The LuLac Edition #2956, June 19th, 2015

SOUTH CAROLINA’S PRIDE???

I think it should be pointed out with the tragedy in South Carolina that the state has been flying The Confederate Flag for years. It is not an official flag mind you just a mindless bit of southern pride that still endures. By the way, when did this renewed pride in the history of the Confederacy transpire? When did the residents of South Carolina get so inspired and interested in the history of the Confederacy?
In the 60s when the Civil Rights movement was in full swing.
It says a lot that the flag is still part of South Carolina culture. That’s all you need to know about South Carolina.

THE CONGRESSMAN WEIGH IN

Congressman Lou Barletta and Matt Cartwright. (Photo: Standard Speaker).

REP. CARTWRIGHT STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF POPE FRANCIS’ ENCYCLICAL

Pope Francis–the leader of more than 1 billion Catholics worldwide–released a papal encyclical, “Laudato Si, On the Care of our Common Home”. The encyclical echoes what we already know, the climate is changing and human actions are the cause. The encyclical goes on to urge the world’s governments to act, calling on developed nations to lead, citing the disproportionate impacts that climate change will have on the world’s poor and those living in developing countries:
“I welcome the Pope’s encyclical on the need for the world to address climate change. I share the Pope’s belief that we should all be good stewards of God’s creation, preserve it for future generations, and care for our vulnerable brothers and sisters. That’s why I believe the federal government should adopt policies to address climate change and better plan for its effects, recognizing that the poor and vulnerable people will suffer disproportionately.”
Rep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties. Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

BARLETTA PROTECTION FOR AMERICAN WORKERS, STEEL INDUSTRY INCLUDED

Congressman Lou Barletta issued a statement regarding passage of legislation intended to promote trade and strengthen Customs enforcement to protect American workers and jobs. Today the House again passed Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), or a procedural framework for consideration of future free trade agreements between the United States and other countries. The legislation gives Congress the ability to approve or reject trade agreements over the next six years.
The Customs legislation already passed by the House includes provisions Barletta insisted upon, along with Rep. Steve King (Iowa), to protect Americans from foreign guest workers and prevent countries like China from illegally dumping cheap products into markets like steel manufacturing. Barletta also succeeded in getting assurances that the Customs Enforcement Bill includes timely deadlines for Customs to investigate and decide duty evasion cases.
The legislation is not to be confused with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is a separate trade agreement that would still need to be approved by Congress. The separate TPP agreement has yet to be finalized and a vote has not been scheduled.
Barletta’s statement is as follows:
“I firmly believe that this legislation comes at an important time in our history, as we are on an economic collision course with China’s enormous market. If we sat on the sidelines and let China entice the rest of the world to join their economy, we would risk being left behind. The world wants to buy American products, but we must be on the field of play to succeed. I support trade as an avenue for job growth and economic expansion, and I fought for protections for American workers.
“Unfortunately, the debate over TPA has been clouded by some confusion and misinformation. The framework in no way gives this or a future White House free rein over trade agreements, since Congress will have the authority to approve or reject any deals with other nations. Additionally, the public will have the opportunity to read and examine any proposed agreements, such as TPP, prior to any vote by Congress. Also, contrary to some arguments, TPA does not contain tax increases on businesses. I am hopeful that Americans can move beyond such distractions and see the legislation for what it truly is.
“With regard to the Customs legislation, to me it is paramount in this deal that we are protecting American jobs. We have for the first time placed restrictions on guest worker programs, preventing foreign workers from taking jobs from Americans. We have taken strong action to stop currency manipulation and prevent countries like China from dumping cheap products, like steel, into international markets and hurting Pennsylvania manufacturing. There are more protections for manufacturers, as we will more vigorously go after countries which cheat. To this point, the trade referees in the U.S. haven’t been seeing all of the fouls committed by foreign countries. With these changes, not only will they see the fouls, they will be able to apply the correct penalties.”
Barletta worked with the House Ways and Means Committee to include the key provisions of Rep. Billy Long’s (Missouri) ENFORCE Act. He succeeded in getting assurances that the Customs Enforcement Bill includes timely deadlines for Customs to investigate and decide duty evasion cases. Subjecting the decision-making process at Customs to review at the U.S. Court of International Trade allows U.S. manufacturers hurt by duty evasion to finally get the relief they deserve. 

COSTELLO GOLF TOURNEY SET