Todays news from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.): Watchdog Report Says N.S.A. Program Is Illegal and Should End: An independent federal privacy watchdog has concluded that the National Security Agency’s program to collect bulk phone call records has provided only “minimal” benefits in counterterrorism efforts, is illegal and should be shut down. The findings are laid out in a 238-page report, scheduled for release by Thursday and obtained by The New York Times, that represent the first major public statement by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, which Congress made an independent agency in 2007 and only recently became fully operational. Senate to Take Up Major Overhaul of Veterans Benefits: Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders told reporters Wednesday that a massive veterans’ bill would improve education, health and employment benefits for former troops. The legislation also would restore the cost-of-living adjustment reduction for military retirees set by the Bipartisan Budget Act, The Washington Post reported online. Income Inequality: The richest 85 people in the world own more wealth than the bottom half of the planet’s population, according to a new study cited by Sen. Sanders during an interview Wednesday on The Ed Schultz Show. What we need to do in Congress and we need to it all over this world is say, Wait a second - this world, this planet, doesn’t belong to just a few people.’ The wealth of this world has got to be enjoyed by everybody, and we need policies to make that happen, Sanders said. Net Neutrality: A swift response to reclassify broadband Internet as a telecommunications service can preserve a free internet after a federal court struck down key net neutrality regulations this month, The (Madison, Wis.) Capital Times reported. Sen. Sanders called the court’s ruling a blow to consumers and small businesses alike, and added that without regulatory safeguards, corporations are able to prioritize the information available to users, it stifles ideas and expression, as well as commerce and innovation.” Continue reading the news: sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/newswatch/012314
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:26:15 +0000