have two work together to develop a method of remotely identifying drone operators. Starting in three years, drone manufacturers will have to include safety notices informing customers of drone safety laws and regulations. The FAA will work together with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to authorize drone use for firefighting and utility repairs. A person who uses a drone to interfere with firefighting operations, law enforcement, or emergency response can be fined up to $20,000. The FAA will conduct a pilot program testing unmanned aircraft detection systems. In the next year, the FAA and NASA will conduct tests of drones crashing into various sized airplanes and helicopters. Time Sensitive Aviation Reform By July 2017, regulations must be in effect requiring airlines to automatically refund bag fees to anyone whose bags are not delivered within 12 hours after the arrival of a domestic flight or 15 hours after the arrival of an international flight. FAA needs to submit a report, including public comments, about the risks of eliminating contract weather observer service at 57 airports and can not discontinue contract weather observer service before October 1, 2017. FAA must enact regulations requiring pilots of small airplanes to have driver's licenses and pass all medical tests required for a drivers license, completes a medical education course, Airlines will have to let passengers off a plane if it's waiting on the tarmac for 3 hours of a domestic flight or 4 hours for an international flight. Title III: Aviation Security TSA PreCheck Expansion TSA will add "multiple private sector application capabilities" for citizens to use to enroll including online enrollment, kiosks, tablets, or staffed laptop stations. Private sector will collect biometric identification information with "comparable" privacy standards to the standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology Private risk assessments will be used instead of fingerprint-based criminal history records checks Private administrators will be allowed to charge fees in excess of the costs of administering the program. Securing Aviation from Foreign Entry Points and Guarding Airports Through Enhanced Security TSA Administrator will be allowed donate security screening equipment to foreign airports with direct flights to the United States TSA must create an international training program to train authorities of foreign governments in air transportation security. Aviation Security Enhancement and Oversight Enacts stricter vetting requirements for people granted access to secure sections of airports Checkpoints of the Future Creates a new pilot program at between 3 and 6 airports that will test new technologies and new baggage and personal screening systems. Services, supplies, equipment, personnel, and facilities can be obtained from the private sector for the pilot programs. Sound Clip Sources: Hearings Hearing: Aviation Security, Joint House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Senate Appropriations Committee, September 20, 2001. Witnesses: Gerald Dillingham, Associate Director of the General Accounting Office Jane Garvey, Administration, FAA Kenneth Mead, Inspector General of the Department of Transportation Norman Mineta, Secretary of the Department of Transportation Hank Queen, Vice President of Boeing's Engineer

Congress goes on vacation; the Executive Branch escalates a war. In this episode, we look back at the 2011 Libya regime change to understand why we are bombing again in 2016. Executive Producer: Anonymous Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Sound Clip Sources: Hearings Department of Defense Libya Briefing: Defense Department Briefing, Peter Cook, Department of Defense Press Secretary, August 1, 2016. Timestamps and Transcripts {00:31} Peter Cook: I want to begin today with an update on the campaign to defeat ISIL wherever it tries to spread. Today at the request of Libya's Government of National Accord, the United States conducted precision air strikes against ISIL targets in Sirte, Libya to support GNA-affiliated forces seeking to defeat ISIL and its primary stronghold in Libya. These strikes were authorized by the president, following a recommendation from Secretary Carter and Chairman Dunford. They are consistent with our approach of combating ISIL by working with capable and motivated local partners. GNA-aligned forces have had success in recapturing territory from ISIL, and additional U.S. strikes will continue to target ISIL in Sirte and enable the GNA to make a decisive, strategic advance. As you may have seen earlier today, Prime Minister al-Sarraj, the head of the GNA, announced that he had specifically requested these strikes as part of the GNA's campaign to defeat ISIL in Libya. As we've said for some time, the United States supports the GNA. We would be prepared to carefully consider any requests for military assistance. We have now responded to that request, and we'll continue to work closely with the GNA to help the government restore stability and security in Libya. {05:37} Reporter: And then how long the campaign will last? Cook: Again, we'll be in—this will depend on the requests of support from the GNA, and we're proceeding along that line. We don't have an endpoint at this particular moment in time, but we'll be working closely with the GNA. {13:35} Reporter: Previous intelligence estimates had ISIS at a fighting force of around—up to 6,000, I believe. Is that the current assessment that you guys have? Cook: The assessment numbers that I've seen, and, again, I would—it's hard to gauge ISIL numbers anywhere, but I've seen that number, at least our assessment is that it's been reduced, and the number may be closer to 1,000 now. Reporter: That was in Libya, all together? Cook: In Libya, all together. Reporter: Okay. And lastly— Cook: I'm sorry. That's specific to Sirte, but that's the predominant area where ISIL has, in terms of geography, has occupied. So… Reporter: Got it. {15:50} Reporter: So there was a strike today, one in February that you confirmed previously. Is this the third strike now? Was there one before the one in February? Cook: Yes, there was an earlier strike. I believe it was November was the first strike against ISIL by U.S. military. {16:50} Reporter: In answer to a previous question, you said initially there were no U.S. forces on the ground, and then you seemed to clarify later you meant specifically to this operation. Are you saying that right now there are—are you making it clear there are no U.S. teams of any kind on the ground, or are you just specifically saying there are no U.S. on the ground related to this particular operation? Cook: I'm—this is specific to this operation. I'm not going to get into what we've talked about previously, the small number of U.S. forces that will be on the ground in Libya. They've been in and out, and I'm not going to get into that any further. {24:50} Reporter: You keep comparing this to the strikes at the—strikes in November and February, which were going after a high-value individuals. They were after specific individuals versus my understanding of this—correct me if I'm wrong—is this is the beginning of a campaign, an air campaign in Libya, in which the U.S. military is supporting GNA militias who have pledged their loyalty to the GNA. Is that fair? Is this the beginning of—president has approved these strikes and they will continue until Sirte is liberated. Cook: They will continue as long as the GNA is requesting—Reporter: But they don't have to put in the request every single time. There is now this blanket authority that exists for the U.S. military to strike when the GNA puts in their requests, right? Cook: These requests—these requests will be carefully coordinated with the GNA. This all originates from GNA requests for assistance, and the president has given the authority for us to have—to carefully consider those requests. Reporter: Okay. But just to be clear, because I think comparing this to these two previous str

Netroots Nation is an annual political conference where "progressive" politicians, journalists, and activists gather to exchange ideas. In this episode, Jen highlights her experience at Netroots Nation 2016. Included are an update on the status of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and other interesting insights into the current state of the Democratic Party's political base. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Sound Clip Sources Netroots Nation Introduction Clip: Hillary Clinton Addresses Netroots Nation 2016, YouTube, July 16, 2016. Additional Reading Article: The Man Behind Citizens United Gears Up for Hillary Clinton Attacks By Fredreka Schouten, USA Today, July 20, 2016. Article: A Novel About War With China Strikes a Chord at the Pentagon By Dan De Luce, Foreign Policy, May 15, 2016. Article: Inside Hillary Clinton's Big-Money Cavalry By Dave Levinthal, The Center for Public Integrity, April 7, 2016. Article: Who, What, Why: What is skunk water?, BBC News, September 12, 2015. Article: US Defense Bill Worth $1.5B To Israel's Plasan Sasa By Globes Online, Israel Business News, January 7, 2010. Book: Merchants of Doubt By Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, May 24, 2011. Additional Information Netroots Nation Online Sessions Keep It in the Ground: Getting the Federal Government Out of the Fossil Fuel Business TPP: Trade "Trump-ing" the Election How the Next President Can Bust Up Big Corporations We're Taking on Wall Street and the Big Banks Mistral Security Website: Crowd Control - Skunk Supreme Court of the United States Blog: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission Case Files OpenSecrets: Hillary Clinton 2016 Presidential Candidacy Fundraising Summary Data OpenSecrets: Saban Capital Group 2016 Election Cycle Contribution Data Documentary: Merchants of Doubt Directed by Robert Kenner, 2015. Reports The Redistricting Majority Project 2012 Summary Report, January 4, 2013. Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

Impeachment: A serious punishment for serious corruption. In this episode, learn why Congress has begun the process of impeaching IRS Commissioner John Koskinen and how his impeachment would prevent light from being shined upon dark money in politics. Executive Producer: Anonymous Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bill Outlines H.R. 5253: Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act Prohibits tax exempt organizations from being required to disclose any information about their contributors, including the person's name, address, or the amount of their contribution or gift on their annual tax returns. Passed the House of Representatives 240-182 Author: Peter Roskam (IL-6) Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 5053 – Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act By Representative Peter Roskam and 25 cosponsors, Executive Office of the President, June 13, 2016. H.Res. 737: Condemning and censuring John A. Koskinen, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue Suggests that John Koskinen should resign or be fired by the President Suggests that John Koskinen be denied his all of his retirement payments from the Federal government S. 1728: Access to Court Challenges for Exempt Status Seekers (ACCESS) Act of 2015 Allows the United States Tax Court, the United States Court of Federal Claims, or the district court of the United States for the District of Columbia to determine qualifications for 501(c)4 status if the IRS hasn't made the determination after 270 days. S. 1578: Taxpayer Bill of Rights Enhancement Act of 2015 Congress must be notified why the IRS Commissioner decides NOT to fire an employee Requires IRS employee emails to be stored for 15 years and then be stored in the National Archives Quadruples criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosures and inspections. Prohibits IRS employees from using personal email accounts for official business Gives organizations the ability to challenge their denials of tax exempt status in court S.942: Fair Treatment for All Gifts Act Expands the tax deduction for charitable giving to include gifts to 501(c)4 organizations S. 949: Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Defines a "small business" as one that makes less than $50 million a year Increases fines for unauthorized inspection or disclosure of tax returns by 10 times the current penalties Institutes mandatory unpaid leave for at least 30 days for any IRS employee that reviews an application for tax exempt status "using any methodology that applies disproportionate scrutiny to any applicant based on the ideology expressed in the name or purpose of the organization". Allows the United States Tax Court, the United States Court of Federal Claims, or the district court of the United States for the District of Columbia to determine qualifications for 501(c)4 status if the IRS hasn't made the determination after 270 days. Orders the Treasury Inspector General to Investigate criteria used to evaluate applications for tax exempt status to determine whether the criteria discriminates against taxpayers on the basis of race, religion, or political ideology. S. 283: Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2015 The standard used to determine whether an organization is a 501(c)4 social welfare organization that was used on January 1, 2010 will be the standard used, and it cannot be changed before February 28, 2017. Speaker Paul Ryan's version of this bill prohibits the standard from changing before December 31, 2017. Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Examining the Allegations of Misconduct Against IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, Part II, House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, June 22, 2016. Hearing: Conduct of IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, May 24, 2016. Hearing: Internal Revenue Service Targeting Investigation, Senate Finance Committee, October 27, 2015. Additional Reading Article: Freedom Caucus Ups Pressure to Impeach IRS Commissioner By Daniel Newhauser, Government Executive, June 30, 2016. Article: IRS Targeting Scandal: Citizens United, Lois Lerner And The $20M Tax Saga That Won't Go Away By Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, June 24, 2016. Article: The Show Trial of IRS Commissioner John Koskinen By Norm Ornstein, The Atlantic, June 22, 2016. Article: IRS Chief Koskinen Fights First Appointee Impeachment Since 1876 By Lynnley Browning, Chicago Tribune, June 21, 2016. Article: House Approves Koch-backed Bill to Shield Donors' Names By Fredreka Schouten, USA Today, June 14, 2016. Article: Appropriations Bill 'Handcuffs'IRS on Political Group Activities By Colleen Murphy, Bloomberg Bureau of National Affairs, June 13, 2016. Article: How Crossroads GPS Beat

Puerto Rico is in trouble and only the U.S. Congress can help the island of U.S. citizens. Does the bill quickly moving through Congress actually help Puerto Rico? Executive Producer: Kevin Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! H.R. 5278: "Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act" (PROMESA) Bill Highlights Definitions "Territorial instrumentality": "Any political subdivision, public agency, instrumentality - including any instrumentality that is also a bank - or public corporation of a territory, and this term should be broadly construed to effectuate the purposes of this Act." Title 1: Establishment and Organization of Oversight Board Purpose: "To provide a method for a covered territory to achieve fiscal responsibility and access tot he capital markets." Constitutional Justification for the Board Article IV, section 3 of the Constitution "Provides Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations for territories." Records Access The Oversight Board will have the power to demand budgets from any public agency. The Oversight Board has the power to exclude any public agency from the requirements of this law. Oversight Board Membership Seven unpaid members appointed by the President. Six of the selections will be from lists created by Congress. Two people must be selected from two different lists submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Two people must be picked from a list created by the Majority Leader of the Senate One person must be selected from a list created by the House Minority Leader One person must be selected from a list created by the Senate Minority Leader One person will be picked by the President Only one person on the board has to be a territory resident or "have a primary place of business in the territory" The appointments must be done by September 15, 2016 The Governor, or his designee, will be an "ex officio member" with no voting rights. Term of service: 3 years Removal: Can be done by the President "only for cause" Expired terms: The member can serve until someone else is appointed. Consecutive terms are allowed Member Qualifications Must have "knowledge and expertise in finance, municipal bond markets, management, law, or the organization or operation of business or government" No one who has worked for the territory's government is allowed on the Oversight Board Rules for the Oversight Board The Oversight Board will write the laws governing it's own activities The work of the Oversight Board can be privatized Majority Rule Needed To: Approve of fiscal plans Approve a budget To waive a law To approve or disapprove an infrastructure project Territorial Laws The Oversight Board can change the territory's laws "with the greatest degree of independence practicable" The Oversight Board may conduct their business behind closed doors. Paid Staff Executive Director The Board will determine his/her salary The Executive Director can hire as many staff members as he wants and decide how much they get paid, as long as none of them get more than he does. Gifts Are allowed but need to be publicly disclosed Exemption from Laws "The Executive Director and staff of the Oversight Board may be appointed and paid without regard to any provision of the laws of the covered territory or the Federal Government governing appointments and salaries. Any provision of the laws of the covered territory governing procurement shall not apply to the Oversight Board." Powers of the Oversight Board Data Collection The Oversight Board "shall have the right to secure copies, whether written or electronic, of such records, documents, information, data, or metadata from the territorial government" The banks can voluntarily submit information about how much money they think they're owed Subpeona Power Failure to obey an Oversight Board will be punished in court according to territorial laws. Strikes Prohibited The Oversight Board must "ensure prompt enforcement" of any territorial laws "prohibiting public sector employees from participating in a strike or lockout Lawsuits Against the Board Any legal action against the Oversight Board must be filed in a United States district court for the territory, or in the US District Court for Hawaii if that territory doesn't have one. The courts are not allowed to consider challenges to the Oversight Board's certification determinations Oversight Board Funding The Oversight Board will be funded by the permanent budget of the territory in an amount chosen by the Oversight Board. Until the territory creates the law providing permanent funding, the territory must transfer whatever the Oversight Board requests in its budget

Transportation: We all need it, and Congress funded it. In this episode, we take a detailed look into the FAST Act, which funds our national transportation network for the next five years. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! H.R. 22: FAST Act ("Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act) Bill Highlights Division A - Surface Transportation Title I - Federal-Aid Highways Funding level Highways will get an average of 41 billion per year. Private Freight Grants: $500 million can go to private rail freight companies to upgrade rail infrastructure; the Federal share of these projects is capped at 60%. Acceleration of Projects Creates a pilot program that will allow States to conduct environmental reviews, using their own State laws, instead of using the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Capped at 5 States The State can only be approved if the Secretary of Transportation determines the laws of the State are at least as stringent as the Federal requirements. No lawsuits will be allowed, challenging the permit approval, after 2 years. The program will sunset in 12 years Miscellaneous The Department of Transportation will identify national corridors for installation of electric car charging stations and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas refueling stations by the end of 2016. The goal is to have the charging and refueling stations deployed by September 30, 2020. Allows the Department of Transportation to move swallows from under bridges that need fixing until the Interior Department issues final rules. The Secretary of the Interior can suspend the authorization to move the swallows. Title III - Public Transportation Funding level The Mass Transit Account will provide and caps expenditures at an average of $9.7 billion per year. $199 million for positive train control installation, which can be used to pay for up to 80% of the cost. Buy American Requires American steel, iron, or manufactured goods to be purchased, when possible. Title IV - Highway Traffic Safety Provides grants to States in return for their establishment of laws that prohibit texting and driving. Prohibits Federal grant money from funding for State & local programs for checking for motorcycle helmet usage or checkpoints for motorcycle monitoring. Impaired Driving Provides grants to States for implementation of drunk driving laws. Orders a study and report to Congress on marijuana-impaired driving by the end of 2016. Title V - Motor Carrier Safety Drug Test Expansion Allows companies to conduct preemployment and random tests of commercial drivers for alcohol and controlled substances using hair testing as an alternative to urine testing. Allows for religious exemptions Title VI - Innovation Highway User Fees Grants will be provided to States that create user-fee programs for funding the Highway Trust Fund. The goal is to test the design and public acceptance of two or more user fee systems. Private vendors can be used to operate the fee collection systems. The fees collected will not be considered "tolls" Public Access to Research A database of all Department of Transportation research projects will be available on a public website and updated once per year. Title VII - Hazardous Materials Transportation Special permits Speeds up the decision time for special permits for transporting hazardous material by 60 days The decisions will be available to the public "Wetlines" Requires the Secretary of Transportation to kill a proposed rule that would have prohibited the transportation of flammable liquids in the pipes underneath tankers Transportation of flammable liquids by rail Within a year, the Secretary of Transportation has to create regulations to require railroads to report accurate, real-time information about hazardous liquids being transported to the local fusion centers, who will share the information with State and local first responders. Tank cars that do not meet Federal standards can still be used to transport oil and ethanol until 2018 or May 2025, depending on the type of tank car. The Secretary of Transportation can extend the deadlines for up to 2 years The Secretary of Transportation will have 180 days to create regulations to make sure that tank cars modified to meet Federal standards be equipped with insulating blankets that have been approved by the Secretary. Title XI - Rail Funding Levels Amtrak, which owns the tracks and passenger cars operating in the Northeast, will get an average of $519 million per year. For Amtrak operations in the rest of the country, where private freight companies own our tracks, Amtrak will receive an average of $1 billion per year. Food and Beverage Reform Amtrak will have 90 days to develop

Beware: Opinions ahead! In this special episode, Jen discusses who she will vote for in the June 7th Presidential Primary. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Podcast Awards Thank you for nominating Congressional Dish for the 2016 Podcast Awards! Please VOTE HERE every day starting on May 29th North Carolina Podcast Are you interested in co-creating a Congressional Dish style podcast about North Carolina? Email Amy Howard: ahoward at ralieghonlineradio.com Sound Clip Sources YouTube: "She's Baldly Lying": Dana Frank Responds to Hillary Clinton's Defense of Her Role in Honduras Coup, April 13, 2016. YouTube: Trump Campaign Event in Bluffton, South Carolina: Trump says you will find Saudi Arabia did 9 11 and no WWIII over Syria, February 25, 2016. YouTube: NBC News-YouTube Democratic Candidates Debate, January 17, 2016. YouTube: Trump on 9/11 Truth & 28 Pages CNN"s Republican Town Hall, February 18, 2016. YouTube: Hillary Clinton National Security Address, November 19, 2015. YouTube: Hillary Clinton vs. Bernie Sanders on Whether to Invade Iraq - 2002, October 2002 Additional Reading Article: CLO Debt Market Peps Up by Sam Goldfarb, Wall Street Journal, May 22, 2016. Article: How Hillary Clinton Became a Hawk by Mark Landler, The New York Times Magazine, April 21, 2016. Article: How Clinton's email scandal took root by Robert O'Harrow Jr., The Washington Post, March 27, 2016. Article: DRUGS, DAMS, AND POWER: THE MURDER OF HONDURAN ACTIVIST BERTA CÁCERES by Danielle Marie Mackey, The Intercept, March 11, 2016. Article: The Clinton-Backed Honduran Regime Is Picking Off Indigenous Leaders by Greg Grandin, The Nation, March 3, 2016. Article: THE LIBYA GAMBLE PART 1: Hillary Clinton,'Smart Power' and a Dictator's Fall by Jo Becker and Scott Shane, The New York Times, February 27, 2016. Article: THE LIBYA GAMBLE PART 2: A New Libya, With 'Very Little Time Left' by Scott Shane and Jo Becker, The New York Times, February 27, 2016. Article: The Dangerous Path Toward Mining Law Reform in Honduras by Lynn Holland, Council on Hemispheric Affairs, December 18, 2015. Article: During Honduras Crisis, Clinton Suggested Back Channel With Lobbyist Lanny Davis by Lee Fang, The Intercept, July 6, 2015. Article: The Wedding That a U.S. Drone Strike Turned Into a Funeral by Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, January 9, 2014. Article: Drone Attacks at Funerals of People Killed in Drone Strikes by Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, October 24, 2013. Article: Get the Data: Obama's terror drones by Chris Woods, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, February 4, 2012. Article: Honduras: President Signs ALBA Agreement by Francisco Macías, The Library of Congress, September 11, 2008. Additional Information Website: Carl Icahn Biography by Colin Dodds, Investopedia. Hillary Clinton Top Industries, federal election data 2016 Hillary Clinton Contributions by Industry, 2008 Cycle Votes: Authorization for Use of Military Force: September 14, 2001 Hillary: Yes Bernie: Yes Votes: USA PATRIOT ACT Bernie": No Hillary: Yes Votes: USA PATRIOT Reauthorization Bernie: No Hillary: Yes Votes: Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Bernie: No Hillary: Yes Votes: The bank bailout Bernie: No Hillary: Yes Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

The Internet is a powerful international communications tool; how does the 114th Congress plan to change how it's governed? In this episode, learn about the bills that are moving through Congress that could have a direct effect on the future of the Internet. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bills Highlighted in This Episode H.R. 2666: No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act Bill Highlights Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from regulating the rates charged for Internet access The FCC can regulate rates of a company that accepts Federal government money for universal service This bill does not apply to data roaming and interconnection Votes Passed the House of Representatives 241-173 Author Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) Organizations Lobbying For This Bill AT&T Comcast US Telecom Association Time Warner H.R. 4596: Small Business Broadband Deployment Act Bill Highlights Paragraphs 162 through 184 of the FCC's net neutrality order will not apply to small businesses for 5 years Information the "small businesses" would be exempt from having to provide customers includes: Information about promotional rates, including the duration of the promotion and the full monthly charge the customer will incur after the promotion expires All one-time and/or recurring fees, including modem rental fees, installation charges, service charges, and early termination fees. Actual network performance A "small business" is one that has fewer than 250,000 subscribers Votes Passed the House of Representatives 411-0 Author Rep. Greg Walden (OR-2) Organizations Lobbying For This Bill Cellular Telecom & Internet Association US Telecom Association H.R. 699: Email Privacy Act Bill Highlights Prohibits electronic communication services from disclosing the contents of communications that the company is holding or maintaining (without this bill, only communications "stored" would be protected). Eliminates the current law that allows the government to access using only subpoenas (as opposed to warrants) for electronic communications that have been stored more than 180 days Replaces the 180 divider with new text that requires warrants regardless of the amount of time the information is stored. Allows the electronic communication services to notify their customers of a received warrant, court order, subpoena, or request, if they want to. Expands the amount of time the government may delay notification of customers about a warrant, subpoena, order, or other directive from 90 days to 180 days. Eliminates a current provision of law that requires the government to inform the customer about the information the government requested and why the notification was delayed. Vote Passed the House of Representatives 419-0 Author Rep. Kevin Yoder (KS-3) Organizations Lobbying For This Bill Yahoo Google AT&T Facebook Twitter Deutsche Bank H.R. 805: DOTCOM Act of 2015 Bill Highlights Prohibits the transition of NTIA's functions in Internet domain name registry until 30 days after Congress receives a report outlining the transition plan. Votes Passed the House of Representatives 378-25 Author Rep. John Shimkus(IL-15) Organizations that lobbyed on H.R. 805 Verisign Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Privatizing the Internet Assigned Number Authority (not available on C-SPAN), House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, March 17, 2016. Hearing: Stakeholder Perspectives on the IANA Transition (not available on C-SPAN), House Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, May 13, 2015. Hearing: Email Privacy Act, House Judiciary Committee, December 1, 3015. Additional Information Proposal to Transition the Stewardship of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Functions from the U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to the Global Multistakeholder Community, March 2016. Report to Congress: The Future of Internet Governance: Should the US Relinquish Its Authority over ICANN? by Lennard Kruger, Congressional Research Service, March 22, 2016. Report to Congress: Internet Governance and the Domain Name System: Issues for Congress by Lennard Kruger, Congressional Research Service, March 23, 2016. Hearing: Preserving the Multistakeholder Model of Internet Governance, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, February 25, 2015. Hearing: Stakeholder Perspectives on ICANN: The .Sucks Domain and Essential Steps to Guarantee Trust and Accountability in the Internet's Operation, House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, May 13, 2015. Hearing: Internet Governan

Two defense contractors went on a podcast and everything they said was true. In this episode, discover the shocking extent to which our government has privatized wartime operations. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! 2016 Podcast Awards Please Nominate Congressional Dish by April 30, 2016 Sound Clip Sources Ari Shaffir's Skeptic Tank Episode #257 "Money for Nothing", March 19, 2016. Hearing: Wartime Contracting, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, September 21, 2011. Hearing: Wartime Contracting, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Oversight, July 16, 2013. Additional Reading Article: Northrop Grumman moving Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) capabilities to brigade combat teams by John Keller, Military and Aerospace Electronics, March 9, 2016. Congressional Research Service Report: Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations by Jeremy M. Sharp, Congressional Research Service, February 25, 2016. Special Military Assistance Benefits for Egypt Investor Report: Northrop Grumman 2015 Annual Investor Report, February 1, 2016. Bill Text: Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2016 December 15, 2015. Foreign Military Financing Program Congressional Research Service Report: Department of Defense Contractor and Troop Levels in Iraq and Afghanistan: 2007-2015 by Heidi M. Peters, Moshe Schwartz, and Lawrence Kapp, Congressional Research Service, December 1, 2015. Data on Contractors released starting September 2007 Article: Meet the impressive guns protecting U.S. bases from rocket attacks in Afghanistan by Dan Lamothe, The Washington Post, October 21, 2015. Article: Dark cloud of legal trouble begins to lift away from Louis Berger byPete Troilo, Jeff Tyson, Devex, August 31, 2015. Article: Pine Gap's new spy role revealed by Philip Dorling, The Sydney Morning Herald, May 31, 2015. Nautilus Institute Report: Expanded Communications Satellite Surveillance and Intelligence Activities Utilising Multi-beam Antenna Systems by Desmond Ball, Duncan Campbell, Bill Robinson and Richard Tanter, May 28, 2015. Article: Satellite photos of Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan, before and after U.S. withdrawal by Dan Lamothe, The Washington Post, May 20, 2015. Article: Blog: Northrop to Continue Developing C-RAM Command and Control System, Signal AFCEA, April 7, 2015. Defense Contract Audit Agency Report: Report to Congress on FY 2014 Activities Department of Defense, Defense Contract Audit Agency, March 25, 2015. Article: "Disturbing" Waste In Afghanistan: How The U.S. Trashed Troops' Health And Squandered Millions by Neal Ungerleider, Fast Company, February 18, 2015. Article Getting Out Of Afghanistan by E.B. Boyd, Fast Company, January 28, 2015. Article: Northrop Grumman Awarded C-RAM Contract – DoD Daily Contracts by Lindy Kyzer, Clearancejobs.com, August 15, 2013. Article: Australian outback station at forefront of US spying arsenal by Philip Dorling, The Age, July 26, 2013. Congressional Research Service Report: Department of Defense's Use of Contractors to Support Military Operations: Background, Analysis, and Issues for Congress by Moshe Schwartz and Jennifer Church, Congressional Research Service, May 17, 2013. Government Accountability Office Report: Additional Steps Needed to Help Determine the Right Size and Composition of DOD's Total Workforce, May 2013. Article: Sen. Claire McCaskill leaps hurdles to overhauling wartime contracting by Lindsay Wise, McClatchy Newspapers, January 19, 2013. Bill Text: Contracting Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, December 28, 2012. Article: The 25 Biggest Defense Companies In America by Eloise Lee and Robert Johnson, Buisness Insider, March 13, 2012. Article: Northrop Grumman receives counter-rocket, artillery and mortar contract from U.S. Army by Skyler Frink, Military and Aerospace Electronics, February 1, 2012. Article: Northrop Grumman (NOC) Gets $124M Contract for C-RAM Systems, StreetInsider.com, October 31, 2011. Commission on Wartime Contracting Report, August 2011. Congressional Research Service Report: Department of Defense Contractors in Afghanistan and Iraq: Background and Analysis by Moshe Schwartz and Joyprada Swain, Congressional Research Service, May 13, 2011. List of Congressional Hearings Type of Work Performed by Contractors Article: U.S. Supersizes Afghan Mega-Base as Withdrawal Date Looms by Spencer Ackerman, Wired, August 9, 2010. Article: Halliburton, KBR, and Iraq war contracting: A history so far by Angie Drobnic Holan, Politifact, June 9, 2010. News Release: U.S. Army Awards Northrop Grumman Major C-RAM Systems Integration Delivery

Health: Is there anything more important? In this episode, we examine three bills that moved through Congress in 2016 which would have a direct effect on the health of American citizens. Would the changes benefit you? This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Nathan Brightbill. He will be forever loved and missed. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bills Highlighted in this Episode H.R.3762:Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 Bill Highlights Defunds the Prevention and Public Health Fund Rescinds money for States operating their own health insurance exchanges Eliminates the last year of a temporary fee to be paid by health insurance companies to fund care for "high risk individuals" Repeals limits on out of pocket health expenses for low income families Repeals the eligibility requirements for getting health care as individuals Repeals the advance payment of tax credits to help low income people pay for their individual premiums Eliminates the small business tax credit for companies with less than 25 employees and provide health insurance for their employees Eliminates the tax penalty for people who don't get their own health insurance Eliminates the tax penalty for large employers who don't provide their employees health insurance and backdates it to protect large companies who didn't provide health insurance in 2015 Cut off money to States that give money to any organization that provides abortions (Planned Parenthood) Greatly reduces the amount of money for Medicaid, which is health care for poor people Repeals the 2.3% Medical Device Tax on the manufactures of large medical equipment, even though it was suspended for two years by the omnibus Transfers over $379 billion from the Treasury to the Federal Hospital Insurance Fund, which is where our payroll taxes go and is used to fund Medicare. Congressional Budget Office Report Analysis of H.R. 3762 Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act December 11, 2015 Vote Senate: 52 -47 House 240 - 181 Vetoed by President Obama Author Rep. Tom Price of Georgia's 6th district Organizations Lobbying For H.R. 3762 Medtronic Inc.: 6 times Has more than doubled it's lobbyist spending since 2008 - spends about $5 million per year Manufacturers expensive medical devices; the ones that have to pay a 2.3% medical device tax In 2014, gave out over a quarter million directly to members of Congress Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America: 15 times Represents drug companies and spent $18.4 million on lobbyists in 2015 America's Health Insurance Plans: 20 times US Chamber of Commerce: 41 times Organizations Lobbying Against H.R. 3762 Planned Parenthood: 4 times H.R. 1927: Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act of 2016 (FACT Act) Bill Highlights Federal courts would be prohibited from certifying any class action lawsuit unless every person in the lawsuit has suffered "the same type and scope of injury" as the named class representative A trust set up for a company that has gone bankrupt but still owes money to claimants has to publicly report the name and exposure history of each person and the basis of the payments to that person The information would not include their "confidential" medical record or their social security number The trust would have to provide payment information or information about payment demands from the trust if the request is about liability of asbestos exposure These disclosure requirements would be valid for all Chapter 11 cases. Vote Passed the House of Representatives: 211-188 President Obama issued a Veto threat Author Bob Goodlatte of Virginia's 6th District Biggest contributor during his career has been the National Auto Dealers Association Organizations Lobbying For H.R. 1927: Property Casualty Insurers Association of America: 8 times US Chamber of Commerce: 6 times Honeywell International: 3 times Organizations Lobbying Against H.R. 1927: American Association for Justice: 30 times American Bar Association: 13 times H.R. 2017: Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015 Bill Highlights Amends disclosure requirements for chain restaurants with more than 20 locations Instead of requiring the restaurants to display "the number of calories in the standard menu item, as usually prepared and offered for sale", the restaurant would be given the choice to display: The number of calories in the whole item The number of servings and the calories per serving or The number of calories per however the restaurant chooses to divide it Restaurants where "the majority" of orders are placed by off-premises customers, the restaurant may choose to on

In the wake of the Brussels bombings, which attacked the heart of the European Union, we examine the history of the European Union and how this terrorist attack may affect its future. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Sound Clip Sources CNN: Donald Trump: Abdeslam would have talked 'a lot faster with the torture', March 23, 2016. Podcast Episode: The Rise of ISIS, PBS Frontline, June 8, 2015. Podcast Episode: Regime Change, Congressional Dish, November 22, 2015. Additional Reading Webpage: The history of the European Union, The European Union. Article: The UK's EU referendum: All you need to know by Brian Wheeler and Alex Hunt, BBC News, March 24, 2016. Article: 3 Suicide Bombers Identified in Brussels attacks; 4th suspect at large, Associated Press, March 23, 2016. Article: After Brussels Attack, Will Response Be More War or a Look at the Root Causes of Terrorism?, Democracy Now, March 23, 2016. Article: Brussels Attacks Rekindle Debate Over Airport Security by Nicola Clark and Ron Nixon, New York Times, March 23, 2016. Article: Brussels bombers included two brothers by Catherine Hardy, Reuters, March 23, 2016. Article: Poland Abandons Pledge to Shelter Refugees After Brussels Blasts by Marek Strzelecki, Bloomberg Business, March 23, 2016. Article: This is the man who is suspected of making the Brussels bombs by Adam Taylor, Washington Post, March 23, 2016. Article: What is it with Belgium and jihadis? by Del Crookes, BBC Newsbeat, March 23, 2016. Article: After Brussels, Europe's intelligence woes revealed by Nyshka Chandran, CNBC, March 22, 2016. Article: Hillary Clinton Says She Is the Only Candidate With a Plan to Defeat the Islamic State by Amy Chozick, New York Times, March 22, 2016. Article: In Aftermath of Brussels Attacks, Conservatives Call for Border Security by Melissa Quinn, The Daily Signal, March 22, 2016. Article: Saudi war for Yemen oil pipeline is empowering al-Qaeda, IS by Nafeez Ahmed, Middle East Eye, February 10, 2016. Book: The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins, 2015. Official document: Outline of the counter-terrorism strategy for Syria and Iraq, with particular focus on foreign fighters, Council of the European Union, January 16, 2015. Article: British and US military 'in command room' for Saudi strikes on Yemen by Emma Graham-Harrison, The Guardian, January 15, 2016. Article: Ten years on and Poles are glad to call Britain home by Harriet Sherwood, The Guardian, April 26, 2014. Book: The Brothers: John Foster Dulles, Allen Dulles, and Their Secret World War by Stephen Kinzer, 2013. Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

Stop the laws! In this episode, learn the details of three bills that passed the House of Representatives in January which would make enforcing laws more difficult for Federal agencies. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bills Highlighted in This Episode H.R. 1155: Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2016 (SCRUB Act)" Retrospective Regulatory Review Commission Establishes a new five-year commission that will review government rules to determine which ones should be eliminated "to reduce the costs of regulation to the economy." The Chairman will be appointed by the President and must have "experience in rulemaking". The other eight members will come from lists created by the majority and minority leaders in Congress of "individuals learned in rulemaking". The commission will have subpoena power and "the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence may be required from any place within the United Stats at any designated place of hearing within the United States." The bill appropriates $30 million which are available until expended. The commission members will be paid, and will be given travel expenses including a per deim. The commission will hire staff, who will also be paid. The commission can hire "experts or consultants", and may "lease space and acquire personal property" "to the extent funds are available" The commission will review the Code of Federal Regulations to find rules "that should be repealed to lower the cost of regulation to the economy". Priority will be given to "major rules" which have been in effect more than 15 years, impose paperwork burdens" which could be reduced without "significantly diminishing" regulatory effectiveness. Goal is to reduce the cost of Federal regulations by 15% with a "minimal reduction" in the effectiveness of the regulations. Criteria for recommending repeal Whether the rule achieved its purpose and could be repealed without "significant" recurrence of adverse effects If technology, time, economic conditions, market practices, or "other relevant factors" have rendered the rule obsolete. If the rule is ineffective If the rule has "excessive compliance costs" or "is otherwise excessively burdensome", as compared to rules that give goals instead of orders and "give economic incentives to encourage desired behavior" If the rule "inhibits innovation in or growth of the United States economy" If the rule "harms competition" of entities based in the United States "Such other criteria as the Commission devises..." Repeal procedure If Congress passes a joint resolution approving the Commission's repeal suggestions, the Federal agencies will have to repeal the rules within 60 days of the joint resolution's enactment. Repealed rules can not be reissued without a new law enacted All records of public meetings and hearings will be published on the Commission's website within 1 week, Regulatory Cut-Go When an agency makes a new rule, they have to repeal a rule recommended by Commission so that costs of enforcement offset each other, but the agency must have a net reduction in costs Vote Passed the House of Representatives 245-174 There is an identical bill in the Senate: S. 1683 President Obama issued a veto threat Author Rep. Jason Smith of Missouri's 8th district Organizations Who Lobbied for H.R. 1155 America's Natural Gas Alliance U.S. Chamber of Commerce H.R. 712: Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act H.R. 712 is a combination of three bills: The Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act, the All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act, and the Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act. Title 1: Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Any agency that is challenged by a private company on a regulation must publish the complaint online within 15 days. The suit can not be dismissed until after the complaint is published online and there is a public comment period. The agency much have a public comment period before settling cases and must respond to every comment received. A court can not approve of consent decree that doesn't "allow sufficient time and incorporate adequate procedures" for the agency to comply with all administrative rule making procedures and any Executive order that governs rulemaking. Title II: All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act Makes every Federal agency submit monthly reports) on the status of every rule they are working on. Rules can't go into effect) until they have been published on the Internet for at least 6 months. Exemption for national security, emergencies, or implementing international trade agreements. Requires the fi

CISA is law; all private companies have immunity for sharing data with the government for "cybersecurity", so what happens now? In this episode, we examine the plans being discussed and implemented by Congress to secure the data stored by the U.S. Government. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Hearing Highlighted in This Episode Cybersecurity: What the Federal Government Can Learn from the Private Sector, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, January 8, 2016. Watch on C-SPAN Watch on YouTube Witnesses John B. Wood, Chairman and CEO of Telos Corporation Larry Clinton, President and CEO of Internet Security Alliance Author of the Cyber-Risk Oversight Handbook, published by the National Association of Corporate Directors and used by the Department of Homeland Security Ken Schneider, Vice President of Technology Strategy at Symantec Corporation Dr. Martin Casado, Senior Vice President and General Manager, VMWare Sound Clip Sources Podcast Episode: Cyber Insurance, Safe Harbor 2.0, and the Human Capital Crisis, The Cybersecurity Podcast, December 3, 2015. News Report: Hacking as a Business Model: Three Indicted in JP Morgan Hack by NBC News and Reuters, November 10, 2015. Podcast Episode: The Half-life of Secrets, A Golden Age of Surveillance, and the US Military's Starship Enterprise, The Cybersecurity Podcast, August 19, 2015. Additional Reading Article: Obama's Cybersecurity Plan Is Meant to Secure His Legacy by P.W. Singer, Wired Magazine, February 10, 2016. Article: OPM Hack: Government Finally Starts Notifying 21.5 Million Victims by James Eng, NBC News, October 1, 2015. Congressional Research Service Report: The 2013 Cybersecurity Executive Order: Overview and Considerations for Congress, September 15, 2014. Executive Order: Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, February 12, 2013. White House website: The Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, May 2009. Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

Good news! A new law was signed that creates the Angel Watch Center within the Department of Homeland Security, which will coordinate travel monitoring of convicted sex offenders. In this episode, Jen discusses the new law with Tim Ballard, the Founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, which is an organization dedicated to saving children from international sex slavery. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bill Outline H.R. 515: International Megan's Law to Prevent Child Exploitation and Other Sexual Crimes Through Advanced Notification of Traveling Sex Offenders Creates the Angel Watch Center, which will be a part of the Child Exploitation Investigations Unit of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, within the Department of Homeland Security. The Center will process notifications about individuals trying to enter the United Stets who have committed sex crimes. Information received will immediately be shared with the Department of Justice and some information will shared with other Federal, State, and local agencies at the Center's discretion. The Center will use "all relevant databases and sources of information" to inform other countries if a sex offender plans to visit their country The Center will have to immediately send a correction of any inaccurate information transmitted The Center will notify the Department of State of an individual's sex offender status "when appropriate" for passport application purposes. The Center will create an in-house mechanism for receiving complaints about notifications and forward any complaints about other Federal entities. In response to complaints, the Center must confirm errors in writing, take steps not to repeat them, and inform the individual of the steps taken. The United States Marshals Service National Sex Offender Targeting Center is allowed to also transmit and receive travel information about sex offenders. The Attorney General will collect all data regarding sex offender notifications sent by the National Sex Offender Targeting Center Sex offenders will be required to provide detailed descriptions of their international travel plans to the sex offender registries, including: Dates and locations of departures and arrivals Flight numbers Purpose of travel Sex offenders who fail to report their travel will be subject to fines and possibly ten years in prison. The State Department will issue passports to sex offenders only if they contain "a unique identifier" and may revoke passports that don't include one. The sex offender can get a new passport without the identifier if they are taken off of the sex offender registry. Appropriates $6 million per year from 2017 and 2018 to implement the changes. Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Sex Trafficking Victims, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Global Human Rights, May 14, 2015. Additional Information Article: Speaker Ryan: Not enough votes for TPP trade deal by Rebecca Kaplan, CBS News, February 11, 2016. Recommended Podcasts Subscribe in iTunes to Slave Stealer with Timothy Ballard of Operation Underground Railroad Episode 20 of The Vibin' Higher Podcast with Trevor Bryant: Interview with Jennifer Briney (Subscribe to Vibin' Higher on iTunes) Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

In this special episode, we take a look at the different rules for getting on the ballot for the House of Representatives in all fifty States, and take a look at how some States made it way too hard for Independents to qualify. Executive Producer: Nickolas Zacharias Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Ballot Access Information Alabama Signatures Needed: 3% of the total votes for Governor in the last election in the district 2016 Range: 4,109 - 6,174 Fees: None Filing Deadline: March 1, 2016 at 5pm Alaska At-large state Signatures Needed: 2,854 registered voters Fees: None Filing Deadline: August 15, 2016 (the day before the Primary Election) Arizona Signatures Needed: 3% of qualified electors in the district 2014 Range: 2,784 - 4,381 Fees: None Filing Deadline: June 1, 2016 Arkansas Signatures Needed: 3% of number of people who voted for Governor in 2014, capped at 2,000 Fees: None Filing Deadline: November 9, 2015 California As of the 2012 election, California has had a top-two primary system; in order to get on the General Election ballot, you have to be one of the top two vote getters in the Primary election. [caption id="attachment_1992" align="aligncenter" width="484"] Top 2 Primary clearly benefits Republicans and Democrats[/caption] To appear on the Primary Election ballot, a candidate needs to either collect signatures or pay a fee, or a combination of the two. Signatures Needed: 3,000 Fees: 1% of the salary for a Congressman 2016: $1,740 Filing Deadline: February 25, 2016 Colorado Signatures Needed: 30% of the number of votes cast in the last election, capped at 1,000 Fees: None Filing Deadline: July 14, 2016 Connecticut Signatures Needed: 1% of the votes cast in the district for the House of Representatives in the last election, capped at 7,500 Fees: None Filing Deadline: Either August 10, 2016 or September 7, 2016 Delaware At-large state Signatures Needed: 1% of the total registered voters in the district as of December 31, 2015 Fees: None Filing Deadline: September 1 at 4:30pm Florida Signatures Needed: 1% of registered voters from anywhere in the state 2016 Range: 3,512 - 5,072 Fees: 4% of the salary for a Congressman 2016: $6,960 Candidates can file an undue burden oath and get the fee waived if they don't pay anyone to collect signatures or collect campaign contributions. Filing Deadline: June 24, 2016 Georgia Signatures Needed: 5% of the total registered voters from the district who participated in either of the last two elections cycles Signature range unavailable because the Georgia Secretary of State's office does not provide the necessary voter registration statistics online and would not provide the signature requirements by phone or email. Fees: $5,220 Can be waived if the candidate turns in a "pauper's affidavit" Filing Deadline: July 12, 2016 Hawaii In Hawaii, candidates, regardless of party, need to run in the Primary Election and receive at least 10% of the votes cast for the office or receive a vote equal to or greater than the lowest vote received by the partisan candidate who was nominated. Signatures Needed: 25 registered voters Fees: $75 Filing Deadline: June 7, 2016 Idaho Signatures Needed: 500 registered voters Fees: None Filing Deadline: March 11, 2016 Illinois Signatures Needed: 5% of the total voter turnout in the district for the last General Election Fees: None Filing Deadline: June 27, 2016 Indiana Signatures Needed: 2% of people in the district who voted for Secretary of State in the last election Fees: None Filing Deadline: June 30, 2016 Iowa Signatures Needed: 375 people in the district (do not need to be registered) Fees: None Filing Deadline: August 19, 2016 Kansas Signatures Needed: 4% of registered voters in the district, capped at 5,000 Fees: 1% of the salary for a Congressman plus $10 2016: $1750 Filing Deadline: August 1, 2016 at noon Kentucky Signatures Needed: 400 registered voters in the district Fees: $500 Filing Deadline: August 9, 2016 at 4pm Louisiana Signatures Needed: 1000 eligible voters in the district Fees: $600 Filing Deadline: July 22, 2016 Maine Signatures Needed: 2,000 registered voters in the district Fees: None Filing Deadline: June 1, 2016 Maryland Signatures Needed: 1% of the registered voters in the district 2016 Range: 4,624 - 5,155 Fees: $100 Filing Deadline: August 1, 2016 Massachusetts Signatures Needed: 2,000 registered voters in the district Fees: None Filing Deadline: August 2, 2016 Michigan Signatures Needed: 3,000 registered voters in the district Fees: None Filing Deadline: July 21, 2016 at 4pm Minnesota Candidates need to collect signatures or pay a filing fee to be on the General Election ballot Signatures Needed: 1,000

War ahead! While the country was busy preparing for a giant snowstorm, the leader of the Senate quietly made an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) eligible for a vote in the Senate, fast tracking it through normal Senate process. In this episode, take a look at the details of this AUMF and find out what the war mongers in charge might be planning to do with it. To get the most out of this episode, listen to RadioLab: 60 Words and Congressional Dish: CD108 Regime Change Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bill Texts S.J. Res 29: A joint resolution to authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and its associated forces (Lindsay Graham's AUMF) "The President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force in order to defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, its associated forces, organizations, and persons, and any successor organizations." President has to submit a report to Congress every 60 days. President Obama's Proposed AUMF "The President is authorized, subject to the limitations in subsection (c), to use the Armed Forces of the United States as the President determines to be necessary and appropriate against ISIL or associated persons or forces as defined in section 5." (c) "The authority granted... does not authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces in enduring offensive ground combat operations." Section 5: "The term "associated persons or forces" means individuals and organizations fighting for, on behalf of, or alongside ISIL or any closely-related successor entity in hostilities agains the United States or its coalition partners" Duration: "This authorization for the use of military force shall terminate three years after the date of the enactment of this joint resolution, unless reauthorized." Repeal: "The Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 is hereby repealed." 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force "The President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations, or persons." 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force - Iraq Resolution "The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq and enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq." Sound Clip Sources Hearing: U.S. Strategy Against ISIS, Senate Armed Services Committee, December 9, 2015. Witnesses Ashton Carter, Secretary of Defense General Paul Selva, US Air Force, Vice Chairman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff Hearing: Middle East Strategy, Senate Armed Services Committee, January 20, 2016. Witnesses General Jack Keane, Chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, Board of Directors at General Dynamics Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Dean and Executive Professor at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Philip Gordon, Former Assistance Secretary of State of European and Eurasian Affairs Video/Article: McConnell Shuts Down Notion That Obama Will Get War Authorization Against ISIS by Ali Weinberg, ABC News, January 10, 2016. Video: Nightmare on Graham Street, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, September 15, 2014. Sen. Chris Murphy addresses the Senate floor, January 21, 2016 (transcript) Additional Reading Webpage: General Dynamics Annual Report and Proxy Statement Webpage: War Powers, Cornell University Law School Article: McConnell's Surprise Move on War Authority by Sara Mimms and Alex Rogers, National Journal, January 21, 2016. Article: Congress Takes a Step Toward Declaring War on ISIS by Clare Foran, The Atlantic, January 22, 2016. Article: Graham's Draft AUMF Snags Spot on Senate Calendar by Rachel Oswald, Roll Call, January 21, 2016. Article: McConnell makes war authorization move by Seung Min Kim, Politico, January 21, 2016. Article: Pentagon may send more U.S. troops to Syria by Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, December 1, 2015. Report: 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force: Issues Concerning Its Continued Application, Congressional Research Service, April 2015. Article: Analysts in Syria debate have ties to defense contracto

In the third and final episode in our Trans-Pacific Partnership series, we take a look at the TPP Environment Chapter; would the treaty actually improve enforcement of environmental laws around the world? Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Trans-Pacific Partnership Text Full Text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Office of the US Trade Representative, November 5, 2015. Hearing Highlighted in this Episode TPP Issue Analysis - Environment Chapter, House Ways and Means Committee (Democrats), November 17, 2015. Watch on YouTube Witnesses Dr. Joshua Meltzer Senior Fellow in Global Economy and Development, Brookings Institution Digital Task Force Member at the Atlantic Council June 2015 – January 2016 (8 months) Washington D.C. Metro Area "Provided advice on the digital trade issues between the U.S. and the EU" Subject Matter Expert for the E15 Initiative, World Trade Organization "Expert appointment to the E15 working group developing an agenda for the WTO on climate change issues Former trade negotiator with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Former diplomat to the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C., specializing in trade and climate change issues. Alexander von Bismarck Executive Director, Environmental Investigation Agency "An international campaigning organization committed to investigating and exposing environmental crime" Served in United Nations and World Bank Ilana Soloman Responsible Trade Program Director, Sierra Club Environment Chapter Highlights Article 20.6: Governments "shall cooperate to address matters" related to pollution from ships Article 20.12: "Cooperation" includes "dialogues, workshops, seminars, conferences.. technical assistance, the sharing of best practices on policies and procedures, and the exchange of experts." Cooperative activities "are subject to the availability of funds" and the participating governments "shall decide, on a case-by-case basis, the funding of cooperative activities." Article 20.7: Each government "shall" create sanctions for violations of environmental law that "may include" a right to bring action against the violator for damages or injunctive relief. Article 20.10: "Corporate Social Responsibility": Each government "should encourage" companies to "adopt voluntarily" standards to protect the environment. The voluntary standards "should be designed in a manner that maximises their environmental benefits and avoids the creation of unnecessary barriers to trade." Article 20.13: Each government "shall promote and encourage the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity" The governments "shall cooperate" to address "matters of mutual interest"; 'cooperation' means "exchanging information". Article 20.15: "Transition to a Low Emissions and Resilient Economy" Says the governments recognize that the transition requires collective action Governments "shall cooperate to address matters of joint or common interest" Article 20.16: Each government "shall seek to operate a fisheries management system that regulates marine wild capture fishing and that is designed to prevent overfishing and overcapacity..." Each government "shall promote the long-term conservation of sharks, marine turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals, through the implementation and effective enforcement of conservation and management measures." "No Party shall grant or maintain any of the following subsidies..." that negatively affect fish stocks. Gives the governments three years to change their laws to comply. Article 20.17: The governments "commit to promote conservation and to combat the illegal take of, and illegal trade in, wild fauna and flora. The parties "shall exchange information", "undertake joint activities" and "endeavor to implement... resolutions." Such measures "shall include sanctions, penalties... that can act as a deterrent to such trade." "Each Party retains the right to make decisions regarding the allocation of administrative, investigatory, and enforcement resources." Article 20.23: Environmental issues are eligible for the Investor State Dispute Settlement tribunals Additional Reading Article: TransCanada is suing the U.S. over rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. The U.S. Might Lose. by Todd Tucker, Washington Post, January 8, 2016. Article: White House Releases Text of Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal by Vicki Needham, The Hill, November 5, 2015. Article: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Accord Explained by Kevin Granville, New York Times, October 5, 2015. Report: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Negotiations and Issues for Congress by Ian Fergusson, Mark McMinimy, and Brock Williams, Congressional Research Service, March 2

Need drugs? The Trans-Pacific Partnership is an international treaty that Congress needs to approve. In this episode, find out how the TPP would affect your access to medicine. Would this treaty provide you access to life-saving drugs or would it provide the pharmaceutical industry excessive profits? Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Trans-Pacific Partnership Text Full Text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Office of the US Trade Representative, November 5, 2015. Congress did not stand when President Obama told them to pass the TPP Hearing Highlighted in this Episode TPP Issue Analysis - Access to Medicines, House Ways and Means Committee (Democrats), December 8, 2015. Watch on YouTube Witnesses Stephen Ezell VP of Global Innovation Policy, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation Previously worked at the NASDAQ stock market, where he created the NASDAQ Market Intelligence Desk, which keeps companies up to date on their stock prices, and the NASDAQ Corporate Services Network Founder of Brivo Systems, a high-tech services firm, and Lynx Capital, an investment firm. Joseph Damond Senior VP for International Affairs, Biotechnology Industry Organization Former Vice President of International Government Relations at Pfizer Former Deputy Vice President of International Affairs for PhRMA (the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America) Rohit Malpani Director of Policy and Analysis, Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) Former Special Advisor to Oxfam America Former Human Rights Advisor for the World Health Organization Former laywer at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Peter Maybarduk Director, Public Citizen Global Access to Medicines Program Intellectual Property Chapter Highlights Article 18.7: Forces all TPP countries to "ratify or accede to" six international treaties if they haven't done so already Article 18.26: Trademark protections will be valid for 10 years Article 18.37: Patents will be available for "new uses of a known product, new methods of using a known product, and new processes of using a known product." Exclusions: Countries can individually exclude surgical methods for the treatment of animals or humans, plants, animals, and biological processes for producing plants and animals from patentability Article 18.52: Patents for biologics will be for a minimum of five years Article 18.63: Copyright terms for performances or phonograms will be the life of the author plus 70 years. If the producer is a company, the copyright protecton will last for 70 years. Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Exploring the Implementation and Future of the Veterans Choice Program, Senate Committee on Veteran's Affairs, May 12, 2015. YouTube: Literal Drug Commercial by Pineapple-Shaped Lamps Additional Reading Article: White House Releases Text of Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal by Vicki Needham, The Hill, November 5, 2015. Article: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Accord Explained by Kevin Granville, New York Times, October 5, 2015. Article: VA to Outsource Care for 180,000 Vets With Hepatitis C by Dennis Wagner of the Arizona Republic (re-posted on USA Today), June 21, 2015. Report: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Negotiations and Issues for Congress by Ian Fergusson, Mark McMinimy, and Brock Williams, Congressional Research Service, March 20, 2015. Article: 24 Highest-paid hosts in the news business: Top Paid News Anchors by Amarendra Bhushan, CEO World Magazine, August 27, 2014. Article: Michael Froman and the Revolving Door by Felix Salon, Reuters, December 11, 2009. Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is finished and will be eligible for a vote in Congress in February 2016. In December, the Democrats held a hearing on the Investment chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In this episode, highlights from that hearing and a summary of the provisions in one of the TPP's most important chapters. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Trans-Pacific Partnership Text Full Text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Office of the US Trade Representative, November 5, 2015. Hearing Highlighted in this Episode TPP Issue Analysis - Investment Chapter, House Ways and Means Committee (Democrats), December 2, 2015. Watch on YouTube Witnesses Matt Porterfield Deputy Director and Adjunct Professor of law at the Harrison Institute for Public Law, Georgetown University Law Center Served on the State Department's Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy (ACIEP) Subcommittee on Investment during the Obama Administration Ted Posner Parter at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, an international corporate law firm with 9 offices in the United States and 11 offices outside the country (see News and Announcements for list of clients) Served in the Office of the US Trade Representatives and on the National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration Served on the State Department's Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy (ACIEP) Subcommittee on Investment during the Obama Administration Michael Smart Vice President of Rock Creek Global Advisors, LLC Director for International Trade and Investment on the National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration Was a lawyer in the ISDS system as an Associate at Sidley Austin during the George W. Bush administration's early years Was on the Democratic staff of the US Senate Committee on Finance during the early Obama administration years. Former staffer to former Rep. Earl Pomeroy for over nine years. Thea Lee Deputy Chief of Staff, AFL-CIO, which represents 12.5 million American workers. Vice Chairwoman of the State Department's Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy (ACIEP) Subcommittee on Investment during the Obama Administration Investment Chapter Highlights Article 9.4: Countries can't treat companies from other countries any differently than they treat companies from their own Article 9.6: Countries must provide police protection to foreign companies Article 9.6: Removal of subsidies does not count as a violation of the treaty, even if the company is financially harmed Article 9.7: Countries can nationalize their assets if they pay the companies with interest Article 9.9: Countries can not require companies to use domestic goods or to buy products from within the country ("Buy American") Section B: Conflicts between multinational companies and TPP countries will be settled through the Investor-State Dispute Settlement system Article 9.20: There is a statute of limitations of three years, six months from when the company should have known a "breach" occurred Article 9.21: The three judges will be selected by the company and the government involved (one each) and the third one either agreed upon or appointed by the Secretary General of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Article 9.22: The tribunal can award attorney's fees to the case winner Article 9.22: The burden of proof lies with the company making the claim Article 9.23: ISDS tribunal documents will be available to the public Article 9.28: Puts limits on the awards Sound Clip Sources YouTube Video: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Tobacco, February 15, 2015. Additional Reading Article: White House Releases Text of Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal by Vicki Needham, The Hill, November 5, 2015. Article: For Pickens, Wind Claim May Be Last Power Play by Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, October 15, 2015. Article: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Accord Explained by Kevin Granville, New York Times, October 5, 2015. Op-Ed: Ron Kind: Why I'm Fighting for a Trade Deal by Rep. Ron Kind, LaCrosse Tribune, April 13, 2015 Article: Bilcon to Sue Canada for $300 Million After Winning NAFTA Ruling on Quarry, The Canadian Press, March 20, 2015. Report: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Negotiations and Issues for Congress by Ian Fergusson, Mark McMinimy, and Brock Williams, Congressional Research Service, March 20, 2015. Report: Reform of Investor-State Dispute Settlement: In Search of a Roadmap, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, June 26, 2013. Article: Michael Froman and the Revolving Door by Felix Salon, Reuters, December 11, 2009. Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Be

Cybersecurity or surveillance? What does the language attached at the last minute to the 2,009 page omnibus government funding bill actually authorize? In this episode, we take a close look at what just became law. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Cybersecurity Act of 2015 The Cybersecurity Act of 2015 was attached at the last minute to the "omnibus" government funding bill, which was 2,009 pages long and available to read for less than three days before it became law. This is and outline of what became law: TITLE I: Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 Section 102: Definitions "Agency": "Any executive department, military department, Government corporation, Government controlled corporation, or other establishment in the executive branch of Government" Does NOT include the Government Accountability Office, Federal Election Commission, or Government-owned contractor-operated facilities "Cybersecurity threat": An action that "may result in an unauthorized effort to adversely impact the security, availability, confidentiality, or integrity of an information system or information that is stored on, processed by, or transiting an information system". "Cyber threat indicator": "Information that is necessary to describe or identify"... Spying, including strange patterns of communications that appear to be collecting technical information Security breaches Security vulnerabilities A legitimate user being used to defeat a security system Malicious cyber command and control "The actual or potential harm caused by an incident, including a description of the information exfiltrated as a result of a particular cybersecurity threat" "Any other attribute of a cybersecurity threat, if disclosure of such attribute is not otherwise prohibited by law" "Non-Federal entity": "Any private entity, non-Federal government agency or department, or State, tribal, or local government (including a political subdivision, department, or component thereof)" Does not include a foreign power, as defined in the FISA law Section 103: Sharing of Information by the Federal Government Procedures for sharing information both within and outside the Federal government will be created by: Director of National Intelligence Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary of Defense Attorney General The procedures developed must... Allow real time sharing of information Include requirements for the government to protect the information from unauthorized access Require Federal entities to review cyber threat indicators for information not directly related to the threat that contains information that identifies a specific individual and remove the information Include procedures for notifying "any United States person" whose information has been shared by the Federal government Section 104: Authorizations for Preventing, Detecting, Analyzing, and Mitigating Cybersecurity Threats "A non-Federal entity may... share with, or receive from, any other non-Federal entity or the Federal Government a cyber threat indicator or defensive measure" Non-Federal entities sharing information mush "review" the information for "personal information of a specific individual" and "remove such information" OR have a technical way of removing the information it "knows at the time of sharing" to be personal information. Use of Cyber Threat Indicators by Government State, tribal, or local governments and the Federal Government can use the information they receive for... Cybersecurity Preventing a specific threat of death, serious bodily harm, or specific threat of serious economic harm Investigating, prosecuting, and preventing serious threats to minors, including sexual exploitation and threats to physical safety Preventing, investigating, disrupting, or prosecuting... Identity theft, transfers of stolen identification, possession of false identification, Unauthorized use of any card, plate, code, account number, or any equipment that can be used to transfer funds (fraud), Use of a "telecommunication instrument" that's been altered to obtain unauthorized use of telecommunications services", Hacking and releasing government or banking information, Extortion Harboring a criminal, Collection and/or communication of information about United States defense activities and infrastructure, or failure to report a defense data breach Disclosure of classified information Violations, or attempted violations, of NASA regulations Unauthorized use of trade secrets Information shared will be "exempt from disclosure under any provision of State, tribal, or local freedom of Information law, open government law, sunshine law, or similar law requiring disclosure of information or recor

Available for less than 3 days before the votes, the 2,009 page "omnibus" government funding bill was signed into law. History will not look kindly upon provisions that give private companies immunity for forwarding data to the government, make policing political contributions illegal, repeal a food labeling law, restrict international travel, and allow environmental damage. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Omnibus Outline Division A: Agriculture Section 754: Prohibits the FDA from clarifying foods with partially hydrogenated oils as unsafe before June 18, 2018. Section 759: Repeals Country of Origin Labels for beef and pork products Section 761: Prohibits the sale of genetically engineered salmon until the FDA publishes final labeling guidelines and sets aside at least $150,000 for the labeling program. Section 763: Prohibits the government from prohibiting the transportation, processing, sale, or use of industrial hemp Division B: Commerce, Justice, Science Section 202: Department of Justice money can't be used to pay for an abortion unless the life of the mother is in danger - this is valid unless declared unconstitutional Section 204: The Director of the Bureau of Prisons will have to provide escort services to female names to get an abortion outside the Federal facility. Section 516: "None of the funds made available in this Act shall be used in any way whatsoever to support or justify the use of toruture by any official or contract employee of the United States Government" Section 520: A national security letter can't be used by the Executive branch to stop the FBI from issuing national security letters Section 527: Prohibits the transfer of Guantanamo Bay prison inmates to the United States Section 539: Prohibits the transfer of Internet domain name system functions during fiscal year 2016 Section 542: Prohibits Dept. of Justice money from being used to prevent States from implementing their medical marijuana laws. Division C: Defense Section 8002: Puts no limit on the compensation for foreign people working at the Department of Defense in the Republic of Turkey Section 8018: Prevents demilitarization and disposal of certain guns Section 8067: A "buy local" requirement for military purchases of beer and wine Section 8079: Says information pertaining to US citizens will only be handled according to the 4th amendment "as implemented through Executive Order No. 12333" Section 8087: Prohibits the retirement, divestment, realignment, or transfer of RQ-4B Global Hawk aircraft Section 8103: Prohibits the transfer of Guantanamo Bay prison inmates to the United States Section 8114: Prohibits realignment of forces at Lajes Air Force Base in Azores, Portugal unless determined that it is not "an optimal location for the Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex" Section 8116: Prohibits the NSA from conducting "an acquisition" using FISA 702 "for the purpose of targeting a United States person" or from acquiring, monitoring or storing the contents of "any electronic communication" of a US person from a provider of electronic communication services to the public, as determined by FISA 501 Section 8123: Prohibits retirement of A-10 aircraft Section 8129: Prohibits retirement of KC-10 aircraft Section 8130: Prohibits retirement of EC-130 H aircraft Section 8132: Prohibits any base closures War on Terror Section 9002: Allows the Defense Department to transfer an additional $4.5 billion to the War on Terror fund Section 9006: Department of Defense "operation and maintenance" money can be used in Afghanistan and to counter ISIL Section 9007: Prohibits permanent bases in Iraq, control of Iraqi oil, permanent bases in Afghanistan Section 9012: $600 million for Jordan Section 9014: $250 million for Ukraine for "assistance, including training, equipment, lethal weapons of a defensive nature… and intelligence support to the military and national security forces of Ukraine and for the replacement of any weapons or defensive articles provided to the Government of Ukraine from the inventory of the United States" Section 9019: Money can't be used in Syria in contravention of the War Powers Resolution including the introduction of United States armed or military forces into hostilities in Syria without consulting and reporting to Congress Division D: Energy and Water Section 105: Prohibits any changes to the "fill material" in waterways definition Section 110: Prohibits permits from being required for discharges of "fill material" Section 312: Prohibits implementation of energy efficient lightbulb regulations Division E: Financial Services Section 117: Can't redesign the $1 bill Section 127: Prohibits any change to regulation

Three months of Congress condensed into under one hour. In this episode, we take a look at our new laws, some controversial bills, and the most interesting hearings from September, October, and November. This episode is also a call for feedback: Which hearings sound most interesting to you? Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Hearings Worth Watching Please email your top 2 hearing requests to Jen at congressional dish dot com or Tweet them to @JenBriney House Ways and Means Committee: Trading Views: TPP Hearing - Environment Chapter, November 17, 2015. Witnesses Dr. Joshua Meltzer, Senior Fellow in Global Economy and Development, Brookings Institution Alexander von Bismarck, Executive Director, Environmental Investigation Agency Ilana Solomon, Responsible Trade Program Director, Sierra Club Dr. Rashid Sumaila, Professor, Fisheries Economics Unit of the University of British Columbia House Ways and Means Committee: Trading Views: Real Debates on Key Issues in TPP, December 2, 2015 Witnesses: Matt Porterfield, Deputy Director and Adjunct Professor, Harrison Institute, Georgetown University Law Center Ted Posner, Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Michael Smart, Vice President, Rock Creek Global Advisors LLC Thea Lee, Deputy Chief of Staff, AFL-CIO House Committee on Armed Services: Outside Views on the Strategy for Iraq and Syria Witnesses: John McLaughlin, Former Acting Direction of Central Intelligence Ambassador Ryan Crocker, former Ambassador to Syria and Iraq House Committee on Foreign Affairs: Charting the Arctic: Security, Economic, and Resource Opportunities, November 17, 2015 Witnesses Admiral Robert Papp, Jr., USCG, Retired: U.S. Special Representative for the Arctic, U.S. Department of State Rear Admiral Timothy C. Gallaudet, USN: Oceanographer and NavigatorU.S. Department of Defense Vice Admiral Charles D. Michel, USCG: Vice CommandantU.S. Department of Homeland Security Senate Armed Services Committee: The Future of Warfare, November 4, 2015. Witnesses: Keith B. Alexander Director (Former) National Security Agency Bryan Clark Senior Fellow Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments Paul Scharre Senior Fellow and Director Center for a New American Security->20YY Warfare Initiative Peter W. Singer Senior Fellow New America House Committee on Agriculture: American Agriculture and Our National Security, November 4, 2015. Witnesses John Negroponte, Vice-Chairman, McLarty Associates Dr. Tammy Beckham: Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Examining Law Enforcement Use of Cell Phone Tracking Devices, October 21, 2015 House Committee on Energy and Commerce: Update on Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Issues, October 28, 2015. Witnesses: The Honorable Michael Lumpkin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict The Honorable Matthew Armstrong, Broadcasting Board of Governors Brigadier General Charles Moore, Joint Staff, J-39 House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Energy Security, October 6, 2015. House Committee on Armed Services: Countering Adversarial Propaganda: Charting an Effective Course in the Contested Information Environment, October 22, 2015. Committee on Energy & Commerce: Broadcasting Ownership in the 21st Century, September 25, 2015. National Emergencies Extended National Emergency in respect to Sudan, originally declared in November 1997 National Emergency in respect to the attacks of September 11, 2001, originally declared on September 14, 2001 National Emergency in respect to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, originally declared in October 2006. Links to Laws, Bills, & Hearings November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 Campaign Contribution Info Rep. Garland "Andy" Barr of Kentucky Rep. French Hill of Arkansas Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri Rep. Todd Rokita of Indiana Rep. Mark Amodei of Nevada Rep. Tom Marino of Pennsylvania Rep. Don Young of Alaska Rep. Joe Barton of Texas Additional Reading IMF document: Republic of Congo: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding, International Monetary Fund, June 29, 2006. Article: Ward in Congo: U.S. Military will Continue Supporting Security Assistance Activities by Kenneth Fidler, US AFRICOM Public Affairs, April 27, 2009. Article: Joseph Kabila and Where the Election in Congo Went Wrong by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Foreign Affairs Magazine, November 28, 2011. Research Paper: Toward Comprehensive Reform of America's Emergency Law Regime by Patrick Thronson, University of Michigan's Journal of Law Reform, March 23, 2013.

Government shutdown ahead! On December 11th, the government is scheduled to run out of money. In this episode, hear the story of how we ended up on the brink of a shutdown (again) and what you can expect in the next few weeks (hint: A huge must-sign bill that includes lots of corporate favors). We also take a look at the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, signed into law in November, which raised the debt ceiling and set the overall budget amount for the giant government funding bill to come. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bipartisan Budget Act Outline H.R. 1314: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 Budget Enforcement Cancelled the sequester for 2016 and 2017 Spending levels 2016: $548 billion for security, $518 billion for non-security 2017: $551 billion for security, $518 billion for non-security War spending levels ("Overseas Contingency Operations") 2016 & 2017 $59 billion for "National Defense" $15 billion for "International Affairs" Agriculture Caps the rate of return for private insurance providers at 8.9% of the premium through 2026. For context, please listen to CD062: The Farm Bill Commerce Allows robo-calls to cell phones for collecting US government debts Strategic Petroleum Reserve Orders the sale of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. 5 million barrels a year through 2022 8 million barrels in 2022 10 million barrels a year from 2023 through 2025 Pensions Increases pension fund premiums that employers must pay starting in 2017. Health Care Reduces 2016 premiums for Medicare Part B by adding a $3 surcharge for future years. Charges drug manufacturers a rebate if they increase their prices for generic drugs more than the rate of inflation. Starting on January 1, 2017, Medicare will pay the same rate for services provided in a hospital and services provided outside the hospital. Facilities that were billing as hosptitals before the enactment of this law are exempt. Repeals the automatic enrollment of employees in employer provided health insurance plans. Judicial Increases penalties for health care providers accused of fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid system. Permanently cancels $1.5 billion in the Crime Victims Fund Eliminated $746 million in civil forfeiture money from the Justice Department piggy bank. Social Security Expands "disability investigation units" with partner with local law enforcement to ensure they exist in all 50 states and all territories. Increases penalties for social security fraud Eliminates the "file and suspend" option for social security benefits Temporary extension of public debt limit Suspends the debt ceiling until March 16, 2017. Spectrum Pipeline Creates a plan for auctioning federal wireless spectrum to telecommunications corporations by January 2022. Revenue provisions related to tax compliance Changes the IRS audit rules for large corporations, hedge funds, and private equity funds. Audio Sources Hearing: Rules Committee Hearing Senate amendment to H.R. 1314, House Rules Committee, October 27, 2015. Additional Reading Article: Congress avoids government shutdown by Ted Barrett and Deirdre Walsh, CNN, September 30, 2015. Article: Budget Pact Raids Victims Fund by Devlin Barrett, The Wall Street Journal, November 1, 2016. Article: Federal budget clears crop insurance hurdle by Wes Wolfe, The Free Press, November 3, 2015. Article: Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 changes audit rules for private equity and hedge funds by Karl Fryzel and Michael Conroy, Lock Lord LLP, November 3, 2015. Article: Budget Deal Gives Debt Collectors Authority to 'Robocall' Cellphones by John Schoen, CNBC, November 5, 2015. Article: Budget deal raises stakes for false claims, civil monetary penalties by Lisa Schencker, Modern Healthcare, November 9, 2015. Article: Social Security, Medicare changes are coming with new budget law by Robert Powell, USA Today, November 28, 2015. Article: Pelosi spurns Ryan's opening bid, mulls counteroffer by Jake Sherman and John Bresnahan, Politico, December 2, 2015. Sources Report: Estimate of the Budgetary Effects of H.R. 1314, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, Congressional Budget Office, October 28, 2015. Report: How the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 Changes Social Security Claiming Strategies Social Security Solutions, November 5, 2015. Report: What's in Store for Medicare's Part B Premiums and Deductible in 2016, and Why? by Juliette Cubanski and Tricia Neuman, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, November 11, 2015. Newsletter: Congress Takes Step Toward Site-Neutral Medicare Payments in Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, McDermott, Will & Emery, October 29, 2105. Webpage: Budget Functions Webpage: American Crossroads/Crossroads GPS by Zachary Pa

Cara Santa Maria joins Jen to discuss a House of Representatives passed bill which creates a national system for labeling genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and prohibits states from enacting their own GMO labeling laws. Follow Cara on Twitter: @CaraSantaMaria Like Cara on Facebook: ScienceCara Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! The Bill H.R. 1599: Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 Allows the Federal government to require labels for genetically modified plants if the government determines there is a difference in nutrition, allergic reactions, or to protect public health. Prohibits the sale of non-regulated genetically modified plants unless the Secretary of Heath and Human Services certifies that the food is safe for humans and animals. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to publish a list of and information discovered about each non-regulated genetically modified plant that has been approved for sale on a public website. Applies to imported food Defines "non-regulated genetically engineered plant" as one contains genetic material from a different species or has been modified through DNA altering techniques. Prohibits States from creating or continuing "any requirement" that is different from the regulations created by this bill. Allows private companies to certify whether genetically modified plants are present in food products. Creates a voluntary program for labeling genetically modified foods. To qualify as Non-GMO, the seed must not be genetically modified and the crop must be separated during growth, harvesting, storage, and transportation. For livestock, the food fed to the livestock must not have contained any genetically modified products. The labels cannot imply that Non-GMO foods are safer or better than GMO foods. Anyone who uses the Non-GMO label on GMO foods will be fined $10,000 or less. Each day the violation occurs will be considered a separate violation. Passed the House of Representatives 275-150 Sponsored by Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas 37 Pages House Rules Committee hearing on HR 1599 Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Labeling Genetically Modified Foods, House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, June 18, 2015. Witnesses: Rick Blasgen: President and CEO Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Gregory Jaffe: Director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Biotechnology Project YouTube: What's a GMO? from Jimmy Kimmel Live, October 9, 2014. Additional Information Joe Rogan Experience #655 with GMO scientist Kevin Folta Download the episode on iTunes Upcoming Meet-Up Hang out with Jen at the Purple Onion at Kells on December 3rd Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

Syria: We're told we're at war to fight ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State but in a Congressional hearing that took place the week before the Paris attacks, State Department officials were talking about a different goal. In this episode, highlights from that House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. What are we really doing in Syria? Executive Producer: Anonymous Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! The Syria War For context and background, please listen to Congressional Dish episode CD041: Why Attack Syria?, from August 2013. Audio Sources Hearing: U.S. Policy and Russian Involvement in Syria, House Foreign Affairs Committee, November 4, 2015. Video: Paris Attacks: 'Terrorists mentioned Syria and Iraq during Bataclan negotiations' YouTube: Obama Says Assad must to to end Syria war, PressTV News Video, November 19, 2015. YouTube: Obama No boots on the ground in Syria by USLAWnationalcoord YouTube: Leaked Call Between Victoria Nuland and Geoffrey Pyatt Planning Ukrainian Government, late January 2014 Additional Information Syria Map: U.S. Department of Energy Report, June 24, 2015. Map: Syria Selected Energy Infrastructure, U.S. Department of Energy, updated June 24, 2015. Article: This map show where ISIS overlaps with major oil refineries by Elena Holodny, Business Insider, September 29, 2015. Map: ISIS' footprint across Iraq and Syria featuring oil infrastructure, Business Insider, September 29, 2015 Article: Your Official Mission Creep Timeline of the U.S. War in Syria by Micah Zenko, The Foreign Policy Group, October 19, 2015. Paris Attacks Article: France more active than rest of the west in tackling Syria by Ian Black, The Guardian, November 14, 2015. Article: What is France Doing in Syria? by David Graham, The Atlantic, November 15, 2015. ISIS Message about Paris Attacks: "Let France and those who walk in its path know that they will remain on the top of the list of targets of the Islamic State, and that the smell of death will never leave their noses as long as they lead the convoy of the Crusader campaign, and dare to curse our Prophet, Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, and are proud of fighting Islam in France and striking the Muslims in the land of the Caliphate with their planes, which did not help them at all in the streets of Paris and its rotten alleys" Article: France Strikes ISIS Targets in Syria in Retaliation for Attacks by Alissa Rubin and Anne Barnard, November 15, 2015. Anne Patterson Biography Wikipedia: Anne W. Patterson Article: Ambassador Anne Patterson, the Controversial Face of America's Egypt Policy by Josh Rogin and Eli Lake, The Daily Beast, July 10, 2013. Article: U.S. Pilots Fight Coca in Columbia by Juan Forero, New York Times, August 17, 2001. Victoria Nuland Biography Wikipedia: Victoria Nuland Essay: Toward a Neo-Reaganite Foreign Policy by William Kristol and Robert Kagan, Foreign Affairs Magazine (published by The Council on Foreign Relations), July/August 1996 Issue Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

Good news can be found in this episode! In July, eight bills were signed into law and none of them will make you want to flee the country. Topics covered include veterans and their health care, product warranties, transportation funding, and more. At the end of the episode, Jen shares some happy news. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Laws H.R. 91: Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015 US Department of Veterans' Affairs Info Sheet: What is a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) and how do I get one? Discussed in CD101: Trade Away May Allows veterans who have honorably completed their service but who didn't "retire" or receive a medically-related discharge to request and pay for an ID card proving their veteran status. The fee for the card will be reassessed every five years. The cards would be available 60 days after the bill would be signed into law. Passed the House of Representatives 411-0. Passed the Senate with changes by Unanimous Consent Sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida 3 Pages H.R. 615: Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Discussed in episode CD094: A Damage-Free February Gives the Under Secretary of Management of the Department of Homeland Security the job of making sure that DHS departments can communicate with each other in emergencies. Passed the House of Representatives 379-0. Passed the Senate with changes by Unanimous Consent. Passed the House of representatives with Senate changes by Voice Vote. Sponsored by Rep. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey 3 Pages S. 971: Medicare Independence at Home Medical Practice Demonstration Improvement Act of 2015 Discussed in episode CD099: April Takes a Turn Increases the length of Medicare contracts for at-home care from 3 years to 5 years Passed the Senate and House of Representatives by Voice Votes. Sponsored by Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon 1 Page H.R. 1531: Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Passed the House of Representatives by Voice Vote. Passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent Creates a process for temporary employees at Federal land management agencies to become permanent employees Waives age requirements for eligibility for temporary employees seeking to become permanent employees. Sponsored by Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia 3 Pages S. 1359: E-Warranty Act of 2015 Allows manufacturers to provide warranty information online, as long as the warranty information is available at the location of the sale so people can see it before they buy. Passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent. Passed the House of Representatives 388-2 The two no votes were Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan's 1st district and Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina's 3rd district. Sponsored by Sen. Deb Fischer 2 Pages H.R. 2499: Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015 Passed the House of Representatives 410-1. Passed the Senate with changes by Unanimous Consent. Passed the House of Representatives with Senate changes by Voice Vote. Prohibits the Small Business Administration from charging a guarantee fee on loans made to veterans or their spouses. Exception: When the program doesn't pay for itself in the President's budget proposal, the fee can be charged to veteran's and their spouses the next year. Increases the amount of money than can be spent on business loans by $4.75 billion. Prohibits loan guarantees from being used by banks to get around their legal lending limits. Sponsored by Rep. Steve Chabot of Ohio 3 Pages H.R. 1138: Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions Act Protects land in Idaho as wilderness areas. Allows grazing that was already taking place to continue. Passed the House of Representatives by Voice Vote. Passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent. Sponsored by Rep Mike Simpson of Idaho 9 Pages H.R. 3236: Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 Transportion Extends Federal highway funding until October 29, 2015. Reduces the tax rate for liquified petroleum gas starting in 2016. Banking Requires the banks to report more information about the status of mortgages starting in 2017. Ties the value of a deceased person's estate to the estimate on the deceased person's most recent tax return. Adjusts the tax return due date for partnerships and S corporations Veterans Orders the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs to develop a plan to consolidate all non-Department of Veteran's Affairs provider programs into one program called the "Veteran's Choice Program". Adds money to the fund for private health care for veterans, including $500 million for hepatitis C drugs Includes the text of the original Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, which said that veterans with government health care wi

CISA - the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act - has officially passed the Senate. While Congress is busy merging CISA with two other so-called cybersecurity bills that passed the House of Representatives, in this episode, by taking an in-depth look at the contents of all three bills, we discover that these bills are not what you're being lead to believe. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! S. 754: Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 Passed the Senate 74-21 on October 27, 2015. Sponsored by Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina 118 pages Outline of the Bill Definitions: "Agency" = "Any executive department, military department, Government corporation, Government controlled corporation, or other establishment in the executive branch of the Government (including the Executive Office of the President), or any independent regulatory agency, but does not include — The Government Accountability Office Federal Election Commission The governments of the District of Columbia and of the territories and possessions of the United States, and their various subdivisions Government-owned contractor-operated facilities, including laboratories engaged in national defense research and production activities "Cybersecurity threat" = An action "not protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution" that "may result in an unauthorized effort to adversely impact the security, availability, confidentiality, or integrity of an information system or information that is stored on, processed by, or transiting an information system." A "cybersecurity threat" does not include "any action that soley involves a violation of a consumer term of service or a consumer licensing agreement. "Cyber threat indicator" = Information that is needed to identify - Spying, including strange patterns of communications that appear to be collecting technical information Security breaches Security vulnerabilities A legitimate user being used to defeat a security system Malicious cyber command and control The harm caused by a cybersecurity incident, including the information taken as a result "Any other attribute of a cybersecurity threat, if disclosure of such attribute is not otherwise prohibited by law" "Entity" = "Any private entity, non-Federal government agency or department, or State, tribal, or local government (including a political subdivision, department, or component thereof) Does not include "a "foreign power", which means a foreign government or a foreign based political organization. Sharing of Information by the Federal Government Executive branch officials will write procedures for sharing classified and unclassified "cyber threat indicators" and Federal government information that would help the "entities" to prevent cybersecurity threats. The officials writing the rules will be the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense, and the Attorney General. The rules they write have to: Ensure "cyber threat indicators" can be shared in real time Include notification procedures for false alarms Include requirements for the Federal government agencies to protect against unauthorized access to the information Requires a Federal entity sharing information to remove personal information Include notification procedures for people whose personal information is shared by the government. Their procedures will be due 60 days after CISA becomes law. Monitoring Authorizations Private companies can monitor their own information systems, other private information systems or Federal information systems with permission, and monitor "information that is stored on, processed by, or transiting these information systems" Entities can share with and receive information from any other entity or the Federal government. Before sharing information, it must be reviewed and information known to be personal information "at the time of the sharing" must be removed. With the written consent of the sharing entity, information shared with a State, tribal, or local government may be used for "preventing, investigating, or prosecuting"...* An "imminent threat of death, serious bodily harm, or serious economic harm" Identity theft, transfers of stolen identification, possession of false identification, Unauthorized use of any card, plate, code, account number, or any equipment that can be used to transfer funds (fraud), Use of a "telecommunication instrument" that's been altered to obtain unauthorized use of telecommunications services", Hacking and releasing government or banking information, Extortion Harboring a criminal, Collection and/or communication of information about United States defense activities

In July, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that would allow expiring anthrax vaccines to be given to civilian emergency responders within the United States. The question: Is that vaccine safe? In this episode, we look at the history of the anthrax vaccine and the results of the investigation into the only anthrax attack on the United States: The anthrax laced letters which were mailed to members of the mainstream media and Congress in September and October 2001. Last, an update on the current security of the United States' anthrax supplies. Warning: This episode contains disturbing information. Executive Producer: Brandon Shipley Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! The Bill H.R. 1300: First Responder Anthrax Preparedness Act Summary: Republican Policy Committee Legislative Digest for Wednesday, July 29, 2015. Creates a program for distributing anthrax vaccines that will soon expire to emergency responders who volunteer to accept them. Creates a program for tracking the vaccines. Creates a two year pilot program, in at least two states, for distributing the vaccines. Passed the House of Representatives 424-0 Sponsored by Rep. Peter King of New York 6 Pages Additional Reading Anthrax Vaccine Website: What is BioThrax (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), Emergent BioSolutions. Article: Experimental Drugs Linked to Gulf War Veteran's Ills by Warren Leary, New York Times, May 7, 1994. Article: The Anthrax Vaccine Scandal by Laura Rozen, Salon, October 14, 2001. Report: Biological Warfare and Anthrax Vaccine by Barbara Loe Fisher, National Vaccine Information Center, December 2001. Article: Gulf War Vaccine Still a Problem, Leading Scientist Tells Inquiry by Michael Smith, The Telegraph, August 12, 2004. FDA Document: The safety and efficacy of anthrax vaccine have not been estabilished, and the preponderance of the world's literature show the vaccine is unsafe, and a contributor to Gulf War Syndrome as acknowledged in the vaccine's package insert by Meryl Nass MD, December 29, 2004. Report: Anthrax Vaccine and Public Health Policy by Martin Meyer Weiss, MD, Peter D. Weiss, MD, and Joseph B. Weiss, MD, American Journal of Public Health, November 2007. Article: Gulf War Illness: Thousands Still Report Symptoms by Diana Washington Valdez, El Paso Times (republished on Military.com), April 21, 2014. Report: The Project BioShield Act: Issues for the 113th Congress by Frank Gottron, Congressional Research Service, June 18, 2014. Report: Emergent BioSolutions 2014 Annual Report Website: Emergent BioSolutions Lobbying, OpenSecrets.org Website: Emergent BioSolutions Lobbyists, OpenSecrets.org 2001 Anthrax Attacks Article: U.S. Germ Warfare Research Pushes Treaty Limits by Judith Miller, Stephen Engelberg, and William J. Broad, New York Times, September 4, 2001. Article: The Anthrax War by the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, Wall Street Journal and R. James Woolsey (reprinted by Free Republic), October 17, 2001. Article: Public Enemy No. 2 by Richard Cohen, Washington Post, October 18, 2001. Article: Who Made the Anthrax? by Richard Butler, New York Times, October 18, 2001. Article: Anthrax Bacteria Likely to be US Military Strain by Debora MacKenzie, New Scientist, October 24, 2001. Article: F.B.I. Presents Anthrax Case, Saying Scientist Acted Alone by Scott Shane and Eric Lichtblau, New York Times, August 6, 2008. Article: Scientist Officially Exonerated in Anthrax Attacks by Eric Lichtblau, New York Times, August 8, 2008. Department of Justice Report: Amerithrax Investigative Summary, U.S. Department of Justice, February 19, 2010. Press Release: Justice Department and FBI Announce Formal Conclusion of Investigation into 2001 Anthrax Attacks, U.S. Department of Justice, February 19, 2010. F.B.I. Document Directory: Amerithrax or Anthrax Investigation Article: Timeline: How the Anthrax Terror Unfolded, NPR, February 15, 2011. Article: Anthrax Redux: Did the Feds Nab the Wrong Guy? by Noah Shachtman, Wired, March 24, 2011. Article: The Anthrax Scare: Not a Germ of Truth by Nicholaus Mills, The Guardian, September 15, 2011. Article: New Evidence Adds Doubt to FBI's Case Against Anthrax Suspect by Stephen Engelberg of ProPublica, Greg Gordon of McClatchy, Jim Gilmore and Mike Wiser of PBS Frontline, October 10, 2011. Article: Did Bruce Ivins Hide Attack Anthrax From the FBI? by Stephen Engelberg of ProPublica, Greg Gordon of McClatchy, Jim Gilmore and Mike Wiser of PBS Frontline, October 10, 2011. GAO Report: Agency Approaches to Validation and Statistical Analyses Could be Improved, Government Accountability Office, December 2014. Article: FBI's 2001 Anthrax Attack Probe Was Seriously Flawed by Rebec

A special announcement about the future of Congressional Dish; good things are coming soon!

More bills than anyone could possible read were passed by a branch of Congress in June, including the 994 page National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), four government funding bills, and thirty bills governing a wide range of topics, including Wall Street, MediCare, fishing, carbon dioxide emissions, stolen art, chemical storage, taxes, and more. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! New Congressman Rep. Trent Kelly of Mississippi's 1st district was sworn into office Emergency The Obama Administration continued the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13405 on June 16, 2006 with respect to Belarus Bulletin: Prospects for Belarus' Membership in the WTO by Anna Maria Dyner, The Polish Institute of International Affairs, July 31, 2013. Laws H.R. 2048: USA Freedom Act Outlined and discussed in Congressional Dish Episode 98: The USA Freedom Act H.R. 2620: United States Cotton Futures Act Hearing: House Agriculture Committee, June 17, 2015. Exempts cotton from foreign companies from part of the United Sates Cotton Futures Act, which will allow foreign cotton companies to participate in cotton futures trading. Current law only allows 100% U.S. cotton to be traded on the futures exchange. Passed the House of Representatives and the Senate by voice votes Sponsored by Rep. David Scott of Georgia's 13th district His #2 contributor is ICE Group, (stands for Intercontinental Exchange) which is a network of financial exchanges and clearing houses; it operates eleven exchanges, including three in the United States, Canada, and Europe that deal with agriculture futures. The company has ten lobbyists and has spent over $1.3 million lobbying for the last Congressional election. In the last election cycle, ICE Group gave more to Rep. David Scott than to any other politician, and over the years, the company has given Rep. David Scott at least $73,850. 1 page H.R. 1626: DHS IT Duplication Reduction Act Makes the DHS submit a report about the department's technology and gives them no additional money to complete it. Passed the House of Representatives and the Senate by voice votes Sponsored by Rep. Will Hurd of Texas's 23rd district 2 pages Bills H.R. 1735: National Defense Authorization Act Passed the House of Representatives 269-151 The version passed by the House of Representatives received a veto threat by President Obama Passed the Senate with changes 71-25 Sponsored by Rep. Mac Thorneberry of Texas's 13th district 994 pages Weird advertisement for the NDAA H.R. 2685: Department of Defense Appropriations Act Passed the House of Representatives 278-149 Received a veto threat from President Obama Sponsored by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen of New Jersey's 11th district 170 pages H.R. 2596: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Passed the House of Representatives 247-178 Received a veto threat from President Obama Sponsored by Rep. Devin Nunes of California's 22nd district 63 pages H.R. 2578: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 Passed the House of Representatives 242-183 Received a veto threat from President Obama Sponsored by Rep. John Culberson of Texas's 7th district 218 pages H.R. 2577: Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Passed the House of Representatives 216-210 Received a veto threat from President Obama Sponsored by Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida's 25th district 354 pages H.R. 1335: Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act Hearing: House Rules Committee, May 19, 2015. Changes the rules for management of an overfished fishery so that there is no hard deadline (currently 10 years) to replenish the fishery and adds exceptions, including one that allows the overfishing to continue if replenishment can't be done "without significant economic harm to the fishery". Doubles the amount of time an emergency regulation can adjust a fishery management plan. Adds economic impact to "fishing communities" to the list of factors that need to be considered when creating catch limits and exempts for some fish with short life spans. Regional Fishery Management Council meetings will have to be posted online All requirements of the the National Environmental Policy Act and all related implementing regulations will be deemed approved if the Regional Fishery Management Council completes a fishery impact statement. Creates a pilot program for using electronic monitoring at fisheries. Repeals independent peer-reviewed analysis' of the quality of statistics collected on fishing populations and a requirement for catch limits for Gulf of Mexico red snapper for recreational and commercial

Do you want to know where your food comes from? Well, Congress is in the process of repealing our Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law because the World Trade Organization says our meat labels are internationally illegal. In this special episode, we take a look at the World Trade Organization: What is it? Where did it come from? How is it possible that it is determining our laws? Executive Producer: Stephen McMahan Executive Producer: Leslie Behan Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Please Support GovTrack's Kickstarter Upcoming Meet-Ups Orinda, September 2, 2015 6:30pm - 8:00pm: Rep. Mark DeSaulinier's Town Hall Meeting Orinda Library Auditorium 8:15pm - ?: Piccolo Napoli The Bills H.R. 2393: Country of Origin Labeling Amendments Act of 2015 Removes beef and pork from the list of items that must have mandatory country of origin labels Removes ground beef and ground pork from the list of items that must have mandatory country of origin labels. Removes "chicken, in whole or in part" from the list of items that must have mandatory country of origin labels. Eliminates voluntary programs for labeling the country of origin of beef. Passed the House of Representatives 300-131 Sponsored by Rep. Michael Conaway of Texas's 11th district 4 pages S. 1844: Voluntary Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and Trade Enhancement Act of 2015 Removes beef and pork from the list of items that must have mandatory country of origin labels Removes ground beef and ground pork from the list of items that must have mandatory country of origin labels. Removes "chicken, in whole or in part" from the list of items that must have mandatory country of origin labels. Creates a voluntary program for packers who want to include country of origin labels for beef, pork, or chicken. Has not passed the House of Representatives or the Senate Sponsored by Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota 5 pages Information Presented in This Episode Country of Origin Labels USDA fact sheet on the country of origin labels World Trade Organization documents related to the case the United States lost regarding our country of origin labels. Panel Members for the country of origin label WTO case: Chairman: Dr. Christian Haberli of Switzerland Was a trade negotiator for Switzerland during the Uruguay round and has been a WTO panelist since 1996 Manzoor Ahmad of Pakistan He's a Senior Executive at World Trade Advisors Regional Trade Advisor for Deloitte Consulting, the self-proclaimed "world's largest consulting firm", Joao Magalhaes of Portugal World Trade Organization World Trade Organization has 161 member countries The House of Representatives voted 288-146 to create the World Trade Organization on November 29, 1994. The U.S. Senate voted 76-24 to create the World Trade Organization on December 1, 1994. The World Trade Organization's creation became law when signed by President Clinton on December 8, 1994. Additional Information European Commission fact sheet on the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) International Monetary Fund: Frequently asked questions regarding Greece International Monetary Fund wants Greece to sell of their banks, rails, ports, utilities and airports in return for loans. Article: Greece approves first privatisation deal under Syriza, EurActiv.com, August 19, 2015. Article: For most workers, real wages have barely budged for decades by Drew Desilver, Pew Research Center, October 9, 2014. Speech: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at Singapore Management University, November 2012 (transcript) Article: Courting Unions, Hillary Clinton Says She Didn't Work on Trans-Pacific Partnership by Josh Eidelson of Bloomberg, July 30, 2015. Sound Clip Sources Panel Discussion: GATT Treaty Negotiations, C-SPAN, April 15, 1994 Ralph Nader, founder of Public Citizen James Sheehan, analyst for the Competitive Enterprise Institute Hearing: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, October 18, 1994 Laurence Tribe, Professor at Harvard Law School Ralph Nader, founder of Public Citizen Panel Discussion: Beyond NAFTA and Gatt, Southern Center for International Studies, April 20, 1994. Arthur Dunkel Former Director General of the United Nations Wrote the "Dunkel Draft" in 1991, a 500 page general outline of what became the WTO 3 years later "Retired" from GATT in 1993, became a "trade consultant", and served on the board of Nestle Was a registered WTO dispute panelist Alejandro Orfila Former Secretary General of the Organization of American States 1953: Director of Information at the Organization of American States right after it was formed 1962: Created a lobbying firm, specializing in the interests of U.S.

Lots of new laws! Hear all about the final version of fast track and other trade related dingleberries, new measures to combat human trafficking, and new benefits for veterans. In this episode, you'll also learn about the bills that passed at least one branch of Congress in May, which include a poisonous scientific research funding bill, an anti-abortion bill, lots of bills to funnel taxpayer money into private pockets, bills that benefit veterans' families, and more. After the break, get the details for the Chicago and Miami meet-ups, an update on the Congressional Dish Arms Race, and hear a indisputable argument for why train travel is superior to plane travel. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Meet Up Times & Locations Chicago: Wednesday, August 5th 6:30pm: Sweetwater Tavern & Grille 225 Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 698-7111 Co-Hosted by Kevin and Loren, hosts of Political Discontent Radio Miami: Tuesday, August 18th 7pm: Emerge Miami Meeting 6pm: Meet and Greet 7pm: Meeting begins Sweat Records 5505 NE 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33137 (786) 693-9309 8:30pm: Elwoods Gastro Pub 188 NE 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33132 (305) 358-5222 Laws H.R. 2146: Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act Became the vehicle for Trade Promotion Authority to become law Allows Federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, and air traffic controllers with 20 years experience to avoid a 10% tax penalty if they withdraw from their retirement plans after age 50, instead of 59.5 years old. The effects of this on the budget will not be counted. Passed 407-5 Sponsored by Rep. David Reichert of Washington 43 pages Did Your Rep & Senators Vote for Fast Track? Check your Senators' Votes on H.R. 1314 Check your Representative's Vote on H.R. 2146 H.R. 1295: Trade Preferences Extension Act Title I: Extension of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Background Original African Growth and Opportunity Act was signed into law by President Clinton in 2000. Allows certain products from some African countries to be imported tax-free. Oil accounted for 68% of these imports in 2014; "despite remaining the top U.S. import under AGOA, U.S. oil imports from the region have fallen by 80% or nearly $40 billion since 2011." Clothes and vehicles from South Africa are the other main products imported tax-free under this law The law was going to expire on September 30, 2015. The assistance is intended to "encourage governments to Liberalize trade policy Harmonize laws and regulations with WTO membership commitments Engage in financial and fiscal restructuring Promote greater agribusiness linkages. Reauthorization Highlights Extends the AGOA until September 30, 2025 Eliminates the President's ability to terminate an African country's eligibility for the program without notifying Congress and the country 60 days before. Creates an annual public comment period regarding whether the African countries are meeting their eligibility requirements. Increases the number of people employed full time to make sure African food exports meet U.S. food safety standards from 20 to 30. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that extending this program will cost us $2.8 billion in lost tax revenue by 2025 Title II: Extension of Generalized System of Preferences Background A bigger program for allowing products to be imported tax-free into the United States, which was first created in 1974. President Obama terminated Russia's status as a Generalized System of Preferences country in October 2014, after the invasion of Crimea. Extension Highlights Extends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program until December, 2017. Backdates the effective date to July 31, 2013, when the program expired. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this extension will cost us over $2.5 billion in lost tax revenue. Limits the types of cotton that are eligible for tax-free import Makes some luggage and travel products eligible for tax-free import Title III: Extension of preferential duty treatment program for Haiti Extends tax-free import status for products from Haiti until December 19, 2025. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this will cost us $520 million in lost tax revenue Title IV: Extension of trade adjustment assistance Extends trade adjustment assistance until June 30, 2021 Specifically mentions farmers. Brings back a tax credit for health insurance for workers who lose their jobs due to trade agreements or due to failed pension plans until the end of 2019, which are higher than the subsidies we get for health insurance on the ObamaCare exchange websites. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this will cost us $2.8 billion, with the most money

In this special 100th episode of Congressional Dish, Jen interviews Jack Abramoff, the most famous lobbyist in the world. After spending 3.5 years in prison, Jack has been speaking out against the systemic corruption he participated in during his time in Washington D.C. and in this episode, he tells us Washington's secrets. Jack Abramoff's book: Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Information Presented in This Episode Fact Check: Politifact: Donna Brazile: No conspiracy here, IRS targeted liberals too by Steve Contorno OpenSecrets.org: Senator Harry Reid's campaign finance information August 18th Meet Up: 7pm: Emerge Miami's website 8:30pm: Elwoods Jen's Recent Appearances July 7, 2015 episode: Off the Grid with Gov. Jesse Ventura July 1, 2015 episode: The Peter Collins Show Episode #118: The Mike Herrera Hour Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Have You Had Enough by Rotflmao (found on Music Alley by mevio)

Medicare, cybersecurity, favors for banks, mortgages, IRS bullying, a tax cut for the rich, and a couple of good ideas are highlighted from the law and bills that passed Congress in April. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Laws H.R. 2: Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR): Enacted in 1997, the SGR paid doctors for Medicare patients based on the growth in gross domestic product (GDP). If Medicare costs increased more than GDP, doctors payments were cut across the board. According to the American College of Physicians, this formula for payment has meant that the Medicare payment rate to doctors is essentially the same as it was in 2001 and cuts have been postponed so many times that doctors' payments would have been cut by 21% if this bill was not signed into law by April 1. This new law: Repeals the Sustainable Growth Rate formula for Medicare payments to doctors. Increases payments to doctors by 0.5% through 2019 while the payment rate transitions away from a pay-per-service model. The new system will be based on scores assessed by a "Merit-based Incentive Payment System" which will be created by the Secretary of Health and Human Services which will go into effect on January 1, 2019. A list of "quality measures" will be posted every November and doctors can choose which one's will be used in their performance assessments. Doctors will be rated and paid based on a performance score from 0 to 100, which will take improvement into account starting in the second year of the program. The GAO will report on the effectiveness of the system by October 1, 2021. An advisory committee will be created to propose alternative payment models, which will be lump sum payments to group practices and medical homes. Sets a goal for Medicare records to be electronic nation-wide by December 31, 2018. Extends a bunch of existing Medicare programs, including the Children's Health Insurance Program (which covers low income kids whose parents make too much for Medicaid) for two years. Doubles the length of Medicare administrator contracts from five to ten years. Expands nationally a prior authorization requirement for "repetitive scheduled non-emergent ambulance transport" Prohibits the printing of social security numbers on Medicare cards Pays for the new system by... Denying access to policies with no out of pocket costs to people who enter Medicare after January 1, 2020. For all future beneficiaries, they will have to pay at least $147 per year (the cost of the Medicare Part B deductible). Increasing the premiums for relatively high income individuals. People who have a gross income between $133,501 and $160,000 ($267,000 and $320,000 for a couple) will pay a 65% premium instead of 50%, and people above that will pay an 80% premium rate. This would increase with inflation beginning in 2020. Has a huge increase in the levy that the Treasury Department can impose on tax delinquent service providers, increasing it from 30% to 100%, effective on October 16, 2015. Will have auditors distribute information about improper payments to help reduce the number of them. Creates a paper-free option for Medicare notices, saving mail fees. The effect this bill will have on the budget will not be counted. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this bill will increase the budget deficit by $141 billion. Passed 392-37 in the House and 92-8 in the Senate Sponsored by Rep. Michael Burgess of Texas 95 pages Bills H.R. 1731: National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015 For reference, here's the text as of March 2015 of the Homeland Security Act, which is amended by this bill. This bill: Adds "private entities" to the list of groups that will be part of the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, which coordinates information sharing between the Federal government and other entities. Adds new groups to the list of who will be included in the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center who will coordinate with all sizes of businesses. Expands the type of information that the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center will share between the Federal government, local governments, and private sector. Authorizes the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center to share information internationally. Requires the government and businesses to use existing technology to "rapidly advance" implementation of "automated mechanisms" for sharing between the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center and Federal agencies. Participation by non-Federal entities will be voluntary. Agreements that exist befor

It's law! The USA Freedom Act, which reauthorizes and privatizes portions of the Patriot Act, is being called a victory for privacy... but it's not. In this episode, find out all the details of the bill that was signed into law just hours after this episode was recorded, including how it continues bulk data collection and lets the most powerful men in the United States get away with breaking the law. Executive Producer: Brandon K. Lewis Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! H.R. 2048: USA Freedom Act of 2015 Title I: FISA business records reforms The government will need to provide "a specific selection term to be used for the basis" for the data being collected The term can't be the name of a telecom, unless that telecom is under investigation The term can't be a "broad geographic region, including the United States, a city, a county, a State, a zip code, or an area code" The term must be something that "specifically identifies an individual, account, or personal device." The government will have 180 days to comply after the bill is signed into law Limits ongoing phone call record collection to 180 days unless extended Orders the telecoms to keep secret the order from the government to turn over call records The Attorney General can require records be turned over in "emergencies" if he/she informs a judge and applies for the warrant within 7 days. If the warrant is denied, nothing collected under the Attorney General's emergency power will be admissible in court, "except with the approval of the Attorney General if the information indicates a threat of death or serious bodily harm to any person." The Attorney General will be in charge of determining if the standards above are met. Eliminates a clause that lets a judge immediately dismiss a protest from a company fighting a FISA order Gives immunity to any company that hands over information under a FISA order or an emergency order from the Attorney General Companies will be paid for "expenses incurred" producing the information or assisting the government with FISA or emergency orders "Call detail record" will not include the contents of the call, the person's name, address or financial information, or the cell phone's GPS location. The bill expressly says that nothing in the USA Freedom Act will limit the government's authority to get orders from the secret FISA court, as authorized in by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Title II: FISA pen register and trap and trace device reform The Attorney General will get to determine the privacy procedures for the use of tracing devices installed to track phone numbers dialed in monitor Internet communications. Title III: FISA acquisitions targeting person outside the United States reforms "Limits on use of unlawfully obtained information" can be waived if the government fixes whatever illegal thing they were doing, which would allow information they collected before the fix to be used in court. Within 180 days after enactment, FISA court judges will pick at least five people to serve as amicus curiae - "friends of the court" - to argue on behalf of privacy and civil liberties. FISA court judges will write the rules for the amicus curiae participation. The FISA court gets to decide if the amicus curiae's participation is appropriate The Director of National Intelligence must make publicly available "to the greatest extent practicable" any FISA court decision that includes "a significant construction or interpretation of any provision of law" The decision, order, or opinion can be released to the public in redacted form The Director of National Intelligence can waive the requirement to make FISA decisions, orders, and opinions public as long as they say it's "necessary to protect the national security of the United States or properly classified intelligence sources or methods". Title V: National Security Letter reform National Security Letter (NSL): Letters served by the FBI to telecoms that allow the FBI to secretly demand data. There is a gag order on anyone who receives these letters, guaranteeing that the public is not told and that there is no judicial review. Allows NSLs to be issued for telephone, financial, and consumer records if the order "specifically identifies a person, entity, telephone number, or account as the basis for a request". There will be a gag order, preventing companies from telling anyone that the FBI is requesting the information, as long as the order also has a notification of the telecoms right to judicial review and if the FBI says disclosure could result in: "A danger to the national security of the United States" "Interference with a criminal, counterterrorism or c

A resignation, renewed "national emergencies", help for a (very) few veterans, screwing over of VA employees and Native Americans, favors for drug companies, changes to Amtrak, a veto threat and more are highlighted from a relatively calm March in Congress. In the second half of this episode, Jen discusses her plan to keep producing Congressional Dish full time, extends an invitation to hang out, reads some of your letters, and answers your questions. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Resignation Representative Aaron Schock of Illinois's 18th district resigned on March 17th, 2015 after it was discovered that he overcharged taxpayers and his campaign for miles driven on his personal car. Article: Aaron Schock resigns after new questions about mileage expenses by Jake Sherman, Anna Palmer and John Bresnahan of Politico, March 17, 2015. Article: After 'Downton Abbey' scandal, Rep. Aaron Schock to resign from Congress by Donna Cassata of AP, March 17, 2015. Article: Congressman's spending brings Schock and awe by Jake Sherman, John Bresnahan, and Anna Palmer of Poltico, February 9, 2015. Article: Taxpayers pay thousands for Rep. Schock's renovations by Paul Singer of USA Today, February 3, 2015. Article: Aaron Schock is looking for a job by Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times, May 6, 2015. Executive Orders EO 13660, March 6, 2014, Ukraine EO 13288, March 6, 2003, Zimbabwe March Laws H.R. 1527: Slain Officer Family Support Act Allows contributions made to funds set up for NYPD detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos to be deductible in 2014, instead of 2015. Sponsored by Hakeem Jefferies of New York 2 pages S. 535: Energy Efficiency Improvement Act Requires the Administrator of General Services to develop model commercial leasing provisions that encourage tenants and government landlords to invest together in energy efficiency measures. The model provision will be published publicly to "encourage" private sector landlords to use them. The EPA will create a "Tenant Star" program to "recognize" energy efficiency by tenants in commercial buildings. Grid enabled water heaters will have activation keys that are only given to the utility or company that operates the grid. Grid enabled water heaters will have permanent labels informing people not to buy it unless he home is enrolled in a demand response program. It will be illegal for anyone to activate a grid-enabled water heater that is not part of an electric thermal storage or demand response program. Creates a public database for researching the energy use of commercial and multifamily buildings. Sponsored by Rob Portman of Ohio 10 pages March Bills H.R. 294: "Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act" For three years, starting on October 1, 2015, the Veteran's administration can place veterans who can not live independently but want a family setting into "medical foster homes" No more than 900 veterans may have their "medical foster home" care paid for by the government Limits the amount that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs can award According to a fact sheet issued by the U.S. Census on Veteran's Day 2014, there are 957,504 veterans with a rating of 70 or higher. Sponsored by Rep. Jeff MIller of Florida 4 pages Passed 405-0 H.R. 280: Authorizes the government to take back Department of Veterans Affairs employees' bonuses Allows the government to force an employee of the Department of Veteran's Affairs to pay back bonuses they previously received. The employees can be ordered to give back their bonus if the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that it's appropriate under regulations that the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs will eventually write. The employee will be given a notice and be allowed an opportunity for a hearing conducted by another part of the Federal Government. The decision to order a bonus repayment will be final and may not be reviewed by any agency or court. The Senior Executives Association (SEA), which represents Federal executives, wrote Rep. Jeff Miller a letter in opposition to this bill. Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Miller of Florida 3 pages Passed by voice vote H.R. 216: Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Planning Reform Act Requires the Veteran's Administration to create more reports Creates a 'Chief Strategy Officer' position to do the reports Prohibits any additional money for the Veterans Department to use for the extra work Sponsored by Corrine Brown of Florida 17 pages Passed by 420-0 H.R. 639: "Improving Regulatory Transparency for New Medical Therapies Act" Article: House Passes DEA Reform Bill Changing Definition of When a Drug is 'Approved', Alexander Gaffney, Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society, March 17, 2015. Fact She

Time-sensitive episode! Congress is rushing to pass a bill that would grant the President Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which hands Congress' power to negotiate international treaties to the Executive Branch. In this episode, we look at the details of the Trade Promotion Authority bill. Is giving the Executive Branch this power a good idea? Please Contact Your Representative in the House www.house.gov Please Contact Your Two Senators www.senate.gov Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) or Fast Track H.R. 1890: "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015" S. 995: "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015" The following links are to the text of H.R. 1890, as introduced in the the House Ways and Means Committee. The Senate, as of April 26, has not sent the text of their version to the Government Publishing Office to be released to the public. [caption id="attachment_1743" align="aligncenter" width="968"] Despite having been introduced on April 16 and passed out of the Senate Finance Committee on April 22, the text of Trade Promotion Authority had still not been submitted for public publishing on April 26[/caption] Section 2: Negotiating Objectives Elimination of trade laws that keep multinational corporations out of foreign countries Expand the Investor State Dispute System Allow multinational corporations access to the world's resources Get other countries to change their laws Eliminate taxes that companies have to pay to sell their products in other countries (tariffs) Remove regulations that prevent businesses from operating in other countries Agriculture Prevent countries from refusing foreign food for safety reasons unless an approved international scientific organization says the concerns are legit. Force countries to eliminate subsidies for their own industries Eliminate government owned industries Prohibit labeling requirements for food that "affect" biotechnology (for example, genetically modified foods) and making labeling requirements eligible for lawsuits in the Investor State Dispute System Prohibits restrictions "not based on scientific principles" Foreign Investment Eliminate exceptions for when a foreign corporation is treated the same as a domestic corporation Allow money to be transferred into and out of the country Eliminate performance requirements for opening and operating a business in a foreign country Create laws that force governments to pay companies for law that reclaim their land from corporations Create an appeal process for the Investor State Dispute System Ensure that Investor State Dispute System rulings are made public, that hearings are open to the public, and that businesses, unions, and NGO's have a way to make their opinions heard in Investor State Dispute System cases, even if those businesses, unions and NGOs are not a part of the case. Intellectual Property Make sure that companies have the legal and technological means to prevent unauthorized use of their copyrighted material over the Internet Enforcement must include civil, administrative, and criminal mechanisms Prohibit laws that require local storage or processing of digital data Prohibit taxes on electronic transfers Regulatory Practices Require regulations be "based on sound science, cost benefit analysis, or risk assessment" Have countries match their laws Eliminate price controls Government-Owned Industries Eliminate government owned industries that compete with private companies Localization Eliminate and prevent laws that require multinational corporations to operate facilities or keep assets in a country where they want to do business Labor and Environment Require countries to adopt "internationally recognized core labor standards" Allows environmental laws to be weakened (see exception) Allow countries to enforce labor and environmental laws at their discretion "Ensure that labor, environmental, or safety politics and practices of the parties to trade agreements with the United States do not arbitrarily or unjustifiably discriminate against United States exports or serve as disguised barriers to trade." Ensure that labor and environmental laws are subject to the Investor State Dispute System Prohibit foreign countries from enforcing labor and environmental law within the United States Anti-Corruption "Encourage and support" anti-corruption and anti-bribery initiatives Section 3: Trade Promotion Authority for the President The President may enter into agreements with foreign countries before July 1, 2018 That can (and likely will) be extended until July 1, 2021. The President has to request the extension in wr

In this special episode, we prepare for the Senate's upcoming push to fast-track multiple "free trade" agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). We also look into the January 2015 draft text of the leaked TPP Investment Chapter. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Information Discussed in this Episode Leaked Trans-Pacific Partnership Chapters Wikileaks: The January 2015 draft text of the TPP Investment Chapter Wikileaks: The August 2013 draft text of the TPP Intellectual Property Chapter Wikileaks: The May 2014 draft text of the TPP Intellectual Property Chapter Wikileaks: The November 2013 draft text of the TPP Environment Chapter Additional Information Hearing: US Trade Policy, Senate Finance Committee, January 27, 2015. Video: Defense Secretary Ashton Carter's speech at the McCain Institute at Arizona State University. Fox 10 Pheonix via YouTube. April 6, 2015. Article: Trade bill timeline could push Senate to act by Adam Behsudi. Politico. April 2, 2015. Article: U.S. Defense Secretary Supports Trade Deal with Asia by Helene Cooper. New York Times. April 6, 2015. Congressional Research Service Paper: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Negotiations and Issues for Congress, March 20, 2015. Monsanto Press Release: Why Does Monsanto Sue Farmers Who Save Seeds? Report from Public Citizen: Table of Foreign Investor-State Cases and Claims Under NAFTA and Other U.S. "Trade" Deals, March 2015. List of the 600+ corporate advisors who have been given access to the TPP text Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Change the World by Dona Oxford (found on Music Alley by mevio)

A summary of all the bills that passed at least one branch of Congress in February, including six bills destined for a veto and one new law. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Information Discussed in this Episode Read Jennifer Briney's Reddit Ask Me Anything from March 23, 2015. Check out The Marketers Guide to Reddit AMAs, written by Paul and David DiGiovanni. [caption id="attachment_1731" align="aligncenter" width="266"] This is the tool I used to help my AMA raise to #1 on Reddit's front page[/caption] Follow Paul DiGiovanni and David DiGiovanni, the Reddit Marketers on Twitter Listen to the details of Jen's front-page of Reddit experience on Episode 145 of The Pursuit Podcast [caption id="attachment_1732" align="aligncenter" width="549"] Listen to this episode to find out what it's like to have your first reddit AMA end up at #1 on the front page[/caption] Rep. Alan Nunnelee of Mississippi died of brain cancer at age 56 February Laws H.R. 203: Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act Requires annual independent evaluations of Veteran's Administration mental health programs Requires the Veteran's Administration to create a website for information about their mental health services that needs to be updated at least every 90 days. Creates a three year pilot program to repay psychiatrists' loans ($30,000 a year) if they work for at least two years at the Veteran's Health Administration. Prohibits any additional money to get this done. Written by Democrat Rep. Timothy Walz of Minnesota February Bills S.1: Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act Authorizes TransCanada to construct, operate, and maintain the KeystoneXL pipeline. Deems the environmental impact analysis complete Forces all challenges in court to be heard in Washington D.C. or in the Supreme Court. Orders the Department of Energy to create a website to coordinate Federal assistance for making schools energy efficient Expresses a "sense of the Senate" that Congress should tax bitumen as oil for the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund Requires the General Services Administration to develop commercial leasing provisions that encourage tenants to invest in energy and water efficiency Requires the EPA to develop a voluntary "Tenant Star" program to recognize commercial tenants who achieve high standards of energy efficiency. Makes it illegal for people to tamper with grid-enabled water heaters Passed 62-36 in the Senate, with nine Democrats joining all Republicans. It passed 270-152 in the House, with all but Justin Amash of Michigan voting yes on the Republican side and with 29 Democratic yes votes. Sponsored by Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota, whose top contributing industry is Oil and Gas, which has given him over $330,000 President Obama vetoed the bill and the Senate failed to over-ride that veto by the two-thirds majority they would need to do so. H.R. 596: To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Repeals the Affordable Care Act, effective 6 months after it would become law. The effects this would have on the budget would not be counted. Would require three House Committees to write replacement bills. There is no deadline. Would be vetoed by the President Written by new Rep. Bradley Byrne of Alabama, whose #1 contributor) in his first election was Blue Cross/Blue Shield, who gave him over $30,000 that we know of. In total, he took over $180,000 from the Insurance and Health industries. H.R. 50 and S. 189: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2015 Forces the government to consult with the private sector when creating regulations. Would be vetoed by the President Sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina in the House and Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska. H.R. 527: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2015 Would make creating regulations harder and make the government analyze a regulations effect on businesses finances. Blog: Deregulating big business in the name of small business by Amit Narang. The Hill. February 2015. Passed 260-163 in the House. Would be vetoed by the President Written by Rep. Steve Chabot of Ohio H.R. 644: Fighting Hunger Incentive Act of 2015 Makes permanent a tax deduction for businesses that donated food inventory to charity Increases the amount corporations can deduct for food inventory they donate to charity Passed 279-137, with 39 Democrats joining all but one Republican (Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina). Would be vetoed by the President because it would increase the budget deficits by about $2.2 billion over the next 10 years. Written by Rep. Tom Reed of New York H.R. 636: America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015 Makes permanent a tax

In this episode, learn about our global war strategy for the 114th Congress through highlights of two Senate Armed Services Committee hearings. Witnesses include former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, Madeline Albright, and George Shultz and retired military leaders General James Mattis, General Jack Keane, and Admiral William Fallon. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Global Challenges and US National Security Strategy Senate Committee on Armed Services, January 27, 2015 General James N. Mattis, USMC (Ret.) Former Commander, United States Central Command 2010-2013 On the Board of Directors of General Dynamics Board Member at Theranos, a blood diagnostics company General John "Jack" M. Keane, USA (Ret.) Former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army 1999 - 2003 Member of the Council on Foreign Relations On the Board of Directors of General Dynamics Strategic advisor and consultant for Academi (Blackwater) as of July 2012 Is a Venture Partner at SCP Partners, a private equity firm with investments in IT, medical devices & pharmaceuticals, and surveillance, and defense. On the Board of Directors at International Battery Inc., which manufactures lithium ion batteries. On the Board of Directors at MetLife On the Board of Directors at CDC Real Estate Opportunity Fund, a commercial real estate service in Washington D.C. Quadrennial Defense Review, 2014 Admiral William J. Fallon, USN (Ret.) Former Commander, United States Central Command Executive Vice President of Strategy of SM&A, which help companies score defense procurement contracts Independent Non-Executive Director of Frontier Services Group Limited. as of April 201, which is "Africa's Premier Expeditionary Logistics Provider" The Executive Chairman of the Board is Eric Prince of Blackwater Partner at Tilwell Petroleum Inc. Chairman of the Board of Directors at Countertack Inc., a cybersecurity company. On the Board of Directors at Cylance, Inc., which is a cybersecurity company. On the Board of Directors at the American Security Project Owns his own consulting and advisory business, William J. Fallon & Associates, Inc. Global Challenges and the U.S. National Security Strategy Senate Committee on Armed Services, January 29, 2015 Henry Kissinger Government Positions Secretary of State and National Security Advisor to Presidents Ford and Nixon Coordinated the CIA coup that overthrew Allende and installed Pinochet in Chile (Project FUBELT) Private Positions Member of the Breton Woods Committee Member of the Council on Foreign Relations Board member at the Atlantic Council Trilateral Commission member Honorary Council of Advisors on the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce Member of the J.P. Morgan Chase International Council Board Member at Theranos, a blood diagnostics company Member of the 1994 CSIS American-Ukrainian Advisory Committee (with Brzezinski) Advisor to the Board of Directors at American Express On the Board of Directors at the Continental Grain Company, New York's 17th largest private company Madeleine Albright Government Positions President Clinton's Secretary of State Private Positions Member of the Breton Woods Committee Member of the Council on Foreign Relations Trilateral Commission member Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, and Chair of Albright Capital Management, an affiliated investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets. Albright Capital Management is a investor in Helios Towers Africa, a telecommunications company in Africa. Albright Capital Management is an investor in Flemingo International, an international retail company with over 120 stores, that sells things in airport, seaports, and borders, including duty free stores and jewelry stores. Albright Capital Management is also an investor in APR Energy, which supplies government utilities in developing nations with power equipment. Dr. George P. Shultz Government positions President Nixon's Labor and Treasury Secretary President Reagan's Secretary of State Advisor to President George W. Bush: The Wall Street Journal called him "The Father of the Bush Doctrine" Private positions President and Director of the Bechtel Group from 1974-1982, until he became Reagan's Secretary of State 1976: Bechtel gets contracts build a Saudi Arabian city, Jubail Member of the Breton Woods Committee Member of the Council on Foreign Relations Chairman of the Energy Task Force, member of the Economic Policy Working Group and the Arctic Security Working Group at the Hoover Institution Educated at the University of Chicago Former Chairman of the JP Morgan Chase International Council On the Board of Directors of Gilead Sciences Board Member of Acuitus, which has something to do with DARPA trainin

On February 27, 2015 the Department of Homeland Security came within hours of shutting down. In this episode, get the full story, from start to finish, of this unnecessary funding crisis. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Information Discussed in this Episode H.R. 240: The DHS funding bill that was signed into law H.R. 240: The Dingleberry Version Theoretically defunded 15 Executive Orders and Memorandum regarding immigration going back to 2011. Included an executive order that allows DHS to postpone deportation of undocumented immigrants for three years. Included a DHS memorandum that prioritizes deportations, with criminals being kicked out first. Included an executive order that allows the immigrant spouses and children of U.S. military members to stay in the United States. The "Crazy" Ones List And here are the 52 Republicans who voted against the DHS bill. pic.twitter.com/BKXmeaiCJG — Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) February 27, 2015 Speaker Boehner Clarifies the Rules Speaker John Boehner scolds Congress about following the rules on February 26, 2015, the day before the DHS funding would have run out. Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) We've Got to Find a Solution by The Undercover Hippy (found on Music Alley by mevio) There's No Place Like America by The Manatee Man (found on Music Alley by mevio)