- - - THIS WEEK: OCTOBER 27, 2017 - - -

Hill Headlines

Executive Order on Stricter Screening for Refugees: On Tuesday President Trump issued an executive order to require more rigorous screening requirements for refugees seeking to enter the United States, which could drastically reduce the number of refugees resettled this year. There will also be a 90-day pause in admitting refugees from 11 countries, nine of which are majority-Muslim. See Poligon’s press release.

Legislative Updates

House Budget Resolution: On Thursday, the House voted 216-212 to pass the Republicans’ budget resolution, with all Democrats and 20 Republicans voting against the measure. The plan includes $4 trillion in cuts to government programs over ten years, and a repeal of the federal income tax deduction for local and state income taxes already paid. The Senate passed their version of the resolution last week. Approving this resolution means that Congress can now pass a tax reform plan with 50 Senate votes instead of needing a filibuster-proof majority of 60. Republicans plan to introduce their tax reform bill next Wednesday.

Bipartisan Health Care Stabilization Act: The Congressional Budget Office has evaluated the Bipartisan Health Care Stabilization Act of 2017, Sen. Murray (D-WA) and Sen. Alexander (R-TN)’s plan to maintain Affordable Care Act funding for low-income insurance plans. The CBO’s analysis concludes that the plan would keep people from losing their insurance plans while lowering the federal deficit. Sen. Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) has said the plan will not move forward without President Trump’s approval.

Reforming Surveillance Powers: On Tuesday a bipartisan group of members of Congress introduced the USA Rights Act (S. 1997 / H.R. 4124), which would prevent law enforcement from conducting warrant-free, “backdoor” searches of communications between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals for the sole purpose of investigating a U.S. citizen. The bill would also increase transparency and oversight for government surveillance conducted under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

CAMPUS HATE Crimes Act: In response to a rise in hate crimes on college campuses during the last school year, Rep. Brown (D-MD-4) has filed H.R. 4093, which would require colleges receiving federal aid to have comprehensive policies toward addressing hate crimes and provide information on hate crimes to students and staff. The bill would also create a grant program for colleges to strengthen their hate crime prevention and response programs, and require colleges to report statistics on campus hate crimes to local law enforcement.

Action Alert

November 2: Training at George Mason University

Come learn the ins and outs of Congressional advocacy at our training with GMU's Muslim Affairs Council! This training is free and open to the public. RSVP here.

To bring a training to your community, email us at info@poligonnational.org.

Further Reading

Supreme Court dismisses Hawaii's challenge to Trump travel ban | Reuters | October 24, 2017

Full Transcript: Jeff Flake denounces Trump on the Senate floor | New York Times | October 24, 2017

Trump ends refugee ban, puts stricter screening in place | NBC News | October 24, 2017

Hill Buzz

On the Executive Order on Screening Refugees:

“America should stand as a beacon of hope, yet [President Trump's] latest executive order on refugees is more of the same: discriminatory and unacceptable.” - Sen. Franken (D-MN)

On the Budget:

“All Americans want lower and simpler taxes, more good-paying jobs, and a booming economy. Today, we are even closer to making this a reality.” - Rep. Bishop (R-MI-8)

“On top of massive tax cuts for the rich, it cuts vital national investments, threatening our economic progress and our national security.” - Rep. Yarmuth (D-KY-3)

On Stabilizing the ACA:

“This nonpartisan analysis shows that our bill...will benefit taxpayers and low-income Americans, not insurance companies.” - Sen. Murray (D-WA) & Sen. Alexander (R-TN) Joint Statement

On the USA Rights Act:

"Unlike the other proposals...the USA Rights Act makes substantial reforms that seek to meaningfully mitigate the risk Americans will have their privacy violated.” - Rep. Amash (R-MI-3)

“Requiring a warrant for a search of information or personal data if the inquiry is about an American citizen is simply the constitutional and right thing to do.” - Rep. O’Rourke (D-TX-16)

On the CAMPUS HATE Crimes Act:

“Passing a law won’t change systemic problems but it will give colleges and universities tools to push back.” - Rep. Brown (D-MD-4)

Poligon Education Fund is working tirelessly to 1) monitor and hold accountable all Congressional action taken on issues that deeply impact the lives of everyday American Muslims and 2) educate American Muslims on effective advocacy and Congressional engagement. Only a few months since our launch, we have jumped headfirst into this crucial work, which we can only hope to continue with your generous support. Please take time to make a contribution.

Poligon Education Fund is a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to amplifying the Muslim American voice in Congress.