Politics

“Sexual harassment goes far beyond the cases you read in the headlines — it’s not just about the rich and famous, but also the nurse, or the teacher, or the line worker at the factory. Today, Congress sent a message that workplace harassment of any kind is unacceptable,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said. “The time has come to stop protecting politicians and to start supporting victims. All men and women deserve a workplace free from harassment.” “Today, the House and Senate came together to end a broken process that failed victims for far too long,” Sen. Roy Blunt said. “This bipartisan, bicameral agreement will protect the rights of victims and ensure perpetrators are held accountable for conduct unacceptable in the Congress or any workplace. I thank Senator Klobuchar and House and Senate leadership for getting this bill through Congress and on its way to the president’s desk.” more »

President Trump clashes with House and Senate Democratic leaders Representative Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer over border security and government funding during an Oval Office meeting. As Senator Schumer termed it, 'a temper tantrum'. Rep. Nancy Pelosi referred to the looming government shutdown threatened by President Trump as a 'Holiday present for the American public from the President'. more »

Bills Introduced: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)/Judiciary (11/29/18) — A bill to make it a criminal offense for individuals to engage in sexual acts while acting under color of law or with individuals in their custody, to encourage states to adopt similar laws. A bill to provide coverage for custom fabricated breast prostheses following a mastectomy. A bill to allow the child tax credit with respect to stillbirths. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a hearing, “BOP [Bureau of Prisons] Management of its Female Inmate Population and Other Challenges.” The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act, as amended. more »

The continued warming that is projected to occur without substantial and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions is expected to cause substantial net damage to the U.S. economy throughout this century, especially in the absence of increased adaptation efforts. With continued growth in emissions at historic rates, annual losses in some economic sectors are projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century — more than the current gross domestic product (GDP) of many U.S. states. more »