United States Department of the Interior OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Washington, DC 20240 IN REPLY REFER TO: 7202.4-OS-2018-00968 March 15, 2019 Via email: csaeger@westernvaluesproject.org Chris Saeger Executive Director Western Values Project 704C East 13th Street, Suite 568 Whitefish, MT 59937 Dear Mr. Saeger: On April 2, 2018, you filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking the following: “I request access to and copies of all correspondence since January 19, 2017, between all official "@ios.doi.gov" Department of Interior email addresses and all email addresses used by Secretary Ryan Zinke, excluding his official "@ios.doi.gov" Department of the Interior email. This should include, but not be limited to, all communications with the following email addresses: • ryanzinke@yahoo.com • ryankzinke@yahoo.com • ryanzinke@gmail.com • ryankzinke@gmail.com • KonradZinke@gmail.com • Caribao@aol.com • RagnarZinke@gmail.com On June 19, 2018, we acknowledged your request and advised you of your fee status in accordance with the FOIA. Today, we are writing with a partial response to your request and releasing one file consisting of 832 pages. Of those 832 pages, 269 pages are being released in full and 563 pages contain redactions as described below. Portions of the documents may be redacted pursuant to Exemption 6 of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6)) because they fit certain categories of information: Email Addresses Phone Numbers Personal Information Exemption 6 allows an agency to withhold “personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” The courts have held that the phrase “similar files” involves all information that applies to a particular person. Hertzberg v. Veneman, 273 F. Supp. 2d 67, 85 n.11 (D.D.C. 2003). A v1 I( , PVERSIGHT Mr. Chris Saeger 2 To determine whether releasing requested information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, we are required to perform a “balancing test.” This means that we must weigh the individual’s right to privacy against the public’s right to disclosure. (1) First, we must determine whether the individual has a discernable privacy interest in the information that has been requested. (2) Next, we must determine whether release of this information would serve “the public interest generally” (i.e., would “shed light on the performance of the agency's statutory duties”). (3) Finally, we must determine whether the public interest in disclosure is greater than the privacy interest of the individual in withholding. The information that we are withholding consists of personal information, and we have determined that the individuals to whom this information pertains have a substantial privacy interest in it. Additionally, we have determined that the disclosure of this information would shed little or no light on the performance of the agency’s statutory duties and that, on balance, the public interest to be served by its disclosure does not outweigh the privacy interest of the individuals in question, in withholding it. Nat’l Ass’n of Retired Fed. Employees v. Horner, 879 F.2d 873, 879 (D.C. Cir. 1989). In summation, we have determined that release of the information that we have withheld would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of these individuals, and that it therefore may be withheld, pursuant to Exemption 6. Rachel Spector, Attorney-Advisor, in the Office of the Solicitor, was consulted in reaching this decision. Clarice Julka, Office of the Secretary FOIA Officer, is responsible for making this decision. You may also seek dispute resolution services from our FOIA Public liaison, Clarice Julka, by email at os_foia@ios.doi.gov, or by phone at 202-513-0765. If you have any questions regarding any of the issues discussed in this letter, you may contact Ryan McQuighan by phone at 202-513-0765, by fax at 202-219-2374, by e-mail at os_foia@ios.doi.gov, or by mail at U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C St, NW, MS-7328 MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240. You also may seek dispute resolution services from our FOIA Public Liaison, Clarice Julka, at the phone and address above. Sincerely, Clarice Julka Office of the Secretary FOIA Officer To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Chris Sullivan[sull@blackfoot.net]; Skip Biggs ]; Shannon Carr[shannoncarr70@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com]; Ed Wehrheim ]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Terry Backs[montanasovereign@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; dave nash[nashfam@polson.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Tom Tingle ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Tobol[tobol@ronan.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn[ ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-01T16:39:48-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: "has reference to other rearchers on the subject of regulations and efffects on growth or lack of" Mike Horn....anti agenda 21 Warrior seeking Regulatory Lawfare Relief Received: 2017-07-01T16:39:54-04:00 The Courts frown on fraudulent conveyance in bankruptcy. A forensic audit essentialy reopens that bankruptcy and more...... like securities fraud with the many, many billion $ securities fraud known as Whoops Washington Water Power Industrial Revenue Tax Free bonds. Will the court cancel the releases and claw back monies taken from creditors by deception, especially those creditors protected by ERISA ? Is Lenny Dykstra still in prison? On Jul 1, 2017 1:40 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. The time is Right for the Forensic Audit! On pg.3 you will see Americans had pension funds involved in the Montana Power Bankruptcy. I worked with Thousands of Union Members paying millions of dollars in pension funds over a 40yr career, what is definition of "PUBLIC INTEREST", if they have stolen the pensions from every American Citizen not to mention our Police Officers, I suppose lets make a deal will protect them. 2. Here are 15 pgs. compiled for the 1973 Montana State Constitution? Along with the Congressional Acts you will find 2 very important Court cases? 3. I own land, a partial of case No.527 the McLeod and family found on Pgs 201 & 205. On Wednesday, June 28, 2017 2:02 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000001 this grant supports 20 grad students. Quantify the HARM On Jun 28, 2017 1:21 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Interesting juxtaposition - no-growther' when it comes to regulation are also prime pushers of immigration no-growth and immigration sends everyone to the poorhouse. https://www.amazon.com/Complac ent-Class-Self-Defeating-Quest - American/dp/1250108691 http://www.montana.edu/news/16 316/msu-to-expand-research-on- regulatory-and￾applied-economi c-analysis-through-grant-from- koch-foundation On Jun 16, 2017 3:08 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Would anyone know what the (STATUE of LIMITATIONS on a FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE and or BANKRUPTCY) would be??? Can the (FJBC) buy Vaseline @ COSTCO by the Semi Load!!!! On Friday, June 16, 2017 2:17 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: http://www.foxnews.com/ politics/2017/06/16/judicial- watch-seeking-documents￾unlawfully-removed-by-comey. html For the Deep State, evidence tampering is part of their business model. On Jun 14, 2017 11:13 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Draining the Swamp for the first time in 100 years or more. Didn't Clark Esq. testify on April 11th 2015 to the House Judiciary Committee that this Compact was in fact a "regulatory taking" ? Didn't the federal judge in my D.C. case instruct to quantify the harm done ? This is not rocket science unless you are Daryl and Daryl from " Deliverance " incompetent or corrupt. What's your pleasure girls??.......stick it in. If I get the court to order forensic audit and you lost control of his. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000002 Get that computer back. On Jun 14, 2017 5:26 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert Fanning right on, looks like you are going to fry their back sides, hotter than a Farriers Furnace. The Flathead District had the By Laws out yesterday and again overlooked who amended the Registered Office for the Irrigation Districts back in 1986? Just as luck will have it Senator Chas Vincent's cousin Dave Vincent married Susan Lake's sister? Dick Erb waited 3 days past the time to resign as Chairman of the Flathead District so they could do some magic on the Irrigators if you get the drift? The Irrigation Districts are having problems with Computers in the past 4 yr's hopefully the Federal Bureau of Investigation will look for evidence. Has the FBI found the computer yet or is somebody going to prison for evidence tampering? Let's sell squares in a pool and bet how many attorneys lose their tickets over this. On Jun 4, 2017 5:30 PM, "Alan Mikkelsen" wrote: So, how's all this been working out for you? Alan Mikkelsen On Jun 4, 2017 7:54 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan do you know the difference between a certified Appropriation and a "State Claim"? The Federal Judge may need a little more information? The pages here are not matches but we have them also. Would you know which Congregation in Lake County spent the time to scan these Documents and put theme on Micro? Would you have any idea if the Federal Bureau of Investigation could use these in their Investigation? On Thursday, April 11, 2013 5:42 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Then I assume you'll be wanting to address the constitutionality in another lawsuit. I'll predict right now that you will have the same results as you had with this suit. Assuming in arguendo that your constitutional argument is correct, no Montana Compact is constitutional, nor is any other Indian water settlement in the West. I don't believe the courts will agree, but hey, that's what keeps lawyers employed. On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 2:11 PM, Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000003 Alan, I suggest you read the Supreme Court decision in 13-0154 again. It carefully avoids the issue of the constitutionality of the of the CSKT Compact WUA and ruled only on the issue of the applicability statutes governing the FJBC in the complaint. Either you have misunderstood the opinion or you are deliberately trying to mislead people. Jerry Laskody -- Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research, L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 406-240-0703 phone 406-745-3363 fax EXT-18-2336-A-000004 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Chris Sullivan[sull@blackfoot.net]; Skip Biggs ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Shannon Carr[shannoncarr70@hotmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com]; Ed Wehrheim ]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Terry Backs[montanasovereign@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; dave nash[nashfam@polson.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Tom Tingle ]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Tobol[tobol@ronan.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-01T16:58:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: "has reference to other rearchers on the subject of regulations and efffects on growth or lack of" Mike Horn....anti agenda 21 Warrior seeking Regulatory Lawfare Relief Received: 2017-07-01T16:58:34-04:00 http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/07/lenny-dykstra-describes-his-life-in-prison On Jul 1, 2017 2:39 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: The Courts frown on fraudulent conveyance in bankruptcy. A forensic audit essentialy reopens that bankruptcy and more...... like securities fraud with the many, many billion $ securities fraud known as Whoops Washington Water Power Industrial Revenue Tax Free bonds. Will the court cancel the releases and claw back monies taken from creditors by deception, especially those creditors protected by ERISA ? Is Lenny Dykstra still in prison? On Jul 1, 2017 1:40 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. The time is Right for the Forensic Audit! On pg.3 you will see Americans had pension funds involved in the Montana Power Bankruptcy. I worked with Thousands of Union Members paying millions of dollars in pension funds over a 40yr career, what is definition of "PUBLIC INTEREST", if they have stolen the pensions from every American Citizen not to mention our Police Officers, I suppose lets make a deal will protect them. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000005 2. Here are 15 pgs. compiled for the 1973 Montana State Constitution? Along with the Congressional Acts you will find 2 very important Court cases? 3. I own land, a partial of case No.527 the McLeod and family found on Pgs 201 & 205. On Wednesday, June 28, 2017 2:02 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: this grant supports 20 grad students. Quantify the HARM On Jun 28, 2017 1:21 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Interesting juxtaposition - no-growther' when it comes to regulation are also prime pushers of immigration no-growth and immigration sends everyone to the poorhouse. https://www.amazon.com/Complac ent-Class-Self-Defeating-Quest - American/dp/1250108691 http://www.montana.edu/news/16 316/msu-to-expand-research-on- regulatory-and￾applied-economi c-analysis-through-grant-from- koch-foundation On Jun 16, 2017 3:08 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Would anyone know what the (STATUE of LIMITATIONS on a FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE and or BANKRUPTCY) would be??? Can the (FJBC) buy Vaseline @ COSTCO by the Semi Load!!!! On Friday, June 16, 2017 2:17 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: http://www.foxnews.com/ politics/2017/06/16/judicial- watch-seeking-documents￾unlawfully-removed-by-comey. html For the Deep State, evidence tampering is part of their business model. On Jun 14, 2017 11:13 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Draining the Swamp for the first time in 100 years or more. Didn't Clark Esq. testify on April 11th 2015 to the House Judiciary Committee that this Compact was in fact a "regulatory taking" ? Didn't the federal judge in my D.C. case instruct to quantify the harm done ? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000006 This is not rocket science unless you are Daryl and Daryl from " Deliverance " incompetent or corrupt. What's your pleasure girls??.......stick it in. If I get the court to order forensic audit and you lost control of his. Get that computer back. On Jun 14, 2017 5:26 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert Fanning right on, looks like you are going to fry their back sides, hotter than a Farriers Furnace. The Flathead District had the By Laws out yesterday and again overlooked who amended the Registered Office for the Irrigation Districts back in 1986? Just as luck will have it Senator Chas Vincent's cousin Dave Vincent married Susan Lake's sister? Dick Erb waited 3 days past the time to resign as Chairman of the Flathead District so they could do some magic on the Irrigators if you get the drift? The Irrigation Districts are having problems with Computers in the past 4 yr's hopefully the Federal Bureau of Investigation will look for evidence. Has the FBI found the computer yet or is somebody going to prison for evidence tampering? Let's sell squares in a pool and bet how many attorneys lose their tickets over this. On Jun 4, 2017 5:30 PM, "Alan Mikkelsen" wrote: So, how's all this been working out for you? Alan Mikkelsen On Jun 4, 2017 7:54 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan do you know the difference between a certified Appropriation and a "State Claim"? The Federal Judge may need a little more information? The pages here are not matches but we have them also. Would you know which Congregation in Lake County spent the time to scan these Documents and put theme on Micro? Would you have any idea if the Federal Bureau of Investigation could use these in their Investigation? On Thursday, April 11, 2013 5:42 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Then I assume you'll be wanting to address the constitutionality in another lawsuit. I'll predict right now that you will have the same results as you had with this suit. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000007 Assuming in arguendo that your constitutional argument is correct, no Montana Compact is constitutional, nor is any other Indian water settlement in the West. I don't believe the courts will agree, but hey, that's what keeps lawyers employed. On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 2:11 PM, Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch wrote: Alan, I suggest you read the Supreme Court decision in 13 0154 again. It carefully avoids the issue of the constitutionality of the of the CSKT Compact WUA and ruled only on the issue of the applicability statutes governing the FJBC in the complaint. Either you have misunderstood the opinion or you are deliberately trying to mislead people. Jerry Laskody -- Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research, L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 406-240-0703 phone 406-745-3363 fax EXT-18-2336-A-000008 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000009 Cc: Boulton Caroline[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov ] To: ] From: Lee Zeldin Sent: 2017-07-01T 18:45: 17-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Marc Goldman Received: 2017-07-01T18:45:21-04:00 Sounds great Ryan . Marc is a top notch, exceptional guy. Caroline, I will email you separate ly and introduce you to Marc . I hope you all enjoy an amazing holiday weekend! Thank you for all you do, Lee Sent from my iPhone On Jul l,2017 , at6:40PM -~ > wrote: Pis schedule Sent from my Verizon Wire] ess 40 L TE smartpbone -------- Original messa e -------- From: Lee Zeldin Date: 07/01/2017 : To Subject: Marc Goldman Hey Ryan, Hope you are doing great and enjoying your 4th. Too crazy about how that week went after that dinner at your office with Scalise and the House GOP. Marc Goldman, former President of Fannland Dairies and a very active national board member of the Republican Jewish Coalition, is interested in briefly meeting with you on July 12th if you are around and available to discuss the topic of: "Fuel choice as it relates to true American dominance" . You have met Marc on multiple occasions including one of the Allen West Guardian Fund events at the Capitol Hill Club. His bio is attached as well as a brief summary of the topic . Please advise . Best, Lee AMR AN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Chris Sullivan[sull@blackfoot.net]; Skip Biggs ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Shannon Carr[shannoncarr70@hotmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com]; Ed Wehrheim ]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Terry Backs[montanasovereign@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; dave nash[nashfam@polson.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Tom Tingle ]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Tobol[tobol@ronan.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-02T10:17:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: "has reference to other rearchers on the subject of regulations and efffects on growth or lack of" Mike Horn....anti agenda 21 Warrior seeking Regulatory Lawfare Relief Received: 2017-07-02T10:18:02-04:00 Pages fromThe Revised Codes of Montana 1935 Part 1 from Gene.pdf Formation of the Flathead District.pdf 1.Robert the folks have been con fused, told lies, not to mention cheated. These 2 pages are from the Revised Codes of Montana 1935, sections on how the Irrigation Districts were formed. The Federal Maps are at the Court House and a copy of the Federal Engineers Report 1922 is on its way. We will need to know if and when the By Laws were changed. (FJBC) stated they are not going to look into waters that used prior to the Project may be a big mistake? 2. Here is the Formation "DECREE" for the Flathead District that the (FJBC) could not find for the State (DNRC)? 3. We will be also looking up the Stock Watering also. On Saturday, July 1, 2017 3:07 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/07/lenny-dykstra-describes-his-life-in-prison On Jul 1, 2017 2:39 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: The Courts frown on fraudulent conveyance in bankruptcy. A forensic audit essentialy reopens that bankruptcy and more...... like securities fraud with the many, many billion $ securities fraud known as Whoops (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000010 Washington Water Power Industrial Revenue Tax Free bonds. Will the court cancel the releases and claw back monies taken from creditors by deception, especially those creditors protected by ERISA ? Is Lenny Dykstra still in prison? On Jul 1, 2017 1:40 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. The time is Right for the Forensic Audit! On pg.3 you will see Americans had pension funds involved in the Montana Power Bankruptcy. I worked with Thousands of Union Members paying millions of dollars in pension funds over a 40yr career, what is definition of "PUBLIC INTEREST", if they have stolen the pensions from every American Citizen not to mention our Police Officers, I suppose lets make a deal will protect them. 2. Here are 15 pgs. compiled for the 1973 Montana State Constitution? Along with the Congressional Acts you will find 2 very important Court cases? 3. I own land, a partial of case No.527 the McLeod and family found on Pgs 201 & 205. On Wednesday, June 28, 2017 2:02 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: this grant supports 20 grad students. Quantify the HARM On Jun 28, 2017 1:21 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Interesting juxtaposition - no-growther' when it comes to regulation are also prime pushers of immigration no-growth and immigration sends everyone to the poorhouse. https://www.amazon.com/Complac ent-Class-Self-Defeating-Quest - American/dp/1250108691 http://www.montana.edu/news/16 316/msu-to-expand-research-on- regulatory-and￾applied-economi c-analysis-through-grant-from- koch-foundation On Jun 16, 2017 3:08 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Would anyone know what the (STATUE of LIMITATIONS on a FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE and or BANKRUPTCY) would be??? Can the (FJBC) buy Vaseline @ COSTCO by the Semi Load!!!! On Friday, June 16, 2017 2:17 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000011 http://www.foxnews.com/ politics/2017/06/16/judicial- watch-seeking-documents￾unlawfully-removed-by-comey. html For the Deep State, evidence tampering is part of their business model. On Jun 14, 2017 11:13 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Draining the Swamp for the first time in 100 years or more. Didn't Clark Esq. testify on April 11th 2015 to the House Judiciary Committee that this Compact was in fact a "regulatory taking" ? Didn't the federal judge in my D.C. case instruct to quantify the harm done ? This is not rocket science unless you are Daryl and Daryl from " Deliverance " incompetent or corrupt. What's your pleasure girls??.......stick it in. If I get the court to order forensic audit and you lost control of his. Get that computer back. On Jun 14, 2017 5:26 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert Fanning right on, looks like you are going to fry their back sides, hotter than a Farriers Furnace. The Flathead District had the By Laws out yesterday and again overlooked who amended the Registered Office for the Irrigation Districts back in 1986? Just as luck will have it Senator Chas Vincent's cousin Dave Vincent married Susan Lake's sister? Dick Erb waited 3 days past the time to resign as Chairman of the Flathead District so they could do some magic on the Irrigators if you get the drift? The Irrigation Districts are having problems with Computers in the past 4 yr's hopefully the Federal Bureau of Investigation will look for evidence. Has the FBI found the computer yet or is somebody going to prison for evidence tampering? Let's sell squares in a pool and bet how many attorneys lose their tickets over this. On Jun 4, 2017 5:30 PM, "Alan Mikkelsen" wrote: So, how's all this been working out for you? Alan Mikkelsen On Jun 4, 2017 7:54 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000012 Alan do you know the difference between a certified Appropriation and a "State Claim"? The Federal Judge may need a little more information? The pages here are not matches but we have them also. Would you know which Congregation in Lake County spent the time to scan these Documents and put theme on Micro? Would you have any idea if the Federal Bureau of Investigation could use these in their Investigation? On Thursday, April 11, 2013 5:42 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Then I assume you'll be wanting to address the constitutionality in another lawsuit. I'll predict right now that you will have the same results as you had with this suit. Assuming in arguendo that your constitutional argument is correct, no Montana Compact is constitutional, nor is any other Indian water settlement in the West. I don't believe the courts will agree, but hey, that's what keeps lawyers employed. On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 2:11 PM, Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch wrote: Alan, I suggest you read the Supreme Court decision in 13-0154 again. It carefully avoids the issue of the constitutionality of the of the CSKT Compact WUA and ruled only on the issue of the applicability statutes governing the FJBC in the complaint. Either you have misunderstood the opinion or you are deliberately trying to mislead people. Jerry Laskody -- Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research, L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 406-240-0703 phone 406-745-3363 fax EXT-18-2336-A-000013 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000014 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; David Nash[nashfam@polson.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ken Cornelius ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Roger Starkel ]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Leroy Lake ] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-02T10:46:35-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fw: "has reference to other rearchers on the subject of regulations and efffects on growth or lack of" Mike Horn....anti agenda 21 Warrior seeking Regulatory Lawfare Relief Received: 2017-07-02T10:46:50-04:00 Pages fromThe Revised Codes of Montana 1935 Part 1 from Gene.pdf Formation of the Flathead District.pdf On Sunday, July 2, 2017 8:17 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: 1.Robert the folks have been con fused, told lies, not to mention cheated. These 2 pages are from the Revised Codes of Montana 1935, sections on how the Irrigation Districts were formed. The Federal Maps are at the Court House and a copy of the Federal Engineers Report 1922 is on its way. We will need to know if and when the By Laws were changed. (FJBC) stated they are not going to look into waters that used prior to the Project may be a big mistake? 2. Here is the Formation "DECREE" for the Flathead District that the (FJBC) could not find for the State (DNRC)? 3. We will be also looking up the Stock Watering also. On Saturday, July 1, 2017 3:07 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/07/lenny-dykstra-describes-his-life-in-prison On Jul 1, 2017 2:39 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: The Courts frown on fraudulent conveyance in bankruptcy. A forensic audit essentialy reopens that bankruptcy and more...... like securities fraud with the many, many billion $ securities fraud known as Whoops Washington Water Power Industrial Revenue Tax Free bonds. (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000015 Will the court cancel the releases and claw back monies taken from creditors by deception, especially those creditors protected by ERISA ? Is Lenny Dykstra still in prison? On Jul 1, 2017 1:40 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. The time is Right for the Forensic Audit! On pg.3 you will see Americans had pension funds involved in the Montana Power Bankruptcy. I worked with Thousands of Union Members paying millions of dollars in pension funds over a 40yr career, what is definition of "PUBLIC INTEREST", if they have stolen the pensions from every American Citizen not to mention our Police Officers, I suppose lets make a deal will protect them. 2. Here are 15 pgs. compiled for the 1973 Montana State Constitution? Along with the Congressional Acts you will find 2 very important Court cases? 3. I own land, a partial of case No.527 the McLeod and family found on Pgs 201 & 205. On Wednesday, June 28, 2017 2:02 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: this grant supports 20 grad students. Quantify the HARM On Jun 28, 2017 1:21 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Interesting juxtaposition - no-growther' when it comes to regulation are also prime pushers of immigration no-growth and immigration sends everyone to the poorhouse. https://www.amazon.com/Complac ent-Class-Self-Defeating-Quest - American/dp/1250108691 http://www.montana.edu/news/16 316/msu-to-expand-research-on- regulatory-and￾applied-economi c-analysis-through-grant-from- koch-foundation On Jun 16, 2017 3:08 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Would anyone know what the (STATUE of LIMITATIONS on a FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE and or BANKRUPTCY) would be??? Can the (FJBC) buy Vaseline @ COSTCO by the Semi Load!!!! On Friday, June 16, 2017 2:17 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000016 http://www.foxnews.com/ politics/2017/06/16/judicial- watch-seeking-documents￾unlawfully-removed-by-comey. html For the Deep State, evidence tampering is part of their business model. On Jun 14, 2017 11:13 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Draining the Swamp for the first time in 100 years or more. Didn't Clark Esq. testify on April 11th 2015 to the House Judiciary Committee that this Compact was in fact a "regulatory taking" ? Didn't the federal judge in my D.C. case instruct to quantify the harm done ? This is not rocket science unless you are Daryl and Daryl from " Deliverance " incompetent or corrupt. What's your pleasure girls??.......stick it in. If I get the court to order forensic audit and you lost control of his. Get that computer back. On Jun 14, 2017 5:26 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert Fanning right on, looks like you are going to fry their back sides, hotter than a Farriers Furnace. The Flathead District had the By Laws out yesterday and again overlooked who amended the Registered Office for the Irrigation Districts back in 1986? Just as luck will have it Senator Chas Vincent's cousin Dave Vincent married Susan Lake's sister? Dick Erb waited 3 days past the time to resign as Chairman of the Flathead District so they could do some magic on the Irrigators if you get the drift? The Irrigation Districts are having problems with Computers in the past 4 yr's hopefully the Federal Bureau of Investigation will look for evidence. Has the FBI found the computer yet or is somebody going to prison for evidence tampering? Let's sell squares in a pool and bet how many attorneys lose their tickets over this. On Jun 4, 2017 5:30 PM, "Alan Mikkelsen" wrote: So, how's all this been working out for you? Alan Mikkelsen On Jun 4, 2017 7:54 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000017 Alan do you know the difference between a certified Appropriation and a "State Claim"? The Federal Judge may need a little more information? The pages here are not matches but we have them also. Would you know which Congregation in Lake County spent the time to scan these Documents and put theme on Micro? Would you have any idea if the Federal Bureau of Investigation could use these in their Investigation? On Thursday, April 11, 2013 5:42 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Then I assume you'll be wanting to address the constitutionality in another lawsuit. I'll predict right now that you will have the same results as you had with this suit. Assuming in arguendo that your constitutional argument is correct, no Montana Compact is constitutional, nor is any other Indian water settlement in the West. I don't believe the courts will agree, but hey, that's what keeps lawyers employed. On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 2:11 PM, Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch wrote: Alan, I suggest you read the Supreme Court decision in 13 0154 again. It carefully avoids the issue of the constitutionality of the of the CSKT Compact WUA and ruled only on the issue of the applicability statutes governing the FJBC in the complaint. Either you have misunderstood the opinion or you are deliberately trying to mislead people. Jerry Laskody -- Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research, L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 406-240-0703 phone 406-745-3363 fax EXT-18-2336-A-000018 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000019 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Leroy Lake[ ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; David Nash[nashfam@polson.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-02T11:26:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fw: "has reference to other rearchers on the subject of regulations and efffects on growth or lack of" Mike Horn....anti agenda 21 Warrior seeking Regulatory Lawfare Relief Received: 2017-07-02T11:26:24-04:00 http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-06-30/pensions-timebomb-america-%E2%80%93-global￾crisis%E2%80%9D-cometh This is why the DEEP STATE is at war with the people. It's us ..........or them. The planet will change rapidly. On Jul 2, 2017 8:46 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Sunday, July 2, 2017 8:17 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: 1.Robert the folks have been con fused, told lies, not to mention cheated. These 2 pages are from the Revised Codes of Montana 1935, sections on how the Irrigation Districts were formed. The Federal Maps are at the Court House and a copy of the Federal Engineers Report 1922 is on its way. We will need to know if and when the By Laws were changed. (FJBC) stated they are not going to look into waters that used prior to the Project may be a big mistake? 2. Here is the Formation "DECREE" for the Flathead District that the (FJBC) could not find for the State (DNRC)? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000020 3. We will be also looking up the Stock Watering also. On Saturday, July 1, 2017 3:07 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/07/lenny-dykstra-describes-his-life-in-prison On Jul 1, 2017 2:39 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: The Courts frown on fraudulent conveyance in bankruptcy. A forensic audit essentialy reopens that bankruptcy and more...... like securities fraud with the many, many billion $ securities fraud known as Whoops Washington Water Power Industrial Revenue Tax Free bonds. Will the court cancel the releases and claw back monies taken from creditors by deception, especially those creditors protected by ERISA ? Is Lenny Dykstra still in prison? On Jul 1, 2017 1:40 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. The time is Right for the Forensic Audit! On pg.3 you will see Americans had pension funds involved in the Montana Power Bankruptcy. I worked with Thousands of Union Members paying millions of dollars in pension funds over a 40yr career, what is definition of "PUBLIC INTEREST", if they have stolen the pensions from every American Citizen not to mention our Police Officers, I suppose lets make a deal will protect them. 2. Here are 15 pgs. compiled for the 1973 Montana State Constitution? Along with the Congressional Acts you will find 2 very important Court cases? 3. I own land, a partial of case No.527 the McLeod and family found on Pgs 201 & 205. On Wednesday, June 28, 2017 2:02 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: this grant supports 20 grad students. Quantify the HARM On Jun 28, 2017 1:21 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Interesting juxtaposition - no-growther' when it comes to regulation are also prime pushers of immigration no-growth and immigration sends everyone to the poorhouse. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000021 https://www.amazon.com/Complac ent-Class-Self-Defeating-Quest - American/dp/1250108691 http://www.montana.edu/news/16 316/msu-to-expand-research-on- regulatory-and￾applied-economi c-analysis-through-grant-from- koch-foundation On Jun 16, 2017 3:08 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Would anyone know what the (STATUE of LIMITATIONS on a FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE and or BANKRUPTCY) would be??? Can the (FJBC) buy Vaseline @ COSTCO by the Semi Load!!!! On Friday, June 16, 2017 2:17 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: http://www.foxnews.com/ politics/2017/06/16/judicial- watch-seeking-documents￾unlawfully-removed-by-comey. html For the Deep State, evidence tampering is part of their business model. On Jun 14, 2017 11:13 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Draining the Swamp for the first time in 100 years or more. Didn't Clark Esq. testify on April 11th 2015 to the House Judiciary Committee that this Compact was in fact a "regulatory taking" ? Didn't the federal judge in my D.C. case instruct to quantify the harm done ? This is not rocket science unless you are Daryl and Daryl from " Deliverance " incompetent or corrupt. What's your pleasure girls??.......stick it in. If I get the court to order forensic audit and you lost control of his. Get that computer back. On Jun 14, 2017 5:26 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert Fanning right on, looks like you are going to fry their back sides, hotter than a Farriers Furnace. The Flathead District had the By Laws out yesterday and again overlooked who amended the Registered Office for the Irrigation Districts back in 1986? Just as luck will have it Senator Chas Vincent's cousin Dave Vincent married Susan Lake's sister? Dick Erb waited 3 days past the time to resign as Chairman of the Flathead District so they could do some magic on the Irrigators if you get the drift? The Irrigation Districts are having problems with Computers in the past 4 yr's hopefully the Federal Bureau of Investigation will look for evidence. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000022 Has the FBI found the computer yet or is somebody going to prison for evidence tampering? Let's sell squares in a pool and bet how many attorneys lose their tickets over this. On Jun 4, 2017 5:30 PM, "Alan Mikkelsen" wrote: So, how's all this been working out for you? Alan Mikkelsen On Jun 4, 2017 7:54 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan do you know the difference between a certified Appropriation and a "State Claim"? The Federal Judge may need a little more information? The pages here are not matches but we have them also. Would you know which Congregation in Lake County spent the time to scan these Documents and put theme on Micro? Would you have any idea if the Federal Bureau of Investigation could use these in their Investigation? On Thursday, April 11, 2013 5:42 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Then I assume you'll be wanting to address the constitutionality in another lawsuit. I'll predict right now that you will have the same results as you had with this suit. Assuming in arguendo that your constitutional argument is correct, no Montana Compact is constitutional, nor is any other Indian water settlement in the West. I don't believe the courts will agree, but hey, that's what keeps lawyers employed. On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 2:11 PM, Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch wrote: Alan, I suggest you read the Supreme Court decision in 13 0154 again. It carefully avoids the issue of the constitutionality of the of the CSKT Compact WUA and ruled only on the issue of the applicability statutes governing the FJBC in the complaint. Either you have misunderstood the opinion or you are deliberately trying to mislead people. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000023 Jerry Laskody -- Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research, L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 406-240-0703 phone 406-745-3363 fax EXT-18-2336-A-000024 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Leroy Lake ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; David Nash[nashfam@polson.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-02T21:43:49-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fw: "has reference to other rearchers on the subject of regulations and efffects on growth or lack of" Mike Horn....anti agenda 21 Warrior seeking Regulatory Lawfare Relief Received: 2017-07-02T21:43:54-04:00 Watch Steve Bannon Generation Zero! Senator Robert T Fanning will finish his term in the US Senate as the champion of the Forgotten Man! He will bring back more money to the state of Montana than all the Senators combined since 1889, when Montana became a state! He is busting the corruption now and will bring the money home! There is a reason why Steve Bannon sits next to Donald Trump everyday, and there is a reason why Robert T Fanning is Montana's next Senator! <3 We must support Trump and his fight against the corruption of the Deep State! #GofightingIrish #Notredamewinsagain #FanningforSenate On Jul 2, 2017 9:26 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-06-30/pensions-timebomb-america-%E2%80%93- global-crisis%E2%80%9D-cometh This is why the DEEP STATE is at war with the people. It's us ..........or them. The planet will change rapidly. On Jul 2, 2017 8:46 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000025 On Sunday, July 2, 2017 8:17 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: 1.Robert the folks have been con fused, told lies, not to mention cheated. These 2 pages are from the Revised Codes of Montana 1935, sections on how the Irrigation Districts were formed. The Federal Maps are at the Court House and a copy of the Federal Engineers Report 1922 is on its way. We will need to know if and when the By Laws were changed. (FJBC) stated they are not going to look into waters that used prior to the Project may be a big mistake? 2. Here is the Formation "DECREE" for the Flathead District that the (FJBC) could not find for the State (DNRC)? 3. We will be also looking up the Stock Watering also. On Saturday, July 1, 2017 3:07 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/07/lenny-dykstra-describes-his-life-in-prison On Jul 1, 2017 2:39 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: The Courts frown on fraudulent conveyance in bankruptcy. A forensic audit essentialy reopens that bankruptcy and more...... like securities fraud with the many, many billion $ securities fraud known as Whoops Washington Water Power Industrial Revenue Tax Free bonds. Will the court cancel the releases and claw back monies taken from creditors by deception, especially those creditors protected by ERISA ? Is Lenny Dykstra still in prison? On Jul 1, 2017 1:40 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. The time is Right for the Forensic Audit! On pg.3 you will see Americans had pension funds involved in the Montana Power Bankruptcy. I worked with Thousands of Union Members paying millions of dollars in pension funds over a 40yr career, what is definition of "PUBLIC INTEREST", if they have stolen the pensions from every American Citizen not to mention our Police Officers, I suppose lets make a deal will protect them. 2. Here are 15 pgs. compiled for the 1973 Montana State Constitution? Along with the Congressional Acts you will find 2 very important Court cases? 3. I own land, a partial of case No.527 the McLeod and family found on Pgs 201 & 205. On Wednesday, June 28, 2017 2:02 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000026 this grant supports 20 grad students. Quantify the HARM On Jun 28, 2017 1:21 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Interesting juxtaposition - no-growther' when it comes to regulation are also prime pushers of immigration no-growth and immigration sends everyone to the poorhouse. https://www.amazon.com/Complac ent-Class-Self-Defeating-Quest - American/dp/1250108691 http://www.montana.edu/news/16 316/msu-to-expand-research-on- regulatory-and￾applied-economi c-analysis-through-grant-from- koch-foundation On Jun 16, 2017 3:08 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Would anyone know what the (STATUE of LIMITATIONS on a FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE and or BANKRUPTCY) would be??? Can the (FJBC) buy Vaseline @ COSTCO by the Semi Load!!!! On Friday, June 16, 2017 2:17 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: http://www.foxnews.com/ politics/2017/06/16/judicial- watch-seeking-documents￾unlawfully-removed-by-comey. html For the Deep State, evidence tampering is part of their business model. On Jun 14, 2017 11:13 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Draining the Swamp for the first time in 100 years or more. Didn't Clark Esq. testify on April 11th 2015 to the House Judiciary Committee that this Compact was in fact a "regulatory taking" ? Didn't the federal judge in my D.C. case instruct to quantify the harm done ? This is not rocket science unless you are Daryl and Daryl from " Deliverance " incompetent or corrupt. What's your pleasure girls??.......stick it in. If I get the court to order forensic audit and you lost control of his. Get that computer back. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000027 On Jun 14, 2017 5:26 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert Fanning right on, looks like you are going to fry their back sides, hotter than a Farriers Furnace. The Flathead District had the By Laws out yesterday and again overlooked who amended the Registered Office for the Irrigation Districts back in 1986? Just as luck will have it Senator Chas Vincent's cousin Dave Vincent married Susan Lake's sister? Dick Erb waited 3 days past the time to resign as Chairman of the Flathead District so they could do some magic on the Irrigators if you get the drift? The Irrigation Districts are having problems with Computers in the past 4 yr's hopefully the Federal Bureau of Investigation will look for evidence. Has the FBI found the computer yet or is somebody going to prison for evidence tampering? Let's sell squares in a pool and bet how many attorneys lose their tickets over this. On Jun 4, 2017 5:30 PM, "Alan Mikkelsen" wrote: So, how's all this been working out for you? Alan Mikkelsen On Jun 4, 2017 7:54 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan do you know the difference between a certified Appropriation and a "State Claim"? The Federal Judge may need a little more information? The pages here are not matches but we have them also. Would you know which Congregation in Lake County spent the time to scan these Documents and put theme on Micro? Would you have any idea if the Federal Bureau of Investigation could use these in their Investigation? On Thursday, April 11, 2013 5:42 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Then I assume you'll be wanting to address the constitutionality in another lawsuit. I'll predict right now that you will have the same results as you had with this suit. Assuming in arguendo that your constitutional argument is correct, no Montana Compact is constitutional, nor is any other Indian water settlement in the West. I don't believe the courts will agree, but hey, that's what keeps lawyers employed. On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 2:11 PM, Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000028 Alan, I suggest you read the Supreme Court decision in 13 0154 again. It carefully avoids the issue of the constitutionality of the of the CSKT Compact WUA and ruled only on the issue of the applicability statutes governing the FJBC in the complaint. Either you have misunderstood the opinion or you are deliberately trying to mislead people. Jerry Laskody -- Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research, L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 406-240-0703 phone 406-745-3363 fax EXT-18-2336-A-000029 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Steve Hughes ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-04T09:25:21-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . You may want to try N,Korea before you change the "CONSTITUTION". Received: 2017-07-04T09:26:33-04:00 Remembering the Magna Carta (Written for a good friend in Montana) The 4th of July bunting on the porch has been put away and the house cleaned up after the celebration with friends: what better time to reread the Magna Carta and think about American governance on this, the 800th anniversary of The Magna Carta? In 1215 AD, King Henry III of England, a very unpopular King, met with a group of rebel barons at Runnymeade, a wet-meadow on the S. Bank of the Thames River to make peace. In a matter of days they agreed to a “Great Charter” or Magna Carta that had been drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King signed the document (written in Latin in iron gall ink on parchment) that was copied by monks and distributed to the barons to be read to all Englishmen at Mass and in public squares. There are but a few of these copies still in existence. Though neither side upheld the agreement and subsequent Charters (1216, 1217, 1225, & 1297) came and went with current affairs, a certain statement of the limited powers of government (as in the King being subject to the law) and the rights of “free men” (barons) began working its way through history forming the Charters of the King for the 13 Colonies in America and eventually their bold Constitution defining the United State of America. Echoes of the barons’ oath to “liberty, Church and realm” can be traced to the ringing words in the Declaration of Independence that, “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary … to dissolve the political bands which have connected them” and “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000030 men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”, as well as in the Preamble to the US Constitution that, “We the People of the United States, in order to… establish Justice, … and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish”. Of the 60 or so clauses in the Charter, half concerned immediate matters for the King and barons that disappeared quickly in subsequent charters. The first 8 clauses were protections for landowners from government abuse in everything from taxes to inheritances and the rights of widows and very young heirs. The fact that Property Rights were truly first and foremost is a reminder of the historic and enduring nature of this most basic of all rights, without which the others begin to pale and erode. Clause 14 defined what we have come to know as “Representative Government”, i.e. a common council or Parliament or in our case a Congress; and the principle of “no taxation without representation”. Clauses 17 through 32 are concerned with seizures, courts, prosecutions and officials like sheriffs and constables. Clause 33 directed that all weirs (i.e. fish traps) be removed from rivers except on the sea coast. This was to make rivers more efficient travel-ways for people and commerce. Clauses 34 through 45 speak of the rights of persons accused in courts as well as protections of merchants and the behavior and qualifications of those enforcing the law. The concept of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty was first inferred here. Clauses 47 and 48 reclaim all forests and riverbanks as property of landowners and all “evil customs are to be abolished completely and irrevocably”. No longer could the King or anyone other than the landowner cut wood or take game on the land of another. Clause 51 directs the removal of “all the foreign knights and their attendants”. Clauses 52 through 59 concern how you can only be deprived of lands, castles, liberties or rights with the lawful judgment of equals”. They also guarantee these rights to Welshmen while stating that, “No one shall be arrested or imprisoned on the appeal of a woman for the death of any person except her husband.” While the Charter was high-sounding in many regards, peasants or “villeins” remained under the jurisdiction of barons and the granting of these rights and EXT-18-2336-A-000031 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT guarantees to “all men” was neither contemplated or in all likelihood even imaginable at this time. So today the United States of America is governed by a Constitution that owes much to the Magna Carta. - The 1st Amendment authorizes the right “to petition the government for redress of grievances”. - The 4th Amendment forbids “unreasonable searches” and demands “no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause”. - The 5th Amendment forbids being tried “twice”; being “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”; and that it affirms the bedrock right, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” - The 6th Amendment guarantees a “speedy and public trial by an impartial jury”. - The 7th Amendment states, “the right of trial by jury shall be preserved”. - The 14th Amendment forbids the States from depriving “any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” You could say the US has come a long way in 800 years. For instance, we fought a great Civil War and gave all men equal rights; we gave women equal rights; and we became the most powerful and most desirable emigration object the world has ever known. You could say that but you would be wrong. Today, the President ignores the Constitution and many laws with impunity. The Congress (envisioned as a common council or Parliament) is made up of career politicians of two parties, each of which enables (differing only in speed) the nation’s shift into a monolithic central government that controls all aspects of daily life at the behest of the President like the bureaucrats of ancient Kings and recent foreign dictators. The Supreme Court actually adds words to legislation to make laws fit desired political goals while “discovering” “penumbras and emanations” authorizing things never imagined or considered, much less mentioned, by the authors of the Constitution. What the Constitution described as 3 branches of government (“checks and balances”) have regressed into one Washington monolithic ruling machine more like King John than George Washington. Governors are the closest things left in the US that could force Washington to some American Runnymeade to realign the debilitating power that is eroding the nation and its citizens, but that seems unlikely. The Jerry Browns and Daniel Malloys are typical of 1/3 of their fellow Governors in that they despise the Constitution, spend money like drunken sailors, and want to be just like the President when they grow up. Another third, like the Nixons and Hickenloopers are about as likely to do anything other than angle for federal money and tickle federal backs as a duck is to attack a fox. The last third, the Walkers and Pences are the fighters with Magna Carta/Constitution values EXT-18-2336-A-000032 VERSIGHT and the ones that give us hope. If not any of these, can a Dr. Carson or Donald Trump offer hope? I know not. Can we resolve? - Federal politicians that take an oath to uphold the Constitution and then work to destroy the Bill of Rights unilaterally outside prescribed processes? - A Supreme Court that is no more “blind” like that statue with the scale than Chicago politicians dividing up a budget? - Rogue agencies like EPA claiming jurisdiction over all waters of the US, barring the use of coal for power, closing the last lead smelter in the nation; a Forest Service that gobbles up more and more land to be closed down and left unmanaged; a US Fish and Wildlife Service that takes land not for a public use without compensation and has reinstituted the claims of King John and his predecessors over game and forests; and an IRS and DOJ that work to destroy political opponents of the President? - Laws granting race and sex preferences to government-designated groups much like King John had for Normans, Saxons, Welchmen, etc. - Enormous spending and debt? - Spending distortions and program anomalies like welfare increases at the expense of Defense capabilities in an increasingly dangerous world? - Private property being steadily swallowed up by a government that already owns or controls over half the nation? - Scandals like Fast and Furious and destruction of records by bureaucracies and politicians that go unpunished? Can we resolve these things and somehow restore what we have lost during the last century and are losing today at an accelerating pace? Remembering the Magna Carta and fairly judging US governance today, 800 years later, leads to only one conclusion. Where did we go wrong? How did this happen? How can we get back on the road to good governance that we once had and let slip away? Is it even possible, short of a rebellion like the ones that birthed the Magna Carta and the US Constitution? Jim Beers 8 July 2015 Jim Beers is a retired US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist, Special Agent, Refuge Manager, Wetlands Biologist, and Congressional Fellow. He was stationed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, and Washington DC. He also served as a US Navy Line Officer in the western Pacific and on Adak, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. He has worked for the Utah Fish & Game, Minneapolis Police Department, and as a Security Supervisor in Washington, DC. He testified three times before Congress; twice regarding the theft by the US Fish & Wildlife Service of $45 to 60 Million from State fish and wildlife funds and once in opposition to expanding Federal Invasive Species authority. He resides in Eagan, Minnesota with his wife of many decades. EXT-18-2336-A-000033 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-04T09:49:00-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . You may want to try N,Korea before you change the "CONSTITUTION". Received: 2017-07-04T09:49:17-04:00 350px-Le droit du Seigneur by Vasiliy Polenov.jpg There is a clear cut reason that Steve Bannon sits next to Donald Trump everyday... Watch Generation Zero and Understand that Robert T Fanning KNOWS about the fraud against the American People and is the Champion of the Forgotten Man. Send him to the US senate to get Montana's money back! Droit du Signeur, Jus Primae Noctis is the attitude that the USSC gust reflected to " We the people " with their ruling in favor of the Political class and the Deep State regarding your private property. Stand in defense of it or lose it. Today the asset class known as your waster. Set that precedent and they'll seize pensions next. " it's them or us." On Jul 4, 2017 7:26 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Remembering the Magna Carta (Written for a good friend in Montana) The 4th of July bunting on the porch has been put away and the house cleaned up after the celebration with friends: what better time to reread the Magna Carta and think about American governance on this, the 800th anniversary of The Magna Carta? In 1215 AD, King Henry III of England, a very unpopular King, met with a group of (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000034 rebel barons at Runnymeade, a wet-meadow on the S. Bank of the Thames River to make peace. In a matter of days they agreed to a “Great Charter” or Magna Carta that had been drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King signed the document (written in Latin in iron gall ink on parchment) that was copied by monks and distributed to the barons to be read to all Englishmen at Mass and in public squares. There are but a few of these copies still in existence. Though neither side upheld the agreement and subsequent Charters (1216, 1217, 1225, & 1297) came and went with current affairs, a certain statement of the limited powers of government (as in the King being subject to the law) and the rights of “free men” (barons) began working its way through history forming the Charters of the King for the 13 Colonies in America and eventually their bold Constitution defining the United State of America. Echoes of the barons’ oath to “liberty, Church and realm” can be traced to the ringing words in the Declaration of Independence that, “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary … to dissolve the political bands which have connected them” and “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”, as well as in the Preamble to the US Constitution that, “We the People of the United States, in order to… establish Justice, … and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish”. Of the 60 or so clauses in the Charter, half concerned immediate matters for the King and barons that disappeared quickly in subsequent charters. The first 8 clauses were protections for landowners from government abuse in everything from taxes to inheritances and the rights of widows and very young heirs. The fact that Property Rights were truly first and foremost is a reminder of the historic and enduring nature of this most basic of all rights, without which the others begin to pale and erode. Clause 14 defined what we have come to know as “Representative Government”, i.e. a common council or Parliament or in our case a Congress; and the principle of “no taxation without representation”. Clauses 17 through 32 are concerned with seizures, courts, prosecutions and officials like sheriffs and constables. Clause 33 directed that all weirs (i.e. fish traps) be removed from rivers except on the sea coast. This was to make rivers more efficient travel-ways for people and commerce. Clauses 34 through 45 speak of the rights of persons accused in courts as well as protections of merchants and the behavior and qualifications of those EXT-18-2336-A-000035 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT enforcing the law. The concept of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty was first inferred here. Clauses 47 and 48 reclaim all forests and riverbanks as property of landowners and all “evil customs are to be abolished completely and irrevocably”. No longer could the King or anyone other than the landowner cut wood or take game on the land of another. Clause 51 directs the removal of “all the foreign knights and their attendants”. Clauses 52 through 59 concern how you can only be deprived of lands, castles, liberties or rights with the lawful judgment of equals”. They also guarantee these rights to Welshmen while stating that, “No one shall be arrested or imprisoned on the appeal of a woman for the death of any person except her husband.” While the Charter was high-sounding in many regards, peasants or “villeins” remained under the jurisdiction of barons and the granting of these rights and guarantees to “all men” was neither contemplated or in all likelihood even imaginable at this time. So today the United States of America is governed by a Constitution that owes much to the Magna Carta. - The 1st Amendment authorizes the right “to petition the government for redress of grievances”. - The 4th Amendment forbids “unreasonable searches” and demands “no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause”. - The 5th Amendment forbids being tried “twice”; being “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”; and that it affirms the bedrock right, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” - The 6th Amendment guarantees a “speedy and public trial by an impartial jury”. - The 7th Amendment states, “the right of trial by jury shall be preserved”. - The 14th Amendment forbids the States from depriving “any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” You could say the US has come a long way in 800 years. For instance, we fought a great Civil War and gave all men equal rights; we gave women equal rights; and we became the most powerful and most desirable emigration object the world has ever known. You could say that but you would be wrong. Today, the President ignores the Constitution and many laws with impunity. The Congress (envisioned as a common council or Parliament) is made up of career politicians of two parties, each of which enables (differing only in speed) the nation’s shift into a monolithic central government that controls all EXT-18-2336-A-000036 VERSIGHT aspects of daily life at the behest of the President like the bureaucrats of ancient Kings and recent foreign dictators. The Supreme Court actually adds words to legislation to make laws fit desired political goals while “discovering” “penumbras and emanations” authorizing things never imagined or considered, much less mentioned, by the authors of the Constitution. What the Constitution described as 3 branches of government (“checks and balances”) have regressed into one Washington monolithic ruling machine more like King John than George Washington. Governors are the closest things left in the US that could force Washington to some American Runnymeade to realign the debilitating power that is eroding the nation and its citizens, but that seems unlikely. The Jerry Browns and Daniel Malloys are typical of 1/3 of their fellow Governors in that they despise the Constitution, spend money like drunken sailors, and want to be just like the President when they grow up. Another third, like the Nixons and Hickenloopers are about as likely to do anything other than angle for federal money and tickle federal backs as a duck is to attack a fox. The last third, the Walkers and Pences are the fighters with Magna Carta/Constitution values and the ones that give us hope. If not any of these, can a Dr. Carson or Donald Trump offer hope? I know not. Can we resolve? - Federal politicians that take an oath to uphold the Constitution and then work to destroy the Bill of Rights unilaterally outside prescribed processes? - A Supreme Court that is no more “blind” like that statue with the scale than Chicago politicians dividing up a budget? - Rogue agencies like EPA claiming jurisdiction over all waters of the US, barring the use of coal for power, closing the last lead smelter in the nation; a Forest Service that gobbles up more and more land to be closed down and left unmanaged; a US Fish and Wildlife Service that takes land not for a public use without compensation and has reinstituted the claims of King John and his predecessors over game and forests; and an IRS and DOJ that work to destroy political opponents of the President? - Laws granting race and sex preferences to government-designated groups much like King John had for Normans, Saxons, Welchmen, etc. - Enormous spending and debt? - Spending distortions and program anomalies like welfare increases at the expense of Defense capabilities in an increasingly dangerous world? - Private property being steadily swallowed up by a government that already owns or controls over half the nation? - Scandals like Fast and Furious and destruction of records by bureaucracies and politicians that go unpunished? Can we resolve these things and somehow restore what we have lost during the last century and are losing today at an accelerating pace? EXT-18-2336-A-000037 VERSIGHT Remembering the Magna Carta and fairly judging US governance today, 800 years later, leads to only one conclusion. Where did we go wrong? How did this happen? How can we get back on the road to good governance that we once had and let slip away? Is it even possible, short of a rebellion like the ones that birthed the Magna Carta and the US Constitution? Jim Beers 8 July 2015 Jim Beers is a retired US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist, Special Agent, Refuge Manager, Wetlands Biologist, and Congressional Fellow. He was stationed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, and Washington DC. He also served as a US Navy Line Officer in the western Pacific and on Adak, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. He has worked for the Utah Fish & Game, Minneapolis Police Department, and as a Security Supervisor in Washington, DC. He testified three times before Congress; twice regarding the theft by the US Fish & Wildlife Service of $45 to 60 Million from State fish and wildlife funds and once in opposition to expanding Federal Invasive Species authority. He resides in Eagan, Minnesota with his wife of many decades. EXT-18-2336-A-000038 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-04T11:53:09-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . You may want to try N,Korea before you change the "CONSTITUTION". Received: 2017-07-04T11:53:14-04:00 FB IMG 1499183243555.jpg On Jul 4, 2017 7:49 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: There is a clear cut reason that Steve Bannon sits next to Donald Trump everyday... Watch Generation Zero and Understand that Robert T Fanning KNOWS about the fraud against the American People and is the Champion of the Forgotten Man. Send him to the US senate to get Montana's money back! Droit du Signeur, Jus Primae Noctis is the attitude that the USSC gust reflected to " We the people " with their ruling in favor of the Political class and the Deep State regarding your private property. Stand in defense of it or lose it. Today the asset class known as your waster. Set that precedent and they'll seize pensions next. " it's them or us." On Jul 4, 2017 7:26 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Remembering the Magna Carta (Written for a good friend in Montana) The 4th of July bunting on the porch has been put away and the house cleaned up after the celebration with friends: what better time to reread the Magna Carta and think about American governance on this, the 800th anniversary of The Magna Carta? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000039 In 1215 AD, King Henry III of England, a very unpopular King, met with a group of rebel barons at Runnymeade, a wet-meadow on the S. Bank of the Thames River to make peace. In a matter of days they agreed to a “Great Charter” or Magna Carta that had been drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King signed the document (written in Latin in iron gall ink on parchment) that was copied by monks and distributed to the barons to be read to all Englishmen at Mass and in public squares. There are but a few of these copies still in existence. Though neither side upheld the agreement and subsequent Charters (1216, 1217, 1225, & 1297) came and went with current affairs, a certain statement of the limited powers of government (as in the King being subject to the law) and the rights of “free men” (barons) began working its way through history forming the Charters of the King for the 13 Colonies in America and eventually their bold Constitution defining the United State of America. Echoes of the barons’ oath to “liberty, Church and realm” can be traced to the ringing words in the Declaration of Independence that, “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary … to dissolve the political bands which have connected them” and “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”, as well as in the Preamble to the US Constitution that, “We the People of the United States, in order to… establish Justice, … and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish”. Of the 60 or so clauses in the Charter, half concerned immediate matters for the King and barons that disappeared quickly in subsequent charters. The first 8 clauses were protections for landowners from government abuse in everything from taxes to inheritances and the rights of widows and very young heirs. The fact that Property Rights were truly first and foremost is a reminder of the historic and enduring nature of this most basic of all rights, without which the others begin to pale and erode. Clause 14 defined what we have come to know as “Representative Government”, i.e. a common council or Parliament or in our case a Congress; and the principle of “no taxation without representation”. Clauses 17 through 32 are concerned with seizures, courts, prosecutions and officials like sheriffs and constables. Clause 33 directed that all weirs (i.e. fish traps) be removed from rivers except on the sea coast. This was to make rivers more efficient travel-ways for people and commerce. Clauses 34 through 45 speak of the rights of persons accused in courts as well as EXT-18-2336-A-000040 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT protections of merchants and the behavior and qualifications of those enforcing the law. The concept of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty was first inferred here. Clauses 47 and 48 reclaim all forests and riverbanks as property of landowners and all “evil customs are to be abolished completely and irrevocably”. No longer could the King or anyone other than the landowner cut wood or take game on the land of another. Clause 51 directs the removal of “all the foreign knights and their attendants”. Clauses 52 through 59 concern how you can only be deprived of lands, castles, liberties or rights with the lawful judgment of equals”. They also guarantee these rights to Welshmen while stating that, “No one shall be arrested or imprisoned on the appeal of a woman for the death of any person except her husband.” While the Charter was high-sounding in many regards, peasants or “villeins” remained under the jurisdiction of barons and the granting of these rights and guarantees to “all men” was neither contemplated or in all likelihood even imaginable at this time. So today the United States of America is governed by a Constitution that owes much to the Magna Carta. - The 1st Amendment authorizes the right “to petition the government for redress of grievances”. - The 4th Amendment forbids “unreasonable searches” and demands “no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause”. - The 5th Amendment forbids being tried “twice”; being “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”; and that it affirms the bedrock right, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” - The 6th Amendment guarantees a “speedy and public trial by an impartial jury”. - The 7th Amendment states, “the right of trial by jury shall be preserved”. - The 14th Amendment forbids the States from depriving “any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” You could say the US has come a long way in 800 years. For instance, we fought a great Civil War and gave all men equal rights; we gave women equal rights; and we became the most powerful and most desirable emigration object the world has ever known. You could say that but you would be wrong. Today, the President ignores the Constitution and many laws with impunity. EXT-18-2336-A-000041 VERSIGHT The Congress (envisioned as a common council or Parliament) is made up of career politicians of two parties, each of which enables (differing only in speed) the nation’s shift into a monolithic central government that controls all aspects of daily life at the behest of the President like the bureaucrats of ancient Kings and recent foreign dictators. The Supreme Court actually adds words to legislation to make laws fit desired political goals while “discovering” “penumbras and emanations” authorizing things never imagined or considered, much less mentioned, by the authors of the Constitution. What the Constitution described as 3 branches of government (“checks and balances”) have regressed into one Washington monolithic ruling machine more like King John than George Washington. Governors are the closest things left in the US that could force Washington to some American Runnymeade to realign the debilitating power that is eroding the nation and its citizens, but that seems unlikely. The Jerry Browns and Daniel Malloys are typical of 1/3 of their fellow Governors in that they despise the Constitution, spend money like drunken sailors, and want to be just like the President when they grow up. Another third, like the Nixons and Hickenloopers are about as likely to do anything other than angle for federal money and tickle federal backs as a duck is to attack a fox. The last third, the Walkers and Pences are the fighters with Magna Carta/Constitution values and the ones that give us hope. If not any of these, can a Dr. Carson or Donald Trump offer hope? I know not. Can we resolve? - Federal politicians that take an oath to uphold the Constitution and then work to destroy the Bill of Rights unilaterally outside prescribed processes? - A Supreme Court that is no more “blind” like that statue with the scale than Chicago politicians dividing up a budget? - Rogue agencies like EPA claiming jurisdiction over all waters of the US, barring the use of coal for power, closing the last lead smelter in the nation; a Forest Service that gobbles up more and more land to be closed down and left unmanaged; a US Fish and Wildlife Service that takes land not for a public use without compensation and has reinstituted the claims of King John and his predecessors over game and forests; and an IRS and DOJ that work to destroy political opponents of the President? - Laws granting race and sex preferences to government-designated groups much like King John had for Normans, Saxons, Welchmen, etc. - Enormous spending and debt? - Spending distortions and program anomalies like welfare increases at the expense of Defense capabilities in an increasingly dangerous world? - Private property being steadily swallowed up by a government that already owns or controls over half the nation? - Scandals like Fast and Furious and destruction of records by bureaucracies and politicians that go unpunished? EXT-18-2336-A-000042 VERSIGHT Can we resolve these things and somehow restore what we have lost during the last century and are losing today at an accelerating pace? Remembering the Magna Carta and fairly judging US governance today, 800 years later, leads to only one conclusion. Where did we go wrong? How did this happen? How can we get back on the road to good governance that we once had and let slip away? Is it even possible, short of a rebellion like the ones that birthed the Magna Carta and the US Constitution? Jim Beers 8 July 2015 Jim Beers is a retired US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist, Special Agent, Refuge Manager, Wetlands Biologist, and Congressional Fellow. He was stationed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, and Washington DC. He also served as a US Navy Line Officer in the western Pacific and on Adak, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. He has worked for the Utah Fish & Game, Minneapolis Police Department, and as a Security Supervisor in Washington, DC. He testified three times before Congress; twice regarding the theft by the US Fish & Wildlife Service of $45 to 60 Million from State fish and wildlife funds and once in opposition to expanding Federal Invasive Species authority. He resides in Eagan, Minnesota with his wife of many decades. EXT-18-2336-A-000043 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-04T15:19:37-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . You may want to try N,Korea before you change the "CONSTITUTION". Received: 2017-07-04T15:20:09-04:00 Montana Legislature Water Marketing.pdf Water Court Thompson Falls.pdf CSKT Letter handed out by Attorney Lloyd Ingraham 002.pdf jon metro.pdf Yellowstone River Casepdf.pdf pgs 1-2.pdf 1. Robert, Jean Turnage in 1985 new the value of the "WATER" an Attorney from Polson Mt. also a Tribal Member? His son worked at Kerr Dam? 2. Real suspicious how Montana Power and Washington Water Power had water court at Thompson Falls and the Flathead Irrigation Project did not file an objection??? 3. Things were going real smooth with help from Washington DC. 4. More help from the "Good OLD BOYS CLUB" in Helena MT., who would have thought that the Irrigation Districts were involved also? This is why the Project By Laws were changed in 1986. 5. And this Yellowstone River Case in 1992, Kerr Dam in the FERC Doc (1998) Produced the Grand Total in excess of 112,000,000 million dollars??? Montanas (use it or loose it attitude) maybe the 1972 prior rights, along with the 1889 Montana Constitution will be very useful. On Tuesday, July 4, 2017 7:49 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: There is a clear cut reason that Steve Bannon sits next to Donald Trump everyday... Watch Generation Zero and Understand that Robert T Fanning KNOWS about the fraud against the American People and is the Champion of the Forgotten Man. Send him to the US senate to get Montana's money back! Droit du Signeur, Jus Primae Noctis is the attitude that the USSC gust reflected to " We the people " with their ruling in favor of the Political class and the Deep State regarding (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Mike Horn (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000044 your private property. Stand in defense of it or lose it. Today the asset class known as your waster. Set that precedent and they'll seize pensions next. " it's them or us." On Jul 4, 2017 7:26 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Remembering the Magna Carta (Written for a good friend in Montana) The 4th of July bunting on the porch has been put away and the house cleaned up after the celebration with friends: what better time to reread the Magna Carta and think about American governance on this, the 800th anniversary of The Magna Carta? In 1215 AD, King Henry III of England, a very unpopular King, met with a group of rebel barons at Runnymeade, a wet-meadow on the S. Bank of the Thames River to make peace. In a matter of days they agreed to a “Great Charter” or Magna Carta that had been drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King signed the document (written in Latin in iron gall ink on parchment) that was copied by monks and distributed to the barons to be read to all Englishmen at Mass and in public squares. There are but a few of these copies still in existence. Though neither side upheld the agreement and subsequent Charters (1216, 1217, 1225, & 1297) came and went with current affairs, a certain statement of the limited powers of government (as in the King being subject to the law) and the rights of “free men” (barons) began working its way through history forming the Charters of the King for the 13 Colonies in America and eventually their bold Constitution defining the United State of America. Echoes of the barons’ oath to “liberty, Church and realm” can be traced to the ringing words in the Declaration of Independence that, “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary … to dissolve the political bands which have connected them” and “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”, as well as in the Preamble to the US Constitution that, “We the People of the United States, in order to… establish Justice, … and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish”. Of the 60 or so clauses in the Charter, half concerned immediate matters for the King and barons that disappeared quickly in subsequent charters. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000045 The first 8 clauses were protections for landowners from government abuse in everything from taxes to inheritances and the rights of widows and very young heirs. The fact that Property Rights were truly first and foremost is a reminder of the historic and enduring nature of this most basic of all rights, without which the others begin to pale and erode. Clause 14 defined what we have come to know as “Representative Government”, i.e. a common council or Parliament or in our case a Congress; and the principle of “no taxation without representation”. Clauses 17 through 32 are concerned with seizures, courts, prosecutions and officials like sheriffs and constables. Clause 33 directed that all weirs (i.e. fish traps) be removed from rivers except on the sea coast. This was to make rivers more efficient travel-ways for people and commerce. Clauses 34 through 45 speak of the rights of persons accused in courts as well as protections of merchants and the behavior and qualifications of those enforcing the law. The concept of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty was first inferred here. Clauses 47 and 48 reclaim all forests and riverbanks as property of landowners and all “evil customs are to be abolished completely and irrevocably”. No longer could the King or anyone other than the landowner cut wood or take game on the land of another. Clause 51 directs the removal of “all the foreign knights and their attendants”. Clauses 52 through 59 concern how you can only be deprived of lands, castles, liberties or rights with the lawful judgment of equals”. They also guarantee these rights to Welshmen while stating that, “No one shall be arrested or imprisoned on the appeal of a woman for the death of any person except her husband.” While the Charter was high-sounding in many regards, peasants or “villeins” remained under the jurisdiction of barons and the granting of these rights and guarantees to “all men” was neither contemplated or in all likelihood even imaginable at this time. So today the United States of America is governed by a Constitution that owes much to the Magna Carta. - The 1st Amendment authorizes the right “to petition the government for redress of grievances”. - The 4th Amendment forbids “unreasonable searches” and demands “no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause”. EXT-18-2336-A-000046 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT - The 5th Amendment forbids being tried “twice”; being “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”; and that it affirms the bedrock right, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” - The 6th Amendment guarantees a “speedy and public trial by an impartial jury”. - The 7th Amendment states, “the right of trial by jury shall be preserved”. - The 14th Amendment forbids the States from depriving “any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” You could say the US has come a long way in 800 years. For instance, we fought a great Civil War and gave all men equal rights; we gave women equal rights; and we became the most powerful and most desirable emigration object the world has ever known. You could say that but you would be wrong. Today, the President ignores the Constitution and many laws with impunity. The Congress (envisioned as a common council or Parliament) is made up of career politicians of two parties, each of which enables (differing only in speed) the nation’s shift into a monolithic central government that controls all aspects of daily life at the behest of the President like the bureaucrats of ancient Kings and recent foreign dictators. The Supreme Court actually adds words to legislation to make laws fit desired political goals while “discovering” “penumbras and emanations” authorizing things never imagined or considered, much less mentioned, by the authors of the Constitution. What the Constitution described as 3 branches of government (“checks and balances”) have regressed into one Washington monolithic ruling machine more like King John than George Washington. Governors are the closest things left in the US that could force Washington to some American Runnymeade to realign the debilitating power that is eroding the nation and its citizens, but that seems unlikely. The Jerry Browns and Daniel Malloys are typical of 1/3 of their fellow Governors in that they despise the Constitution, spend money like drunken sailors, and want to be just like the President when they grow up. Another third, like the Nixons and Hickenloopers are about as likely to do anything other than angle for federal money and tickle federal backs as a duck is to attack a fox. The last third, the Walkers and Pences are the fighters with Magna Carta/Constitution values and the ones that give us hope. If not any of these, can a Dr. Carson or Donald Trump offer hope? I know not. Can we resolve? - Federal politicians that take an oath to uphold the Constitution and then work to destroy the Bill of Rights unilaterally outside prescribed processes? - A Supreme Court that is no more “blind” like that statue with the scale than Chicago politicians dividing up a budget? - Rogue agencies like EPA claiming jurisdiction over all waters of the US, EXT-18-2336-A-000047 VERSIGHT barring the use of coal for power, closing the last lead smelter in the nation; a Forest Service that gobbles up more and more land to be closed down and left unmanaged; a US Fish and Wildlife Service that takes land not for a public use without compensation and has reinstituted the claims of King John and his predecessors over game and forests; and an IRS and DOJ that work to destroy political opponents of the President? - Laws granting race and sex preferences to government-designated groups much like King John had for Normans, Saxons, Welchmen, etc. - Enormous spending and debt? - Spending distortions and program anomalies like welfare increases at the expense of Defense capabilities in an increasingly dangerous world? - Private property being steadily swallowed up by a government that already owns or controls over half the nation? - Scandals like Fast and Furious and destruction of records by bureaucracies and politicians that go unpunished? Can we resolve these things and somehow restore what we have lost during the last century and are losing today at an accelerating pace? Remembering the Magna Carta and fairly judging US governance today, 800 years later, leads to only one conclusion. Where did we go wrong? How did this happen? How can we get back on the road to good governance that we once had and let slip away? Is it even possible, short of a rebellion like the ones that birthed the Magna Carta and the US Constitution? Jim Beers 8 July 2015 Jim Beers is a retired US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist, Special Agent, Refuge Manager, Wetlands Biologist, and Congressional Fellow. He was stationed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, and Washington DC. He also served as a US Navy Line Officer in the western Pacific and on Adak, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. He has worked for the Utah Fish & Game, Minneapolis Police Department, and as a Security Supervisor in Washington, DC. He testified three times before Congress; twice regarding the theft by the US Fish & Wildlife Service of $45 to 60 Million from State fish and wildlife funds and once in opposition to expanding Federal Invasive Species authority. He resides in Eagan, Minnesota with his wife of many decades. EXT-18-2336-A-000048 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-04T15:37:20-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . Received: 2017-07-04T15:37:28-04:00 FB IMG 1499183243555.jpg http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-senate-income-tax-hike-budget￾met-0705-20170704-story.html Deep State bureaucrats and the Political class won't be able to tax or steal their way out of this one after 9 years of ZIRP The actuarial Nell curve just fell off a cliff. Carrying a global derivatives book of $ 1.25 quadrillion for Goldman Sachs , JPM and the ISDA for 9 years brought down the system.......nd Jon Tester helped them do it. Lead is a precious metal. On Jul 4, 2017 1:19 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Robert, Jean Turnage in 1985 new the value of the "WATER" an Attorney from Polson Mt. also a Tribal Member? His son worked at Kerr Dam? 2. Real suspicious how Montana Power and Washington Water Power had water court at Thompson Falls and the Flathead Irrigation Project did not file an objection??? 3. Things were going real smooth with help from Washington DC. 4. More help from the "Good OLD BOYS CLUB" in Helena MT., who would have thought that the Irrigation Districts were involved also? This is why the Project By Laws were changed in 1986. 5. And this Yellowstone River Case in 1992, Kerr Dam in the FERC Doc (1998) Produced the Grand Total in excess of 112,000,000 million dollars??? Montanas (use it or loose it attitude) maybe the 1972 prior rights, along with the 1889 Montana Constitution will be very useful. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Mike Horn (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000049 On Tuesday, July 4, 2017 7:49 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: There is a clear cut reason that Steve Bannon sits next to Donald Trump everyday... Watch Generation Zero and Understand that Robert T Fanning KNOWS about the fraud against the American People and is the Champion of the Forgotten Man. Send him to the US senate to get Montana's money back! Droit du Signeur, Jus Primae Noctis is the attitude that the USSC gust reflected to " We the people " with their ruling in favor of the Political class and the Deep State regarding your private property. Stand in defense of it or lose it. Today the asset class known as your waster. Set that precedent and they'll seize pensions next. " it's them or us." On Jul 4, 2017 7:26 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Remembering the Magna Carta (Written for a good friend in Montana) The 4th of July bunting on the porch has been put away and the house cleaned up after the celebration with friends: what better time to reread the Magna Carta and think about American governance on this, the 800th anniversary of The Magna Carta? In 1215 AD, King Henry III of England, a very unpopular King, met with a group of rebel barons at Runnymeade, a wet-meadow on the S. Bank of the Thames River to make peace. In a matter of days they agreed to a “Great Charter” or Magna Carta that had been drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King signed the document (written in Latin in iron gall ink on parchment) that was copied by monks and distributed to the barons to be read to all Englishmen at Mass and in public squares. There are but a few of these copies still in existence. Though neither side upheld the agreement and subsequent Charters (1216, 1217, 1225, & 1297) came and went with current affairs, a certain statement of the limited powers of government (as in the King being subject to the law) and the rights of “free men” (barons) began working its way through history forming the Charters of the King for the 13 Colonies in America and eventually their bold Constitution defining the United State of America. Echoes of the barons’ oath to “liberty, Church and realm” can be traced to the ringing words in the Declaration of Independence that, “When in the Course (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000050 of human events it becomes necessary … to dissolve the political bands which have connected them” and “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”, as well as in the Preamble to the US Constitution that, “We the People of the United States, in order to… establish Justice, … and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish”. Of the 60 or so clauses in the Charter, half concerned immediate matters for the King and barons that disappeared quickly in subsequent charters. The first 8 clauses were protections for landowners from government abuse in everything from taxes to inheritances and the rights of widows and very young heirs. The fact that Property Rights were truly first and foremost is a reminder of the historic and enduring nature of this most basic of all rights, without which the others begin to pale and erode. Clause 14 defined what we have come to know as “Representative Government”, i.e. a common council or Parliament or in our case a Congress; and the principle of “no taxation without representation”. Clauses 17 through 32 are concerned with seizures, courts, prosecutions and officials like sheriffs and constables. Clause 33 directed that all weirs (i.e. fish traps) be removed from rivers except on the sea coast. This was to make rivers more efficient travel-ways for people and commerce. Clauses 34 through 45 speak of the rights of persons accused in courts as well as protections of merchants and the behavior and qualifications of those enforcing the law. The concept of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty was first inferred here. Clauses 47 and 48 reclaim all forests and riverbanks as property of landowners and all “evil customs are to be abolished completely and irrevocably”. No longer could the King or anyone other than the landowner cut wood or take game on the land of another. Clause 51 directs the removal of “all the foreign knights and their attendants”. Clauses 52 through 59 concern how you can only be deprived of lands, castles, liberties or rights with the lawful judgment of equals”. They also guarantee these rights to Welshmen while stating that, “No one shall be arrested or imprisoned on the appeal of a woman for the death of any person except her husband.” EXT-18-2336-A-000051 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT While the Charter was high-sounding in many regards, peasants or “villeins” remained under the jurisdiction of barons and the granting of these rights and guarantees to “all men” was neither contemplated or in all likelihood even imaginable at this time. So today the United States of America is governed by a Constitution that owes much to the Magna Carta. - The 1st Amendment authorizes the right “to petition the government for redress of grievances”. - The 4th Amendment forbids “unreasonable searches” and demands “no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause”. - The 5th Amendment forbids being tried “twice”; being “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”; and that it affirms the bedrock right, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” - The 6th Amendment guarantees a “speedy and public trial by an impartial jury”. - The 7th Amendment states, “the right of trial by jury shall be preserved”. - The 14th Amendment forbids the States from depriving “any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” You could say the US has come a long way in 800 years. For instance, we fought a great Civil War and gave all men equal rights; we gave women equal rights; and we became the most powerful and most desirable emigration object the world has ever known. You could say that but you would be wrong. Today, the President ignores the Constitution and many laws with impunity. The Congress (envisioned as a common council or Parliament) is made up of career politicians of two parties, each of which enables (differing only in speed) the nation’s shift into a monolithic central government that controls all aspects of daily life at the behest of the President like the bureaucrats of ancient Kings and recent foreign dictators. The Supreme Court actually adds words to legislation to make laws fit desired political goals while “discovering” “penumbras and emanations” authorizing things never imagined or considered, much less mentioned, by the authors of the Constitution. What the Constitution described as 3 branches of government (“checks and balances”) have regressed into one Washington monolithic ruling machine more like King John than George Washington. Governors are the closest things left in the US that could force Washington to some American Runnymeade to realign the debilitating power that is eroding the nation and its citizens, but that seems unlikely. The Jerry Browns and Daniel Malloys are typical of 1/3 of their fellow Governors in that they despise the Constitution, spend money like drunken sailors, and want to be EXT-18-2336-A-000052 VERSIGHT just like the President when they grow up. Another third, like the Nixons and Hickenloopers are about as likely to do anything other than angle for federal money and tickle federal backs as a duck is to attack a fox. The last third, the Walkers and Pences are the fighters with Magna Carta/Constitution values and the ones that give us hope. If not any of these, can a Dr. Carson or Donald Trump offer hope? I know not. Can we resolve? - Federal politicians that take an oath to uphold the Constitution and then work to destroy the Bill of Rights unilaterally outside prescribed processes? - A Supreme Court that is no more “blind” like that statue with the scale than Chicago politicians dividing up a budget? - Rogue agencies like EPA claiming jurisdiction over all waters of the US, barring the use of coal for power, closing the last lead smelter in the nation; a Forest Service that gobbles up more and more land to be closed down and left unmanaged; a US Fish and Wildlife Service that takes land not for a public use without compensation and has reinstituted the claims of King John and his predecessors over game and forests; and an IRS and DOJ that work to destroy political opponents of the President? - Laws granting race and sex preferences to government-designated groups much like King John had for Normans, Saxons, Welchmen, etc. - Enormous spending and debt? - Spending distortions and program anomalies like welfare increases at the expense of Defense capabilities in an increasingly dangerous world? - Private property being steadily swallowed up by a government that already owns or controls over half the nation? - Scandals like Fast and Furious and destruction of records by bureaucracies and politicians that go unpunished? Can we resolve these things and somehow restore what we have lost during the last century and are losing today at an accelerating pace? Remembering the Magna Carta and fairly judging US governance today, 800 years later, leads to only one conclusion. Where did we go wrong? How did this happen? How can we get back on the road to good governance that we once had and let slip away? Is it even possible, short of a rebellion like the ones that birthed the Magna Carta and the US Constitution? Jim Beers 8 July 2015 Jim Beers is a retired US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist, Special Agent, Refuge Manager, Wetlands Biologist, and Congressional Fellow. He was stationed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, and Washington DC. He also served as a US Navy Line Officer in the western Pacific and on Adak, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. He has worked for the Utah Fish & Game, Minneapolis Police Department, and as a Security Supervisor in Washington, DC. He testified three times before Congress; twice regarding the theft by the US Fish & Wildlife Service of $45 to 60 Million EXT-18-2336-A-000053 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT from State fish and wildlife funds and once in opposition to expanding Federal Invasive Species authority. He resides in Eagan, Minnesota with his wife of many decades. EXT-18-2336-A-000054 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-05T13:08:19-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . You may want to try N,Korea before you change the "CONSTITUTION". Received: 2017-07-05T13:08:29-04:00 https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/sovereign-debt-crisis/just-give-the￾government-your-money-shut-up/ " just shut up and give the government your money " https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/sovereign-debt-crisis/just-give-the￾government-your-money-shut-up/ On Jul 4, 2017 7:26 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Remembering the Magna Carta (Written for a good friend in Montana) The 4th of July bunting on the porch has been put away and the house cleaned up after the celebration with friends: what better time to reread the Magna Carta and think about American governance on this, the 800th anniversary of The Magna Carta? In 1215 AD, King Henry III of England, a very unpopular King, met with a group of rebel barons at Runnymeade, a wet-meadow on the S. Bank of the Thames River to make peace. In a matter of days they agreed to a “Great Charter” or Magna Carta that had been drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King signed the document (written in Latin in iron gall ink on parchment) that was copied by monks and distributed to the barons to be read to all Englishmen at Mass and in public squares. There are but a few of these copies still in existence. Though neither side upheld the agreement and subsequent Charters (1216, 1217, 1225, & 1297) came and went with current (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000055 affairs, a certain statement of the limited powers of government (as in the King being subject to the law) and the rights of “free men” (barons) began working its way through history forming the Charters of the King for the 13 Colonies in America and eventually their bold Constitution defining the United State of America. Echoes of the barons’ oath to “liberty, Church and realm” can be traced to the ringing words in the Declaration of Independence that, “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary … to dissolve the political bands which have connected them” and “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”, as well as in the Preamble to the US Constitution that, “We the People of the United States, in order to… establish Justice, … and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish”. Of the 60 or so clauses in the Charter, half concerned immediate matters for the King and barons that disappeared quickly in subsequent charters. The first 8 clauses were protections for landowners from government abuse in everything from taxes to inheritances and the rights of widows and very young heirs. The fact that Property Rights were truly first and foremost is a reminder of the historic and enduring nature of this most basic of all rights, without which the others begin to pale and erode. Clause 14 defined what we have come to know as “Representative Government”, i.e. a common council or Parliament or in our case a Congress; and the principle of “no taxation without representation”. Clauses 17 through 32 are concerned with seizures, courts, prosecutions and officials like sheriffs and constables. Clause 33 directed that all weirs (i.e. fish traps) be removed from rivers except on the sea coast. This was to make rivers more efficient travel-ways for people and commerce. Clauses 34 through 45 speak of the rights of persons accused in courts as well as protections of merchants and the behavior and qualifications of those enforcing the law. The concept of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty was first inferred here. Clauses 47 and 48 reclaim all forests and riverbanks as property of landowners and all “evil customs are to be abolished completely and irrevocably”. No longer could the King or anyone other than the landowner cut wood or take game on the land of another. Clause 51 directs the removal of “all the foreign knights and their attendants”. EXT-18-2336-A-000056 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT Clauses 52 through 59 concern how you can only be deprived of lands, castles, liberties or rights with the lawful judgment of equals”. They also guarantee these rights to Welshmen while stating that, “No one shall be arrested or imprisoned on the appeal of a woman for the death of any person except her husband.” While the Charter was high-sounding in many regards, peasants or “villeins” remained under the jurisdiction of barons and the granting of these rights and guarantees to “all men” was neither contemplated or in all likelihood even imaginable at this time. So today the United States of America is governed by a Constitution that owes much to the Magna Carta. - The 1st Amendment authorizes the right “to petition the government for redress of grievances”. - The 4th Amendment forbids “unreasonable searches” and demands “no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause”. - The 5th Amendment forbids being tried “twice”; being “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”; and that it affirms the bedrock right, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” - The 6th Amendment guarantees a “speedy and public trial by an impartial jury”. - The 7th Amendment states, “the right of trial by jury shall be preserved”. - The 14th Amendment forbids the States from depriving “any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” You could say the US has come a long way in 800 years. For instance, we fought a great Civil War and gave all men equal rights; we gave women equal rights; and we became the most powerful and most desirable emigration object the world has ever known. You could say that but you would be wrong. Today, the President ignores the Constitution and many laws with impunity. The Congress (envisioned as a common council or Parliament) is made up of career politicians of two parties, each of which enables (differing only in speed) the nation’s shift into a monolithic central government that controls all aspects of daily life at the behest of the President like the bureaucrats of ancient Kings and recent foreign dictators. The Supreme Court actually adds words to legislation to make laws fit desired political goals while “discovering” “penumbras and emanations” authorizing things never imagined or considered, much less mentioned, by the authors of the Constitution. What the Constitution described as 3 branches of government (“checks and balances”) have regressed into one Washington monolithic ruling machine more like King John than George Washington. EXT-18-2336-A-000057 VERSIGHT Governors are the closest things left in the US that could force Washington to some American Runnymeade to realign the debilitating power that is eroding the nation and its citizens, but that seems unlikely. The Jerry Browns and Daniel Malloys are typical of 1/3 of their fellow Governors in that they despise the Constitution, spend money like drunken sailors, and want to be just like the President when they grow up. Another third, like the Nixons and Hickenloopers are about as likely to do anything other than angle for federal money and tickle federal backs as a duck is to attack a fox. The last third, the Walkers and Pences are the fighters with Magna Carta/Constitution values and the ones that give us hope. If not any of these, can a Dr. Carson or Donald Trump offer hope? I know not. Can we resolve? - Federal politicians that take an oath to uphold the Constitution and then work to destroy the Bill of Rights unilaterally outside prescribed processes? - A Supreme Court that is no more “blind” like that statue with the scale than Chicago politicians dividing up a budget? - Rogue agencies like EPA claiming jurisdiction over all waters of the US, barring the use of coal for power, closing the last lead smelter in the nation; a Forest Service that gobbles up more and more land to be closed down and left unmanaged; a US Fish and Wildlife Service that takes land not for a public use without compensation and has reinstituted the claims of King John and his predecessors over game and forests; and an IRS and DOJ that work to destroy political opponents of the President? - Laws granting race and sex preferences to government-designated groups much like King John had for Normans, Saxons, Welchmen, etc. - Enormous spending and debt? - Spending distortions and program anomalies like welfare increases at the expense of Defense capabilities in an increasingly dangerous world? - Private property being steadily swallowed up by a government that already owns or controls over half the nation? - Scandals like Fast and Furious and destruction of records by bureaucracies and politicians that go unpunished? Can we resolve these things and somehow restore what we have lost during the last century and are losing today at an accelerating pace? Remembering the Magna Carta and fairly judging US governance today, 800 years later, leads to only one conclusion. Where did we go wrong? How did this happen? How can we get back on the road to good governance that we once had and let slip away? Is it even possible, short of a rebellion like the ones that birthed the Magna Carta and the US Constitution? Jim Beers 8 July 2015 Jim Beers is a retired US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist, Special Agent, Refuge Manager, Wetlands Biologist, and Congressional Fellow. He EXT-18-2336-A-000058 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT was stationed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, and Washington DC. He also served as a US Navy Line Officer in the western Pacific and on Adak, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. He has worked for the Utah Fish & Game, Minneapolis Police Department, and as a Security Supervisor in Washington, DC. He testified three times before Congress; twice regarding the theft by the US Fish & Wildlife Service of $45 to 60 Million from State fish and wildlife funds and once in opposition to expanding Federal Invasive Species authority. He resides in Eagan, Minnesota with his wife of many decades. EXT-18-2336-A-000059 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Roger Starkel[ ] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-05T16:47:20-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . You may want to try N,Korea before you change the "CONSTITUTION". Received: 2017-07-05T16:47:37-04:00 April 1 1952.pdf Kerr Dam Conveance.pdf 1. Robert looks like Chas, Steve and Vernon may not have been the the only folks caught stealing for the Government? In 1920 the Secretary of Interior allowed the Copper Kings to file on the 5 dam sites and 2,000,000 miners inches of water at the same locations that were already located by the Government Engineers. This document proves the Government and Attorneys need this for their retirement checks. 2. Mikkelsen may have forgotten about the Flathead Water Users Ass. or did he steal their water also. On Wednesday, July 5, 2017 11:08 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/sovereign-debt-crisis/just-give-the￾government-your-money-shut-up/ " just shut up and give the government your money " https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/sovereign-debt-crisis/just-give-the￾government-your-money-shut-up/ On Jul 4, 2017 7:26 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Remembering the Magna Carta (Written for a good friend in Montana) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000060 The 4th of July bunting on the porch has been put away and the house cleaned up after the celebration with friends: what better time to reread the Magna Carta and think about American governance on this, the 800th anniversary of The Magna Carta? In 1215 AD, King Henry III of England, a very unpopular King, met with a group of rebel barons at Runnymeade, a wet-meadow on the S. Bank of the Thames River to make peace. In a matter of days they agreed to a “Great Charter” or Magna Carta that had been drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King signed the document (written in Latin in iron gall ink on parchment) that was copied by monks and distributed to the barons to be read to all Englishmen at Mass and in public squares. There are but a few of these copies still in existence. Though neither side upheld the agreement and subsequent Charters (1216, 1217, 1225, & 1297) came and went with current affairs, a certain statement of the limited powers of government (as in the King being subject to the law) and the rights of “free men” (barons) began working its way through history forming the Charters of the King for the 13 Colonies in America and eventually their bold Constitution defining the United State of America. Echoes of the barons’ oath to “liberty, Church and realm” can be traced to the ringing words in the Declaration of Independence that, “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary … to dissolve the political bands which have connected them” and “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”, as well as in the Preamble to the US Constitution that, “We the People of the United States, in order to… establish Justice, … and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish”. Of the 60 or so clauses in the Charter, half concerned immediate matters for the King and barons that disappeared quickly in subsequent charters. The first 8 clauses were protections for landowners from government abuse in everything from taxes to inheritances and the rights of widows and very young heirs. The fact that Property Rights were truly first and foremost is a reminder of the historic and enduring nature of this most basic of all rights, without which the others begin to pale and erode. Clause 14 defined what we have come to know as “Representative Government”, i.e. a common council or Parliament or in our case a Congress; and the principle of “no taxation without representation”. Clauses 17 through 32 are concerned with seizures, courts, prosecutions and officials like sheriffs and constables. EXT-18-2336-A-000061 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT Clause 33 directed that all weirs (i.e. fish traps) be removed from rivers except on the sea coast. This was to make rivers more efficient travel-ways for people and commerce. Clauses 34 through 45 speak of the rights of persons accused in courts as well as protections of merchants and the behavior and qualifications of those enforcing the law. The concept of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty was first inferred here. Clauses 47 and 48 reclaim all forests and riverbanks as property of landowners and all “evil customs are to be abolished completely and irrevocably”. No longer could the King or anyone other than the landowner cut wood or take game on the land of another. Clause 51 directs the removal of “all the foreign knights and their attendants”. Clauses 52 through 59 concern how you can only be deprived of lands, castles, liberties or rights with the lawful judgment of equals”. They also guarantee these rights to Welshmen while stating that, “No one shall be arrested or imprisoned on the appeal of a woman for the death of any person except her husband.” While the Charter was high-sounding in many regards, peasants or “villeins” remained under the jurisdiction of barons and the granting of these rights and guarantees to “all men” was neither contemplated or in all likelihood even imaginable at this time. So today the United States of America is governed by a Constitution that owes much to the Magna Carta. - The 1st Amendment authorizes the right “to petition the government for redress of grievances”. - The 4th Amendment forbids “unreasonable searches” and demands “no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause”. - The 5th Amendment forbids being tried “twice”; being “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”; and that it affirms the bedrock right, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” - The 6th Amendment guarantees a “speedy and public trial by an impartial jury”. - The 7th Amendment states, “the right of trial by jury shall be preserved”. - The 14th Amendment forbids the States from depriving “any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” You could say the US has come a long way in 800 years. For instance, we fought a great Civil War and gave all men equal rights; we gave women equal rights; and we became the most powerful and most desirable emigration object the world has ever known. You could say that but you would be wrong. EXT-18-2336-A-000062 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT Today, the President ignores the Constitution and many laws with impunity. The Congress (envisioned as a common council or Parliament) is made up of career politicians of two parties, each of which enables (differing only in speed) the nation’s shift into a monolithic central government that controls all aspects of daily life at the behest of the President like the bureaucrats of ancient Kings and recent foreign dictators. The Supreme Court actually adds words to legislation to make laws fit desired political goals while “discovering” “penumbras and emanations” authorizing things never imagined or considered, much less mentioned, by the authors of the Constitution. What the Constitution described as 3 branches of government (“checks and balances”) have regressed into one Washington monolithic ruling machine more like King John than George Washington. Governors are the closest things left in the US that could force Washington to some American Runnymeade to realign the debilitating power that is eroding the nation and its citizens, but that seems unlikely. The Jerry Browns and Daniel Malloys are typical of 1/3 of their fellow Governors in that they despise the Constitution, spend money like drunken sailors, and want to be just like the President when they grow up. Another third, like the Nixons and Hickenloopers are about as likely to do anything other than angle for federal money and tickle federal backs as a duck is to attack a fox. The last third, the Walkers and Pences are the fighters with Magna Carta/Constitution values and the ones that give us hope. If not any of these, can a Dr. Carson or Donald Trump offer hope? I know not. Can we resolve? - Federal politicians that take an oath to uphold the Constitution and then work to destroy the Bill of Rights unilaterally outside prescribed processes? - A Supreme Court that is no more “blind” like that statue with the scale than Chicago politicians dividing up a budget? - Rogue agencies like EPA claiming jurisdiction over all waters of the US, barring the use of coal for power, closing the last lead smelter in the nation; a Forest Service that gobbles up more and more land to be closed down and left unmanaged; a US Fish and Wildlife Service that takes land not for a public use without compensation and has reinstituted the claims of King John and his predecessors over game and forests; and an IRS and DOJ that work to destroy political opponents of the President? - Laws granting race and sex preferences to government-designated groups much like King John had for Normans, Saxons, Welchmen, etc. - Enormous spending and debt? - Spending distortions and program anomalies like welfare increases at the expense of Defense capabilities in an increasingly dangerous world? - Private property being steadily swallowed up by a government that already owns or controls over half the nation? - Scandals like Fast and Furious and destruction of records by bureaucracies and politicians that go unpunished? EXT-18-2336-A-000063 VERSIGHT Can we resolve these things and somehow restore what we have lost during the last century and are losing today at an accelerating pace? Remembering the Magna Carta and fairly judging US governance today, 800 years later, leads to only one conclusion. Where did we go wrong? How did this happen? How can we get back on the road to good governance that we once had and let slip away? Is it even possible, short of a rebellion like the ones that birthed the Magna Carta and the US Constitution? Jim Beers 8 July 2015 Jim Beers is a retired US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist, Special Agent, Refuge Manager, Wetlands Biologist, and Congressional Fellow. He was stationed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, and Washington DC. He also served as a US Navy Line Officer in the western Pacific and on Adak, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. He has worked for the Utah Fish & Game, Minneapolis Police Department, and as a Security Supervisor in Washington, DC. He testified three times before Congress; twice regarding the theft by the US Fish & Wildlife Service of $45 to 60 Million from State fish and wildlife funds and once in opposition to expanding Federal Invasive Species authority. He resides in Eagan, Minnesota with his wife of many decades. EXT-18-2336-A-000064 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-05T19:46:17-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . You may want to try N,Korea before you change the "CONSTITUTION". Received: 2017-07-05T19:46:22-04:00 Rescuing " The Forgotten Man " from Banksters, bureaucrats , political whores and common thieves posing as ideologues.....all who are scam artists. Right Bag man Cory Swanson? https://youtu.be/KBXHzu85BxE The movie that got Trump elected and will save his ass from the Deep State and advance his agenda. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000065 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-06T07:59:34-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . You may want to try N,Korea before you change the "CONSTITUTION". Received: 2017-07-06T07:59:46-04:00 Lands on the Former Flathead Reservation.pdf 1. (SCAM) April 11, 2015 Montana State Legislature, we won they had to bribe the freshman legislator from Great Falls in order change the rules of "LAW". 2. (SCAM) Intimidate land owners with the word "RACIST". 3. (SCAM) In 1927 (LEON TROTSKY) invented the word racism to intimidate anyone that disagreed with "COMMUNISM". 4. (SCAM) Reinvent the Reservation, and enter a "TREATY" on Reservation that doesn't exist? On Wednesday, July 5, 2017 5:46 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Rescuing " The Forgotten Man " from Banksters, bureaucrats , political whores and common thieves posing as ideologues.....all who are scam artists. Right Bag man Cory Swanson? https://youtu.be/KBXHzu85BxE The movie that got Trump elected and will save his ass from the Deep State and advance his agenda. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000066 To: Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov] Cc: SteveFitzpatrickHD20[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ]; Jack Horner ]; Curt Rosman ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-06T09:14:39-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Alan we are really confused again. Received: 2017-07-06T09:15:04-04:00 Government Enterprises for the war effort..pdf Alan ammending water appropriations.pdf Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000067 EXT-18-2336-A-000068 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-06T09:23:11-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Thanks to Robert Fanning 4th of JULY 2017 . You may want to try N,Korea before you change the "CONSTITUTION". Received: 2017-07-06T09:23:14-04:00 Gene, Looks like " Flathead Reservation " is just language deception for a beach & lake development community. On Jul 6, 2017 5:59 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. (SCAM) April 11, 2015 Montana State Legislature, we won they had to bribe the freshman legislator from Great Falls in order change the rules of "LAW". 2. (SCAM) Intimidate land owners with the word "RACIST". 3. (SCAM) In 1927 (LEON TROTSKY) invented the word racism to intimidate anyone that disagreed with "COMMUNISM". 4. (SCAM) Reinvent the Reservation, and enter a "TREATY" on Reservation that doesn't exist? On Wednesday, July 5, 2017 5:46 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Rescuing " The Forgotten Man " from Banksters, bureaucrats , political whores and common thieves posing as ideologues.....all who are scam artists. Right Bag man Cory Swanson? https://youtu.be/KBXHzu85BxE The movie that got Trump elected and will save his ass from the Deep State and advance his agenda. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000069 EXT-18-2336-A-000070 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-06T10:02:49-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Alan we are really confused again. Received: 2017-07-06T10:02:57-04:00 http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/falsifying-documents.html 5 years On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000071 Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. EXT-18-2336-A-000072 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-06T12:33:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Illinois defaulting is imminent Received: 2017-07-06T12:33:55-04:00 The DEEP STATE is at war with the people and will come after everything that isn't nailed down to protect their own pensions. https://westernrifleshooters.wordpress.com/2017/07/06/schlichter-we-should-welcome-cnns￾ritual-suicide/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000073 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000074 To: Gene Erb[ ]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Clarice Ryan Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com] Cc: MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-06T12:54:36-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-06T12:55:55-04:00 Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21-style-land￾grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000075 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000076 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Clarice Ryan Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com] Cc: MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-06T14:12:01-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-06T14:12:21-04:00 Constitution and Bylaws of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation.pdf 1.This case is now being "TRIED" in the Court of Public Opinion. 2. Look at this resurrection of the Flathead Reservation by the Secretary of Interior. There was already a Constitution in place under Local Laws? With a 60% vote of the Land Owners. On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000077 On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000078 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-06T15:08:56-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-06T15:09:06-04:00 Go Irish !!! On Jul 6, 2017 12:12 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1.This case is now being "TRIED" in the Court of Public Opinion. 2. Look at this resurrection of the Flathead Reservation by the Secretary of Interior. There was already a Constitution in place under Local Laws? With a 60% vote of the Land Owners. On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000079 of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000080 To: Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-07T11:01:08-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-07T11:01:34-04:00 Bureau of Indian Affairs an application .pdf Alan Mikkelson (Contractor).pdf Alans Letter to the DNRC.pdf jon metro.pdf 1. General Land Acquisition Program for Congress with many paid accomplices. 2. It doesn't matter folks if you own Tribal Trust or Fee Patent lands they are stealing it "All". 3. USA in Trust or (DNRC) Rentals Oh sorry Leases. 4. Are any of these documents listed on the Audit? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 1:09 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Go Irish !!! On Jul 6, 2017 12:12 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1.This case is now being "TRIED" in the Court of Public Opinion. 2. Look at this resurrection of the Flathead Reservation by the Secretary of Interior. There was already a Constitution in place under Local Laws? With a 60% vote of the Land Owners. On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000081 Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000082 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Clarice Ryan Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com] Cc: MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-07T11:52:31-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-07T11:52:53-04:00 Leases of right of way.pdf Untitled.PDF - Adobe Acrobat Pro.pdf When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000083 Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000084 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-07T13:17:05-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-07T13:17:11-04:00 All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000085 Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/ (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000086 On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000087 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Rya Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-10T09:10:35-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-10T09:10:48-04:00 FJBC By-Laws.pdf Montana Law prior to 1973 from the 1935 Code.pdf DNRC Water Rights Pg 43.pdf 1. Robert you are 100% on the mark, take a look at the transfer of ownership of the Irrigation Districts to the (FJBC) 1986? Looking for their petition and signature's from 75% of the landowners along with the signature of the Secretary of Interior and the (ORDER) of the Court? 2. Here we have a few pages from Montana Code 1935 very clear how the Districts are to be Dissolved all over the State of Montana. To date we have not received any tender from the (FJBC) or Secretary of the Interior, as the Law permits. On the 3rd page you will find the Penalty Section 7126 as we discussed? 3. Look how the Governors and Attorney Generals have instructed or used the (DNRC) to steal a very valuable Property Right from the Private Citizens from the States in the West. On Friday, July 7, 2017 11:17 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000088 That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? EXT-18-2336-A-000089 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000090 EXT-18-2336-A-000091 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ]; Mike Horn ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ]; Jack Horner ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-10T10:11:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-10T10:12:02-04:00 Gene, Your time is valuable. So is mine. You have dedicated 5 years of your life archiving these documents , which are now primary evidence for the forensic auditors to discuss with us when we meet with Montana Academia down here in Bozeman. I have worked with fine academics over there at MSU since I got involved with the wolf issue back in 1999. Montana law requires the study. University policy and its mission statement requires the study's. Koch grants have paid in advance for the studies. Graduate school personnel are in place to conduct these studies. We also have an expert who has testified in the past to the United States Senate about water, hydro electricity, security, and the finances associated with all of this. Bring her with us when we meet with Academia too. She can help supervise the forensic auditors using the primary EVIDENCE that you have compiled for the file over the past 5 years. Those who have engineered water related outcomes since 1980 should now be exposed and held a account. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000092 Which officer of the Court wants to go with you and me as we discuss this with the Deans at Montana State University so we can put 20 graduate students to work and obey the instructions of the federal D.C. judge.??? Let's get formal peer reviewed science to quantify this harm all the way back to 1915. Looks like the 'Tater Kings became 'Tater Kings with stolen water. Looks like stealing water is the national past time up there. A videographer might be appropriate in ligh of the fact that researchers might quantify the harm done since 1915 May total in the many billion$. Regardless......the people of Montana and the 17 states downstream from them have a right to know how much was stolen from them in the past before they turn an entire asset class over to the same thieves. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21-style-land￾grab/ On Jul 10, 2017 7:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Robert you are 100% on the mark, take a look at the transfer of ownership of the Irrigation Districts to the (FJBC) 1986? Looking for their petition and signature's from 75% of the landowners along with the signature of the Secretary of Interior and the (ORDER) of the Court? 2. Here we have a few pages from Montana Code 1935 very clear how the Districts are to be Dissolved all over the State of Montana. To date we have not received any tender from the (FJBC) or Secretary of the Interior, as the Law permits. On the 3rd page you will find the Penalty Section 7126 as we discussed? 3. Look how the Governors and Attorney Generals have instructed or used the (DNRC) to steal a very valuable Property Right from the Private Citizens from the States in the West. On Friday, July 7, 2017 11:17 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000093 The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " EXT-18-2336-A-000094 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000095 EXT-18-2336-A-000096 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Boulton, Caroline[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Ryan Zinke ] From: Ed Hagerty Sent: 2017-07-10T12:09:32-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Possible meeting times Received: 2017-07-10T12:10:01-04:00 Caroline, I hope this note finds you well. I am also hoping you have received my past notes and scheduling thoughts for a meeting with Secretary ZInke. If scheduling is tough for the balance of July, please let me know. I can work with Angelo and his people to possibly push this meeting to mid August or mid September. Any and all communication back will be greatly appreciated. Warmly, ED HAGERTY (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000097 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Mike Horn ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ]; Jack Horner ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-10T15:30:35-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-10T15:30:59-04:00 Where did this come from.pdf 2013.10-22. Letter to commissioners from Supporters of compact.pdf 1. As these letters were sent to Board members of the Western Montana Water Users by someone that left no return address how covenant is that??? You will see that the "Good Old Boys Club" Attorney Jon was receiving 12,000 per month those warrants would show up at the Lake County Auditors Office. Then if we have the Letters from the (FJBC) Water Rights Committee, re appropriating water rights, they just move water over to the "SPUDS" kind of amazing they settled for 3'??? And any other A Kissers and check out the Emails from ALAN and JON??? 2. Here are the Spuds again with there smiling faces from the Flathead District of the (FJBC)? On Monday, July 10, 2017 8:11 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Gene, Your time is valuable. So is mine. You have dedicated 5 years of your life archiving these documents , which are now primary evidence for the forensic auditors to discuss with us when we meet with Montana Academia down here in Bozeman. I have worked with fine academics over there at MSU since I got involved with the wolf issue back in 1999. Montana law requires the study. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000098 University policy and its mission statement requires the study's. Koch grants have paid in advance for the studies. Graduate school personnel are in place to conduct these studies. We also have an expert who has testified in the past to the United States Senate about water, hydro electricity, security, and the finances associated with all of this. Bring her with us when we meet with Academia too. She can help supervise the forensic auditors using the primary EVIDENCE that you have compiled for the file over the past 5 years. Those who have engineered water related outcomes since 1980 should now be exposed and held a account. Which officer of the Court wants to go with you and me as we discuss this with the Deans at Montana State University so we can put 20 graduate students to work and obey the instructions of the federal D.C. judge.??? Let's get formal peer reviewed science to quantify this harm all the way back to 1915. Looks like the 'Tater Kings became 'Tater Kings with stolen water. Looks like stealing water is the national past time up there. A videographer might be appropriate in ligh of the fact that researchers might quantify the harm done since 1915 May total in the many billion$. Regardless......the people of Montana and the 17 states downstream from them have a right to know how much was stolen from them in the past before they turn an entire asset class over to the same thieves. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 10, 2017 7:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Robert you are 100% on the mark, take a look at the transfer of ownership of the Irrigation Districts to the (FJBC) 1986? Looking for their petition and signature's from 75% of the landowners along with the signature of the Secretary of Interior and the (ORDER) of the Court? 2. Here we have a few pages from Montana Code 1935 very clear how the Districts are to be Dissolved all over the State of Montana. To date we have not received any tender from the (FJBC) or Secretary of the Interior, as the Law permits. On the 3rd page you will find the Penalty Section 7126 as we discussed? 3. Look how the Governors and Attorney Generals have instructed or used the (DNRC) to steal a very valuable Property Right from the Private Citizens from the States in the West. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000099 On Friday, July 7, 2017 11:17 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed EXT-18-2336-A-000100 A\.11 11( /\ PVERSIGHT you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000101 St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000102 To: Gene Erb ]; Clarice Ryan CoCom. DanHappel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Rep.Theresa.Manzella@mt.gov[Rep.Theresa.Manzella@mt.gov]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Bullock[steve@stevebullock.com]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-10T15:48:41-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-10T15:48:49-04:00 question: Do the county commissioners up there rust me more than they do their own lawyers? Trust can never be regained once it is lost by a betrayal. On Jul 10, 2017 1:30 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. As these letters were sent to Board members of the Western Montana Water Users by someone that left no return address how covenant is that??? You will see that the "Good Old Boys Club" Attorney Jon was receiving 12,000 per month those warrants would show up at the Lake County Auditors Office. Then if we have the Letters from the (FJBC) Water Rights Committee, re appropriating water rights, they just move water over to the "SPUDS" kind of amazing they settled for 3'??? And any other A Kissers and check out the Emails from ALAN and JON??? 2. Here are the Spuds again with there smiling faces from the Flathead District of the (FJBC)? On Monday, July 10, 2017 8:11 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Gene, Your time is valuable. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000103 So is mine. You have dedicated 5 years of your life archiving these documents , which are now primary evidence for the forensic auditors to discuss with us when we meet with Montana Academia down here in Bozeman. I have worked with fine academics over there at MSU since I got involved with the wolf issue back in 1999. Montana law requires the study. University policy and its mission statement requires the study's. Koch grants have paid in advance for the studies. Graduate school personnel are in place to conduct these studies. We also have an expert who has testified in the past to the United States Senate about water, hydro electricity, security, and the finances associated with all of this. Bring her with us when we meet with Academia too. She can help supervise the forensic auditors using the primary EVIDENCE that you have compiled for the file over the past 5 years. Those who have engineered water related outcomes since 1980 should now be exposed and held a account. Which officer of the Court wants to go with you and me as we discuss this with the Deans at Montana State University so we can put 20 graduate students to work and obey the instructions of the federal D.C. judge.??? Let's get formal peer reviewed science to quantify this harm all the way back to 1915. Looks like the 'Tater Kings became 'Tater Kings with stolen water. Looks like stealing water is the national past time up there. A videographer might be appropriate in ligh of the fact that researchers might quantify the harm done since 1915 May total in the many billion$. Regardless......the people of Montana and the 17 states downstream from them have a right to know how much was stolen from them in the past before they turn an entire asset class over to the same thieves. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 10, 2017 7:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Robert you are 100% on the mark, take a look at the transfer of ownership of the Irrigation Districts to the (FJBC) 1986? Looking for their petition and signature's from 75% of the landowners along with the signature of the Secretary of Interior and the (ORDER) of the Court? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000104 2. Here we have a few pages from Montana Code 1935 very clear how the Districts are to be Dissolved all over the State of Montana. To date we have not received any tender from the (FJBC) or Secretary of the Interior, as the Law permits. On the 3rd page you will find the Penalty Section 7126 as we discussed? 3. Look how the Governors and Attorney Generals have instructed or used the (DNRC) to steal a very valuable Property Right from the Private Citizens from the States in the West. On Friday, July 7, 2017 11:17 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. EXT-18-2336-A-000105 A\.11 11( /\ PVERSIGHT Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000106 Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000107 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-10T21:17:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Illinois defaulting is imminent Received: 2017-07-10T21:18:05-04:00 Flathead Indian Reservation (ACTS).pdf 1. Robert we can use this outline for the Forensic Audit, "Federal Reclamation Laws"???, so the (American Public) could be paid for their Investments, everyone can comply or pick up a ticket or number to a Federal Hotel. 2. Quantify the Harm. On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:33 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: The DEEP STATE is at war with the people and will come after everything that isn't nailed down to protect their own pensions. https://westernrifleshooters.wordpress.com/2017/07/06/schlichter-we-should-welcome￾cnns-ritual-suicide/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000108 Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000109 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-11T09:22:05-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-11T09:22:35-04:00 United States District Court,D. Montana, Missoula Division (1986).pdf Robert look at this Court Order the (FJBC) has been hiding? I was given this last week and just looked over it last night the Federal Judge is blatantly pissed at the Secretary of Interior. Over 30 years of disobeying a Federal Judge now I understand why the (FJBC) was threatened with a Federal Racketeering, Stanley T. Kaleczyc turned it over to Metro and Mikkelsen. On Monday, July 10, 2017 7:10 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: 1. Robert you are 100% on the mark, take a look at the transfer of ownership of the Irrigation Districts to the (FJBC) 1986? Looking for their petition and signature's from 75% of the landowners along with the signature of the Secretary of Interior and the (ORDER) of the Court? 2. Here we have a few pages from Montana Code 1935 very clear how the Districts are to be Dissolved all over the State of Montana. To date we have not received any tender from the (FJBC) or Secretary of the Interior, as the Law permits. On the 3rd page you will find the Penalty Section 7126 as we discussed? 3. Look how the Governors and Attorney Generals have instructed or used the (DNRC) to steal a very valuable Property Right from the Private Citizens from the States in the West. On Friday, July 7, 2017 11:17 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000110 All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) EXT-18-2336-A-000111 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000112 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000113 To: Gene Erb[ ]; Mike Horn[ ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ]; Jack Horner ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan[clariceinmt@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-11T10:04:19-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-11T10:04:28-04:00 Let's stay on message & stay focused & organized so we can obey the D.C. federal judges order to enlist academia to quantify the harm done with a forensic audit that Mike Horn so succinctly laid out for us in his prior e-mail. Montana State University school of Agriculture awaits our visit . Thankfully the Kochs have already put the grants in place. Send the Flathead and Lake County commissioners along with their lawyers too.......We'll have a "forensic audit Drain the Swamp BBQ" afterwards. On Jul 11, 2017 7:22 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert look at this Court Order the (FJBC) has been hiding? I was given this last week and just looked over it last night the Federal Judge is blatantly pissed at the Secretary of Interior. Over 30 years of disobeying a Federal Judge now I understand why the (FJBC) was threatened with a Federal Racketeering, Stanley T. Kaleczyc turned it over to Metro and Mikkelsen. On Monday, July 10, 2017 7:10 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: 1. Robert you are 100% on the mark, take a look at the transfer of ownership of the Irrigation Districts to the (FJBC) 1986? Looking for their petition and signature's from 75% of the (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000114 landowners along with the signature of the Secretary of Interior and the (ORDER) of the Court? 2. Here we have a few pages from Montana Code 1935 very clear how the Districts are to be Dissolved all over the State of Montana. To date we have not received any tender from the (FJBC) or Secretary of the Interior, as the Law permits. On the 3rd page you will find the Penalty Section 7126 as we discussed? 3. Look how the Governors and Attorney Generals have instructed or used the (DNRC) to steal a very valuable Property Right from the Private Citizens from the States in the West. On Friday, July 7, 2017 11:17 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. EXT-18-2336-A-000115 A\.11 11( /\ PVERSIGHT Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000116 On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000117 To: Gene Erb[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Mike Horn ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; MT Sen Verdell Jackson[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-11T10:38:30-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-11T10:39:25-04:00 The Flathead and Lake County commissioners and their lawyers should review the Judge's ruling Gene attached today from back in 1985 / 1986. His Honor had a very angry tone back in 1985--1986 This entire 4 year convoluted drama was an elaborate scam designed to get around this judge's order. If y'all won't read it......maybe Frank Miele will ....because eventually the HARM will be quantified in obedience to the order of the Federal judge in D.C. , Montana's law and the mission of Montana's university system. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21-style-land￾grab/#disqus_thread On Jul 11, 2017 7:22 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert look at this Court Order the (FJBC) has been hiding? I was given this last week and just looked over it last night the Federal Judge is blatantly pissed at the Secretary of Interior. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000118 Over 30 years of disobeying a Federal Judge now I understand why the (FJBC) was threatened with a Federal Racketeering, Stanley T. Kaleczyc turned it over to Metro and Mikkelsen. On Monday, July 10, 2017 7:10 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: 1. Robert you are 100% on the mark, take a look at the transfer of ownership of the Irrigation Districts to the (FJBC) 1986? Looking for their petition and signature's from 75% of the landowners along with the signature of the Secretary of Interior and the (ORDER) of the Court? 2. Here we have a few pages from Montana Code 1935 very clear how the Districts are to be Dissolved all over the State of Montana. To date we have not received any tender from the (FJBC) or Secretary of the Interior, as the Law permits. On the 3rd page you will find the Penalty Section 7126 as we discussed? 3. Look how the Governors and Attorney Generals have instructed or used the (DNRC) to steal a very valuable Property Right from the Private Citizens from the States in the West. On Friday, July 7, 2017 11:17 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000119 Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000120 On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000121 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Mike Horn ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; MT Sen Verdell Jackson[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-11T12:13:33-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-11T12:14:13-04:00 Try again Alan ,Larry and Jon.pdf How is Alan going to get Congress out of this one? Disobeying a Federal Judge and take it upon themselves and the (FJBC) to become the State Water COURT? With a little help from Mr and Mrs Tattor part of the 3'. On Tuesday, July 11, 2017 8:38 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: The Flathead and Lake County commissioners and their lawyers should review the Judge's ruling Gene attached today from back in 1985 / 1986. His Honor had a very angry tone back in 1985--1986 This entire 4 year convoluted drama was an elaborate scam designed to get around this judge's order. If y'all won't read it......maybe Frank Miele will ....because eventually the HARM will be quantified in obedience to the order of the Federal judge in D.C. , Montana's law and the mission of Montana's university system. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/#disqus thread (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000122 On Jul 11, 2017 7:22 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert look at this Court Order the (FJBC) has been hiding? I was given this last week and just looked over it last night the Federal Judge is blatantly pissed at the Secretary of Interior. Over 30 years of disobeying a Federal Judge now I understand why the (FJBC) was threatened with a Federal Racketeering, Stanley T. Kaleczyc turned it over to Metro and Mikkelsen. On Monday, July 10, 2017 7:10 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: 1. Robert you are 100% on the mark, take a look at the transfer of ownership of the Irrigation Districts to the (FJBC) 1986? Looking for their petition and signature's from 75% of the landowners along with the signature of the Secretary of Interior and the (ORDER) of the Court? 2. Here we have a few pages from Montana Code 1935 very clear how the Districts are to be Dissolved all over the State of Montana. To date we have not received any tender from the (FJBC) or Secretary of the Interior, as the Law permits. On the 3rd page you will find the Penalty Section 7126 as we discussed? 3. Look how the Governors and Attorney Generals have instructed or used the (DNRC) to steal a very valuable Property Right from the Private Citizens from the States in the West. On Friday, July 7, 2017 11:17 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000123 Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000124 On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000125 EXT-18-2336-A-000126 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack Horner ]; Leroy Lake ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn ]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; MT Sen Verdell Jackson[vjack@centurytel.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-11T12:24:20-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-11T12:24:59-04:00 Somebody or somebody's up there have been paid NOT to do their job's. On Jul 11, 2017 10:13 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: How is Alan going to get Congress out of this one? Disobeying a Federal Judge and take it upon themselves and the (FJBC) to become the State Water COURT? With a little help from Mr and Mrs Tattor part of the 3'. On Tuesday, July 11, 2017 8:38 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: The Flathead and Lake County commissioners and their lawyers should review the Judge's ruling Gene attached today from back in 1985 / 1986. His Honor had a very angry tone back in 1985--1986 This entire 4 year convoluted drama was an elaborate scam designed to get around this judge's order. If y'all won't read it......maybe Frank Miele will ....because eventually the HARM will be quantified in obedience to the order of the Federal judge in D.C. , Montana's law and the mission of Montana's university system. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000127 https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/#disqus thread On Jul 11, 2017 7:22 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert look at this Court Order the (FJBC) has been hiding? I was given this last week and just looked over it last night the Federal Judge is blatantly pissed at the Secretary of Interior. Over 30 years of disobeying a Federal Judge now I understand why the (FJBC) was threatened with a Federal Racketeering, Stanley T. Kaleczyc turned it over to Metro and Mikkelsen. On Monday, July 10, 2017 7:10 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: 1. Robert you are 100% on the mark, take a look at the transfer of ownership of the Irrigation Districts to the (FJBC) 1986? Looking for their petition and signature's from 75% of the landowners along with the signature of the Secretary of Interior and the (ORDER) of the Court? 2. Here we have a few pages from Montana Code 1935 very clear how the Districts are to be Dissolved all over the State of Montana. To date we have not received any tender from the (FJBC) or Secretary of the Interior, as the Law permits. On the 3rd page you will find the Penalty Section 7126 as we discussed? 3. Look how the Governors and Attorney Generals have instructed or used the (DNRC) to steal a very valuable Property Right from the Private Citizens from the States in the West. On Friday, July 7, 2017 11:17 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000128 Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000129 When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject. com/2017/07/06/senate-poised- approve-massive-agenda￾21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000130 EXT-18-2336-A-000131 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-11T14:48:13-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-11T14:48:24-04:00 Understand that the DEEP STATE is at war with the people and this is why they are stealing everything that isn't nailed down. They're in a full blown panic no different than the bank runs of 1929. Where's Trump? Where's Mnuchin? https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/pension-crisis/the-pension-crisis-the-crash￾burn/ On Jul 6, 2017 12:12 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1.This case is now being "TRIED" in the Court of Public Opinion. 2. Look at this resurrection of the Flathead Reservation by the Secretary of Interior. There was already a Constitution in place under Local Laws? With a 60% vote of the Land Owners. On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/ (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000132 On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000133 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-11T17:59:48-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-11T17:59:59-04:00 There is no precedent for this. Anyone who acts like they have all the answers should be run out of office, particularly the moron who has been on the Senate Banking committee and has had a decade to fix this. We don't need schmoozers..... we need substance. All you need to do is connect these 2 dots. Then ask your congressional delegation to do it..........if they are competent enough to do it. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-07-11/tide-going-out-jpmorgans-dimon-warns-qe-unwind￾could-be-far-worse-fed-hopes It's not rocket science. https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/pension-crisis/the-pension-crisis-the-crash￾burn/ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Robert Fanning" Date: Jul 7, 2017 11:17 (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000134 All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings 77d7r7 accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) EXT-18-2336-A-000135 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com/2017/07/06/senate-poised-approve-massive-agenda-21- style-land-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000136 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000137 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-12T13:55:33-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-12T13:57:56-04:00 (Flathead Project - Montana).pdf ATT35114.pdf 1. Robert it is amazing the amount of material showing up these days, more "PUBLIC RECORDS" this is great? You can't imagine how long we have been looking for the order of the Water Appropriations for the Flathead Project??? Alan would you have any time soon to show your "BOSS" that the Secretary of Interior adjudicated the Water's June 27 1912. You may want to show these to CONGRESS also? Has anyone seen Richard Erb lately? 2. Yesterday at the Irrigation Districts Meetings a bill was brought up from the Browning, Kalecczyc, Berry and Hoven, P.C. they were also willing to coach help Jon and Alan in other water right exercises or changing Private Property Records. Hope the Insurance policy is paid boys? On Tuesday, July 11, 2017 4:08 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: There is no precedent for this. Anyone who acts like they have all the answers should be run out of office, particularly the moron who has been on the Senate Banking committee and has had a decade to fix this. We don't need schmoozers..... we need substance. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000138 All you need to do is connect these 2 dots. Then ask your congressional delegation to do it..........if they are competent enough to do it. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/ 2017-07-11/tide-going-out- jpmorgans-dimon-warns￾qe- unwind-could-be-far-worse-fed- hopes It's not rocket science. https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/pension-crisis/the-pension-crisis-the￾crash-burn/ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Robert Fanning" Date: Jul 7, 2017 11:17 All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings 77d7r7 accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. EXT-18-2336-A-000139 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com /2017/07/06/senate-poised-appr ove-massive-agenda￾21-style-la nd-grab/ (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000140 On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000141 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-12T14:07:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-12T14:08:08-04:00 Falsifying documents since 1912??? Better inform your carriers. https://youtu.be/kTXEJizAneY Deny Deny Deny Deny Deny Deny Deny Deny On Jul 12, 2017 11:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Robert it is amazing the amount of material showing up these days, more "PUBLIC RECORDS" this is great? You can't imagine how long we have been looking for the order of the Water Appropriations for the Flathead Project??? Alan would you have any time soon to show your "BOSS" that the Secretary of Interior adjudicated the Water's June 27 1912. You may want to show these to CONGRESS also? Has anyone seen Richard Erb lately? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000142 2. Yesterday at the Irrigation Districts Meetings a bill was brought up from the Browning, Kalecczyc, Berry and Hoven, P.C. they were also willing to coach help Jon and Alan in other water right exercises or changing Private Property Records. Hope the Insurance policy is paid boys? On Tuesday, July 11, 2017 4:08 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: There is no precedent for this. Anyone who acts like they have all the answers should be run out of office, particularly the moron who has been on the Senate Banking committee and has had a decade to fix this. We don't need schmoozers..... we need substance. All you need to do is connect these 2 dots. Then ask your congressional delegation to do it..........if they are competent enough to do it. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/ 2017-07-11/tide-going-out- jpmorgans-dimon-warns￾qe- unwind-could-be-far-worse-fed- hopes It's not rocket science. https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/pension-crisis/the-pension-crisis-the￾crash-burn/ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Robert Fanning" Date: Jul 7, 2017 11:17 All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. EXT-18-2336-A-000143 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings 77d7r7 accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: EXT-18-2336-A-000144 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com /2017/07/06/senate-poised-appr ove-massive-agenda￾21-style-la nd-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000145 EXT-18-2336-A-000146 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Flathead Irrigation District[flathead@blackfoot.net] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Debbie Bacigalupi[dbacigalupi@gmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake[ ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; VerdellJackson. Senator[vjack@centurytel.net]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Paul Vallely[princenemo1@hotmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-12T17:43:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Dear Flathead valley, Kalispell , Big Fork........the whole world is watching Received: 2017-07-12T17:43:57-04:00 Rosalie Dandyjim (Allotment).pdf President Gerald R.Ford (Library).pdf 1. Robert, Joe Mathes came to the valley in the early 90's, was elected to the Flathead District from the Charlo Division as he owned acreage there, same position as Janette Rosman holds today? This property is in Dave Vincent Division tho. This partial of land was advertised for the world to purchase (Highest Bidder) if I were Chas Vincent's cousin and married to Susan Lake's (sister) I wonder if their personal insurance carriers are aware of any Liability that may arise under the Winter's Doctrine? 2. Here are some more History? On Wednesday, July 12, 2017 12:08 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Falsifying documents since 1912??? Better inform your carriers. https://youtu.be/kTXEJizAneY Deny Deny (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000147 Deny Deny Deny Deny Deny Deny On Jul 12, 2017 11:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Robert it is amazing the amount of material showing up these days, more "PUBLIC RECORDS" this is great? You can't imagine how long we have been looking for the order of the Water Appropriations for the Flathead Project??? Alan would you have any time soon to show your "BOSS" that the Secretary of Interior adjudicated the Water's June 27 1912. You may want to show these to CONGRESS also? Has anyone seen Richard Erb lately? 2. Yesterday at the Irrigation Districts Meetings a bill was brought up from the Browning, Kalecczyc, Berry and Hoven, P.C. they were also willing to coach help Jon and Alan in other water right exercises or changing Private Property Records. Hope the Insurance policy is paid boys? On Tuesday, July 11, 2017 4:08 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: There is no precedent for this. Anyone who acts like they have all the answers should be run out of office, particularly the moron who has been on the Senate Banking committee and has had a decade to fix this. We don't need schmoozers..... we need substance. All you need to do is connect these 2 dots. Then ask your congressional delegation to do it..........if they are competent enough to do it. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/ 2017-07-11/tide-going-out- jpmorgans-dimon-warns￾qe- unwind-could-be-far-worse-fed- hopes It's not rocket science. https://www. armstrongeconomics.com/world- news/pension-crisis/the- pension-crisis￾the-crash-burn/ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000148 From: "Robert Fanning" Date: Jul 7, 2017 11:17 All the lawyers who represented you over the decades, including the current crop , are holding you in this case in order to milk you for fees with no plan to end the case and they will do anything and everything to avoid this task and stretch out the case forever. Lazy lawyer syndrome. I got you to D.C. That judge ordered that the harm be quantified. Obey the judge. The fact that he is being disobeyed at this late stage proves my point in spades. Mike Horn laid out detailed and specific instructions as to how to go to academia and quantify the harm . Instead of having incessant , meaningless meetings 77d7r7 accomplish absolutely nothing other than self promotion, send your God damned lawyers to the Deans of MSU & U of M and get this harm quantified . Obey the judge. Stop being played for chumps. Manage your professionals and stop letting them manage you or using YOUR money to go elsewhere and milk a whole new crop of rubes for fees or do their own agenda instead of what they were hired to do. It's YOUR job to set me goals in litigation. It's YOUR job to choose your professionals. It's YOUR job to manage those goals ,professionals and budget and for those professionals do EXACTLY what they are instructed to do by the CLIENT and provide detailed statements that prove that they are doing exactly as ordered. Quit having meaningless little girl tea parties. Get a plan and execute that a plan with a time line and documents that formalize an end game and hold them to it. The endgame is a judgement EXT-18-2336-A-000149 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT and petitioning the court for professionals fees in arrears subtracted from that award.....including Gene Erbs and mine. ( or did you think that in some way we owed you years of our lives?) Quit letting these lazy lawyers change the subject. They are doing everything and anything to make you lose focus. . Never sue for principle. Only sue for money. Who gives a flyin' flip if government is cowardly or corrupt? Seriously ? The cardinal rule of business is: " get the money " On Jul 7, 2017 9:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: When are you people going to demand a Forensic Audit and Quantify the Harm for the (FERC JUDGE)? Wasn't this supposed to be a Public Use? On Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:54 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Kogan once told me that the U.N. would get their Agenda 21 because our own political class would sell us out. https://sovereigntyproject.com /2017/07/06/senate-poised-appr ove-massive-agenda￾21-style-la nd-grab/ On Jul 6, 2017 7:14 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan how much "malpractice insurance" would a company like Alpine Research carry? Some of us may not be so confused as you have led folks to believe. Would you happen to know what the statue of limitations would be on forgery of Public Records? On Friday, November 18, 2016 7:40 PM, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Gee, Gene, confusion seems to be a normal state of affairs for you folks. When the FJBC and BIA filed for duplicate water right, they missed several POD's. Those were picked up by the Compact, and included in the Compact abstracts, to ensure that all Project water was protected. Alan Mikkelsen (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000150 Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 18, 2016 9:34 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Book J Missoula County records does not compare with yours. Could you explain who OWN's the 80.9 acres shown in Section 14 of the August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent, Congress issued a Patent to the South East 40 acres ? Have you looked at the Water Rights in Dry Creek? I am surprised the FJBC name does not show up on these Water Rights. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000151 EXT-18-2336-A-000152 To: Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; 'Alan Mikkelsen'[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Robert Fanning[bruisemd73@gmail.com] ; Mike Horn · ··•·•• ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov] Cc: 'Chas Vincent'[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; 'Ryan Zinke' ]; 'Senator Jon Tester'[senator@tester.senate.gov ]; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'[brknhkrnch@st ignatius.net]; 'Paul Guenzler' [sharongu@ronan.net ]; 'David Lake'[spud@cyberport.net ]; 'Daniel Salomon'[dansalomon12@g mail.com]; 'Jack Horner'■•■■■•IJ; 'Duane Mecham'[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; 'Jack & Susan Lake'Ulake@ronan.net]; oodworksventures.com ma oodworksventures.co m]; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'[wate orworldpeace@g mail.com]; 'Paul Wadsworth' ■■■ ■■■•■ ; 'SteveFitzpatrickHD20'[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net] ; 'Leroy Lake' ; 'Steve Hughes•■••··••·•]; 'Paul Hunsucker'•-■ ]; 'Patricia Gillis'[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; 'Kathleen Mazure'[klm@dwgp.co m]; 'Dick Barrett'[mewbar@gma il.com]; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'[brucetutvedt@gmai l.com]; 'Bill & Grace Slack'■•■•••■IJ ; 'Bruce Fredrickson'[bruce@rrntlawp.com]; 'William Selph'[will@ryanzinke.com]; 'Frandsen Deb {Tester)'[ deb_ frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; 'Steve Daines'[ steve@steveda ines.com ]; 'Curt Rosman' •·••··· ]; 'Jon Metropoulos'Uon@metropouloslaw.com ]; 'Kristin Omvig'[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; 'KellyFlynnHD68'[hideaway1987@century link.net]; 'Ross Middlemist' ]; 'Taylor Brown'[taylor@northembroadcasting.co m] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-13T08:09:53-0 4:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS"? Received: 2017-07-13T08: 10: 11-04:00 President Gerald R.Ford (Library) #2.pdf Richard Erb-background.pdf Yo Dick you were at the White House in t his era, who was on the Friends Comm ittee on National Legislat ion? Looks like these Friends may have helped themse lves to the Reclamat ion Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to ment ion the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy dur ing Governor Brian Schwe itzer 's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday's FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significant ly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131 ). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two ( early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabi litation project is Crow Dam. AMR AN PVERSIGHT Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000153 To: Gene Erb[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: "MT Sen Taylor Brown"[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; SteveFitzpatrickHD20[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; [ ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack Horner ]; Leroy Lake ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn[ ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-13T10:07:14-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Received: 2017-07-13T10:07:22-04:00 http://www.montanariveraction.org/sorry.saga.mpc.html Goldman Sachs played y'all for morons. Still no forensic audit. What are you hiding? What are you afraid of ? Why won't you perform your fiduciary duty? Why won't you claw back monies taken from You? Which members of the political class will be forced to disgorged and lose their fiduciary status and be barred from being fiduciaries.......forever? http://www.montanariveraction.org/sorry.saga.mpc.html On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000154 Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000155 EXT-18-2336-A-000156 To: MT - Kalispell Daily lnterlake [edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Gene Erb Cc: MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.- landboard@mt.gov ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com ]; mary@goodworksventures.com [mary@goodworksventures.co m]; Leroy Lake•• •••• ; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com ]; Curt Rosman ]; William Selph[will@ryanz inke.com]; Chas Vincent[cw incent@hotmail.com]; Steve ughes ■■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net ]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforwor1dpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@g mail.com]; Patricia Gillis(patricia.gillis@ferc.gov ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul unsucker■••·••••· ; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernb roadcasting.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com ]; Ryan Zinke ====== ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross ddlem tlll• ■ ]; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centuryl ink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[ senator@tester.senate.gov ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gma il.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack •••••ll; Steve Daines[steve@steveda ines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@st ignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com ] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-13T10:27:24-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS"? Rece ived: 2017-07-13T10:27:53-04:00 sk cfortunato Your Own Question ■ Satisfied Customers: 8023 Experience: Bankruptcy professor . Type Your Bankruptcy Law Question Here ... Bankruptcy law cfortunato is online now Get an Answer Ask a Lawyer , Get an Answer ASAP! what is the statute of limitations on filing an adversary proceeding for v iolat ion of the automat ic ... Show More AMR AN PVERSIGHT cfortunato , Attorney Satisfied Customers: 8023 Experience: Bankruptcy professor. Hi JACustomer, Is the Bankruptcy case still in progress, or has it already been discharged? Customer reply it has been discharged CFORTUNATO, Attorney If the Bankrutpcy case has been discharged, the automatic stay is no longer in affect.Bankruptcy Stat. 362(c)(2). Is there a creditor trying to collect a debt that was discharged in the Bankruptcy? Customer reply short answer, yes after discharge, a creditor filed a lawsuit against the debtor to colledt the amount owed. the creditor a credit union had recieved notification of the bankruptcy CFORTUNATO, Attorney T CFORTUNATO, Attorney This is a violation of the Bankruptcy Code (not a violation of the automatic stay, which is no longer in affect). There is no Statute of Limitations for filing a complaint based on the fact that a creditor is violating the Bankrutpcy Code. Such a complaint can be filed at any time. I think this is what you wanted to know. If not, please let me know. Thank you. Related Bankruptcy Law Questions Wrong story.. who married my husband in 1998. Since we Capital One is going to garnishment my checking. I have two I am into month 58 of a 60 month chapter 13 and have been I filed chapter 7 back in 2012, I have recently won a Can the automatic stay in a chapter 7 bankruptcy force a My home was foreclosure on 01/06/2012. I enter in chapter 13 A person files ch 11 in the 10th circuit. He lists as an EXT-18-2336-A-000157 A v1 )I( /\ \J PVERSIGHT I have been trying to modify with my servicer for months. I took out "private student loans" that were advertised as a NJ BANKRUPTCY LAW: I own a rental property and my tenant How JustAnswer Works: Ask an Expert Get a Professional Answer 100% Satisfaction Guarantee JustAnswer in the News: Login | Contact Us | About Us | Terms of Service | Privacy & Security | Sitemap © 2003 2017 JustAnswer LLC 1 Show Maximize On Jul 13, 2017 8:07 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.montanariveraction.org/sorry.saga.mpc.html Goldman Sachs played y'all for morons. Still no forensic audit. What are you hiding? What are you afraid of ? Why won't you perform your fiduciary duty? Why won't you claw back monies taken from You? Which members of the political class will be forced to disgorged and lose their fiduciary status and be barred from being fiduciaries.......forever? http://www.montanariveraction.org/sorry.saga.mpc.html On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000158 I National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000159 Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. EXT-18-2336-A-000160 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: "MT Sen Taylor Brown"[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack Horner ]; Leroy Lake ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn[ ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-13T13:27:46-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: U.N. water takings via regulatory Lawfare Received: 2017-07-13T13:28:52-04:00 I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges-governments-take￾water-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000161 Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000162 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Dan Happel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov] Cc: Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Ryan Zinke ]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-14T10:18:29-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fw: RNN - Connecting the Dots with Dan Happel - *TONIGHT* July 13, 2017 Received: 2017-07-14T10:18:46-04:00 Rocky Mountain Power Co..pdf Department of Interior (1932).pdf 1. Robert it appears you may need to start interviewing? I will be listening to the Connecting the Dots this am. Here are some Dots for the Secretary of Interior he may have hired one to many! 2. Rocky Mountain Power had a dissolution? I may have had one myself a time or two? Sorry, how could those papers be lost or removed? 3. In the lawsuit US v McIntire Pg.3 1st paragraph explains why someone changed the name of the Project. 4. 1932 Project History by C.J.Moody (Secretary of Interior) appropriated the waters June 27th 1912. On Thursday, July 13, 2017 9:50 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Robert Fanning" I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015. Today I raised the stakes exponentially in the CKST compact 5th Amendment takings clause. The Flathead and Lake County commissioners review what I say with all my e-mail with their county attorney's. I'm going to win Testers seat (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000163 EXT-18-2336-A-000164 On Jul 13, 2017 9:17 AM, "Dan Happel" wrote: Dear Connecting the Dots Listeners, Please join us this evening for an up close and personal look at the regulatory branch of our federal government with our guest; Constitutional Law Attorney- Harriet Hageman. The Founding Fathers intended that the three branches of government (Legislative, Executive, & Judicial) would create a balance of power that would stop any individual branch from becoming too powerful. They did not foresee a time when the Administrative branch (President) could create 95% of all new laws through cabinet level agencies staffed with un-elected bureaucrats. That is exactly what has happened, causing a nightmare of regulation that makes the lives of all Americans much more difficult and restrictive than was ever intended. Learn from a regulatory expert what has happened to our country and what we must do to stop this leviathan from destroying our republic and taking us into a new world order of technocratic control. Please share this information with your email/social media contacts, and join us this evening for a in depth look at regulatory America. Thanks for listening, Dan Happel/ Connecting the Dots with Dan Happel radio program Bureaucratic Regulation - Harriet Hageman AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000165 Listen to us at: RepublicNewsRadio101 Visit us at: Republicfortheunitedstates .org Bureaucratic Regulation (The 4th Branch of Government) ... unelected, unaccountable, and increasingly uncontrollable Over the past century the control of government through rule of law passed from Congress to the President. Under our constitutional republican system, all laws were to emanate from our democratically elected public officials as a guarantee that the people would control the controllers. President Franklin D. Roosevelt permanently turned that process on it's head when he bypassed Congressional oversight and began to rule by administrative fiat through Cabinet level AMR AN PVERSIGHT Forever Glory Order Your Republic Stickers Now/ EXT-18-2336-A-000166 agencies, using national emergency as a pretext. New laws that were not drafted by Congress, but had the effect of law were created by administrative agencies on an increasing frequency. Today 95+% of all new laws are created by these un-elected bureaucrats appointed by the President. Congress has abdicated their role as the true representatives of the people, and now function as little more than political shills to the special interests and lobbyists that now control Washington, D.C. An entire new political class of un-e lected administrators run our government and have sequentially taken us from a constitutional republic, to a constitutional democracy, to a socialistic democracy, and very nearly to a Marxist democracy in a span of just over 100 years. Our government has morphed from a servant of the people to the master of the people, and now controls every facet of our daily lives from cradle to grave. Join us for an examination of this process with our guest, Constitutional Attorney Harriet Hageman, for an hour long discussion of how bureaucratic regulation is destroying the American dream, and what we must do if we are to restore individual liberty to average Americans. Dan Happel Connect the Dots Host Connecting the Dots is rebroadcast on Sunday Evenings 6pm MTN on Republic News Radio101 Listen to our program live by dialing {712)-432-0075 code 300748# AMR AN PVERSIGHT Please forward this important call information to eve,yone you know EXT-18-2336-A-000167 AMR AN PVERSIGHT Raised on a ranch near Ft. Larami e, Wyoming Attended Casper College - Livestock Judging Team University of Wyoming Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration Graduated from the College ofLaw in 1989 Founded Hageman Law P.C., in Chevenne, Wvoming Recent ly opened a second office in Lusk, Wyoming All woman law firm Practice focused almost exclusively on water, natural resource, and land use issues Extensive litigation and trial experience Expertise in federa l regulatory burden Licensed to practice law in Wyoming , Nebraska and Colorado Professional Activities: Wyoming Business Alliance, Steering Co1mnittee Mountain States Legal Foundation, Board of Litigation Honors Received: 2010 Alumni of the Year - Casper College 2011 Doornbos Agriculture Lecture Series & Rancher's Night Out Featured Speaker - Casper College 2011 Wyoming Agriculture Hall ofFame Inductee Numerous speaking engagements around the United States EXT-18-2336-A-000168 MR N PVERSIGHT Do We Slill Live Under the Constil"ulion? God Save the Republic! Vols I & II The Republic for the United States of Amer ica The Time is Now! EXT-18-2336-A-000169 Click Here for Ways to Support and Grow Your Republic Republic for the United States of America, c/o 3040 SE Persons Court, Portland, OR 97267 AMR AN PVERSIGHT SafeUnsubscribe ™ happelmt@3riversdbs.net Forward this email I Update Profile I About our service provider Sent by info@republicoftheunitedstates .org in collaboration with Try it free today To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Dan Happel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-14T12:07:43-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fw: RNN - Connecting the Dots with Dan Happel - *TONIGHT* July 13, 2017 Received: 2017-07-14T12:07:53-04:00 PRIVATE PROPERTY is the conversation driver for 2017---2018 Tester is paying $170. A head for his listening sessions all over the state. Sign up and tell him to take his filthy paws off our water, electricity, Alan's, timber and minerals and go back to the Senate Banking committee and tell Golman Sachs and the Banksters to do the same thing. "No. YOU CAN'T STEAL AN ENTIRE ASSET CLASS. " Fraud in the financial system brought us to this point. Is your pension safe and performing ok? The federal reserve is unwinding their balance sheet; is Main Street America going to be ok ? Put me in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State and help advance President Trumps agenda . http://www.republicoftheunitedstates.org/connecting-the-dots-upcoming-money-influence-power-and￾control/ U.N. water takings via regulatory Lawfare. I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 to address Unconstitutional 5th Amendment takings . This is HOW I take Testers seat in the U.S Senate. https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges-governments-take-water￾resources/ (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000170 On Jul 14, 2017 8:18 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Robert it appears you may need to start interviewing? I will be listening to the Connecting the Dots this am. Here are some Dots for the Secretary of Interior he may have hired one to many! 2. Rocky Mountain Power had a dissolution? I may have had one myself a time or two? Sorry, how could those papers be lost or removed? 3. In the lawsuit US v McIntire Pg.3 1st paragraph explains why someone changed the name of the Project. 4. 1932 Project History by C.J.Moody (Secretary of Interior) appropriated the waters June 27th 1912. On Thursday, July 13, 2017 9:50 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Robert Fanning" I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015. Today I raised the stakes exponentially in the CKST compact 5th Amendment takings clause. The Flathead and Lake County commissioners review what I say with all my e-mail with their county attorney's. I'm going to win Testers seat On Jul 13, 2017 9:17 AM, "Dan Happel" wrote: Dear Connecting the Dots Listeners, Please join us this evening for an up close and personal look at the regulatory branch of our federal government with our guest; Constitutional Law Attorney - Harriet Hageman. The Founding Fathers intended that the three branches of government (Legislative, Executive, & Judicial) would create a balance of power that would stop any individual branch from becoming too powerful. They did not foresee a time when the Administrative branch (President) could create 95% of all new laws through cabinet level agencies staffed with un-elected bureaucrats. That is exactly what has happened, causing a nightmare of (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000171 EXT-18-2336-A-000172 regulation that makes the lives of all Americans much more difficult and restrictive than was ever intended. Learn from a regulatory expert what has happened to our country and what we must do to stop this leviathan from destroying our republic and taking us into a new world order of technocratic control. Please share this information with your email/social media contacts, and join us this evening for a in depth look at regulatory America. Thanks for listening, Dan Happel / Connecting the Dots with Dan Happel radio program Bureaucratic Regulation - Harriet Hageman AMR AN PVERSIGHT Listen to us at: Republ icNewsRadio101 Visit us at: Republicfortheunitedstates .org EXT-18-2336-A-000173 AMR AN PVERSIGHT Bureaucratic Regulation (The 4th Branch of Government) ... unelected, unaccountable, anti increasingly uncontrollable Over the past century the control of government through rule of law passed from Congress to the President. Under our constitutional repub lican system, all laws were to emanate from our democratica lly elected public officia ls as a guarantee that the people would control the contro llers. President Franklin D. Roosevelt permanently turned that process on it's head when he bypassed Congressional oversight and began to rule by administrative fiat through Cabinet level agencies, using national emergency as a pretext. New laws that were not drafted by Congress , but had the effect of law were created by administrative agencies on an increasing frequency. Today 95+% of all new laws are created by these un-e lected bureaucrats appointed by the President. Congress has abdicated their role as the true representatives of the people, and now function as little more than political shills to the special interests and lobbyists that now control Washington , D.C. An entire new political class of un-e lected administrators run our government and have sequentia lly taken us from a constitutional repub lic , to a constitutiona l democracy , to a socia listic democracy , and very nearly to a Marxist democracy in a span of just over 100 years. Our government bas morphed from a servant of the people to the master of the people, and now controls every facet of our daily lives from cradle to grave. Join us for an examination of this process with our guest, Constitutional Attorney Forever Glory Order Your Republic Stickers Now! Dan Happel Connect the Dots Host Connecting the Dots is rebroadcast on Sunday Evenings 6pm MTN on Republic News Radio101 EXT-18-2336-A-000174 AMR AN PVERSIGHT Harriet Hageman , for an hour long discussion of how bureaucratic regulation is destroying the American dream, and what we must do if we are to restore individual liberty to average Americans. Listen to our program live by dialing (712)-432-0075 code 300748# Please Forward this important call information to everyone you know Harriet Hageman Raised on a ranch near Ft. Laramie, Wyoming Attended Casper College - Livestock Judging Team University of Wyoming Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration Graduated from the College of Law in 1989 Founded Hageman Law P.C., in Chevenne, Wyoming Recen tly opened a second office in Lusk, Wyoming All woman law firm Practice focused almost exclusive ly on water, natural resource, and land use issues Extensive litigation and trial expe1ience Expertise in federal regulatory burden Licensed to practice law in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado Profe ssional Activitie s: Wyoming Business Alliance, Steering Committee EXT-18-2336-A-000175 AMR AN PVERSIGHT Mountain States Legal Foundation, Board of Litigation Honors Received: 2010 Alumni of the Year - Casper College 20 11 Doornbos Agricu lture Lecture Series & Rancher's Night Out Featured Speaker - Casper College 20 11 Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame Inductee Numerous speaking engagements around the United States Do We Still Live Under the Constitution? God Save the Republic! EXT-18-2336-A-000176 Vols I & II The Republic for the United States of America The Ti me is Now! Click Here for Ways to Support and Grow Your Republic Republic for the United States of Amer ica, c/o 3040 SE Persons Court, Portland, OR 97267 AMR AN PVERSIGHT SafeUnsubscr ibe™ happelmt@3r iversdbs.net Forward this email I Update Profile I About our serv ice prov ider Sent by info@republ icoftheun itedstates .org in collaborat ion with Try it free today To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Dan Happel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Roger Starkel ] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-14T14:09:52-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fw: RNN - Connecting the Dots with Dan Happel - *TONIGHT* July 13, 2017 Received: 2017-07-14T14:10:29-04:00 BIG SANDY wheat rancher must be loading train loads, or the lobbyists for the Railroads are involved also? We can't forget the Rocicot involvement also. On Friday, July 14, 2017 10:07 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: PRIVATE PROPERTY is the conversation driver for 2017---2018 Tester is paying $170. A head for his listening sessions all over the state. Sign up and tell him to take his filthy paws off our water, electricity, Alan's, timber and minerals and go back to the Senate Banking committee and tell Golman Sachs and the Banksters to do the same thing. "No. YOU CAN'T STEAL AN ENTIRE ASSET CLASS. " Fraud in the financial system brought us to this point. Is your pension safe and performing ok? The federal reserve is unwinding their balance sheet; is Main Street America going to be ok ? Put me in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State and help advance President Trumps agenda . http://www.republicoftheunited states.org/connecting-the- dots-upcoming-money-influence- power-and￾control/ U.N. water takings via regulatory Lawfare. I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 to address Unconstitutional 5th Amendment takings . (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000177 This is HOW I take Testers seat in the U.S Senate. https://www.technocracy.news/i ndex.php/2017/07/12/united-nat ions-urges-governments-take-wa ter￾resources/ On Jul 14, 2017 8:18 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Robert it appears you may need to start interviewing? I will be listening to the Connecting the Dots this am. Here are some Dots for the Secretary of Interior he may have hired one to many! 2. Rocky Mountain Power had a dissolution? I may have had one myself a time or two? Sorry, how could those papers be lost or removed? 3. In the lawsuit US v McIntire Pg.3 1st paragraph explains why someone changed the name of the Project. 4. 1932 Project History by C.J.Moody (Secretary of Interior) appropriated the waters June 27th 1912. On Thursday, July 13, 2017 9:50 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Robert Fanning" I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015. Today I raised the stakes exponentially in the CKST compact 5th Amendment takings clause. The Flathead and Lake County commissioners review what I say with all my e-mail with their county attorney's. I'm going to win Testers seat On Jul 13, 2017 9:17 AM, "Dan Happel" wrote: Dear Connecting the Dots Listeners, Please join us this evening for an up close and personal look at the regulatory branch of our federal government with our guest; Constitutional Law Attorney - Harriet Hageman. The Founding Fathers intended that the three branches of government (Legislative, Executive, & Judicial) would create a balance of power that would stop any (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000178 EXT-18-2336-A-000179 individual branch from becoming too powerful. They did not foresee a time when the Administrative branch (President) could create 95% of all new laws through cabinet level agencies staffed with un-elected bureaucrats . That is exactly what has happened, causing a nightmare of regulation that makes the lives of all Americans much more difficult and restrictive than was ever intended. Learn from a regulatory expert what has happened to our country and what we must do to stop this leviathan from destroying our republic and taking us into a new world order of technocratic control. Please share this information with your email /social media contacts , and join us this evening for a in depth look at regulatory America. Thanks for listening , Dan Happel / Connecting the Dots with Dan Happel radio program Bureaucratic Regulation - Harriet Hageman AMR AN PVERSIGHT Listen to us at: RepublicNewsRadio101 EXT-18-2336-A-000180 AMR AN PVERSIGHT Visit us at: Republicforthe unitedstates.org Bureaucratic Regulation (The 4th Branch of Government) ... unelected, unaccountable, and increasing ly uncontrollable Over the past century the control of government through rule of law passed from Congress to the President. Under our constitutional republican system, all laws were to emanate from our democratically elected public officials as a guarantee that the people would control the controllers. President Franklin D. Roosevelt permanently turned that process on it's head when he bypassed Congressional oversight and began to rule by administrative fiat through Cabinet leveJ agencies, using nationaJ emergency as a pretext. New laws that were not drafted by Congress, but had the effect of law were created by administrative agencies on an increasing frequency. Today 95+% of all new laws are created by these un-elected bureaucrats appointed by the President. Congress has abdicated their role as the true representatives of the people, and now function as little more than political shills to the special interests and lobbyists that now control Washington, D.C. An entire new political class of un-elected administrators run our govemmen t and have sequentially taken us from a constitutional republic, to a constitutional democracy, to a socialistic democracy, and very nearly to a Marxist democracy in a span of just over 100 years. Our government has morphed from a servant Forever Glory Order Your Republic Stickers Now! Dan Happel Connect the Dots Host Connecting the Dots is rebroadcast on Sunday Evenings 6pm MTN on Republic News Radio10 1 EXT-18-2336-A-000181 AMR AN PVERSIGHT of the peop le to the master of the people, and now contro ls every facet of our daily lives from cradle to grave. Join us for an examination of this process with our guest, Const itutional Attorney Harriet Hageman , for an hour long discuss ion of how bureaucratic regulation is destroy ing the American dream, and what we must do if we are to restore individual liberty to average Americans. Listen to our program live by dialing (712)-432-0075 code 300748# Please forw ard this importa nt call information to everyone you know Harriet Ha2eman Raised on a ranch near Ft. Laramie , Wyoming Attended Casper College - Livestock Judging Team Univers ity of Wyoming Bache lor's Degree in Business Administration Graduated from the College of Law in 1989 Founded Hai:eman Law P.C., in Chevenne, Wvoming Recently opened a second office in Lusk, Wyom ing All woman law frrm Pract ice focuse d almost exclusively on water, natural resource, and land use issues Extensive litigation and tria l experience EXT-18-2336-A-000182 AMR AN PVERSIGHT Expertise in federa l regulatory burden Licensed to practice law in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado Professional Activities: Wyoming Business Alliance , Steering Committee Mounta in States Legal Foundation, Board of Litigation Honors Received: 2010 Alumni of the Year - Casper College 2011 Doornbos Agriculture Lecture Series & Rancher's Night Out Featured Speaker - Casper College 2011 Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame Inductee Numerous speaking engagements around the United States Do We Still Li\le Under the Constitution? God Save the Republic! EXT-18-2336-A-000183 Vols I & II The Republi c for the Unite d States of America The Ti me is Now! Click Here for Ways to Support and Grow Your Republic Republic for the United States of America, c/o 3040 SE Persons Court, Portland, OR 97267 AMR AN PVERSIGHT SafeUnsubscribe TM happelmt@3riversdbs.net Forward this email I Update Profile I About our service provider Sent by info@republicoftheunitedstates .org in collaborat ion with Try it free today EXT-18-2336-A-000184 AM RICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Dan Happel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-14T14:17:09-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fw: RNN - Connecting the Dots with Dan Happel - *TONIGHT* July 13, 2017 Received: 2017-07-14T14:17:20-04:00 Banksters wanted-2.jpg Who gave Tester $170 bucks a pop to buy votes ? Talk about a forensic audit, geesh. Drain the swamp On Jul 14, 2017 12:10 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: BIG SANDY wheat rancher must be loading train loads, or the lobbyists for the Railroads are involved also? We can't forget the Rocicot involvement also. On Friday, July 14, 2017 10:07 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: PRIVATE PROPERTY is the conversation driver for 2017---2018 Tester is paying $170. A head for his listening sessions all over the state. Sign up and tell him to take his filthy paws off our water, electricity, Alan's, timber and minerals and go back to the Senate Banking committee and tell Golman Sachs and the Banksters to do the same thing. "No. YOU CAN'T STEAL AN ENTIRE ASSET CLASS. " Fraud in the financial system brought us to this point. Is your pension safe and performing ok? The federal reserve is unwinding their balance sheet; is Main Street America going to be ok ? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000185 Put me in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State and help advance President Trumps agenda . http://www.republicoftheunited states.org/connecting-the- dots-upcoming-money-influence- power-and￾control/ U.N. water takings via regulatory Lawfare. I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 to address Unconstitutional 5th Amendment takings . This is HOW I take Testers seat in the U.S Senate. https://www.technocracy.news/i ndex.php/2017/07/12/united-nat ions-urges-governments-take-wa ter￾resources/ On Jul 14, 2017 8:18 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Robert it appears you may need to start interviewing? I will be listening to the Connecting the Dots this am. Here are some Dots for the Secretary of Interior he may have hired one to many! 2. Rocky Mountain Power had a dissolution? I may have had one myself a time or two? Sorry, how could those papers be lost or removed? 3. In the lawsuit US v McIntire Pg.3 1st paragraph explains why someone changed the name of the Project. 4. 1932 Project History by C.J.Moody (Secretary of Interior) appropriated the waters June 27th 1912. On Thursday, July 13, 2017 9:50 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Robert Fanning" I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015. Today I raised the stakes exponentially in the CKST compact 5th Amendment takings clause. The Flathead and Lake County commissioners review what I say with all my e-mail with their county attorney's. I'm going to win Testers seat On Jul 13, 2017 9:17 AM, "Dan Happel" wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000186 EXT-18-2336-A-000187 Dear Connecting the Dots Listeners, Please join us this evening for an up dose and personal look at the regulatory branch of our federal government with our guest; Constitutional Law Attorney - Harriet Hageman. The Founding Fathers intended that the three branches of government (Legislative, Executive , & Judicial) would create a balance of power that would stop any individual branch from becoming too powerful. They did not foresee a time when the Administrative branch (President) could create 95% of all new laws through cabinet level agencies staffed with un￾elected bureaucrats. That is exactly what has happened, causing a nightmare of regulation that makes the lives of all Americans much more difficult and restrictive than was ever intended. Learn from a regulatory expert what has happened to our country and what we must do to stop this leviathan from destroying our republic and taking us into a new world order of technocratic control. Please share this information with your email/social media contacts, and join us this evening for a in depth look at regulatory America. Thanks for listening, Dan Happel / Connecting the Dots with Dan Happel radio program Bureaucratic Regulation - Harriet Hageman AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000188 AMR AN PVERSIGHT Listen to us at: RepublicNewsRadio101 Visit us at: Republicfortheunitedstates.org Bureaucratic Regulation (The 4th Branch of Government) ... unelected, unacco untable, and increasing ly uncontro llable Over the past century the control of government through rule of law passed from Congress to the President. Under our constitutional republican system, all laws were to emanate from our democratically elected public officials as a guarantee that the peop le would control the controllers. President Franklin D. Roosevelt permanently turned that process on it's head when he bypassed Congressional oversight and began to rule by administrative fiat through Cabinet level Forever Glory Order Your Republic Stickers Now! EXT-18-2336-A-000189 AMR AN PVERSIGHT agencies, using national emergency as a pretext. New laws that were not drafted by Congress, but bad the effect of law were created by administrative agencies on an increasing frequency. Today 95+% of all new laws are created by these un-elected bureaucrats appointed by the President. Congress bas abdicated their role as the tme representatives of the people, and now function as little more than political shills to the special interests and lobbyists that now control Washington, D.C. An entire new political class of un-elected administrators run our government and have sequentially taken us from a constitutional republic, to a constitutional democracy, to a socialistic democracy, and very nearly to a Marxist democracy in a span of just over 100 years. Our government bas morphed from a servant of the people to the master of the people, and now controls every facet of our daily lives from cradle to grave. Join us for an examination of this process with our guest, Constitutional Attorney Harriet Hageman, for an hour long discussion of bow bureaucratic regulation is destroying the American dream, and what we must do if we are to restore indiv idual liberty to average Americans. Dan Happel Connect the Dots Host Connecting the Dots is rebroadcast on Sunday Evenings 6pm MTN on Republic News Radio101 Listen to our program live by dialing (712)-432-0075 code 300748# Please fo rward thi s important call information to everyone you know I EXT-18-2336-A-000190 AMR AN PVERSIGHT Harriet Ha2eman Ra ised on a ranch near Ft. Laramie, Wyoming Attended Casper College - Livestock Judging Team University of Wyoming Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration Graduated from the Co liege of Law in 1989 Founded Hageman Law P.C., in Chevenne, Wvoming Recently opened a second office in Lusk , Wyoming All woman law finn Practice focused almost exclusively on water, natural resource , and land use issues Extensive litigation and trial experience Expert ise in federal regu latory burden Licensed to practice law in Wyoming , Nebraska and Colorado Professional Activities: Wyoming Business Alliance, Steering Committee Mounta in States Legal Founda tion, Board of Litigation Honors Received: 20 l O Alumn i of the Year - Casper College 20 11 Doornbos Agriculture Lecture Series & Rancher's Night Out Featured Speaker - Caspe r College 2011 Wyoming Agriculture Hall ofFame Inductee Numerous speaking engagements around the United States EXT-18-2336-A-000191 Do We Still Live Under the Co nstitution? Vols I & Il The Republic for the United States of America The Time is Now! God Save the Republic! EXT-18-2336-A-000192 Click Here for Ways to Support and Grow Your Republic Opinions stated by various contributors to the RNN are not to be considered as endorsed by officers and members of the Republic for the United States. Listeners are urged to use their own discernment to draw their own conclu AMR AN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: "MT Sen Taylor Brown"[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; SteveFitzpatrickHD20[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack Horner ]; Leroy Lake ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn[ ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-16T12:48:37-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Double feature at the Kallispel show house.......or maybe the Deerlodge prison show house Received: 2017-07-16T12:48:43-04:00 CHINATOWN https://youtu.be/20FfiP7g4tU Who gets the Noah Cross award ??? Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room https://youtu.be/-w6duQhWuVk Ken Lay died in prison On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000193 Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000194 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Leroy Lake ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist[ ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-16T15:26:30-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: U.N. water takings via regulatory Lawfare Received: 2017-07-16T15:26:45-04:00 Compact-ion.pdf FJBC By-Laws.pdf Robert these thieves may not have known to change by laws and ownership of a registered Company the shareholders would have needed to be informed? On Thursday, July 13, 2017 11:28 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges-governments￾take-water-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000195 Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < > ; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000196 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross Middlemist[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-16T17:15:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: U.N. water takings via regulatory Lawfare Received: 2017-07-16T17:15:57-04:00 The auditors reporting to the NYSE, SEC and all the other pertinent regulators should have exposed the fraud. Sue them and their carriers too. Sue everyone and let the innocent prove themselves out. Gene, your skills as a researcher ND an archivist will keep those 20 graduate students at Montana State University busy for a long time. This is the stuff of a book and feature film. I wonder how many people on this list will play themselves or be unavailable to do that because their in prison? On Jul 16, 2017 1:26 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert these thieves may not have known to change by laws and ownership of a registered Company the shareholders would have needed to be informed? On Thursday, July 13, 2017 11:28 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges￾governments-take-water-resources/ (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000197 On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000198 KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < > ; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000199 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross Middlemist[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-16T22:57:14-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: U.N. water takings via regulatory Lawfare Received: 2017-07-16T22:57:20-04:00 The reason the Deep State is in a panic attack after 9 years of ZIRP and the actuarial Bell curve forecasting pension collapses simultaneous with the Federal Reserve shrinking their balance sheet. Put me in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-07-14/%E2%80%9Cfinancial-crisis%E2%80%9D￾coming-end-2018-prepare-urgently Make Tester talk about this instead of blowin smoke up your ass over health care. On Jul 16, 2017 1:26 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert these thieves may not have known to change by laws and ownership of a registered Company the shareholders would have needed to be informed? On Thursday, July 13, 2017 11:28 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges￾governments-take-water-resources/ (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000200 On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000201 KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < > ; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000202 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner[ ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross Middlemist[ ]; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-17T22:00:32-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Quantify the harm Received: 2017-07-17T22:00:36-04:00 Federal lawsuit update. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/federal-lawsuit-update-bob-fanning CHINATOWN https://youtu.be/20FfiP7g4tU Who gets the Noah Cross award ??? Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000203 https://youtu.be/-w6duQhWuVk Ken Lay died in prison EXT-18-2336-A-000204 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack Horner ]; Leroy Lake ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn[ ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-18T16:04:50-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Quantify the harm Received: 2017-07-20T09:49:01-04:00 In April of 2004 we flew to Cheyenne as Chairman of Friends of the Northern Yellowstone Elk Herd & Montana House Rep. Chair of the Montana House Judiciary Committee & Agriculture Committee, Diane Rice and retained Karen Budd -Falen. By 2007 the Montana House voted to give Karen Budd Falen $200,000 by a super majority to sue over wolves. By then the Fed's knew that we were serious as a heart attack. http://www.salon.com/2017/07/18/karen-budd-falen-the-bundy-familys-lawyer-may-be-trumps￾pick-to-manage-federal-lands/ Suing over water is the natural progression in defending Rural America, the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. On Jul 17, 2017 8:00 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Federal lawsuit update. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/federal-lawsuit-update-bob-fanning (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000205 CHINATOWN https://youtu.be/20FfiP7g4tU Who gets the Noah Cross award ??? Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room https://youtu.be/-w6duQhWuVk Ken Lay died in prison EXT-18-2336-A-000206 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT To: MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Gene Erb[ ]; Catherine Fitts[catherine@solari.com] Cc: ; Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-19T14:29:28-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: U.N. water takings via regulatory Lawfare Received: 2017-07-19T14:54:56-04:00 FB IMG 1500488865800.jpg Gene & I aren't the only one's calling attention to the Deep State's macro theft of an entire asset class. Catherine Austin Fitts has been calling attention to the looting of America since 2009. She calls it a leveraged buy out. Catherine Austin Fitts loves Montana. She's one of the greatest financial minds in America. So is her former partner at Dillon Read, Charles Ortel who just took down the Clinton Foundation and saved us the nightmare of a Clinton Crime Family Presidency. Let's hire her to be "of counsel " along with my friend and colleague Charles Ortel to oversee this forensic audit. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid 1653334341343917&id 100000021009099 On Jul 13, 2017 11:27 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges-governments-take￾water-resources/ (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000207 On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000208 KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000209 To: MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Gene Erb[ ]; Jim Beers[jimbeers7@comcast.net]; Dr Cronin[croninm@aol.com]; karen@buddfalen.com[karen@buddfalen.com]; Harriet Hageman[hhageman@hblawoffice.com]; SCOTT ROCKHOLM ]; Toby Bridges[lobowatch1@gmail.com] Cc: ; Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross Middlemist ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-20T14:58:54-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: TUNE IN TO DAN HAPPELS CONNECTING THE DOTS Show TONIGHT AND LISTEN TO WATER RIGHTS ATTORNEY HARRIETT HAGEMAN Received: 2017-07-20T14:58:59-04:00 It's YOUR job and fiduciary duty. Read the attached PDF in preparation. THEN put me in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State and advance Trumps agenda . I will go there to enforce the U.S. Constitution and take Testers seat on the Senate Banking committee so the Wall Street paper flippers can't steal an entire asset class. Confirm Karen Budd Falen as head of the BLM . Confirm Jim Beers as head of the U.S. FWS Appoint Dr.Matt Cronin as Science Advisor to the Secretary of Interior. The swamp gets drained, starting at the Headwaters with a forensic audit supervised by Charles Ortel and Catherine Austin Fitts. The looting of America has ended......starting with this corrupt compact and it's regulatory takings in direct conflict with the TAKINGS clause of the 5th Amendment. On Jul 13, 2017 11:27 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000210 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges-governments-take￾water-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000211 ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000212 To: SCOTT ROCKHOLM[ ]; Dr Cronin[croninm@aol.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Harriet Hageman[hhageman@hblawoffice.com]; Jim Beers[jimbeers7@comcast.net]; Toby Bridges[lobowatch1@gmail.com]; karen@buddfalen.com[karen@buddfalen.com]; Gene Erb[ ] Cc: Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Leroy Lake ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Ross Middlemist[ ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-20T15:04:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: TUNE IN TO DAN HAPPELS CONNECTING THE DOTS Show TONIGHT AND LISTEN TO WATER RIGHTS ATTORNEY HARRIETT HAGEMAN Received: 2017-07-20T15:04:56-04:00 3.18.17-WaterCases.pdf See attached On Jul 20, 2017 12:58 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: It's YOUR job and fiduciary duty. Read the attached PDF in preparation. THEN put me in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State and advance Trumps agenda . I will go there to enforce the U.S. Constitution and take Testers seat on the Senate Banking committee so the Wall Street paper flippers can't steal an entire asset class. Confirm Karen Budd Falen as head of the BLM . Confirm Jim Beers as head of the U.S. FWS Appoint Dr.Matt Cronin as Science Advisor to the Secretary of Interior. The swamp gets drained, starting at the Headwaters with a forensic audit supervised by Charles Ortel and Catherine Austin Fitts. The looting of America has ended......starting with this corrupt compact and it's regulatory (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000213 takings in direct conflict with the TAKINGS clause of the 5th Amendment. On Jul 13, 2017 11:27 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges-governments￾take-water-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius EXT-18-2336-A-000214 SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000215 EXT-18-2336-A-000216 To: SCOTT ROCKHOLM ); Dr Cronin[croninm@aol.com); MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Harriet Hageman[hhageman@hblawoff ice.com]; Jim Beers0 imbeers 7@comcast.net); Toby Bridgespobowatch1@gma il.com ); karen@buddfalen.com[karen@buddfalen .com · Gene Erb ■•■- ) Cc: •·•·•• ■ Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@centuryl ink.net); MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gma1.com; and oard[landboard@mt.gov ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate .gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com); Jack Horner ; Leroy ake• ■ ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@mitlawp .com]; Curt Rosman •■ ]; Steve Hughes ■■■■■■■): Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net); Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforwor1dpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com); Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com ); Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc .gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ■•■■■■■■■ : MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net); MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northembroadcasting .com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp .com]; Ryan Zinke•• •••••• ); Ross ddlem st·•••••••••■■ : MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester .senate.gov]; mary@goodwor1 wrote: It's YOUR job and fiduciary duty . Read the attached PDF in preparat ion. THEN put me in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State and advance Trumps agenda . I will go there to enforce the U.S. Constitution and take Testers seat on the Senate Banking committee so the Wall Street paper flippers can't stea l an entire asset class. Confinn Karen Budd Falen as head of the BLM . Confinn Jim Beers as head of the U.S. FWS Appoint Dr.Matt Cronin as Science Advisor to the Secretary of Interior. AMR AN PVERSIGHT The swamp gets drained, starting at the Headwaters with a forensic audit supervised by Charles Ortel and Catherine Austin Fitts. The looting of America has ended......starting with this corrupt compact and it's regulatory takings in direct conflict with the TAKINGS clause of the 5th Amendment. On Jul 13, 2017 11:27 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges-governments￾take-water-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke < >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000217 ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < ; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000218 To: Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Ryan Zinke ]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Merrill Bradshaw[merrill@blackfoot.net]; Glen and Karen Raisland[sti4058@blackfoot.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-21T09:15:34-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fw: BOR acting commissioner tours Basin | Local News | heraldandnews.com Received: 2017-07-21T09:15:48-04:00 Right of Way Over Public Lands & Reservations June 1908.pdf Looks like Alan forgot to read up on State and Federal Law before he made amendments to water appropriations, without the proper authority from the land owners? Reservoirs for Watering Stock also. The Peter Principle having its finest hour.... http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local news/bor-acting-commissioner-tours￾basin/article b2a1390e-bdb8-5765-9306-2e784c7976d6.html Sent from my iPad (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000219 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Merrill Bradshaw[merrill@blackfoot.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Glen and Karen Raisland[sti4058@blackfoot.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-21T12:28:08-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fw: BOR acting commissioner tours Basin | Local News | heraldandnews.com Received: 2017-07-21T12:28:18-04:00 The similarity between Enron and the corruption of this water compact is chilling. 3,000 people were killed in order to destroy the Enron evidence in building 7. Evidence tampering over the long term as a business model for the Compact will be exposed. I hope to screen "Enron. The Smartest Guys in the Room " in Kalispell soon and conduct a public question and answer session with the people of Flathead and Lake County and their commissioners and their lawyers. You are in the jaws of a macro trade. See you soon and tell Tester that I will force him as a member of the Senate Banking committee to debate this. I will destroy him in the debates, and you will get 5th Amendment restitution, appropriated in Congress or at the U.S. Court of claims all the way back to 1915. I promise. Enron took $ 60 billion. This crime is bigger. Get sophisticated and do it fast. https://youtu.be/-pOAp-5DqQs (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000220 On Jul 21, 2017 7:15 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Looks like Alan forgot to read up on State and Federal Law before he made amendments to water appropriations, without the proper authority from the land owners? Reservoirs for Watering Stock also. The Peter Principle having its finest hour.... http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local news/bor-acting-commissioner-tours￾basin/article b2a1390e-bdb8-5765-9306-2e784c7976d6.html Sent from my iPad (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000221 EXT-18-2336-A-000222 To: rstryk@spgdc.com(rstryk@spgdc.com] Cc: Ryan Zinke ■••••••■] From: Jon Jorgensen Sent: 2017-07-21T13:17:38-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: EDC Defeats Trump Administration on Offshore Fracking Received: 2017-07-21T13: 18:07-04 :00 Hey guys, Push back from Environmental Defense Center best Jon ---------- Forwarded message---------- From: mark shevitz Date: Fri, Jul 21, 2017 at 10:14 AM Subject: Fwd: EDC Defeats Trump Administration on Offshore Fracking To: Jon Jorgensen Fyi Begin forwarded message: From: mark shevitz Subject: Fwd: EDC Defeats Trump Administration on Offshore Fracking Date: July 21, 2017 at 9:49:24 AM PDT To: Jon Jorgensen Begin forwarded message: From: "Betsy Weber - Environmental Defense Center" Subject: EDC Defeats Trump Administration on Offshore Fracking Date: July 21, 2017 at 8:58:55 AM PDT To: markshev@qma il.com Reply-To: messenger@env ironmentaldef ensecente r.org f you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online. AMR AN PVERSIGHT Share this EXT-18-2336-A-000223 AMR AN PVERSIGHT rump Threatens Channel Island Sanctuary Included on the sizeable list of national monuments and arine sanctuaries that President Trump wants reviewed is ~he Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, right here in our backyard. The Sanctuary is one of just 14 federally ciesignated Marine Sanctuaries in the US. We need yo ur oice b June 26th requesting the Trump Administration keeps the current sanctuary boundaries and use restrictions in lace for CA's four sanctuaries, protecting against oil and gas development for the benefit of all Californians and the nation as a whole . Ventura County Supervisor, Steve Bennett, is eguestioo the Board send a letter of their own. Show your ____ support by emailing your supervisor. _, EDC Defeats Trump Admin on Offshore F Last Friday, EDC and our client, Channelkeeper, had a huge win with the cc ederal overnment's attem t to dismiss our I. ffshore frack·n and acidizing. In Novembe1 he federal government for failure to analyze ; potential risks and impacts caused by these taking place from oil platforms offshore in sou including the Santa Barbara Channel. Last "' allow us to proceed with our case alleg government violated the Endangered Species consult with expert wildlife agencies conoerni1 east 25 threatened and endangered species he encies to re are environmental EXT-18-2336-A-000224 AMR AN PVERSIGHT DC Honored as Nonprofit of the Year It was a true honor to travel to the State Capitol last month to be presented with the Nonprofi1 of the Year Award as part o he celebration of California Nonprofits Day. EDC was selected by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson as an exceptional nonprofit organization in her 19th Senate District community, and joined by nearly 100 other nonprofit leaders from across he state being honored at the annual event. "For decades, th nvironmental Defense Center has been fighting to protect ou coast, our water and air quality," Jackson said. "Their work has greatly enhanced the quality of life that all of us hold dear along our Central Coast. For these reasons, I am honored t recognize them as the 19th Senate District's Non-Profit of th iYear," she said. ddresses, for example, discharges of toxic ( arine environment. EDC Blog Series: Endangered Species !As we continue celebrating our 40th anniver hrough our monthly blog series, we take a 10< ritical work EDC has done to protect some of ft endangered species with which we share this I DC's Watershed Program Director, Brian Tra hrough the story of the endangered southern , steelhead trout that lives in the Pacific Ocean , F astal streams from the Santa Maria River to Hislop, Marine Conservation Program Director DC's leadership role in developing an innova slow down cargo ships to reduce fatal ship stri F-'-'-=~=~---=a~ir~o=llu=t=io=n . Please take a mint EXT-18-2336-A-000225 AMR AN PVERSIGHT EDC at Jack Johnson Concert Many thanks to Jack Johnson and All At Once - his social ction network that connects nonprofits with people who want o become active in their local community - for inviting EDC to join them this past Tuesday at the sold out concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. The Village Green was a buzz with concert-goers stopping by our booth to take action to help stoA new oil drilling off our coast and write their state representatives in support of Senate Bill 188. What a otivating night of community action and a great performance y one of our favorite local musicians. pity Council Resolution Against Oil & Ga Development Please join EDC and our partners on Tuesday support the Santa Barbara City Council resolu1 for a ban on new drilling and fracking in federa waters off the California Coast. These dangerc eractices threaten our marine ecosystems and our coastal communities. As the Trump admin evaluating our national marine sanctuaries for t is critical that we take action at the local !eve unique environment and community health. W, ou next Tuesday! ] )< _________ _., 06 Garden Street I Santa Barbara, CA 93101 US [hi s email was sent to markshev@gmail.com . To ensure that you continue receiving our emails, please a ss book or safe 11st. -- Jon Jorgensen The Chandlery Yacht Sales www.chandlery.com C:805-570-3629 O:805-965-4538 EXT-18-2336-A-000226 l> wrote: Looks like Alan forgot to read up on State and Federal Law before he made amendments to water appropriations, without the proper authority from the land owners? Reservoirs for Watering Stock also. The Peter Principle having its finest hour.... http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local news/bor-acting-commissioner-tours￾basin/article b2a1390e-bdb8-5765-9306-2e784c7976d6.html Sent from my iPad (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000227 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Merrill Bradshaw[merrill@blackfoot.net]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Glen and Karen Raisland[sti4058@blackfoot.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-23T23:48:27-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fw: BOR acting commissioner tours Basin | Local News | heraldandnews.com Received: 2017-07-23T23:52:44-04:00 Pages fromThe Revised Codes of Montana 1935 Part 1 from Gene.pdf Government Contracts 1.pdf Alans Letter to the DNRC.pdf 1. Yo Robert looks to us that the Irrigation Districts may need a little discovery, that Judge Manley asked if it was needed instead of a (OOOH No)? Appears like Alan and Jon has the Districts in Contempt of the Court. 2. If Legal Council looks at the Contracts with the United States Government and finds funds were transferred from these contracts there will be one Hell of a Audit in the Forensic Type? 3. Alan you may need to be at the next meeting to explain the Proceedings for the Dissolution of the Districts? On Friday, July 21, 2017 10:28 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: The similarity between Enron and the corruption of this water compact is chilling. 3,000 people were killed in order to destroy the Enron evidence in building 7. Evidence tampering over the long term as a business model for the Compact will be exposed. I hope to screen "Enron. The Smartest Guys in the Room " in Kalispell soon and conduct a public question and answer session with the people of Flathead and Lake County and their commissioners and their lawyers. You are in the jaws of a macro trade. See you soon and tell Tester that I will force him as a member of the Senate Banking (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000228 committee to debate this. I will destroy him in the debates, and you will get 5th Amendment restitution, appropriated in Congress or at the U.S. Court of claims all the way back to 1915. I promise. Enron took $ 60 billion. This crime is bigger. Get sophisticated and do it fast. https://youtu.be/-pOAp-5DqQs On Jul 21, 2017 7:15 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Looks like Alan forgot to read up on State and Federal Law before he made amendments to water appropriations, without the proper authority from the land owners? Reservoirs for Watering Stock also. The Peter Principle having its finest hour.... http://www.heraldandnews.com/ news/local news/bor-acting- commissioner-tours￾basin/ article b2a1390e-bdb8-5765- 9306-2e784c7976d6.html Sent from my iPad (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000229 To: Gene Erb ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner[ ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Merrill Bradshaw[merrill@blackfoot.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Glen and Karen Raisland[sti4058@blackfoot.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-24T00:29:21-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fw: BOR acting commissioner tours Basin | Local News | heraldandnews.com Received: 2017-07-24T00:29:32-04:00 images (1).jpg Prediction: " CHINATOWN " Will be the most viewed movie in Flathead & Lake counties up till the vote for U.S Senate in November of 2018. That race will focus on the water compact, despite the tactical and strategic deception of keeping you mesmerized o the issue specific minutiae of socialized medicine. Jack Nicholson played Gene Erb in the mystery thriller "CHINATOWN ". Gene deserves the Medal of Freedom for busting this crime wide open. See you soon " at the movies ". Careful Gene :" nosy guys......lose their noses. " On Jul 23, 2017 9:48 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Yo Robert looks to us that the Irrigation Districts may need a little discovery, that Judge Manley asked if it was needed instead of a (OOOH No)? Appears like Alan and Jon has the Districts in Contempt of the Court. 2. If Legal Council looks at the Contracts with the United States Government and finds funds were transferred from these contracts there will be one Hell of a Audit in the Forensic Type? 3. Alan you may need to be at the next meeting to explain the Proceedings for the Dissolution of the Districts? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000230 On Friday, July 21, 2017 10:28 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: The similarity between Enron and the corruption of this water compact is chilling. 3,000 people were killed in order to destroy the Enron evidence in building 7. Evidence tampering over the long term as a business model for the Compact will be exposed. I hope to screen "Enron. The Smartest Guys in the Room " in Kalispell soon and conduct a public question and answer session with the people of Flathead and Lake County and their commissioners and their lawyers. You are in the jaws of a macro trade. See you soon and tell Tester that I will force him as a member of the Senate Banking committee to debate this. I will destroy him in the debates, and you will get 5th Amendment restitution, appropriated in Congress or at the U.S. Court of claims all the way back to 1915. I promise. Enron took $ 60 billion. This crime is bigger. Get sophisticated and do it fast. https://youtu.be/-pOAp-5DqQs On Jul 21, 2017 7:15 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Looks like Alan forgot to read up on State and Federal Law before he made amendments to water appropriations, without the proper authority from the land owners? Reservoirs for Watering Stock also. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000231 The Peter Principle having its finest hour.... http://www.heraldandnews.com/ news/local news/bor-acting- commissioner-tours￾basin/ article b2a1390e-bdb8-5765- 9306-2e784c7976d6.html Sent from my iPad EXT-18-2336-A-000232 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ]; Mike Horn[ ]; Clarice Ryan[ ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Merrill Bradshaw[merrill@blackfoot.net]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Glen and Karen Raisland[sti4058@blackfoot.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-24T07:09:27-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: While Flathead / Lake counties remain valueless .........Gene does all their work. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit, obey the D.C.judge , while you still can. Received: 2017-07-24T07:09:36-04:00 FB IMG 1500892912572.jpg FB IMG 1500892884701.jpg The robbing of land is apart of Agenda 2030 and removing people from it. And the creation of at least 11 mega-regions in the US. http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-dillon-diversion-dam-umatilla-river-removal-salmon/ https://naturalresources.house.gov/foresthealthandwildfires/ http://www.cfact.org/2009/08/31/tiny-fish-threatens-to-turn-californias-central-valley-into-dust￾bowl/ http://www.freedomworks.org/content/obama%E2%80%99s-private-army-militarizing-federal￾agencies http://dailycaller.com/2014/01/08/epa-overrides-congress-hands-over-town-to-indian-tribes/ http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jan/21/editorial-land-seizure-in-wyoming/ (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000233 The Peter Principle having its finest hour.... http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local news/bor-acting-commissioner-tours￾basin/article b2a1390e-bdb8-5765-9306-2e784c7976d6.html EXT-18-2336-A-000234 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000235 To: MT - Kalispell Daily Interlake edit dail interlake.com]; Gene Erb ] Cc: • ·•·· · Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@century link.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gma1 .com ; an oard[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (T ester)[de b _frandsen@teste r .senate. gov]; Richard Erb(richarde rb@montana.com]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com] ; Curt Rosman ]; Steve Hughes •• ; Paul Guenzler(sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforwor1dpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake(spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Wadsworth ■•••■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucker·· •··•·•· ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net] ; MT Sen Taylo~broad casting.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zink~ MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov] ; Ross Middlemist ■■■■■■■■•■ ; Senator Jon Tester{ senator@tester.senate.gov]; Bruce T utvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cwincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@st ignatius.net]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn••■■■•••• ; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net]; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-24T17:02:46-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Tester is very beatable. I am running against Tester in Montana and will win in Defense of the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. Received: 2017-07-24T17:03:05-04:00 244421511.jpg How vulnerab le is Senator Jon Tester in today's po litica l climate? That question currently radiates throughout the Montana po litica l scene as we gear up for yet another "nat ionally important" statewide race here in Big Sky Country . Montana's F lat-topped Democratic senior senator has so far managed to defy the odds makers in both of his previous Senate runs. In 2006 , he upset 3-term incumbent Conrad Burns to gain the seat. In 2012 , he fended off a strong challenge from 6-term U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg to retain the seat, despite having to share the top of the Democratic ticket with Barack Obama. But what is the outlook for 2018? The July poll from Morn ing Consult on the popu larity of each U.S. Senator pro vides some interesting early insight as we head into 2018 . In the July po ll, Tester polled with an approva l rating of 50 percent and a disappro val rating of 39 percent amongst Montana voters . Thos e might sound like good numbers until you place them in context of the approva l ratings for other senators and then compare them to Morning Consu lt 's April numbers . Despite voter appro va l ratings that hover somewhere in the neighborhood of rat poison for Congress as a whole, voters typica lly approve of their own senators and representatives. Tester's disapprova l rating of 39 percent is the 4th highest in the Senate . Tester's counterpart , Repub lican Steve Daines , received a 53 percent approva l rating and a 30 percent disapprova l rating in the po ll. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000236 Since the inauguration of Dona ld Trump , the media wou ld have us believe that Repub licans are under siege nationw ide. The narrative says that Dona ld Trump , in genera l, and the healthcare debate , in particu lar, are dragg ing down the Repub lican Party and an anti-GOP back lash is brewing amongst voters . Maybe that is happening in other places, but what does the data say about Montana? If we compare the July po ll to Morn ing Consu lt's Apri l poll, we find that Tester's popu larity has seen a 14 point negative swing in his popu larity . In Apri l, Tester was at 57 approve , 32 disapprove . After 7 months of dogged opposition to Trump and the GOP agenda, he finds himse lf significan tly less popu lar. Daines has also seen his popu larity slip, but by a far less dramat ic 4 point swing , from 55 approve/28 disapprove to 53/30 . All of this desp ite the fact that Da ines has been the senator under constant criticism and attack from the med ia, Democrat ic party , specia l interest groups , and libera l activ ists since January 20th . Despite the noise, it's Tester who voters appear to be moving away from . Clear ly, the "anti-Trump back lash" that is supposed to be materia lizing against the Repub lican Party is not materia lizing in Montana and that is bad news for Tester. We saw some of this in May when Greg Gianforte , an unbe lievab ly flawed cand idate, was ab le to win the spec ial election for Montana's House seat by a comfortab le marg in. Tester finds himse lf in a battle . Tester is very beatab le. On Jul 13, 2017 11 :27 AM, "Robert Fann ing" wrote: I founded Regu latory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https: //www .technocracy.news /indcx .php/20 17 /07 / l ? /united-nations-urges-governments-takc￾water-rcsources / On Jul 13, 2017 6: 10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Yo Dick yo u we re at the White House in th is era, who was on the Friends Committee on Nationa l Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themse lves to the Reclamation Funds? How do yo u protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been t he (Drift ing Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet yo u know all about the Water Right s that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minera ls that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you wi ll find t hat on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about t he (BIG DRIFT) or "Monta na Power" bankr uptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, Novembe r 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000237 Gene At yesterday's FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that wou ld shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significant ly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131 ). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT prog ram has been able to maintain and rehabi litate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabi litation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikke lsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenz ler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Danie l Salomon ; Jack Horner~>; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake <'lake ronan.net >; mary@goodworksventures.com ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; au a swort >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake >; Steve Hughes >; Paul Hunsucker >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman >; Jon Metropou los ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist >; Tay lor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibi lity to protect everyone 's 'WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000238 To: Robert Fanni~ ] Cc: Ken Corneliu ----K ellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@century link.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmai l.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester deb frandsen tester.senate.g~ harderb@montana .com]; Jack Horne Lero Lake---- Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[ed it@dailyinterlake.com]; Steve ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.ne t]; Gene rb■■■■■■■ ; Dr. Kate an emoer wate orwor peace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gma il.com]; Patricia Gillis atricia. illis ferc. ov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport .net]; Paul Hunsucke MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan .net]; MT Sen hernbroadcasting.com]; Bruce Fredrickson bruce rmtlaw .com · R an Zink Ross Middlemis MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov ]; Senator Jon ester senator tester.sena e.gov]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksven tures .com-- BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slac Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gma il.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedames.co m ; en as Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkmch@stigna tius.net]; Duane Mecham duane.mecha m@sol.doi.gov]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Hor Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake ronan.net] From: Paul Wadsworth Sent: 2017-07-24T17:48:41-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Tester is very beatable. I am running against Tester in Montana and will win in Defense of the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. Received: 2017-07-24T17:48:45-04 :00 Are going to run as an independent On Jul 24, 2017 3:02 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: How vulnerab le is Senator Jon Tester in today's political climate? That question currently radiates throughout the Montana po litical scene as we gear up for yet another "nationa lly important" statewide race here in Big Sky Country . Montana's Flat-topped Democrat ic senior senator has so far managed to defy the odds makers in both of his prev ious Senate runs. In 2006, he upset 3-tenn incumbent Conrad Burns to gain the seat. In 2012, he fended off a strong challenge from 6-tenn U.S. Rep . Denny Rehberg to retain the seat, despite having to share the top of the Democratic ticket with Barack Obama . But what is the outlook for 2018? The July poll from Morn ing Consult on the popu larity of each U.S. Senator provides some interesting early insight as we head into 2018 . In the July poll, Tester po lled with an approva l rating of 50 percent and a disapproval rating of 39 percent amongst Montana voters. Those might sound like good numbers unt il you place them in context of the approva l ratings for other senators and then compare them to Morn ing Consult's April numbers . Despite voter approva l ratings that hover somewhere in the neighborhood of rat po ison for Congress as a whole, voters typically approve of their own senators and representatives . AMR AN PVERSIGHT Tester’s disapproval rating of 39 percent is the 4th highest in the Senate. Tester’s counterpart, Republican Steve Daines, received a 53 percent approval rating and a 30 percent disapproval rating in the poll. Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the media would have us believe that Republicans are under siege nationwide. The narrative says that Donald Trump, in general, and the healthcare debate, in particular, are dragging down the Republican Party and an anti-GOP backlash is brewing amongst voters. Maybe that is happening in other places, but what does the data say about Montana? If we compare the July poll to Morning Consult’s April poll, we find that Tester’s popularity has seen a 14 point negative swing in his popularity. In April, Tester was at 57 approve, 32 disapprove. After 7 months of dogged opposition to Trump and the GOP agenda, he finds himself significantly less popular. Daines has also seen his popularity slip, but by a far less dramatic 4 point swing, from 55 approve/28 disapprove to 53/30. All of this despite the fact that Daines has been the senator under constant criticism and attack from the media, Democratic party, special interest groups, and liberal activists since January 20th. Despite the noise, it’s Tester who voters appear to be moving away from. Clearly, the “anti-Trump backlash” that is supposed to be materializing against the Republican Party is not materializing in Montana and that is bad news for Tester. We saw some of this in May when Greg Gianforte, an unbelievably flawed candidate, was able to win the special election for Montana’s House seat by a comfortable margin. Tester finds himself in a battle . Tester is very beatable. On Jul 13, 2017 11:27 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges-governments￾take-water-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000239 On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday’s FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner ; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; ken.cornelius@live.com; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth ; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake Steve Hughes Paul Hunsucke Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist ; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000240 EXT-18-2336-A-000241 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000242 To: Paul Wadsworth Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gma il.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com ]; Leroy Lake ; Jack Horner ···•··· ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com ]; Curt ]; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.ne t]; Gene Erb ■-■■-■■ ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer(waterforworldpeace@gma il.com]; Kathleen Mazure(klm@dwgp.com ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gma il.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; Paul Hunsucker ■■■■■■■■- ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick [fitzpatricks@bresnan.net ]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcast ing.com]; Bruce Fredrickson(bruce@nntlawp.com ]; Ryan Zinke ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox(contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross Middlemist•lii ]; KellyFlynnHD68 [hideaway1987@cen turylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[ senator@tester.sena te.gov]; Ken Cornelius·•·••••· ]; Bruce TutvedtSD3 [brucetutvedt@gma il.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com [mary@goodworksventures.com ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines[steve@steveda ines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.do i.gov]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@s tignatius.net]; Will Selph[will@ryanz inke.com]; Mike Horn■•·•·••• ; Jack & Susan LakeLJlake@ronan.net]; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com ] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-24T18: 11 :53-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Tester is very beatable. I am running against Tester in Montana and will win in Defense of the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State . Received: 2017-07-24T18 :12:28-04:00 Going to drive the conversation .......... nation wide. That's a quote. On Jul 24, 2017 3:48 PM, "Paul Wadsworth" ~ > wrot e: Are going to run as an independent On Jul 24, 2017 3:02 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrot e: How vulnerab le is Senator Jon Tester in today's po litical climate? That question currently radiates throughout the Montana po litical scene as we gear up for yet another "nationa lly important " statewide race here in Big Sky Country . Montana 's Flat-topp ed Democratic senior senator has so far managed to defy the odds makers in both of his previous Senate runs. In 2006 , he upset 3-term incumbent Conrad Bum s to gain the seat. In 2012 , he fended off a strong cha llenge from 6-tenn U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg to retain the seat, despite having to share the top of the Democratic ticket with Barack Obama . AMR AN PVERSIGHT But what is the outlook for 2018? The July poll from Morning Consult on the popularity of each U.S. Senator provides some interesting early insight as we head into 2018. In the July poll, Tester polled with an approval rating of 50 percent and a disapproval rating of 39 percent amongst Montana voters. Those might sound like good numbers until you place them in context of the approval ratings for other senators and then compare them to Morning Consult’s April numbers. Despite voter approval ratings that hover somewhere in the neighborhood of rat poison for Congress as a whole, voters typically approve of their own senators and representatives. Tester’s disapproval rating of 39 percent is the 4th highest in the Senate. Tester’s counterpart, Republican Steve Daines, received a 53 percent approval rating and a 30 percent disapproval rating in the poll. Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the media would have us believe that Republicans are under siege nationwide. The narrative says that Donald Trump, in general, and the healthcare debate, in particular, are dragging down the Republican Party and an anti-GOP backlash is brewing amongst voters. Maybe that is happening in other places, but what does the data say about Montana? If we compare the July poll to Morning Consult’s April poll, we find that Tester’s popularity has seen a 14 point negative swing in his popularity. In April, Tester was at 57 approve, 32 disapprove. After 7 months of dogged opposition to Trump and the GOP agenda, he finds himself significantly less popular. Daines has also seen his popularity slip, but by a far less dramatic 4 point swing, from 55 approve/28 disapprove to 53/30. All of this despite the fact that Daines has been the senator under constant criticism and attack from the media, Democratic party, special interest groups, and liberal activists since January 20th. Despite the noise, it’s Tester who voters appear to be moving away from. Clearly, the “anti-Trump backlash” that is supposed to be materializing against the Republican Party is not materializing in Montana and that is bad news for Tester. We saw some of this in May when Greg Gianforte, an unbelievably flawed candidate, was able to win the special election for Montana’s House seat by a comfortable margin. Tester finds himself in a battle . Tester is very beatable. On Jul 13, 2017 11:27 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www.technocracy.news/index.php/2017/07/12/united-nations-urges-governments￾take-water-resources/ EXT-18-2336-A-000243 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000244 On Jul 13, 2017 6: 10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era , who was on the Friends Committee on Nationa l Legislat ion? Looks like these Friends may have helped themse lves to the Reclamat ion Funds? How do you protect a Ind ividuals Private Pro pe rty when the US Senate has been the (Drift ing Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to me ntion the minera ls that must have went on a (DRIFf) also you w ill find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea 's about the (BIG DRIFf) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy dur ing Governor Brian Schweitzer 's helm? On Tuesday , November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote : Gene At yesterday's FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131 ). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams ( 15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner 11 ■■■■■f> ; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake <"lake ronan.net>; mary@goodwo rksventures.com Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake >; Steve Hughes '11 ■■■■■■■ >; Paul Hunsucker ■■■■■■■■>; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; AMR AN PVERSIGHT KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < >; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000245 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Leroy Lake ]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross Middlemist ]; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn[ ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-26T11:59:42-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Tester is very beatable. I am running against Tester in Montana and will win in Defense of the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. Received: 2017-07-26T12:00:01-04:00 Water Commissioners.pdf 1.Yo!!! Paul you may want to share these with your newly appointed Water Commissioner? Were you filing the proper (Documents) with the Judge when you were acting Commissioner? Any idea how much of a Bond Requirement, you had as a Water Commissioner, or were you just taxing your neighbors without representation? Any idea when the computer was purchased that you were having problems with? Wasn't that Government Property also? Those computers today have a lot of problems. By the way where was the firm located that was doing the work on that one the FBI may need to have a little visit also? Has your buddy Alan forgot to mention that waters on the Flathead Reservation were adjudicated by order of the Secretary of the Interior under date of June 27,1912. Filings were made on all streams of the reservation for the project during the period immediately preceding construction. On Monday, July 24, 2017 4:11 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Going to drive the conversation..........nation wide. That's a quote. On Jul 24, 2017 3:48 PM, "Paul Wadsworth" < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000246 Are going to run as an independent On Jul 24, 2017 3:02 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: How vulnerable is Senator Jon Tester in today’s political climate? That question currently radiates throughout the Montana political scene as we gear up for yet another “nationally important” statewide race here in Big Sky Country. Montana’s Flat-topped Democratic senior senator has so far managed to defy the odds makers in both of his previous Senate runs. In 2006, he upset 3-term incumbent Conrad Burns to gain the seat. In 2012, he fended off a strong challenge from 6- term U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg to retain the seat, despite having to share the top of the Democratic ticket with Barack Obama. But what is the outlook for 2018? The July poll from Morning Consult on the popularity of each U.S. Senator provides some interesting early insight as we head into 2018. In the July poll, Tester polled with an approval rating of 50 percent and a disapproval rating of 39 percent amongst Montana voters. Those might sound like good numbers until you place them in context of the approval ratings for other senators and then compare them to Morning Consult’s April numbers. Despite voter approval ratings that hover somewhere in the neighborhood of rat poison for Congress as a whole, voters typically approve of their own senators and representatives. Tester’s disapproval rating of 39 percent is the 4th highest in the Senate. Tester’s counterpart, Republican Steve Daines, received a 53 percent approval rating and a 30 percent disapproval rating in the poll. Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the media would have us believe that Republicans are under siege nationwide. The narrative says that Donald Trump, in general, and the healthcare debate, in particular, are dragging down the Republican Party and an anti-GOP backlash is brewing amongst voters. Maybe that is happening in other places, but what does the data say about Montana? If we compare the July poll to Morning Consult’s April poll, we find that Tester’s popularity has seen a 14 point negative swing in his popularity. In April, Tester was at 57 approve, 32 disapprove. After 7 months of dogged opposition to Trump and the GOP agenda, he finds himself significantly less popular. Daines has also seen his popularity slip, but by a far less dramatic 4 point swing, from 55 approve/28 disapprove to 53/30. All of this despite the fact that Daines has been the senator under constant criticism and attack from the media, Democratic party, special interest groups, and liberal activists since January 20th. Despite the noise, it’s Tester who voters appear to be moving away from. EXT-18-2336-A-000247 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000248 Clearly, the "anti-Trump backlash" that is supposed to be materializing against the Republican Party is not materializing in Montana and that is bad news for Tester . We saw some of this in May when Greg Gianforte , an unbelievab ly flawed candidate , was able to win the special election for Montana's House seat by a comfortable margin. Tester finds himself in a battle . Tester is very beatable. On Jul 13, 2017 11 :27 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www .technocracy. news/i ndex. php/2017 /07 /12/united-nat ions-urges￾qovernments -take-wa ter-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr"._> wrote : Yo Dick you were at the White House in t his era, who was on t he Friends Comm ittee on Nationa l Legislat ion? Looks like these Friends may have helped themse lves to t he Reclamat ion Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property whe n the US Senate has been the (Drift ing Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Wate r Rights t hat have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to me ntion the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you w ill find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea 's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Monta na Power" bankruptcy du ring Governor Brian Schweitze r's helm? On Tuesday , November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday's FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131 ). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two ( early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams ( 15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000249 From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday , November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikke lsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke >; Senator Jon Teste r ; Jerry & Christ ine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzle r ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horne r 11 ■■■■ >; Duane Mecham ; ronan.net >; mary@goodworksventures.com ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Leroy Lake >; Steve Hughes ; Paul Hunsucke r ; Patric ia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist > ; Taylo r Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Respons ibility to protect everyone's 'WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000250 To: Gene Erb ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@grnail.corn]; Frandsen Deb {Tester)[deb_frandsen@tes ter.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com ]; mary@goodworksven tures.com[mary@goodworksventures .com]; Jack Horner Lake·• •··• ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@m1t1awp.com]; Curt Rosman MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinter1ake.com]; Steve Hughes ■- iiiiiiiiiiiiiJ ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net] ; Dr. Kate V andemoer[waterforwor1dpeace@gmail.com ]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia .gillis@ferc.gov] ; Paul Wadsworth ■•••·••■] ; David Lake[spud@cyberport .net]; Paul Hunsucker·· •··•·•·] ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net ]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp .com ]; Ryan Zinke ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross Middlemist •••■-]; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink .net]; Senator Jon Testerfsenator@tester.senate.gov ]; Ken Cornelius ■■• ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutved t@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines .com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cwincent@hotmail.com ]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net ]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov ]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com] ; Mike Horn■■■■■■■■-]; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com ]; Jack & Susan LakeLJlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-26T12:19:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Tester is very beatable. I am running against Tester in Montana and will win in Defense of the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. Received: 2017-07-26T12:20:03-04:00 images (1).jpq received 10211933496567 172.jpeg Paul, Al and Dick, Are you sure that you followed this 1935 LAW that Gene attached ? The D.C. and district judges will want to know. This compact is " repugnant " as a regulatory takings. On Jul 26, 2017 9:59 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" <11111111111111 > wrote: 1.Yo!! ! Paul yo u may want to share t hese wit h your new ly appo inted Water Comm issioner? Were you fi ling the proper (Documents) w it h the Judge w hen you were act ing Comm issioner? Any idea how much of a Bond Requirement, you had as a Water Comm issioner, or were yo u just taxing your neighbors withou t representat ion? Any idea when t he comp uter was purchased that yo u were hav ing problems with? Wasn 't that Government Property also? Those comp uters today have a lot of prob lems . By the way where was the firm located that was do ing t he work on that one the FBI may need to have a litt le v isit also? Has your buddy Alan forgot to ment ion that waters on the Flat head Reservat ion we re adjud icated by order of the Secretary of t he In terior under date of June 27,1912 . Fili ngs were made on al l streams of the reservat ion for the project during the period immed iate ly preced ing construct ion. On Monday, July 24, 2017 4:11 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT Going to drive the conversation..........nation wide. That's a quote. On Jul 24, 2017 3:48 PM, "Paul Wadsworth" < > wrote: Are going to run as an independent On Jul 24, 2017 3:02 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: How vulnerable is Senator Jon Tester in today’s political climate? That question currently radiates throughout the Montana political scene as we gear up for yet another “nationally important” statewide race here in Big Sky Country. Montana’s Flat-topped Democratic senior senator has so far managed to defy the odds makers in both of his previous Senate runs. In 2006, he upset 3-term incumbent Conrad Burns to gain the seat. In 2012, he fended off a strong challenge from 6- term U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg to retain the seat, despite having to share the top of the Democratic ticket with Barack Obama. But what is the outlook for 2018? The July poll from Morning Consult on the popularity of each U.S. Senator provides some interesting early insight as we head into 2018. In the July poll, Tester polled with an approval rating of 50 percent and a disapproval rating of 39 percent amongst Montana voters. Those might sound like good numbers until you place them in context of the approval ratings for other senators and then compare them to Morning Consult’s April numbers. Despite voter approval ratings that hover somewhere in the neighborhood of rat poison for Congress as a whole, voters typically approve of their own senators and representatives. Tester’s disapproval rating of 39 percent is the 4th highest in the Senate. Tester’s counterpart, Republican Steve Daines, received a 53 percent approval rating and a 30 percent disapproval rating in the poll. Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the media would have us believe that Republicans are under siege nationwide. The narrative says that Donald Trump, in general, and the healthcare debate, in particular, are dragging down the Republican Party and an anti-GOP backlash is brewing amongst voters. Maybe that is happening in other places, but what does the data say about Montana? If we compare the July poll to Morning Consult’s April poll, we find that Tester’s popularity has seen a 14 point negative swing in his popularity. In April, Tester was at 57 approve, 32 disapprove. After 7 months of dogged opposition to Trump and (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000251 EXT-18-2336-A-000252 the GOP agenda , he finds himself significantly less popular. Daines has also seen his popular ity slip, but by a far less dramat ic 4 point swing, from 55 approve /28 disapprove to 53/30. All of this desp ite the fact that Daines has been the senator under constant criticism and attack from the media, Democrat ic party , spec ial interest groups , and liberal activists since January 20th. Desp ite the noise, it's Tester who voters appear to be moving away from . Clearly , the "anti-Trump backlash" that is supposed to be materializing aga inst the Republ ican Party is not material izing in Montana and that is bad news for Tester. We saw some of this in May when Greg Gianforte , an unbel ievably flawed cand idate , was able to win the spec ial elect ion for Montana 's House seat by a comfortable margin. Tester finds himself in a battle . Tester is very beatable. On Jul 13, 2017 11 :27 AM , "Robert Fann ing" wrote : I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https:/ /www .technocracy .n ews/i nd ex.php/2017 /0 7 / 12/un ited-n at ions-urqes￾gove rnmen ts-take-wa ter-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM , "Gene Erb Jr"._> wrote : Yo Dick you were at t he White House in t his era, who was on t he Friends Comm ittee on Nationa l Legislat ion? Looks like these Friends may have helped t hemse lves to the Reclamat ion Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Dr ift ing Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to ment ion the minera ls that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy du ring Governo r Brian Schwe itzer 's helm? On Tuesday , November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday's FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000253 This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is sign ificantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131 ). I do not think the bill has anyth ing to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabil itate dams (15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabil itation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikkelsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner >; Duane Mecham ; ronan.net >; mary@goodwo rksventures.com ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth SteveFitzpatr ickHD20 ; Leroy Lake Steve Hughes >; Paul Hunsucker >; Patric ia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack >; Bruce Fredrickson ; Will iam Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omv ig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist ; Taylor Brown > Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsib ility to protect everyone's 'WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000254 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gma il.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[mewbar@gma il.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com [mary@goodworksventures .com]; Jack Horner Lake ■••■•IIJ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@nntlawp.com]; Curt Rosman MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake [edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Steve Hughes ■- iiiiiiiiiiiii ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforwor1dpeace@g mail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth ■•••·•• ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; Paul Hunsucker ·· •··•·•· ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northembroadcasting.com ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Ross Middlemist •••■• ; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@century link.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov ]; Ken Corne li us ■---- ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkmch@stignatius.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn·•·••·•• ; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropou loslaw.com]; Jack & Susan LakeLJlake@ronan.net]; Bradley Hamlett[ senatorha mlett@gmail.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-26T16:55:40-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Tester is very beatable. I am running against Tester in Montana and will win in Defense of the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. Received: 2017-07-26T19: 11 :44-04:00 Records of C.J.Moody.pdf Lake County Documents.pdf images (1 ).jpg received 10211933496567172.jpeg Robert looking forward to you coming to Western Montana and sharing the movie ChinaTown with us interested Citizens . The first attachment is a little Project History up to 1932 by C.J. Moody with water adjudicated by the order of the Secretary of Interior. The second Attachment is fi lings by the Project Engineer (C.J.Moody) over the years as stated in the 1st. Also on page 632 of Lake County records C.J. Moody makes a description error change . Then on Pg. 633 Superintendent (Charles E. Coe), of the Flathead Indian Reservation, advertises a Allotment in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations advertised certain Indian Allotments for sale. On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 10:19 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Paul, Al and Dick, Are you sure that you followed this 1935 LAW that Gene attached? The D.C. and district judges will want to know. This compact is " repugnant" as a regulatory takings. On Jul 26, 2017 9:59 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT 1.Yo!!! Paul you may want to share these with your newly appointed Water Commissioner? Were you filing the proper (Documents) with the Judge when you were acting Commissioner? Any idea how much of a Bond Requirement, you had as a Water Commissioner, or were you just taxing your neighbors without representation? Any idea when the computer was purchased that you were having problems with? Wasn't that Government Property also? Those computers today have a lot of problems. By the way where was the firm located that was doing the work on that one the FBI may need to have a little visit also? Has your buddy Alan forgot to mention that waters on the Flathead Reservation were adjudicated by order of the Secretary of the Interior under date of June 27,1912. Filings were made on all streams of the reservation for the project during the period immediately preceding construction. On Monday, July 24, 2017 4:11 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Going to drive the conversation..........nation wide. That's a quote. On Jul 24, 2017 3:48 PM, "Paul Wadsworth" < > wrote: Are going to run as an independent On Jul 24, 2017 3:02 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: How vulnerable is Senator Jon Tester in today’s political climate? That question currently radiates throughout the Montana political scene as we gear up for yet another “nationally important” statewide race here in Big Sky Country. Montana’s Flat-topped Democratic senior senator has so far managed to defy the odds makers in both of his previous Senate runs. In 2006, he upset 3-term incumbent Conrad Burns to gain the seat. In 2012, he fended off a strong challenge from 6- term U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg to retain the seat, despite having to share the top of the Democratic ticket with Barack Obama. But what is the outlook for 2018? The July poll from Morning Consult on the popularity of each U.S. Senator provides some interesting early insight as we head into 2018. In the July poll, Tester polled with an approval rating of 50 percent and a disapproval rating of 39 percent amongst Montana voters. Those might sound like good numbers until you place them in context of the approval ratings for other senators and then compare them to Morning Consult’s April numbers. Despite voter approval ratings that hover somewhere in the neighborhood of rat poison (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000255 EXT-18-2336-A-000256 for Congress as a whole, voters typically approve of their own senators and representat ives. Tester's disapprova l rating of 39 percent is the 4th highest in the Senate . Tester's counterpart, Republican Steve Daines, received a 53 percent approval rating and a 30 percent disapprova l rating in the poll. Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the media would have us believe that Republicans are under siege nationwide. The narrative says that Donald Trump, in general, and the healthcare debate , in particular, are dragging down the Republican Party and an anti-GOP backlash is brewing amongst voters. Maybe that is happeni ng in other places , but what does the data say about Montana? If we compare the July poll to Morning Consult's April poll, we find that Tester's popularity has seen a 14 point negative swing in his popularity. In April, Tester was at 57 approve , 32 disapprove . Afte r 7 months of dogged opposition to Trump and the GOP agenda , he finds himself significantly less popular. Daines has also seen his popularity slip, but by a far less dramatic 4 point swing, from 55 approve/28 disapprove to 53/30. All of this despite the fact that Daines has been the senator under constant criticism and attack from the media, Democratic party, special interest groups , and liberal activists since January 20th. Despite the noise, it's Tester who voters appea r to be moving away from . Clearly, the "anti-Trump backlas h" that is supposed to be materializing against the Republican Party is not materializing in Montana and that is bad news for Tester. We saw some of this in May when Greg Gianforte, an unbelievably flawed candidate, was able to win the special election for Montana's House seat by a comfortab le margin. Tester finds himself in a battle . Tester is very beatable. On Jul 13, 2017 11 :27 AM , "Robert Fanning" wrote : I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www .technocracy.news/i ndex.php/2017 /07/12/un ited-nat ions-urges￾qovernments-take-wa ter-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote : Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era , who was on the Friends Comm ittee on National Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamat ion Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Privat e Property whe n the US AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000257 Senate has been the (Drifting Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet yo u know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to mention the minerals that must have went on a (DRI Ff ) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's abo ut the (BIG DRIFf) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday 's FID meet ing I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senato r McCa in was one of the authors of the bill. That bill wi ll go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is sign ificantly underfunded given the large numbe r of dams covered by the BIA program (131 ). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s ) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Ove r the last decade this CSKT program has been able to mainta in and rehabi litate dams ( 15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehab ilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, Novembe r 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikke lsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke ; Senato r Jon Teste r ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenz ler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horne r >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake <'lake ronan.net >; mary@goodworksventures.com ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake Steve Hughes ■■■■■■■■>; Paul Hunsucker >; Patric ia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazu re ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack ■■■■■■>; Bruce Fredrickson ; Wi lliam Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman >; Jon Metropou los ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist ; Taylor Brown > Subject : Alan did you have a Fiduciary Respons ibility to protect everyone's 'WATER RIGHTS" ? AMR AN PVERSIGHT Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. EXT-18-2336-A-000258 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000259 To: Gene Erb ]; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail. com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[ deb _frandsen@tes ter.senate.gov}; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana .com}; mary@goodworksventures.com [ mary@goodworks ventures.com ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Leroy Lakell ll }; Jack Homer-a■■■■■ ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ]; Steve Hughes ■■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net} ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpea ce@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com] ; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov ]; Paul Wadsworth ====== ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Hunsucke }; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan .net]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northembroadcasting. com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com}; Ryan Zinke ■■■■■■■■]; Ross Middlemist ■■■■■■■■■■■■J; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov }; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[ senator@tester.se nate .gov]; Ken Cornelius ■■■■■■■■■ ; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com] ; Bill & Grace Slack ■■■■■■■IJ ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines .com}; MT Sen Chas Vinoent[cvvincent@hotmail.com} ; Duane Mecham[duane.me cham@sol.doi.gov] ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net} ; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com} ; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-26T18:03:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Tester is very beatable. I am running against Tester in Montana and will win in Defense of the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. Received: 2017-07-26T18:04:01-04 :00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg It will be a double featur e. You've been had. On Jul 26, 2017 2:55 PM , "Gene Erb Jr " > wrote: Robert looking forward to you coming to Western Montana and sharing the movie ChinaTown with us interested Citizens . The first attachment is a little Project History up to 1932 by C.J. Moody with water adjudicated by the order of the Secretary of Inter ior. The second Attachment is filings by the Project Engineer (CJ.Moody) over the years as stated in the 1st. Also on page 632 of Lake County records C.J. Moody makes a description error change . The n on Pg. 633 Superintendent (Charles E. Coe), of the Flathead Indian Reservation , advertises a Allotment in accordance wit h the prescribed rules and regulat ions advertised certain Indian Allotments for sale. On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 10:19 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Paul, Al and Dick, Are you sure that you followed this 1935 LAW that Gene attached? The D.C. and district judges will wa nt to know. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000260 This compact is" repugnant" as a regulatory takings. On Jul 26, 2017 9:59 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ._ > wrote: 1.Yo! !! Paul you may want to share these with yo ur new ly appointed Water Commissioner? Were you fi ling the proper (Documents) with the Judge when you were act ing Commissioner? Any idea how much of a Bond Requirement, you had as a Water Commiss ioner, or were you j ust taxing your neighbors without representation? Any idea when the computer was purchased that you were having prob lems with? Wasn 't that Government Property also? Those comp uters today have a lot of problems . By the way where was the firm located that was doing the wo rk on that one the FBI may need to have a litt le v isit also? Has you r buddy Alan forgot to mention that waters on the Flathead Reservation were adjudicated by order of the Secretary of the Inter ior under date of June 27,1912. Filings were made on all streams of the reservation for the project dur ing the period immediate ly preced ing construct ion. On Monday , July 24, 2017 4:11 PM, Robert Fanning wrote : Going to drive the conversat ion .......... nation wide. That's a quote. On Jul 24, 2017 3:48 PM, "Paul Wadsworth" Are going to run as an independent > wrote : On Jul 24, 2017 3:02 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: How vulnerable is Senator Jon Tester in today's political climate? That quest ion currently radiates throughout the Montana political scene as we gear up for yet another "nationally important" statew ide race here in Big Sky Country. Montana's Flat-topped Democratic senior senator has so far managed to defy the odds makers in both of his previous Senate runs. In 2006, he upset 3-term incumbent Conrad Burns to gain the seat. In 2012, he fended off a strong challenge from 6- term U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg to retain the seat, despite having to share the top of the Democrat ic ticket with Barack Obama. But what is the outlook for 2018? The July poll from Morning Consult on the popularity of each U.S. Senato r provides some interesting early insight as we head into 2018 . In the July poll, Tester polled with an approva l rating of 50 percent and a disapprova l rating of 39 percent amongst Montana voters. Those might sound like AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000261 good numbers until you place them in context of the approva l ratings for other senators and then compa re them to Morning Consult's April numbers. Despite voter approval ratings that hover somew here in the neighborhood of rat poison for Congress as a whole, voters typically approve of their own senators and representatives . Tester's disapproval rating of 39 percent is the 4th highest in the Senate. Tester's counterpart, Republican Steve Daines, received a 53 percent approval rating and a 30 percent disapprova l rating in the poll. Since the inauguration of Donald Trump , the media would have us believe that Republicans are under siege nationwide. The narrative says that Donald Trump, in general, and the healthcare debate , in particular, are dragging down the Republican Party and an anti-GOP backlash is brewing amongst voters. Maybe that is happe ning in other places , but what does the data say about Montana? If we compa re the July poll to Morning Consult's April poll, we find that Tester's popularity has seen a 14 point negative swing in his popularity. In April, Tester was at 57 approve , 32 disapprove . After 7 months of dogged oppos ition to Trump and the GOP agenda, he finds himself significantly less popular. Daines has also seen his popularity slip, but by a far less dramatic 4 point swing, from 55 approve/28 disapprove to 53/30. All of this despite the fact that Daines has been the senato r under constant criticism and attack from the media, Democrat ic party, spec ial interest groups , and liberal activists since January 20th. Despite the noise, it's Tester who voters appea r to be moving away from . Clearly, the "anti-Trump backlash'' that is supposed to be materializing against the Republican Party is not materializing in Montana and that is bad news for Tester. We saw some of this in May when Greg Gianforte , an unbelievab ly flawed candidate , was able to win the special election for Montana's House seat by a comfortab le margin. Tester finds himself in a battle . Tester is very beatable. On Jul 13, 2017 11 :27 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www .technocracy.news/i ndex.php/2017 /07 /12/un ited-nat ions-urges￾governments-take-wa ter-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ._ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000262 Yo Dick you were at the White House in this era, who was on the Friends Committee on Nationa l Legislation? Looks like these Friends may have helped themse lves to the Reclamation Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Dr ift ing Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to ment ion the minera ls that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you wi ll find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy during Governor Brian Schweitzer 's helm? On Tuesday , November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote : Gene At yesterday's FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that wou ld shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significant ly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131 ). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabi litate dams ( 15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabi litation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikke lsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke >; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenz ler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Danie l Salomon ; Jack Horner ; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake <"lake ronan.net >; mary@goodworksventures.com ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake Steve Hughes >; Paul Hunsucker >; Patricia Gi llis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack ............ >; Bruce Fredrickson ; Wi lliam Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman ■■■■■■■■>; Jon Metropou los ; Kristin Omvig ; AMR AN PVERSIGHT KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < > ; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000263 EXT-18-2336-A-000264 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@g mail.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily Interlake [ edit@dai lyinterla ke .com] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gma il.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov ]; Frandsen Deb {Tester)[ deb_ frands en@tester.se nate. gov]; Richard Erb[rich ard erb@mo ntana. com]; mary@goodworksventures.com[ mary@goodworksventures.com ]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Leroy Lake ]; Jack Home Kristin Omvig[kristin@nntlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ••■ ; Steve Hughes ·•··•· ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.ne t]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforwor ldpeace@g mail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel SaWadsworth lomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis(patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul ll l ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Paul Hunsucker ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northembroadcasting.co m]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ••··••11; Ross dd mist ■■■■■-■■---· ; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Corneli us ■•• ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@g mail.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace ack■■-■■■■I] ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@so l.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Will Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Mike Horn ■■■■■■■■- ; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net]; Jon MetropoulosOon@metropou loslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-27T09:09:31-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Tester is very beatable. I am running against Tester in Montana and will win in Defense of the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. Received: 2017-07-27T09:09:49-04:00 Dennis Krantz ditch decree and water helper.pdf Robert the Denn is Krantz a partial ow ner of the on ly 160 acres of water rights listed in th is 640 acre Sect ion 15 Twp 18 N Rge 20 W worked fo r the USDA for numerous yea rs at Ronan Mt . Not to ment ion Sect ion 14 we have the Project maps from the 1935 era and Sect ion 15 is listed w ith wate r rights for 640 acres that we happe n own land in. Denn is wo rked all t hose years for a Governme nt Pension and was across the hall from t he State (DNRC) he will make the list for a Forens ic Aud it . Check out the work our act ing Director of the Bureau of Reclamat ion has been involved in, the FBI invest igat ion may want to check these records kept by the (FJBC)? There will be a comp laint filed w ith the District Court Judge as we own property in both Sect ions. On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 4:03 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: It will be a double feature. You've been had. On Jul 26, 2017 2:55 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ..._ > wrote : Robert look ing forward to you com ing to Western Montana and sharing the mov ie ChinaTown with us interested Cit izens . The first attachment is a little Project History up to 1932 by C.J. Moody with water adjud icated by the orde r of the Secretary of Inte rior . The second Attachment is fil ings by the Project Engineer (C.J.Moody) over the years as stated in t he 1st. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000265 Also on page 632 of Lake County records C.J. Moody ma kes a desc ripti on error change. Then on Pg. 633 Super inte ndent (Charles E. Coe) , of the Flat head I ndian Reservat ion, adve rti ses a Allotment in accordance w it h t he prescribed rules and regulat ions adve rti sed cert ain I ndian Allotments for sale. On Wednesday , July 26, 2017 10:19 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: Paul, Al and Dick, Are you sure that you followed this 1935 LAW that Gene attached? The D.C. and district judges will wa nt to know. This compact is" repugnant" as a regulato ry takings. On Jul 26, 2017 9:59 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~> wrote: 1.Yo !! ! Paul you may want to share these w ith your newly appo inted Water Comm issioner? Were you fil ing t he proper (Documents) wit h the Judge when you we re act ing Comm issioner? Any idea how much of a Bond Requireme nt, you had as a Wate r Comm issioner, or were you just taxing your neighbors without represe ntat ion? Any idea when t he com pute r was purc hased that you we re having problems with? Wasn't t hat Gove rnment Property also? Those com pute rs today have a lot of problems. By the way where was t he firm located t hat was doing t he wo rk on that one the FBI may need to have a little v isit also? Has your buddy Alan forgot to me nt ion t hat wate rs on the Flathead Reservat ion were adjud icated by order of the Secretary of the Interior under date of June 27,1912. Filings we re made on all st reams of t he reservat ion for t he project du rin g the period immed iately preced ing construct ion. On Monday, July 24, 2017 4:11 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Going to drive the conversation .......... nation wide. That's a quote . On Jul 24, 2017 3:48 PM, "Paul Wadswort h" Are going to run as an independent > wrote: On Jul 24, 2017 3:02 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : How vulnerable is Senator Jon Tester in today's political di mate? AMR AN PVERSIGHT That question currently radiates throughout the Montana political scene as we gear up for yet another “nationally important” statewide race here in Big Sky Country. Montana’s Flat-topped Democratic senior senator has so far managed to defy the odds makers in both of his previous Senate runs. In 2006, he upset 3-term incumbent Conrad Burns to gain the seat. In 2012, he fended off a strong challenge from 6- term U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg to retain the seat, despite having to share the top of the Democratic ticket with Barack Obama. But what is the outlook for 2018? The July poll from Morning Consult on the popularity of each U.S. Senator provides some interesting early insight as we head into 2018. In the July poll, Tester polled with an approval rating of 50 percent and a disapproval rating of 39 percent amongst Montana voters. Those might sound like good numbers until you place them in context of the approval ratings for other senators and then compare them to Morning Consult’s April numbers. Despite voter approval ratings that hover somewhere in the neighborhood of rat poison for Congress as a whole, voters typically approve of their own senators and representatives. Tester’s disapproval rating of 39 percent is the 4th highest in the Senate. Tester’s counterpart, Republican Steve Daines, received a 53 percent approval rating and a 30 percent disapproval rating in the poll. Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the media would have us believe that Republicans are under siege nationwide. The narrative says that Donald Trump, in general, and the healthcare debate, in particular, are dragging down the Republican Party and an anti-GOP backlash is brewing amongst voters. Maybe that is happening in other places, but what does the data say about Montana? If we compare the July poll to Morning Consult’s April poll, we find that Tester’s popularity has seen a 14 point negative swing in his popularity. In April, Tester was at 57 approve, 32 disapprove. After 7 months of dogged opposition to Trump and the GOP agenda, he finds himself significantly less popular. Daines has also seen his popularity slip, but by a far less dramatic 4 point swing, from 55 approve/28 disapprove to 53/30. All of this despite the fact that Daines has been the senator under constant criticism and attack from the media, Democratic party, special interest groups, and liberal activists since January 20th. Despite the noise, it’s Tester who voters appear to be moving away from. Clearly, the “anti-Trump backlash” that is supposed to be materializing against the Republican Party is not materializing in Montana and that is bad news for Tester. We saw some of this in May when Greg Gianforte, an unbelievably flawed candidate, was able to win the special election for Montana’s House seat by a comfortable margin. Tester finds himself in a battle . EXT-18-2336-A-000266 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000267 Tester is very beatable. On Jul 13, 2017 11 :27 AM , "Robert Fanning" wrote : I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https:/ /www .technocracy . news/i ndex .php/2017 /07 /12/united-nat ions-urges￾qovernments-take-wa ter-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM , "Gene Erb Jr" > wrote : Yo Dick you were at the White House in th is era, who was on the Friends Committee on Nationa l Legislat ion? Looks like these Friends may have helped themse lves to the Reclamat ion Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Prop erty when the US Senate has been the (Dr ift ing Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Water Rights that have been Drifting to the Government also . Not to ment ion the minerals that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will fi nd that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy dur ing Governor Brian Schwe itzer 's helm? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday's FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is sign ificantly underfunded given the large numbe r of dams cove red by the BIA program (131 ). I do not think the bill has anyth ing to do with the two (early 1940s) court orde rs you mention. Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabilitate dams ( 15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Tuesday, Novembe r 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikke lsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke "II ■■■■■■■>; Senato r Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzle r ; Richard Erb AMR AN PVERSIGHT ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner < >; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake ; mary@goodworksventures.com; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Paul Wadsworth < >; SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake < >; Steve Hughes < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Patricia Gillis ; Kathleen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Selph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman < >; Jon Metropoulos ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyFlynnHD68 ; Ross Middlemist < > ; Taylor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ken Cornelius EXT-18-2336-A-000268 EXT-18-2336-A-000269 To: Gene Erb ]; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[mewbar@gma il.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[ deb _frandsen@tester.senate.gov] ; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com [mary@goodworksventures. com]; Jack Horner·· ··•·IIJ ; Leroy Lake ; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gma il.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com] ; Curt Rosman •·· ]; Steve Hughes ■--■ ■■ ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer [waterforwor1dpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[ dansalomon 12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov] ; Paul Wadsworth ■•••·•• ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; Paul Hunsucker ·· ··•··•· ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; "MT Sen Taylor Brown"[taylor@northernbroad casting.com] ; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com] ; Ryan Zinke ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov] ; Ross Middlemist ■■■■■ ; Jill Flynn[hideaway1987@centuryl ink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.go v]; Ken Cornel us ■••·· ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gma il.com] ; Bill & Grace Slack ■■•Ill; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkmch@stignatius.net] ; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.do i.gov]; Will Selph[will@ryanz inke.com); Mike Horn ■•••••••• ; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net] ; jon@metropouloslaw. comUon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-27T11 :04:40-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Tester is very beatable. I am running against Tester in Montana and will win in Defense of the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State. Received: 2017-07-27T11 :04:49-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg images (1 ).jpg See you at the movie's after Labor Day ; when everyone is out of water. On Jul 27, 2017 7:09 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote : Robert the Dennis Krantz a partial owner of the only 160 acres of water rights listed in this 640 acre Section 15 Twp 18 N Rge 20 W worked for the USDA for numerous years at Ronan Mt. Not to mention Section 14 we have the Project maps from the 1935 era and Section 15 is listed with water rights for 640 acres that we happen own land in. Dennis worked all those years for a Government Pension and was across the hall from the State (DNRC) he will make the list for a Forensic Audit. Check out the work our acting Director of the Bureau of Reclamation has been involved in, the FBI investigation may want to check these records kept by the (FJBC)? There will be a comp laint filed with the District Court Judge as we own property in both Sections . On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 4:03 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000270 It will be a double feat ure. You've been had. On Jul 26, 2017 2:55 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" -=- > wrote: Robert looking forward to you coming to Western Montana and sharing the movie ChinaTown wit h us interested Cit izens. The first attachment is a little Project History up to 1932 by C.J. Moody with water adj udicated by the order of the Secre tary of Interior . The second Attachmen t is filings by the Project Engineer (C.J.Moody) over the years as stated in the 1st . Also on page 632 of Lake Count y records C.J. Moody makes a descrip t ion error change. Then on Pg. 633 Superintendent (Charles E. Coe), of the Flathead Indian Reservation , advertises a Allotment in accordance wit h the prescri bed rules and regu lations advertised certa in Ind ian Al lot ments for sale. On Wednesday , July 26, 2017 10:19 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: Paul, Al and Dick, Are you sure that you followed this 1935 LAW that Gene attached ? The D.C. and district judges will want to know. This compact is" repugnant" as a regulatory takings . On Jul 26, 2017 9:59 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" -=- > wrote: 1.Yo!! ! Paul yo u may want to share these wit h your newly appointed Water Commissio ner? Were you fi ling the proper (Doc uments) with the Judge whe n you were acting Commissioner? Any idea how much of a Bond Requirement , yo u had as a Water Commissioner , or were you just taxing your neighbors without represen tation? Any idea whe n the computer was purchased that you were having problems with? Wasn 't that Government Property also? Those computers today have a lot of prob lems. By the way where was the firm located that was doing the work on that one the FBI may need to have a little visit also? Has your buddy Alan forgot to mention that waters on the Flathead Reservation were adjudicated by order of the Secretary of the Interior under date of June 27,19 12. Filings were made on all streams of the reservation for the project during the period immediate ly preced ing construction . On Monday , July 24, 2017 4:11 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Going to drive the conversation .......... nation wide. That's a quote. AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Jul 24, 2017 3:48 PM, "Paul Wadsworth" < > wrote: Are going to run as an independent On Jul 24, 2017 3:02 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: How vulnerable is Senator Jon Tester in today’s political climate? That question currently radiates throughout the Montana political scene as we gear up for yet another “nationally important” statewide race here in Big Sky Country. Montana’s Flat-topped Democratic senior senator has so far managed to defy the odds makers in both of his previous Senate runs. In 2006, he upset 3-term incumbent Conrad Burns to gain the seat. In 2012, he fended off a strong challenge from 6- term U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg to retain the seat, despite having to share the top of the Democratic ticket with Barack Obama. But what is the outlook for 2018? The July poll from Morning Consult on the popularity of each U.S. Senator provides some interesting early insight as we head into 2018. In the July poll, Tester polled with an approval rating of 50 percent and a disapproval rating of 39 percent amongst Montana voters. Those might sound like good numbers until you place them in context of the approval ratings for other senators and then compare them to Morning Consult’s April numbers. Despite voter approval ratings that hover somewhere in the neighborhood of rat poison for Congress as a whole, voters typically approve of their own senators and representatives. Tester’s disapproval rating of 39 percent is the 4th highest in the Senate. Tester’s counterpart, Republican Steve Daines, received a 53 percent approval rating and a 30 percent disapproval rating in the poll. Since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the media would have us believe that Republicans are under siege nationwide. The narrative says that Donald Trump, in general, and the healthcare debate, in particular, are dragging down the Republican Party and an anti-GOP backlash is brewing amongst voters. Maybe that is happening in other places, but what does the data say about Montana? If we compare the July poll to Morning Consult’s April poll, we find that Tester’s popularity has seen a 14 point negative swing in his popularity. In April, Tester was at 57 approve, 32 disapprove. After 7 months of dogged opposition to Trump and the GOP agenda, he finds himself significantly less popular. Daines has also seen his popularity slip, but by a far less dramatic 4 point swing, from 55 approve/28 disapprove to 53/30. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000271 EXT-18-2336-A-000272 All of this despite the fact that Daines has been the senator under constant criticism and attack from the media, Democratic party, special interest groups, and liberal activists since Janua ry 20th. Despite the noise, it's Tester who voters appea r to be moving away from . Clearly, the "anti-Trump backlash" that is supposed to be materializing against the Republican Party is not materializing in Montana and that is bad news for Tester. We saw some of this in May when Greg Gianforte, an unbelievab ly flawed candidate, was able to win the spec ial election for Montana's House seat by a comfortab le margin. Tester finds himself in a battle . Tester is very beatable. On Jul 13, 2017 11 :27 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : I founded Regulatory Lawfare Relief in 2015 https://www .technocracy.news/i ndex.php/2017 /07/12/united-nat ions-urges￾qovernments-take-wa ter-resources/ On Jul 13, 2017 6:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" .._ > wrote : Yo Dick you were at t he White House in t his era, who was on t he Friends Comm ittee on National Legislat ion? Looks like these Friends may have helped themselves to the Reclamat ion Funds? How do you protect a Individuals Private Property when the US Senate has been the (Dr ift ing Funds Act) to the (BIA)? God Damm Dick I bet you know all about the Wate r Rights that have been Drifting to the Gove rnment also . Not to ment ion the minera ls that must have went on a (DRIFT) also you will find that on the 1908 Plat Map? Dick any idea's about the (BIG DRIFT) or "Montana Power" bankruptcy dur ing Governor Brian Schweitzer 's helm? On Tuesday , November 15, 2016 2:37 PM, Richard Erb wrote: Gene At yesterday's FID meeting I reported that the US Senate passed a bill (Drift Act) that would shift some funds from the US Bur of Rec to the BIA Safety of Dams program. Senator McCain was one of the authors of the bill. That bill will go to the US House of Rep. This bill recognizes that the BIA Safety of Dams program is significantly underfunded given the large number of dams covered by the BIA program (131 ). I do not think the bill has anything to do with the two (early 1940s) court orders you mention. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000273 Let me add that the BIA Safety of Dams program on this reservation is managed by the CSKT. Over the last decade this CSKT program has been able to maintain and rehabi litate dams ( 15) on this irrigation project with no cost to irrigators. The current major rehabilitation project is Crow Dam. Dick Erb From: Gene Erb Jr [mai lto ] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 7:30 AM To: Alan Mikke lsen Cc: Chas Vincent ; Ryan Zinke ■■■■■■■>; Senator Jon Tester ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenz ler ; Richard Erb ; David Lake ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack Horner <11■■■■■■1>; Duane Mecham ; Jack & Susan Lake <"lake==""'-'-'-'-"'<.la. mary@goodworksven tu res. com ; ; Paul Wadsworth SteveFitzpatrickHD20 ; Leroy Lake Steve Hughes 11■■■■■■■■■>; Paul Hunsucker >· ' >; Patricia Gi llis ; Kath leen Mazure ; Dick Barrett ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack ■■■■■■■>; Bruce Fredrickson ; William Se lph ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Steve Daines ; Curt Rosman ■■■■■■ >; Jon Metropou los ; Kristin Omvig ; KellyF lynnHD68 ; Ross Midd lemist > ; Tay lor Brown Subject: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibi lity to protect everyone 's 'WATER RIGHTS" ? Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead District meeting yesterday, Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCai n asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamation for BIA projects. These Court Orders do not appear to be Obso lete. AMR AN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-28T11:55:15-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-28T11:55:29-04:00 Lake County Conservation District.pdf Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4 5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000274 On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000275 in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? EXT-18-2336-A-000276 / v1 11( ,\\J PVERSIGHT Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000277 I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000278 alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000279 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in EXT-18-2336-A-000280 r t - ,. [_ fJ~ ... )I I. b I: -. ' I· -i- B ,, ... IA /~n ·, i'" ;;t-·':-·;/7.~ ;;: ~--._;____....--"'!:.,,, f "' r .2') r￾a., I • ·.:.- I ·EJ'~% ,_ »-- .." -; • ' . 1 I , . • , I . .. . ·r -----. . A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT , - - } '~~ ' z .. , i• "' •; 111 .,, -I ! • : r 26 • ' ·-,t--• -·- ~·.L - , ,..~ , -, , L ,, ~ _,, , ~ " ~t·----- 1, . • • I - .- · ,1, .. ) , ----~- • t our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000281 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-28T12:32:47-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-28T12:32:58-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg images (1).jpg In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4 5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000282 On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000283 Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000284 You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000285 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000286 Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000287 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in EXT-18-2336-A-000288 A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT I r , " J ,7·, •. ·r b ·, . . ., .. ,e ,· . .. /( f1 - t r ·.Z':J ,-- 1 21\ ,~ I -t '' ' < 3,4 / I I Ii ' 1 -I I . . - , .... l._ , I , ,• .· .... \. . ,, ;_ •. ,, ~ // ,_ ', I I 'I ,J· ,. ~~ ..-1 -------~ ... our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000289 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-28T14:46:30-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-28T14:46:50-04:00 Ray Jensen Secretary Mission Irrigation District.pdf 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967 69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000290 to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4 5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000291 the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000292 Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000293 Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000294 Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000295 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in EXT-18-2336-A-000296 A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT I r , " J ,7·, •. ·r b ·, . . ., .. ,e ,· . .. /( f1 - t r ·.Z':J ,-- 1 21\ ,~ I -t '' ' < 3,4 / I I Ii ' 1 -I I . . - , .... l._ , I , ,• .· .... \. . ,, ;_ •. ,, ~ // ,_ ', I I 'I ,J· ,. ~~ ..-1 -------~ ... our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000297 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000298 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: 'Gene Erb Jr' ]; 'Robert Fanning'[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'[landboard@mt.gov]; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'[rnewbar@gmail.com]; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; 'Roger Starkel' ]; 'Travis Kavulla'[tkavulla@mt.gov]; 'Richard Erb'[richarderb@montana.com]; 'Jack Horner' ]; 'Kristin Omvig'[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; 'Debra Lamm'[dlamm@nellus.com]; 'Steve Hughes'[ ]; 'Paul Guenzler'[sharongu@ronan.net]; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; 'Kathleen Mazure'[klm@dwgp.com]; 'Daniel Salomon'[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; 'Patricia Gillis'[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; 'Brad Hamlett'[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; 'Paul Wadsworth' ]; 'Paul Hunsucker' ]; 'David Lake'[spud@cyberport.net]; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; 'Bruce Fredrickson'[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; 'Ryan Zinke'[ ]; 'Senator Jon Tester'[senator@tester.senate.gov]; 'Ken Cornelius' ]; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; 'Mary Stranahan'[mary@goodworksventures.com]; 'Bill & Grace Slack' ]; 'Steve Daines'[steve@stevedaines.com]; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; 'Alan Mikkelsen'[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; 'Duane Mecham'[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; 'Mike Horn' ]; 'Jon Metropoulos'[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; 'Jack & Susan Lake'[jlake@ronan.net] From: Janette Rosman Sent: 2017-07-28T15:58:22-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-28T15:58:52-04:00 Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000299 On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us- (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000300 attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000301 EXT-18-2336-A-000302 bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislat ion usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicia l demand for one must be addressed w ith a cred ible construct for one . All part ies shou ld agree that th is wou ld be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislat ion. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn ; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett ; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke l; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omv ig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoe r; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadswo rth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpat rick; Bruce Fredr ickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senato r Jon Tester; Duane Mec ham; Alan M ikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropou los Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Aud it fo r the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so th is can get in front of t he U.S. Court of Claims and/ or get an appropr iations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entit ies are paid. I'll bring a who le lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don 't have a lot of t ime to dil ly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who shou ld lose the ir t icket. Apr il 11, 2015 it was adm itted, in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact , th is CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000303 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000304 ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000305 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000306 ' J J ·... • .. • ,I, T' A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT r - - ·- ,._ ' ... IA I ~1 H I ·1 11 .2'l ., tl , I I £ l L. ' . [ .. -~ ) ~ '·, t r : __J,,~-- ,-- I. 2i- ~ ,, -, ' . , - ,--. 2 "7 , L _ ,. , .-;;-1.•. I· . ~--;-1 ~: J I . • • • , . . -w,, ' l r:_ - _·,,,, '\. .. ' . \, . ••. I ·-,. •-' . ·~ . , Z6 f • . ~*··-' "'. .J □~·- ... , t; • • • • ,· . ~ . I . =- -~,,., •.. ~ I ; t' ~ f j J6 ,. ,, r / ·' -. , ,.I ., , - ---. --. ' I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000307 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Merrill Bradshaw[merrill@blackfoot.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; senator@tester.senate.gov[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Glen and Karen Raisland[sti4058@blackfoot.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-28T18:39:40-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: FRAUD & Corruption .....clawback and disgorge time Received: 2017-07-28T18:49:19-04:00 https://www.theburningplatform.com/2017/02/18/times-of-general-corruption/ On Jul 21, 2017 7:15 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Looks like Alan forgot to read up on State and Federal Law before he made amendments to water appropriations, without the proper authority from the land owners? Reservoirs for Watering Stock also. The Peter Principle having its finest hour.... http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local news/bor-acting-commissioner-tours￾basin/article b2a1390e-bdb8-5765-9306-2e784c7976d6.html Sent from my iPad (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000308 To: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; 'Robert Fanning'[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'[landboard@mt.gov]; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'[rnewbar@gmail.com]; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; 'Roger Starkel'[ ]; 'Travis Kavulla'[tkavulla@mt.gov]; 'Richard Erb'[richarderb@montana.com]; 'Jack Horner' ]; 'Kristin Omvig'[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; 'Debra Lamm'[dlamm@nellus.com]; 'Steve Hughes'[ ]; 'Paul Guenzler'[sharongu@ronan.net]; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; 'Kathleen Mazure'[klm@dwgp.com]; 'Daniel Salomon'[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; 'Patricia Gillis'[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; 'Brad Hamlett'[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; 'Paul Wadsworth' ]; 'Paul Hunsucker' ]; 'David Lake'[spud@cyberport.net]; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; 'Bruce Fredrickson'[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; 'Ryan Zinke'[ ]; 'Senator Jon Tester'[senator@tester.senate.gov]; 'Ken Cornelius' ]; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; 'Mary Stranahan'[mary@goodworksventures.com]; 'Bill & Grace Slack' ]; 'Steve Daines'[steve@stevedaines.com]; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; 'Alan Mikkelsen'[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; 'Duane Mecham'[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; 'Mike Horn'[ ]; 'Jon Metropoulos'[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; 'Jack & Susan Lake'[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-29T08:56:35-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-29T08:57:00-04:00 Ray Jensen Secretary Mission Irrigation District part 2.pdf 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000309 BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000310 On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attorney￾to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000311 EXT-18-2336-A-000312 bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usua lly neglects impact quantification and assessments . This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this wou ld be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday , June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom ; Debra Lamm Cc : Janette Rosman ; MT Rep D ick Barrett; DNRC Land Board ; Fran dsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke! ; Richar d Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omv ig; MT Sen Chas Vincent ; Steve Hughes ; Paul Guenz ler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure ; Daniel Salomon; Patr icia Gillis; Pau l Wa dsworth ; Pau l Hunsucker; Da v id Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatr ick; Bruce Fredr ickson ; Ryan Zinke ; Ken Corne lius; Mary Stranahan ; BruceTutve dtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Da ines; Senator Jon Tester ; Duane Mecham ; Alan Mikke lsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropou los Subject: Re: No. I Forens ic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'alJ have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 20 15 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://frecrangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- mles-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs - undermine-property-va lues/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000313 and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000314 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000315 ' J J ·... • .. • ,I, T' A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT r - - ·- ,._ ' ... IA I ~1 H I ·1 11 .2'l ., tl , I I £ l L. ' . [ .. -~ ) ~ '·, t r : __J,,~-- ,-- I. 2i- ~ ,, -, ' . , - ,--. 2 "7 , L _ ,. , .-;;-1.•. I· . ~--;-1 ~: J I . • • • , . . -w,, ' l r:_ - _·,,,, '\. .. ' . \, . ••. I ·-,. •-' . ·~ . , Z6 f • . ~*··-' "'. .J □~·- ... , t; • • • • ,· . ~ . I . =- -~,,., •.. ~ I ; t' ~ f j J6 ,. ,, r / ·' -. , ,.I ., , - ---. --. ' I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000316 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT To: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; 'Robert Fanning'[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'[landboard@mt.gov]; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'[rnewbar@gmail.com]; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; 'Roger Starkel' ]; 'Travis Kavulla'[tkavulla@mt.gov]; 'Richard Erb'[richarderb@montana.com]; 'Jack Horner' ]; 'Kristin Omvig'[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; 'Debra Lamm'[dlamm@nellus.com]; 'Steve Hughes'[ ]; 'Paul Guenzler'[sharongu@ronan.net]; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; 'Kathleen Mazure'[klm@dwgp.com]; 'Daniel Salomon'[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; 'Patricia Gillis'[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; 'Brad Hamlett'[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; 'Paul Wadsworth' ]; 'Paul Hunsucker' ]; 'David Lake'[spud@cyberport.net]; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; 'Bruce Fredrickson'[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; 'Ryan Zinke'[ ]; 'Senator Jon Tester'[senator@tester.senate.gov]; 'Ken Cornelius' ]; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; 'Mary Stranahan'[mary@goodworksventures.com]; 'Bill & Grace Slack' ]; 'Steve Daines'[steve@stevedaines.com]; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; 'Alan Mikkelsen'[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; 'Duane Mecham'[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; 'Mike Horn' ]; 'Jon Metropoulos'[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; 'Jack & Susan Lake'[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-29T11:00:35-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-29T11:00:55-04:00 North Crow Water Rights McLoed and Marengo.pdf Redesignation 1963 land at the weed patch.pdf 1. Janette you may want to share these Documents with the Flathead District Commissioners and landowners, are you aware how many districts these waters enter on this Project? I own a share of the 3 water rights produced and can have the Irrigation Project deliver it to lands owned in your District via the Crow pump? 2. Would you have time to check the records to inform the Landowners when the Government stole appropriated and decreed water rights via the redesignation program 1963? 3. It appears the Attorneys for the Irrigation District did not find the this information in 1969? 4. As you and others have mentioned on other occasions about my check book I am looking forward to doing business. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000317 Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000318 Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000319 EXT-18-2336-A-000320 On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn " > wrote : The Quest ion is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activ ity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential , Increase in Crime. Quantifi cation is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment - A cred ible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University - Bozeman Ag Econom ics taking the lead. A Princip le Investigator would be identified to produ ce a planning document and a proposed budget . This would likely be a multi year project . (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislat ion usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All part ies should agree that this would be a signifi cant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislat ion. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn ; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett ; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke l; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omv ig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoe r; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpat rick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bil l & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senato r Jon Tester; Duane Mecham ; Alan M ikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropou los Subject: Re: No.l Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so thi s can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and/ or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don 't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000321 I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000322 You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000323 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000324 ' J J ·... • .. • ,I, T' A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT r - - ·- ,._ ' ... IA I ~1 H I ·1 11 .2'l ., tl , I I £ l L. ' . [ .. -~ ) ~ '·, t r : __J,,~-- ,-- I. 2i- ~ ,, -, ' . , - ,--. 2 "7 , L _ ,. , .-;;-1.•. I· . ~--;-1 ~: J I . • • • , . . -w,, ' l r:_ - _·,,,, '\. .. ' . \, . ••. I ·-,. •-' . ·~ . , Z6 f • . ~*··-' "'. .J □~·- ... , t; • • • • ,· . ~ . I . =- -~,,., •.. ~ I ; t' ~ f j J6 ,. ,, r / ·' -. , ,.I ., , - ---. --. ' I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000325 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000326 To: Mike Horn ]; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake(edit@dailyinterlake.com ] Cc: Janette Rosman(janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewba r@gma il.com]; DNRC Land Board(landboard@mt.gov ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb _frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Roger Starke! ■-■IJ ; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Homer Kristin Omvig[kristin@m,tlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ·--■ ]; Paul Guenz ler[sharongu@ronan.ne t]; Gene ■■■--■■ ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforwo rldpeace@gma il.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.co m]; Daniel Salomon[ dansalomon12@gma il.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorha mlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucke •■■--■■■■ ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.ne t]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpat rick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@m,tlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov ]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3 [brucetutvedt@gma il.com]; Mary Stranahan [mary@goodworksven tures.com ]; Bill & Grace Slack •·•·· ; Steve Daines[steve@steveda ines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent(cw incent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov ]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropou los(jon@metropou los law.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net ] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-29T11 :22:43-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: No.1 Forensic Aud it for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-29T11 :22:48-04:00 Nanette ..... Gene doesn't need to " get his checkbook out" ...... you need to learn how to read. Mike Hom told you aU how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago. Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom " The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? > wrote: 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential , Increase in Crime . Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living . 2. Quantification Assessment - A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University - Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning documen t and a proposed budget . This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Departmen t .) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments . This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one . All AMR AN PVERSIGHT parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ EXT-18-2336-A-000327 / v1 11( ,\\J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000328 SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport .com "Put simply, today's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" <11111111111111 > wrote : Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent , Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard wor1 wrote : I https://v imeo .co m/124 7 87340 posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago . I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately . I posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000329 I would like to see the Republican A.G Ass n join my case and get into court immediately . On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity , True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Exte nt of the Law. Your Record proves you r ability . Afte r the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cove r? Allow ing the (State and Big Power Compa nies) to steal "Wate r and Power" fro m the Landow ners, here are a few mo re Documents proving Ownersh ip. Robert I do not see any infl uence fr om the State of Monta na on the Charles and Lulu wate r right these business deals were done prior to the Forma t ion of the Irr igat ion Districts . These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Monta na has allowed a State Senato r to file on water rights after the Legislatu re passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Gove rnm ent of the United States, to Appro priate February 27 , 1905 . On Monday , June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002 . Then think about being a" can do guy" instead of a" can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases . ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000330 http://www.ski nnymoose. com/ bbb/2010/06/ 11 /yellowsto ne-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr"-=-> wrote : AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in EXT-18-2336-A-000331 r .. ,f; _, , . ~ C iJ:..)1 I. _.,_ ,,_ ' ,, . .. oA ' /,n ·, • 2'l r- 1 2.11 , r " I~ " i , ~, i • I + ., ~ :::--;._T:-"'· ,, , . '32 J ts·,I . ... ~ I ; ~~·-1 I -~ I ---- I. A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT . ~ .. . . • =:=r - -, •1. '. •. Ill r 26 • ' I ; .. 34 J5 I f - ·L - 7 .;_ . J- :~ ~--1 .. ·. I ·t . I I 't:tr: . 14 ' ..:.-, I.~ • •• .. I - ,,. -~-- ' t' ~IT Jo .[ p: ~• •/ ' □~• • , I· ' .,"'1~ I · -i ; I ~ t • , -~ ~ '/ ~ ! 1 ,. /' / ) ,. ---~- our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000332 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Mike Horn ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-07-29T19:17:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-29T19:18:04-04:00 Northwestern Energy,LLC recorded %222002%22.pdf Northwestern Energy,LLC Supplemental Deed.pdf Robert check the transfer date of Northwestern Energy you don't suppose??? And all other ("water rights") in the County??? All the county (GROUND WATER CERTIFICATE)? On Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:22 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Nanette.....Gene doesn't need to " get his checkbook out"......you need to learn how to read. Mike Horn told you all how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago. Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000333 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in EXT-18-2336-A-000334 / v1 11( ,\\J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000335 fact, th is CKST was a regulatory tak ing. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" SCOTUS rules landowne rs have no recou rse w hen government regs unde rmine prope rty values freerangereport.com "Put simply, today's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... > wrote : Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiv ing a Patent, Rocky Mounta in Power sends J.E. Bell to fi le on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Open ing and Sales of Ind ian Lands) the Villa sites were Auct ioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are luc ky there are honest hard work ing people that helped with the informat ion from them also. On Monday , June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court . I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000336 I posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republica n A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately . On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote : Robert you have t he Tenacity , True Grit and the Resume to manage t his Lawsuit to t he Full Exte nt of the Law. Your Record proves you r ability . After the interve nors in t he (FERC) License ran for cove r? Allow ing t he (State and Big Power Compa nies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Docume nts prov ing Owners hip. Robert I do not see any influence from t he State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu wate r right these business deals were done prior to t he Format ion of the Irrigat ion Distr icts . These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Monta na has allowed a State Senator to file on wate r rights after t he Legislature passed the Bil l to send the Waters in the State to the Governme nt of the United States, to Appropr iate February 27 , 1905 . On Monday , June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and whe re is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002 . Then think about being a" can do guy" instead of a" can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000337 You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourse lves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases . ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcast ing Network) http://www.skin nymoose. com/ bbb/2010/06/ 11 /yellowsto ne-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote : AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in EXT-18-2336-A-000338 r .. ,f; _, , . ~ C iJ:..)1 I. _.,_ ,,_ ' ,, . .. oA ' /,n ·, • 2'l r- 1 2.11 , r " I~ " i , ~, i • I + ., ~ :::--;._T:-"'· ,, , . '32 J ts·,I . ... ~ I ; ~~·-1 I -~ I ---- I. A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT . ~ .. . . • =:=r - -, •1. '. •. Ill r 26 • ' I ; .. 34 J5 I f - ·L - 7 .;_ . J- :~ ~--1 .. ·. I ·t . I I 't:tr: . 14 ' ..:.-, I.~ • •• .. I - ,,. -~-- ' t' ~IT Jo .[ p: ~• •/ ' □~• • , I· ' .,"'1~ I · -i ; I ~ t • , -~ ~ '/ ~ ! 1 ,. /' / ) ,. ---~- our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000339 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000340 To: Gene Erb ]; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net] ; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com] ; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov] ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb _frandsen@tester.senate.gov] ; Roger Starkel •• ; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana .com]; Jack Homer Kristin Omvig[kristin@nntlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com ]; Steve Hughes ■-■■ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net ]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com] ; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com] ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com] ; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov] ; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com] ; Paul Wadsworth■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucker ■-■■■■■]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net] ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan .net]; Bruce F redrickson[bruce@rmtlawp .com ]; Ryan Zinke ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov] ; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com] ; BruceTutvedtS D3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com] ; Bill & Grace Slack ■--■•IJ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com ]; MT Sen Chas Vinoent[cvvincent@hotmail.com ]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov] ; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov] ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net] ; Mike Horn ■■■■■■■■■]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] ; Jon Metropou losOon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-29T20 :41:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-29T20:41 :57-04:00 FB IMG 1501357739972.jpq Sorry Gene, Im still cringing at the fact that Jeanette thought the 5th Amendment was about the right to remain silent but was clueless about the 5th Amendment takings clause. Prophetic to say the least. Pathetic, none the less. Right Frank? On Jul 29, 2017 5: 18 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" <11111111111111 > wrote: Robert check the transfer date of Northwestern Energy you don't suppose??? And al l other ("water rights") in the County??? All the county (GROUND WATER CERTIFICATE)? On Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:22 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Nanette ..... Gene doesn't need to" get his checkbook out" ...... you need to learn how to read. Mike Horn told you all how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago . AMR AN PVERSIGHT Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000341 EXT-18-2336-A-000342 Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally . P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking . Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus rules landowners have no undermine property values/ On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" SCOTUS ru les landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com "Put simply, today's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federa l Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Vi lla sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday , June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000343 I https:/ /vimeo.com/124 787340 posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federa l court. I would like to see the Repub lican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Keio on my page a coup le of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federa l court. I would like to see the Repub lican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~> wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Char les and Lulu water right these business dea ls were done prior to the Formation of t he Irr igation Distr icts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27, 1905. On Monday , June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forens ic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000344 head? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a" can do guy" instead of a" can don't guy. Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourse lves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases . ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.sk innymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 201712 :43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr"-=-> wrote : AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in EXT-18-2336-A-000345 A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT -, ,(,. C '- . ,- . .. . r " I ~ f · .. ~ ---'-'-"- --- ~- ' 9 • (" . .. I 1ft I /, 17 ..... , ' - .... ~__., • • ... _,..·r-· ->; ~ .. ~ ~-~ 1• - :.S ✓- _,-:"a~ 11 .. } -:-·--'"'"' ' X/- ~ , V ~;_a ~ l - 1 ~ I / t r • .n r 21\ . ' . . , .. -r - z, • ◄ I , 3 .. I JS .. I / ~~-=-=--=-~--. ' • I l. _ _ /, • i • I I , ,. , ' . -~ - ;_ '· ., ·• N . ,, i - . ·I,~ .... ,,t " · ~:rr~~--- 1 --~•tttu 1 1 I , ! I ✓ y r , , I ,. ~ J6 / - / /f • -- -~ ~~ " .-1 our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000346 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000347 To: 'Gene Erb Jr' ]; 'Robert Fanning'[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'[landboard@mt.gov]; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'[mewbar@gmail.com]; 'Frandsen Deb {Tester)'[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; 'Roger Starke!' ; 'Travis Kavulla'[tkavulla@mt.gov]; 'Richard Erb'[richarderb@montana.com]; 'Jack Homer' 'Kristin Omvig'[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; 'Debra Lamm'[dlamm@nellus.com]; 'Steve Hughes•■-■-■--■-• ; 'Paul Guenzler'[sharongu@ronan.net]; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'[waterforworldpeace@gma il.com]; 'Kathleen Mazure'[klm@dwgp.com]; 'Daniel Salomon'[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; 'Patricia Gillis'[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; 'Brad Hamlett'[senatorhamlett@gmail.com] ; 'Paul Wadswort ■■■■■■■- ; 'Paul Hunsucker'• --■■■■- ; 'David Lake'[spud@cyberport.net]; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; 'Bruce Fredrickson'[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; 'Ryan Zinke' ]; 'Senator Jon Tester'[senator@tester.senate.gov]; 'Ken Cornelius' ]; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; 'Mary Stranahan'[mary@goodworksventures.com ]; 'Bill & Grace Slack' ■■-■-■-• ; 'Steve Daines'[steve@stevedaines.com]; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'[cw incent@hotmail.com]; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'[brknhkmch@stignatius.net]; 'Alan Mikkelsen'[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; 'Duane Mecham'[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; 'Mike Horn• ■■■■■■■■- ; 'Jon Metropoulos'[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; 'Jack & Susan Lake'Dlake@ronan.net] From: Janette Rosman Sent: 2017-07-31T13:29:13-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject RE: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-31T13:30:48-04:00 Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Com missioners yesterday . You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District , and Judge Man ley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples . 2 . For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn . I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again . 3 . You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West . Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000348 On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday, July 28, 201712:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornel ius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Hom ; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights ) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT )? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 199 l buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a paymen t of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may fmd it? Mr . Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000349 pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement ? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minera ls and land ....... they' find a way to nationa lize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?l GOGs.&rn gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfOhPrg YZ.14O LA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?l GOGs.&rn ITTC.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b gsNCpBuGfOhPrq YZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . https://www.usnews .com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/fonncr-us-attomey￾to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel ofland. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report " may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those" G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000350 Then he died with his brain rotted out from syph ilis in Alcatraz. People who stea l from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom" > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Popul ation Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors includin g quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credibl e sourc ing wou ld naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Princip le Investigator woul d be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a mu lti-year project. (The Koch Bros. have estab lished a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments . This judi cial demand for one mu st be addresse d with a credible construct for one. All parties shou ld agree that this wou ld be a sign ificant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. Fro m: Ro bert Fanning Sent: Tuesday , June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom; Debra La mm Cc : Janette Rosma n; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke !; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horner; Kristin Omv ig; MT Sen Chas Vincent ; Steve Hughes; Paul Gue nzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Sa lomon; Patri cia Gillis; Paul Wadswort h; Paul Hunsucker ; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke ; Ken Cornelius ; Mary Stranahan ; BruceTutvedtS D3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Da ines; Senator Jon Tester ; Duane Mecham ; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropou los Subject: Re: No. I Forensic Audit for the (HARM ). Quantify the HARM , so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriation s rider attache d in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. EXT-18-2336-A-000351 For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking . Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rnles-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs- undermine-property-va lues/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com "Put simply, today 's decision knocks the definition of 'private property ' loose from its foundation on stable state law rnles," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and bad to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales oflndian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest bard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000352 I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I wou ld like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners , here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert 1 do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like<- YOUR-> letter. 1 can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June I 9, 2017 3 :22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote : Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy oflnterior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particu larly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantifie d. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourse lves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentiona lly throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcast ing Network) AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000353 http://www.skinnymoose.com / bbb/2010/06/ 11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000354 ' J J ·... • .. • ,I, T' A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT r - - ·- ,._ ' ... IA I ~1 H I ·1 11 .2'l ., tl , I I £ l L. ' . [ .. -~ ) ~ '·, t r : __J,,~-- ,-- I. 2i- ~ ,, -, ' . , - ,--. 2 "7 , L _ ,. , .-;;-1.•. I· . ~--;-1 ~: J I . • • • , . . -w,, ' l r:_ - _·,,,, '\. .. ' . \, . ••. I ·-,. •-' . ·~ . , Z6 f • . ~*··-' "'. .J □~·- ... , t; • • • • ,· . ~ . I . =- -~,,., •.. ~ I ; t' ~ f j J6 ,. ,, r / ·' -. , ,.I ., , - ---. --. ' I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000355 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000356 To: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com] ; DNRC Land Board[landboard@m t.gov] ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate .gov] ; Roger Starke! ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov ]; Richard Erb(richarderb@montana .com] ; Jack Horner Kristin Omvig[kris tin@rrntlawp.com] ; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ■-■--■ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan .net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com] ; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp .com] ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com] ; Patricia Gillis[patricia .gillis@ferc .gov] ; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com] ; Paul Wadsworth■■■■■■■■ ; Paul unsucker ■■■■-■■■■]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net] ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan .net]; Bruce F redrickson[bruce@rrntlawp.com ]; Ryan Zinke ■- ]; Gene Erb J ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov] ; Ken Cornelius ■■■■]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures .com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com] ; Bill & Grace Slack ■■■■■■■IJ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com] ; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cwincent@hotrnail.com] ; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov] ; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov ]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.ne t]; Mike Horn ■■■■--- ; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] ; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-07-31T14:45:27-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject RE: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-07-31T14 :45:38-04:00 FB IMG 1501357739972.jpg Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana . There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updat ing me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto J Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000357 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples . 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn . I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again . 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility . On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you wou ld like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to fo llow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good peop le in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr (mailto Sent: Friday, July 28, 201712:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornel ius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincen~ Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Hom; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redeslgnation of Water Rights ) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also induded at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT )? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb work ing for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000358 System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s) . Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the ( Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may fmd it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, l found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minera ls and land ....... they' find a way to nationa lize pensions. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000359 On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?I GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b gsNCpBuGfOhPrg YZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to stea l your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?I GOGs.&m gx.LvMtw4vvxrVU&b gsNCpBuGfOhPrg YZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . https://www.usncws.com /news/bc st-states/montana/articles/20 l 7-06-09/fonner-us-attorney-to￾investigate-lawycr-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel ofland. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or fmd these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will fmd in the second attachment , the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal , and power generation they may have not received the res ponse yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty ofland in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday , June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote : AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000360 When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those II G Men" are CPA 's MBA 'sand experts in white collar crime . They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dea lings. Al Capone was at large until the II G Men II caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syph ilis in Alcatraz . Peop le who stea l from children , the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone . On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement , Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Fann Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potentia l, Increase in Crime . Quantificat ion is measured in dollars and other factors including qua lity of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credib le sourcing would natura lly be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This wou ld likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a Jong tenn endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressiona l legislation usually neg lects impact quantification and assessments . This jud icial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this wou ld be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation . From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? EXT-18-2336-A-000361 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000362 Qui Bono ? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undennine-property-values / SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freeran gereport.com "Put simply, today 's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,'' Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act , and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent , Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday , June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https:/ /vimeo. com/ 124 787340 AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000363 posted Ke io on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Repub lican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediate ly. I posted Ke io on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D,C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediate ly. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water tight these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) EXT-18-2336-A-000364 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000365 http://www.sk innymoose.com/ bbb/20 I 0/06/ l 1/vellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000366 r :,, _, .•• ,I .. < Ii l tll.J 1 , . , - ., ,. . 'J -. ., - . .. , . . . p-:1;' .. .. -;--:-:.-:-:;i ·r I I .. ,-~ . 5 ~ \ "' 1 _~ I } -'-!--~ . . ·, IT , ! , . .. -·,- J - ,._ ' (! 'H) -1 ~ ,., I ·1/ ~· ~_J . . l! I .:t ·½'• T . - ,.._ (' . .. ' l . ' . " . . 1ft ! , ~li7 I ! . T , f r .:- l , ..... , '\. ., . , . 'v --', -, fl 'r ,_. II li 4'.~.-.t "' . .Z'J .... 21\ I ,, :/7 26 ~· -= ,, I :.:: -{Jr -'~ r'~:-:.- . ' t. .. ( - ·•" f - •• ~ I 1, . , I r , ,r ( ~ I " j I . . .. , a., r '32 • • .. :'3, 3 .. ,, i5 - J6 ~ I ,..,. 't • ..._, .. , ,, ... ,. ,,, ' ,,. .. ... I , .,. / ,, I .... 6 . ·p-. ;I - ., - I. - -- -- ~ ., - __ , -. -.~.-J--.... ':"' ~ i 1 A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000367 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000368 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000369 To: Janette RosmanUanette@ronan.net] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov] ; MT Rep Dick Barrett[mewbar@gma il.com] ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel·· ··•·!!!!] ; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov] ; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com] ; Jack Horner Kristin Omvig[kr istin@mitlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes• ■ ·•·• ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net] ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com] ; Kathleen Mazure(klm@dwgp.com] ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gma il.com] ; Patricia Gillis[patricia.g illis@ferc.gov] ; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth■■••••■■]; Paul Hunsucker·• ···•••·] ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net] ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net] ; Bruce F redrickson(bruce@mitlawp.com ]; Ryan Zinke ]; Gene Erb Jr!II-■ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov] ; Ken Cornelius •■•■]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gma il.com] ; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com] ; Bill & Grace SlacK) I: Steve Daines[steve@steveda ines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cw incent@hotmail.com] ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkmch@stignatius.net] ; Alan Mikkelsen [amikkelsen@usbr.gov] ; Duane Mecham(duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn···••·••■] ; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com] ; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-02112:00:48-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Corruption, FRAUD. regulatory capture, ...... not only with water and electricity ... but in health care. The POLITICAL dass is in bed with the hospital administrators and management but with the insurance monoliths. ACA refomi is playing you for chumps ... Received: 2017-08-02112:01 :03-04:00 http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017 /08/us-health-care-reform-debate-not-address.htm l On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fannin g" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett '; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner' ; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler' ; 'Dr. Kate AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000370 Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of th e email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Offi ce and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to fil e a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples . 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana Stat e University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Broth ers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again . 3. You may want to take another look at the {FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West . Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility . On Friday, July 28, 20171:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000371 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also inducted at that time would have given Congress control of the {PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. "forensic" means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appea r to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt that the Gove rnment was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys an d Girls Clu b) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetin~ 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retiremen t? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000372 If they'll steal your water,electric ity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationa lize pens10ns. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.awebcr.com /y/ct/ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfOhPrq YZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a pan ic attack to steal your private property http ://clicks.awebcr.com/y /ct/ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrq YZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . https://www.usnews.com/ news/be st-states/ montana/ arti cles/201 7-06-09/fonner-us-attorney -to￾investi gate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" <11111111111111 > wrote: l . Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep -all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States requ ired that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded , it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recove r or find these ? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will fmd in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) tailed to finish the pape r work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power gene ration they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue oflimitations? Some ofus may AMR AN PVERSIGHT know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000373 EXT-18-2336-A-000374 From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom ; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett ; DNRC Land Board ; Fran dsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughe s; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan ; Bruce TutvedtS D3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham ; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ran ch; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No . I Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM , so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriat ions rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed , both individual and government entities are pa id. I'll bring a whole lot more mon ey back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally . P.S. For at least a decade y'a ll have been pay ing lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted ,in front of the Montana House Judic iary Comm ittee , that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking . EXT-18-2336-A-000375 Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http ://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-goverrunent-regs- undermine-property-values / SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com "Put simply , today 's decision knocks the definition of 'private property ' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/ 124 787340 AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000376 posted Ke lo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D .C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn jo in my case and get into court immediately . I posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D .C. federal court. I would like to see the Repub lican A.G Assn jo in my case and get into court immediately . OnJun21 , 20 17 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. EXT-18-2336-A-000377 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000378 ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcast ing Network) http://www.skinnymoose .com/ bbb/2010/06/ 11/vellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000379 r :,, _, .•• ,I .. < Ii l tll.J 1 , . , - ., ,. . 'J -. ., - . .. , . . . p-:1;' .. .. -;--:-:.-:-:;i ·r I I .. ,-~ . 5 ~ \ "' 1 _~ I } -'-!--~ . . ·, IT , ! , . .. -·,- J - ,._ ' (! 'H) -1 ~ ,., I ·1/ ~· ~_J . . l! I .:t ·½'• T . - ,.._ (' . .. ' l . ' . " . . 1ft ! , ~li7 I ! . T , f r .:- l , ..... , '\. ., . , . 'v --', -, fl 'r ,_. II li 4'.~.-.t "' . .Z'J .... 21\ I ,, :/7 26 ~· -= ,, I :.:: -{Jr -'~ r'~:-:.- . ' t. .. ( - ·•" f - •• ~ I 1, . , I r , ,r ( ~ I " j I . . .. , a., r '32 • • .. :'3, 3 .. ,, i5 - J6 ~ I ,..,. 't • ..._, .. , ,, ... ,. ,,, ' ,,. .. ... I , .,. / ,, I .... 6 . ·p-. ;I - ., - I. - -- -- ~ ., - __ , -. -.~.-J--.... ':"' ~ i 1 A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000380 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000381 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000382 To: Janette RosmanUanette@ronan.net] ; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterlake[edi t@dailyin tertake.com] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com ] ; DNRC Land Board(landboard@m t.gov] ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov) ; Roger Starke! ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov] ; Richard Erb(richarderb@montana.com ] ; Jack Horner Kristin Omvig[kris tin@rmtlawp.com) ; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com ); Steve Hughes ■-■-■I ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.ne t]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com] ; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com] ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com ] ; Patricia Gillis(patricia.gillis@ferc.gov] ; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamle tt@gmail.com) ; Paul Wadsworth■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucker --■■■■-]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.ne t); MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpa tricks@bresnan.net] ; Bruce F redrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com ); Ryan Zinke ■- ); Gene Erb ); Senator Jon Tester{senator@tester.senate.gov) ; Ken Cornelius ■--- ; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksven tures.com] ; BruceTutvedtSD3[bruce tutvedt@gmail.com] ; Bill & Grace Slack■■••■•- ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com] ; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotrnail.com] ; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov] ; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov] ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.ne t); Mike Horn·• ·••··•• ]; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net] ; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com) From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-04T13 :26:12-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject THIS IS why I recommended William K Black JD , Ph.D to Trump and 4 million listeners on the Dan Happel show May 18 with my friend and colleague Charles Ortel. Tester wasted a DECADE on the Senate Banking committee covering for the Banksters. In return t... Received: 2017-08-04T 13:26:22-04:00 From the author of the Greenspan Put, a rigged trade that CA USED the greatest recession of our lives that was explained in" Generation Zero" , "Inside Job" and the "Big Short". America's financial system has become an enormous Ponzi Scheme built on multi layered fraud. Now you know why they are trying to remove Trump. I want Testers seat in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State From the author of the Greenspan https:/ /www.cnbc.com /20 l 7 /08/04/grecnspan-bm1d-bubble-about-to-brcak-bccause-of￾abnonnally-low-intercst-ratcs .html On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning " wrote: http:/ /www.nakedcapitalism.com/201 7 /08/us-health-care-refonn-dcbatc-not-ad dress. html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fannin g" wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000383 Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana . There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto J Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christi ne I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' SUbject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday . You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn . I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again . 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West . Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility . On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000384 Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From : Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent : Friday, July 28, 201712:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke!; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig ; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius ; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan ; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines ; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen ; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos ; Jack & Susan Lake Subj ect: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redes ignation of Water Rights ) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT )? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000385 On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE ), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his reti.rement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote : If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfOhPrq YZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STA TE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfOhPrq YZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wro te: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000386 https://www.usnews.com/ news/be st-states/montana/ articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attomev- to￾investi gate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7 .00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt As you will see in the righ t hand comer the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic , municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC ) has purchased plenty ofland in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some ofus may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution . On Thursday , June 29 , 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote : When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those" G Men II are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime . They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men II caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children , the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000387 On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom" > wrote: The Quest ion is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs , Lowered Incomes , Popu lation Displacement , Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Fann Income and equipment sales, Decline in Econom ic Potentia l, Increase in Crime . Quantification is measured in do llars and other factors includ ing qual ity of living . 2. Quantification Assessment A cred ible sourcing would natura lly be Montana State Un iversity Bozeman - Ag Econom ics taking the lead . A Princ iple Investigator would be identified to produce a plann ing document and a proposed budget. This wou ld likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have estab lished a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressiona l legislation usua lly neg lects impact quantification and assessment s. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one . All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quant ify HARM in any legislation . From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tues day, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom ; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman ; MT Rep D ick Barrett; DNRC Land Board ; Fran dsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Homer ; Kristin Omvig ; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Pau l Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure ; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutve dtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropo ulos Subject: Re: No . I Forensic Audit for the (HARM) . Quantify the HARM , so this can get in front of the U.S . Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed , both individua l and government entities are paid . I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… EXT-18-2336-A-000388 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000389 On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12 :59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/ 124 787340 posted Ke la on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican AG Assn jo in my case and get into court immediate ly. I posted Kela on my page a couple of months ago. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000390 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federa l court. I would like to see the Repub lican AG Assn jo in my case and get into court immediately . On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership . Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, Jlllle 19, 2017 3 :22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FIB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000391 See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a II can do guy II instead of a II can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified . You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federa l court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentiona lly throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000392 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000393 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000394 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; janette@ronan.net[janette@ronan.net] Cc: SCOTT ROCKHOLM[ ]; CoCom. DanHappel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Douglas stuart@hotmail.com[Douglas_stuart@hotmail.com]; ; Mike Horn ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; U.S. Senate[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Steve Hughes ]; Jack Horner ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Ryan Zinke ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; AustinKnudsenHD36[austinforhouse@yahoo.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-08-12T09:24:52-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Time to pay attention to the looting of America Received: 2017-08-12T09:25:12-04:00 Ryan, Con Kelley and Anaconda Copper and Mining Co. 1.pdf Robert thanks for the time you spent this past week and leaving the the movie the (Smartest Guys in the Room) after we went over the 1923 bond indenture with Ryan and Kelly of Anaconda Copper we had put this together a while back? Here you will find the crash of 1929 from Con Kelley the attorney, maybe the same inside job in modern day times. John D. Ryan purchased Northwestern Development Co. in 1912 or 13 from Edward Donlan. If I were an elected Commissioner on any Irrigation District in the West, you may want to pick out the rotten (SPUDS)? On Saturday, August 5, 2017 11:37 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: You need to know that the original Republic of the United States was a compact and alliance of the individual states; each state was recognized as a separate nation under international law. However, when congressional representatives of seven Southern states abandoned their posts in 1861, Congress adjourned and dissolved taking the Constitutional Republic of the United States of America with it. After the Civil War, under the Reconstruction Acts, a new United States corporation, was formed in 1871. This can be confirmed by referring to United States Code, Title 28, Chapter 176 under Federal Debt collection procedures. Section 3002 (15) states that “United States” means: (A) a Federal corporation; (B) an agency, department, commission, board, or other entity of the United States; or (C) an instrumentality of the United States. Note that this definition does not include any reference to a constitutional republic, country, nation, compact of states, geographic area, or people. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6), (b) (7)(C) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - maplegreenbeans (b) (6) - maplegreenbeans EXT-18-2336-A-000395 The definition only refers to agencies and instrumentalities of the United States corporation. It gets worse: the UNITED STATES corporation went bankrupt in 1933; this resulted in establishing a bankruptcy trust. The FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM is the ‘Public Trust’. All the property of the UNITED STATES, which also applies to ‘states’, are held in trust under bankruptcy law. This property includes all land, all real estate, and even the PEOPLE, and are held as the collateral for the debt owed to international bankers. Attached below is a pdf document to prove the IRS lien. Also included is information on the NORTH AMERICAN WATER AND POWER ALLIANCE corporation. Please note that their address is the Pentagon; they are listed as an assignor in the pdf document with assets of $300 billion. An assignor is one who gives something to the assignee, which in this instance is the IRS. http://themillenniumreport. com/2017/07/14-3-quadrillion- lien-taken-against-all-u-s- land￾real-estate-and-people- on-july-28-2011/ On Aug 4, 2017 1:36 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: https://youtu.be/emjeJMj 7Ao 12,000 views 15 minutes Courtesy of Rockholm Media On Aug 4, 2017 11:26 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: From the author of the Greenspan Put, a rigged trade that CAUSED the greatest recession of our lives that was explained in " Generation Zero ", "Inside Job" and the "Big Short ". America's financial system has become an enormous Ponzi Scheme built on multi layered fraud. Now you know why they are trying to remove Trump. I want Testers seat in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State From the author of the Greenspan EXT-18-2336-A-000396 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000397 https://www .cnbc .com/2017/08/0 4/greenspan-bond-bubble-about- to-break-because￾of-abnormally -low-interest-rates.html On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017 /08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address . html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana . There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)' ; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vande moer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth' ; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtS D3'; 'Mary Stranahan' ; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham' ; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Respons ibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000398 FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the commun ities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr (mailto Sent: Friday , July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm ; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Corne lius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan ; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensa tion. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Am ici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court , this is called primary evidence , just like the missing compute r(s). Evidence tampe ring is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a fore nsic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected . On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ._ > wrote : Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Aud itors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday , July 1, 2017 7:47 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000399 If they'll steal your water.electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationalize pensions . On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrgYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx .LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7 -06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM , "Gene Erb Jr" ._> wrote : 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to tum the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-a ll, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a command ing price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment , the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater , domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is w ithin the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and j ust distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators , those" G Men" are CPA 's MBA 'sand experts in white collar crime . They know all about fraud , violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings . Al Capone was at large until the" G Men" caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000400 People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" > wrote : The Question is: What is the quantificat ion of the HARM? 1. Quantificatio n Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs , Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement , Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipme nt sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantificat ion Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have establis hed a long term endowme nt to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department. ) 3. Congressio nal legislatio n usually neglects impact quantification and assessme nts. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Jane tte Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Gue nzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomo n; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Corne lius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christi ne I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Fore nsic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed , both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . EXT-18-2336-A-000401 You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted ,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee , that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking . Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http:/ /freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freer a nge report. com "Put simply , today 's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "com pro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" -=-> wrote : Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to fi le on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the {Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000402 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately . I posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately . On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ._ > wrote : Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the {FERG) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownersh ip. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forens ic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and whe re is his written legal opinion on firm letter head? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002 . Then think about being a" can do guy" instead of a" can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000403 You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases . ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcast ing Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11 /yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 201712:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr"._> wrote : AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000404 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000405 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000406 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000407 To: Gene Erb Cc: SCOTT ROC KHOLM ]; Douglas_stuart@hotmail.com[ Douglas_stuart@hotmail.com ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[mewbar@gmail.com ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb _frandsen@tester .senate .gov]; AustinKnudsen HD36[austinforhouse@yahoo .com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana .com]; Jack Horner •• ; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinterlake .com]; Chas Vincent[cwincen t@hotmail.com ]; Steve ughes ■■■■■■■■■]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan .net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforwor1dpeace@gmail.com ]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp .com]; Daniel Salomon[ dansalomon 12@gmail .com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia .gillis@ferc.gov]; Paul Wadsworth · •···••] ; Paul unsucker ■■■■■■■■■]; David Lake[spud@cyberport .net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[ fitzpatricks@bresnan .net]; Bruce Fredrickson [bruce@rmtlawp .com]; janette@ronan .netUanette@ronan.net]; CoCom . DanHappel[h · Zinke Cornelius ]; ······· ]; BruceTutvedtS D3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com ••■ ]; Mary Ken Stranahan [mary@goodworksventures .com]; Bill & Grace Slack.. ; U.S. Senate[senator@tester .senate.gov]; Duane Mecham[ duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov ] ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius .net]; Mike Horn ·•••••■] ; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan .net]; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw .com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-12T09:57:46-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Time to pay attention to the looting of America Received: 2017-08-12T09:57:53-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg Nancy Smith Vera L Mccur ley Mike Hom Scott Rockholm Debra Lamm Dan Happ el I attended the Flath ead Joint Board meeting on Tuesday A series of FELONIES and securities fraud since 1923 has been committed by the likes of John D. Ryan John D. Rockefeller Cornelius Kelly The origina l " pump and dumpers" who caused the Crash of 1929 and 12 years of ensuing Depression. I have the primary EVIDENCE to prove it, thus demanding 5th Amendment takings clause restitution for Montana . We were LOOTED. Watch Steve Bannon Generation Zero! Senator Robert T Fannin g will finish his term in the US Senate as the champion of the Forgott en Man! He will bring back more money to the state of Montana than all the Senators combin ed since 1889, when Montana became a state! He is AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000408 busting the corruption now and will bring the money home! There is a reason why Steve Bannon sits next to Donald Trump everyday, and there is a reason why Robert T Fa1ming is Montana's next Senator! <3 We must support Trump and his fight against the corruption of the Deep State! #Gofightinglrish #Notredamewinsagain #FanningforSenate On Aug 12, 20177 :25 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert tha nks for the t ime you spent this past week and leavi ng the the movie the (Smartest Guys in the Room) after we went over the 1923 bond indentu re with Ryan and Kelly of Anaconda Copper we had put this together a while back? Here you will fi nd the crash of 1929 from Con Kelley the attorney, maybe the same inside job in modern day t imes . John D. Ryan purchased Northwestern Develo pment Co. in 1912 or 13 from Edward Donlan . If I were an elected Commissioner on any I rrigation District in t he West, you may want to pick out the rotten (SPUDS)? On Saturday , August 5, 2017 11 :37 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: You need to know that the original Republic of the United States was a compact and alliance of the individual states; each state was recognized as a separate nation under international law. However, when congressiona l representat ives of seven Southern states abandoned their posts in 1861, Congress adjourned and dissolved taking the Constitutional Republic of the United States of America with it. After the Civil War, under the Reconstruct ion Acts , a new United States corporation , was formed in 1871. This can be confirmed by referring to United States Code, Title 28, Chapter 176 under Federal Debt collection procedures. Section 3002 (15) states that "United States" means: (A) a Federal corporation; (B) an agency , department , commission , board, or other entity of the United States; or (C) an instrumental ity of the United States . Note that this definition does not include any reference to a constitutional republic, country, nation, compact of states, geographic area, or people. The definition only refers to agencies and instrumental ities of the United States corporation . It gets worse: the UNITED STATES corporation went bankrupt in 1933; this resulted in establishing a bankruptcy trust. The FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM is the 'Public Trust' . All the property of the UNITED STA TES, which also applies to 'states ', are held in trust under bankruptcy law. This property includes all land, all real estate, and even the PEOPLE, and are held as the collateral for the debt owed to international bankers. Attached below is a pdf document to prove the IRS lien. Also included is information on the NORTH AMERICAN WATER AND POWER ALLIANCE corporation . Please note that their address is the Pentagon; they are listed as an assignor in the pdf document with assets of $300 billion. An assignor is one who gives something to the assignee, AMR AN PVERSIGHT which in this instance is the IRS. http://themillenniumreport. com/2017/07/14-3-quadrillion- lien-taken-against-all-u-s￾land-real-estate-and-people- on-july-28-2011/ On Aug 4, 2017 1:36 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: https://youtu.be/emjeJMj 7Ao 12,000 views 15 minutes Courtesy of Rockholm Media On Aug 4, 2017 11:26 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: From the author of the Greenspan Put, a rigged trade that CAUSED the greatest recession of our lives that was explained in " Generation Zero ", "Inside Job" and the "Big Short ". America's financial system has become an enormous Ponzi Scheme built on multi layered fraud. Now you know why they are trying to remove Trump. I want Testers seat in the U.S Senate in order to defend the Forgotten Man and private property against the Deep State From the author of the Greenspan https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/0 4/greenspan-bond-bubble-about- to-break-because￾of-abnormally -low-interest-rates.html On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017/08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. EXT-18-2336-A-000409 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000410 There is no" like" Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Saturday , July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board' ; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett' ; 'Frandsen Deb {Tester)' ; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis Kavulla' ; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm' ; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoe r'; 'Kathleen Mazure' ; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth' ; 'Paul Hunsucker' ; 'David Lake' ; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick '; 'Bruce Fredrickson' ; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester' ; 'Ken Cornelius' ; 'BruceTutvedtSD3' ; 'Mary Stranahan '; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent '; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen' ; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn' ; 'Jon Metropoulos' ; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Aud it for the {HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand th is? I will be more than happy to file a compla int as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Hom. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERG) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceed ing and made sure the Judges have their needed informat ion? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote : Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board ; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke!; Trav is Kavulla ; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes ; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure ; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis ; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke ; Senator Jon Tester ; Ken Cornel ius; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Mary Stranahan ; Bill & Grace AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000411 Slack ; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen ; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos ; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affa irs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence , just like the missing computer(s) . Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected . On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~> wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charla Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights , I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday , July 1, 2017 7:47 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water.electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=qx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=qx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000412 qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ .J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/art icles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawye r-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~> wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigati on over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue . Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand comer the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and jus t distribution. On Thursday , June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those" G Men" are CPA 's MBA 'sand experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith deal ings. Al Capone was at large until the" G Men" caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes , Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment saJes, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000413 Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment - A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University- Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congress ional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judic ial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Teste r); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpa trick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HAR M). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers . Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. EXT-18-2336-A-000414 Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http://freeranqereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recou rse-when-qovern ment-reqs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freera nge report. com "Put simply, today's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr"~> wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act , and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Keio on my page a coup le of months ago. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000415 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republ ican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~> wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal ''Water and Power'' from the Landowners , here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States , to Appropriate February 27, 1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written lega l opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a" can do guy" instead of a" can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quant ified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourse lves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcast ing Network) AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000416 http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/ 11 /yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr"~> wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT ... EXT-18-2336-A-000417 A\.11 11( /\\J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000418 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000419 To: Janette RosmanUanette@ronan.net] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com] ; DNRC Land Board[landboard@m t.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester .senate.gov] ; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov ]; Richard Erb(richarderb@montana.com] ; Jack Horner Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com] ; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com ]; Steve Hughes · •·•·••·] ; Paul Guenzler[sharong u@ronan.ne t]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com] ; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com] ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov ); Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com] ; Paul Wadsworth•■•••••■ ; Paul Hunsucker ···••··] ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.ne t]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.ne t]; Bruce F redrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com ]; Ryan Zinke ·• ); Gene Erb J ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov] ; Ken Cornelius •••■] ; Mary Stranahan(mary@goodworksven tures.com] ; BruceTutvedtSD3[bruce tutvedt@gmail.com ]; Bill & Grace Slack•• ••·•• ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines .com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent(cvvincent@hotrnail.com ]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov] ; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov] ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.ne t]; Mike Horn ·••··•• ); Jack & Susan LakeLJlake@ronan.net]; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-12T 11 :02:50-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of$ 1.7 million to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-12T 11 :02:59-04:00 1986 (documents).pdf I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 grilling . The question now is: " does anyone in authority , like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agricu lture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the$ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmooze rs ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence . Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades , the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed , staged video commercials . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000420 They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution . They are part of the Swamp . "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got." ....... corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http ://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017 /08/us-health-care-refonn -debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fannin g" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten app les on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto J Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary St ranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Olristine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000421 and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples . 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State Univers ity for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn . I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday, July 28, 201712:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke!; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig ; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester ; Ken Cornelius ; BruoeTutvedtSD3 ; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines ; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen ; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos ; Jack & Susan Lake Subj ect: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights ) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT )? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assis tant to Governor Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? 4. Don't forge t to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000422 On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s) . Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected . On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM , "Gene Erb Jr"~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE ), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stive rs pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationa lize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM , "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber .com/v/ct/ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LvMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuG fOhPrq YZ.J4OLA AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000423 Now you know why the DEEP STA TE is in a panic attack to stea l your private property http ://clicks.aweber.com /y/ct/ ? I GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b gsNCpBuGfOhPrg YZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/ news/be st-states/montana/ articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attornev- to￾investi gate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: l. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7 .00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel ofland. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Forma tion of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt As you will see in the right band comer the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as be claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic , municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) bas purchased plenty ofland in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some ofus may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7 :55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those fl G Men fl are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000424 They know all about fraud, vio lation of fiduc iary duties and bad Faith deal ings. Al Capone was at large unti l the " G Men " caught him . Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphil is in Alcatraz . People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone . On Jun 28 , 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom" The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Popu lation Displacement , Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Econom ic Potentia l, Increase in Crime . Quantification is measured in do llars and other factors includ ing qual ity of living . 2. Quantificat ion Assessment A credib le sourc ing wou ld natura lly be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Econom ics taking the lead . A Princ iple Investigator would be identified to produce a plann ing document and a proposed budget. This wou ld likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros . have estab lished a long term endowment to bo lster the MSU Ag Econom ics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usua lly neg lects impact quantificat ion and assessments . This jud icial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one . All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quant ify HARM in any legislation . From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday , June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman ; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Homer; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? EXT-18-2336-A-000425 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000426 http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values / SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com "Pl1t simply. today 's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling ''compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales oflndian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https:/ /vimeo.com/ 124 787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000427 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Repub lican A.G Assn jo in my case and get into court immediate ly. I posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Repub lican A.G Assn jo in my case and get into court i1m11ediately . On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR..> Jetter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27, 1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3 :22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve AMR AN PVERSIGHT GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) EXT-18-2336-A-000428 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000429 http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/ l l/vellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000430 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000431 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000432 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000433 To: Janette Rosmanuanette@ronan.net]; Ryan Zinke ] Cc: DNRC Land Board(landboard@mt.gov ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[mewbar@gmail.com ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov] ; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com ]; Jack Horner Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com] ; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com ]; Steve Hughes ·•·•·••I]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net] ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com] ; Kathleen Mazure(klm@dwgp.co m]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gma il.com] ; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov] ; Brad Hamlett[sena torhamlett@gma il.com]; Paul Wadsworth■■---■■■]; Paul Hunsucker • ···•••·] ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net] ; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@nntlawp.com] ; Gene Erb J ); Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov] ; Ken Cornelius ■-•]; BruceTutvedtSD3 [brucetutvedt@gmail.com] ; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com] ; Bill & Grace Slack •·•·· ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com ]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cwincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net ]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov ] ; Duane Mecham(duane.mecham@sol.doi.go v]; Mike Hom••■■•■•-]; Jon Metropoulos Uon@metropouloslaw.com ]; Jack & Susan LakeOlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-12T12:02:55-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of$ 1.7 million bi annual payment to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-12T12:03:02-04:00 1986 (documents).pdf I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigato r who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge 's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of lnterior .... atachment all the way down at the bottom ....... instead we get racketee ring and gangsterism . The question now is: "does anyone in authority , like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENS IC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecu rity and incompetence . Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades , the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000434 citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials . They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution . They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got." ....... corruption . Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017 /08/us-health-care-refonn-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Faiming" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Mont ana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett '; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett' ; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatri ck'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senato r Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutved tSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' subject: Re: No.l Forensic Audit fo r the (HARM). AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000435 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday . You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility . On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not awa re of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent : Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc : DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucke r; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtS D3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen ; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subj ect: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HA RM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights ) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the {PROJECT )? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System {Assistan t to Governor Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? AMR AN PVERSIGHT 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. EXT-18-2336-A-000436 On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s) . Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. "forens ic" means that a crime is suspected . On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE ), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July I, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationa lize pensions . On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM, "Robert Fam1ing" wrote: http: // clicks .aweber.com/y /ct/ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000437 qsNCpBuGfOhPrq YZ.J4O LA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http ://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?1 GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGf OhPrq YZ.J4OLA Ou Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews .com/news/be st-states/moutana /articles/201 7-06-09/fonner -us-attomey-to￾investigate-lawver-miscouduct- cases Ou Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: l. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to tum the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel ofland. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue . Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty ofland in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some ofus may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000438 When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those" G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz . People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone . On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom" > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality ofliving . 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Princip le Investigator wou ld be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long tenn endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usua lly neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judic ial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation . From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? EXT-18-2336-A-000439 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000440 http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values / SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com "Put simply, today 's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" <11111111111111 wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales oflndian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000441 posted Ke io on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican AG Assn jo in my case and get into court immediately . I posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican AG Assn jo in my case and get into court immed iate ly. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve AMR AN PVERSIGHT GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) EXT-18-2336-A-000442 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000443 http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/ 11/vellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000444 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000445 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000446 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000447 Cc: Ryan Zinke ]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@teste r.senate.gov]; Roger Starke I •· !!!!l!!!!!!l!!!!!!l!!!!!!l!!!!!! l; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ■••]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer [waterforworldpea ce@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@g mail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth ·••■■!I ; Paul Hunsucke ■--■••••■ ; David Lake[spud@cybe rport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatric k[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Gene Erb J •• • !!!!I!!!!!!! ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov ]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3(brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com ]; Bill & Grace Slack •· •••·• ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotma il.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@s tignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov ]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Hom •· ··• ]; Jon MetropoulosOon@metropouloslaw.co m]; Jack & Susan LakeLJlake@ronan.ne t] To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gma il.com] From: Janette Sent: 2017-08-13T00:04:04-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of$ 1.7 million bi annual pay ment to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-13T00:04:21-04:00 FJBC board had a fiduciary duty to the irrigators to pay Flathead Indian Irrigation Project fees collected via irrigators Taxes. Sent from my iPhone On Aug 12, 2017, at 10:02 AM, Robert Fannin g wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge 's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of lnterior .... atachment all the way down at the bottom ....... instead we get racketeering and gangsterism . The question now is: " does anyone in authority , like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosenda le have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agricu lture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for? AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000448 This is the$ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence . Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades , the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials . They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution . They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got." ....... corruption . Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fa1ming" wrote: http ://www .nakedcapitalism.com/201 7 /08/us-health-care-reform-debate- not-address .html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like" Janette, only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware . Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [m ailto ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb {Tester)'; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000449 Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second pa rt of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Comm issioners yesterday . You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a compla int as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples . 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forens ic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn . I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again . 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the com munit ies they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday, July 28, 201712:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Homer; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000450 Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Hom; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT )? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HE R E), I had not a clue in 199 I buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000451 Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNR q also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU offic.e is still paying his retirement ? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fa1ming" wrote: http://clicks.awcber.com /y/ctJ ?l GOGs.&m gx:.LyMtw4vvxrVU&b gsNCpBuGfOhPrg YZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com /y/ctJ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b gsNCpBuGfOhPrgYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . https://www.usnews .com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attomey-to- investigate-lawyer-m isconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to tum the investigation over to the United States (FBI). lfone happens to not be so sheep-all , you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a AMR AN PVERSIGHT commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000452 EXT-18-2336-A-000453 Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would natura lly be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator wou ld be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday , June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom ; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman ; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Fran dsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke !; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Homer ; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes ; Paul Guenz ler; Dr. Kate Van demoer; Kathleen Mazure ; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Pau l Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutve dtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham ; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropou los Subject: Re: No. I Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… EXT-18-2336-A-000454 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000455 On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert if one individu al could only purchase 160 acres under the Ho mestead Act, and had to prove up on it prio r to receivi ng a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Powe r Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Vill a sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, JW1e26, 20 17 12 :59 PM, RobertFanning< bruisernd73@gmail.com > wrote : I https://virneo.corn/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Repub lican AG Assn join my case and get into court immediate ly. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000456 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Repub lican A.G Assn jo in my case and get into court immediately . On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert l do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior . I like <-YOUR-> Jetter. l can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FIB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting$ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on finn letter head? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a coup le million reads. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000457 See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a" can don't guy . Particularly when aD .C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified . You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcast ing Network) http ://www.skinnymoose .com/ bbb/2010/06/ 11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15,201712:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000458 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000459 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT <1986 (documents).pdf> EXT-18-2336-A-000460 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000461 To: Janette[janette@ronan.net] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com] ; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov] ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov] ; Roger Starke! ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov] ; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com] ; Jack Horner Kristin Omvig[kris tin@nntlawp .com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com] ; Steve Hughes ■-■--■ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.ne t]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com] ; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com] ; Daniel Salomon[ dansalomon12@gmail.com] ; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov] ; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamle tt@gmail.com] ; Paul Wadsworth■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucker ■--■■■■ ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net] ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan .net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com] ; Ryan Zinke •• ]; Gene Erb J ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tes ter.senate.gov] ; Ken Cornelius ■■■■ ; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com] ; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutve dt@gmail.com] ; Bill & Grace Slack ■■■■■■■IJ ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines .com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[ cvvincent@hotmail.com] ; Duane Mecham[ duane.mecham@sol. doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov] ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@s tignatius .net]; Mike Horn ■■■■■--■ ; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] ; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-13T 12:08: 12-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a paymen t of$ 1. 7 million bi annual payment to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-13T12:08:23-04:00 1986 (documents).pdf Read the attach ed PDF and U11derstand that dereliction of duty as defined in the 1926, 1931 and 1986 decisions make you personally liable. I hope that your home owners has a large umbrella. Better notify the tribes that their blackmail , extortion, racketeering and gangsterism directed at private property and irrigators was addressed by the federal judg e in Missoula in 1986. 10 tol odds none of you opened the attachment and read it so just send it to your carriers. The irrigator who broke down in tears in front of me because he had to spend $80 000 To defend himself because you won't , when I was just up there was the last straw. Obey the judg es ..... all of them, especially the Judge in my D.C. case who ORDERED you to quantify the harm done. Y'all are devoid of honor On Aug 12, 2017 10: 10 PM, "Janette" wrot e: FJBC board had a fiduciary duty to the irrigators to pay Flathead Indian Irrigation Project fees collected via irrigators Taxes. Sent from my iPhone AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Aug 12, 2017, at 10:02 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000462 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000463 http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017 /08/us-healtb-care-reform-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Faiming" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Const itution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosmai1" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.l Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples . 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000464 On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communit ies they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday, July 28, 201712:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Travis Kavulla ; Richard Erb; Jack Home r; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzle r; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; Dav id Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Mary Stranahan ; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos ; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redeslgnation of Water Rights ) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT )? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Comm issioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amid Brief has Dr. Richard Erb wor king for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69 )??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way . On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000465 Evidence tampering is a serious crime . Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspecte d. On Jul 28, 20 17 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!! ! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HER E), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Governme nt was subsidizi ng a payment of ove r 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (G ood Old Boys and Girls Club ) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that wen t into a retiremen t FUN D somewhere the Audito rs may find it? Mr . Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyde r purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found afte r we purchased the p roperty were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retireme nt? On Saturday, July l , 20 17 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote : If they'll steal your water ,electricity minera ls and land ....... they' find a way to na tiona lize pensions . On Jun 30, 20 17 11:35 PM, "Robert Fatming" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com /y/ct/ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfOhPrq YZ.J40 LA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000466 gsNCpBuGfOhPrg YZ.140 LA On Jun 30, 20 17 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www .usnews .com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/20 1 7-06-09/former-us￾attomey -to- investigate -lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 20 17 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right band comer the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as be claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) bas purchased plenty ofland in the State . 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue oflimitations? Some ofus may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday , June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote : When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those" G Men" are CPA 's MBA 'sand experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000467 Al Capone was at large unti l the" G Men" caught him . Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphi lis in Alcatraz . People who steal from children , the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone . On Jun 28 , 2017 12: 14 AM, "Mike Horn" >w rote: The Quest ion is: What is the quant ification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights , Lost Jobs , Lowered Incomes , Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity , Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potent ial, Increase in Crime . Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors includ ing quality of living . 2. Quantification Assessment A credib le sourcing would natura lly be Montana State Un iversity Bozeman - Ag Econom ics taking the lead . A Princip le Investigator would be ident ified to produce a plann ing document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros . have estab lished a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congress ional legislation usua lly neg lects impact quantification and assessments . This judic ial demand for one must be addressed with a credi ble construct for one . All parties should agree that this wou ld be a sign ificant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation . From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27,2 017 I 0:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman ; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board ; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horner; Kristi n Omvig ; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? EXT-18-2336-A-000468 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000469 http://freerangereport.com/ index.pbp/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-bave-no￾recourse-wben-govemment-regs- tmdermine-property-values / SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when goverrunent regs undermine property values freerangereport.com '·Put simply, today's decision knocks the definition of ' private property ' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "eompro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday , June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I bttps:/ /vimeo. com/ 124 787340 AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000470 posted Keio 011 my page a couple of months ago. I have an active ca<;e having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court I would like to see the Repub lican AG Assn jo in my case and get into court immediately . I posted Keio 011 my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Repub lican AG Assn jo in my case and get into court immediate ly. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27, 1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) EXT-18-2336-A-000471 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000472 http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/ l l/vellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000473 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000474 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT <1986 (documents).pdf> EXT-18-2336-A-000475 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Janette[janette@ronan.net]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: Ryan Zinke ]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-08-13T20:39:12-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of $ 1.7 million bi annual payment to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-13T20:43:26-04:00 North Crow Creek water rights.pdf St. Ignatius Mt. Misssion Creek water rights.pdf Janette have you cashed any checks or signed any, from the Flathead Irrigation District? You will find the Court appointed Commissioners of record along with the Formation Documents at Lake County Clerk and Recorders Office. Any idea what may happen to an Individual that becomes found guilty of an Act of Dereliction of Duty, or not following the LAW? Janette after speaking to you on the phone yesterday with my concern for being denied water delivery at land owned at Charlo Mt. in your District, while the neighbors have been using the water, you may want to look at this 1931 Sheer v. Moody, Federal District Court Case, we purchased 20 acres of #527 over a year ago, advertised with Secretarial Water Rights. You may not realize that the Crow Creek pump was ran last spring pumping waters from North Crow Creek, we own a share of both these water rights listed. Now the second attachment is from lands purchased from the Snyder's at St. Ignatius, you may need to look up the year the Father's arrived also? Here we have DNRC history included also are there any records on Curt receiving funds from the DNRC or has the FBI will be informed? On Saturday, August 12, 2017 10:04 PM, Janette wrote: FJBC board had a fiduciary duty to the irrigators to pay Flathead Indian Irrigation Project fees collected via irrigators Taxes. Sent from my iPhone On Aug 12, 2017, at 10:02 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000476 I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017/08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000477 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000478 Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana . There is no" like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM , "Janette Rosman" wrote : Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Saturday , July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Homer' ; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler' ; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer' ; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth' ; 'Paul Hunsucker' ; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornel ius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3' ; 'Mary Stranahan' ; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Hom'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Comm issioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Hom. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communit ies they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000479 Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb {Tester); Roger Starke!; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Homer; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vandemoe r; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucke r; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Hom; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Com missioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Or. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: In court , this is called primary evidence , just like the missing computer(s) . Evidence tampering is a serious crime . Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected . On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Char1o Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleas ing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend fro m behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationa lize pensions . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000480 On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/cU ?l=GQGs.&m=qx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/cU ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www .us news .com/news/be st-states/montana/art icles/201 7-06-09/former￾us-attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-m isconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all , you will find the 7 .00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded , it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Spec ial Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment , the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic , municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Govern ment paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday , June 29, 2017 7:55 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those" G Men" are CPA 's MBA 'sa nd experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the" G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000481 People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom" > wrote : The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment - A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State Univers ity - Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This wou ld likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have establ ished a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congress ional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments . This jud icial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc : Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richa rd Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omv ig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenz ler; Dr. Kate Vandemoe r; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropou los Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Aud it for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropr iations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been EXT-18-2336-A-000482 harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers . Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted.in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http://freeranqereport.com/ index.php/201 7 /06/25/scotus - rules-landowners-have￾no- recourse-when-government-regs- undermine-property-va lues/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freera nge report. com "Put simply, today's decision knocks the definition of 'private property ' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ._ > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000483 I https://vimeo .com/124787340 posted Keio on my page a coup le of months ago. I have an active case hav ing to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federa l court. I wou ld like to see the Repub lican A.G Assn jo in my case and get into court immed iately. I posted Keio on my page a coup le of months ago. I have an active case hav ing to do with Montana's wate r in the D.C . federa l court. I wou ld like to see the Repub lican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immed iately . On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity , True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the {FERG) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Wate r and Power" from the Landowners , here are a few more Documents proving Ownersh ip. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States , to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written lega l opinion as to WHY a forens ic aud it ( study )can not be ordered by the court . Who is gett ing $ 15 grand a month and where is his written lega l opinion on firm letter head? I did. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000484 Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a" can do guy" instead of a" can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federa l court do you. Then ask yourse lves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( asper Kogan on the Northern Broadcast ing Network) http://www.sk innymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone -is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote : AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000485 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 <1986 (documents).pdf> EXT-18-2336-A-000486 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000487 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000488 To: JanetteUanette@ronan.net] Cc: DNRC Land Board(landboard@mt.gov] ; MT Rep Dick Barrett[mewbar@gma il.com] ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)(deb_frandsen@tester.sena te.gov] ; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov] ; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com ]; Jack Horner Kristin Omvig[kristin@nntlawp.com ]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com] ; Steve Hughes ·•·• ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net] ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com ]; Kathleen Mazure(klm@dwgp.com] ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gma il.com] ; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov ]; Brad Hamlett[sena torhamlett@gma il.com]; Paul Wadsworth■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucker ·--■■■- ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.ne t]; Bruce Fredrickson(bruce@rmtlawp.com] ; Ryan Zinke ■-■ ]; Gene Erb J ]; Senator Jon Tester{senator@tester.senate.gov ]; Ken Cornelius ■■■■ ; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutved t@gmail.com ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com] ; Bill & Grace Slackl■■■■■■■; Steve Daines[steve@steveda ines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cwincent@hotrnail.com] ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[br1 wrote: Read the attached PDF and understand that dereliction of duty as defined in the 1926, 1931 and 1986 decisions make you personally liable. I hope that your home owners has a large umbrella. Better notify the tribes that their blackmail, extortion, racketeering and gangsterism directed at private property and irrigators was addressed by the federal judge in Missoula in 1986. 10 to1 odds none of you opened the attachment and read it so just send it to your carriers. The irrigator who broke down in tears in front of me because he had to spend $80 000 To defend himself because you won't, when I was just up there was the last straw. Obey the judges.....all of them, especially the Judge in my D.C. case who ORDERED you to quantify the harm done. EXT-18-2336-A-000492 -- -- -- VERSIGHT Y'all are devoid of honor On Aug 12, 2017 10:10 PM, "Janette" wrote: FJBC board had a fiduciary duty to the irrigators to pay Flathead Indian Irrigation Project fees collected via irrigators Taxes. Sent from my iPhone On Aug 12, 2017, at 10:02 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. EXT-18-2336-A-000493 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000494 "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got." ....... corruption . Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http ://www.nakedcapita lism.com/2017 /08/us-health-care-reform-debate- not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforc e the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana . There is no " like" Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [ mailto ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett '; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett' ; 'Paul Wadsworth '; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christi ne I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropou los'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second pa rt of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday . You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District , and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000495 the m App les . 2 . For your informat ion the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forens ic Audit by the Koch Brothers as exp lained by Mike Horn . I am pos itive Robert Fann ing wou ld be happy to send you the infor mat ion aga in. 3 . You may want to take another look at the (FERC) docu m ent Robert Fann ing, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent pr ivate property owners in the West . Have you kept up on that Proceed ing and m ade sure the Judges have the ir needed infor mat ion? You have a Fiduc iary Respons ibili ty . On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote : Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay fo r it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday , July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Homer; Kristin Omvig ; Debra Lamm ; Steve Hughes ; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure ; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis ; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke ; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius ; BruceTutved tSD3; Mary Stranahan ; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen ; Duane Mecham ; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos ; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the {PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincen t and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincen t may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amid Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000496 asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. "forens ic" means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr"~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE ), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Go od Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, 1 found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationalize pensions. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000497 On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com /y/ct/ ?I GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4vvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrq YZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEE P STA TE is in a panic attack to stea l your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?l GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4vvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrq YZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . https://www.usnews.com /news/be st-states/montana/articles /201 7-06-09 /former-us￾attomey-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" <11111111111111 > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all , you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel ofland. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment , the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater , domestic , municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty ofland in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue oflimitations? Some ofus may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000498 EXT-18-2336-A-000499 From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb ; Mike Hom; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman ; MT Rep Dick Barrett ; DNRC Land Board ; Fran dsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig ; MT Sen Chas Vincent ; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Van demoer ; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker ; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke ; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutve dtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham ; Alan Mikkelsen ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No. I Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM , so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed , both ind ividua l and government entities are paid. I'll bring a who le lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been pay ing lawyers . Some of who shou ld lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted ,in front of the Montana House Jud iciary Committee , that in fact, this CKST was a regu latory talcing. EXT-18-2336-A-000500 Why hasn't a sing le lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com / index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs- undermine-property-values / SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport. com "Put simply , today 's decision knocks the definition of 'private property ' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent , Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales oflndian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday , June 26, 2017 12 :59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000501 I https:/ /vimeo .com/ 124 787340 posted Ke io on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican AG Assn jo in my case and get into court immediate ly. I posted Ke io on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I wou ld like to see the Repub lican AG Assn jo in my case and get into court immediat ely. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> Jetter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to AMR N PVERSIGHT Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. EXT-18-2336-A-000502 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000503 Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these resu lts while lawyers keep the cash cow alive, even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcast ing Network) http://www.skinnymoose .com/ bbb/2010/06/ 11/vellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000504 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000505 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT <1986 (documents).pdf> EXT-18-2336-A-000506 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000507 To: Janette[janette@ronan.net] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Roger Starke! ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ■-■-■■ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan .net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp .com]; Daniel Salomon[ dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc .gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucker• ■■-■■■■ ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Gene Erb J ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester .senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ■■■■ ; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures .com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ■■■■■■■IJ ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[ cvvincent@hotmail.com] ; Duane Mecham[ duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr .gov]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ■■■■■--■ ; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-14T11 :15:31-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Who is the Deep State? Does the FJBC pay them? Received: 2017-08-14T11 :15:42-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg "The issue which has swept down the centuries and which will have to be fought sooner or later is the peop le versus the banks." Lord Acton Who do you trust? Do you trust the President? Do you trust Congress? Do you trust the Treasury Secretary? Do you trust the Federa l Reserve? Do you trust the Supreme Court? Do you trust the Military Industrial Complex? Do you trust Wall Street bankers? Do you trust the SEC? Do you trust any government agency or regulator? Do you trust the corporate mainstream media? Do you trust Washington think tanks? Do you trust Madison A venue PR maggots? Do you trust PACs? Do you trust lobbyists? Do you trust government unions? Do you trust the National Association of Realtors? Do you trust mega-corporat ion CEOs? Do you trust economists? Do you trust billionaires? Do you trust some anonymous blogger? You can't even trust your parish priest or college footba ll coach anymore. A civilized society cannot function without trust. The downward spiral of trust enveloping the world is destroying our global economy and will lead to collapse, chaos and bloodshed . The major blame for this crisis sits squarely on the shou lders of crony capita lists that rule our country, but the willful ignorance and lack of civic accountab ility from the genera l popu lation has contributed to this impending calamity. Those in contro l won't revea l the truth and the populace don't want to know the truth a match made in heaven or hell. "Most ignorance is vincible ignorance . We don't know because we don't want to know ." Aldous Huxley The fact that 86% of American adults have never heard of Jamie Dimon should suffice as proof regarding the all-encompassing level of ignorance in this country . As the world staggers under the unbearab le weight of debt built up over decades, to fund a fantasy land dream of McMansions, luxury automobi les, iGadgets, 3D HDTVs, exotic vacat ions, bling, government AMR AN PVERSIGHT provided pensions, free healthcare that makes us sicker, welfare for the needy and the greedy, free education that makes us dumber, and endless wars of choice, the realization that this debt financed Ponzi scheme was nothing but a handful of pixie dust sprinkled by corrupt politicians and criminal bankers across the globe is beginning to set in. A law abiding society that is supposed to be based on principles of free market capitalism must function in a lawful manner, with the participants being able to trust the parties they do business with. When trust in politicians, regulators, corporate leaders and bankers dissipates, anarchy, lawlessness, unscrupulous greed, looting, pillaging and eventually crisis and panic engulf the system. Jim Quinn Wharton School of Biz On Aug 13, 2017 6:43 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: DO YOU KNOW WE CAN HIDE ADS FOR YOU? Archives Home → Articles Share| Twitter | Facebook | 484 Comments August 9, 2017 Trump's Unintended Consequences: The Unmasking of the Deep State By David Prentice The term "Deep State" unleashes many paranoid fantasies. Movies and spy stories abound about the existence of dark, nefarious forces from our government aligned against us. But as Joseph Heller once wrote, "Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't after you." One of the more disturbing revelations after Trump's win was finding that these dark forces not only exist, but are powerful and seemingly out of control. "Deep State" is hard to define, because it is composed of overlapping groups and individuals with complex and differing agendas. It's an amalgam of people, agencies, and bureaucrats that changes. The current leakers are part of it. For now, let's say it's a mostly unelected, mostly leftist group within our government that wants to govern us against the will of America's founding principles. These people want the final say over our Republic. They want to rule, and they form part of a powerful alliance against the current administration and its voters. The one thing we can be thankful for is that they are showing themselves to us in a way that should anger Americans of all political persuasions. In the end, that's what we might hope for. "Big Brother" was the term Orwell used for the totalitarian presence of 1984. We are not there. Maybe not even close. But the problem of the Deep State is that there seem to be those who want the kind of power Orwell described, the kind of power the Soviets had, or the East Germans. It's likely that many Deep-Staters don't even realize just how power-mad they have become. Here is a small list with their fingerprints on it: EXT-18-2336-A-000508 VERSIGHT - The unmasking and subsequent takedown of General Michael Flynn - The daily leaks designed to impede or embarrass the Trump administration - The unmasking of hundreds of private citizens working with the Trump campaign as reported by Circa News - The bogus "Trump dossier" - The bogus Trump-Russian collusion narrative. - The unseemly collusion between Robert Mueller and James Comey - The seeming insanity of Mueller probing a nonexistent crime - The exoneration of the Clinton crime family - The IRS targeting conservative groups And lots more. What we are watching is a group using power willfully, wrongfully, and oftentimes illegally to undermine and destroy political opponents. They areafter somebody. For real. From this list, we can surmise that their opponents appear to be those of us on the center-right. And to those of you on the left who don't know: This happened, and it's happening. You can pretend it's not so, but it is. Okay, some of you are tuning out. This can't happen here, it's tinfoil hat stuff, the left really isn't that bad, you're being overly paranoid, blah, blah, blah. Sorry, but this is seriously bad stuff. I recall back when the PATRIOT Act was passed, noting a comment by Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit. He said powers to surveil, and powers that could cross the lines of the bad guys' civil liberties, were well and good, but in the wrong hands, those powers could and would be misused. Well, he was right. At the time, I considered his fears over the top, but I was wrong. The history of the human race is littered with tyrants who concentrated and misused power. The genius of the American system adopted by the founding fathers was limiting and decentralizing government in a way to protect our citizenry against this kind of tyranny. Systems were put in place to check, balance, and limit the things that could be done by the government against its people. The Bill of Rights is directed at that problem. These rights were called inalienable, the natural and normal rights given to us by God, not by our government. These were to be our birthright as a nation. It's one of the many reasons our country has been great and can be great again. We have had bad players in our government, we have made lots of mistakes and done wrong things as a nation, but what we are seeing played out now is simply unprecedented. There is a quote attributed to Valerie Jarrett, Obama adviser-enforcer and all-around bad human, that goes like this: After we win this election, it's our turn. Payback time. Everyone not with us is against us, and they better be ready, because we don't forget. The ones who helped us will be rewarded; the ones who opposed us will get what they deserve. There is going to be hell to pay. Congress won't be a problem for us this time. No election to worry about after this is over. Let me say, there is no proof she said this. But one thing that is real for sure is that much of what they did in that administration, with her help, was to institutionalize those ideas as their operating manual. The IRS scandal targeting conservative donors and conservative organizations was a perfect example. Read the horrifying story in Forbes of what happened to Catherine Engelbrecht if you think this didn't happen. A terrible line had been crossed. Had she been a liberal, we would hear her name for forty years or more. This was just the tip of the iceberg. The left has weaponized the bureaucracies and agencies it inhabits. Leftists have decided they will become the dominant culture in the CIA, FBI, NSA, IRS, EPA, and the rest of our bureaucracies. They decided it's okay to be totalitarian, it's okay to break the law, it's okay to go EXT-18-2336-A-000509 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT after their political opponents with the force of government, it's okay because they are the ones who deserve to win. The Deep State running rampant is fine, as long as they run it. From Valerie Jarrett to Barack Obama to James Clapper and James Comey, they all visibly overstepped their rightful boundaries. They are proof of the saying that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Make no mistake: the prior administration went rampant. The Deep State did not originate with them, but they stocked it with their cronies. They stocked it with people of similar left-leaning ideas, with similar left-leaning willingness to misuse power. The Deep State became a weapon of intimidation and a deep abuser of power. Thank God Hillary was not there to take the baton. So here we are, with the Deep State running amok. They are aligned with the Obamap-Clinton machine; they are generally in sync with the Obama-Clinton goals. None of us knows exactly how this works, who sets the agenda, or who has the capacity to give direction, but it is real. We do know that many of the media are there to help, we do know that most of the Democratic Party apparatus is there to help, and we do know some of the players. We also know that most of the Democrat base, and many of the party's voters, are naïvely on board, too. We may not understand the mechanism, but we do know that the Deep State has become the vanguard of the left's civil war, and it is not fictional. They are self-motivated with a set of goals. Get rid of Trump if they can. Get Trump's base to be embarrassed of him or depressed if they can. Make certain that Trump cannot succeed. Make certain his hands are tied in ways to make him less effective. If nothing else, slow his progress to a snail's pace while they marshal better forces. The stupid party (Republicans), as usual, has no clue. Too many Republicans just think this is normal or haven't the stomach to fight. Heck, many of them are traitorously helping to take down what their own voters and standard-bearer want to achieve. The Democratic Party is fractured and has no idea how wrong this is (yet), and it only helps parrot the talking points of its Deep State allies. Democrats have no idea of the backlash they are creating toward themselves. There is no distinct winner at this point. But the battle is joined. It is clear that the Deep State intends to continue using all its power to stop Trump, and to prevent a return to checks and balances and limited government. One important note: they are not winning. The media may make it appear that they are, but they're not. Trump, his administration and allies, and his voting base intend on continuing the fight and winning. This is the major part of "draining the swamp." The battle is in the balance, will last for years, and there are a lot of reasons to believe that the Deep State will lose. One of the great unintended consequences of Trump's win: They have been unmasked. Push back hard enough, and they will lose. They deserve to. Share| Twitter | mucci Says It All Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Divorce Is Reportedly 'Off' Recent Articles • Women's Week: Equal Opportunity (Even for Corruption) EXT-18-2336-A-000510 VERSIGHT • Mitch McConnell: Great Expectations or Great Ineptitude? • Surviving the North Korean Nuclear Threat • Obama's Legacy: North Korea's Nuclear Weapons • America's Deadly Sins • Stand with President Trump • Donald Trump: God's Man • Women Can('t) Do Anything Men Can Do • The Left Isn't Giving Up on Colin Kaepernick • Diversity and the Human Spirit Blog Posts • Trump’s critics reveling in the opportunity to tie him to white racists and Nazis • When a Bernie Sanders supporter attempted to assassinate Republicans, the media were quick to disassociate a politician from his radical supporters • Immigration enforcement: Arrests way up but deportations dow • Bill to expand veterans health benefits signed by Trump • Gangbangers' delight: Rep. Luis Gutierrez vows to let them all in • Trump aide Manigault shouted down at black journalist conference • Where were the NYT stories about a secretive EPA under Obama? • Trump's statement on Charlottesville displeases his critics • Colin Kapernick not yet re-hired? Is the entire NFL racist? • Guess who pays for those $150,000 Columbia journalism degrees? • Al Gore calling global warming a ‘spiritual issue’ • Trash-talking Obama rakes bucks out on the links • Not just Google: Amazon turns to censorship, too • GOP for Obamacare? Follow the Money • Those Cubans speak too loud...or maybe something else happened! Monthly Archives • August 2017 • July 2017 • June 2017 • May 2017 • April 2017 • March 2017 • February 2017 • January 2017 • December 2016 • November 2016 • October 2016 • September 2016 • August 2016 • More... FOLLOW US ON RECENT VIDEOS More Videos » EXT-18-2336-A-000511 A\.11 11( /\\J PVERSIGHT AROUND THE WEB About Us | Contact | Privacy Policy | RSS Syndication© American Thinker 2017 Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2017/08/trumps unintended co nsequences the unmasking of the deep state.html#ixzz4pgR0azhn Follow us: @AmericanThinker on Twitter | AmericanThinker on Facebook On Aug 13, 2017 10:08 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Read the attached PDF and understand that dereliction of duty as defined in the 1926, 1931 and 1986 decisions make you personally liable. I hope that your home owners has a large umbrella. Better notify the tribes that their blackmail, extortion, racketeering and gangsterism directed at private property and irrigators was addressed by the federal judge in Missoula in 1986. 10 to1 odds none of you opened the attachment and read it so just send it to your carriers. The irrigator who broke down in tears in front of me because he had to spend $80 000 To defend himself because you won't, when I was just up there was the last straw. Obey the judges.....all of them, especially the Judge in my D.C. case who ORDERED you to quantify the harm done. Y'all are devoid of honor On Aug 12, 2017 10:10 PM, "Janette" wrote: FJBC board had a fiduciary duty to the irrigators to pay Flathead Indian Irrigation Project fees collected via irrigators Taxes. Sent from my iPhone EXT-18-2336-A-000512 VERSIGHT On Aug 12, 2017, at 10:02 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000513 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000514 http:/ /www.nakedcap italism.com/2017 /08/us-hea Ith-care-reform-debate-not-address. html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fannin g" wrote: Sue to enforc e the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like" Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrot e: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starke!'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' subject: Re: No.l Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday . You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about AMR AN PVERSIGHT them Apples . 2 . For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State Univers ity for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn . I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again . 3 . You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning , Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West . Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary EXT-18-2336-A-000515 Responsibility . On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to fo llow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the commun ities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From : Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent : Friday, July 28, 201712: 47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Home r; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vande moer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpat rick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos ; Jack & Susan Lake Subj ect: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Act ion??? In the (1963 Redesignatio n of Wa ter Rights ) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT}? Another theft without Compensat ion. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This A mici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working fo r the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Ass istant to Governo r Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000516 Evidence tampering is a serious crime . Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Cbarlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year ? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights , I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNR C) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement ? On Saturday, July I, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationaliz e pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com /y/ct/ ?I GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrq YZ.J4O LA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000517 http://clicks.aweber.com/y /ct/ ?I GOGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yyxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfOhPrq YZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands fuJI once the HARM is quantifi ed. https:/ /www.usnews.com /news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/fonncr-us￾attomcy-to- investigate- lawyer-miscon duct- ca<;es On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to tum the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue . Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand comer the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discoveiy? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report " may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater , domestic , municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty ofland in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some ofus may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday , June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000518 They know all about fraud, violation of fiduc iary duties and bad Faith dea lings. Al Capone was at large unti l the" G Men" caught him . Then he died with his bra in rotte d out from syph ilis in Alcatraz . Peop le who stea l from children, the insane and the incarcerate d deserve no Jess than Al Capone . On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM , "Mike Horn" >w rote: The Quest ion is: What is the quant ification of the HARM? 1. Quantificat ion Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs , Lowered Incomes, Popu lation Displacement , Lowered Bus iness Activ ity, Reduce d Farm Income and equ ipment sa les, Dec line in Economic Potent ial, Increase in Crime . Quantificat ion is measure d in dollars and other factors including qua lity of living . 2. Quantificat ion Assessment A cred ible sourc ing wo uld natura lly be Montana State Un iversity Bozeman - Ag Econom ics taking the lead. A Princip le Investigator wou ld be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This wou ld like ly be a mu lti-year project. (The Koch Bros . have estab lished a long term endowment to bo lster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congress iona l legislation usua lly neg lects impact quant ification and assessments . This judicial deman d for one must be addresse d with a credible construct for one . All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to qua ntify HARM in any leg islation . From: Robert Fanning Se nt: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board _; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? EXT-18-2336-A-000519 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000520 http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs- undeim ine-property-va lues/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com "Put simply, today 's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state Jaw rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000521 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gma il.com]; Janette RosmanUanette@ronan.net ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Roger Starke! ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes■■■-■--■- ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net ]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforwor ldpeace@gma il.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorham lett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucker ■-■■■■- ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick [fitzpatricks@bresnan.net ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ■■-■■ ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cw incent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@so l.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@st ignatius.net]; Mike Horn ■■■■■■■■■ ; Jack & Susan LakeLJlake@ronan.net]; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-08-14T15 :20:30-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of$ 1.7 million to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-14T15:24:49-04:00 United States District Court,D. Montana, Missoula Division (1986).pdf Robert here is the 1986 United States District Court, decis ion check out page 6, 90% of the funds for the FIP were from POWER not water de livery? Payments from the 1928 Preston Engle report and 1.3 per cent of the Tr ibal members had water delivery's? Of course many had Secretaria l water rights that would not have been used because the project had no jurisdiction over private ditches? This makes for a real curios situation due to the facts of LAW recited in this case? Alan may have his day to exp lain the in stream flows to the Judge? On Saturday, August 12, 2017 9:03 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this j udge's 1986 grilling. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissione r Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State Univers ity school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the$ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000522 Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissist ic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence . Respect ing the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades , the actual work instead of phony carn ival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed , staged video commercials . They are not "one of you " if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitut ion. They are part of the Swamp . "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got." ....... corruption . Draining the Swamp begins at the headwate rs right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM , "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/08/us -health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Saturday , July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)' ; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenz ler'; 'Dr. Kate Vande moer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Pau l Wadsworth' ; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson' ; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3' ; 'Mary Stranahan' ; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Hom'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000523 Subje ct: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Comm issioners yesterday . You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to fi le a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain th is to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Hom. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceed ing and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday , July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman ; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtS D3; Mary Stranahan ; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Act ion??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights ) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT )? Another theft without Compensat ion. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Am ici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way . On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote : In court , this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime . AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000524 Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. "forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~> wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club ) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday , July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx .LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQh PrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx .LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . https://www .usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate -lawyer-misconduct - cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~> wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to tum the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-a ll, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment , the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000525 coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators , those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 'sand experts in white collar crime . They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings . Al Capone was at large until the" G Men " caught him. Then he died wit h his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz . People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom" > wrote : The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs , Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement , Lowered Business Activity , Reduced Farm Income and equ ipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including qual ity of living. 2. Quantification Assessme nt - A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University- Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This wou ld likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowme nt to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressio nal legislat ion usually neglects impact quantification and assessme nts. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct fo r one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm EXT-18-2336-A-000526 Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester ); Roger Starke (; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristi n Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Gue nzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Dua ne Mecham; Alan Mikke lsen; Jerry & Christ ine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted ,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee , that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http://freeranqereport .com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowne rs-have-no￾recourse-when-qovernme nt-reqs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when governme nt regs undermine property values freera nae report. com "Put simply , today's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundat ion on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote . The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~> wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000527 Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately . I posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately . On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote : Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners , here are a few more Documents proving Ownersh ip. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Governmen t of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )can not be ordered by the court. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000528 Who is gett ing $ 15 grand a month and whe re is his written legal opinion on firm lette r head? I did . Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norto n and it has had a couple million reads . See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002 . Then think about being a" ca n do guy" instead of a" can don't guy . Particular ly whe n a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified . You don't want to disobey or obst ruct the Fede ral court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cas h cow alive , even if they have to intent ionally throw 20 or 30 cases . ( as per Koga n on the Northern Broadcast ing Netwo rk) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/ye llowstone -is- dying/ On Ju n 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Ge ne Erb Jr" ~ > wrote : On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I wi ll be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, wo rking in our Mid-Pacific Region . I will try to retu rn calls and ema ils when I have the approp riate faci lities to do so. If you have an immed iate conce rn that needs attent ion, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Comm issioner's Office . Robert you are co rrect the FERC Judge asked the Atto rneys to qua ntify the taki ng, over a yea r ago , as Jo hn Carte r adm itted in front of the State Legislatu re in 2015 this a tak ing. Ala n has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) bac k in 1951 have a Desig nation , along in 1963 the re we re more revisi ng and came a very "LARGE" (REDES IGNATION) that may have been whe n the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax stateme nts are reflect ing those amounts dow n on many ac reages . I remembe r clea rly the FJBC did not wa nt interveno rs at the FERC proceed ing and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discove ry was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sect ions 16 and 36 we re set as ide as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. AMR N PVERSIGHT Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000529 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000530 To: Gene Erb Jr ]; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@da ilyinterlake.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board(landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[mewbar@gma il.com]; Janette RosmanUanette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Roger Starke! ; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@nntlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughesiiiiiiiiii■-■-1 ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net ]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gma il.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorham lett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucker ■--■■■- ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com ]; Ryan Zinke ]; Senator Jon Testerf senator@teste r.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@g mail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksven tures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack -■■■-IJ ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent(cw incent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecha m@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Hom ■■■■■■■■-]; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net ] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-14T18:01 :06-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of$ 1. 7 million to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-14T18:01 :19-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg Explosive Evidence.jog Enron was all about electricity Buildin g 7 had all the Enron forensic evidence. Rosendale and Jack Sievers are incumb ent to call for a forensic audit as a demonstration of good faith dealings or risk the charge of dereliction of duty and part of a cover up On Aug 14, 2017 1 :24 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: Robert here is the 1986 United States District Court, dec ision check out page 6, 90% of the funds for the FIP were from POWER not water de livery? Payments from the 1928 Preston Engle report and 1.3 per cent of the Tr ibal members had water delivery 's? Of course many had Secretar ial water rights that would not have been used because the project had no jur isdict ion over private ditches? This makes for a real cur ios situat ion due to the facts of LAW recited in th is case? Alan may have his day to exp lain the in stream flows to the Judge? On Sa turday, August 12, 2017 9:03 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this j udge's 1986 grilling . AMR N PVERSIGHT The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017/08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000531 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000532 Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree , thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Saturday , July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; Trav is Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer' ; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Pau l Wadsworth' ; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson' ; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3' ; 'Mary Stranahan' ; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Hom'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as exp lained by Mike Hom. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday, July 28, 201712:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb {Tester) ; Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius ; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Mary Stranahan ; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham ; Mike Horn; Jon Metropou los; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights ) by the Bureau of Indian Affa irs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft w ithout Compensation. AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000533 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Am ici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court , this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s) . Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forens ic audit. "forens ic" means that a crime is suspected . On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ._ > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Aud itors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday , July 1, 2017 7:47 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: If they' ll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : http://clicks.aweber.com/y/cU ?l=GQGs.&m=qx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/cU ?l=GQGs.&m=qx .LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . https://www .usnews.com/ news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawye r-misconduct- cases AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000534 On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ._ > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-a ll, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment , the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater , domestic , municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equa l and just distribution. On Thursday , June 29, 2017 7:55 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz . People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone . On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom" > wrote : The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantificat ion Scope: Lost Water Rights , Lost Jobs , Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement , Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantificat ion is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantificat ion Assessment - A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University- Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have estab lished a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000535 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessme nts. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent : Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omv ig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Va ndemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stra nahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikke lsen; Jerry & Christi ne I Broke n Hook Ranch; Jack & Susa n Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Aud it for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and I or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted.in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-reqs- undermine-property-va lues/ SCOTUS rules landowners have EXT-18-2336-A-000536 no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com "Put simply, today 's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundat ion on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "compro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ._ > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act , and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124 787340 posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court . I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Keio on my page a coup le of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ._ > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000537 Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners , here are a few more Documents proving Ownersh ip. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Governmen t of the United States, to Appropriate February 27, 1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written lega l opinion as to WHY a fo rens ic audit ( study )can not be ordered by the court . Who is gett ing $ 15 grand a month and where is his written lega l opinion on firm lette r head? I did. Senato r Con rad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads . See if you ca n't write as we ll as I did in 2002 . Then think about being a " can do guy" instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge orde red that the "ha rm" be qua ntified . You don't wa nt to disobey or obst ruct the Fede ral court do you. Then ask yourse lves why a civilian gets these resu lts while lawyers keep the cas h cow alive , even if they have to intent iona lly throw 20 or 30 cases . ( as per Koga n on the Northe rn Broadcast ing Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" -=- > wrote : On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM , "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on trave l status from June 3 throug h June 10, work ing in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to retu rn calls and ema ils when I have the appropr iate AMR AN PVERSIGHT facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000538 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000539 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@g mail.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily Interlake[ edit@dai lyinterla ke .com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[mewbar@gma il.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[ deb _frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Roger Starkel •· ····· ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ■-■ ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.ne t]; Dr. Kate Van de moer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com] ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gma il.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth ■■■■■■ ; Paul Hunsucker ■■■■■■■■■ ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce F redrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com ]; Ryan Zinke ; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov ]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[bruce tutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com ]; Bill & Grace ack ■■■■■■■IJ ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecha m@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Hom ■■■■■■■ ; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropoulos law.co m]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-08-15T05:29:40-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of$ 1.7 million to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-15T05:29:48-04:00 On Monday , August 14, 2017 4:01 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Enron was all about electricity Building 7 had all the Enron forensic evidence . Rosendale and Jack Sievers are incumbent to call for a forensic audit as a demonst ration of good faith dealings or risk the charge of dereliction of duty and part of a cover up On Aug 14, 2017 1:24 PM, "Gene Erb Jr"~> wrote: Robert here is the 1986 United States Distr ict Court, dec ision check out page 6, 90% of the funds for the FIP were from POWER not water de livery? Payments from the 1928 Preston Engle report and 1.3 per cent of the Tribal members had water delivery's? Of course many had Secretar ial water rights that would not have been used because the project had no jur isdict ion over private ditches? Th is makes for a real curios situation due to the facts of LAW recited in th is case? Alan may have his day to exp lain the in stream flows to the Judge? On Saturday, August 12, 2017 9:03 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 grilling. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017/08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . EXT-18-2336-A-000540 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000541 On Jul 31, 2017 11 :29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc : 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)' ; 'Roger Starkel'; Trav is Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenz ler'; 'Dr. Kate Vande moer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth' ; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3' ; 'Mary Stranahan' ; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Hom'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday . You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Hom. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the informat ion again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1 :58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I'm not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who's behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communit ies they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent : Friday, July 28, 201712:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke!; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan ; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropou los; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000542 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Act ion??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time wou ld have given Congress control of the (PROJECT )? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Am ici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel, 1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: In court , this is called primary evidence , just like the missing computer(s) . Evidence tampe ring is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected . On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote : Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club ) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Aud itors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday , July 1, 2017 7:47 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: If they' ll steal your water,electricity minerals and land ....... they' find a way to national ize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11 :35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/cU ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= gs NC pBuGfQhPrgY2.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx .LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote : AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000543 Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified . https://www .usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/artic les/201 7-06-09/fo rmer-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr'' ~ > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to tum the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-a ll, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts fi led a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equa l and just distribution. On Thursday , June 29, 2017 7:55 AM , Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigato rs, those" G Men" are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud , violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings . Al Capone was at large until the" G Men" caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphi lis in Alcatraz . People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone . On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" > wrote : The Question is: What is the quantificat ion of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Wate r Rights , Lost Jobs , Lowered Incomes , Population Displacement , Lowered Business Activity , Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Econom ic Potential , Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dolla rs and other factors including qual ity of living. 2. Quantification Assessment - A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University- Bozeman - Ag Econom ics taking the lead. A AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000544 Principle Investigato r would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowme nt to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislatio n usually neglects impact quantification and assessments . This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precede nt to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday , June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Homer; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes ; Paul Gue nzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickso n; Ryan Zinke; Ken Corneli us; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broke n Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropou los Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Aud it for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee , that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decisio n? Qui Bono? EXT-18-2336-A-000545 http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowne rs-have-no￾recourse-w hen-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values free ra nqe report. com "Put simply, today's decision knocks the definition of 'private property' loose from its foundation on stable state law rules," Roberts wrote. The ruling "com pro ... On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr''~> wrote : Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https:/ /vimeo .com/124 7 87340 posted Keio on my page a couple of months ago . I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Ass n join my case and get into court immediately . I posted Keio on my page a coup le of months ago. I have an active case hav1ng to do with Montana's water [n the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republica n A.G Ass n join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr'' ~> wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000546 Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" fro m the Landowners , here are a few more Documents proving Ownersh ip. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Governmen t of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written lega l opin ion as to WHY a forens ic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court . Who is gett ing $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opi nion on firm letter head? I did . Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norto n and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002 . Then think about being a" can do guy" instead of a" can don't guy . Particula rly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be qua ntified . You don't wa nt to disobey or obst ruct the Fede ral court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawye rs keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases . ( as per Koga n on the Northe rn Broadcasti ng Network) http://www.skin nymoose. com/ bbb/2010/06/ 11 /ye llowsto ne-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 201712 :43 PM, "Ge ne Erb Jr" ~ > wrote : On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM , "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000547 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000548 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000549 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gma il.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily Interlake [ edit@dai lyinterla ke .com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[mewbar@gma il.com]; Janette · Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Roger Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net ]; Dr. Kate Vande moer[waterforwor ldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[ d Hamlett[senatorhamlett mail.com · Paul Wadswort Paul Hunsucke David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce F redrickson[bruce@rmtlawp .com ]; Ryan Zink Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate .gov]; Ken Corne ,us BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetut- · Stranahan mary goo wor sventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slac teve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincen o a, .com ; erry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@st ignatius.net]; · · usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecha m@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Ho Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropou loslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-08-15T06:09:03-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of$ 1.7 million to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-15T06:09:25-04:00 History of PacificCorp.pdf Mountain states power company.pdf Robert th is is a litt le more critica l history of the many Mergers , and may explain the many Bond Indentures and w hat happe ned to the SINKING FUNDS ? Montana's own Marc Racicot lobbyist for the Law Firm Bracewe ll and Giuliani and look who his notab le clie nts were? It appears we may have another one of the smartest guys on the block? On Monday, August 14, 2017 4:01 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Enron was all about electricity Building 7 had all the Enron forensic evidence. Rosendale and Jack Sievers are incumbent to call for a forensic audit as a demonstration of good faith dealings or risk the charge of dere liction of duty and part of a cover up On Aug 14, 2017 1 :24 PM, "Gene Erb Jr'' Robert here is the 1986 United States District Court, decision check out page 6, 90% of the funds for the FIP were from POWER not water delivery? Payments from the 1928 Preston Engle report and 1.3 per cent of the Tribal members had water del ivery's? Of course many had Secretarial water rights that would not have been used because the project had no AMR AN PVERSIGHT jurisdiction over private ditches? This makes for a real curios situation due to the facts of LAW recited in this case? Alan may have his day to explain the in stream flows to the Judge? On Saturday, August 12, 2017 9:03 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 grilling. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017/08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html EXT-18-2336-A-000550 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000551 Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000552 http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000553 EXT-18-2336-A-000554 Population Displacement , Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipme nt sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantificatio n Assessme nt - A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University- Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigato r would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowme nt to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessme nts. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precede nt to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc : Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vince nt; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines ; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christi ne I Broke n Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject : Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and governme nt entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000555 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000556 http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000557 EXT-18-2336-A-000558 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000559 To: Gene Erb Jr ]; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake [edit@da ilyinterlake.com ]; editor@m issou l ian.com [editor@m issou lian.com ]; letters.ed itor@ft.com [letters.ed itor@ft.co m]; Ryan nke ·•••••■■ ; The New York Times Company [letters@nytimes .com]; letters@newsweek.com [letters@newsweek.com ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gma il.com] ; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov ] ; Janette Rosman [janette@ronan.net ] ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[ deb _frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Trav is Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov ]; Roger Starkel ■•■•■•IIJ ; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana .com] ; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmt lawp.com ]; Debra Lamm [dlamm@ne llus.com]; Steve Hughes ■••]; Paul Guenz ler[sharongu@ronan.net ]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer [waterforwor ldpeace@gma il.co m]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon [dansa lomon12@gma il.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov ] ; Brad Hamlett[senatorham lett@gma il.com]; Paul Wadsworth ·· · ]; Paul Hunsucker ■■■■■■■■■ ; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpat rick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net ] ; Bruce Fredrickson [bruce@rmtlawp.com ]; Senator Jon Tester{senator@tester.senate.gov ] ; Ken Corne li us ■■■■■■■- ; Mary Stranahan [mary@goodworksventures.com ]; Bruce TutvedtSD3 [brucetutvedt@gma il.com]; Bill & Grace ack ■■■■■■■IJ ; Steve Daines(steve@stevedaines.com ]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[ cvvincent@hotma il.com] ; Duane Mecham [ duane.mecham@so l.doi.gov] ; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov ]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch [brknhkrnch@st ignatius .net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net ]; Jon Metropou losOon@metropou loslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-15T11 :34:17-04:00 Importance: Norma l Subject: Re: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of$ 1. 7 million to the tribes with out one word of discuss ion or debate while your neighbors are being blackma iled and extorted. Received: 2017-08-15T11 :34:22-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg Maybe Trustee P.J Crowley of the Crowley Fleck can explain why a quarter billion bond issuance with built in cash flow from water and electricity, set aside for the SINKING FUND, had to be rolled over no fewer times than 18 times. Washington Water Power Industrial Revenue Bonds too. Portland Gas and Electric pensions also were LOOTED with all those pensioners destroyed. Maybe our crack SECURITIES COMMISSIONER can convince the FBI why he has yet to perfonn a forensic audit Jack Sievers too. What are they covering up; a $ Trillion looted since 1923 that has gone on to hyper-drive since the bonds were once again issued again in 1944 and 1945? Who LOOTED the SINKING FUNDS AND will the State of Montana claw back the multi generationa l theft?? Are they Swamp Creatures too? Like I said, "ENRON, Smartest Guys in the Room" will be the biggest movie in the State of Montana ..... .in the State's history. AMR N PVERSIGHT FJBC me know when you are ready to show and explain it to you in light of the fact that I have specialized in complex, leveraged finance since 1974. Read my LinkedIn page Bob Fanning On Aug 15, 2017 4:09 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert this is a little more critical history of the many Mergers, and may explain the many Bond Indentures and what happened to the SINKING FUNDS? Montana's own Marc Rocicot lobbyist for the Law Firm Bracewell and Giuliani and look who his notable clients were? It appears we may have another one of the smartest guys on the block? On Monday, August 14, 2017 4:01 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Enron was all about electricity Building 7 had all the Enron forensic evidence. Rosendale and Jack Sievers are incumbent to call for a forensic audit as a demonstration of good faith dealings or risk the charge of dereliction of duty and part of a cover up On Aug 14, 2017 1:24 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert here is the 1986 United States District Court, decision check out page 6, 90% of the funds for the FIP were from POWER not water delivery? Payments from the 1928 Preston Engle report and 1.3 per cent of the Tribal members had water delivery's? Of course many had Secretarial water rights that would not have been used because the project had no jurisdiction over private ditches? This makes for a real curios situation due to the facts of LAW recited in this case? Alan may have his day to explain the in stream flows to the Judge? On Saturday, August 12, 2017 9:03 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 grilling. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000560 Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017/08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette EXT-18-2336-A-000561 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000562 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000563 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000564 EXT-18-2336-A-000565 From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenz ler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomo n; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredr ickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Corne lius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Fore nsic Aud it for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and I or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Keio decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017 /06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have- no￾recourse-when-qovernment-regs- undermine-property-va lues/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000566 the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: ... (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000567 To: 'Robert Fanning'[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Gene Erb Jr[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; editor@missoulian.com[editor@missoulian.com]; letters.editor@ft.com[letters.editor@ft.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; The New York Times Company[letters@nytimes.com]; letters@newsweek.com[letters@newsweek.com] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Kathleen Mazure Sent: 2017-08-15T11:59:13-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of $ 1.7 million to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Received: 2017-08-15T11:59:33-04:00 Please remove me from this distribution list. Thank you. Kathleen Mazure From: Robert Fanning [mailto:bruisernd73@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2017 11:34 AM To: Gene Erb Jr; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake; editor@missoulian.com; letters.editor@ft.com; Ryan Zinke; The New York Times Company; letters@newsweek.com Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Travis Kavulla; Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Mike Horn; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: I witnessed the FJBC rubber stamp a payment of $ 1.7 million to the tribes with out one word of discussion or debate while your neighbors are being blackmailed and extorted. Maybe Trustee P.J Crowley of the Crowley Fleck can explain why a quarter billion bond issuance with built in cash flow from water and electricity, set aside for the SINKING FUND, had to be rolled over no fewer times than 18 times. Washington Water Power Industrial Revenue Bonds too. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000568 Portland Gas and Electric pensions also were LOOTED with all those pensioners destroyed. Maybe our crack SECURITIES COMMISSIONER can convince the FBI why he has yet to perform a forensic audit Jack Sievers too. What are they covering up; a $ Trillion looted since 1923 that has gone on to hyper-drive since the bonds were once again issued again in 1944 and 1945? Who LOOTED the SINKING FUNDS AND will the State of Montana claw back the multi generational theft?? Are they Swamp Creatures too? Like I said, "ENRON, Smartest Guys in the Room" will be the biggest movie in the State of Montana......in the State's history. FJBC me know when you are ready to show and explain it to you in light of the fact that I have specialized in complex, leveraged finance since 1974. Read my LinkedIn page Bob Fanning On Aug 15, 2017 4:09 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert this is a little more critical history of the many Mergers, and may explain the many Bond Indentures and what happened to the SINKING FUNDS? Montana's own Marc Rocicot lobbyist for the Law Firm Bracewell and Giuliani and look who his notable clients were? It appears we may have another one of the smartest guys on the block? On Monday, August 14, 2017 4:01 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Enron was all about electricity Building 7 had all the Enron forensic evidence. Rosendale and Jack Sievers are incumbent to call for a forensic audit as a demonstration of good faith dealings or risk the charge of dereliction of duty and part of a cover up On Aug 14, 2017 1:24 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert here is the 1986 United States District Court, decision check out page 6, 90% of the funds for the FIP were from POWER not water delivery? Payments from the 1928 (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000569 Preston- Engle report and 1.3 per cent of the Tribal members had water delivery's? Of course many had Secretarial water rights that would not have been used because the project had no jurisdiction over private ditches? This makes for a real curios situation due to the facts of LAW recited in this case? Alan may have his day to explain the in-stream flows to the Judge? On Saturday, August 12, 2017 9:03 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 grilling. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000570 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017/08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000571 Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000572 Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000573 EXT-18-2336-A-000574 I. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes , Population Displacement , Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment - A credible sourc ing would naturally be Montana State University- Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have establ ished a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantificat ion and assessments . This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From : Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc : Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke l; Richard Erb; Brad Ham lett; Jack Homer; Kristin Omv ig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenz ler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Pau l Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Corne lius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Teste r; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikke lsen; Jerry & Christ ine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropou los Subject : Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM) . Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and/ or get an appropr iations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U .S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers . Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000575 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000576 On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: ... (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000577 To: Ryan Zinke ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Gene Erb Jr[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-16T09:24:29-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fighting the North American Water & Power Alliance, America deserves a debt jubalee throwing off the shackles of slavery that John D. Rockefeller,J D. Ryan and Cornelius Kelly put on America with a "pump & dump" of Montana's hydroelectric infrastructur... Received: 2017-08-16T09:24:39-04:00 http://themillenniumreport.com/2017/07/14-3-quadrillion-lien-taken-against-all-u-s-land-real￾estate-and-people-on-july-28-2011/ On Aug 12, 2017 10:02 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000578 public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/08/us-health-care-reform-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000579 Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000580 theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000581 pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attorney-to￾investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000582 were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000583 EXT-18-2336-A-000584 From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday , June 27, 2017 I 0:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman ; MT Rep Dick Barrett ; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke! ; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig ; MT Sen Chas Vincent ; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure ; Daniel Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson ; Ryan Zinke ; Ken Cornelius ; Mary Stranahan ; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines ; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham ; Alan Mikkelsen ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No. I Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quant ify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S . Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individua l and government entities are paid . I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'a ll have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted ,in front of the Montana House Judic iary Co1mnittee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking . Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000585 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000586 On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. EXT-18-2336-A-000587 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000588 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000589 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000590 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000591 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Ryan Zinke ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Gene Erb Jr[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-19T01:33:07-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: On Tuesday we meet with an expert witness who has testified to the U.S Senate on hydroelectric dams hydro electricity ,water and the associated finances. Gene will bring his 5 years of research so they can compare notes. Who wants to go with us??? We W... Received: 2017-08-19T01:33:24-04:00 CSKT-Money Brochure.pdf Follow the money and drain the swamp. The swamp begins at the headwaters On Aug 16, 2017 7:24 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://themillenniumreport.com/2017/07/14-3-quadrillion-lien-taken-against-all-u-s-land-real￾estate-and-people-on-july-28-2011/ On Aug 12, 2017 10:02 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000592 State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/08/us-health-care-reform-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: (b) (6) ] EXT-18-2336-A-000593 Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000594 Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000595 On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attorney-to￾investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000596 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000597 EXT-18-2336-A-000598 Department.) 3. Congressiona l legislation usua lly neglects impact quantification and assessments . This judic ial demand for one must be addressed with a credib le construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation . From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 I 0:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman ; MT Rep D ick Barrett; DNRC Land Board ; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horner; Kristin Omv ig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan ; BruceTutvedtS D3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen ; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No. I Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM , so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed , both individua l and govenunent entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000599 I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000600 right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. EXT-18-2336-A-000601 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000602 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000603 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 ... EXT-18-2336-A-000604 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Ryan Zinke ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Gene Erb Jr[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-20T20:30:12-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: On Tuesday we meet with an expert witness who has testified to the U.S Senate on hydroelectric dams hydro electricity ,water and the associated finances. Gene will bring his 5 years of research so they can compare notes. Who wants to go with us??? ... Received: 2017-08-20T20:30:18-04:00 I listened to it all and agree with everything he said. elk hunt. Buy and butcher a half steer. From what I am learning up here in Kallispel, America has been looted for 94 years strait to the tune of many, many trillions. Time to pay the piper. Fraud and corruption brought America down. Denigration of Trump is like jumping off the gallows with the noose around your own neck. He's your ONLY hope. To second guess and disrespect Trump is suicidal and endangers your heirs if you carefully listened to Williams . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v -9AkBU6c3Ec On Aug 18, 2017 11:33 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Follow the money and drain the swamp. The swamp begins at the headwaters On Aug 16, 2017 7:24 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000605 http://themillenniumreport.com/2017/07/14-3-quadrillion-lien-taken-against-all-u-s-land￾real-estate-and-people-on-july-28-2011/ On Aug 12, 2017 10:02 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000606 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/08/us-health-care-reform-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000607 Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967- 69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000608 " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000609 Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attorney-to￾investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000610 EXT-18-2336-A-000611 Peop le who stea l from children, the insane and the incarcerate d deserve no less than Al Capone . On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" >wrote: The Quest ion is: What is the quant ification of the HARM? 1. Quantificat ion Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Popu lation Displacement, Lowere d Business Act ivity, Reduce d Fann Income and equ ipment sa les, Decline in Economic Potenti al, Increase in Crime . Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including qua lity of living . 2. Quantificat ion Assessment A credible sourcing wou ld natura lly be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Econom ics taking the lead. A Princ iple Investigator wou ld be identified to pro duce a p lann ing document and a propose d budget. This wou ld like ly be a mu lti-year project. (The Koch Bros . have estab lished a long term endowment to bo lster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressiona l legislation usua lly neg lects impact quantification and assessments . This j udicia l deman d for one must be addr esse d with a credible construc t for one . All parties shou ld agree that this wou ld be a significant prece dent to quantify HARM in any legis lation . From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Pau l Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtS D3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No. I Forensic Audit for the (HARM) . Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S . Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attache d in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ EXT-18-2336-A-000612 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000613 I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000614 Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ EXT-18-2336-A-000615 AVH HICAN PVERSIGHT On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000616 AVH HICAN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000617 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- ... EXT-18-2336-A-000618 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Ryan Zinke ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Gene Erb Jr[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-21T10:16:49-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fighting the North American Water & Power Alliance, America deserves a debt jubalee throwing off the shackles of slavery that John D. Rockefeller,J D. Ryan and Cornelius Kelly put on America with a "pump & dump" of Montana's hydroelectric infrastru... Received: 2017-08-21T10:16:58-04:00 Article my dam friend sent awhile back! Don't know if it's any interest to you! Good luck with everything!!! Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Kimberly Mattern Date: February 24, 2015 at 9:10:01 AM MST To: Faith Subject: Salish Kootenai Tribes Will Acquire Kerr Dam Via Arbitration - ICTMN.com We met for two days with the tribes last year at work. They were looking for guidance to be ready when they acquired Kerr Dam. Weird group, they knew nothing of hydro generation, but seemed very excited to get in the game. I haven't talked to anyone at work about it since I left. I will have to ask. The power of these tribes is unbelievable. I will send you another article. Sam went to discovery today. Tim just got back from Florida last night an so we bagged it. I never did get ahold of Sam, his message box was full, of course! http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/03/21/salish-kootenai-tribes-will-acquire-kerr-dam￾arbitration-154114 Sent from my iPad (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000619 Thanks for this. We know the story but had more to add and are required by the judge in my DC lawsuit to "quantify the harm done " Trying to set a time with the expert to review the documents (evidence) that Gene (Who you met in Billings) has archived and compiled over the past 5 years. Subject: Salish Kootenai Tribes Will Acquire Kerr Dam Via Arbitration - ICTMN.com We met for two days with the tribes last year at work. They were looking for guidance to be ready when they acquired Kerr Dam. Weird group, they knew nothing of hydro generation, but seemed very excited to get in the game. I haven't talked to anyone at work about it since I left. I will have to ask. The power of these tribes is unbelievable. I will send you another article. Sam went to discovery today. Tim just got back from Florida last night an so we bagged it. I never did get ahold of Sam, his message box was full, of course! http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/03/21/salish-kootenai-tribes-will-acquire-kerr-dam￾arbitration-154114 Sent from my iPad On Aug 16, 2017 7:24 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://themillenniumreport.com/2017/07/14-3-quadrillion-lien-taken-against-all-u-s-land-real￾estate-and-people-on-july-28-2011/ On Aug 12, 2017 10:02 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000620 have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/08/us-health-care-reform-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000621 Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000622 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000623 On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attorney-to￾investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000624 who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000625 EXT-18-2336-A-000626 assessments . This judic ial demand for one must be addressed with a credib le construct for one. All parties should agree that this wou ld be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation . From: Robert Fanning Se nt: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom; Debra Lamm Cc : Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Homer; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtS D3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No. I Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S . Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individua l and government entities are paid . I'IJ bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'a ll have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000627 I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000628 Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. EXT-18-2336-A-000629 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000630 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000631 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 ... EXT-18-2336-A-000632 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Ryan Zinke ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Gene Erb Jr[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-21T10:37:06-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fighting the North American Water & Power Alliance, America deserves a debt jubalee throwing off the shackles of slavery that John D. Rockefeller,J D. Ryan and Cornelius Kelly put on America with a "pump & dump" of Montana's hydroelectric infrastru... Received: 2017-08-21T10:37:15-04:00 https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/news/business/salish-kootenai-tribes-will-acquire-kerr￾dam-via-arbitration/# On Aug 16, 2017 7:24 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://themillenniumreport.com/2017/07/14-3-quadrillion-lien-taken-against-all-u-s-land-real￾estate-and-people-on-july-28-2011/ On Aug 12, 2017 10:02 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000633 State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/08/us-health-care-reform-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: (b) (6) ] EXT-18-2336-A-000634 Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000635 Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000636 On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attorney-to￾investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000637 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000638 EXT-18-2336-A-000639 Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usua lly neg lects impact quantificat ion and assessments . This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credib le construct for one. All parties shou ld agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Rober t Fanning Sent : Tuesday , June 27, 2017 I 0:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn ; Debra Lamm Cc : Janette Rosman ; MT Rep Di ck Barr ett; DNRC Land Bo ard ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke! ; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horn er; Kristin Omvig ; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomo n; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hun sucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bm ce Fredrickso n; Ryan Zinke ; Ken Corneli us; Mary Stranahan ; Brn ceTutvedtS D3; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester ; Duan e Mecham ; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ran ch; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropo ulos Subject: Re: No. I Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM , so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed , both individual and government entities are paid . I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000640 I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000641 right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. EXT-18-2336-A-000642 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000643 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000644 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 ... EXT-18-2336-A-000645 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Ryan Zinke ]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel[ ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Gene Erb Jr[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-24T11:04:57-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Bad faith dealings by government , captured by crony capitalists, working in consort with tribes. Breached contracts with gangsters are null and void Received: 2017-08-24T11:05:53-04:00 Search Legal Terms and Definitions Browse: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q RS T U V W Y Z Enter a Legal Term all wordsany wordsphrase Search the Definitions all wordsany wordsphrase bad faith 1) n. intentional dishonest act by not fulfilling legal or contractual obligations, misleading another, entering into an agreement without the intention or means to fulfill it, or violating basic standards of honesty in dealing with others. Most states recognize what is FROM THE LAW.COM NEWSWIRE Appeals Court Awards $4.4 Million Against Yahoo for Backing Out of $1B NCAA Bracket Contest Judge Slashes Damages Argument Against Greenberg Traurig (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000646 ------------------------ called "implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing" which is breached by acts of bad faith, for which a lawsuit may be brought (filed) for the breach (just as one might sue for breach of contract). The question of bad faith may be raised as a defense to a suit on a contract. 2) adj. when there is bad faith then a transaction is called a "bad faith" contract or "bad faith" offer. See also: clean hands doctrine fraud good faith Number of Women Law Profs Suing Univ. of Denver Rises to Six Tune In Today: How Lawyers Are Walking the Line on Trump-Era Issues Therapist Fired for Being 'Too Cute' May Proceed With Gender￾Bias Claim The People's Law Dictionary by Gerald and Kathleen HillPublisher Fine Communications • • • • On Aug 12, 2017 10:02 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale EXT-18-2336-A-000647 VERSIGHT have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/08/us-health-care-reform-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette EXT-18-2336-A-000648 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000649 Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000650 On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attorney-to￾investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000651 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000652 EXT-18-2336-A-000653 Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usua lly neg lects impact quantification and assessments . This judicia l demand for one must be addressed with a credib le construct for one. All parties shou ld agree that this wou ld be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation . Fro m: Robert Fanning Sent: Tues day, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom ; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman ; MT Rep D ick Barrett ; DNRC Land Board ; Frandsen Deb (Tester) ; Roger Starke !; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett ; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omvig ; MT Sen Chas Vincent ; Steve Hughe s; Pau l Guenz ler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kath leen Mazure ; Danie l Sa lomon ; Patricia Gillis; Pau l Wadsworth ; Pau l Hunsucke r; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatr ick; Bruce Fredr ickson ; Ryan Zinke ; Ken Corne lius; Mary Stranahan ; BruceTutve dtSD3 ; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines ; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham ; Alan Mikke lsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch ; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropou los Subject: Re: No .1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM ). Quantify the HARM , so this can get in front of the U.S . Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed , both individua l and government entities are paid . I'll bring a who le lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S . For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000654 I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000655 right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. EXT-18-2336-A-000656 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000657 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000658 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000659 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000660 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Ryan Zinke ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Gene Erb Jr[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-25T18:35:37-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Fighting the North American Water & Power Alliance, America deserves a debt jubalee throwing off the shackles of slavery that John D. Rockefeller,J D. Ryan and Cornelius Kelly put on America with a "pump & dump" of Montana's hydroelectric infrastru... Received: 2017-08-25T19:01:29-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg Corruption is unattainable under these circumstances . Put a financial professional wiyh 43 experience in the U.S Senate - Faltering Economic Activity and Intensifying Political Discord Continue to Peril the Dollar and to Intensify Risks of Market Turmoil - Better-Quality Reporting than Gimmicked GDP and Employment Shows No Full Recovery from the Economic Collapse, No Economic Expansion, with Real Business Activity Increasingly Stagnant or in Renewed Downturn - Net of Headline Inflation and Gyrations in Commercial-Aircraft Orders, New Orders Were Down by 9.3% (-9.3%) from Their Non-Recovered, Pre-Recession Peak - Offering Some Caution for Booming Headline Retail Sales, Motor Vehicle Orders and Shipments Declined in June and July - Housing and Construction Activity Continued In Deepening Contraction; Six-Month Smoothed Trends All Have Turned Down - New- and Existing-Home Sales Fell in July, into Third-Quarter 2017, Having Contracted in Second￾Quarter 2017 - July Existing-Home Sales Were Down by 25.2% (-25.2%) and New-Home Sales Were Down by 58.9% (-58.9%) from Pre-Recession Peaks - Parallel Monthly and Quarterly Declines Were Seen Recently in July Building Permits and Housing (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000661 Starts, Respectively Also Down by 46.0% (-46.0%) and by 49.2% (-49.2%) from Pre-Recession Highs Thanks Hide quoted text On Aug 25, 2017 1:54 PM, "Allen Mons" wrote: - Faltering Economic Activity and Intensifying Political Discord Continue to Peril the Dollar and to Intensify Risks of Market Turmoil - Better-Quality Reporting than Gimmicked GDP and Employment Shows No Full Recovery from the Economic Collapse, No Economic Expansion, with Real Business Activity Increasingly Stagnant or in Renewed Downturn - Net of Headline Inflation and Gyrations in Commercial-Aircraft Orders, New Orders Were Down by 9.3% (-9.3%) from Their Non-Recovered, Pre-Recession Peak - Offering Some Caution for Booming Headline Retail Sales, Motor Vehicle Orders and Shipments Declined in June and July - Housing and Construction Activity Continued In Deepening Contraction; Six-Month Smoothed Trends All Have Turned Down - New- and Existing-Home Sales Fell in July, into Third-Quarter 2017, Having Contracted in Second￾Quarter 2017 - July Existing-Home Sales Were Down by 25.2% (-25.2%) and New-Home Sales Were Down by 58.9% (-58.9%) from Pre-Recession Peaks - Parallel Monthly and Quarterly Declines Were Seen Recently in July Building Permits and Housing Starts, Respectively Also Down by 46.0% (-46.0%) and by 49.2% (-49.2%) from Pre-Recession Highs On Aug 16, 2017 7:24 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://themillenniumreport.com/2017/07/14-3-quadrillion-lien-taken-against-all-u-s-land-real￾estate-and-people-on-july-28-2011/ On Aug 12, 2017 10:02 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale EXT-18-2336-A-000662 A v1 )I( /\ \J PVERSIGHT have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/08/us-health-care-reform-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette EXT-18-2336-A-000663 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000664 Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000665 On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attorney-to￾investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000666 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000667 EXT-18-2336-A-000668 Department.) 3. Congressiona l legislation usua lly neg lects impact quantification and assessments . This judic ial demand for one must be addressed with a credib le construct for one. All parties should agree that this wou ld be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation . From: Robert Fanning Se nt: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 I 0:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman ; MT Rep D ick Barrett; DNRC Land Board ; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke !; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omvig ; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenz ler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kath leen Mazure; Danie l Salomon ; Patricia Gillis; Pau l Wadsworth; Pau l Hunsucker ; David Lake ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Corne lius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtS D3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikke lsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake ; Jon Metropou los Subject: Re: No. I Forensic Audit for the (HARM) . Quantify the HARM , so this can get in front of the U.S . Court of Claims and / or get an approp riations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed , both individua l and govenunent entities are paid . I'll bring a who le lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000669 I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000670 right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. EXT-18-2336-A-000671 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000672 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000673 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 ... EXT-18-2336-A-000674 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000675 Cc: Boulton Caroline[caroline_boulton@ios .doi.gov ] To: ] From: Sent: 2017-08-26T16:33:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Comms Check and Possible Link up Received: 2017-08-26T16:34:02-04:00 Thanks Brother! Sent from my iPhone On Aug 26, 2017, at 4:25 PM, _ wrote: T, I have ccd caroline to assist. EUaine will also contact u on tours, etc. Hooyah .. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 40 L TE smartpbone -------- Original messa e -------- From: Todd DeGhetto Date: 08/26/2017 1:20 PM (GMT-05:00) To￾Subj ect: Re: Cormn s Check and Possible Link up Z, Al l that sounds outstand ing!!! WH tour, top of the Lincoln, monuments ... Whatever time you have to spare we greatly appreciate! We have booked stuff for the weekend already . The 11th through the 15th are wide open if that still works. If not let me know. Hooyah!!! Todd. See you soon, V/R Todd. Sent from my iPhone On Aug 25, 2017, at 8:11 PM - wrote: Todd, I wou ld be happy to offer a vip tour of the monuments and an AMR AN PVERSIGHT office call. Ever been to the top of the Lincoln monument ? Let me know if you want a WH tour. I am looking for a deputy chief of staff. Hooyah. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Todd DeGhetto Date: 08/24/2017 2:47 PM (GMT-05:00) To Subject: Comms Check and Possible Link up Mr. Secretary (Ryan) My family is going to be in the DC area 9 -15 Sept. Are you in town? If possible it would be great opportunity for the kids if we could get a 15min office call with you. The National Parks are part of their curriculum. Plus it would be great to see you besides on TV. Cheer Brother, V/R Todd (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ryan Zinke (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000676 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel[ ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-08-26T21:09:56-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Bad faith dealings by government , captured by crony capitalists, working in consort with tribes. Breached contracts with gangsters are null and void Received: 2017-08-26T21:10:20-04:00 121514 Flathead Joint Board of Control.pdf Certified J.E.Bell.pdf PPL Montana WRs(6).pdf pgs 105-106.pdf Robert thanks for spending the time last week to explain how the Law was set in place to protect all U.S. citizens. This first attachment is a partial from the 1935 MCA that was shared by a elected Irrigation Commissioner. It is amazing how our neighbors raise crops on a Quota set by the Department of Interior? Before the Districts were formed in 1926 the standard used was a MINERS INCH PER ACRE found in the General Land Office (Regulations) Right of Ways over Public Lands and Reservations approved June 6,1908 also thanks to Rick B.for this one. The State and the Secretary of Interior has allowed Rocky Mountain Power to steal the Flathead Irrigation and Power Project Sinking Funds since April 3 1923, J. E. Bell could only file on a 160 acre Homestead. On Thursday, August 24, 2017 9:05 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Search Legal Terms and Definitions Browse: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q RS T U V W Y Z Enter a Legal Term Search the Definitions (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000677 ------------------------ all wordsany wordsphrase all wordsany wordsphrase bad faith 1) n. intentional dishonest act by not fulfilling legal or contractual obligations, misleading another, entering into an agreement without the intention or means to fulfill it, or violating basic standards of honesty in dealing with others. Most states recognize what is called "implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing" which is breached by acts of bad faith, for which a lawsuit may be brought (filed) for the breach (just as one might sue for breach of contract). The question of bad faith may be raised as a defense to a suit on a contract. 2) adj. when there is bad faith then a transaction is called a "bad faith" contract or "bad faith" offer. See also: clean hands doctrine fraud good faith FROM THE LAW.COM NEWSWIRE Appeals Court Awards $4.4 Million Against Yahoo for Backing Out of $1B NCAA Bracket Contest Judge Slashes Damages Argument Against Greenberg Traurig Number of Women Law Profs Suing Univ. of Denver Rises to Six Tune In Today: How Lawyers Are Walking the Line on Trump-Era Issues Therapist Fired for Being 'Too Cute' May Proceed With Gender￾Bias Claim The People's Law Dictionary by Gerald and Kathleen HillPublisher Fine Communications EXT-18-2336-A-000678 VERSIGHT On Aug 12, 2017 10:02 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017/08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html EXT-18-2336-A-000679 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000680 Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000681 http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. Al Capone was at large until the " G Men " caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz. People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000682 EXT-18-2336-A-000683 Population Displacement , Lowered Business Act ivity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantificat ion is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment - A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University- Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead . A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning docume nt and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowme nt to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressio nal legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments . This judicial demand fo r one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Homer; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenz ler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth ; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bruce Fredrickso n; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress . Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders" . You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers . Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000684 I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000685 http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000686 On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000687 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000688 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000689 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-08-26T21:55:28-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Bad faith dealings by government , captured by crony capitalists, working in consort with tribes. Breached contracts with gangsters are null and void Received: 2017-08-26T21:55:34-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg We've been screaming for a forensic audit for a year Gene. Spending all this time with you has made me realize that you and I and the expert witness we met with last week have completed most of the work our State Auditor should have ordered by now. The fact that we had to do this work speaks volumes about the cover up. Qui Bono? Whose brand is Rosendale riding for, the people of Montana, the pensioners at Montana Power and Portland G & E, or the Deep State and it's Oligarchs ?? Bad faith will be a conversation driver as we approach November of 2018. So will Enron On Aug 26, 2017 7:10 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert thanks for spending the time last week to explain how the Law was set in place to protect all U.S. citizens. This first attachment is a partial from the 1935 MCA that was shared (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000690 by a elected Irrigation Commissioner. It is amazing how our neighbors raise crops on a Quota set by the Department of Interior? Before the Districts were formed in 1926 the standard used was a MINERS INCH PER ACRE found in the General Land Office (Regulations) Right of Ways over Public Lands and Reservations approved June 6,1908 also thanks to Rick B.for this one. The State and the Secretary of Interior has allowed Rocky Mountain Power to steal the Flathead Irrigation and Power Project Sinking Funds since April 3 1923, J. E. Bell could only file on a 160 acre Homestead. On Thursday, August 24, 2017 9:05 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Search Legal Terms and Definitions Browse: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q RS T U V W Y Z Enter a Legal Term all wordsany wordsphrase Search the Definitions all wordsany wordsphrase bad faith 1) n. intentional dishonest act by not fulfilling legal or contractual obligations, misleading another, entering into an agreement without the intention or means to fulfill it, or violating basic standards of honesty in dealing with others. Most states recognize what is called "implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing" which is breached by acts of bad faith, for which a lawsuit may be brought (filed) for the breach (just as one might sue for breach of contract). The question of bad faith may be raised FROM THE LAW.COM NEWSWIRE Appeals Court Awards $4.4 Million Against Yahoo for Backing Out of $1B NCAA Bracket Contest Judge Slashes Damages Argument Against Greenberg Traurig Number of Women Law Profs Suing Univ. of Denver Rises to Six Tune In Today: How Lawyers Are Walking the Line on Trump-Era Issues Therapist Fired for Being 'Too Cute' May Proceed With Gender￾Bias Claim EXT-18-2336-A-000691 A v1 I( , PVERSIGHT as a defense to a suit on a contract. 2) adj. when there is bad faith then a transaction is called a "bad faith" contract or "bad faith" offer. See also: clean hands doctrine fraud good faith The People's Law Dictionary by Gerald and Kathleen HillPublisher Fine Communications bruisernd73@gmail.com I also spent a couple of hours with an irrigator who is being blackmailed and extorted into selling his water rights and land . This is absolute defiance of this judge's 1986 ruling and harsh admonishment directed at the BIA and the Secretary of Interior....atachment all the way down at the bottom.......instead we get racketeering and gangsterism. The question now is: " does anyone in authority, like Jack Seivers of MSU and Securities Commissioner Rosendale have the jonor and integrity to order a FORENSIC audit that state law, Montana State University school of Agriculture charter requires and the Koch Brothers have already paid for ? This is the $ Trillion dollar question that will drive the 2018 Senate race. Substance over "schmoozers ", public interest over pathetic , narcissistic photo ops that prove nothing but insecurity and incompetence. EXT-18-2336-A-000692 VERSIGHT Respecting the public by electing those who do, and have done for 2 decades, the actual work instead of phony carnival barkers who use prominent & unwilling citizens as props in their micro managed, staged video commercials. They are not "one of you" if they disobey the judge in the attached PDF and the US Constitution. They are part of the Swamp. "Do what you all ways did ,get what you always got.".......corruption. Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters right here in MONTANA On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com /2017/08/us-health-care-reform -debate-not￾address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000693 understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000694 On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l=GQGs.&m=gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b= qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us￾attorney-to- investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000695 EXT-18-2336-A-000696 Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday , June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 'sand experts in wh ite collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduc iary duties and bad Faith dea lings. Al Capone was at large until the" G Men" caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz . People who steal from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom" > wrote : The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights , Lost Jobs , Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement , Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment - A credible sourcing wou ld naturally be Montana State Univers ity- Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have estab lished a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congress ional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke l; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenz ler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure ; Danie l Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no￾recourse-when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000697 Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000698 Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? ... EXT-18-2336-A-000699 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Caroline Boulton[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; Ryan Zinke[ ] From: Rich Golb Sent: 2017-08-28T15:12:04-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Catching Up Received: 2017-08-28T15:41:57-04:00 Mr. Secretary - Ron Teed and I plan to attend the Oct 9 UO game v Nebraska. Ron has a box for the game and we would love to have you join us if you’ll be in Eugene that weekend. Also, as you suggested, I’m in touch with Caroline for a meeting with you on Monday or Tuesday, September 11 or 12. My cell is if you would like to catch up. Richard K. Golb PacificComm LLC 201 NE Park Plaza Drive Ste 269 Vancouver WA 98684 360.397.0248 (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000700 Cc: Caroline Boulton[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] To: Ryan Zinke ] From: rich@pacificcommllc.com Sent: 2017-08-28T16:32:39-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Catching Up Received: 2017-08-28T16:39:27-04:00 Mr. Secretary - No worries. And safe travels. Maybe we could meet with David Bernhardt? I’ll check with Caroline. Richard K. Golb PacificComm LLC 201 NE Park Plaza Drive Ste 269 Vancouver WA 98684 360.397.0248 On Aug 28, 2017, at 1:19 PM, < > wrote: Thanks rich. Fyi. I won't be back in the office until 14 sept. Cabinet meeting followed by NYC until the 14th. 9 Oct I will be in FL. Say hello to ron for me. Go ducks. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Richard Golb Date: 08/28/2017 3:12 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Caroline Boulton , Ryan Zinke < > Subject: Catching Up Mr. Secretary - Ron Teed and I plan to attend the Oct 9 UO game v Nebraska. Ron has a box for the game and we would love to have you join us if you’ll be in Eugene that weekend. Also, as you suggested, I’m in touch with Caroline for a meeting with you on Monday or Tuesday, September 11 or 12. My cell is if you would like to catch up. Richard K. Golb PacificComm LLC 201 NE Park Plaza Drive Ste 269 Vancouver WA 98684 360.397.0248 (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ryan Zinke (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000701 ----- Thanks richard EXT-18-2336-A-000702 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Jack Horner ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; U.S. Senate[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Ryan Zinke ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; greghertz11@gail.com[greghertz11@gail.com]; Giles Conway-Gordon From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-08-30T13:35:02-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Google Alert - markit 30 year treasury credit default swaps Received: 2017-08-30T13:36:46-04:00 Yo Dick your from the U.S. Treasury check this GLOBAL PONZI scheme who's going to buy this shit the MARTIANS? Have you watched ENRON the Smartest Guy's in the Room? On Wednesday, August 30, 2017 8:58 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: The canary in the mine for those professionals who have a trained eye and know how to look and interpret. T--Bond futures trading at 157. Tester couldn't make an intelligent comment on this if his life depended on it.......and he's on the U.S Senate banking committee. America needs U.S Senators who have a set of titanium balls, not schmoozing, fawning sycophantic photo op seeking phonys ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Google Alerts" Date: Aug 29, 2017 3:39 PM Subject: Google Alert - markit 30 year treasury credit default swaps To: Cc: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000703 markit 30 year treasury credit default swaps Daily update ⋅ August 29, 2017 NEWS GCC new issuance debt value jumps 57.22% The Peninsula Qatar The total value of new issuances in the GCC bonds and sukuk market in 2016 ... During 2016, five-year credit default swap (CDS) for all GCC sovereign ... sovereign issuances were made for a maturity of 10 years and 30 years. Flag as irrelevant See more results | Edit this alert You have received this email because you have subscribed to Google Alerts. Unsubscribe | View all your alerts Receive this alert as RSS feed Send Feedback EXT-18-2336-A-000704 ■■■ A\.11 11( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000705 To: Cc: From: Sent: Boulton, Caroline[caroline _boulton@ios .doi.gov]; Kwong, Susan[S Kwong@ tpg.com] Daly, Jack 2017 -09-05T 15: 38: 05-04 :00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: 9/11 and 9/12 Received: 2017-09-05T15:38: 12-04 :00 Great.. .nyc for 9/11 will be good . My family can't make it out for the visit so I'm flying solo. Caroline, my offic ial name is John F. Da ly. Please reach out to me and susan if you need any other info. Jack JDaly@TPG.com 415-743-1699 On Sep 5, 2017, at 11:39 AM, -~ > wrote: I look forward to seeing u. I have ccd caroline for detai ls. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartpbone -------- Origina l message -------- From: "Daly, Jack" Date: 09/05/2017 1:46 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Ryan Zinke Subj ect: 9/ 11 and 9/ 12 Ryan, thanks for the invite .. .I'm free anytime Monday 9/ 11 (morning or afternoon) and Tuesday 9/12 in the morning. I'm tied up Tuesday afternoon . Can do dinner on the 11th and/or 12th. Let me know when you're free for dinner and I will pu ll together a small group of Wa ll Street hitters if you're up for a good round table discussion . I'm having lunch on Tuesday with mark fields, fonner CEO of ford. You're welcome to join us. Jack JDaly@TPG.com 415-743- 1699 This message is intended only for the person(s) to which it is addressed and may contain privileged, confidential and/or insider information. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this message and any attachment(s) by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is strictly prohibited. This message is intended only for the person(s) to which it is addressed and may contain privileged, confidential and/or insider information. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this message and any attachment(s) by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is strictly prohibited. EXT-18-2336-A-000706 / v1 11( _,.'\J PVERSIGHT To: ] Cc: Boulton, Caroline[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; Kwong, Susan[SKwong@tpg.com] From: Daly, Jack Sent: 2017-09-05T19:12:57-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: 9/11 and 9/12 Received: 2017-09-05T19:13:06-04:00 Ryan, let me know if you're free both mon and Tuesday night for dinner. If so, I will schedule 2 gatherings. I just spoke w JW Williams who is in nyc for the next year at the CFR doing a fellowship. As you know, he just turned over command of Dev group to matt burns. He's up for joining us for dinner. I will keep both nights to 6-8 good guys for dinner. Let me know if Lola is joining you...if so, we will have a few couples instead of just guys Jack JDaly@TPG.com 415-743-1699 On Sep 5, 2017, at 11:39 AM < > wrote: I look forward to seeing u. I have ccd caroline for details. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: "Daly, Jack" Date: 09/05/2017 1:46 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Ryan Zinke < > Subject: 9/11 and 9/12 Ryan, thanks for the invite...I'm free anytime Monday 9/11 (morning or afternoon) and Tuesday 9/12 in the morning. I'm tied up Tuesday afternoon. Can do dinner on the 11th and/or 12th. Let me know when you're free for dinner and I will pull together a small group of Wall Street hitters if you're up for a good round table discussion. I'm having lunch on Tuesday with mark fields, former CEO of ford. You're welcome to join us. Jack JDaly@TPG.com (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ryan Zinke (b) (6) - Ryan Zinke EXT-18-2336-A-000707 415-743-1699 This message is intended only for the person(s) to which it is addressed and may contain privileged, confidential and/or insider information. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this message and any attachment(s) by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is strictly prohibited. This message is intended only for the person(s) to which it is addressed and may contain privileged, confidential and/or insider information. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this message and any attachment(s) by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is strictly prohibited. EXT-18-2336-A-000708 / v1 11( _,.'\J PVERSIGHT Cc: Boulton, Caroline[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] To: ] From: Todd DeGhetto Sent: 2017-09-09T11:41:40-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Comms Check and Possible Link up Received: 2017-09-09T11:41:50-04:00 Looking forward to seeing you too. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 9, 2017, at 10:31 AM < > wrote: Todd, I will make time to say hello. Vip tour and WH tour is set. I look forward to seeing you. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Todd DeGhetto Date: 09/09/2017 7:04 AM (GMT-05:00) To: < > Subject: Fwd: Comms Check and Possible Link up Ryan, Looks like your week is pretty packed. I understand and don't sweat it. If we don't get to see you while we are here let me know the next time you're in the Knoxville area and we'll have you over to the house or I'll come out to you. Take care Brother and stay in touch! Todd ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Boulton, Caroline Date: Fri, Sep 8, 2017 at 2:58 PM Subject: Re: Comms Check and Possible Link up To: Todd DeGhett Hi Todd, Right now he is traveling for the majority of next week with the 14-15th pretty packed; I'll be in touch about a potential time to stop in if one is available! (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ryan Zinke (b) (6) - Ryan Zinke (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ryan Zinke (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000709 ----- ----- EXT-18-2336-A-000710 There is only public parking around the White House; it does get emptier at night when most peop le leave work for the day. They do recommend pub lic transportation; the closest metro stop (McPherson Square on the orange/blue /silve r lines) is only a few blocks from the entrance. Best , Caroline On Thu , Sep 7, 2017 at 5:42 AM, Todd DeGhetto Good morning Caroline , wrote: With the hurricane damage in TX and the next one close on its heels I understand if Sec Zinke is not available for an office call next week. Thanks ag · We have our car but concerned about parking for the WH tour. ere 1s 1e best place to park or should we park in the close to downtown and take pub lic transportation? Thank you again for your time , Todd Hi Todd , On Aug 31, 2017 , at 4:24 PM , Boulton , Caroline wrote: Your family is confirmed for a West Wing tour on September 12th at 8: l5pm . We will send you the confinnation email next week , but the White House has confinned this. This isn't the normal self-led East Wing tour, but are instead lead by White House staffers so they can answer any questions and pro vide background. They nonnally hit the Oval Office , the press briefing room , and others. We'll be in touch when your DOI van tour is confinned--1 know we were waiting on the White House one first before organizing ours! Best, Caroline On Wed , Aug 30, 2017 at 4:41 PM, Todd DeGhetto wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT Caroline , EXT-18-2336-A-000711 Todd Sent from my iPhone On Aug 30, 2017, at 1 :48 PM, Boulton, Caroline wrote: Thanks, Caroline Hi Todd! On Tue, Aug 29, 2017 at 5:46 PM, Todd DeGhetto Hi Todd, wrote: Sorry, I ju st looked at the WAVES doc and noticed I accidentally cut and pasted something I was working on for work ... On Aug 29, 2017, at 5 :29 PM, Bou I ton, Caroline wrote: The White House wanted to clarify whether - lease let me know! Thanks, Caroline On Mon, Aug 28, 2017 at 1 :49 PM Todd DeGhetto AMR AN PVERSIGHT wrote: Thank you Caroline. Also for your SA and I apologize if it creates an issue. I reached out to our Senator about a capital tour. Sen Corker 's tour director, Leslie Crisp, schedu led two tours for the 12th, a Capitol tour at 11 :00 and Library of Congress tour at 1:45. If those conflict please let me know and I’ll reschedule. I’d rather the kids get the chance to meet Ryan and see the WH. Thank you again! V/R Todd On Aug 28, 2017, at 1:43 PM, Boulton, Caroline wrote: Thanks, Todd! I will let you know when we hear back about availability! Caroline On Mon, Aug 28, 2017 at 1:08 PM, Todd DeGhetto wrote: Caroline, Thank you for your time and effort! V/R Todd -- Caroline Boulton Department of the Interior Scheduling & Advance (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000712 Caroline Boulton@ios.doi.gov l Scheduling@ios.doi.gov -- Caroline Boulton Department of the Interior Scheduling & Advance Caroline Boulton@ios.doi.gov l Scheduling@ios.doi.gov -- Caroline Boulton Department of the Interior Scheduling & Advance Caroline Boulton@ios.doi.gov l Scheduling@ios.doi.gov -- Caroline Boulton Department of the Interior Scheduling & Advance Caroline Boulton@ios.doi.gov l Scheduling@ios.doi.gov -- Caroline Boulton Department of the Interior Scheduling & Advance Caroline Boulton@ios.doi.gov l Scheduling@ios.doi.gov EXT-18-2336-A-000713 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT To: Ryan Zinke[ ] Cc: Caroline Boulton[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; Russell Roddy[russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov]; Kwong, Susan[SKwong@tpg.com] From: Daly, Jack Sent: 2017-09-10T13:36:34-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Monday dinner Received: 2017-09-10T13:37:12-04:00 Ryan, We're looking forward to seeing you monday night. The guests will arrive at Henry's at 7:30 but we know you won't arrive until 8pm. They are located a The Chef is planning to serve dinner soon after you and Lola arrive. Here's the list of attendees Henry & Vanessa Cornell (Henry runs Cornell Capital, a large private equity fund; former partner at Goldman Sachs; you met him at the Yellowstone Club; Board of Directors of Navy SEAL Foundation) Jeromy & Stephanie WIlliams (Navy Captain and recent CO of Dev Group; currently fellow at Council of Foreign Relations) Steve Wisotzki & Jennifer (Steve runs Global Security for JPM; retired SEAL and Board of Navy SEAL Foundation; Jennifer is an entrepreneur...founded Beauty Bar) Gary and Penny Kosinski (Gary grew up with bobby smith and me in pittsburgh; runs Kore Capital, a large hedge fund in Palm Beach; you met him at the Yellowstone Club...owns two properties there) Ken Pontarelli (Ken is a recently retired partner of Goldman Sachs; buys large energy companies) Tom Arenz (Naval Academy late 70s; graduated with Bob Harward; Managing partner of Harvest Capital, a large private equity fund) Brian O'Callahan (CEO of CPI, a top Wall Street headhunting firm) Best regards Jack Jack Daly TPG Capital 415-743-1699 JDaly@TPG.com This message is intended only for the person(s) to which it is addressed and may contain privileged, confidential and/or insider information. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000714 immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this message and any attachment(s) by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is strictly prohibited. EXT-18-2336-A-000715 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net] Cc: MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel[ ]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Gene Erb Jr[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-09-17T11:39:17-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RICO......Americas best weapon against the Deep State an corruption.......20 to life Received: 2017-09-17T11:42:38-04:00 http://ricoact.com/?page id=122 RICO and the looting of Montana's hydroelectric , water and other natural resources . Where would Montana be , if we hadn't been treated like a colony of the U.S. Treasury, the IMF, and the Federal reserve and their Crony Capitalists, to be looted for the past 100 years? 20 to life for the looters and Claw back what they stole from Montana.....totaling $1 trillion over the past 100 years. 20 to life with lawyers clawing back every penny looted.Draining the Swamp begins at the headwaters . RICO is the best tool that "We the People " have against the Deep State. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000716 20 to life On Aug 2, 2017 10:00 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/08/us-health-care-reform-debate-not-address.html On Jul 31, 2017 12:45 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Sue to enforce the U.S. Constitution and drain the swamp in Montana. There is no " like " Janette , only duty once you have sworn the oath . On Jul 31, 2017 11:29 AM, "Janette Rosman" wrote: Sounds like you like to sue people? Rotten apples on the tree, thank you for updating me. I was not aware. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 6:57 AM To: Janette Rosman; 'Robert Fanning' Cc: 'DNRC Land Board'; 'MT Rep Dick Barrett'; 'Frandsen Deb (Tester)'; 'Roger Starkel'; 'Travis Kavulla'; 'Richard Erb'; 'Jack Horner'; 'Kristin Omvig'; 'Debra Lamm'; 'Steve Hughes'; 'Paul Guenzler'; 'Dr. Kate Vandemoer'; 'Kathleen Mazure'; 'Daniel Salomon'; 'Patricia Gillis'; 'Brad Hamlett'; 'Paul Wadsworth'; 'Paul Hunsucker'; 'David Lake'; 'MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick'; 'Bruce Fredrickson'; 'Ryan Zinke'; 'Senator Jon Tester'; 'Ken Cornelius'; 'BruceTutvedtSD3'; 'Mary Stranahan'; 'Bill & Grace Slack'; 'Steve Daines'; 'MT Sen Chas Vincent'; 'Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch'; 'Alan Mikkelsen'; 'Duane Mecham'; 'Mike Horn'; 'Jon Metropoulos'; 'Jack & Susan Lake' Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Water Commissioner Janette Rosman this is the second part of the email that was sent to you and some of your Flathead Commissioners yesterday. You took a oath of Office and if you Do Not understand this? I will be more than happy to file a complaint as a water right owner and user in your District, and Judge Manley can explain this to both of us? How about them Apples. 2. For your information the Funds were donated to Montana State University for the Forensic Audit by the Koch Brothers as explained by Mike Horn. I am positive Robert Fanning would be happy to send you the information again. 3. You may want to take another (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000717 look at the (FERC) document Robert Fanning, Gene Erb and others hired Lawrence Kogan to represent private property owners in the West. Have you kept up on that Proceeding and made sure the Judges have their needed information? You have a Fiduciary Responsibility. On Friday, July 28, 2017 1:58 PM, Janette Rosman wrote: Gene, bring me up to date, is the FBI doing two forensic audits on FJBC? I’m not aware of the FBI going back on the records you are referring to and if you would like them to do so, get your check book out and pay for it. The FJBC does not have the funds to follow up on your paperwork. Who’s behind all of this? I did not know Daddy Bruce Vincent but I do know Chas, and Dave Vincent. Good people in the communities they live in with a head full of common sense. Janette From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:47 PM To: Robert Fanning Cc: DNRC Land Board; MT Rep Dick Barrett; Janette Rosman; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Travis Kavulla; Richard Erb; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; Debra Lamm; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Brad Hamlett; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Senator Jon Tester; Ken Cornelius; BruceTutvedtSD3; Mary Stranahan; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Alan Mikkelsen; Duane Mecham; Mike Horn; Jon Metropoulos; Jack & Susan Lake Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). 1. Robert there is a very suspect in this Action??? In the (1963 Redesignation of Water Rights) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under direction of Secretary of Interior the lands that were out of the Project also included at that time would have given Congress control of the (PROJECT)? Another theft without Compensation. 2. Chas Vincent and his Daddy Bruce Vincent and cousin Commissioner Dave Vincent may be able to explain this to the FBI. 3. This Amici Brief has Dr. Richard Erb working for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Assistant to Governor Sherman Maisel,1967-69)??? 4. Don't forget to use Discovery when asked by the JUDGE. More on the way. On Friday, July 28, 2017 10:32 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: In court, this is called primary evidence, just like the missing computer(s). (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000718 Evidence tampering is a serious crime. Quantify the HARM with a forensic audit. " forensic " means that a crime is suspected. On Jul 28, 2017 9:55 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert some times folks appear to be hiding the truth!!! Looks like the FBI Auditors may want to start (HERE), I had not a clue in 1991 buying a small ranch at Charlo Mt. that the Government was subsidizing a payment of over 7000.00 per year? Lucky for me Dennis Krantz working at the USDA and we not being one of the (Good Old Boys and Girls Club) it was amended and finally ended. You don't suppose that went into a retirement FUND somewhere the Auditors may find it? Mr. Krantz was subleasing the land Dave Snyder purchased in 1985 these water rights, I found after we purchased the property were amended by the (DNRC) also. Mr Jack Stivers pushed a 70 yr old dear friend from behind at one of the Compact meetings 4-5 yrs ago and the MSU office is still paying his retirement? On Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:47 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: If they'll steal your water,electricity minerals and land.......they' find a way to nationalize pensions. On Jun 30, 2017 11:35 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA Now you know why the DEEP STATE is in a panic attack to steal your private property (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000719 http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ ?l GQGs.&m gx.LyMtw4yvxrVU&b qsNCpBuGfQhPrqYZ.J4OLA On Jun 30, 2017 12:01 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Mike Cotter will have his hands full once the HARM is quantified. https://www.usnews.com/news/be st-states/montana/articles/201 7-06-09/former-us-attorney-to￾investigate-lawyer-misconduct- cases On Jun 30, 2017 8:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. Well this may be why the Lake County Attorney had to turn the investigation over to the United States (FBI). If one happens to not be so sheep-all, you will find the 7.00 per acre to be rather a commanding price for a parcel of land. The United States required that improvements to the lands were to be made before the Fee Patent would issue. Along in 1926 came the "Formation of the Irrigation Districts" at Polson Mt. As you will see in the right hand corner the Order was Filed and Recorded, it is real convenient that the none of the Government employees could recover or find these? It may be called discovery? Has anyone a clue as what the "Special Irrigation District Report" may be? 2. As you will find in the second attachment, the districts filed a claim with the uses and the (DNRC) failed to finish the paper work. Does anyone know who was coaching Alan as he claims to be a expert witness and when is asked about the uses stockwater, domestic, municipal, and power generation they may have not received the response yet today? The (DNRC) has purchased plenty of land in the State. 3. Does anyone happen to know how much money the Federal Government paid for the pipeline to the Walt Shock Ranch? This contract is within the 5yr statue of limitations? Some of us may know neighbors that asked for the right to use this pipeline also and were denied equal and just distribution. On Thursday, June 29, 2017 7:55 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: When the Tresury Department sends their Speial Investigators, those " G Men " are CPA 's MBA 's and experts in white collar crime. They know all about fraud, violation of fiduciary duties and bad Faith dealings. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000720 EXT-18-2336-A-000721 Al Capone was at large unti l the" G Men" caught him. Then he died with his brain rotted out from syphilis in Alcatraz . People who stea l from children, the insane and the incarcerated deserve no less than Al Capone . On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Hom" > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Fann Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potent ial, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measure d in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University Bozeman - Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator wou ld be identified to produce a plann ing document and a propose d budget. This would likely be a multi-year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long tenn endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usua lly neglects impact quantificat ion and assessments . This ju dicial demand for one must be addresse d with a credible construct for one. All parties shou ld agree that this woul d be a significa nt precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation . From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday , June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Hom; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starke!; Ri chard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner ; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Brnce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornel ius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtS D3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No. I Forens ic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus- rules-landowners-have-no- recourse￾when-government-regs- undermine-property-values/ EXT-18-2336-A-000722 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000723 I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like <-YOUR-> letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000724 Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ EXT-18-2336-A-000725 AVH HICAN PVERSIGHT On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < (b) (6) > wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000726 AVH HICAN PVERSIGHT On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: EXT-18-2336-A-000727 r :,, _, .•• ,I .. < Ii l tll.J 1 , . , - ., ,. . 'J -. ., - . .. , . . . p-:1;' .. .. -;--:-:.-:-:;i ·r I I .. ,-~ . 5 ~ \ "' 1 _~ I } -'-!--~ . . ·, IT , ! , . .. -·,- J - ,._ ' (! 'H) -1 ~ ,., I ·1/ ~· ~_J . . l! I .:t ·½'• T . - ,.._ (' . .. ' l . ' . " . . 1ft ! , ~li7 I ! . T , f r .:- l , ..... , '\. ., . , . 'v --', -, fl 'r ,_. II li 4'.~.-.t "' . .Z'J .... 21\ I ,, :/7 26 ~· -= ,, I :.:: -{Jr -'~ r'~:-:.- . ' t. .. ( - ·•" f - •• ~ I 1, . , I r , ,r ( ~ I " j I . . .. , a., r '32 • • .. :'3, 3 .. ,, i5 - J6 ~ I ,..,. 't • ..._, .. , ,, ... ,. ,,, ' ,,. .. ... I , .,. / ,, I .... 6 . ·p-. ;I - ., - I. - -- -- ~ ., - __ , -. -.~.-J--.... ':"' ~ i 1 A v1 )I( , PVERSIGHT I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid￾Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000728 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000729 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT Cc: Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov] To: Ryan Zinke ]; Jeff Trandahl[jeff.trandahl@nfwf.org] From: John Faraci Sent: 2017-09-30T13:43:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Received: 2017-09-30T13:43:58-04:00 Spoke with Harold Hamm today. He is willing and very glad to join the NFWF board. We will get him the info for upcoming meeting in Nov. He plans to attend John (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000730 To: John Faraci[johnvfaraci@gmail.com] Cc: Ryan Zinke ]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov] From: Jeff Trandahl Sent: 2017-09-30T20:00:19-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Received: 2017-09-30T20:00:46-04:00 That's great. Sent from my iPhone > On Sep 30, 2017, at 11:43 AM, John Faraci wrote: > > Spoke with Harold Hamm today. > He is willing and very glad to join the NFWF board. We will get him the info for upcoming meeting in Nov. He plans to attend > > John (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000731 To: Jeff Trandahl[Jeff.Trandahl@nfwf.org] Cc: John Faraci[johnvfaraci@gmail.com]; Ryan Zinke ] From: Scott Hommel Sent: 2017-10-01T14:24:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Received: 2017-10-01T14:25:05-04:00 Excellent. Will prepare appointment letters this week for Harold Hamm and Ryan Lance. We haven't been able to connect with John Morris. Scott C. Hommel Chief of Staff Department of the Interior > On Sep 30, 2017, at 8:00 PM, Jeff Trandahl wrote: > > That's great. > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Sep 30, 2017, at 11:43 AM, John Faraci wrote: >> >> Spoke with Harold Hamm today. >> He is willing and very glad to join the NFWF board. We will get him the info for upcoming meeting in Nov. He plans to attend >> >> John > (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000732 To: Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov] Cc: John Faraci[johnvfaraci@gmail.com]; Ryan Zinke ] From: Jeff Trandahl Sent: 2017-10-01T14:42:37-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Received: 2017-10-01T14:42:54-04:00 Thx guys. Great progress. Both have indicated that they will be at the Nov meeting. Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 1, 2017, at 12:25 PM, Scott Hommel wrote: > > Excellent. Will prepare appointment letters this week for Harold Hamm > and Ryan Lance. We haven't been able to connect with John Morris. > > Scott C. Hommel > Chief of Staff > Department of the Interior > > >> On Sep 30, 2017, at 8:00 PM, Jeff Trandahl wrote: >> >> That's great. >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>> On Sep 30, 2017, at 11:43 AM, John Faraci wrote: >>> >>> Spoke with Harold Hamm today. >>> He is willing and very glad to join the NFWF board. We will get him the info for upcoming meeting in Nov. He plans to attend >>> >>> John >> (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000733 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Mike Horn ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-10-01T16:14:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-10-01T16:15:23-04:00 mt200200n0200w0-1000.PDF Here is why we have a SWAMP.pdf Here is why we have a SWAMP more Government employees at work..pdf Alan ammending water appropriations.pdf jon metro.pdf Alan Mikkelsen at his finest, looks like the Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior formed plenty of (COMPANIES) to buy the Allotted Lands on the Flathead Irrigation Project this is only one Township with Sections 16 & 36 for Schools not Montana Fish and Game Commission and back to the (USA) yes in (TRUST). On Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:22 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Nanette.....Gene doesn't need to " get his checkbook out"......you need to learn how to read. Mike Horn told you all how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago. Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000734 Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. EXT-18-2336-A-000735 / v1 11( ,\\J PVERSIGHT Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000736 I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000737 Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000738 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000739 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-10-01T16:49:23-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-10-01T16:49:43-04:00 I brought the issue of hydroelectric dam security to the D.C court. One of my lawyer's, Joseph Schmitz brought it to Trumps attention via Don McGhan. Trump made Schmitz a National security advisor over dam security. I seek Testers seat in the U.S Senate the old fashioned way, I earned it with 18 years of public interest work over wolves then water and electricity and corruption https://t.co/brKMTnhMh6 On Oct 1, 2017 2:15 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan Mikkelsen at his finest, looks like the Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior formed plenty of (COMPANIES) to buy the Allotted Lands on the Flathead Irrigation Project this is only one Township with Sections 16 & 36 for Schools not Montana Fish and Game Commission and back to the (USA) yes in (TRUST). On Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:22 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Nanette.....Gene doesn't need to " get his checkbook out"......you need to learn how to read. Mike Horn told you all how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago. Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000740 We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000741 P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000742 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000743 Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000744 -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000745 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: [ ] Cc: Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; John Faraci[johnvfaraci@gmail.com] From: Jeff Trandahl Sent: 2017-10-01T20:14:13-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: WSJ Received: 2017-10-01T20:14:21-04:00 I've written several long draft emails to express my support for your article, but to be direct, I hope we can find a way to bring action to the vision. In particular I believe we could focus on two goals: 1. Engagement of greater use of public land. The NPS just completed a centennial messaging campaign to increase park visitation (and some of it worked) but it ignored encouraging people to actually understand and visit the other public lands. Can we find a way to do a similar and broader campaign? 2. Is there a way to bring a vision to this around private lands as well. The federal government is often seen as operating in "isolation" from the adjoining private lands and 'not a good neighbor.' The federal government has detached itself from local communities and your effort to push people to local communities from Washington DC and regional hubs will go a long way, but I believe we need to find a way for local communities and private landowners in particular to be part of this conversation -- it will then help drive and maintain the change you are making. Is it a good topic for a White House or joint secretary conference (with your and Secretary Purdue). In either of these ideas, I am certain we can find a way for the Foundation to be helpful. And we are very open to more ideas from you. All the best. Jeff Sent from my iPad On Oct 1, 2017, at 10:58 AM < > wrote: I have called twice and texted. No response from johnny. Lance and hamm are in. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Jeff Trandahl Date: 09/30/2017 8:00 PM (GMT-05:00) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) - Ryan Zinke (b) (6) - Ryan Zinke EXT-18-2336-A-000746 ----- To: John Faraci Cc: Ryan Zinke < >, Scott Hommel Subject: Re: That's great. Sent from my iPhone > On Sep 30, 2017, at 11:43 AM, John Faraci wrote: > > Spoke with Harold Hamm today. > He is willing and very glad to join the NFWF board. We will get him the info for upcoming meeting in Nov. He plans to attend > > John (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000747 To: Gene Erb ]; Mike Horn ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-10-02T18:31:40-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-10-02T18:31:50-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg Lazy lawyer syndrome? Did anybody count the number of commissioners on Judge Manleys order dated 9/27 Are there 11 or 12 of you? Will your actions be declared : " null and void," for this or other reasons? $15 grand a month ? Seriously? A reasonable person would conclude that since 1907 that there was collusion to omit a whole lot more than this. " the easiest thing to do in litigation is stall " ......my lawyer Karen Budd Falen in her Cheyenne, Wyoming in April 2003. See you at the movies Check out @FanningRTF360’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/FanningRTF360/status/914959777494634497?s 09 Follow me please. Was the same person in charge of the computer put in charge of the turbines? (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000748 Are the tribes deep in the red ? Why? We're they LOOTED too? On Oct 1, 2017 2:49 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I brought the issue of hydroelectric dam security to the D.C court. One of my lawyer's, Joseph Schmitz brought it to Trumps attention via Don McGhan. Trump made Schmitz a National security advisor over dam security. I seek Testers seat in the U.S Senate the old fashioned way, I earned it with 18 years of public interest work over wolves then water and electricity and corruption https://t.co/brKMTnhMh6 On Oct 1, 2017 2:15 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan Mikkelsen at his finest, looks like the Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior formed plenty of (COMPANIES) to buy the Allotted Lands on the Flathead Irrigation Project this is only one Township with Sections 16 & 36 for Schools not Montana Fish and Game Commission and back to the (USA) yes in (TRUST). On Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:22 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Nanette.....Gene doesn't need to " get his checkbook out"......you need to learn how to read. Mike Horn told you all how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago. Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000749 State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? EXT-18-2336-A-000750 / v1 11( ,\\J PVERSIGHT http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000751 I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000752 ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000753 EXT-18-2336-A-000754 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Mike Horn[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-10-06T09:46:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-10-06T09:47:12-04:00 Township 19 Range 19 Allottments Flathead Irrigation Project (Montana).pdf Mc Donald Lake and Post Creek.pdf Mc Donald Lake and Post Creek change of (OWNERSHIP) (CLAIM).pdf See Owner Tab.pdf This is clearly the intent of the "Compact" to coverup the ORIGINAL ALLOTMENTS AND WATER RIGHTS issued under the Laws of the United States with the Blessing of the STATE of MONTANA. The intent of the FORENSIC AUDIT is to make sure you don't get away with it. As far back as 1963 the Water Resources Survey for the State of Montana has used new maps issued by the State Engineer's Office, Helena Montana, June 1963??? Compare this 1908 Allotment map Township 19 Range 19 with the map on file at the State of Montana's, Department of Natural Resources and Conservations website listed under Lake County Montana Part II page 7. The 3rd attachment is the new water rights that were designed by the FJBC I suppose if the By Laws were changed, the Water Right would change also? On Monday, October 2, 2017, 4:31:43 PM MDT, Robert Fanning wrote: Lazy lawyer syndrome? Did anybody count the number of commissioners on Judge Manleys order dated 9/27 Are there 11 or 12 of you? Will your actions be declared : " null and void," for this or other reasons? $15 grand a month ? Seriously? A reasonable person would conclude that since 1907 that there was collusion to omit a whole lot more than this. (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000755 " the easiest thing to do in litigation is stall " ......my lawyer Karen Budd Falen in her Cheyenne, Wyoming in April 2003. See you at the movies Check out @FanningRTF360’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/FanningRTF360/status/914959777494634497?s 09 Follow me please. Was the same person in charge of the computer put in charge of the turbines? Are the tribes deep in the red ? Why? We're they LOOTED too? On Oct 1, 2017 2:49 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I brought the issue of hydroelectric dam security to the D.C court. One of my lawyer's, Joseph Schmitz brought it to Trumps attention via Don McGhan. Trump made Schmitz a National security advisor over dam security. I seek Testers seat in the U.S Senate the old fashioned way, I earned it with 18 years of public interest work over wolves then water and electricity and corruption https://t.co/brKMTnhMh6 On Oct 1, 2017 2:15 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan Mikkelsen at his finest, looks like the Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior formed plenty of (COMPANIES) to buy the Allotted Lands on the Flathead Irrigation Project this is only one Township with Sections 16 & 36 for Schools not Montana Fish and Game Commission and back to the (USA) yes in (TRUST). On Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:22 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Nanette.....Gene doesn't need to " get his checkbook out"......you need to learn how to read. Mike Horn told you all how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago. Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000756 The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. EXT-18-2336-A-000757 / v1 11( ,\\J PVERSIGHT For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000758 I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000759 Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000760 Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000761 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-10-06T10:40:30-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-10-06T10:40:39-04:00 51EZpVv7OAL. SY400 .jpg Looks like the FJBC has been very comfortable with RICO charges since Rhonda Swaney brought them in 1998. See you at the movies On Oct 6, 2017 7:47 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: This is clearly the intent of the "Compact" to coverup the ORIGINAL ALLOTMENTS AND WATER RIGHTS issued under the Laws of the United States with the Blessing of the STATE of MONTANA. The intent of the FORENSIC AUDIT is to make sure you don't get away with it. As far back as 1963 the Water Resources Survey for the State of Montana has used new maps issued by the State Engineer's Office, Helena Montana, June 1963??? Compare this 1908 Allotment map Township 19 Range 19 with the map on file at the State of Montana's, Department of Natural Resources and Conservations website listed under Lake County Montana Part II page 7. The 3rd attachment is the new water rights that were designed by the FJBC I suppose if the By Laws were changed, the Water Right would change also? On Monday, October 2, 2017, 4:31:43 PM MDT, Robert Fanning wrote: Lazy lawyer syndrome? Did anybody count the number of commissioners on Judge Manleys order dated 9/27 Are there 11 or 12 of you? Will your actions be declared : " null and void," for this or other reasons? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000762 $15 grand a month ? Seriously? A reasonable person would conclude that since 1907 that there was collusion to omit a whole lot more than this. " the easiest thing to do in litigation is stall " ......my lawyer Karen Budd Falen in her Cheyenne, Wyoming in April 2003. See you at the movies Check out @FanningRTF360’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/FanningRTF360/status/914959777494634497?s 09 Follow me please. Was the same person in charge of the computer put in charge of the turbines? Are the tribes deep in the red ? Why? We're they LOOTED too? On Oct 1, 2017 2:49 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I brought the issue of hydroelectric dam security to the D.C court. One of my lawyer's, Joseph Schmitz brought it to Trumps attention via Don McGhan. Trump made Schmitz a National security advisor over dam security. I seek Testers seat in the U.S Senate the old fashioned way, I earned it with 18 years of public interest work over wolves then water and electricity and corruption https://t.co/brKMTnhMh6 On Oct 1, 2017 2:15 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan Mikkelsen at his finest, looks like the Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior formed plenty of (COMPANIES) to buy the Allotted Lands on the Flathead Irrigation Project this is only one Township with Sections 16 & 36 for Schools not Montana Fish and Game Commission and back to the (USA) yes in (TRUST). On Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:22 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Nanette.....Gene doesn't need to " get his checkbook out"......you need to learn how to read. Mike Horn told you all how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago. Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000763 Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000764 You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000765 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000766 million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000767 Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000768 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT Cc: Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Mike Horn ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com] To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov] From: Gene Erb Sent: 2017-10-16T05:02:21-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-10-16T05:02:35-04:00 This may be very interesting as the State has been involved with the Secretary of the Interior looting private PROPERTY ??? How are they going to explain the National Bison Range Compact??? Sent from my iPhone On Oct 15, 2017, at 4:32 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: All proceeds for the NWR, has anyone contacted Alan Mikkelsen? Alan is this part of the National Wolf Recovery system??? The 1922 map shows the Polson Reservoir, North Pablo Reservoir and the South Pablo Reservoir... Do you suppose Ed Berry put this in his book that was wrote for the COMPACT??? Checked the Montana Cadastral this morning and the North Pablo Reservoir is not listed??? On Friday, October 6, 2017, 8:40:34 AM MDT, Robert Fanning wrote: Looks like the FJBC has been very comfortable with RICO charges since Rhonda Swaney brought them in 1998. See you at the movies On Oct 6, 2017 7:47 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000769 This is clearly the intent of the "Compact" to coverup the ORIGINAL ALLOTMENTS AND WATER RIGHTS issued under the Laws of the United States with the Blessing of the STATE of MONTANA. The intent of the FORENSIC AUDIT is to make sure you don't get away with it. As far back as 1963 the Water Resources Survey for the State of Montana has used new maps issued by the State Engineer's Office, Helena Montana, June 1963??? Compare this 1908 Allotment map Township 19 Range 19 with the map on file at the State of Montana's, Department of Natural Resources and Conservations website listed under Lake County Montana Part II page 7. The 3rd attachment is the new water rights that were designed by the FJBC I suppose if the By Laws were changed, the Water Right would change also? On Monday, October 2, 2017, 4:31:43 PM MDT, Robert Fanning wrote: Lazy lawyer syndrome? Did anybody count the number of commissioners on Judge Manleys order dated 9/27 Are there 11 or 12 of you? Will your actions be declared : " null and void," for this or other reasons? $15 grand a month ? Seriously? A reasonable person would conclude that since 1907 that there was collusion to omit a whole lot more than this. " the easiest thing to do in litigation is stall " ......my lawyer Karen Budd Falen in her Cheyenne, Wyoming in April 2003. See you at the movies Check out @FanningRTF360’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/ FanningRTF360/status/ 914959777494634497?s 09 Follow me please. Was the same person in charge of the computer put in charge of the turbines? Are the tribes deep in the red ? Why? We're they LOOTED too? On Oct 1, 2017 2:49 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I brought the issue of hydroelectric dam security to the D.C court. One of my lawyer's, Joseph Schmitz brought it to Trumps attention via Don McGhan. Trump made Schmitz a National security advisor over dam security. I seek Testers seat in the U.S Senate the old fashioned way, I earned it with 18 years of EXT-18-2336-A-000770 A v1 )I( /\ PVERSIGHT public interest work over wolves then water and electricity and corruption https://t.co/brKMTnhMh6 On Oct 1, 2017 2:15 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan Mikkelsen at his finest, looks like the Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior formed plenty of (COMPANIES) to buy the Allotted Lands on the Flathead Irrigation Project this is only one Township with Sections 16 & 36 for Schools not Montana Fish and Game Commission and back to the (USA) yes in (TRUST). On Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:22 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Nanette.....Gene doesn't need to " get his checkbook out"......you need to learn how to read. Mike Horn told you all how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago. Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000771 From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com EXT-18-2336-A-000772 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000773 On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000774 http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000775 EXT-18-2336-A-000776 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Gene Erb ] Cc: DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack Horner ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Brad Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Mike Horn ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2017-10-16T11:37:42-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Received: 2017-10-16T11:37:54-04:00 Until the plaintiffs in my lawsuit get together and sign a document requesting that indeed they want a forensic audit , I can't go to MSU and get it for them. When the plaintiffs authorize me in writing,I'll do it. Obey the D. C. judge, quantify the harm done. I haven't deceived a dime for my work over the past 3 years. Figure that out if you want any further help. Money talks & bullshit walks.........or did you think that in some way that you were entitled to 3 years of my life? On Oct 16, 2017 3:02 AM, "Gene Erb" < > wrote: This may be very interesting as the State has been involved with the Secretary of the Interior looting private PROPERTY ??? How are they going to explain the National Bison Range Compact??? Sent from my iPhone On Oct 15, 2017, at 4:32 AM, Gene Erb Jr < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000777 All proceeds for the NWR, has anyone contacted Alan Mikkelsen? Alan is this part of the National Wolf Recovery system??? The 1922 map shows the Polson Reservoir, North Pablo Reservoir and the South Pablo Reservoir... Do you suppose Ed Berry put this in his book that was wrote for the COMPACT??? Checked the Montana Cadastral this morning and the North Pablo Reservoir is not listed??? On Friday, October 6, 2017, 8:40:34 AM MDT, Robert Fanning wrote: Looks like the FJBC has been very comfortable with RICO charges since Rhonda Swaney brought them in 1998. See you at the movies On Oct 6, 2017 7:47 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: This is clearly the intent of the "Compact" to coverup the ORIGINAL ALLOTMENTS AND WATER RIGHTS issued under the Laws of the United States with the Blessing of the STATE of MONTANA. The intent of the FORENSIC AUDIT is to make sure you don't get away with it. As far back as 1963 the Water Resources Survey for the State of Montana has used new maps issued by the State Engineer's Office, Helena Montana, June 1963??? Compare this 1908 Allotment map Township 19 Range 19 with the map on file at the State of Montana's, Department of Natural Resources and Conservations website listed under Lake County Montana Part II page 7. The 3rd attachment is the new water rights that were designed by the FJBC I suppose if the By Laws were changed, the Water Right would change also? On Monday, October 2, 2017, 4:31:43 PM MDT, Robert Fanning wrote: Lazy lawyer syndrome? Did anybody count the number of commissioners on Judge Manleys order dated 9/27 Are there 11 or 12 of you? Will your actions be declared : " null and void," for this or other reasons? $15 grand a month ? Seriously? A reasonable person would conclude that since 1907 that there was collusion to omit a whole lot more than this. " the easiest thing to do in litigation is stall " ......my lawyer Karen Budd Falen in her Cheyenne, Wyoming in April 2003. See you at the movies Check out @FanningRTF360’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/ FanningRTF360/status/ 914959777494634497?s 09 (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000778 Follow me please. Was the same person in charge of the computer put in charge of the turbines? Are the tribes deep in the red ? Why? We're they LOOTED too? On Oct 1, 2017 2:49 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: I brought the issue of hydroelectric dam security to the D.C court. One of my lawyer's, Joseph Schmitz brought it to Trumps attention via Don McGhan. Trump made Schmitz a National security advisor over dam security. I seek Testers seat in the U.S Senate the old fashioned way, I earned it with 18 years of public interest work over wolves then water and electricity and corruption https://t.co/brKMTnhMh6 On Oct 1, 2017 2:15 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Alan Mikkelsen at his finest, looks like the Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior formed plenty of (COMPANIES) to buy the Allotted Lands on the Flathead Irrigation Project this is only one Township with Sections 16 & 36 for Schools not Montana Fish and Game Commission and back to the (USA) yes in (TRUST). On Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:22 AM, Robert Fanning wrote: Nanette.....Gene doesn't need to " get his checkbook out"......you need to learn how to read. Mike Horn told you all how to get and pay for your forensic audit a month ago. Is your dillitory tactics so y'all can get lawyered up? Will the taxpayers have to pay for your personal defense? Is the fiscal conservative persona the same old tired ruse? We get it. On Jun 28, 2017 12:14 AM, "Mike Horn" < > wrote: The Question is: What is the quantification of the HARM? 1. Quantification Scope: Lost Water Rights, Lost Jobs, Lowered Incomes, Population Displacement, Lowered Business Activity, Reduced Farm Income and equipment sales, Decline in Economic Potential, (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000779 Increase in Crime. Quantification is measured in dollars and other factors including quality of living. 2. Quantification Assessment – A credible sourcing would naturally be Montana State University – Bozeman Ag Economics taking the lead. A Principle Investigator would be identified to produce a planning document and a proposed budget. This would likely be a multi year project. (The Koch Bros. have established a long term endowment to bolster the MSU Ag Economics Department.) 3. Congressional legislation usually neglects impact quantification and assessments. This judicial demand for one must be addressed with a credible construct for one. All parties should agree that this would be a significant precedent to quantify HARM in any legislation. From: Robert Fanning Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:06 AM To: Gene Erb; Mike Horn; Debra Lamm Cc: Janette Rosman; MT Rep Dick Barrett; DNRC Land Board; Frandsen Deb (Tester); Roger Starkel; Richard Erb; Brad Hamlett; Jack Horner; Kristin Omvig; MT Sen Chas Vincent; Steve Hughes; Paul Guenzler; Dr. Kate Vandemoer; Kathleen Mazure; Daniel Salomon; Patricia Gillis; Paul Wadsworth; Paul Hunsucker; David Lake; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick; Bruce Fredrickson; Ryan Zinke; Ken Cornelius; Mary Stranahan; BruceTutvedtSD3; Bill & Grace Slack; Steve Daines; Senator Jon Tester; Duane Mecham; Alan Mikkelsen; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch; Jack & Susan Lake; Jon Metropoulos Subject: Re: No.1 Forensic Audit for the (HARM). Quantify the HARM, so this can get in front of the U.S. Court of Claims and / or get an appropriations rider attached in Congress. Then elect me to the U.S Senate in order to insure that those who have been harmed, both individual and government entities are paid. I'll bring a whole lot more money back to Montana than the current crop of "leaders ". You don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. P.S. For at least a decade y'all have been paying lawyers. Some of who should lose their ticket. EXT-18-2336-A-000780 / v1 11( ,\\J PVERSIGHT April 11, 2015 it was admitted,in front of the Montana House Judiciary Committee, that in fact, this CKST was a regulatory taking. Why hasn't a single lawyer up there brought up the Kelo decision? Qui Bono? http://freerangereport.com/ index.php/2017/06/25/scotus rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values/ SCOTUS rules landowners have no recourse when government regs undermine property values freerangereport.com “Put simply, today’s decision knocks the definition of ‘private property’ loose from its foundation on stable state law rules,” Roberts wrote. The ruling “compro… On Jun 27, 2017 8:52 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert if one individual could only purchase 160 acres under the Homestead Act, and had to prove up on it prior to receiving a Patent, Rocky Mountain Power sends J.E. Bell to file on the Flathead River prior to the 1920 Federal Power Act. Thanks to Rick B. for the (Opening and Sales of Indian Lands) the Villa sites were Auctioned off in 1915. And the State of Montana (DNRC) involved with the Theft also, we are lucky there are honest hard working people that helped with the information from them also. On Monday, June 26, 2017 12:59 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: I https://vimeo.com/124787340 (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000781 posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. I posted Kelo on my page a couple of months ago. I have an active case having to do with Montana's water in the D.C. federal court. I would like to see the Republican A.G Assn join my case and get into court immediately. On Jun 21, 2017 8:23 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert you have the Tenacity, True Grit and the Resume to manage this Lawsuit to the Full Extent of the Law. Your Record proves your ability. After the intervenors in the (FERC) License ran for cover? Allowing the (State and Big Power Companies) to steal "Water and Power" from the Landowners, here are a few more Documents proving Ownership. Robert I do not see any influence from the State of Montana on the Charles and Lulu water right these business deals were done prior to the Formation of the Irrigation Districts. These waters were reserved prior. I like < YOUR > letter. I can't believe the State of Montana has allowed a State Senator to file on water rights after the Legislature passed the Bill to send the Waters in the State to the Government of the United States, to Appropriate February 27,1905. On Monday, June 19, 2017 3:22 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: Yo, Steve GIVE THE FJB a written legal opinion as to WHY a forensic audit ( study )cannot be ordered by the court. Who is getting $ 15 grand a month and where is his written legal opinion on firm letter head ? I did. Senator Conrad Burns gave this to the Secy of Interior Norton and it has had a (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000782 couple million reads. See if you can't write as well as I did in 2002. Then think about being a " can do guy " instead of a " can don't guy . Particularly when a D.C fudge ordered that the "harm" be quantified. You don't want to disobey or obstruct the Federal court do you. Then ask yourselves why a civilian gets these results while lawyers keep the cash cow alive , even if they have to intentionally throw 20 or 30 cases. ( as per Kogan on the Northern Broadcasting Network) http://www.skinnymoose.com/ bbb/2010/06/11/yellowstone-is- dying/ On Jun 15, 2017 12:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: On Monday, June 5, 2017 9:48 AM, "Mikkelsen, Alan" wrote: I will be out of the office and on travel status from June 3 through June 10, working in our Mid-Pacific Region. I will try to return calls and emails when I have the appropriate facilities to do so. If you have an immediate concern that needs attention, please contact Grayford Payne or Dan Durbray in the Commissioner's Office. Robert you are correct the FERC Judge asked the Attorneys to quantify the taking, over a year ago, as John Carter admitted in front of the State Legislature in 2015 this a taking. Alan has not been out of the "Office" completely !!! Not only did the (Secretary of Interior) back in 1951 have a Designation, along in 1963 there were more revising and came a very "LARGE" (REDESIGNATION) that may have been when the BIA grabbed control of the Project. The Tax statements are reflecting those amounts down on many acreages. I remember clearly the FJBC did not want intervenors at the FERC proceeding and the District Court Judge asked the Irrigation Districts if (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000783 discovery was needed in his decision on the Compact?Sections 16 and 36 were set aside as State Lands in every Township check with the (BLM) this 1938 map reflects this. Section 16 is listed today as the "Primary Owner" being Tribal? Also check the Montana Cadastral to see who the Owner of the Southwest corner of Section 25 the 40 acre tract set aside for the PROJECT? Yes the Power Reserves on the River also. -- Alan Mikkelsen Acting Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240-0001 Phone: 202-513-0583 Mobile: 406-240-0703 EXT-18-2336-A-000784 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT To: Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com] Cc: AustinKnudsenHD36[austinforhouse@yahoo.com]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; United States Senate[senator@tester.senate.gov]; EdwardButtreySD13 ]; Jeff Essmann[chairman@mtgop.org]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; The New York Times[letters@nytimes.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Lamont Kinkade[lamontkinkade@gmail.com]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Gary Grandy Boone Cole[bcole@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Ray & Anne Swenso Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; PatConnellHD87[connell4hd87@yahoo.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-10-26T10:19:26-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Alan, Ryan and Richard need to focus on the "LAW" folks??? Received: 2017-10-26T10:20:53-04:00 Circular 102 Laws and Regulations relating to The Reclamation of Arid Lands by the United States April 29, 1912- 4.pdf Department of Interior, Washington, December 5, 1910.pdf mt200200n0200w0-1000.PDF You will find 16 States listed in Circular 102, Texas was entered after. Richard Erb should know about the College Funds as he and wife worked at the Treasury Department and University of Montana??? Nice Pensions from Reclamation Funds??? Section 2. Directs the Secretary of Interior to make examinations and surveys and report to Congress? We have had a complete copy of the Ninth Annual Report lands listed sold all over the west. Check out the 2nd attachment, letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives from the Department of the Interior, United States Reclamation Service (Alan) who is the Acting Director??? Also here is the Township map from Ronan to Charlo Montana, very little of the Public Owned Lands are shown??? They can be found on the Montana Cadastral map. FWS was purchasing lands with Federal Liens you may want to look at what purchases were made in the ANNUAL REPORTS??? And remember who controls, owns the land that is held in trust for the CSKT. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000785 EXT-18-2336-A-000786 To: Alan Mikkelsen[alanmikk@gmail.com] Cc: Taylor Brown[taylor@northembroadcast ing.com]; Dick Barrett~ SteveFitzpatrickHD20[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; !---- Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb _frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.co m]; mary@goodworksventures.com(mary@goodworksventures.co m]; Leroy Lake ■■■■■-; Jack Horner · Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Curt Rosman ; William Selph[will@ryanzinke.com]; Chas Vincent[cvvmcent otmaI .com ; teve Hughes•·•··•·•· ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vande moer[waterforwor1dpeace@g mail.com]; Kathleen Mazure(klm@dwgp.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@g mail.com]; Paul Hunsucke~••••■■•• ; Paul Wadsworth •■■ ]; David Lake(spud@cyberport.net ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan nke ■■■■■■■-]; Ross dd st ■■-■■■■■■-- ; KellyFlynnHD68[hideaway1987@centurylink.net]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@st ignatius.net]; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com]; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net]; Trent Coleman[tmcoleman@blackfoot.net]; Merrill Bradshaw[merri ll@blackfoot.net]; Janette Ros ma nUanette@ronan.net ] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2017-10-27T14:01 :54-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Alan did you have a Fiduciary Responsibility to protect everyone's "WATER RIGHTS"? Received: 2017-10-27T14:02:21-04:00 mt200200 n0200w0-1000 .PDF Executive Order 8145 Wdl Waterfowl Refuge.pdf Untitled.PDF -Adobe Acrobat Pro.pdf Al check this out Sec. 34 has EO 8145 changing the name of Ninepipe Reservoir signed May 31,1939 would anyone know if the Supreme Court has ruled on Execut ive Orders? By the way I purchased Land in Sect ion 32 in 199 1 and was not not ified of th is EO8145 maybe the FWS was aware??? On Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 7:35:51 AM MST, Alan Mikkelsen wrote: Sorry Gene, I was otherwise occupied, Alan Mikkelsen Alpine Research L.L.C. 61342 Hillside Rd. St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Ph: 406-240-0703 On Nov 15, 2016 6:30 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" > wrote: Alan you should have attended the independent Flathead Distr ict meet ing yesterday , Chairman Dr. Dick added Senator McCain asked for funds from the Bureau of Reclamat ion for BIA projects . These Court Orders do not appear to be Obsolete. AMR AN PVERSIGHT To: Boulton, Caroline[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Ryan Zinke ] From: Daniel Paluch Sent: 2017-11-05T13:43:34-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Visit to DC Received: 2017-11-05T13:43:43-05:00 Caroline, I hope you're well! Communicated with the Secretary, he asked me to contact you. I'll be in DC from the 14th to the 17th of November, and was hoping to get together with the Secretary for a visit. I will be available the evening of the 14th, all day on the 15th, breakfast, lunch, and dinner time on the 16th, and at breakfast and lunch time on the 17th. Does he have any availability at those times? Best, Daniel (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000787 To: Frank J. Larkin[Frank_Larkin@saa.senate.gov]; Frank J. Larki ; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Mike Arg michael_argo@ios.doi.gov[michael_argo@ios.doi.gov] From: Tom Valentine Sent: 2017-11-14T10:29:38-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: OSS Maritime Unit Celebration, 15 Nov Received: 2017-11-14T10:30:42-05:00 Gents, FYI…..event is free. Reception is being underwritten by the Omni Shoreham Hotel and band is being paid for by the OSS Society. Tom On Nov 13, 2017, at 7:30 PM, Frank Larkin III wrote: Thank you Tom, This one got by me. YES, I would like to attend. I can attempt to make contact with Scott Taylor for you. Do you need a check now or at the door? Kindly advise, Frank Frank J. Larkin On Nov 13, 2017, at 6:33 PM, Tom Valentine wrote: > Hi Frank, > > Presume you saw this announcement, but are you planning on attending subject reception, this Wednesday evening? Flyer with details attached. > > Ryan Zinke tentatively planning on attending and Joe Kernan delivering some remarks. I haven’t been able to connect with Scott Taylor…. I’ve also attached a current list of active and former Frogs attending. > > Best regards, > > Tom Valentine > > > > (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000788 EXT-18-2336-A-000789 To: Cc: From: Boulton, Caroline Sent: 2017-12-01T17:18:46-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: LOR_2 .doc Received: 2017-12-01T17:19:22-05:00 Hi Jack, I'll have it to you in an hour or so. Best, Caroline On Thu, Nov 30, 2017 at 10:04 PM, Jack Lynch wrote: Hi Ryan, Apologies for pushing here. Are we getting close on this? Thanks, Jack Lynch 208-830-5706 Sent from my iPhone OnNo v l0 , 2017, at5:00AM ,_ ............. > wrote: No problem on the loc. We will have it done by next friday. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message-------- From: Jack Lynch Date: 11/09/2017 11: 11 PM GMT-05:00 To: Todd Welch Ryan Zinke ............. >, Ryan Hi Ryan, AMR N PVERSIGHT Thanks a million!! Regards, -- Jack Lynch SVP, North America Sales (208) 830-5706 jlynch@okta.com From: Todd Welch Date: Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 5:12 PM To: Ryan Zinke < >, Ryan Zinke Cc: Jack and Chris Lynch Jack Lynch Subject: LOR_2.doc Trying, Sorry we sent the wrong letter for you to sign. Here is the correct to edit and sign. Sorry for the confusion. I appreciate the help Tw Todd Welch NW Surgical LLC Orthofix Spine (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000790 -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Scheduling & Advance Caroline Boulton@ios.doi.gov l Scheduling@ios.doi.gov EXT-18-2336-A-000791 A v1 )I( ,.'\ \J PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000792 Cc: Caroline Boulton[Caroline_Boulton@ios.doi.gov] To: Ryan nke ■••••••■] From: Rich Golb Sent: 2017-12-28T11 :08:55-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: January 23 or January 24 Received: 2017-12-28T11 :08:51-05:00 There 1s hope or all o Richard K. Golb PacificComm LLC 201 NE Park Plaza Drive Ste 269 Vancouver WA 98684 360 .397 .0248 AMR AN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000793 To: CoCom. DanHappel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Robert Fanning[bruisemd73@g mail.com]; Pete Plant[peter.p lant@bia.gov] Cc: MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewba r@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[ deb _frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; bruce@rmtlawp.co m[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Bruce T utvedtSD3[Bruce T utvedt@gmail.com]; mary@goodworksventures.co m[mary@goodworksven tures.com]; fjbc@blackfoot.net[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Killorn[skillom@montrailbison.com]; Steve Hughes·· ·••···· ]; richarderb@montana.com[richarderb@montana .com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Jon MetropoulosOon@metropouloslaw.com]; Bill & Grace ack ■■■■■■■IJ ; Paul Wadsworth ]; Senato r Jon Testerf senator@tester.senate.gov ]; Ryan Zinke ]; Paul Hunsucke rll ••••••• ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.ne t]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkmch@st ignatius.net]; Pat · · c.gov]; Janette RosmanOanette@ronan.net]; Richard Erb Gary Grandy landboard mt.gov[landboard@mt.gov]; From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-01-04T00:43:15-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Andrew Fastow, Chief Finanial Officer Enron, is out of prison & available to speak to Montana Received: 2018-01-04T00:43:34-05:00 Federal Irrigation Projects Executive Order (# 1862).pdf 1934 protection of existing rights Reclamation Projects.pdf School Lands.pdf Executive Order (No. 3101 ).pdf Order of Withdrawal.pdf April 24 1915.pdf Dixon School Land.pdf Corruption and Collusion.pdf (3}.pdf on Robert these Federal Irrigation Projects listed in the first attachment receive waters from Glacier National Park, also are part of many other Federal Reclamation Projects? The President gave the tribe 40 acres of land 5 years after their allotments, one would wonder what the previous owners retained on that parcel? June 18,1934 prior existing valid rights were not to be affected and further the Reclamation Projects heretofore authorized in any Indian Reservation shall not apply? We will wonder what what the Judge,s decision would be be discovery of the Court??? On Saturday, December 30, 20 17, 7:00:38 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: https://m .youtube.com/watch?v bvjDLEniz2M&feature player embedded Who is the Deep State and what does it have to do with the theft of Montana 's hydroelectr ic power and water? At the request of Dan Happe l I spoke to G.Edward Griffin and his Freedom Force Int l. G.Edward Griffin the author of the book The Creature From Jecky l Island is the maker of this video . AMR AN PVERSIGHT Electricity can be stolen with OTC derivatives. How long has Montana been looted and for how much? Obey the judge, quantify the harm. The federal reserve holds trillions of dollars worth of derivatives On Dec 29, 2017 10:03 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Hydroelectricty will dominate the headlines for a decade to come. Let the FJBC show society their good faith and bring in Fastow to stand to account and clarify. In the UK, the Eurozone, the Middle East and Asia, it is game on for restricting bank withdrawals by customers....The object of every capitalist sovereign finance minister ought to be ensuring that the greatest number of citizens have money in the bank on a regular basis with which they can consume goods and services, thus keeping the economy in good condition, and the currency both strong and competitive.... but the real agenda is electronic currency ... In the future term, to make all ‘money’ electronic, so that tax evasion becomes impossible [ excuse]. The whole agenda is for control and the next time there is a financial crisis the banks will have no problem with the " bail in" agenda .. all they have to do is hit a button and poof what we think is money will be totally gone as what happened to the people of Cyprus .. This is not a political issue: it is a constitutional crisis..6,700 community banks and their depositors are counting on you. On Dec 29, 2017 9:51 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. This Flathead Reservation, Mont. (Part 10) Hearings before and after the Crash of 1929 makes since why Montana Power needed a DUMMY COMPANY 2. Rocky Mountain Power water rights purchased from J.E. Bell filed April 3 1920 sold April 19 1920 the dissolution papers in 1938 are missing from the records at Helena Mt. and Rocky Mountain Power a Delaware Corporation??? 3. Use of Power and Water to control the World makes since why these DOCUMENTS are being kept from the Court. On Monday, December 25, 2017, 5:15:36 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: Montana Power and Portland Gas and Electric pensioners and the private property owners that built Montana's hydroelectric dams and hydro electricity generation infrastructure deserve answers, clarity , closure so the HARM is auantified in obedience to the order of the Federal judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit Time to poll the plaintiffs for an audit before the statute of limitations run Make a motion at the next FJBC meeting, OK Ray ? You want restitution, right Ted ? Montana and her private PROPERTY owners deserves to be compensated , right? .https://www.allamericanspeake rs.com/booking-request.php? gclid=CjwKCAiA4ILSBRA0EiwAsuuB LVEzx62LQH4F74Xf0AxVFXrIJVvm2F f3TWST5-VJuR fhrzI9jiqcRoC5YYQAvD BwE& SpName=Andrew-Fastow&from=sp On Nov 12, 2017 11:45 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Looks like the plaintiffs squandered their chance to quantify the harm done with a forensic audit (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000794 http://flatheadbeacon.com/ 2017/11/10/montana-supreme- court-upholds-cskt-water- compact/ On Nov 10, 2017 7:01 AM, "Gene Erb" < > wrote: Very clever flowage rights from the Railroad? Sent from my iPhone (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000795 EXT-18-2336-A-000796 To: Gene Erb ); Clarice Rya Elaine Willman~n[lkogan@koganlawgroup.com]; Kimberly Mattern---- Paul Vallely[Standupamericausa1@gmail.com]; SCOTT ROCKHOLM ·· ·•••·••] ; issues@debra lamm.com[issues@debralamm .com); Debra Lamm[ dlamm@debralamm.com] Cc: CoCom. DanHappel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia .gov); MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com ); MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewba r@gmail.com ); Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov); bruce@rmtlawp.com[bruce@rrntlawp.com]; MT Attorney General Tim F ox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; Bruce TutvedtS D3[Bruce Tutvedt@gmail.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com [ mary@goodwo rksventures .com ]; fjbc@black foot. net[fjbc@blackfoot .net]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rrntlawp.com]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison .com]; Steve Hughes ■■■■■■■■■]; richarderb@montana .com[richarderb@montana .com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Jack & Susan LakeOlake@ronan.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@b resnan.net] ; Jon Metropou losUon@metropouloslaw.com]; Paul Wadsworth === ];Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Ryan Zinke ■■iiii ]; Paul Hunsucker■•·•••••·]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Richard Erb · •· ■■- IJ ; Gary Grandy•• ••• · landboa rd mt. ov[landboard@mt.gov); Troy@troydowning.com[Troy@troydowning.com]; Robert Fanning Sent: 2018-01-04T01 :11 :44-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Andrew Fastow, Chief Finanial Officer Enron, is out of prison & available to speak to Montana Received: 2018-01-04T01 :11 :53-05:00 You-cant-handle-the-truth. png So Gene , Has a motion been drafted by the FHJBC to invite Fastow to speak about the looting of Montana's hydroe lectric power and be cross examined on camera ? Will the Board enter into the record and explain why they chose to squander this opportunity to grill Fastow with ecperts? The historic record will read that the FHJBC turned their backs when Fastow could have brouht clarity and closure to this criminal enterprise that has looted Montana and kept her at the bottom rung of Americas economic ladder. This wou ld help the auditors quantify the harm done with a forensic audit in obedience to the D.C. jud ge in my D.C. federal lawsuit. Maybe we can get to the bottom of who did the looting, like the Federal Reserve Board, the IMF and the Treasury . Right , Dick Erb ?? On Jan 3, 2018 10:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" ~ > wrote: AMR AN PVERSIGHT Robert these Federal Irrigation Projects listed in the first attachment receive waters from Glacier National Park, also are part of many other Federal Reclamation Projects? The President gave the tribe 40 acres of land 5 years after their allotments, one would wonder what the previous owners retained on that parcel? June 18,1934 prior existing valid rights were not to be affected and further the Reclamation Projects heretofore authorized in any Indian Reservation shall not apply? We will wonder what what the Judge,s decision would be be discovery of the Court??? On Saturday, December 30, 2017, 7:00:38 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v bvjDLEnIz2M&feature player embedded Who is the Deep State and what does it have to do with the theft of Montana's hydroelectric power and water? At the request of Dan Happel I spoke to G.Edward Griffin and his Freedom Force Intl. G.Edward Griffin the author of the book The Creature From Jeckyl Island is the maker of this video. Electricity can be stolen with OTC derivatives. How long has Montana been looted and for how much? Obey the judge, quantify the harm. The federal reserve holds trillions of dollars worth of derivatives On Dec 29, 2017 10:03 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Hydroelectricty will dominate the headlines for a decade to come. Let the FJBC show society their good faith and bring in Fastow to stand to account and clarify. In the UK, the Eurozone, the Middle East and Asia, it is game on for restricting bank withdrawals by customers....The object of every capitalist sovereign finance minister ought to be ensuring that the greatest number of citizens have money in the bank on a regular basis with which they can consume goods and services, thus keeping the economy in good condition, and the currency both strong and competitive.... but the real agenda is electronic currency ... In the future term, to make all ‘money’ electronic, so that tax evasion becomes impossible [ excuse]. The whole agenda is for control and the next time there is a financial crisis the banks will have no problem with the " bail in" agenda .. all they have to do is hit a button and poof what we think is money will be totally gone as what happened to the people of Cyprus .. This is not a political issue: it is a constitutional crisis..6,700 community banks and their depositors are counting on you. On Dec 29, 2017 9:51 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. This Flathead Reservation, Mont. (Part 10) Hearings before and after the Crash of 1929 makes since why Montana Power needed a DUMMY COMPANY 2. Rocky Mountain Power water rights purchased from J.E. Bell filed April 3 1920 sold April 19 1920 the dissolution papers in 1938 are missing from the records at Helena Mt. and Rocky Mountain Power a Delaware Corporation??? 3. Use of Power and Water to control the World makes since why these DOCUMENTS are being kept from the Court. On Monday, December 25, 2017, 5:15:36 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000797 Montana Power and Portland Gas and Electric pensioners and the private property owners that built Montana's hydroelectric dams and hydro electricity generation infrastructure deserve answers, clarity , closure so the HARM is auantified in obedience to the order of the Federal judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit Time to poll the plaintiffs for an audit before the statute of limitations run Make a motion at the next FJBC meeting, OK Ray ? You want restitution, right Ted ? Montana and her private PROPERTY owners deserves to be compensated , right? .https://www.allamericanspeake rs.com/booking-request.php? gclid=CjwKCAiA4ILSBRA0EiwAsuuB LVEzx62LQH4F74Xf0AxVFXrIJVvm2F f3TWST5-VJuR fhrzI9jiqcRoC5YYQAvD BwE& SpName=Andrew-Fastow&from=sp On Nov 12, 2017 11:45 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Looks like the plaintiffs squandered their chance to quantify the harm done with a forensic audit http://flatheadbeacon.com/ 2017/11/10/montana-supreme- court-upholds-cskt-water- compact/ On Nov 10, 2017 7:01 AM, "Gene Erb" < > wrote: Very clever flowage rights from the Railroad? Sent from my iPhone (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000798 EXT-18-2336-A-000799 Cc: ); Clarice Ryan Elaine Willma n[lkogan@koganlawgroup.com] ; Kimberly Matte Paul Vallely[Standupamericausa1@gmail.com] ; SCOTT ROCK ■■■]; issues@debralamm.com[issues@debralamm .com); Debra Lamm[ dlamm@debralamm.com] ; CoCom. DanHappel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov] ; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterlake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] ; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com] ; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincen t@hotmail.com) ; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[ deb _frandsen@tester.senate.gov ); bruoe@rmtlawp.com[bruce@rmtlawp.com] ; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov] ; Bruce T utvedtSD3[Bruce Tutvedt@gmail.com] ; mary@goodworksven tures.com [mary@goodworksventures .com ]; fjbc@blackfoot. net[fjbc@blackfoot.net] ; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp. com]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com ]; Steve Hughes ■■■■■■■■■ ; richarderb@montana.com[richarderb@montana .com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com] ; Jack & Susan LakeOlake@ronan.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net ]; Jon MetropoulosUon@metropouloslaw.com ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester .senate.gov]; Ryan Zinke ]; Paul Hunsucker ■■■■■■■■■]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net] ; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com ); Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.ne t]; Patricia Gillis[patricia .gillis@ferc.gov] ; Richard Erb ■■■■■■■ ; Gary Grand landboard@mt.gov[landboard@mt .gov] Troy@troydowning.com[Troy@troydownmg.com ; To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] From: Janette Sent: 2018-01-04T01 :46:57-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Andrew Fastow, Chief Finanial Officer Enron, is out of prison & available to speak to Montana Received: 2018-01-04T01 :47:05-05:00 Find another organization who can pay for your agenda . Sent from my iPhone On Jan 3, 2018, at 11: 11 PM, Robert Fanning wrot e: So Gene, Has a motion been drafted by the FHJBC to invite Fastow to speak about the looting of Montana's hydroelectric power and be cross examined on camera? Will the Board enter into the record and explain why they chose to squander this opportunity to grill Fastow with ecperts ? The historic record will read that the FHJBC turned their backs when Fas tow could have brouht clarity and closure to this criminal enterprise that has looted Montana and kept her at the bottom rung of Americas economic ladder. This would help the auditors quantify the hann done with a forensic audit in obedience to the D.C.ju dge in my D.C. federal lawsuit. AMR AN PVERSIGHT Maybe we can get to the bottom of who did the looting, like the Federal Reserve Board, the IMF and the Treasury. Right , Dick Erb ?? On Jan 3, 2018 10:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert these Federal Irrigation Projects listed in the first attachment receive waters from Glacier National Park, also are part of many other Federal Reclamation Projects? The President gave the tribe 40 acres of land 5 years after their allotments, one would wonder what the previous owners retained on that parcel? June 18,1934 prior existing valid rights were not to be affected and further the Reclamation Projects heretofore authorized in any Indian Reservation shall not apply? We will wonder what what the Judge,s decision would be be discovery of the Court??? On Saturday, December 30, 2017, 7:00:38 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v bvjDLEnIz2M&feature player embedded Who is the Deep State and what does it have to do with the theft of Montana's hydroelectric power and water? At the request of Dan Happel I spoke to G.Edward Griffin and his Freedom Force Intl. G.Edward Griffin the author of the book The Creature From Jeckyl Island is the maker of this video. Electricity can be stolen with OTC derivatives. How long has Montana been looted and for how much? Obey the judge, quantify the harm. The federal reserve holds trillions of dollars worth of derivatives On Dec 29, 2017 10:03 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Hydroelectricty will dominate the headlines for a decade to come. Let the FJBC show society their good faith and bring in Fastow to stand to account and clarify. In the UK, the Eurozone, the Middle East and Asia, it is game on for restricting bank withdrawals by customers....The object of every capitalist sovereign finance minister ought to be ensuring that the greatest number of citizens have money in the bank on a regular basis with which they can consume goods and services, thus keeping the economy in good condition, and the currency both strong and competitive.... but the real agenda is electronic currency ... In the future term, to make all ‘money’ electronic, so that tax evasion becomes impossible [ excuse]. The whole agenda is for control and the next time there is a financial crisis the banks will have no problem with the " bail in" agenda .. all they have to do is hit a button and poof what we think is money will be totally gone as what happened to the people of Cyprus .. This is not a political issue: it is a constitutional crisis..6,700 community banks and their depositors are counting on you. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000800 On Dec 29, 2017 9:51 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. This Flathead Reservation, Mont. (Part 10) Hearings before and after the Crash of 1929 makes since why Montana Power needed a DUMMY COMPANY 2. Rocky Mountain Power water rights purchased from J.E. Bell filed April 3 1920 sold April 19 1920 the dissolution papers in 1938 are missing from the records at Helena Mt. and Rocky Mountain Power a Delaware Corporation??? 3. Use of Power and Water to control the World makes since why these DOCUMENTS are being kept from the Court. On Monday, December 25, 2017, 5:15:36 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: Montana Power and Portland Gas and Electric pensioners and the private property owners that built Montana's hydroelectric dams and hydro electricity generation infrastructure deserve answers, clarity , closure so the HARM is auantified in obedience to the order of the Federal judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit Time to poll the plaintiffs for an audit before the statute of limitations run Make a motion at the next FJBC meeting, OK Ray ? You want restitution, right Ted ? Montana and her private PROPERTY owners deserves to be compensated , right? .https://www.allamericanspeake rs.com/booking-request.php? gclid=CjwKCAiA4ILSBRA0EiwAsuuB LVEzx62LQH4F74Xf0AxVFXrIJVvm2F f3TWST5-VJuR_ fhrzI9jiqcRoC5YYQAvD_BwE& SpName=Andrew-Fastow&from=sp On Nov 12, 2017 11:45 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Looks like the plaintiffs squandered their chance to quantify the harm done with a forensic audit http://flatheadbeacon.com/ 2017/11/10/montana-supreme- court-upholds-cskt-water￾compact/ On Nov 10, 2017 7:01 AM, "Gene Erb" < > wrote: Very clever flowage rights from the Railroad? Sent from my iPhone (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000801 EXT-18-2336-A-000802 To: Troy@troydown ing.com[Troy@troydow II Ill . 1-1- @ II . I netUanette@ronan.net ]; lkogan[lkogan@kogan lawgroup.com]; Clarice Rya Elaine Will man[toppin@aol .com] Cc: Gene Erb ]; Kimberly Matter Paul Vallely[Standupa mericausa 1@gmail.com]; SCOTT ROCK ■■ ; issues@deb ralamm.com [issues@debra lamm.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@debra lamm.com]; CoCom. DanHappel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net ]; Pete Plant[peter.p lant@bia.gov]; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com ]; Daniel Salomon[dansa lomon12@gma il.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotma il.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gma il.com]; Frandsen Deb {Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov ]; bruce@rmtlawp.com[bruce@rmtlawp.com ]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; BruceTutvedtSD3 [BruceTutvedt@gma il.com]; ma ry@g oodworksventure s .com [ ma ry@go odworksventures .com]; fjbc@b lackfoot. net[fjbc@blackfoot.ne t]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Killorn[skillom@montra ilbison.com]; Steve Hughes ■■ ■■■■■■ ; richarderb@montana.com [richarderb@montana .com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net ]; MT Rep Steve Wadsworth Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Jon Metropou losUon@metropou loslaw.com]; Paul 111111,~]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov ]; Ryan Zinke ]; Paul Hunsucker ■■-■--■■-; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net ]; Steve Daines[steve@steveda ines.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@st ignatius.net]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov ]; Richard Erb·· ··•··•~ ; Gary Grandy ]; mt. ov landboard mt. ov · Sent: 2018-01-04T02: 13:4 7-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Andrew Fastow, Chief Finanial Officer Enron, is out of prison & available to speak to Montana Received: 2018-01-04T02: 14:06-05:00 FB IMG 1510285074963.jpq The Koch brothers and their foundation are prepared to fund MSU and study exactly that Jeanette. Yes, I will petition the court for my fees, accrued since 4th quarter of 2014 when Kogan Esq contacted me. Regulatory Captur e, Regulatory Arbitrage, Regulatory Takings, Regulatory Lawfar e are in MSU's charter to examine EXACTLY what. If in fact you are a fiscal conservative then you want to Claw back the billions if not trillions of dollars that have been looted from Montana . ( on your watch). Read RICO ( writt en at the University of Notre Dame law school. ) Pay particular attention to " 20 to life " Bob Fanning ND '73 The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act , commonly referred to as the RICO Act or simply RICO, is a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts AMR AN PVERSIGHT performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act - Wikipedia Wikipedia RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS - LEGAL INFORMATION INSTITUTE Cornell University › law › chapter-96 18 U.S. Code Chapter 96 - RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS. US Code · Notes · prev | next · § 1961 - Definitions · § 1962 - Prohibited activities · § 1963 ... RICO Law - HG.org HG.org › rico-law RICO or Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, refers to the prosecution and defense of individuals who engage in organized crime. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) | Nolo.com Nolo.com › legal-encyclopedia › content Passed in 1970, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is a federal law designed to combat organized crime in the United States. It allows prosecution and ... Rico | Spanish to English Translation - ... SpanishDict › translate › rico This word must be preceded by the definite article in the sense shown in the plural noun. rico. adjective. 1. (wealthy). a. rich. Su sueño era hacerse rico y viajar por el mundo. Criminal Law Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Law ... Justia › criminal › docs › rico The federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) law was passed in 1970 as the "ultimate hit man" in mob prosecutions. Prior to RICO, prosecutors could only ... D'Addario Woodwinds : Home d'Addario › woodwinds › woodwindsMo... ... clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces, ligature and caps, reed guards, reed cases, and care products for all woodwind instruments. Brands include Rico, Royal, Reserve and ... Racketeering/RICO - FindLaw EXT-18-2336-A-000803 ; v1 I PVERSIGHT FindLaw › criminal Federal and state racketeering, profiteering, and RICO (Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organization) laws make it illegal for criminal organizations to profit from. SEE RESULTS ABOUT R.I.C.O. (Song by Meek Mill) Featured artist: Drake Album: Dreams Worth More Than Money RELATED SEARCHES rico act penalties what is a rico operation civil rico what are the 35 crimes of racketeering 18 usc 1961 racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act rico On Jan 3, 2018 11:47 PM, "Janette" wrote: Find another organization who can pay for your agenda. Sent from my iPhone On Jan 3, 2018, at 11:11 PM, Robert Fanning wrote: So Gene, Has a motion been drafted by the FHJBC to invite Fastow to speak about the EXT-18-2336-A-000804 VERSIGHT looting of Montana's hydroelectric power and be cross examined on camera ? Will the Board enter into the record and explain why they chose to squander this opportunity to grill Fastow with ecperts ? The historic record will read that the FHJBC turned their backs when Fastow could have brouht clarity and closure to this criminal enterprise that has looted Montana and kept her at the bottom rung of Americas economic ladder. This would help the auditors quantify the harm done with a forensic audit in obedience to the D.C. judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit. Maybe we can get to the bottom of who did the looting, like the Federal Reserve Board, the IMF and the Treasury. Right , Dick Erb ?? On Jan 3, 2018 10:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert these Federal Irrigation Projects listed in the first attachment receive waters from Glacier National Park, also are part of many other Federal Reclamation Projects? The President gave the tribe 40 acres of land 5 years after their allotments, one would wonder what the previous owners retained on that parcel? June 18,1934 prior existing valid rights were not to be affected and further the Reclamation Projects heretofore authorized in any Indian Reservation shall not apply? We will wonder what what the Judge,s decision would be be discovery of the Court??? On Saturday, December 30, 2017, 7:00:38 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v bvjDLEnIz2M&feature player embedded Who is the Deep State and what does it have to do with the theft of Montana's hydroelectric power and water? At the request of Dan Happel I spoke to G.Edward Griffin and his Freedom Force Intl. G.Edward Griffin the author of the book The Creature From Jeckyl Island is the maker of this video. Electricity can be stolen with OTC derivatives. How long has Montana been looted and for how much? Obey the judge, quantify the harm. The federal reserve holds trillions of dollars worth of derivatives On Dec 29, 2017 10:03 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Hydroelectricty will dominate the headlines for a decade to come. Let the FJBC show society their good faith and bring in Fastow to stand to account and clarify. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000805 In the UK, the Eurozone, the Middle East and Asia, it is game on for restricting bank withdrawals by customers....The object of every capitalist sovereign finance minister ought to be ensuring that the greatest number of citizens have money in the bank on a regular basis with which they can consume goods and services, thus keeping the economy in good condition, and the currency both strong and competitive.... but the real agenda is electronic currency ... In the future term, to make all ‘money’ electronic, so that tax evasion becomes impossible [ excuse]. The whole agenda is for control and the next time there is a financial crisis the banks will have no problem with the " bail in" agenda .. all they have to do is hit a button and poof what we think is money will be totally gone as what happened to the people of Cyprus .. This is not a political issue: it is a constitutional crisis..6,700 community banks and their depositors are counting on you. On Dec 29, 2017 9:51 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. This Flathead Reservation, Mont. (Part 10) Hearings before and after the Crash of 1929 makes since why Montana Power needed a DUMMY COMPANY 2. Rocky Mountain Power water rights purchased from J.E. Bell filed April 3 1920 sold April 19 1920 the dissolution papers in 1938 are missing from the records at Helena Mt. and Rocky Mountain Power a Delaware Corporation??? 3. Use of Power and Water to control the World makes since why these DOCUMENTS are being kept from the Court. On Monday, December 25, 2017, 5:15:36 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: Montana Power and Portland Gas and Electric pensioners and the private property owners that built Montana's hydroelectric dams and hydro electricity generation infrastructure deserve answers, clarity , closure so the HARM is auantified in obedience to the order of the Federal judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit Time to poll the plaintiffs for an audit before the statute of limitations run Make a motion at the next FJBC meeting, OK Ray ? You want restitution, right Ted ? Montana and her private PROPERTY owners deserves to be compensated , right? .https://www.allamericanspeake rs.com/booking-request.php? gclid=CjwKCAiA4ILSBRA0EiwAsuuB LVEzx62LQH4F74Xf0AxVFXrIJVvm2F f3TWST5-VJuR fhrzI9jiqcRoC5YYQAvD BwE& SpName=Andrew-Fastow&from=sp On Nov 12, 2017 11:45 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Looks like the plaintiffs squandered their chance to quantify the harm done with a forensic audit http://flatheadbeacon.com/ 2017/11/10/montana-supreme- court-upholds-cskt-water￾compact/ On Nov 10, 2017 7:01 AM, "Gene Erb" < > wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000806 Very clever flowage rights from the Railroad? Sent from my iPhone EXT-18-2336-A-000807 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT EXT-18-2336-A-000808 To: Clarice Ryan lkogan[ lkogan@kogan lawgroup.com ; Im er y atter Vallely[Standupame ricausa1@g mail.com]; SCOTT RO •-- ; issues@debra lamm.com[issues@debra lamm.com]; Debra Lamm[ dlamm@debra lamm.com]; Robert Fanning[bruisemd73@g mail.com] ; BruceTutvedtSD3 [brucetutvedt@g mail.com]; Jack Horner ■--■ ; PatConne llHD87[conne ll4hd87@yahoo.com ] Cc: CoCom. DanHa ppel(happelmt@3 riversdbs.net ]; Pete Plant[pete r.plant@b ia.gov]; MT - Kalispell Daily lnterLake [edit@dailyinterlake.com ]; Daniel Salomon[dansa lomon12@gma il.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotma il.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewba r@gmail.com]; Frandsen Deb {Tester)[deb_frandsen@teste r.senate.gov ]; bruce@rmtlaw p.com[bruce@rmtlawp.com ]; MT Attorney Genera l Tim Fox[contactdo j@mt.gov ]; BruceTutvedtSD3 (BruceTutvedt@gma il.com]; mary@goodworksventures.com [mary@goodwo rksventu res.co m]; fj bc@blackfoot.net (fj bc@b lackfoot.net ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Killorn(skillorn@mo ntrailbison.com]; Steve Hughes ·••···· ]; richarderb@montana.co m[richa rderb@ montana.com ]; Kathleen Mazure [klm@dwgp.co m]; Jack & Susan LakeUlake@ronan.net ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpat rick[fitzpat ricks@bresnan.net ]; Jon Metropou losUon@metropou loslaw.com ]; Pau I Wadsworth ]; Senator Jon Tester (senator@tester.senate.gov ] ; Ryan Zinke ]; Paul Hunsucke r ■--■■- ; Paul Guenz ler(sha rongu@ronan.net ] ; Steve Daines(steve@steveda ines.com]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@st ignatius.net]; Patricia Gillis(patricia.gillis@ferc.gov ]; Janette Rosman Uanette@ronan.net ] ; Richard Erb·· •···•·· ; Gary Grandy · landboa rd mt. ov[landboard@mt.gov ] ; T roy@troydown i ng .com [T roy@troydown ing.com ]; Sent: 2018-01-0 4 T02:36:4 7-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Andrew Fastow, Ch ief Finanial Officer Enron, is out of prison & available to spea k to Montana Received: 2018-01-0 4 T02:37 :23-05:00 Agreement of Consolidation (amended).pdf 1929 Senate Subcommittee Hearings.pdf 1934 protection of existing rights .. pdf George Ducharme.pdf Terry Pitts.pdf Dianne Wolfe.pdf Julia Courville.pdf Crowley Lawyers.pdf 1993 Montana Power Bonds (1 ).pdf 2002 Montana Power Bonds (1 ).pdf "FJBC DISCOVERY" Jean Turnage was a Senator in 1985 folks????? Then appointed to the Montana Supreme Court by who??? Dig up another 15000 for the PILLS??? Who recommended Bob Fain and Bria n Shuck??? Not to mention the CLOWN from TEXAS 12000??? We have been looted. On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, 11 :11 :48 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: So Gene, Has a motion been drafted by the FHJBC to invite Fastow to speak about the looting of Montana's hydroelectric power and be cross examined on camera ? Will the Board enter into the record and explain why they chose to squander this opportunity to grill Fastow with ecperts? AMR AN PVERSIGHT The historic record will read that the FHJBC turned their backs when Fastow could have brouht clarity and closure to this criminal enterprise that has looted Montana and kept her at the bottom rung of Americas economic ladder. This would help the auditors quantify the harm done with a forensic audit in obedience to the D.C. judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit. Maybe we can get to the bottom of who did the looting, like the Federal Reserve Board, the IMF and the Treasury. Right , Dick Erb ?? On Jan 3, 2018 10:43 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Robert these Federal Irrigation Projects listed in the first attachment receive waters from Glacier National Park, also are part of many other Federal Reclamation Projects? The President gave the tribe 40 acres of land 5 years after their allotments, one would wonder what the previous owners retained on that parcel? June 18,1934 prior existing valid rights were not to be affected and further the Reclamation Projects heretofore authorized in any Indian Reservation shall not apply? We will wonder what what the Judge,s decision would be be discovery of the Court??? On Saturday, December 30, 2017, 7:00:38 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v bvjDLEnIz2M&feature player embedded Who is the Deep State and what does it have to do with the theft of Montana's hydroelectric power and water? At the request of Dan Happel I spoke to G.Edward Griffin and his Freedom Force Intl. G.Edward Griffin the author of the book The Creature From Jeckyl Island is the maker of this video. Electricity can be stolen with OTC derivatives. How long has Montana been looted and for how much? Obey the judge, quantify the harm. The federal reserve holds trillions of dollars worth of derivatives On Dec 29, 2017 10:03 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Hydroelectricty will dominate the headlines for a decade to come. Let the FJBC show society their good faith and bring in Fastow to stand to account and clarify. In the UK, the Eurozone, the Middle East and Asia, it is game on for restricting bank withdrawals by customers....The object of every capitalist sovereign finance minister ought to be ensuring that the greatest number of citizens have money in the bank on a regular basis with which they can consume goods and services, thus keeping the economy in good condition, and the currency both strong and competitive.... but the real agenda is electronic currency ... In the future term, to make all ‘money’ electronic, so that tax evasion becomes impossible [ excuse]. The whole agenda is for control and the next time there is a financial crisis the banks will have no problem with the " bail in" agenda .. all they have to do is hit a button and poof what we think is money will be totally gone as what happened to the people of Cyprus .. This is not a political issue: it is a constitutional crisis..6,700 community banks and their depositors are counting on you. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000809 On Dec 29, 2017 9:51 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: 1. This Flathead Reservation, Mont. (Part 10) Hearings before and after the Crash of 1929 makes since why Montana Power needed a DUMMY COMPANY 2. Rocky Mountain Power water rights purchased from J.E. Bell filed April 3 1920 sold April 19 1920 the dissolution papers in 1938 are missing from the records at Helena Mt. and Rocky Mountain Power a Delaware Corporation??? 3. Use of Power and Water to control the World makes since why these DOCUMENTS are being kept from the Court. On Monday, December 25, 2017, 5:15:36 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: Montana Power and Portland Gas and Electric pensioners and the private property owners that built Montana's hydroelectric dams and hydro electricity generation infrastructure deserve answers, clarity , closure so the HARM is auantified in obedience to the order of the Federal judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit Time to poll the plaintiffs for an audit before the statute of limitations run Make a motion at the next FJBC meeting, OK Ray ? You want restitution, right Ted ? Montana and her private PROPERTY owners deserves to be compensated , right? .https://www.allamericanspeake rs.com/booking-request.php? gclid=CjwKCAiA4ILSBRA0EiwAsuuB LVEzx62LQH4F74Xf0AxVFXrIJVvm2F f3TWST5-VJuR fhrzI9jiqcRoC5YYQAvD BwE& SpName=Andrew-Fastow&from=sp On Nov 12, 2017 11:45 AM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: Looks like the plaintiffs squandered their chance to quantify the harm done with a forensic audit http://flatheadbeacon.com/ 2017/11/10/montana-supreme- court-upholds-cskt-water- compact/ On Nov 10, 2017 7:01 AM, "Gene Erb" < > wrote: Very clever flowage rights from the Railroad? Sent from my iPhone (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000810 To: Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; The New York Times[letters@nytimes.com]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; United States Senate[senator@tester.senate.gov] Cc: MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Ryan Zinke ]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Curt Rosma From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-01-24T21:49:43-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Past and Present? Received: 2018-01-24T21:52:08-05:00 Flathead District Commissioner (Jannette Rosman).pdf Sheer v Moody (1931).pdf District Court Ruling.pdf Formation of the Flathead District.pdf Formation Order (True Copy).pdf All the east half of Sec.4 in Tp 21 N- Rge 20W.pdf Mission Valley Irrigatators United,INC V Flathead JOINT BOARD OF CONTROL.pdf Janette could you show these Court Records and your disrespect for PRIVATE PROPERTY to your voters? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000811 To: Gene Erb ] Cc: Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; The New York Times[letters@nytimes.com]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; United States Senate[senator@tester.senate.gov]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Ryan Zinke ]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Curt Rosma From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2018-01-26T19:15:11-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Trump declares war on corruption Received: 2018-01-26T19:15:17-05:00 RICO violation says 20 to life for organized crime . http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/01/wayne-allyn-root-president-trump-just-declare-war￾hillary-deep-state-dc-swamp/ On Jan 24, 2018 7:51 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Janette could you show these Court Records and your disrespect for PRIVATE PROPERTY to your voters? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000812 To: Gene Erb[ ]; Troy@troydowning.com[Troy@troydowning.com]; Kimberly Mattern[kkimmattern@aol.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; Elaine Willman[toppin@aol.com]; lkogan[lkogan@koganlawgroup.com]; SCOTT ROCKHOLM[ ] Cc: Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Ray Swenson[rswenson@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Gene Posivio[gposivio@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Tim Orr[torr@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Boone Cole[bcole@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Blain Edwards ]; Dean Brockway[dbrockway@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Paul Guenzler[pguenzler@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Janette Rosman[jrosman@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; David Lake[dlake@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Dave Vincent[sjaanvincent@live.com]; Bruce White[bwhite@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Ted Hein[thein@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Jack Horner ]; Gary Grandy[ ]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Ann[ann@rmtlawp.com]; Glen and Karen Raisland[sti4058@blackfoot.net]; AustinKnudsenHD36[austinforhouse@yahoo.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Ann Fleming Jens Gran[ ]; Jan Tusick[jt@ronan.net]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Governor Steve Bullock[stevebullock@mt.gov]; Joe Darlingto ; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; CoCom. DanHappel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Dan Hartun ; Dan Lake[spudman@ronan.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2018-01-28T13:03:37-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Mr Trumps E.O. of December 21 and RICO......20 to life for organized criminal activity. Articulated by Wayne Allyn Root recently Received: 2018-01-28T13:03:43-05:00 What has been done about cross examining Andrew Fastow former Chief Financial Officer of Enron, about the theft of electricity from Montana? How was it done? Where did the money go? How much was stolen? For how long? Fastow financially engineered those derivatives. Don't buy the B'S that they were "private treaty transactions". A crime has been committed. Who were both sides of the trade? Can the money be clawed back? Will Testers Senate Banking Committee force the Federal Reserve and the TBTF Banksters to disgorge what was looted from Montana? The federal reserve's derivative book is the largest on Earth; ain't that right Dick Erb ? Would Montana be at the bottom of America's economic ladder had it not been systematically LOOTED ? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000813 14 plaintiffs paid good money. Get something filed. Obey the D.C. judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit which is about water and electricity. Quantify the HARM..... Before the June 5th Republican Primary. I will be saying this to 4 million listeners On Jan 28, 2018 10:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Members here is copy of the Treaties as compiled by Mission Valley News (1972). Alan may want to show a copy of the Oregon Treaty to the BOSS, along with Depredations upon the Property of such Citizens? Also a friend shared this 1954 picture, of the 100 year Celebration of the Schools, Mechanics Shop with sign on roof still today (Flathead Irrigation and Power Project) Hospitals,! That is a important (August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent) found Article 5 of the Hellgate Treaty. Article 6. also explains that the President could survey the Reservation into lots. Article 6 of the Treaty with the Omaha 1854. No State Legislature shall remove the restrictions herein provided for, without the consent of CONGRESS. Looks like Alan was the new appropriator of the Water Rights in the WEST. The Hammonds in Oregon could use these Documents. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000814 EXT-18-2336-A-000815 nd73@gmail.com]; Steve Killorn[skillom@ montrailbison.com]; John Travis Kavulla tkavulla mt.gov]; Claudia Mccready Cc: Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Janette Rosman(janette@ronan .net]; The New York Times(letters@nytimes.com]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; United States Senate[senator@tester .senate.gov]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.co m]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gma il.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksvent ures.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@g mail.com]; Steve Hughes ·· •••·••• ]; Jack & Susan LakeOlake@ronan.net ]; MT Rep Steve Wadsworth Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Jon Metropoulos(jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Paul .11111,~~]; Ryan nke ■■■■■■■- ; Bill & Grace Slack ; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate .gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Paul unsucke'11 ■■■■■■■■ ; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan .net]; Jerry & Christine I Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkmch@st ignatius.net]; Steve Daines( steve@stevedaines.com ]; Bruce T utvedtSD3 [brucetutvedt@g mai I.com]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforwor ldpeace@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board(landboard@mt.gov]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Ken Corneli us ■■■■■■• ; Curt Rosma Maccine & Wayne Scammo ; Walt Schoo AustinKnudsen HD36[austinfo From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-01-30T06:24:45-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject Re: Trump declares war on corruption Received: 2018-01-30T06:25: 17-05:00 Edward T. Dussault@ M.I.D. (1950).pdf 1985 Power Consultant Report.pdf Mission Valley lrrigatators United.INC V Flathead JOINT BOARD OF CONTROL.pdf Alans (News and Multimedia) .pdf Whereas, the people of the Mission Irrigation Distr ict are stil l desirous of renegotiat ing the ir " ORIGINAL CONTRACT" with the United States Government . As free people we believe we have the right to insist on what we believe to be some salient poi nts which must be incl uded in such a contract to keep us free and not as serfs for such lackeys of a bureau. We find Herbert J. Slaughter listed as a Department of Interior Solicitor giving his interpretatio n 1948. A little DISCOVERY may help. Dick and his little helper alan. On Friday, January 26, 2018, 5:15:15 PM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: RICO violation says 20 to life for organized crime . http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/01/wayne-allyn-root-president-trump-just-declare-war-hillary-deep￾state-dc-swamp/ On Jan 24, 2018 7:51 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" > wrote: Janett e could you show these Court Records and yo ur disresp ect for PRIVATE PROPERTY to your voters? AMR AN PVERSIGHT To: Troy@troydowning.com[Troy@troydowning.com]; Kimberly Mattern Ryan Zinke ]; Clarice Ryan ]; Elaine Willman[toppin@aol.com]; lkogan[lkogan@koganlawgroup.com]; SCOTT ROCKHOLM ]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Ray Swenson[rswenson@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Gene Posivio[gposivio@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Tim Orr[torr@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Boone Cole[bcole@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Blain Edwards ]; Dean Brockway[dbrockway@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Paul Guenzler[pguenzler@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Janette Rosman[jrosman@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; David Lake[dlake@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Dave Vincent[sjaanvincent@live.com]; Bruce White[bwhite@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Ted Hein[thein@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Ken Cornelius ]; Jack Horner ]; Gary Grandy[ ]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Ann[ann@rmtlawp.com]; Glen and Karen Raisland[sti4058@blackfoot.net]; AustinKnudsenHD36[austinforhouse@yahoo.com]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Ann Fleming[ ]; Jens Gran[ ]; Jan Tusick[jt@ronan.net]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Governor Steve Bullock[stevebullock@mt.gov]; Joe Darlingto ; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; CoCom. DanHappel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Dan Hartung Dan Lake[spudman@ronan.net]; Kerry Doney Walt Schoc ; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-01-30T07:27:13-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Mr Trumps E.O. of December 21 and RICO......20 to life for organized criminal activity. Articulated by Wayne Allyn Root recently Received: 2018-01-30T07:27:53-05:00 Filed March 14 1950.pdf Documents from the cd provided from the DNRC.pdf 76LJ-166695-00.pdf More Discovery for Alan. On Sunday, January 28, 2018, 11:03:42 AM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: On Jan 28, 2018 10:44 AM, bruisernd73@gmail.com wrote: What has been done about cross examining Andrew Fastow former Chief Financial Officer of Enron, about the theft of electricity from Montana? How was it done? Where did the money go? How much was stolen? For how long? Fastow financially engineered those derivatives. Don't buy the B'S that they were "private treaty transactions". A crime has been committed. Who were both sides of the trade? Can the money be clawed back? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000816 Will Testers Senate Banking Committee force the Federal Reserve and the TBTF Banksters to disgorge what was looted from Montana? The federal reserve's derivative book is the largest on Earth; ain't that right Dick Erb ? Would Montana be at the bottom of America's economic ladder had it not been systematically LOOTED ? 14 plaintiffs paid good money. Get something filed. Obey the D.C. judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit which is about water and electricity. Quantify the HARM..... Before the June 5th Republican Primary. I will be saying this to 4 million listeners On Jan 28, 2018 10:10 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Members here is copy of the Treaties as compiled by Mission Valley News (1972). Alan may want to show a copy of the Oregon Treaty to the BOSS, along with Depredations upon the Property of such Citizens? Also a friend shared this 1954 picture, of the 100 year Celebration of the Schools, Mechanics Shop with sign on roof still today (Flathead Irrigation and Power Project) Hospitals,! That is a important (August 14 1848 Indian Mission Patent) found Article 5 of the Hellgate Treaty. Article 6. also explains that the President could survey the Reservation into lots. Article 6 of the Treaty with the Omaha 1854. No State Legislature shall remove the restrictions herein provided for, without the consent of CONGRESS. Looks like Alan was the new appropriator of the Water Rights in the WEST. The Hammonds in Oregon could use these Documents. (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000817 To: Gene Erb[ ]; Clarice Ryan[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com] Cc: Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; The New York Times Company[letters@nytimes.com]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Bruce Tutvedt[BruceTutvedt@gmail.com]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; Curt Rosma From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2018-01-30T10:57:09-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Trump declares war on corruption Received: 2018-01-30T10:57:27-05:00 unnamed (2).jpg duvxz9fvoaawdy5.jpg Has the FHJBC invited Andrew Fastow, Chief Financial Officer of Enron to speak and be cross examined on camera yet?? This would demonstrate to the Courts and the COURT of public opinion " clean hands ". Have you been bothered to show "Enron ; smartest guys in the room" yet? Once you finally obey the Federal judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit and quantify the harm will America find out that many billions of dollars was looted from Montana??? Claw it back. Force them to disgorge every dime. What we've learned recently is that government is the real shit hole that attracts every form of vermin. Drain the swamp, beginning at the headwaters in Montana. The Deep State funds it's self with your private property, hydroelectricty generated in MONTANA On Jan 26, 2018 5:15 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000818 RICO violation says 20 to life for organized crime . http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/01/wayne-allyn-root-president-trump-just-declare￾war-hillary-deep-state-dc-swamp/ On Jan 24, 2018 7:51 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Janette could you show these Court Records and your disrespect for PRIVATE PROPERTY to your voters? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000819 To: Clarice Ryan[ ]; MT - Kalispell Daily InterLake[edit@dailyinterlake.com]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Sen. Steve Daines[steve@daines.senate.gov]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov] Cc: Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; The New York Times Company[letters@nytimes.com]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Senator Jon Tester[senator@tester.senate.gov]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Ryan Zinke ]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Bruce Tutvedt[BruceTutvedt@gmail.com]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Ken Cornelius ]; Curt Rosman Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com]; Gary Grandy[ ] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-02-01T08:04:28-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Trump declares war on corruption Received: 2018-02-01T08:04:46-05:00 (1976) Project No. 5 Kerr Project.pdf ( 721976 ) Kerr Project Transfer.pdf The CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES OF the FLATHEAD RESERVATION, MONTANA v.pdf Agency at Dixon.pdf George Ducharme.pdf Folks we are back to the Irrigation District's, here are a few DOCUMENTS that folks did not share with everyone. How about the LAND OFFICE at Pablo Montana???? On Tuesday, January 30, 2018, 8:57:15 AM MST, Robert Fanning wrote: Has the FHJBC invited Andrew Fastow, Chief Financial Officer of Enron to speak and be cross examined on camera yet?? This would demonstrate to the Courts and the COURT of public opinion " clean hands ". Have you been bothered to show "Enron ; smartest guys in the room" yet? Once you finally obey the Federal judge in my D.C. federal lawsuit and quantify the harm will America find out that many billions of dollars was looted from Montana??? Claw it back. Force them to disgorge every dime. What we've learned recently is that government is the real shit hole that attracts every form of vermin. Drain the swamp, beginning at the headwaters in Montana. The Deep State funds it's self with your private property, hydroelectricty generated in MONTANA (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000820 On Jan 26, 2018 5:15 PM, "Robert Fanning" wrote: RICO violation says 20 to life for organized crime . http://www.thegatewaypundit. com/2018/01/wayne-allyn-root- president-trump-just-declare- war-hillary￾deep-state-dc- swamp/ On Jan 24, 2018 7:51 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Janette could you show these Court Records and your disrespect for PRIVATE PROPERTY to your voters? (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000821 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; jon@metropouloslaw.com[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Catlett Ron (Daines)[ron_catlett@daines.senate.gov]; DNRC Land Board[landboard@mt.gov]; Roger Starkel ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Jennifer Fielder[sen.jfielder@legmt.gov]; JeffEssmannSD28[jessmann@mt.gov]; Curt Rosman ; kurt@billmayer.com[kurt@billmayer.com]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Ken Cornelius ]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Jack Horner[ ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2018-02-05T18:34:12-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Any Idea what the Attorney General did with the surplus FUNDS??? Received: 2018-02-05T18:35:36-05:00 Andrew Fastow Chief Financial Officer of Enron is out of prison Have him testify how the money was LOOTED, using WHAT instruments and who was both sides of the trade. On Feb 5, 2018 4:15 PM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Folks this may be why the Attorney's may have not wanted to much Discovery!!! Congress had to issue Land Patents and Water Rights prior to the Opening and Sales of Indian Lands. Now the Mission Valley Irrigators United, inc,,,, (Plaintiffs) need to RECOVER or CLAW BACK the Funds that were STOLEN by Stave Hughes and the C.M.E.... (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000822 To: Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; kurt@billmayer.com[kurt@billmayer.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Ryan Zinke ]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Chris Sullivan[sull@blackfoot.net]; Lake Seed Inc[lakeseed@ronan.net]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Dennis Bragg[dennis@kpax.com]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-02-06T02:30:41-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Dr. Kate how about you and your Attorney's show these to Judge Manley? Received: 2018-02-06T02:32:10-05:00 mt200200n0200w0-1000.tif Eugene Piedalue.pdf Twp 20 R 20 W Sec.23.pdf T 20 N R20 W Sec.15.pdf Bison Range and Agency.pdf Ronan Stanley Scarce Patent.pdf Executive Order 3503.pdf I am almost positive C.B. told him about these. Kate you will get your day in Court. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000823 To: Flathead Irrigation District[flathead@blackfoot.net]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Frandsen Deb (Tester)[deb_frandsen@tester.senate.gov]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; United States Senate[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Jack Horner[ ]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov] Cc: AustinKnudsenHD36[austinforhouse@yahoo.com]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-02-06T08:49:52-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fw: Hunting and Fishing on the Reservation on Fee Lands Received: 2018-02-06T08:52:21-05:00 MONTANA v UNITED STATES.pdf Laws and Regulations.pdf Alans (News and Multimedia) .pdf Marc Racicot - Wikipedia.pdf Rick my friend and neighbor Delbert Palmer who was Real Estate agent sold us a house and 40 acres, he loved to Hunt and Fish we were arrested by Marc Rocicot as Attorney General after he allowed the Governor signing the Hunting and Fishing Agreement, that breaks the Laws in 17 States in the West. Rick have you heard the term RED JUDICATA or COLLATERAL ESTOPPEL??? Thank you always. ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: rick breckenridge To: Gene Erb Jr < > Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018, 3:12:34 PM MST Subject: Hunting and Fishing on the Reservation on Fee Lands I think Alan Mikkelsen missed this Supreme Court reversal of the 9th Circuit. Maybe Alan's bucking for a vacancy appoint to the 9th. His legal opinions are sure in line with that body of law wasted on humanity. Hopefully, Trump sees the light before this guy does too much damage. Rick Breckenridge, PLS Montana Reg. No. 11706LS "The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” - Isaac Asimov (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000824 To: MT Sen Taylor Brown[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Dan Happel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net] Cc: MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-02-09T09:39:05-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Television and Radio Communication !!!! Received: 2018-02-09T09:42:01-05:00 2002 Montana Power Bonds.pdf The CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES OF the FLATHEAD RESERVATION, MONTANA v.pdf Richard Anthony Baenen (1976).pdf Treaties of the American Citizens (5-6).pdf Lucy Standingbear (lien).pdf Kerr Dam Conveance.pdf Kerr Dam PPL Water Rights Pgs 105-108.pdf Do Not forget many other subjects to the LIEN'S including Conrad Burns and the Queen of Montana Power. You may want to check with the State of Montana (DNRC) on the amendments to the LIEN'S? (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000825 To: Gene Erb[ ] Cc: Merrill Bradshaw[merrill@blackfoot.net]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Paul Hunsucker[ ]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Ken Cornelius[ ]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Marc Pitman[mpitman@mt.gov]; Maccine & Wayne Scammon[wlazyd@montana.com]; Travis Kavulla[tkavulla@mt.gov]; Paul Wadsworth[ ]; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Sen. Steve Daines[steve@daines.senate.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov] From: Robert Fanning Sent: 2018-02-11T13:57:17-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Merrill we need a few more Facts??? Received: 2018-02-11T13:57:28-05:00 Please remove me from this list. This whole issue has been a waste of time , effort and money for me since April 11, 2015. On Feb 11, 2018 5:06 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Merrill could it be possible that the CME could have been formed without a vote of the Irrigation Districts also? Any idea who asked for the certified votes for the elections, we have to wonder about lands that have never received water delivery that the Secretary of Interior redesigned in 1963? What about the Lawsuit against the Mission and Jocko Districts in Helena how G.D. suspicious is that. We may have to send the Inter State Power Co. water right to Secretary Zinke also. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000826 To: Marc Pitman[mpitman@mt.gov]; kurt@billmayer.com[kurt@billmayer.com] Cc: MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Steve Hughes ]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Bill & Grace Slack ]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Catlett Ron (Daines)[ron_catlett@daines.senate.gov]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Walt Schock ; Duane Mecham[duane.mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Dennis Bragg[dennis@kpax.com]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; John Fleming[fleming@stignatius.net]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com]; Skip Biggs From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-02-13T13:00:43-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Marc could help out??? Received: 2018-02-13T14:35:05-05:00 76M 94404 00 (update to file).pdf Northwestern Development Company ( Donlan ).pdf Report to Federal Power Commission On uses of Columbia River Water-June-1922.pdf US TREATY with CANADA.pdf jon metro.pdf Alan Mikkelsen (Contractor).pdf Who's Who this Eddie Donlan another Politician. What to think about the 1922 Report to the Federal Power Commission. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000827 To: Pitman, Marc[MPitman@mt.gov]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; kurt@billmayer.com[kurt@billmayer.com] Cc: Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Terry Backs[montanasovereign@gmail.com]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Alan Mikkelsen[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; Claudia McCready BruceTutvedtSD3[brucetutvedt@gmail.com]; Ken Cornelius ]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com]; Merrill Bradshaw[merrill@blackfoot.net]; Maccine & Wayne Scammon From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-02-14T04:39:46-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: RE: Merrill we need a few more Facts??? Received: 2018-02-14T04:40:28-05:00 US TREATY with CANADA.pdf 1846.pdf 76LJ-166695-00 Another amended claim.pdf jon metro.pdf Marc you must forget the day Ted Hein and I received the 1963 Montana State Engineers Report from you. And someone changes the name of the Owners of Water Rights. Have a nice Day. On Monday, February 12, 2018, 7:37:43 AM MST, Pitman, Marc wrote: Gene, Please remove me from your email list as this information is not pertinent to my duties as Regional Engineer. Thank you. Marc Pitman, PE CFM Regional Engineer, Kalispell DNRC Water Resources Division 655 Timberwolf Parkway, Suite 4 Phone (406) 752-2713 (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000828 Fax: (406) 752-2843 Email: mpitman@mt.gov From: Gene Erb Jr [mailto: ] Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2018 5:06 AM To: Merrill Bradshaw ; Mary Stranahan Cc: Richard Erb ; MT Sen Chas Vincent ; Bruce Fredrickson ; Kristin Omvig ; MT Rep Dick Barrett ; Jon Metropoulos ; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick ; Bill & Grace Slack < >; Paul Hunsucker < >; Kathleen Mazure ; Ryan Zinke < >; Steve Daines ; Flathead Joint Board of Control ; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch ; Paul Guenzler ; Dr. Kate Vandemoer ; Ken Cornelius < >; BruceTutvedtSD3 ; Pitman, Marc ; Maccine & Wayne Scammon Kavulla, Travis ; Paul Wadsworth < >; Duane Mecham ; Pete Plant ; Daniel Salomon ; Jack & Susan Lake ; Steve Hughes < >; Sen. Steve Daines ; Alan Mikkelsen Subject: Merrill we need a few more Facts??? Merrill could it be possible that the CME could have been formed without a vote of the Irrigation Districts also? Any idea who asked for the certified votes for the elections, we have to wonder about lands that have never received water delivery that the Secretary of Interior redesigned in 1963? What about the Lawsuit against the Mission and Jocko Districts in Helena how G.D. suspicious is that. We may have to send the Inter State Power Co. water right to Secretary Zinke also. (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000829 To: Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com] Cc: "MT Sen Taylor Brown"[taylor@northernbroadcasting.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Bruce Tutvedt[BruceTutvedt@gmail.com]; CoCom. DanHappel[happelmt@3riversdbs.net]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@debralamm.com]; Debra Lamm[dlamm@nellus.com]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Gene Erb[ ]; Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; Jerry & Christine | Broken Hook Ranch[brknhkrnch@stignatius.net]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Ken Cornelius ]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; MT Attorney General Tim Fox[contactdoj@mt.gov]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Paul Hunsucker ]; Paul Wadsworth ]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Steve Hughes ]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com]; Troy@troydowning.com[Troy@troydowning.com] From: Eric Olsen Sent: 2018-02-19T22:55:28-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: AVISTA Received: 2018-02-19T22:55:43-05:00 Very interesting! On Mon, Feb 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM Robert Fanning wrote: A topic to be raised when you question Andrew Fastow . Interbank lending has frozen up. Cash flow for globalisation starts with hydro electric infrastructure . You don't have the luxury dragging your feet any more. Make the lawyers who have been gouging you earn their pay. http://thetechnocratictyranny.com/corruption/avista-stop-the-sale-stop-internationalization/ On Feb 9, 2018 7:41 AM, "Gene Erb Jr" < > wrote: Do Not forget many other subjects to the LIEN'S including Conrad Burns and the Queen of Montana Power. You may want to check with the State of Montana (DNRC) on the amendments to the LIEN'S? -- Eric H. Olsen 406-896-4953 (O) 406-696-2353 (C) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000830 Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. EXT-18-2336-A-000831 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT To: Jack & Susan Lake[jlake@ronan.net]; Richard Erb[richarderb@montana.com]; MT Sen Chas Vincent[cvvincent@hotmail.com]; Mary Stranahan[mary@goodworksventures.com]; Kristin Omvig[kristin@rmtlawp.com]; Daniel Salomon[dansalomon12@gmail.com]; Steve Hughes[ ]; Jon Metropoulos[jon@metropouloslaw.com]; Paul Wadsworth ]; MT Rep Dick Barrett[rnewbar@gmail.com]; Bill & Grace Slack[ ]; MT Rep Steve Fitzpatrick[fitzpatricks@bresnan.net]; Bruce Fredrickson[bruce@rmtlawp.com]; Ryan Zinke[ ]; Kathleen Mazure[klm@dwgp.com]; Robert Fanning[bruisernd73@gmail.com]; Dave Snyde ; Flathead Joint Board of Control[fjbc@blackfoot.net]; Paul Guenzler[sharongu@ronan.net]; Ken Cornelius ]; Dr. Kate Vandemoer[waterforworldpeace@gmail.com]; Christopher Chavasse[dataway@bresnan.net]; Steve Daines[steve@stevedaines.com]; Janette Rosman[janette@ronan.net]; United States Senate[senator@tester.senate.gov]; Steve Killorn[skillorn@montrailbison.com]; Pete Plant[peter.plant@bia.gov]; Patricia Gillis[patricia.gillis@ferc.gov]; Ross Middlemist[ ]; David Lake[spud@cyberport.net]; Duane Mecham[duane mecham@sol.doi.gov]; Jack Horner[ ]; Bruce White Bradley Hamlett[senatorhamlett@gmail.com]; Ray Swenson[rswenson@flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com]; kurt@billmayer.com[kurt@billmayer.com] From: Gene Erb Jr Sent: 2018-02-27T10:11:50-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Jack have your neighbors sign the petition please. Received: 2018-02-27T10:12:44-05:00 Formation of the Flathead District.pdf mt200210n0180w0-1000.tif mt200210n0210w0-1000.tif mt200210n0190w0-1000.tif Order of Withdrawal.pdf Revoking Power Site Reserve No. 397.pdf 4 Petition to Enforce SAMPLE-3.pdf Order from District Court (9272017).pdf Jack here is some Discovery!!! You may need a new manager. (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)(b) (6) EXT-18-2336-A-000832 - To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Dorr, Kaelan K. EOP/WHO .gov]; Rateike, Bradley A. EOP/WHO .gov]; Love, Kelly A. EOP/WHO .gov]; Levell, Leah V. EOP/WHO .gov]; Ditto, Jessica E. EOP/WHO .gov] From: Hinson, Alex Sent: 2017-09-26T16:00:31-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: DOI Daily Comms Received: 2017-09-26T16:01:34-04:00 WH Daily comms update 9-26.docx INTERIOR WASHINGTON 9/26/2017 DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT TO: White House Cabinet Affairs Communications FROM: Heather Swift & Laura Rigas SUBJECT: Communications Update Press Inquiries: • Many small inquiries and logistical inquiries. • ** Multiple inquiries into Secretary Zinke's speech to the National Petroleum Council regarding the 30% assessment. Solicitor has advised • Fairfield Sun Times: (Darryl Flowers) REQUEST I hope you can help with a story I’m working on. Regarding National Monuments, are you aware of any that exists under “co management” with a non federal agency, group, corporation or other entity? I have been unable to find any such management arrangements for a National Monument, only that the U.S. Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management are in charge of National Monuments. RESPONSE • Law 360: (Juan Carlos Rodrigues) REQUEST I am writing a feature story on Thursday regarding the 10th Circuit's ruling on the BLM's fracking rule. I would like to get a comment from the BLM or DOI about whether or not the government is interpreting the rule as meaning that the 2015 rule is now in effect? And if so, how will implementation of the rule proceed? RESPONSE In accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order on “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth” (March 18, 2017) and Secretary Zinke’s Secretary’s Order on “American Energy Independence,” (March 29, 2017), we are expeditiously working on a new rule that will fulfill the President’s and Secretary’s vision of good jobs for hardworking American families and are continuing to take comments on the proposed rescission of the 2015 hydraulic fracturing rule. Top Stories • Fox News: Zinke: One third of Interior employees 'not loyal' to Trump team • Washington Examiner: Ryan Zinke plans overhaul because Interior Department employees 'not loyal' • Associated Press: Zinke: One Third of Interior Employees Not Loyal to Trump • E&E News: Perry, Zinke hint at expanded federal permitting roles Top Issues and Accomplishments FOIA001:00575717 (b) (6)(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (5) - DPP (b) (5) - ACP EXT-18-2336-C-000001 • Interior continues to support all Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria efforts. All bureaus are executing their emergency plans and assisting in Hurricane relief. • September 27 29, Secretary Zinke is traveling to Gateway National Recreation Area in New Jersey and various National Park Assets in the Philadelphia area, including Valley Forge, and will be meeting with County Commissioners. There is a press avail while at Valley Forge and members of the press may join Secretary Zinke on a tour of the National Park. • Friday, Secretary Zinke will give a policy speech at The Heritage Foundation on Energy. ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00575717 EXT-18-2336-C-000002 To: Rateike, Bradley A. EOP/WHO .gov]; Dorr, Kaelan K. EOP/WHO[ .gov]; Kelly Love[ .gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-27T14:51:05-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: hi Heather, from Lisa Rein re: Sec Zinke travel Received: 2017-09-27T14:51:47-04:00 FYI -- Cabinet wide story on travel from WaPo. Below are questions to Zinke I'm dealing with. - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior Press@ios.doi.gov ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Rein, Lisa Date: Wed, Sep 27, 2017 at 1:10 PM Subject: hi Heather, from Lisa Rein re: Sec Zinke travel To: "Swift, Heather" Hi there. With Sec. Price in the news, we’re looking into travel by other secretaries,, so apologies in advance for the detailed email. I’m working with a colleague, Drew Harwell. We’ve looked at Sec. Zinke’s travel schedule since his confirmation in March, through July. Hoping you and your colleagues will be able to tackle these questions. Obviously an Interior secretary is going to be traveling a lot… We would just like to flesh out some questions. Many thanks, and really appreciate. Lisa ▪ OVERALL questions ▪ How many flights has Sec. Zinke taken on government or charter jets? Can you please provide the aircraft manifest, type of plane, destinations, dates of use, purpose, cost of the trip and source of payment for the trips? ▪ On what trips did Sec. Zinke’s wife Lola and/or other members of Sec. Zinke’s family join? ▪ The calendar says that spouses attended a cultural briefing with local reindeer herders on May 26 in Norway. Was Lola Zinke one of the spouses? ▪ Did Sec. Zinke take steps to limit the costs of his travel? If so, what were they? ○ Virgin Islands ▪ What was the official purpose of the U.S. Virgin Islands trip during Zinke’s first month as Interior secretary? ▪ What was the cost of the trip? ▪ Did Sec. Zinke’s wife Lola attend? ▪ While some flights appear to be commercial, others are not shown, including multiple flights on March 31. Can you please provide the manifest, type of plane, cost of the trip and source of payment for the trips? ○ Big Sky event FOIA001:00575732 (b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6) EXT-18-2336-C-000003 ▪ Sec. Zinke was in Big Sky in March 17-19, the same time Sen. Daines hosted a “weekend in the Montana mountains” benefiting the Daines Big Sky Committee. He attended multiple Daines receptions and stayed the night at Daines’ home. A fundraiser flyer says requested contributions were $3,000 for PACs, $1,500 for personal. ▪ What was the policy purpose of this trip? ▪ Was this a political trip? ▪ Who paid for Zinke’s travel to the political events? ○ Atlanta ▪ What was the purpose of Sec. Zinke’s trip to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action event in Atlanta on April 28? Was this a political event? What was the cost of flying on Air Force One, and did the DOI reimburse any other agencies for the seats of Sec. Zinke, Lola Zinke or his staff? ○ April 12-20 ▪ During the trip, Sec. Zinke spoke at the Reagan Center in Santa Barbara and campaigned for Greg Gianforte. Was this a political trip? What was the cost for this trip, and who covered the expenses? ▪ On April 15 and 16, Sec. Zinke was in Santa Barabra, including a meeting with former Congressman Bob Lagomarsino. What was the meeting about? Did these home trips entail personal or official use? The items don’t say that it was “personal travel” or “paid for personally” - was it? ▪ On April 17, Sec. Zinke went to the Reagan Ranch Center and met the vice president of the Young America's Foundation. What was the official policy purpose of this trip? What was the cost for this trip, and who covered the expenses? ○ May 5-13: Montana, Utah, California, Montana ▪ What was the official policy purpose of Sec. Zinke’s trip on May 5-13? ▪ During the trip, Sec. Zinke gave keynote remarks to the RNC Spring Meeting Dinner and attended a rally for Greg Gianforte. Was this a political trip? What was the cost for this trip, and who covered the expenses? ▪ On May 8 and May 9, Sec. Zinke traveled in a B200 Turboprop 8-passenger plane, the calendar states. Can you please provide the manifest, cost of the trip, owner of the jet and source of payment for the trips? ▪ Sec. Zinke spent that weekend at home in Kalispell, Montana. He then flew to Dulles and home on Monday. Federal regulations say employees’ official travel should by no means include personal use. Did these home trips entail personal use? ○ May 25-June 2: Norway, Greenland, Alaska, Idaho ▪ What was the official purpose of this trip? ▪ Sec. Zinke attended a reception for Rep. Don Young at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. Was this a political trip? What was the cost for this trip, and who covered the expenses? ▪ Sec. Zinke flew from Boise to L.A. on June 2. The June 3 and 4 dates say “Personal travel // Paid for personally” in Santa Barbara. What did Sec. Zinke pay for? How much did he pay At what rate did he pay for the travel personally? What aircraft did he fly on? What was the total cost to government? ○ June 25-28: Nevada, Montana ▪ On June 25, Sec. Zinke attended the Rule of Law Defense Fund Reception & Dinner, where he sat at a dinner table with leaders of the casino industry, the NRA, the Chamber of Commerce and Koch Industries. What was the policy purpose of Sec. Zinke’s attendance? Was this a political event? ▪ On June 26, Sec. Zinke flew from Las Vegas to Kalispell on a private plane tied to a Republican donor. Can you please provide the aircraft manifest, purpose, cost of the trip and source of payment for the trips? It appears Sec. Zinke spent the night FOIA001:00575732 EXT-18-2336-C-000004 afterward at his home in Whitefish; is that correct, and wouldn’t that convey personal use? ○ July 20-22: Colorado ▪ On July 20, Sec. Zinke gave remarks in Denver at the American Legislative Exchange Council. He also attended a Colorado Republican Committee roundtable and gave remarks at the Western Conservative Summit. ▪ What was the official policy purpose of these trips? Were these trips political or personal? What were Sec. Zinke’s remarks at these trips. What was the cost for this trip, and who covered the expenses? Lisa Rein StaffReporter Washington Post 202-334-5190 Cell 202-821-3120 @Reinlwapo Send me a confidential tip FOIA001:00575732 EXT-18-2336-C-000005 To: russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] Cc: scott.angelle@bsee.gov[scott.angelle@bsee.gov]; tbaptiste@blm.gov[tbaptiste@blm.gov]; christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov[christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov]; preston.beard@bsee.gov[preston.beard@bsee.gov]; kbenedetto@blm.gov[kbenedetto@blm.gov]; ; caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov[scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov]; joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov[joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov]; james_cason@ios.doi.gov[james_cason@ios.doi.gov]; micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov]; gavin.clarkson@bia.gov[gavin.clarkson@bia.gov]; marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov[marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov]; natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov[natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov]; ldavis@osmre.gov[ldavis@osmre.gov]; blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov[blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov]; Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov[Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov]; doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov[doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov]; william_dove@ios.doi.gov[william_dove@ios.doi.gov]; austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov[austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov]; jason_funes@ios.doi.gov[jason_funes@ios.doi.gov]; leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov[richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov]; casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov[casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov]; alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov]; scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov[daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov]; amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov[amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov]; gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov[gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov]; kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov[kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov]; downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov[lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov]; david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov[david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov]; amikkelsen@usbr.gov[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov[eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov]; ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov[ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov]; brian_pavlik@nps.gov[brian_pavlik@nps.gov]; brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov[brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov]; elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov[russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov]; james.schindler@boem.gov[james.schindler@boem.gov]; Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov[Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov]; aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov[aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov]; lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov[lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov]; steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov[steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov]; christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov[christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov]; heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; john.tahsuda@bia.gov[john.tahsuda@bia.gov]; aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov[andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov]; stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov[stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov]; todd_willens@ios.doi.gov[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov[timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov]; cyounger@blm.gov[cyounger@blm.gov] From: Natalie Davis (via Google Sheets) Sent: 2017-09-28T10:42:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Politicals- Contact Info - Invitation to edit Received: 2017-09-28T10:42:53-04:00 natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov has invited you to edit the following spreadsheet: (b)(6) EXT-18-2336-C-000006 Politicals- Contact Info Hi all, Over the past couple weeks, some politicals have moved offices and may have changed their phone numbers/assistants/etc. When you have a moment, can you check your info and make sure it is up to date? Thanks! Open in Sheets Google Sheets: Create and edit spreadsheets online. Google Inc. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because someone shared a spreadsheet with you from Google Sheets. - EXT-18-2336-C-000007 To: daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov[daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov] Cc: scott.angelle@bsee.gov[scott.angelle@bsee.gov]; tbaptiste@blm.gov[tbaptiste@blm.gov]; christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov[christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov]; preston.beard@bsee.gov[preston.beard@bsee.gov]; kbenedetto@blm.gov[kbenedetto@blm.gov]; ; caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov[scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov]; joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov[joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov]; james_cason@ios.doi.gov[james_cason@ios.doi.gov]; micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov]; gavin.clarkson@bia.gov[gavin.clarkson@bia.gov]; marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov[marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov]; natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov[natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov]; ldavis@osmre.gov[ldavis@osmre.gov]; blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov[blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov]; Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov[Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov]; doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov[doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov]; william_dove@ios.doi.gov[william_dove@ios.doi.gov]; austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov[austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov]; jason_funes@ios.doi.gov[jason_funes@ios.doi.gov]; leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov[richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov]; casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov[casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov]; alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov]; scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov[amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov]; gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov[gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov]; kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov[kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov]; downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov[lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov]; david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov[david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov]; amikkelsen@usbr.gov[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov[eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov[ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov]; brian_pavlik@nps.gov[brian_pavlik@nps.gov]; brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov[brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov]; elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov[russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov]; james.schindler@boem.gov[james.schindler@boem.gov]; Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov[Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov]; aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov[aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov]; lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov[lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov]; steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov[steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov]; christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov[christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov]; heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; john.tahsuda@bia.gov[john.tahsuda@bia.gov]; aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov[andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov]; stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov[stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov]; todd_willens@ios.doi.gov[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov[timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov]; cyounger@blm.gov[cyounger@blm.gov] From: Natalie Davis (via Google Sheets) Sent: 2017-09-28T10:42:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Politicals- Contact Info - Invitation to edit Received: 2017-09-28T10:42:53-04:00 natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov has invited you to edit the following spreadsheet: (b)(6) EXT-18-2336-C-000008 Politicals- Contact Info Hi all, Over the past couple weeks, some politicals have moved offices and may have changed their phone numbers/assistants/etc. When you have a moment, can you check your info and make sure it is up to date? Thanks! Open in Sheets Google Sheets: Create and edit spreadsheets online. Google Inc. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because someone shared a spreadsheet with you from Google Sheets. - EXT-18-2336-C-000009 To: casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov[casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov] Cc: scott.angelle@bsee.gov[scott.angelle@bsee.gov]; tbaptiste@blm.gov[tbaptiste@blm.gov]; christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov[christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov]; preston.beard@bsee.gov[preston.beard@bsee.gov]; kbenedetto@blm.gov[kbenedetto@blm.gov]; ; caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov[scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov]; joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov[joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov]; james_cason@ios.doi.gov[james_cason@ios.doi.gov]; micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov]; gavin.clarkson@bia.gov[gavin.clarkson@bia.gov]; marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov[marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov]; natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov[natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov]; ldavis@osmre.gov[ldavis@osmre.gov]; blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov[blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov]; Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov[Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov]; doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov[doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov]; william_dove@ios.doi.gov[william_dove@ios.doi.gov]; austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov[austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov]; jason_funes@ios.doi.gov[jason_funes@ios.doi.gov]; leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov[richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov]; alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov]; scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov[daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov]; amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov[amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov]; gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov[gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov]; kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov[kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov]; downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov[lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov]; david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov[david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov]; amikkelsen@usbr.gov[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov[eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov[ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov]; brian_pavlik@nps.gov[brian_pavlik@nps.gov]; brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov[brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov]; elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov[russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov]; james.schindler@boem.gov[james.schindler@boem.gov]; Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov[Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov]; aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov[aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov]; lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov[lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov]; steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov[steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov]; christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov[christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov]; heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; john.tahsuda@bia.gov[john.tahsuda@bia.gov]; aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov[andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov]; stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov[stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov]; todd_willens@ios.doi.gov[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov[timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov]; cyounger@blm.gov[cyounger@blm.gov] From: Natalie Davis (via Google Sheets) Sent: 2017-09-28T10:42:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Politicals- Contact Info - Invitation to edit Received: 2017-09-28T10:42:54-04:00 natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov has invited you to edit the following spreadsheet: (b)(6) EXT-18-2336-C-000010 Politicals- Contact Info Hi all, Over the past couple weeks, some politicals have moved offices and may have changed their phone numbers/assistants/etc. When you have a moment, can you check your info and make sure it is up to date? Thanks! Open in Sheets Google Sheets: Create and edit spreadsheets online. Google Inc. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because someone shared a spreadsheet with you from Google Sheets. - EXT-18-2336-C-000011 To: tbaptiste@blm.gov[tbaptiste@blm.gov] Cc: scott.angelle@bsee.gov[scott.angelle@bsee.gov]; christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov[christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov]; preston.beard@bsee.gov[preston.beard@bsee.gov]; kbenedetto@blm.gov[kbenedetto@blm.gov]; ; caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov[scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov]; joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov[joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov]; james_cason@ios.doi.gov[james_cason@ios.doi.gov]; micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov]; gavin.clarkson@bia.gov[gavin.clarkson@bia.gov]; marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov[marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov]; natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov[natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov]; ldavis@osmre.gov[ldavis@osmre.gov]; blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov[blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov]; Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov[Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov]; doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov[doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov]; william_dove@ios.doi.gov[william_dove@ios.doi.gov]; austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov[austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov]; jason_funes@ios.doi.gov[jason_funes@ios.doi.gov]; leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov[richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov]; casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov[casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov]; alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov]; scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov[daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov]; amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov[amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov]; gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov[gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov]; kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov[kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov]; downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov[lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov]; david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov[david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov]; amikkelsen@usbr.gov[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov[eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov[ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov]; brian_pavlik@nps.gov[brian_pavlik@nps.gov]; brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov[brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov]; elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov[russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov]; james.schindler@boem.gov[james.schindler@boem.gov]; Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov[Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov]; aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov[aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov]; lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov[lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov]; steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov[steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov]; christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov[christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov]; heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; john.tahsuda@bia.gov[john.tahsuda@bia.gov]; aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov[andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov]; stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov[stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov]; todd_willens@ios.doi.gov[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov[timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov]; cyounger@blm.gov[cyounger@blm.gov] From: Natalie Davis (via Google Sheets) Sent: 2017-09-28T10:42:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Politicals- Contact Info - Invitation to edit Received: 2017-09-28T10:42:49-04:00 (b)(6) EXT-18-2336-C-000012 natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov has invited you to edit the following spreadsheet: Politicals- Contact Info Hi all, Over the past couple weeks, some politicals have moved offices and may have changed their phone numbers/assistants/etc. When you have a moment, can you check your info and make sure it is up to date? Thanks! Open in Sheets Google Sheets: Create and edit spreadsheets online. Google Inc. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because someone shared a spreadsheet with you from Google Sheets. - EXT-18-2336-C-000013 To: Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov[Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov] Cc: scott.angelle@bsee.gov[scott.angelle@bsee.gov]; tbaptiste@blm.gov[tbaptiste@blm.gov]; christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov[christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov]; preston.beard@bsee.gov[preston.beard@bsee.gov]; kbenedetto@blm.gov[kbenedetto@blm.gov]; ; caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov[scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov]; joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov[joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov]; james_cason@ios.doi.gov[james_cason@ios.doi.gov]; micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov]; gavin.clarkson@bia.gov[gavin.clarkson@bia.gov]; marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov[marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov]; natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov[natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov]; ldavis@osmre.gov[ldavis@osmre.gov]; blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov[blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov]; Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov[Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov]; doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov[doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov]; william_dove@ios.doi.gov[william_dove@ios.doi.gov]; austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov[austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov]; jason_funes@ios.doi.gov[jason_funes@ios.doi.gov]; leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov[richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov]; casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov[casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov]; alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov]; scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov[daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov]; amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov[amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov]; gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov[gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov]; kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov[kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov]; downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov[lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov]; david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov[david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov]; amikkelsen@usbr.gov[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov[eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov[ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov]; brian_pavlik@nps.gov[brian_pavlik@nps.gov]; brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov[brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov]; elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov[russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov]; james.schindler@boem.gov[james.schindler@boem.gov]; aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov[aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov]; lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov[lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov]; steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov[steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov]; christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov[christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov]; heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; john.tahsuda@bia.gov[john.tahsuda@bia.gov]; aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov[andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov]; stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov[stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov]; todd_willens@ios.doi.gov[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov[timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov]; cyounger@blm.gov[cyounger@blm.gov] From: Natalie Davis (via Google Sheets) Sent: 2017-09-28T10:42:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Politicals- Contact Info - Invitation to edit Received: 2017-09-28T10:42:53-04:00 natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov has invited you to edit the following spreadsheet: (b)(6) EXT-18-2336-C-000014 Politicals- Contact Info Hi all, Over the past couple weeks, some politicals have moved offices and may have changed their phone numbers/assistants/etc. When you have a moment, can you check your info and make sure it is up to date? Thanks! Open in Sheets Google Sheets: Create and edit spreadsheets online. Google Inc. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because someone shared a spreadsheet with you from Google Sheets. - EXT-18-2336-C-000015 To: lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov[lori_mashburn@ios.doi.gov] Cc: scott.angelle@bsee.gov[scott.angelle@bsee.gov]; tbaptiste@blm.gov[tbaptiste@blm.gov]; christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov[christine_bauserman@ios.doi.gov]; preston.beard@bsee.gov[preston.beard@bsee.gov]; kbenedetto@blm.gov[kbenedetto@blm.gov]; ; caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov[scott_cameron@ios.doi.gov]; joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov[joshua.campbell@sol.doi.gov]; james_cason@ios.doi.gov[james_cason@ios.doi.gov]; micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov]; gavin.clarkson@bia.gov[gavin.clarkson@bia.gov]; marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov[marshall_critchfield@ios.doi.gov]; natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov[natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov]; ldavis@osmre.gov[ldavis@osmre.gov]; blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov[blake_deeley@ios.doi.gov]; Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov[Vincent_DeVito@ios.doi.gov]; doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov[doug_domenech@ios.doi.gov]; william_dove@ios.doi.gov[william_dove@ios.doi.gov]; austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov[austin_ewell@ios.doi.gov]; jason_funes@ios.doi.gov[jason_funes@ios.doi.gov]; leila_getto@ios.doi.gov[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov[richard.goeken@sol.doi.gov]; casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov[casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov]; alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov]; scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov[daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov]; amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov[amanda_kaster@ios.doi.gov]; gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov[gary.lawkowski@sol.doi.gov]; kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov[kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov]; downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov[david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov]; amikkelsen@usbr.gov[amikkelsen@usbr.gov]; eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov[eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov[ryan_nichols@ios.doi.gov]; brian_pavlik@nps.gov[brian_pavlik@nps.gov]; brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov[brendan_quinn@ios.doi.gov]; elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov[russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov]; james.schindler@boem.gov[james.schindler@boem.gov]; Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov[Greg_J_Sheehan@fws.gov]; aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov[aurelia_skipwith@ios.doi.gov]; lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov[lacey_smethers@ios.doi.gov]; steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov[steven_m_smith@ios.doi.gov]; christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov[christopher_stolte@ios.doi.gov]; heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; john.tahsuda@bia.gov[john.tahsuda@bia.gov]; aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov[andrea_travnicek@ios.doi.gov]; stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov[stephen_wackowski@ios.doi.gov]; todd_willens@ios.doi.gov[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov[timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov]; cyounger@blm.gov[cyounger@blm.gov] From: Natalie Davis (via Google Sheets) Sent: 2017-09-28T10:42:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Politicals- Contact Info - Invitation to edit Received: 2017-09-28T10:42:48-04:00 natalie_davis@ios.doi.gov has invited you to edit the following spreadsheet: (b)(6) EXT-18-2336-C-000016 Politicals- Contact Info Hi all, Over the past couple weeks, some politicals have moved offices and may have changed their phone numbers/assistants/etc. When you have a moment, can you check your info and make sure it is up to date? Thanks! Open in Sheets Google Sheets: Create and edit spreadsheets online. Google Inc. 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because someone shared a spreadsheet with you from Google Sheets. - EXT-18-2336-C-000017 To: David Bernhardt[ .gov]; Daniel Jorjani[daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Magallanes, Downey[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T18:58:26-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Heads Up Received: 2017-09-28T18:59:12-04:00 Politico will go live tonight with a story detailing the Secretary's travel on AF1, military air with Purdue, and three charter flights. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov (b)(6) EXT-18-2336-C-000018 To: Jorjani, Daniel[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Edward Keable[edward.keable@sol.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:20:41-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-28T19:21:28-04:00 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:19 PM, Jorjani, Daniel wrote: Waiting to hear back from Melinda to hear ifshe is ok with being quoted. Adding Ed to keep DGL in the loop. Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department ofthe Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department ofthe Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception ofthis message or the use or disclosure ofthe information it contains may violate the law and subject the violatorto civil or criminal penalties. Ifyou believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:12 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? (b)(5) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000019 The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov EXT-18-2336-C-000020 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-28T19:24:14-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:24:25-04:00 What’s up? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? EXT-18-2336-C-000021 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however EXT-18-2336-C-000022 the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov EXT-18-2336-C-000023 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? EXT-18-2336-C-000024 Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging orfood budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co￾manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) EXT-18-2336-C-000025 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . EXT-18-2336-C-000026 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft fortravel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000027 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Russell Newell Sent: 2017-09-28T19:52:27-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-28T19:52:35-04:00 Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 7:21 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:19 PM, Jorjani, Daniel wrote: Waiting to hear back from Melinda to hear if she is ok with being quoted. Adding Ed to keep DGL in the loop. Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department of the Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department of the Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:12 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) - • EXT-18-2336-C-000028 The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT EXT-18-2336-C-000029 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov EXT-18-2336-C-000030 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Zack Colman Sent: 2017-09-28T20:12:15-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Received: 2017-09-28T20:12:22-04:00 Thanks, heather - will look out for the rest Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:03 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: I'm just waiting on our ethics officer to get back to me. The rest is below. 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM career staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. EXT-18-2336-C-000031 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. ATTACHED 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. STATEMENT PENDING - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:58 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Oy. Sorry to hearthat. Will look out forit. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:55 PM EXT-18-2336-C-000032 To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Our ethics officer is out of the office due to a death in the family so it's taking a bit. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Waiting on the letters of approval for flight and speaking engagement. Both come from the ethics office. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:51 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger EXT-18-2336-C-000033 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:46 PM, Zack Colman wrote: I actually don’t believe that is necessary now that I am aware that it was a government contract. That was ifit had been a gift to the department. FYI we do plan on running the story in the a.m. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:43 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline EXT-18-2336-C-000034 Zack, why do you think this is needed for the flight? https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 4:06 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Just wanted to follow up to make sure we’re on the same page for what I’m looking for now: 1) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. 2) The cost ofthe flight. 3) This signed and dated form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di-2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf 4) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. I don’t envision getting this done today, for obvious reasons, so happy to keep working with you on this. -Zack EXT-18-2336-C-000035 -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 1:09 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline I'm here. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 1:07 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather - just got out ofa meeting and heading to another now that begins at 1:30. Will call in a few minutes. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 12:20 PM, Swift, Heather EXT-18-2336-C-000036 wrote: Career ethics officials vet and approve every single trip the Secretary goes on. Can you give me a ring and chat off the record? 202-208-5338 Info may change your story. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:40 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Oh, and one last thing – regardless of whatever happened with this travel, did an ethics official happen to sign off on it before the flight occurred? Would have had to sign this form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf Thanks! -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman EXT-18-2336-C-000037 From: Zack Colman Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:38 AM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline But, brava, nonetheless. Brava, indeed. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:34 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline That's what you think! That's 90 seconds wasted on googling the perfect gif I'm not going to get back. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000038 @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:19 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Sure thing, Heather. I recall meeting you at a Washington Examiner event back in the day when I used to work there – not trying to be a faceless reporter you’ve rarely interacted with. We’re all humans here, ha. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:18 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Thank you, Zack! I REALLY appreciate it. I promise you nobody has asked your line of questioning so I don't expect you to get scooped on anything. - Heather Swift EXT-18-2336-C-000039 Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:14 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Sorry about all the back and forth here. It’s just that my editor feels we have enough confirmed here through SEC filings, FEC filings, government databases, etc., to put a lot ofthis together. Given the attention being paid right now to planes and all that stuff, we’re very sensitive to getting jumped by someone else given the weird nature of our publishing time (which, as a constantly nervous reporter, might be a little understandable, hopefully). Ultimately, we can give you until 6 a.m. tomorrow at the absolute latest – that’s when everything gets through the system en route to publishing. I was hoping to get something by late afternoon to ensure I had all I needed before I started writing, but it is what it is, I can hold off. I’ve had enough good relationships with comms staffin this administration and the last and try to do everyone a solid by not writing before I have all the facts – too often people already have the story written before they even reach out. That’s not the case here, seriously. Sorry to have been a little snippy earlier. I think if you ask around that most people find me to be a fairreporter, and I hope you understand some ofthe constraints under which I’m operating. I know you have your own constraints, so this is the olive branch. Thanks, -Zack EXT-18-2336-C-000040 -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:08 AM To: Zack Colman ; Noelle Straub Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Your request is not the only thing I'm working on today, Zack. I have multiple requests from EE alone and an entire national press corps I also work with. I'd appreciate some flexibility on your deadline. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 10:05 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Heather – I can do by 4 pm today. I think that is a reasonable amount oftime considering I sent the request at the start ofthe business day. EXT-18-2336-C-000041 -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:03 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Hey Zack, I might need a little more time to track this down. Can you do by 10 tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 9:16 AM, Zack Colman wrote: EXT-18-2336-C-000042 Hi there, Zack Colman here, White House correspondent with E&E News. Hope this finds you well. Had some questions about Sec. Zinke's June 26 flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont. Was wondering who paid for that and how much it cost. Also, who else was on the plane? I thought it was worth asking since the plane is owned by Jay Nielson, a board member of the Yellowstone Recreations Fund and former executive in Nielson & Associates, an oil and gas drilling business that, along with Wyoming-based Iron Creek Energy, sold to Texas-based drillers Legacy LP. He's the son of James Nielson, the scion of a oil and gas drilling business (started by Glenn Nielson) who has donated more than $100,000 to Republican candidates and campaign committees, who owns a company (Y-Tex) with 10s of thousands of government contracts and who owns a ski resort in an area that as recently as 2011 was being considered for additional wildlife protection by the Interior Department (Sleeping Giant). All that said - what is Mr. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? Sec. Zinke also appears to have spoken to Bill Foley's NHL hockey team in Las Vegas before jumping aboard this chartered flight. What was the nature of that visit, and how did it affect his ability to avoid needing to take a chartered flight? Were other commercial flights available that would have gotten Sec. Zinke to Kalispell? So, to clarify: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? 2. How much did that flight cost? 3. Who was on the flight? 4. What is Sec. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? I have a 3:30 pm deadline. Please let me know if you have any responses by then. Thanks, -Zack EXT-18-2336-C-000043 <2017_09_28_19_55_26.pdf> EXT-18-2336-C-000044 To: Ragnar Zinke[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Twitter Sent: 2017-09-28T20:34:46-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Natasha Geiling Tweeted: EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has spent **$913,000** on private flights, 24/7 security, and that soundproof booth Received: 2017-09-28T20:34:54-04:00 Your Highlights Natasha Geiling @ngeiling EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has spent **$913,000** on private flights, 24/7 security, and that soundproof booth Here's All The Expensive Nonsense Trump's EPA Chief Is Wasting Your Taxes On That swamp is looking mighty cushy. huffingtonpost.com 160 1.9K 1.6K Eliana Johnson @elianayjohnson Here's the bipartisan nightmare scenario for 2018: GOP picks up a few seats...with candidates like Roy Moore - Moore's win conjures 2018 nightmare — for both parties Republicans might pad their majority — but with troublemakers who owe Mitch McConnell nothing. politico.com 100 220 430 ■ ■ EXT-18-2336-C-000045 Dan Diamond @ddiamond SCOOP w @rachanadixit: Price’s travel on charter jets, government planes has topped $1 million since May. Price took military jets to Europe, Asia for over $500K Accompanied by his wife, the HHS secretary journeyed to Geneva, Berlin, Beijing, Tokyo and ot... more politico.com 330 3.1K 2.5K Ed O'Keefe @edatpost Tasty scoop of news here... twitter.com/carrasquillo/s… 13 45 79 Dan Pfeiffer @danpfeiffer This Gary Cohn interview is an epic political and messaging disaster. Trump adviser 'can't guarantee' taxes won't go up for middle class Gary Cohn said today that he can't guarantee that taxes won't go up for some middle-class fam... more abcnews.go.com 240 2.9K 4.6K EXT-18-2336-C-000046 Peter Baker @peterbakernyt Trump likes to promise that policy achievements will happen “soon” or “very soon.” But 75% of the time they do not. ‘Soon,’ ‘Very Soon,’ ‘Eventually’: A Detailed List of Things Trump Said Would Happen An account of presidential predictions, from Obamacare to a border wall. nytimes.com 87 440 800 See more on Twitter Settings | Help | Unsubscribe We sent this email to @DogDayInterior Twitter, Inc. 1355 Market Street, Suite 900 San Francisco, CA 94103 EXT-18-2336-C-000047 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Bruggeman, Lucien C. Sent: 2017-09-28T21:27:20-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs Received: 2017-09-28T21:27:34-04:00 Thank you Heather. The Politico report indicates specific costs forthe chartered flights – do you happen to have those figures as well? Thanks again From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:16 PM To: Bruggeman, Lucien C. Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charterflights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." -- Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor- General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. EXT-18-2336-C-000048 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:46 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: Hi all – wondering if you have any information about a report in Politico tonight about Secretary Zinke’s travel. Forreference: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan￾zinke-charter-military-planes-interior-243280 Thanks￾Luc Lucien Bruggeman ABC News – Washington Assignment Editor (o) 202-222-7700 (c) 651-494-4870 EXT-18-2336-C-000049 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Bruggeman, Lucien C. Sent: 2017-09-28T21:34:46-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs Received: 2017-09-28T21:35:02-04:00 We will put the Secretary's travel in appropriate context. Thanks for all your help tonight! From: Heather Swift Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:30:36 PM To: Bruggeman, Lucien C. Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs Do you plan to include past Interior Secretary's use ofcharter aircraft? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:28 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: Thank you Heather. The Politico report indicates specific costs forthe chartered flights – do you happen to have those figures as well? Thanks again From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:16 PM To: Bruggeman, Lucien C. Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charterflights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in EXT-18-2336-C-000050 advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor- General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. EXT-18-2336-C-000051 Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:46 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: Hi all – wondering if you have any information about a report in Politico tonight about Secretary Zinke’s travel. Forreference: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military￾planes-interior-243280 Thanks￾Luc Lucien Bruggeman ABC News – Washington Assignment Editor (o) 202-222-7700 (c) 651-494-4870 EXT-18-2336-C-000052 To: dhenry@thehill.com[dhenry@thehill.com]; tcama@thehill.com[tcama@thehill.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T22:03:33-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Can you please correct this Received: 2017-09-28T22:03:35-04:00 A flight "to the Caribbean" is incorrect. He took a commercial flight to the USVI and then once there took a round trip flight between two islands in the US territory. "to attend an event with the Danish government" is incomplete and incorrect through omission. The Secretary attended several events with both the Governor ofthe USVI and the Danish Prime Minister... as well as many other government officials. "In addition to using charter flights, Zinke used a military plane to travel to Norway with his wife" incorrect. This was a CODEL arranged by SENR. Mrs Zinke met the CODEL, including congressional spouses, in Norway. She joined the rest ofthe trip with other spouses at personal cost. "Swift said she could not to confirm to Politico whether Zinke would reimburse the government for the cost ofhis travel." It was official government travel for official business. There was no personal time what so ever. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:44 PM, Heather Swift wrote: I realize your colleague simply wrote about another article but this is really a hack job. Didn't even bother to email. http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/353026-zinke-used-private-military-planes￾for-travel-report Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000053 To: James Cason[james_cason@ios.doi.gov]; Nedra Darling[nedra_darling@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T08:30:52-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: FYI Standing Rock tribal chairman loses in general election Received: 2017-09-29T08:31:39-04:00 Standing Rock tribal chairman loses in general election Published: Friday, September29, 2017 Standing Rock Sioux tribal chairman Dave Archambault II, whose opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline launched him into the national spotlight, has lost his bid for re-election, according to unofficial results. Archambault conceded defeat after results showed him winning just 37 percent of the tribe's vote, compared to 63 percent for tribal councilman and former wildlife ranger Mike Faith. Faith, who also opposes the pipeline, said he believes protests that shut down a main highway — cutting off revenues from the tribal casino — took away attention from other long-standing problems. "People want to see how we can fix ourselves," he said. "We have to look at not depending on the casino so much. We have to look at enticing companies to come down here." "We kind of neglected our own" by helping spearhead the protests, he added. "We did what we had to do, but we didn't realize we were going to hurt our economy that much." Archambault said in his statement of concession that he looks forward to a smooth transition and hopes the tribe won't lose "the powerful momentum we have at Standing Rock." "I did the best I could for my tribe, and that's what we must ask of our leaders," he said (Blake Nicholson, Associated Press, Sept. 28). — DI - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov EXT-18-2336-C-000054 To: Michael Bastasch[mike@dailycallernewsfoundation.org] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T08:31:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Who's spreading the Zinke travel stories? Received: 2017-09-29T08:32:45-04:00 That would seem to be it. They are the only ones quoted. The WP story is so factually incorrect. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:23 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Seems like the Center for Western Priorities. -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation EXT-18-2336-C-000055 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-29T09:37:24-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T09:37:37-04:00 Thank you. So can you please give me a complete list oftrips in which she accompanied the Secretary? If not on the USVI or Nevada flights, does that mean she accompanied him on every other flight? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:35 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Mrs. Zinke has personally footed the bill for any travel she did accompanying her husband. She was not on the USVI or the Nevada flights, helos, or wildfire flight. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:30 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. Doing a mind-reading of my editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are othertrips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, orreimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about hertraveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. EXT-18-2336-C-000056 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000057 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T09:40:22-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T09:41:09-04:00 No she didn't. I'll put a request in for that information - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:37 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. So can you please give me a complete list oftrips in which she accompanied the Secretary? If not on the USVI or Nevada flights, does that mean she accompanied him on every other flight? From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:35 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Mrs. Zinke has personally footed the bill for any travel she did accompanying her husband. She was not on the USVI or the Nevada flights, helos, or wildfire flight. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec EXT-18-2336-C-000058 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:30 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. Doing a mind-reading of my editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are other trips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, or reimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about her traveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: EXT-18-2336-C-000059 Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000060 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-29T10:15:25-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T10:15:37-04:00 On the Downing stuff? It would have an impact ifshe’s using executive office vehicles to campaign as part of a Senate race, I believe. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 10:14 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March I'm trying to understand the angle on since she became a volunteer chair and it's impact on the Secretary. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:11 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No accusations - just fact finding. Basically trying to see if any of the secretaries have been misusing taxpayer funds. We're asking all the Secretarial offices these sorts of questions. But we have to be thorough and make sure all the buttons are buttoned, information-wise. I know what my editors will ask so I want have the info to answer them. Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Heather Swift Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:50:53 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Can you explain this more? Is there an accusation ofwrongdoing? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000061 On Sep 29, 2017, at 9:46 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Ok. Thanks forthat. And last one (for now), which will probably come out ofthe earlier question – did Mrs. Zinke travel with the Secretary on official business at any time since she started working as a campaign chairman for Troy Downing? Ifso, do you know which trips? Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:40 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March No she didn't. I'll put a request in for that information - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:37 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. So can you please give me a complete list oftrips in which she accompanied the Secretary? If not on the USVI or Nevada flights, does that mean she accompanied him on every otherflight? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:35 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Mrs. Zinke has personally footed the bill for any travel she did accompanying her husband. She was not on the USVI or the Nevada flights, helos, or wildfire flight. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov EXT-18-2336-C-000062 On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:30 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. Doing a mind-reading of my editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are othertrips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, orreimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about hertraveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000063 Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000064 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Hinson, Alex Sent: 2017-09-29T10:16:07-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: *DRAFT DOI Daily Report Received: 2017-09-29T10:16:14-04:00 no worries. you got it On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 10:15 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Hold. Low priority. Thank you. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:14 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: INTERIOR DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT NEWS TO SHARE: Washington Post: The Energy 202: Zinke suggests solar power may not best use ofpublic land “Despite saying in speeches that he happens “to love the coal miners”but that wind power “kills all the birds,”the Trump administration’s official policy is ostensibly to pursue an “all-of-the-above”energy strategy. Under such a policy, as it’s described, the government does not pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Private firms are free to develop the energy source they determine to be the most economical. The more sources ofelectricity and fuel there are domestically, the thinking goes, the less dependent the United States is on other nations to meet its energy needs.” The Bend Bulletin: Editorial: Zinke shows thoughtful approach to wildfire “Zinke recognizes the dangers wildfires pose. His memo was written in response to those dangers. He didn’t give explicit instructions about what should be done. He did note, however, that as his department urges Western communities to adopt Firewise standards, it should model those same standards in planning, development and maintenance ofits facilities. Some critics ofthe agency and its leader took that as a directive for a one-size-fits-all plan for fuel reduction on BLMland. Yet, the memo says nothing about specifics. Instead, it lays out a broad direction to the agencies under his charge.” Correcting the Record: Washington Post: Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents show “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his EXT-18-2336-C-000065 home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs of travel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option of flying commercial.” TALKING POINTS • As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the division ofGeneral Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. • Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. • Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. • "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service New York Times: Interior Department to Overhaul Obama’s Sage Grouse Protection Plan “The Trump administration will seek to reconsider an Obama-era blueprint for protecting the greater sage grouse, a move that could lead to new mineral leasing, grazing and other commercial activities across the quirky bird’s Western habitat. The Interior Department intends this week to publish a formal notice ofintent to amend 98 sage grouse habitat management plans across 10 states, according to multiple agency and state officials who have been briefed on the effort. Those plans, completed in 2015, were adopted after a decade of EXT-18-2336-C-000066 negotiations among conservationists, sportsmen and extraction industries as well as federal, state, local and tribal authorities.” TALKING POINTS • Secretary Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3353 to improve conservation ofsage-grouse, strengthening collaboration between state and federal partners on this issue. • It’s important to take into account the state and local voices on this issue to make the best decisions. • The Secretary is considering economic development, job creation, and energy production as part ofthe conservation planning. ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000067 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Bowman, Jennifer Sent: 2017-09-29T10:53:19-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: DOI RESPONSE TO WAPO RPT ON ZINKE $12K CHARTER FLIGHT Received: 2017-09-29T10:53:28-04:00 Great – very helpful. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 10:51 AM To: Bowman, Jennifer Subject: Re: DOI RESPONSE TO WAPO RPT ON ZINKE $12K CHARTER FLIGHT Statement. Background to follow in another email. As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. EXT-18-2336-C-000068 Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish EXT-18-2336-C-000069 Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter EXT-18-2336-C-000070 landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:46 AM, Bowman, Jennifer wrote: Hi Heather, Does DOI have a response to this story? Please forward me any response or background on this. Thank you, Jennifer Bowman White House Producer Fox News Channel C: 202-251-2791 C2: 202-412-9197 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8-a4b8-11e7- ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html?deferJs=true&outputType=default￾article&utm_term=.75dfcd8723fe Investigations Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents EXT-18-2336-C-000071 show The inside track on Washington politics. By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein Investigations September 28 at 10:48 PM Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs of travel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option of flying commercial. In June, Zinke and his staffers took a four-hour flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont., aboard a private plane owned by the executives ofa Wyoming oil-and-gas exploration firm, aviation and business records show. The landing in Kalispell put Zinke a short drive from his home in Whitefish, Mont., where he spent the night, documents show. The flight cost taxpayers $12,375, according to an Interior Department spokeswoman. Commercial airlines run daily flights between the two airports and charge as little as $300. The new flight details show how Zinke has mixed political gatherings and personal destinations with his taxpayer-funded work as the head ofa federal agency that manages or controls the vast majority of federal land. EXT-18-2336-C-000072 Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke’s charter flights were authorized by ethics officials and booked only when feasible commercial flights were unavailable. Previous interior secretaries flew charter flights when needed, Swift added. She did not provide documentation of the approvals. Zinke spoke the next day at the annual meeting of the Western Governors This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. It is intended solely for the named addressee. Ifyou are not the addressee indicated in this message (orresponsible for delivery ofthe message to the addressee), you may not copy or deliver this message orits attachments to anyone. Rather, you should permanently delete this message and its attachments and kindly notify the sender by reply e-mail. Any content ofthis message and its attachments that does not relate to the official business ofFox News or Fox Business must not be taken to have been sent or endorsed by either ofthem. No representation is made that this email orits attachments are without defect. EXT-18-2336-C-000073 To: Green, Miranda[Miranda.Green@turner.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T12:27:10-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Confirming cost of Zinke's charter plane travel Received: 2017-09-29T12:34:36-04:00 Waiting on costs from the appropriate offices. On the record As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division ofGeneral Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership ofthe plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor ofthe federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years offederal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available EXT-18-2336-C-000074 between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staffabout it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number offronts that needed the secretary's time. All ofthese things were also part ofthe secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point ofthe UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours ofofficial government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction ofthe Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary ofofficial government events. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. EXT-18-2336-C-000075 The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 12:14 PM, Green, Miranda wrote: Hi Heather, I just heard Sec. Zinke speak at Heritage and he said "I believe taxpayers absolutely have the right to know official travel costs. It's common sense, and at the department we make those documents and my travel schedule available to everyone." Can you please provide me with those exact costs for the travel on the private and mil air plans he mentioned? He mentioned three instances for private jets and one for military aid with Secretary Perdue. Thanks, Miranda EXT-18-2336-C-000076 To: Marsh, Rene[Rene.Marsh@cnn.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Levitt, Ross[Ross.Levitt@turner.com]; Wallace, Gregory[gregory.wallace@turner.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T13:15:45-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-09-29T13:15:59-04:00 Waiting on that info from the relevant office. Will let you know when we have it. We have not yet been billed for the August trip on military air. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:14 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: We are looking forthe cost ofthe flights? I don’t see that below. B =y the way who did you provide this info to earlier ? — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:12 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The below information was supplied to your colleague earlier. On the record EXT-18-2336-C-000077 As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of EXT-18-2336-C-000078 General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the EXT-18-2336-C-000079 Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then EXT-18-2336-C-000080 included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid EXT-18-2336-C-000081 out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Good afternoon Heather, CNN is circling back on this request. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" EXT-18-2336-C-000082 Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:16 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" , "Swift, Heather" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking to confirm the costs of all ofthe charters you outlined below. We are also looking to confirm the name ofthe charter company that provided the flights forthe Secretary’s official travel. Besides these charterflights you noted below has the Secretary also used military/government planes? Ifso can you outline dates, times, places, justification? Many thanks, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 3:14 PM To: "Swift, Heather" , "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Thank you Heather — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 EXT-18-2336-C-000083 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:13 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I don't have that information immediately available. Will put a request in. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thank you Heather. What type of aircraft were these private planes? What was the cost for these trips that came out ofthe DOI budget? Thank you — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Rene - also want to add on the Alaska portion that was part of the CODEL arranged by Senate ENR. EXT-18-2336-C-000084 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 12:17 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thanks Heather. What type of planes were these charterflights? Can you please check and confirm? We are also looking to get a better understanding about why commercial flights were listed as not an option forthe 5/17 trip? There was no commercial flight available for the route/schedule. Getting around in the Arctic Circle is not like catching a flight out of Washington, D.C. Forthe 6/26 trip what were the times of his commitment? What time were the events scheduled forin Nevada? What time was the speaking engagement scheduled forthe next morning in Montana? The event ended around 8:00PM in NV. He arrived in MT around 2:00AM and the Secretary had meetings with governors and public lands advocates the following morning beginning at 8:45AM. The Western Governors Association - led by a Democratic governor - invited the Secretary to speak. Is it safe to assume the secretary flew commercial from Washington D.C. to places like Vegas, Alaska and St. Croix before boarding the private flights in those places? Yes - the Secretary flew to Nevada and the USVI on a commercial, coach, government fare. He got to Alaska by way of the CODEL which was arranged by the Senate. He left Alaska on a commercial, coach, government fare. EXT-18-2336-C-000085 Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:31 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I sent this to Hannah Lang. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. EXT-18-2336-C-000086 The Secretary had two speaking engagements, in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the event on time. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget The Secretary took a military jet once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the summer. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military jet when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. There have been three such trips to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Atlanta. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Morning Heather, I checked in with my colleagues and they say they never received a response on this topic from Interior. Could you please provide? We are looking to find out has the Secretary chartered private planes for his travels while in office? Government/military planes during his time in office? How many times? Was commercial considered as the first option? Justification for flying private? Thank you, Rene Marsh CNN On 9/22/17, 12:53 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: We do it here too. Heather Swift EXT-18-2336-C-000087 Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:44 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: > > Apologies. That’s annoying on our part. Sorry we are doubling up. Will check with them and circle back ifthere are any outstanding questions. > > — René Marsh > CNN > Correspondent > Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN > Office: 202- 777-7249 > > > On 9/22/17, 12:43 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: > > Rene can you please coordinate with your colleagues? I've received > this inquiry from several people at CNN. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department ofthe Interior > > >> On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:35 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> CNN is looking to get information on Zinke's travel information. When he travels by plane does he always fly commercial? Private ? >> >> Thank you, >> Rene Marsh >> CNN >> >> Sent from my iPhone > > EXT-18-2336-C-000088 EXT-18-2336-C-000089 To: Marsh, Rene[Rene.Marsh@cnn.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Levitt, Ross[Ross.Levitt@turner.com]; Wallace, Gregory[gregory.wallace@turner.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T13:16:02-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-09-29T13:16:11-04:00 Miranda Green Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:14 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: We are looking forthe cost ofthe flights? I don’t see that below. B =y the way who did you provide this info to earlier ? — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:12 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The below information was supplied to your colleague earlier. On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on EXT-18-2336-C-000090 charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable EXT-18-2336-C-000091 laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple EXT-18-2336-C-000092 political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's EXT-18-2336-C-000093 Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. EXT-18-2336-C-000094 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Good afternoon Heather, CNN is circling back on this request. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:16 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" , "Swift, Heather" EXT-18-2336-C-000095 Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking to confirm the costs of all ofthe charters you outlined below. We are also looking to confirm the name ofthe charter company that provided the flights forthe Secretary’s official travel. Besides these charterflights you noted below has the Secretary also used military/government planes? Ifso can you outline dates, times, places, justification? Many thanks, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 3:14 PM To: "Swift, Heather" , "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Thank you Heather — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" EXT-18-2336-C-000096 Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:13 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I don't have that information immediately available. Will put a request in. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thank you Heather. What type of aircraft were these private planes? What was the cost for these trips that came out ofthe DOI budget? Thank you — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Rene - also want to add on the Alaska portion that was part of the CODEL arranged by Senate ENR. EXT-18-2336-C-000097 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 12:17 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thanks Heather. What type of planes were these charterflights? Can you please check and confirm? We are also looking to get a better understanding about why commercial flights were listed as not an option forthe 5/17 trip? There was no commercial flight available for the route/schedule. Getting around in the Arctic Circle is not like catching a flight out of Washington, D.C. Forthe 6/26 trip what were the times of his commitment? What time were the events scheduled forin Nevada? What time was the speaking engagement scheduled forthe next morning in Montana? The event ended around 8:00PM in NV. He arrived in MT around 2:00AM and the Secretary had meetings with governors and public lands advocates the following morning beginning at 8:45AM. The Western Governors Association - led by a Democratic governor - invited the Secretary to speak. Is it safe to assume the secretary flew commercial from Washington D.C. to places like Vegas, Alaska and St. Croix before boarding the private flights in those places? Yes - the Secretary flew to Nevada and the USVI on a commercial, coach, government fare. He got to Alaska by way of the CODEL which was arranged by the Senate. He left Alaska on a commercial, coach, government fare. EXT-18-2336-C-000098 Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:31 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I sent this to Hannah Lang. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had two speaking engagements, in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. EXT-18-2336-C-000099 Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the event on time. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget The Secretary took a military jet once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the summer. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military jet when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. There have been three such trips to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Atlanta. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Morning Heather, I checked in with my colleagues and they say they never received a response on this topic from Interior. Could you please provide? We are looking to find out has the Secretary chartered private planes for his travels while in office? Government/military planes during his time in office? How many times? Was commercial considered as the first option? Justification for flying private? Thank you, Rene Marsh CNN On 9/22/17, 12:53 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: We do it here too. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000100 > On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:44 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: > > Apologies. That’s annoying on our part. Sorry we are doubling up. Will check with them and circle back ifthere are any outstanding questions. > > — René Marsh > CNN > Correspondent > Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN > Office: 202- 777-7249 > > > On 9/22/17, 12:43 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: > > Rene can you please coordinate with your colleagues? I've received > this inquiry from several people at CNN. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department ofthe Interior > > >> On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:35 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> CNN is looking to get information on Zinke's travel information. When he travels by plane does he always fly commercial? Private ? >> >> Thank you, >> Rene Marsh >> CNN >> >> Sent from my iPhone > > EXT-18-2336-C-000101 EXT-18-2336-C-000102 To: Green, Miranda[Miranda.Green@turner.com] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T14:18:50-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Confirming cost of Zinke's charter plane travel Received: 2017-09-29T14:28:00-04:00 USVI flights were $3,150 Nevada flight was $12,375 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 1:29 PM, Green, Miranda wrote: Thank you looking forward to seeing those numbers! -- Miranda Green Political Writer, Breaking News CNNPolitics.com O: 202-772-2728 | C: 202-734-8963 Miranda.Green@turner.com @mirandacgreen From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 12:27 PM EXT-18-2336-C-000103 To: "Green, Miranda" Subject: Re: Confirming cost of Zinke's charter plane travel Waiting on costs from the appropriate offices. On the record As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division ofGeneral Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. EXT-18-2336-C-000104 On background Regarding the ownership ofthe plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor ofthe federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years offederal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staffabout it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number offronts that needed the secretary's time. All ofthese things were also part ofthe secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point ofthe UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours ofofficial government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction ofthe Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 EXT-18-2336-C-000105 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary ofofficial government events. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 12:14 PM, Green, Miranda wrote: Hi Heather, I just heard Sec. Zinke speak at Heritage and he said "I believe taxpayers absolutely have the right to know official travel costs. It's common sense, and at the department we make those documents and my travel schedule available to everyone." EXT-18-2336-C-000106 Can you please provide me with those exact costs for the travel on the private and mil air plans he mentioned? He mentioned three instances for private jets and one for military aid with Secretary Perdue. Thanks, Miranda EXT-18-2336-C-000107 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Jochim, Eric Sent: 2017-09-29T15:15:38-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Montana Stations seeking comment Received: 2017-09-29T15:46:37-04:00 Thank you Eric Jochim News Director, KTVH/KXLH 406-457-2725 From: Swift, Heather Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 12:51 PM To: Jochim, Eric Subject: Re: Montana Stations seeking comment Also, for your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: • 1/14/16 $9,800 roundtrip between Alburquerque, NM --> Farmington, NM • 5/3/16 $13,605 Helena, MT --> Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs • 8/24/16 $20,383 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT --> Livingston, MT • There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 12:23 PM, Jochim, Eric wrote: Thank you for the response. EXT-18-2336-C-000108 Eric Jochim News Director, KTVH/KXLH 406-457-2725 From: Heather Swift Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 10:21 AM To: Jochim, Eric Subject: Re: Montana Stations seeking comment On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. EXT-18-2336-C-000109 On background Regarding the ownership ofthe plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor ofthe federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years offederal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number offronts that needed the secretary's time. All ofthese things were also part ofthe secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point ofthe UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction ofthe Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix EXT-18-2336-C-000110 Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 12:15 PM, Jochim, Eric wrote: Good morning Heather, We are looking for a statement on the reports out of Politico and the Washington Post about the Secretaries travel expenditures. Here are the articles for background: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes￾interior-243280?lo=ap_a1 EXT-18-2336-C-000111 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8-a4b8- 11e7-ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html?utm_term=.3b8a0d89e9b0 We have 5:30p Eastern deadline. Thanks in advance for your help. Eric Jochim News Director, KTVH/KXLH 406-457-2725 EXT-18-2336-C-000112 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Conlin, Sheila (NBCUniversal)[Sheila.Conlin@nbcuni.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Alexander, Blayne (NBCUniversal) Sent: 2017-09-29T19:12:42-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: question from NBC News about Sec. Zinke's comments this morning about travel Received: 2017-09-29T19:12:55-04:00 Thanks so much for getting back to us. Really appreciate it. Blayne Alexander Correspondent, NBC News Channel Cell: 202-379-8101 | Office: 202-661-0035 Email: Blayne.alexander@nbcuni.com Twitter: @ReporterBlayne From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 12:54 PM To: Conlin, Sheila (NBCUniversal) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov; Alexander, Blayne (NBCUniversal) Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: question from NBC News about Sec. Zinke's comments this morning about travel The WP is wildly misleading and omits facts. See info below. On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. EXT-18-2336-C-000113 Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. EXT-18-2336-C-000114 On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again EXT-18-2336-C-000115 another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska EXT-18-2336-C-000116 Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 12:52 PM, Conlin, Sheila (NBCUniversal) wrote: I am writing to confirm that when Sec. Zinke said this morning – “Numbertwo - flying late at night - to the great state of Montana - on invitation - ah - invitation to meet the great governor ofthe great state of Montana - and to speak at the Western Governor's Association - the next morning.” He was referring to the trip discussed in today’s Washington Post : In June, Zinke and his staffers took a four-hour flight from Las EXT-18-2336-C-000117 Vegas to Kalispell, Mont., aboard a private plane owned by the executives ofa Wyoming oil-and-gas exploration firm, aviation and business records show. Is that correct? I am on deadline and would appreciate hearing back as soon as possible. Regards - Sheila Conlin Senior Producer NBC News Channel/DC Bureau (cell) 202 494-4835 Email: Sheila.Conlin@nbcuni.com EXT-18-2336-C-000118 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: todd_willens@ios.doi.gov[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; ; katharine_macgregor@ios.doi.gov[katharine_macgregor@ios.doi.gov]; james_cason@ios.doi.gov[james_cason@ios.doi.gov]; david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov[david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov] From: Vincent Devito Sent: 2017-09-30T10:36:32-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: A Return to the Conservation Ethic - WSJ Received: 2017-09-30T10:36:36-04:00 Congrats around the horn! On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:26 PM, Heather Swift wrote: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-return-to-the-conservation-ethic-1506723867 WSJ A Return to the Conservation Ethic The interior secretary wants to restore the vision of Gifford Pinchot and use public lands ‘for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.’ By Kimberley A. Strassel •Sept. 29, 2017 6:24 p.m. ET Washington Amid legislative failure and Twitter tumult, President Trump’s supporters could be forgiven for thinking he’s failed to fulfill his promise of bringing radical change to Washington. But he also (b)(6) EXT-18-2336-C-000119 appointed a cabinet full of reform-minded conservatives. Ryan Zinke, the former Montana congressman who was confirmed as interior secretary in March, is getting high marks for the speed and scope of his overhaul. “My first goal is to restore trust with America that we are in fact using our public lands ‘for the benefit and the enjoyment of the people’—not for the very few and the elite,” he told me Monday, using language from the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act of 1872. The Interior Department oversees 500 million acres nationwide—more than one-fifth of the country’s land area—mostly in the West. “We are going to be great stewards of these treasures,” Mr. Zinke says, “but we are also going to restore access to the people and to industry—and be a partner.” The Interior Department has positioned itself at the forefront of Mr. Trump’s energy revival. It is eliminating or preparing to reverse more than 150 Obama regulations, including those curtailing coal mining and hydraulic fracturing, better known as fracking. It has reopened Alaska’s Cook Inlet for business, made 76 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico available for offshore oil-and-gas exploration, and turbocharged pipeline permitting. On Mr. Trump’s order, the department has reviewed 27 national monuments, which by virtue of that designation can be off-limits to development and to activities such as hunting and fishing. Mr. Zinke has recommended shrinking at least four of them, in line with the Antiquities Act of 1906, which limits the designations to federal land and to the smallest area necessary to protect an actual historical or scientific object. Illustration: Ken Fallin “I’m grateful the president had the courage to ask the question,” Mr. Zinke says. His review found past administrations had EXT-18-2336-C-000120 scooped up private land and relied on bogus historical “objects”—in one case, a World War II-era test bombing crater—to justify new designations. “The Antiquities Act has been used not to protect, but to prevent public access and to prevent public use,” Mr. Zinke says. “To make it hard on local cattlemen, who could no longer use machinery to scoop out a pond, or on cross-country skiers, who can’t have trails groomed.” The Blockchain Is the Internet ofMoney Silicon Valley visionary Balaji Srinivasan explains how bitcoin works and why he regards it as revolutionary. Click to Read Story A FormerDemocrat Rises in Trump Country Missouri’s governor talks about his journey to the right, his fights with the unions, and his experience as a Navy SEAL. Click to Read Story Why Entitlements Keep Growing, and Growing, and . . . Once granted, benefits always multiply and are nearly impossible to repeal, John Cogan says. 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Click to Read Story The Gene Editors Are Only Getting Started Would you eradicate malaria-carrying insects? Change your baby’s DNA? Scientists soon may have the power to do both. Click to Read Story More Weekend Interviews Mr. Zinke’s office in Washington is a testament to his own lifelong love of the outdoors. In one corner looms a massive stuffed grizzly bear. Two heads, a buffalo and an elk, are mounted over the fireplace. Cowboy hats litter the place, and a sign behind his desk reads: “Yep.” Mr. Zinke arrived for his first day on horseback, instituted a bring-your-dog-to-work day, EXT-18-2336-C-000122 installed the arcade game Big Buck Hunter in the cafeteria, and even personally shoveled snow at the Lincoln Memorial. But he spends much of his time on the road, exploring federal lands on horseback, in planes and on plows. “As Interior Secretary Swaggers Through Parks, His Staff Rolls Back Regulations,” the New York Times sniffed in a recent headline. When Mr. Zinke talks policy, he strikes a distinctly populist tone. On his first day in office, he reversed the Obama administration’s last-minute ban on using lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands, an edict he saw as an assault on hunters and anglers of ordinary means, who rely on affordable gear. “This was, again, part of a goal to make hunting and fishing elite, an experience only for the person who can pay for a guide or go a whole week,” Mr. Zinke says. “But it means you limit grandpa, you limit the disabled veteran, you limit the family that goes out for a day to enjoy our public lands.” Similarly, he sees energy development as a basic way for public lands to benefit the nation. “I never want our children to have to fight overseas for a commodity that we have here,” he says, “especially knowing that we have an energy industry that is the world standard for safety and environmental regulations.” Cheap American energy, he adds, is crucial to lowering U.S. manufacturing costs and boosting workers’ wages. “Access to our public lands has been limited for industry, even in areas where it is absolutely appropriate,” Mr. Zinke says. “It’s called the National Petroleum Reserve for a reason.” The reference is to the 23 million acres in Alaska that Interior is investigating reopening for drilling after Obama-era restrictions. The department is also working on a new five-year plan for oil￾and-gas development in the Outer Continental Shelf, 94% of which is currently off-limits to energy producers. It is issuing coal leases in Wyoming and Utah and streamlining approvals for the construction of the Berwind coal mine on the Virginia￾West Virginia border. EXT-18-2336-C-000123 “Our regulatory scheme has to be one that holds industry accountable, but that isn’t arbitrary,” Mr. Zinke says. In the past, “not only has our federal government been arbitrary, it has been punitive.” He cites the example of Shell, which spent $10 billion on an Arctic drilling plan “only to be forced into a regulatory box that almost guarantees failure.” Mr. Zinke is unequivocal: “That’s wrong.” His department is trying to prove its good faith by clearing backlogged permit applications and streamlining future projects. Mr. Zinke is also implementing a strictly market￾based approach to energy plays, rather than subsidizing costly renewables. “We are for all-of-the-above energy, but the energy itself has to be competitive,” he says. “It isn’t Interior’s role to pick and choose winners.” All this will generate more revenue that the federal government can use to preserve national treasures for future generations. The Obama administration’s crackdown on energy leases slowed royalties and left the Interior Department with an $11.5 billion infrastructure backlog in the national parks alone. In 2008, Mr. Zinke says, the department pulled in $18 billion in offshore revenue. Last year Interior’s offshore revenues were only $2.6 billion. Even with the drop in oil prices, Mr. Zinke estimates that had drilling continued apace, Interior would have no maintenance backlog today and would instead be making capital investments of $3 billion to $4 billion a year. Under Mr. Zinke’s leadership, the department has already held more onshore lease sales in six months than in all of last year. From January to June of 2016, Interior generated just $11.5 million from onshore oil and gas. For the same period this year, the figure is $146 million. And Mr. Zinke insists he drives a hard bargain. “We have a royalty committee that we established to make sure the American public is getting value,” he says. “If you are doing commercial work on our public lands, the No. 1 stakeholder is the American public, and they need a fair return.” Mr. Zinke says his longer-term goal is to make his department a better steward. He brings up President Theodore Roosevelt’s EXT-18-2336-C-000124 famous 1903 camping trip to Yosemite National Park with the preservationist John Muir : “They went out on this wonderful ride, a ride that you could not even replicate today because of the dead and dying trees.” Mr. Zinke has ordered all his agencies to put a priority on active management against wildfires. “We are spending $2 billion a year fighting fires, money that could be going to far better conservation efforts,” he says, visibly annoyed. Such mismanagement is what drives Western frustration, which threatens to become a new Sagebrush Rebellion. “Some of the anger is that our grand bargains have been broken, and those bargains said that you had wilderness, but you also have grazing; you could also hunt and fish,” Mr. Zinke says. Now Westerners “watch these catastrophic fires, and they’ve lost any faith that the federal government is capable of being a good steward.” Mr. Zinke believes the only way for Interior to improve its performance is through a radical overhaul. He plans to devolve far more authority and resources to front-line park and land managers, allowing them to make decisions more quickly and efficiently. “You end up with a park superintendent of 47 years who apparently can’t be trusted with making the grand decision of whether and when locals can collect fiddleheads,” a type of fern, he says. “They’re spending more time behind a desk, less in the field, and they are getting micromanaged.” The federal bureaucracy also makes it hard for on-site staff to work with state authorities, Indian tribes, and private landowners on solutions that take account of local needs. Mr. Zinke is thinking about moving the headquarters of the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation to somewhere out West, perhaps Colorado. “I’m a military guy, so I’m all about putting your assets closer to the fight,” he says with a laugh. Mr. Zinke’s ambitions extend to the daunting challenge of EXT-18-2336-C-000125 reforming the way the entire federal government manages its property. “We’ve got to start looking at our lands in terms of complete watersheds and ecosystems, rather than isolated assets,” he says. “We need to think about wildlife corridors, because it turns out wildlife doesn’t just stay on federal lands.” Even when it does, there often are overlapping jurisdictions. The management of a single stream may involve endangered salmon (overseen by the National Marine Fisheries Service), trout (Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service), a dam (the Army Corps of Engineers), irrigation (Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation), and a nearby forest (the Agriculture Department’s Forest Service). “We can have, and frequently do have, multiple biological opinions that are irreconcilable,” Mr. Zinke says. “That’s us mismanaging our core mission.” One of Mr. Zinke’s first trips as secretary was to Yellowstone National Park. His first stop was the Roosevelt Arch, whose cornerstone was laid by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. It is inscribed with that phrase from the law that created the park: “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.” As a vision, that’s pure Gifford Pinchot, who became the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service in 1905, during TR’s presidency. Pinchot was a founder of the conservationist movement, an ardent believer in market forces, and an aggressive proponent of controlled but profitable use of natural resources for the benefit of citizens. Today’s environmental movement—which measures the success of government land management by the number of acres locked away from public use—has largely excised Pinchot from history in favor of Muir. “But here’s the difference,” says Mr. Zinke. “TR went on a nice ride with Muir. He hired Pinchot. And that’s because Pinchot advocated using science and best practices for management.” The conservation ethic is where the similarity with Mr. Zinke ends. Pinchot was a scion of a wealthy East Coast family, a Yale Skull and Bones man. Mr. Zinke is all blue-collar EXT-18-2336-C-000126 Montana—the son of a plumber, an Eagle Scout, a college football player, a geologist, and the first Navy SEAL elected to Congress. His broader political outlook is more libertarian than that of the progressive Pinchot. “I’ve only ever thought there are two things our government should fund absolutely: our military and our parks system,” Mr. Zinke says with a laugh. “The rest is up for discussion.” Ms. Strassel writes the Journal’s Potomac Watch column. Appeared in the September30, 2017, print edition. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000127 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Michael Doyle Sent: 2017-10-02T08:48:59-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: this week Received: 2017-10-02T08:49:22-04:00 Good morning: Anything going on this week? Is today Jason Larrabee’s first day as DAS for Fish, Wildlife and Parks? Care to serve up quote? Still interested in Bernhardt interview… Thanks, Mike Michael Doyle Reporter mdoyle@eenews.net 202-446-0467 x467 @MichaelDoyle10 E&E NEWS 122 C Street NW 7th Floor Washington, DC 20001 www.eenews.net | @EENewsUpdates Energywire, Climatewire, Greenwire, E&E Daily, E&E News PM EXT-18-2336-C-000128 To: Laura Rigas[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Eli Nachmany[eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov] From: Hinson, Alex Sent: 2017-10-02T10:32:54-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: *DRAFT DOI Daily Report Received: 2017-10-02T10:33:04-04:00 INTERIOR DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT NEWS TO SHARE: Wall Street Journal-Opinion: A Return to the Conservation Ethic “The Interior Department has positioned itselfat the forefront ofMr. Trump’s energy revival. It is eliminating or preparing to reverse more than 150 Obama regulations, including those curtailing coal mining and hydraulic fracturing, better known as fracking. It has reopened Alaska’s Cook Inlet for business, made 76 million acres in the GulfofMexico available for offshore oil-and-gas exploration, and turbocharged pipeline permitting. On Mr. Trump’s order, the department has reviewed 27national monuments, which by virtue ofthat designation can be off-limits to development and to activities such as hunting and fishing. Mr. Zinke has recommended shrinking at least four ofthem, in line with the Antiquities Act of1906, which limits the designations to federal land and to the smallest area necessary to protect an actual historical or scientific object.” The Daily Signal: Interior Secretary Stresses Cutting Red Tape, Defending American Sovereignty “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said with President Donald Trump at the helm, the United States will lead the way in energy independence. “As our nation stands today, we are at an energy crossroads,”Zinke, a former congressman from Montana, said Friday at an event at The Heritage Foundation, adding: There are two visions for our future in energy. One side believes that we should retreat into a fortress ofregulation and red tape, where foreign nations take the lead as America drowns itselfin process and procedure.” Correcting the Record: Washington Examiner: John Kelly's approval needed for future chartered aircraft use by government officials “Travel for Trump administration officials on government-owned, rented, leased, or chartered aircraft, will now require prior approval from White House chiefofstaffJohn Kelly, after it was revealed that multiple senior officials in the Trump Cabinet were using private jets and military aircraft to conduct business on the taxpayers'dime. MickMulvaney, director ofthe Office of Management and Budget, revealed this point in a letter he sent out Friday reminding staffof administrative policies regarding travel after President Trump accepted Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price's resignation.” TALKING POINTS • As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. • Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available EXT-18-2336-C-000129 to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. • Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. • "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service E&E News: Staff reorganization on hold pending IG probe — sources “The Interior Department will wait to reassign career officials as part ofan ongoing reorganization until after the department's inspector general completes an investigation into an earlier round ofreassignments, several sources toldE&E News. The sources also confirmed that Interior leaders have already signed offon the transfer ofbetween 20 and 30 Senior Executive Service-level employees at the Bureau ofLandManagement, the Fish andWildlife Service, the National Park Service and other bureaus to new Interior positions.” TALKING POINTS • Regarding reorganization: The Secretary draws inspiration from his days as a U.S. Navy officer and from the way the USDA and DOI co-manage wildfire fighting. The Secretary's planned reorganization will allow the Department to push more funding and resources to local field offices and parks through "joint management areas." This will allow various land management bureaus to work together and come to solutions that better suit local communities, rather than operate in silos and deliver conflicting opinions. Statement on the whistleblower • The Department does not comment on ongoing matters such as whistleblower complaints. We look forward to working with the Office ofSpecial Counsel to address any questions they might have about this matter. Regarding the shuffling ofSES at DOI: • The President signed an executive order to reorganize the federal government for the future and the Secretary has been absolutely out front on that issue. In fact, he mentioned a Department-wide, front lines-focused reorganization on his first day address to all employees. • The purpose ofthe Senior Executive Service is to ensure that the executive EXT-18-2336-C-000130 management ofthe government ofthe United States is responsive to the needs, policies, and goals ofthe Nation and otherwise is ofthe highest quality. Senor executives are the highest paid employees in the federal government and signed up for the SES knowing that they could be called upon to work in different positions at any time. Congress meant for the SES to be a mobile force that are capable of taking on different assignments to meet the needs ofthe agency. Personnel moves among the Senior Executive Service are being conducted to better serve the taxpayer and the Department's operations. ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000131 To: Friedman, Lisa[lisa.friedman@nytimes.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-02T15:13:54-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: comment on IG investigation Received: 2017-10-02T15:14:05-04:00 See the Secretary's statement Friday Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior > On Oct 2, 2017, at 3:08 PM, Friedman, Lisa wrote: > > Hi Heather - Can you comment on the Inspector General's decision to launch an investigation into Sec. Zinke's private travel? > > Thanks so much, > Lisa > > -- > Lisa Friedman > Reporter, New York Times > (202) 862-0306 office > (202) 251-2083 cell > EXT-18-2336-C-000132 To: Newell, Russell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Laura Rigas Sent: 2017-10-02T17:21:00-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Updated press releases for sage grouse Received: 2017-10-02T17:21:08-04:00 Did Downey sign off? Can you send around or should I? About to take off and not sure I will have WiFi. Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department of the Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior > On Oct 2, 2017, at 5:03 PM, Newell, Russell wrote: > > here you go - two releases, both related to sage grouse, for tomorrow. So, Cally said they are submitting to Federal Register tomorrow, and anticipate they will publish on Friday. Told her this can't happen again. Everyone was in the loop - Bernhardt, Downey, etc. - except OCO. > > > <100217 DTS Sage Grouse NOI draft news release.WO600.docx> (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) - EXT-18-2336-C-000133 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Hinson, Alex Sent: 2017-10-02T17:26:47-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: *DRAFT DOI Daily Comms Received: 2017-10-02T17:26:50-04:00 INTERIOR WASHINGTON 10/2/2017 DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT TO: White House Cabinet Affairs Communications FROM: Heather Swift & Laura Rigas SUBJECT: Communications Update Press Inquiries: • Many small inquiries and logistical inquiries. • ** Multiple inquires on travel** o DOI Statement: “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always continue to work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including using government coach class fare options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use ofgovernment resources.” Top Stories • Politico: Interior watchdog opens investigation into Zinke's travel • Wall Street Journal: A Return to the Conservation Ethic Top Issues and Accomplishments • Interior continues to support all Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria efforts. All bureaus are executing their emergency plans and assisting in Hurricane relief. • This week, Secretary Zinke will tour the Southeast, and visit South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. He will meet with employees, and see how Hurricane reliefefforts are going on the ground. • Wednesday, Interior will be hosting the first Royalty Policy Committee (RPC) meeting. The meeting will be open press. ### On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:18 PM, Heather Swift wrote: Heather Swift (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000134 Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 2, 2017, at 5:12 PM, Hinson, Alex wrote: On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:04 PM, Heather Swift wrote: Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 2, 2017, at 4:24 PM, Hinson, Alex wrote: INTERIOR WASHINGTON 10/2/2017 DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT TO: White House Cabinet Affairs Communications FROM: Heather Swift & Laura Rigas SUBJECT: Communications Update Press Inquiries: • Many small inquiries and logistical inquiries. • ** Multiple inquires on travel** o General Statement: As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre￾approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division ofGeneral Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights (b)(5) (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000135 went through an additional level ofdue diligence. T axpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. o Secretary Zinke’s Statement: “I believe taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. There are some times when Interior - regardless ofthe administration - has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Since being sworn in, I’ve used a charter on three occasions: • On a trip organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the Arctic Circle • Flying overnight to Montana to meet the Democratic Governor and the Western Governors’ Association the next morning, • and traveling between two ofthe EXT-18-2336-C-000136 islands that make up the United States Virgin islands. As you’re aware the Interior Department oversees federal policy for the U.S. Territories and the events marked the 100-year anniversary ofthe territory joining the United States. I also took military air with Secretary Purdue so he and I could meet with wildfire crews battling a dangerous Type 1 wildfire that had already taken the life ofone firefighter. I also fly military air when I travel with the President and Vice President. All ofthis travel was done only after it was determined by multiple professionals at the Department that no commercial options existed to meet the schedule. And as importantly, the flights were only booked after extensive due diligence by the career professionals in the Department’s General Law and Ethics divisions. Every single trip I take is pre-approved by them. We are continually looking at ways to lower costs at the Department, and also looking at ways to increase revenues. I will always be honest and upfront about travel. – and now I’m going to talk about the great strides the Trump Administration is making toward American Energy Dominance.” Top Stories • Washington Post: Disloyalty slur latest in series showing Trump administration’s mistrust offeds • Politico: Interior watchdog opens investigation into Zinke's travel • Wall Street Journal: A Return to the Conservation Ethic • Los Angeles Times: Op-Ed: What the Trump administration doesn't understand about wildfires Top Issues and Accomplishments • Interior continues to support all Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria efforts. All bureaus are executing their emergency plans and assisting in Hurricane relief. • This week, Secretary Zinke will tour the Southeast, and visit South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. He will meet with employees, and see how Hurricane reliefefforts are going on the ground. • Wednesday, Interior will be hosting the first Royalty Policy Committee (RPC) meeting. The meeting will be open press. EXT-18-2336-C-000137 ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000138 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-10-02T17:44:26-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Question from Politico Received: 2017-10-02T17:44:46-04:00 Sorry! Anything you can say on the two questions below? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Monday, October 2, 2017 5:34 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico Ben please send all your questions in a single email ratherthan several throughout the day. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 2, 2017, at 5:27 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, Just checking to see if Mrs. Zinke accompanied the Secretary on a tour ofthe Channel Islands on April 18, and, ifso, what the official business done on the trip was. Also, was wondering if you could comment on whether Sec. Zinke has any political ambition for an office otherthan DOI Secretary. My phone is getting flooded with folks saying Zinke will run for Montana governorin 2020. Is that something that’s on his mind at all? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000139 To: MDaly@ap.org[MDaly@ap.org] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-02T19:43:50-04:00 Importance: Normal Received: 2017-10-02T19:43:58-04:00 Matt - I really think you should consider writing about Sec. Jewell's travel if the coverage over Zinke's is to continue. I'm happy to pull all of her trip details for you. Sent from my iPad EXT-18-2336-C-000140 To: Swift, Heather[Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Sabalow, Ryan Sent: 2017-10-02T19:59:08-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Request to interview Deputy Secretary Mikkelsen Received: 2017-10-02T19:59:53-04:00 Hi Heather, Sometime this week, ifpossible, I'd like to do a phone interview with Mr. Mikkelsen to discuss Klamath issues before he comes to California next week. Think we could make that happen? -- Ryan Sabalow Sacramento Bee 916-321-1264 @ryansabalow EXT-18-2336-C-000141 From: Hinson, Alex Sent: 2017-10-03T10:15:30-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: DOI Daily Report Received: 2017-10-03T10:15:42-04:00 INTERIOR DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT NEWS TO SHARE: U.S. News and World Report: New Mexico Oil Producers Concerned About Permit Backlog “The Bureau ofLandManagement earlier this year began shifting resources to tackle the backlog in areas where drilling activity has picked up, including in New Mexico's share ofthe Permian Basin, which also spans parts ofWest Texas and is one ofthe nation's top oil producing regions. Robert McEntyre, a spokesman for the association, said the processing ofapplications hasn't changed pace significantly since the summer when Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke issued an order targeting the backlog. While the U.S. Interior Department has prioritized the problem, the delays still concern producers, McEntyre said.” E&E News: Zinke champions oil and gas during Clean Energy Week “The head ofthe Interior Department opened and closed National Clean Energy Week by promoting fossil fuel development on public lands. In a Friday speech to the Heritage Foundation on "energy dominance,"Secretary Ryan Zinke touted oil and gas operators' progress on hydraulic fracturing. The industry's developments are welcome news, the Montanan said, noting his upbringing in the foothills ofGlacier National Park.” Federal News Radio: How Interior, NGA, DHS provided a common picture for hurricane first responders “With three major hurricanes wreaking havoc on the U.S., first responders and many others have a new tool to more clearly understand and visualize critical data. At the request ofthe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an interagency team launched the Homeland Infrastructure Foundation Level Data (HIFLD), a single authoritative source ofrelevant data for use by local, state, federal, tribal, private-sector and community partners. The open data platform serves as a hub to aggregate and disseminate open data to support the mapping activities for hurricane response and recovery. Tod Dabolt, the geospatial information officer in the Office ofthe CIO for the Department ofthe Interior, said this geospatial effort is making information sharing easier, better and faster than ever before.” Correcting the Record: Washington Post: Disloyalty slur latest in series showing Trump administration’s mistrust of feds “Defending Zinke, a former Navy SEAL commander, after his disloyalty hit, Interior press secretary Heather Swift said, “The Secretary led with the fact that Interior is full of‘really good people’but that a small minority are hesitant to changing policy and reforms.”Zinke’s comment about the flag, previously reported by the AssociatedPress, she added, “was not a literal comparison to the flag ofthe U.S. or even the administration. In the military structure, to which the secretary was alluding, the flag represents the command ofan organization and the policies and procedures it seeks to implement.” L.A. Times: Ryan Zinke under investigation for taxpayer-funded flights “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s taxpayer-funded flights on private planes have attracted the attention offederal investigators, who are now investigating whether they were a legitimate EXT-18-2336-C-000142 government expense. The department’s Office ofInspector General launched an investigation following news reports late last week that revealed a $12,375 flight Zinke chartered from Las Vegas to an airport near his home in Montana, where he spent the night. The inspector general's investigation began Friday, the same day Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price was forced to resign amid a public outcry over his use ofprivate planes at taxpayer expense.” • DOI Statement: “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always continue to work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including using government coach class fare options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use ofgovernment resources.” • DOI Ethics Statement: "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. • Secretary Zinke’s Statement: I believe taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. There are some times when Interior￾regardless ofthe administration - has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Since being sworn in, I’ve used a charter on three occasions: • On a trip organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the Arctic Circle • Flying overnight to Montana to meet the Democratic Governor and the Western Governors’ Association the next morning, • and traveling between two ofthe islands that make up the United States Virgin islands. As you’re aware the Interior Department oversees federal policy for the U.S. Territories and the events marked the 100-year anniversary ofthe territory joining the United States. I also took military air with Secretary Purdue so he and I could meet with wildfire crews battling a dangerous Type 1 wildfire that had already taken the life ofone firefighter. I also fly military air when I travel with the President and Vice President.All ofthis travel was done only after it was determined by multiple professionals at the Department that no commercial options existed to meet the schedule. And as importantly, the flights were only booked after extensive due diligence by the career professionals in the EXT-18-2336-C-000143 Department’s General Law and Ethics divisions. Every single trip I take is pre-approved by them. We are continually looking at ways to lower costs at the Department, and also looking at ways to increase revenues. I will always be honest and upfront about travel – in fact you can follow it on twitter. TALKING POINTS • As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. • Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. • Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000144 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Anthony Smith Sent: 2017-10-03T10:22:34-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Urgent inquiry inre: story on Secretary Zinke and Lola's travels Received: 2017-10-03T10:22:44-04:00 Hi Heather and Team, Just following up here. Thanks for clarifying yesterday that Lola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with Secretary Zinke. Still would like to know: - How Lola got to Montana for the 3/10/17 tribal blessing - Who paid for her travel - How Lola got to California for 4/13/17 meeting with Gov. Brown - Who paid for her travel - Why she isn't on the manifest for any part ofthe California trip, including the meeting with Gov. Brown thanks! - Anthony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:46 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: My mistake on the name ofthe nation. I'm not suggesting wrongdoing at all, just following up on a tip. So ifLola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with the secretary, how did she travel to Montana and California to show up at those meetings? And why isn't she listed on Interior's manifest forthe meeting with Gov Brown in California? Thanks, Tony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:38 PM, Heather Swift wrote: I believe you mean the Blackfeet Nation. She was on no flights with the Secretary. Are you suggesting there is some wrongdoing here? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000145 On Oct 2, 2017, at 5:33 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: Hi Heather and DOI press team, Hope you’re having a good Monday afternoon. My name is Tony Smith, and I’m senior reporter for Mic. I’m writing a story on Secretary Zinke’s travel, and I had a few questions. 1. I know from Interior’s travel manifest that the secretary’s wife, Lola, and their son, Wolfgang, showed up to the tribal blessing with the Blackstone Nation on Friday, Mar. 10 2017. However, neither Lola nor Wolfgang are listed on the flight manifest to Montana. • How did Lola and Wolfgang travel there — on the March 9th flight (United 1532) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did they fly back to D.C.? Who paid for it? 2. I know from DOI's social media that Lola attended a trip to California with the secretary on April 13, 2017. However, she isn’t listed on any part of Interior's manifest for that trip: neither for the meeting itself, nor the travel manifest. • How did Lola travel to California — on the April 12th flight (United 291) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did she fly back to D.C.? Who paid forit? Thank you so much for taking these questions. I’m on a tight deadline, and do need to publish this story in an hour. I appreciate your timely response. - Tony -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- EXT-18-2336-C-000146 Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 EXT-18-2336-C-000147 To: Green, Miranda[Miranda.Green@turner.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-03T11:05:25-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Question about Zinke's schedule Received: 2017-10-03T11:05:38-04:00 Can you tell me more about your story? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 3, 2017, at 10:27 AM, Green, Miranda wrote: Hi Heather, I wanted to follow up on this email I sent overthe weekend asking about business meetings/ travel Sec. Zinke has had with Administrator Pruitt. Thanks, Miranda -- Miranda Green Political Writer, Breaking News CNNPolitics.com O: 202-772-2728 | C: 202-734-8963 Miranda.Green@turner.com @mirandacgreen From: "Green, Miranda" Date: Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 12:52 PM To: "Swift, Heather" Subject: Question about Zinke's schedule Hi Heather, Since Secretary Zinke said he regularly makes his engagements and schedule public, I was hoping you could provide me with all ofthe times he’s met and travelled with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt since he’s been Secretary. Thanks for your help, Miranda EXT-18-2336-C-000148 -- Miranda Green Political Writer, Breaking News CNNPolitics.com O: 202-772-2728 | C: 202-734-8963 Miranda.Green@turner.com @mirandacgreen EXT-18-2336-C-000149 To: daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov] Cc: Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-03T11:13:29-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: Urgent inquiry inre: story on Secretary Zinke and Lola's travels Received: 2017-10-03T11:13:39-04:00 Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior Begin forwarded message: From: Anthony Smith Date: October 3, 2017 at 10:22:34 AM EDT To: Heather Swift Cc: "Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov" Subject: Re: Urgent inquiry inre: story on Secretary Zinke and Lola's travels Hi Heather and Team, Just following up here. Thanks for clarifying yesterday that Lola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with Secretary Zinke. Still would like to know: - How Lola got to Montana for the 3/10/17 tribal blessing - Who paid for her travel - How Lola got to California for 4/13/17 meeting with Gov. Brown - Who paid for her travel - Why she isn't on the manifest for any part ofthe California trip, including the meeting with Gov. Brown thanks! - Anthony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:46 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: My mistake on the name ofthe nation. I'm not suggesting wrongdoing at all, just following up on a tip. (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000150 So ifLola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with the secretary, how did she travel to Montana and California to show up at those meetings? And why isn't she listed on Interior's manifest for the meeting with Gov Brown in California? Thanks, Tony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:38 PM, Heather Swift wrote: I believe you mean the Blackfeet Nation. She was on no flights with the Secretary. Are you suggesting there is some wrongdoing here? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 2, 2017, at 5:33 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: Hi Heather and DOI press team, Hope you’re having a good Monday afternoon. My name is Tony Smith, and I’m senior reporter for Mic. I’m writing a story on Secretary Zinke’s travel, and I had a few questions. 1. I know from Interior’s travel manifest that the secretary’s wife, Lola, and their son, Wolfgang, showed up to the tribal blessing with the Blackstone Nation on Friday, Mar. 10 2017. However, neither Lola nor Wolfgang are listed on the flight manifest to Montana. • How did Lola and Wolfgang travel there — on the March 9th flight (United 1532) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did they fly back to D.C.? Who paid for it? 2. I know from DOI's social media that Lola attended a trip to California with the secretary on April 13, 2017. However, she isn’t listed on any part of Interior's manifest for that trip: neither for the meeting itself, nor the travel manifest. • How did Lola travel to California — on the April 12th flight (United 291) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did she fly back to D.C.? Who paid for it? Thank you so much for taking these questions. I’m on a tight deadline, and do need to publish this story in an hour. I appreciate your timely response. EXT-18-2336-C-000151 - Tony -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- EXT-18-2336-C-000152 Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 EXT-18-2336-C-000153 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov] From: Daniel Jorjani Sent: 2017-10-03T11:14:26-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Urgent inquiry inre: story on Secretary Zinke and Lola's travels Received: 2017-10-03T11:14:36-04:00 Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department of the Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 ' 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department ofthe Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception ofthis message or the use or disclosure ofthe information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. Ifyou believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. Sent from my iPhone On Oct 3, 2017, at 11:13 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior Begin forwarded message: From: Anthony Smith Date: October 3, 2017 at 10:22:34 AM EDT To: Heather Swift Cc: "Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov" Subject: Re: Urgent inquiry inre: story on Secretary Zinke and Lola's travels (b)(5) (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000154 Hi Heather and Team, Just following up here. Thanks for clarifying yesterday that Lola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with Secretary Zinke. Still would like to know: - How Lola got to Montana for the 3/10/17 tribal blessing - Who paid for her travel - How Lola got to California for 4/13/17 meeting with Gov. Brown - Who paid for her travel - Why she isn't on the manifest for any part ofthe California trip, including the meeting with Gov. Brown thanks! - Anthony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:46 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: My mistake on the name ofthe nation. I'm not suggesting wrongdoing at all, just following up on a tip. So ifLola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with the secretary, how did she travel to Montana and California to show up at those meetings? And why isn'tshe listed on Interior's manifest for the meeting with Gov Brown in California? Thanks, Tony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:38 PM, Heather Swift wrote: I believe you mean the Blackfeet Nation. She was on no flights with the Secretary. Are you suggesting there is some wrongdoing here? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 2, 2017, at 5:33 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: EXT-18-2336-C-000155 Hi Heather and DOI press team, Hope you’re having a good Monday afternoon. My name is Tony Smith, and I’m senior reporter for Mic. I’m writing a story on Secretary Zinke’s travel, and I had a few questions. 1. I know from Interior’s travel manifest that the secretary’s wife, Lola, and their son, Wolfgang, showed up to the tribal blessing with the Blackstone Nation on Friday, Mar. 10 2017. However, neither Lola nor Wolfgang are listed on the flight manifest to Montana. • How did Lola and Wolfgang travel there — on the March 9th flight (United 1532) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did they fly back to D.C.? Who paid for it? 2. I know from DOI's social media that Lola attended a trip to California with the secretary on April 13, 2017. However, she isn’t listed on any part of Interior's manifest for that trip: neither for the meeting itself, nor the travel manifest. • How did Lola travel to California — on the April 12th flight (United 291) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did she fly back to D.C.? Who paid for it? Thank you so much for taking these questions. I’m on a tight deadline, and do need to publish this story in an hour. I appreciate your timely response. - Tony -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 EXT-18-2336-C-000156 -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 EXT-18-2336-C-000157 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Marsh, Rene[Rene.Marsh@cnn.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Levitt, Ross[Ross.Levitt@turner.com]; Wallace, Gregory[gregory.wallace@turner.com] From: Marsh, Rene Sent: 2017-10-03T16:32:12-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-10-03T16:32:59-04:00 Hi Heather, CNN has additional questions on the Secretary’s travel. What was the purpose of his speech to the Vegas Golden Knights Hockey team in June? Who invited Zinke to give the speech to the team? Who owned the plane that Zinke flew on from Vegas to Montana? Who else was on board the plane from Vegas to Montana? Zinke’s schedule shows on 4/28 he traveled from DC to Atlanta. How did he travel? Commercial? Government plane? Private? On June 22 how did Zinke travel to his meeting in West Virginia? Did he use a Park Police Chopper? What is the cost estimate for use ofthe chopper? On July 7 why did the Secretary travel using a USPP helicopter? What was the cost associated with the use ofthe helicopter? Can you tell us about the flight on July 20th . Was that a commercial flight? Ifso please share the flight details? Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:49 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The $12k is for Nevada. The $3k is for the flights between the islands. Also, for your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: EXT-18-2336-C-000158 • 1/14/16 $9,800 roundtrip between Alburquerque, NM --> Farmington, NM • 5/3/16 $13,605 Helena, MT --> Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs • 8/24/16 $20,383 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT --> Livingston, MT • There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 2:43 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Hi there, I am getting a bit confused . Can you send the breakdown offlights and costs so I am clear on what cost what? I see $ 3,150 --- that’s the flight from where to where The $12375- that’s round trip between st. croix and st. Thomas We are on deadline . also looking to confirm the charter company used. I see youre quoted as confirming that but ifreports as you point out have been inaccurate I need to get it confirmed with you myself. — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:18 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" EXT-18-2336-C-000159 Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN 3/31/17 USVI flights were - $3,150 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 1:36 PM, Heather Swift wrote: The flight between two islands in the US VI. Yes that cost is correct. We have not yet been billed on the military air asset to the wildfire. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:21 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: You are quoted as saying one ofthe flights costs 12,375. Which costs are you waiting on? Can you provide the costs you already have? Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:16 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Miranda Green Heather Swift EXT-18-2336-C-000160 Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:14 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: We are looking forthe cost ofthe flights? I don’t see that below. B =y the way who did you provide this info to earlier ? — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:12 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The below information was supplied to your colleague earlier. On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre￾approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter EXT-18-2336-C-000161 flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, EXT-18-2336-C-000162 rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are EXT-18-2336-C-000163 available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several EXT-18-2336-C-000164 hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. EXT-18-2336-C-000165 Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK -- > Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid EXT-18-2336-C-000166 out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Good afternoon Heather, CNN is circling back on this request. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:16 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" , "Swift, Heather" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking to confirm the costs of all ofthe charters you outlined below. We are also looking to confirm the name ofthe charter company that provided the flights forthe Secretary’s official travel. Besides these charterflights you noted below has the Secretary also used military/government planes? Ifso can you outline dates, times, places, justification? Many thanks, EXT-18-2336-C-000167 — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 3:14 PM To: "Swift, Heather" , "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Thank you Heather — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:13 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I don't have that information immediately available. Will put a request in. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l EXT-18-2336-C-000168 Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thank you Heather. What type of aircraft were these private planes? What was the cost forthese trips that came out ofthe DOI budget? Thank you — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Rene - also want to add on the Alaska portion that was part of the CODEL arranged by Senate ENR. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 12:17 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: - EXT-18-2336-C-000169 Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thanks Heather. What type of planes were these charterflights? Can you please check and confirm? We are also looking to get a better understanding about why commercial flights were listed as not an option for the 5/17 trip? There was no commercial flight available for the route/schedule. Getting around in the Arctic Circle is not like catching a flight out of Washington, D.C. Forthe 6/26 trip what were the times of his commitment? What time were the events scheduled forin Nevada? What time was the speaking engagement scheduled for the next morning in Montana? The event ended around 8:00PM in NV. He arrived in MT around 2:00AM and the Secretary had meetings with governors and public lands advocates the following morning beginning at 8:45AM. The Western Governors Association - led by a Democratic governor - invited the Secretary to speak. Is it safe to assume the secretary flew commercial from Washington D.C. to places like Vegas, Alaska and St. Croix before boarding the private flights in those places? Yes - the Secretary flew to Nevada and the USVI on a commercial, coach, government fare. He got to Alaska by way of the CODEL which was arranged by the Senate. He left Alaska on a commercial, coach, government fare. Thank you, EXT-18-2336-C-000170 — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:31 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I sent this to Hannah Lang. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual EXT-18-2336-C-000171 meeting. The Secretary had two speaking engagements, in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the event on time. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget The Secretary took a military jet once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the summer. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military jet when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. There have been three such trips to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Atlanta. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Morning Heather, I checked in with my colleagues and they say they never received a response on this topic from Interior. Could you please provide? We are looking to find out has the Secretary chartered private planes for his travels while in office? Government/military planes during his time in office? How many times? Was commercial considered as the first option? Justification for flying private? Thank you, EXT-18-2336-C-000172 Rene Marsh CNN On 9/22/17, 12:53 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: We do it here too. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:44 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: > > Apologies. That’s annoying on our part. Sorry we are doubling up. Will check with them and circle back ifthere are any outstanding questions. > > — René Marsh > CNN > Correspondent > Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN > Office: 202- 777-7249 > > > On 9/22/17, 12:43 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: > > Rene can you please coordinate with your colleagues? I've received > this inquiry from several people at CNN. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department ofthe Interior > > >> On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:35 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> CNN is looking to get information on Zinke's travel information. When he travels by plane does he always fly commercial? Private ? EXT-18-2336-C-000173 >> >> Thank you, >> Rene Marsh >> CNN >> >> Sent from my iPhone > > EXT-18-2336-C-000174 To: russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; MDaly@ap.org[MDaly@ap.org] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-03T17:35:56-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Travel Received: 2017-10-03T17:36:06-04:00 Matthew meet my colleague Russell. On background Regarding Itinerary in NV/MT: While the Secretary was in Nevada he had two speeches, a meeting with rural county commissioners, and a major grant funding announcement (~$500M in PILT). All events were cleared by the Department's general law and ethics officials and were deemed official DOI meetings and speeches. (Do you have the ethics officials' statement) in Montana the Secretary's schedule began with meetings at 8:30AM and continued with several events with the Western Governors Association, which is a bipartisan group led by the Democratic governor of Montana (keynote speech, roundtable working lunch, breakaway meetings). The Secretary held a press conference, and had other one on one interviews. Sec. Zinke's Three Charter Flights: 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix EXT-18-2336-C-000175 Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Cost: $3,150 Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: Bipartisan CODEL to Norway and Greenland organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources with additional stops in Alaska Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Cost: $3,932 Payment: the Secretary and the 3 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary was in Nevada for two speeches, a meeting with rural county commissioners, and a major grant announcement to the tune of nearly a billion dollars for rural funding. The last speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. Cost: $12,375 Payment: the Secretary and 4 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget EXT-18-2336-C-000176 EXT-18-2336-C-000177 To: Newell, Russell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] Cc: David Bernhardt[ ; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Micah Chambers[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; Daniel Jorjani[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov]; Katharine MacGregor[kate_macgregor@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Magallanes, Downey Sent: 2017-10-03T18:35:05-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Sage Grouse Received: 2017-10-03T18:35:17-04:00 Sage Grouse NOI draft news release.WO600_RN.docx I have made edits, everyone please take a look. The NOI release as drafted still does not reflect current messaging efforts. If someone wants to rework that is fine- I think you see what I am getting at here. On Tue, Oct 3, 2017 at 6:07 PM, Newell, Russell wrote: All - these releases are scheduled to go out tomorrow. Please let me know ifyou have any final edits. v/r Russell -- Downey Magallanes Acting Deputy ChiefofStaff Senior Advisor and Counselor downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov 202-501-0654 (desk) 202-706-9199 (cell) (b)(6) EXT-18-2336-C-000178 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: White House Press Office Sent: 2017-10-03T18:48:26-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Personnel to Key Administration Posts Received: 2017-10-03T18:49:09-04:00 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 3, 2017 President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Personnel to Key Administration Posts President Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key positions in his Administration: R.D. James of Missouri to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works. Mr. James has most recently served as a civilian member and engineer on the Mississippi River Commission, originally appointed in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, where he provided water resources engineering direction and policy advice to several Administrations, Congress, and the Army for a drainage basin that covers roughly 41 percent of the United States. He is a self-employed farmer and manager of cotton gins and grain elevators in New Madrid, Missouri. Over the past 35 years, Mr. James has developed a wealth of knowledge about our nation's critical infrastructure. He previously served as president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, he served on the board of directors and executive committee of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, the Cotton Producers of Missouri, the Board of Directors of U.S. Bank of Sikeston, and the board of directors of Osceola Products. Mr. James is the recipient of the prestigious Bronze de Fleury medal for his significant contributions to Army engineering, the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Award, and was formerly named the New Madrid County Outstanding Conservation Farmer. Mr. James received his degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky. Kimberly A. Reed of West Virginia to be First Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2021. Ms. Reed most recently was president of the International Food Information Council Foundation, a non-profit collaborating with governments, the food and agricultural supply chain, and health professionals on issues surrounding the feeding of the global population. She previously served as senior advisor to U.S. Treasury Secretaries John Snow and Henry Paulson, and led the U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, where she awarded nearly $4 billion in tax credits, loans, and grants to financial institutions and economic development groups for investing in economically distressed communities. She also was counsel to three Congressional committees in the U.S. House of Representatives: Ways and Means, Government Reform and Oversight, and Education and the Workforce, and vice president for financial markets policy relations at Lehman Brothers. Ms. Reed is recognized as one of the "100 Women Leaders in STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and serves on several boards. She is the first woman chair of the Republican National Lawyers Association. She holds a B.S. in biology and government from West Virginia Wesleyan College and J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law. EXT-18-2336-C-000179 David J. Ryder of New Jersey to be Director of the United States Mint. Mr. Ryder served as manager and managing director of currency for Honeywell Authentication Technologies. Previously, Mr. Ryder served as CEO of Secure Products Corporation, which was acquired by Honeywell in 2007. In 1991, Mr. Ryder was nominated by President George H.W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Director of the U.S. Mint. His prior government service also included Deputy Treasurer of the United States, Assistant to the Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff to Vice President Daniel Quayle. Mr. Ryder was born in Billings, Montana and raised in Boise, Idaho. A graduate of Boise State University, Mr. Ryder is married with two children. Leon “Lynn” A. Westmoreland of Georgia to be a Member of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years. Congressman Lynn A. Westmoreland served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years after serving 12 years in the Georgia House of Representatives. During his time in Congress, he served on the subcommittee on railroads, pipelines, and hazardous materials of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for six years. Congressman Westmoreland also served on the Financial Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Congressman Westmoreland started his own construction business in 1982 and did residential and light commercial construction until his election to Congress in 2004. He currently serves as principal of Westmoreland Strategies LLC, which provides strategic advice to a variety of clients. He and his wife of 48 years, Joan, have three children and seven, soon to be eight, grandchildren. Mitchell Zais of South Carolina to be Deputy Secretary of Education. Most recently, Mr. Zais served as South Carolina's elected State Superintendent of Education. During his term in office, the department's budget was reduced while on-time high school graduation rates increased every year to an all-time high. The number of public charter schools increased 78 percent, the number of public charter school students increased 155 percent, and the number of students taking online courses grew 130 percent. Prior to that, he served 10 years as president of Newberry College in South Carolina. The College was recognized for the first time by U.S. News as one of "America's Best Colleges." He served 31 years as an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army. He retired as a Brigadier General. Mr. Zais holds a B.S. in engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, an M.A. degree in military history, plus M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in organizational behavior and social psychology from the University of Washington. He served as South Carolina Commissioner of Higher Education and is a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, the states’ highest civilian award. The following individuals to be Members of the Board of Directors of the Export Import Bank: Claudia Slacik of New York, for the remainder of a 4-year term expiring January 20, 2019, and an additional 4-year term expiring January 20, 2023. Judith Delzoppo Pryor of Ohio, for the remainder of a 4-year term expiring January 20, 2021. ### ----- Unsubscribe The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW · Washington DC 20500 · 202-456-1111 □ □ EXT-18-2336-C-000180 To: caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov[russell_roddy@ios.doi.gov] Cc: alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-03T22:39:01-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: **Media Alert** Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida: TEST Received: 2017-10-03T22:39:09-04:00 Caroline/Rusty -- does this work for you? Please confirm so Alex can send Wednesday morning. Secretary Zinke to Visit Florida for Everglades Restoration and Hurricane Assessment and Cleanup WASHINGTON - Thursday, October 5, 2017, through Saturday, October 7, 2017, U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke will travel to Florida to conduct on the ground assessments ofhurricane damage at National Park Service locations and to receive a briefing on Everglades Restoration. The Secretary was invited to the Everglades earlier this year by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and several other members ofthe Florida Congressional Delegation. All members ofthe news media wishing to attend open press opportunities must RSVP to Alex Hinson at interior_press@ios.doi.gov with the name, day-ofphone number, and email address of every member ofthe reporting team. More information will be made available with the confirmation ofRSVP. Thursday, October 5, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke WHAT: Briefing on infrastructure upgrades and Everglades restoration at Lake Okeechobee WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP fore more information EXT-18-2336-C-000181 Friday, October 6, 2017 FRIDAY, October 6, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke WHAT: Hurricane damage assessment and clean-up project at Big Cypress National Preserve WHEN: Friday, October 6, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information Saturday, October 7, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke Senator Marco Rubio Members ofthe Florida Congressional Delegation WHAT: Press Conference and Ranger-led briefing on status of Everglades National Park WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information ### EXT-18-2336-C-000182 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-04T08:47:15-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Follow up from Politico Received: 2017-10-04T08:47:27-04:00 Background - That was referring to the NV/MT trip. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 8:45 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you, Heather. When you say there were no political events in Montana, does that include the rally for Gianforte the Secretary is listed as having attended on May 18th where the schedule says he introduced Gianforte? Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Heather Swift Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 8:38:57 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Follow up from Politico “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including seeking commercial options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use of government resources.” - Heather Swift, DOI spokesman "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the EXT-18-2336-C-000183 Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. ON BACKGROUND Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The vendor has been used for years by previous administrations. It is false to say commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA that the Secretary could have taken. There were exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary EXT-18-2336-C-000184 to FCA in time. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governors Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. There were no political events on the itinerary in Nevada and Montana. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. EXT-18-2336-C-000185 For your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: 1/14/16 $4,787 roundtrip between Alburquerque, NM --> Farmington, NM 5/3/16 $18,406 Helena, MT --> Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs 8/24/16 $12,647 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT -- > Livingston, MT There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. Sec. Zinke's Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Cost: $3,150 Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: Bipartisan CODEL to Norway and Greenland EXT-18-2336-C-000186 organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources with additional stops in Alaska Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Cost: $3,932 Payment: the Secretary and the 3 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary was in Nevada for two speeches, a meeting with rural county commissioners, and a major grant announcement to the tune of nearly a billion dollars for rural funding. The last speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. Cost: $12,375 Payment: the Secretary and 4 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000187 On Oct 4, 2017, at 7:56 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Good morning, Was wondering ifI could get replies to the questions I’ve been sending regarding the business purpose and costs associated the 10 political events that Sec. Zinke attended in the past several months, a list of which I sent in the past few days. Also, I wanted to follow up on the cost associated with the charter flights the Secretary took to/from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands in March. I saw that ABC News had received an estimate of ~$7,000. Is that accurate? We will be publishing a story on the Secretary’s attending the political events around 10 a.m. today. We would love to have Interior’s replies included. Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000188 To: Sabalow, Ryan[rsabalow@sacbee.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov]; ddubray@usbr.gov[ddubray@usbr.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-04T09:08:34-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Request to interview Deputy Secretary Mikkelsen Received: 2017-10-04T09:08:42-04:00 Bureau ofReclamation will reach out regarding Acting Director Mikkelsen. Will be a couple days as he is out ofthe office on personal leave. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 3, 2017, at 2:03 PM, Sabalow, Ryan wrote: Hi, Casting a wider net after my request yesterday below. Can someone there please help me out with this request today? I'd really like to do an interview with Mr. Mikkelsen the next day or two. Appreciate your help. Thanks! ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Sabalow, Ryan Date: Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 4:59 PM Subject: Request to interview Deputy Secretary Mikkelsen To: "Swift, Heather" Hi Heather, Sometime this week, ifpossible, I'd like to do a phone interview with Mr. Mikkelsen to discuss Klamath issues before he comes to California next week. Think we could make that happen? -- Ryan Sabalow Sacramento Bee 916-321-1264 @ryansabalow -- Ryan Sabalow Sacramento Bee EXT-18-2336-C-000189 916-321-1264 @ryansabalow EXT-18-2336-C-000190 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Hinson, Alex Sent: 2017-10-04T09:14:00-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: **Media Alert** Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida: TEST Received: 2017-10-04T09:14:07-04:00 So, good to send? On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 9:13 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 9:11 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 8:54 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Raul and I are both ok with this. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 8:42 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: good here (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000191 Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 8:36 AM, U.S. Department ofthe Interior wrote: Date: October 3, 2017 Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida WASHINGTON - Thursday, October 5, 2017, through Saturday, October 7, 2017, U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke will travel to Florida to conduct on-the-ground assessments ofhurricane damage at National Park Service locations and to receive a briefing on Everglades Restoration. The Secretary was invited to the Everglades earlier this year by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and several other members ofthe Florida Congressional Delegation. All members ofthe news media wishing to attend open press opportunities must RSVP to Alex Hinson at interior_press@ios.doi.gov with the name, day-ofphone number, and email address ofevery member ofthe reporting team. More information will be made available with the confirmation ofRSVP. Thursday, October 5, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke EXT-18-2336-C-000192 WHAT: Briefing on infrastructure upgrades and Everglades restoration at Lake Okeechobee WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information Friday, October 6, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke WHAT: Hurricane damage assessment and clean-up project at Big Cypress National Preserve WHEN: Friday, October 6, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information Saturday, October 7, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke Senator Marco Rubio Members ofthe Florida Congressional Delegation WHAT: Press Availability at Everglades National Park WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2017 EXT-18-2336-C-000193 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information ### Update subscription | Unsubscribe | Help | Contact Us This email was sent to Email Address by: U.S. Department of the Interior · 1849 C Street, N.W. · Washington DC 20240 · 202-208-3100 -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000194 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Laura Rigas[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Newell, Russell Sent: 2017-10-04T09:20:55-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Received: 2017-10-04T09:21:06-04:00 Russell Newell Deputy Director of Communications U.S. Department of the Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 9:16 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 9:09 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: Russell Newell Deputy Director of Communications U.S. Department of the Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 9:05 AM, Heather Swift wrote: On background. The following events were not political. Also please see the previous statement from the Department's ethics officers regarding the scheduling of all events on the travel schedules. • May 12: visits Westmoreland Resources Coal Company with VP Mike Pence and Steve Daines. ---- This was a meeting with the Crow Tribe and the company they partner with to develop their (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) - EXT-18-2336-C-000195 coal. Extensive press coverage: https://www.google.com/amp/billingsgazette.com/news/vp￾mike-pence-says-war-on-coal-is-over-during/article_42469654-6f28-54fc￾aed7-0e13898d9726.amp.html • June 25: Attended the Rule of Law Defense Reception and Dinner in Nevada, where he made remarks and did a Q&A. dinner was attended by 19 state attorney generals. -- speech about fed gov being a better neighbor and partner with local law enforcement and governments. FYI - DOI has 3500 uniformed law enforcement officers. • June 26: Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp Dinner at Red Rock Hotel and Resort in Nevada -- speech about connecting w public lands, leadership and teamwork. The group represented a key DOI audience we are trying to reach. See statement from ethics officials. • July 20: Made remarks at American Legislative Exchange Council Kick-off Reception at Denver Hyatt. 15 minutes of remarks, 15 minutes “fireside chat” with CEO Lisa Nelson --- speech about Zinke's public lands policies and Energy Dominance. • July 22: Attended Western Conservative Summit in Denver. Was introduced as Interior Secretary -- speech about Zinke's public lands policies and Energy Dominance. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 8:45 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you, Heather. When you say there were no political events in Montana, does that EXT-18-2336-C-000196 include the rally for Gianforte the Secretary is listed as having attended on May 18th where the schedule says he introduced Gianforte? Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Heather Swift Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 8:38:57 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Follow up from Politico “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including seeking commercial options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use of government resources.” - Heather Swift, DOI spokesman "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the EXT-18-2336-C-000197 hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. ON BACKGROUND Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The vendor has been used for years by previous administrations. It is false to say commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA that the Secretary could have taken. There were exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western EXT-18-2336-C-000198 Governors Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. There were no political events on the itinerary in Nevada and Montana. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Standard operating procedure is that the EXT-18-2336-C-000199 Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. For your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: 1/14/16 $4,787 roundtrip between Alburquerque, NM --> Farmington, NM 5/3/16 $18,406 Helena, MT --> Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs 8/24/16 $12,647 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT --> Livingston, MT There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. Sec. Zinke's Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St EXT-18-2336-C-000200 Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Cost: $3,150 Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: Bipartisan CODEL to Norway and Greenland organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources with additional stops in Alaska Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK -- > Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Cost: $3,932 Payment: the Secretary and the 3 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary was in Nevada for two speeches, a meeting with rural county commissioners, EXT-18-2336-C-000201 and a major grant announcement to the tune of nearly a billion dollars for rural funding. The last speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. Cost: $12,375 Payment: the Secretary and 4 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 7:56 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Good morning, Was wondering ifI could get replies to the questions I’ve been sending regarding the business purpose and costs associated the 10 political events that Sec. Zinke attended in the past several months, a list ofwhich I sent in the past few days. Also, I wanted to follow up on the cost associated with the charter flights the Secretary took to/from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands in March. I saw that ABC News had received an estimate of~$7,000. Is that accurate? We will be publishing a story on the Secretary’s attending the political events around 10 a.m. today. We would love to have Interior’s replies included. Thank you, EXT-18-2336-C-000202 Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000203 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Newell, Russell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Laura Rigas Sent: 2017-10-04T09:23:07-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Received: 2017-10-04T09:23:21-04:00 Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 9:16 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 9:09 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 9:05 AM, Heather Swift wrote: On background. The following events were not political. Also please see the previous statement from the Department's ethics officers regarding the scheduling ofall events on the travel schedules. (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000204 • May 12: visits Westmoreland Resources Coal Company with VP Mike Pence and Steve Daines. ---- This was a meeting with the Crow Tribe and the company they partner with to develop their coal. Extensive press coverage: https://www.google.com/amp/billingsgazette.com/ news/vp-mike-pence-says-war-on-coal-is-over￾during/article_42469654-6f28-54fc-aed7- 0e13898d9726.amp.html • June 25: Attended the Rule of Law Defense Reception and Dinner in Nevada, where he made remarks and did a Q&A. dinner was attended by 19 state attorney generals. -- speech about fed gov being a better neighbor and partner with local law enforcement and governments. FYI - DOI has 3500 uniformed law enforcement officers. • June 26: Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp Dinner at Red Rock Hotel and Resort in Nevada -- speech about connecting w public lands, leadership and teamwork. The group represented a key DOI audience we are trying to reach. See statement from ethics officials. • July 20: Made remarks at American Legislative Exchange Council Kick-off Reception at Denver Hyatt. 15 minutes of remarks, 15 minutes “fireside chat” with CEO Lisa Nelson --- speech about Zinke's public lands policies and Energy Dominance. • July 22: Attended Western Conservative Summit in Denver. Was introduced as Interior Secretary -- speech about Zinke's public lands policies and Energy Dominance. Heather Swift Press Secretary EXT-18-2336-C-000205 Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 8:45 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you, Heather. When you say there were no political events in Montana, does that include the rally for Gianforte the Secretary is listed as having attended on May 18th where the schedule says he introduced Gianforte? Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Heather Swift Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 8:38:57 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Follow up from Politico “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including seeking commercial options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use of government resources.” - Heather Swift, DOI spokesman "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and EXT-18-2336-C-000206 approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. ON BACKGROUND Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had EXT-18-2336-C-000207 years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The vendor has been used for years by previous administrations. It is false to say commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA that the Secretary could have taken. There were exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governors Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. There were no political events on the itinerary in Nevada and Montana. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That EXT-18-2336-C-000208 itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre￾approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. For your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: 1/14/16 $4,787 roundtrip between Alburquerque, NM --> Farmington, NM 5/3/16 $18,406 Helena, MT --> EXT-18-2336-C-000209 Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs 8/24/16 $12,647 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT --> Livingston, MT There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. Sec. Zinke's Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas -- > St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Cost: $3,150 Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. EXT-18-2336-C-000210 5/17 Trip: Bipartisan CODEL to Norway and Greenland organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources with additional stops in Alaska Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Cost: $3,932 Payment: the Secretary and the 3 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary was in Nevada for two speeches, a meeting with rural county commissioners, and a major grant announcement to the tune of EXT-18-2336-C-000211 nearly a billion dollars for rural funding. The last speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. Cost: $12,375 Payment: the Secretary and 4 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 7:56 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Good morning, Was wondering ifI could get replies to the questions I’ve been sending regarding the business purpose and costs associated the 10 political events that Sec. Zinke attended in the past several months, a list ofwhich I sent in the past few days. Also, I wanted to follow up on the cost associated with the charter flights the Secretary took to/from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands in March. I saw that ABC News had received an estimate of~$7,000. Is that accurate? We will be publishing a story on the Secretary’s attending the political events EXT-18-2336-C-000212 around 10 a.m. today. We would love to have Interior’s replies included. Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000213 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-10-04T10:02:46-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Follow up from Politico Received: 2017-10-04T10:02:56-04:00 Argh. I really do apologize. I am in desperate need of coffee. One more question: Did the NRCC/NRSC/RNC or Republican Party ofthe USVI reimburse any of Zinke's travel costs forthe March 30 fundraiser? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 8:47 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Follow up from Politico Background - That was referring to the NV/MT trip. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 8:45 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you, Heather. When you say there were no political events in Montana, does that include the rally for Gianforte the Secretary is listed as having attended on May 18th where the schedule says he introduced Gianforte? Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Heather Swift Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 8:38:57 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Follow up from Politico “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including seeking EXT-18-2336-C-000214 commercial options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use of government resources.” - Heather Swift, DOI spokesman "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. ON BACKGROUND Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The vendor has been used for years by previous administrations. EXT-18-2336-C-000215 It is false to say commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA that the Secretary could have taken. There were exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governors Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. There were no political events on the itinerary in Nevada and Montana. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of EXT-18-2336-C-000216 due diligence. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. For your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: 1/14/16 $4,787 roundtrip between Alburquerque, NM --> Farmington, NM 5/3/16 $18,406 Helena, MT --> Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs 8/24/16 $12,647 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT -- > Livingston, MT There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. Sec. Zinke's Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. EXT-18-2336-C-000217 Cost: $3,150 Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: Bipartisan CODEL to Norway and Greenland organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources with additional stops in Alaska Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Cost: $3,932 Payment: the Secretary and the 3 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary was in Nevada for two speeches, a meeting with rural county commissioners, and a major grant announcement to the tune of nearly a billion dollars for rural funding. The last speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. Cost: $12,375 Payment: the Secretary and 4 staff tickets were paid EXT-18-2336-C-000218 out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 7:56 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Good morning, Was wondering ifI could get replies to the questions I’ve been sending regarding the business purpose and costs associated the 10 political events that Sec. Zinke attended in the past several months, a list of which I sent in the past few days. Also, I wanted to follow up on the cost associated with the charterflights the Secretary took to/from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands in March. I saw that ABC News had received an estimate of ~$7,000. Is that accurate? We will be publishing a story on the Secretary’s attending the political events around 10 a.m. today. We would love to have Interior’s replies included. Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000219 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-04T10:14:30-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Follow up from Politico Received: 2017-10-04T10:14:45-04:00 On background. The following events were not political. Also please see the previous statement from the Department's ethics officers regarding the scheduling of all events on the travel schedules. May 12: visits Westmoreland Resources Coal Company with VP Mike Pence and Steve Daines. ---- This was a meeting with the Crow Tribe and the company they partner with to develop their coal. Extensive press coverage: https://www.google.com/amp/billingsgazette.com/news/vp￾mike-pence-says-war-on-coal-is-over￾during/article_42469654-6f28-54fc-aed7- 0e13898d9726.amp.html June 25: Attended the Rule of Law Defense Reception and Dinner in Nevada, where he made remarks and did a Q&A. dinner was attended by 19 state attorney generals. -- speech about fed gov being a better neighbor and partner with local law enforcement and governments - DOI has 3500 uniformed law enforcement officers. June 26: Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp Dinner at Red Rock Hotel and Resort in Nevada -- speech about connecting w public lands, leadership and teamwork. The group of young physically active individuals represents a key DOI audience we are trying to reach for recreation on public EXT-18-2336-C-000220 lands. See statement from ethics officials. July 20: Made remarks at American Legislative Exchange Council Kick-off Reception at Denver Hyatt. 15 minutes of remarks, 15 minutes “fireside chat” with CEO Lisa Nelson --- speech about Zinke's public lands policies and Energy Dominance. July 22: Attended Western Conservative Summit in Denver. Was introduced as Interior Secretary -- speech about Zinke's public lands policies and Energy Dominance. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 8:45 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you, Heather. When you say there were no political events in Montana, does that include the rally for Gianforte the Secretary is listed as having attended on May 18th where the schedule says he introduced Gianforte? Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Heather Swift Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 8:38:57 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Follow up from Politico “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and EXT-18-2336-C-000221 regulations when traveling, including seeking commercial options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use of government resources.” - Heather Swift, DOI spokesman "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. ON BACKGROUND Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The vendor has been used for EXT-18-2336-C-000222 years by previous administrations. It is false to say commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA that the Secretary could have taken. There were exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governors Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. There were no political events on the itinerary in Nevada and Montana. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and EXT-18-2336-C-000223 the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. For your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: 1/14/16 $4,787 roundtrip between Alburquerque, NM --> Farmington, NM 5/3/16 $18,406 Helena, MT --> Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs 8/24/16 $12,647 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT -- > Livingston, MT There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. Sec. Zinke's Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the EXT-18-2336-C-000224 itinerary of official government events. Cost: $3,150 Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: Bipartisan CODEL to Norway and Greenland organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources with additional stops in Alaska Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Cost: $3,932 Payment: the Secretary and the 3 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary was in Nevada for two speeches, a meeting with rural county commissioners, and a major grant announcement to the tune of nearly a billion dollars for rural funding. The last speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. Cost: $12,375 EXT-18-2336-C-000225 Payment: the Secretary and 4 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 4, 2017, at 7:56 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Good morning, Was wondering ifI could get replies to the questions I’ve been sending regarding the business purpose and costs associated the 10 political events that Sec. Zinke attended in the past several months, a list of which I sent in the past few days. Also, I wanted to follow up on the cost associated with the charter flights the Secretary took to/from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands in March. I saw that ABC News had received an estimate of ~$7,000. Is that accurate? We will be publishing a story on the Secretary’s attending the political events around 10 a.m. today. We would love to have Interior’s replies included. Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre EXT-18-2336-C-000226 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov]; ddubray@usbr.gov[ddubray@usbr.gov] From: Sabalow, Ryan Sent: 2017-10-04T11:43:32-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Request to interview Deputy Secretary Mikkelsen Received: 2017-10-04T11:44:56-04:00 Ok. Thanks. On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 6:08 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Bureau ofReclamation will reach out regarding Acting Director Mikkelsen. Will be a couple days as he is out ofthe office on personal leave. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 3, 2017, at 2:03 PM, Sabalow, Ryan wrote: Hi, Casting a wider net after my request yesterday below. Can someone there please help me out with this request today? I'd really like to do an interview with Mr. Mikkelsen the next day ortwo. Appreciate your help. Thanks! ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Sabalow, Ryan Date: Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 4:59 PM Subject: Request to interview Deputy Secretary Mikkelsen To: "Swift, Heather" Hi Heather, Sometime this week, ifpossible, I'd like to do a phone interview with Mr. Mikkelsen to discuss Klamath issues before he comes to California next week. Think we could make that happen? -- Ryan Sabalow Sacramento Bee 916-321-1264 @ryansabalow EXT-18-2336-C-000227 -- Ryan Sabalow Sacramento Bee 916-321-1264 @ryansabalow -- Ryan Sabalow Sacramento Bee 916-321-1264 @ryansabalow EXT-18-2336-C-000228 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Levitt, Ross[Ross.Levitt@turner.com]; Wallace, Gregory[gregory.wallace@turner.com] From: Marsh, Rene Sent: 2017-10-04T13:02:35-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-10-04T13:12:01-04:00 Good afternoon Heather, Do you have a sense oftiming for when we can expect a response to the below inquiry ? Thank you Rene Marsh CNN Sent from my iPhone On Oct 3, 2017, at 7:08 PM, Heather Swift wrote: Hi Rene. Checking into this for you. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 3, 2017, at 4:32 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Hi Heather, CNN has additional questions on the Secretary’s travel. What was the purpose of his speech to the Vegas Golden Knights Hockey team in June? Who invited Zinke to give the speech to the team? Who owned the plane that Zinke flew on from Vegas to Montana? Who else was on board the plane from Vegas to Montana? Zinke’s schedule shows on 4/28 he traveled from DC to Atlanta. How did he travel? Commercial? Government plane? Private? On June 22 how did Zinke travel to his meeting in West Virginia? Did he use a Park Police Chopper? What is the cost estimate for use ofthe chopper? On July 7 why did the Secretary travel using a USPP helicopter? What was EXT-18-2336-C-000229 the cost associated with the use ofthe helicopter? Can you tell us about the flight on July 20th . Was that a commercial flight? If so please share the flight details? Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:49 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The $12k is for Nevada. The $3k is for the flights between the islands. Also, for your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: • 1/14/16 $9,800 roundtrip between Alburquerque, NM --> Farmington, NM • 5/3/16 $13,605 Helena, MT --> Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs • 8/24/16 $20,383 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT --> Livingston, MT • There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. - Heather Swift EXT-18-2336-C-000230 Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 2:43 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Hi there, I am getting a bit confused . Can you send the breakdown offlights and costs so I am clear on what cost what? I see $ 3,150 --- that’s the flight from where to where The $12375- that’s round trip between st. croix and st. Thomas We are on deadline . also looking to confirm the charter company used. I see youre quoted as confirming that but if reports as you point out have been inaccurate I need to get it confirmed with you myself. — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:18 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN 3/31/17 USVI flights were - $3,150 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 1:36 PM, Heather Swift EXT-18-2336-C-000231 wrote: The flight between two islands in the US VI. Yes that cost is correct. We have not yet been billed on the military air asset to the wildfire. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:21 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: You are quoted as saying one ofthe flights costs 12,375. Which costs are you waiting on? Can you provide the costs you already have? Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:16 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Miranda Green Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:14 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: We are looking for the cost ofthe flights? I don’t see that below. B =y the way who did you provide this info to earlier ? EXT-18-2336-C-000232 — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:12 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The below information was supplied to your colleague earlier. On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them EXT-18-2336-C-000233 below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. EXT-18-2336-C-000234 Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all EXT-18-2336-C-000235 applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false EXT-18-2336-C-000236 through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is EXT-18-2336-C-000237 also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's EXT-18-2336-C-000238 itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were EXT-18-2336-C-000239 paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK -- > Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events EXT-18-2336-C-000240 on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Good afternoon Heather, CNN is circling back on this request. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:16 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" , "Swift, Heather" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" EXT-18-2336-C-000241 , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking to confirm the costs of all ofthe charters you outlined below. We are also looking to confirm the name ofthe charter company that provided the flights for the Secretary’s official travel. Besides these charter flights you noted below has the Secretary also used military/government planes? If so can you outline dates, times, places, justification? Many thanks, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 3:14 PM To: "Swift, Heather" , "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace EXT-18-2336-C-000242 Subject: Re: CNN Thank you Heather — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:13 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I don't have that information immediately available. Will put a request in. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thank you Heather. EXT-18-2336-C-000243 What type of aircraft were these private planes? What was the cost for these trips that came out ofthe DOI budget? Thank you — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov " , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Rene - also want to add on the Alaska portion that was part of the CODEL arranged by Senate ENR. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 12:17 PM, Swift, Heather EXT-18-2336-C-000244 wrote: - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thanks Heather. What type of planes were these charter flights? Can you please check and confirm? We are also looking to get a better understanding about why commercial flights were listed as not an option for the 5/17 trip? There was no commercial flight available for the route/schedule. Getting around in the Arctic Circle is not like catching a flight out of Washington, D.C. For the 6/26 trip what were the times of his commitment? What time were the events scheduled for in Nevada? What time was the speaking engagement scheduled for the next morning in Montana? The event ended around EXT-18-2336-C-000245 8:00PM in NV. He arrived in MT around 2:00AM and the Secretary had meetings with governors and public lands advocates the following morning beginning at 8:45AM. The Western Governors Association - led by a Democratic governor - invited the Secretary to speak. Is it safe to assume the secretary flew commercial from Washington D.C. to places like Vegas, Alaska and St. Croix before boarding the private flights in those places? Yes - the Secretary flew to Nevada and the USVI on a commercial, coach, government fare. He got to Alaska by way of the CODEL which was arranged by the Senate. He left Alaska on a commercial, coach, government fare. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:31 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.go EXT-18-2336-C-000246 v" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I sent this to Hannah Lang. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. EXT-18-2336-C-000247 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had two speaking engagements, in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the event on time. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget The Secretary took a military jet once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high￾priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the summer. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military jet when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. There have been three such trips to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Atlanta. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.go EXT-18-2336-C-000248 v l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Morning Heather, I checked in with my colleagues and they say they never received a response on this topic from Interior. Could you please provide? We are looking to find out has the Secretary chartered private planes for his travels while in office? Government/military planes during his time in office? How many times? Was commercial considered as the first option? Justification for flying private? Thank you, Rene Marsh CNN On 9/22/17, 12:53 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: We do it here too. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:44 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: > EXT-18-2336-C-000249 > Apologies. That’s annoying on our part. Sorry we are doubling up. Will check with them and circle back ifthere are any outstanding questions. > > — René Marsh > CNN > Correspondent > Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN > Office: 202- 777-7249 > > > On 9/22/17, 12:43 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: > > Rene can you please coordinate with your colleagues? I've received > this inquiry from several people at CNN. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department ofthe Interior > > >> On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:35 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> CNN is looking to get information on Zinke's travel information. When he travels by plane does he always fly commercial? Private ? >> >> Thank you, >> Rene Marsh >> CNN >> >> Sent from my iPhone > > EXT-18-2336-C-000250 EXT-18-2336-C-000251 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov] From: Daniel Jorjani Sent: 2017-10-04T14:33:27-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Urgent inquiry inre: story on Secretary Zinke and Lola's travels Received: 2017-10-04T14:33:38-04:00 Heather - Thank you. How can I help? Sent from my iPhone On Oct 4, 2017, at 2:29 PM, Heather Swift wrote: Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior Begin forwarded message: From: Anthony Smith Date: October 4, 2017 at 2:07:01 PM EDT To: Heather Swift Cc: "Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov" Subject: Re: Urgent inquiry inre: story on Secretary Zinke and Lola's travels Hi Heather and Team, Hope you’re having a good afternoon. We’re publishing a story today on the irregularities in Interior’s travel manifest. Lola Zinke appears to be at the center of all of the irregularities we could glean. Your fast response here is greatly appreciated. We have a few new questions on the matter, and we wanted to give the department a last chance to answer the ones we’ve asked repeatedly: EXT-18-2336-C-000252 - Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Mic that Interior’s photographer was instructed to crop Lola out in official photos from departmental meetings on trips she attended with her husband. Does Interior have a comment on that? MONTANA - How did Lola Zinke get to Montana in March 2017 so she could be present for the tribal blessing from the Blackfeet Nation. - Who paid for Lola Zinke’s share of the March 2017 Montana trip? - How much was it? CALIFORNIA - How did Lola Zinke get to California for the secretary’s meeting with Gov. Brown? - Who paid for her share of the trip? - How much was her share of the trip? - Why isn’t she on the manifest for any part of the trip, including the meeting with Gov. Brown? - Why isn’t she in any of the photos from the meeting currently available on the department’s Flickr account? - Were any photos of Lola at that meeting deleted from the Flickr account? NORWAY + ALASKA - We know from Politico and U.S. News that Ms Zinke was on the trip with the secretary to Norway and Alaska. Why isn’t she listed on the manifests for any of the air travel related to those trips. - Why isn't she listed on the manifest at all, except for the cookout at Denali National Park on 5/28? - Was the cookout the only event she attended? Thanks, Anthony On Tue, Oct 3, 2017 at 10:22 AM, Anthony Smith wrote: Hi Heather and Team, Just following up here. Thanks for clarifying yesterday that Lola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with Secretary Zinke. Still would like to know: - How Lola got to Montana for the 3/10/17 tribal blessing - Who paid for her travel - How Lola got to California for 4/13/17 meeting with Gov. Brown - Who paid for her travel - Why she isn't on the manifest for any part ofthe California trip, including the meeting with Gov. Brown thanks! EXT-18-2336-C-000253 - Anthony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:46 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: My mistake on the name ofthe nation. I'm not suggesting wrongdoing at all, just following up on a tip. So ifLola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with the secretary, how did she travel to Montana and California to show up at those meetings? And why isn't she listed on Interior's manifest for the meeting with Gov Brown in California? Thanks, Tony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:38 PM, Heather Swift wrote: I believe you mean the Blackfeet Nation. She was on no flights with the Secretary. Are you suggesting there is some wrongdoing here? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 2, 2017, at 5:33 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: Hi Heather and DOI press team, Hope you’re having a good Monday afternoon. My name is Tony Smith, and I’m senior reporter for Mic. I’m writing a story on Secretary Zinke’s travel, and I had a few questions. 1. I know from Interior’s travel manifest that the secretary’s wife, Lola, and their son, Wolfgang, showed up to the tribal blessing with the Blackstone Nation on Friday, Mar. 10 2017. However, neither Lola nor Wolfgang are listed on the flight manifest to Montana. EXT-18-2336-C-000254 • How did Lola and Wolfgang travel there — on the March 9th flight (United 1532) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did they fly back to D.C.? Who paid for it? 2. I know from DOI's social media that Lola attended a trip to California with the secretary on April 13, 2017. However, she isn’t listed on any part of Interior's manifest for that trip: neither for the meeting itself, nor the travel manifest. • How did Lola travel to California — on the April 12th flight (United 291) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did she fly back to D.C.? Who paid for it? Thank you so much for taking these questions. I’m on a tight deadline, and do need to publish this story in an hour. I appreciate your timely response. - Tony -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- EXT-18-2336-C-000255 Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- EXT-18-2336-C-000256 Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 EXT-18-2336-C-000257 To: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov]; Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Eilperin, Juliet Sent: 2017-10-04T14:48:47-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: just resending this request, and mentioning one other issue that's pooped up Received: 2017-10-04T14:49:04-04:00 Dear All, I’m just flagging this once more in case anyone can respond by COB. Second, a colleague is writing a piece that will mention how 3 Cabinet officials and David Bernhardt attended the National Mining Association’s board meeting in DC this week (Deputy Secretary Bernhardt went today). He was wondering if you had a statement on why the Deputy Secretary attended the meeting, and went instead ofthe Secretary. So if you’ve got something on that, please send that along. Thanks, Juliet From: Eilperin, Juliet Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2017 12:10 PM To: 'Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov' ; 'Swift, Heather' Subject: I'm working on a story related to the royalty rule suspended in late Feb, and it will also mention the royalty advisory committee meeting today Dear All, Can you tell me who would be the best press contact on this? It mainly pertains to decision-making at ONRR in January and February, but there are also a couple of questions about the new committee membership. Thanks, Juliet Juliet Eilperin Senior National Affairs Correspondent Washington Post Juliet.eilperin@washpost.com (O) 202-334-7774 (C) 202-302-3663 @eilperin EXT-18-2336-C-000258 To: John.H.Campbell@usace.army.mil[John.H.Campbell@usace.army.mil] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-04T15:37:36-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: **Media Alert** Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida Received: 2017-10-04T15:37:44-04:00 Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior Begin forwarded message: From: U.S. Department ofthe Interior Date: October 4, 2017 at 9:41:06 AM EDT To: Subject: **Media Alert** Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida Reply-To: Date: October 4, 2017 Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida WASHINGTON - Thursday, October 5, 2017, through Saturday, October 7, 2017, U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke will travel to Florida to conduct on-the￾ground assessments ofhurricane damage at National Park Service locations and to receive a briefing on Everglades Restoration. The Secretary was invited to the Everglades earlier this year by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and several other members ofthe Florida Congressional Delegation. EXT-18-2336-C-000259 All members ofthe news media wishing to attend open press opportunities must RSVP to Alex Hinson at interior_press@ios.doi.gov with the name, day-ofphone number, and email address ofevery member ofthe reporting team. More information will be made available with the confirmation ofRSVP. Thursday, October 5, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke WHAT: Briefing on infrastructure upgrades and Everglades restoration at Lake Okeechobee WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information Friday, October 6, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke WHAT: Hurricane damage assessment and clean-up project at Big Cypress National Preserve WHEN: Friday, October 6, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information Saturday, October 7, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke EXT-18-2336-C-000260 Senator Marco Rubio Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation WHAT: Press Availability at Everglades National Park WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information ### Update subscription | Unsubscribe | Help | Contact Us This email was sent to heather_swift@ios.doi.gov by: U.S. Department of the Interior · 1849 C Street, N.W. · Washington DC 20240 · 202-208-3100 IXIXJv wrote: Hi Heather and Team, Hope you’re having a good afternoon. We’re publishing a story today on the irregularities in Interior’s travel manifest. Lola Zinke appears to be at the center of all of the irregularities we could glean. Your fast response here is greatly appreciated. We have a few new questions on the matter, and we wanted to give the department a last chance to answer the ones we’ve asked repeatedly: - Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Mic that Interior’s photographer was instructed to crop Lola out in official photos from departmental meetings on trips she attended with her husband. Does Interior have a comment on that? MONTANA - How did Lola Zinke get to Montana in March 2017 so she could be present for the tribal blessing from the Blackfeet Nation. - Who paid for Lola Zinke’s share of the March 2017 Montana trip? - How much was it? CALIFORNIA - How did Lola Zinke get to California for the secretary’s meeting with Gov. Brown? - Who paid for her share of the trip? - How much was her share of the trip? - Why isn’t she on the manifest for any part of the trip, including the meeting with Gov. Brown? - Why isn’t she in any of the photos from the meeting currently available on the department’s Flickr account? - Were any photos of Lola at that meeting deleted from the Flickr account? NORWAY + ALASKA EXT-18-2336-C-000262 - We know from Politico and U.S. News that Ms Zinke was on the trip with the secretary to Norway and Alaska. Why isn’t she listed on the manifests for any of the air travel related to those trips. - Why isn't she listed on the manifest at all, except for the cookout at Denali National Park on 5/28? - Was the cookout the only event she attended? Thanks, Anthony On Tue, Oct 3, 2017 at 10:22 AM, Anthony Smith wrote: Hi Heather and Team, Just following up here. Thanks for clarifying yesterday that Lola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with Secretary Zinke. Still would like to know: - How Lola got to Montana for the 3/10/17 tribal blessing - Who paid for her travel - How Lola got to California for 4/13/17 meeting with Gov. Brown - Who paid for her travel - Why she isn't on the manifest for any part ofthe California trip, including the meeting with Gov. Brown thanks! - Anthony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:46 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: My mistake on the name ofthe nation. I'm not suggesting wrongdoing at all, just following up on a tip. So ifLola Zinke wasn't on any ofthe flights with the secretary, how did she travel to Montana and California to show up at those meetings? And why isn't she listed on Interior's manifest for the meeting with Gov Brown in California? Thanks, Tony On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 5:38 PM, Heather Swift wrote: I believe you mean the Blackfeet Nation. She was on no flights with the Secretary. Are you suggesting there is some wrongdoing here? EXT-18-2336-C-000263 Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 2, 2017, at 5:33 PM, Anthony Smith wrote: Hi Heather and DOI press team, Hope you’re having a good Monday afternoon. My name is Tony Smith, and I’m senior reporter for Mic. I’m writing a story on Secretary Zinke’s travel, and I had a few questions. 1. I know from Interior’s travel manifest that the secretary’s wife, Lola, and their son, Wolfgang, showed up to the tribal blessing with the Blackstone Nation on Friday, Mar. 10 2017. However, neither Lola nor Wolfgang are listed on the flight manifest to Montana. • How did Lola and Wolfgang travel there — on the March 9th flight (United 1532) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did they fly back to D.C.? Who paid for it? 2. I know from DOI's social media that Lola attended a trip to California with the secretary on April 13, 2017. However, she isn’t listed on any part of Interior's manifest for that trip: neither for the meeting itself, nor the travel manifest. • How did Lola travel to California — on the April 12th flight (United 291) with Secretary Zinke, or on another flight? When did she fly back to D.C.? Who paid for it? Thank you so much for taking these questions. I’m on a tight deadline, and do need to publish this story in an hour. I appreciate your timely response. - Tony -- EXT-18-2336-C-000264 Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith EXT-18-2336-C-000265 @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 -- Senior StaffWriter, News Anthony Smith @AnthonyBLSmith | 646.260.7531 EXT-18-2336-C-000266 To: Hinson, Alex[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-05T10:48:13-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Secretary Zinke visit RSVP Received: 2017-10-05T10:48:21-04:00 Check text Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 5, 2017, at 10:36 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: Yes, Eric. The event details are still being finalized fortomorrow. I will keep you updated when the information is available. Best, On Thu, Oct 5, 2017 at 10:33 AM, Staats, Eric wrote: I haven't received any details about Secretary Zinke's trip to Big Cypress. I wanted to make sure you got my RSVP. Thanks. One change: Luke Franke will not be the photographer. It will be either Katie Klann or Dorothy Edwards, depending on the details. From: Staats, Eric Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 2:41 PM To: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Secretary Zinke visit RSVP Alex, Here are the names of a reporter(myself) and photographer who will be attending Friday's stop at Big Cypress. Eric Staats EXT-18-2336-C-000267 239-253-8926 emstaats@naplesnews.com Luke Franke 502-612-0013 Luke.Franke@naplesnews.com -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000268 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Levitt, Ross[Ross.Levitt@turner.com]; Wallace, Gregory[gregory.wallace@turner.com] From: 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press Sent: 2017-10-05T14:28:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-10-05T14:29:17-04:00 Heather, In addition to the request for information below CNN is looking for justification for why Zinkes wife accompanied him on the following trips : Las Vegas, Greenland and Alaska? Did she reimburse the government for these flights? Sent from my iPhone On Oct 5, 2017, at 9:44 AM, Marsh, Rene wrote: Ok . Can you provide a sense ofwhen you'll have the info? Sent from my iPhone On Oct 5, 2017, at 9:24 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Working on it. The person who handles the Secretary's travel is currently out ofthe office so it's taking a little longer than usual. Apologies for the delay. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 5, 2017, at 9:11 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Heather good morning, Circling back on this request again this morning. Hoping to get something from you today. EXT-18-2336-C-000269 Thank you, Rene Marsh Sent from my iPhone On Oct 4, 2017, at 1:02 PM, Marsh, Rene wrote: Good afternoon Heather, Do you have a sense oftiming for when we can expect a response to the below inquiry ? Thank you Rene Marsh CNN Sent from my iPhone On Oct 3, 2017, at 7:08 PM, Heather Swift wrote: Hi Rene. Checking into this for you. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 3, 2017, at 4:32 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Hi Heather, CNN has additional questions on the Secretary’s travel. What was the purpose of his speech to the Vegas Golden Knights Hockey team in EXT-18-2336-C-000270 June? Who invited Zinke to give the speech to the team? Who owned the plane that Zinke flew on from Vegas to Montana? Who else was on board the plane from Vegas to Montana? Zinke’s schedule shows on 4/28 he traveled from DC to Atlanta. How did he travel? Commercial? Government plane? Private? On June 22 how did Zinke travel to his meeting in West Virginia? Did he use a Park Police Chopper? What is the cost estimate for use ofthe chopper? On July 7 why did the Secretary travel using a USPP helicopter? What was the cost associated with the use ofthe helicopter? Can you tell us about the flight on July 20th . Was that a commercial flight? If so please share the flight details? Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN EXT-18-2336-C-000271 Office: 202- 777- 7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:49 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@io s.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The $12k is for Nevada. The $3k is for the flights between the islands. Also, for your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: • 1/14/16 $9,800 roundtrip between EXT-18-2336-C-000272 Alburquerqu e, NM --> Farmington, NM • 5/3/16 $13,605 Helena, MT -- > Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs • 8/24/16 $20,383 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT -- > Livingston, MT • There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. - Heather Swift Department ofthe EXT-18-2336-C-000273 Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios .doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios. doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 2:43 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Hi there, I am getting a bit confused . Can you send the breakdown of flights and costs so I am clear on what cost what? I see $ 3,150 --- that’s the flight from where to where The $12375- that’s round trip between st. croix and st. Thomas We are on deadline . also looking to confirm the charter company used. I see youre quoted as confirming that but ifreports as you point out have been inaccurate I need to get it confirmed with you myself. — René Marsh EXT-18-2336-C-000274 CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777- 7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:18 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@i os.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN 3/31/17 USVI flights were - $3,150 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@io s.doi.gov l Interior_Press@io s.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, EXT-18-2336-C-000275 2017 at 1:36 PM, Heather Swift wrote: The flight between two islands in the US VI. Yes that cost is correct. We have not yet been billed on the military air asset to the wildfire. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:21 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: You are quote d as sayin g one ofthe flight s costs 12,37 5. Whic h costs are you waiti ng on? EXT-18-2336-C-000276 Can you provi de the costs you alrea dy have? Than k you, — René Mars h CNN Corre spond ent Twitt er: @Re ne_M arshC NN Offic e: 202- 777- 7249 From : Heat her Swift EXT-18-2336-C-000277 Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:16 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russ ell_n ewell @ios .doi. gov" , "Levi tt, Ross " , Greg ory Wall ace Subject: Re: CNN EXT-18-2336-C-000278 Mira nda Gree n Heather Swift Press Secre tary Depa rtme nt of the Interi or On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:14 PM, 'Mars h, Rene' via Interi or Press wrot e: We are looking forthe cost ofthe flights? I don’t see that below. B =y the way who did you provide this info to earlier ? — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN EXT-18-2336-C-000279 Office: 202- 777-7249 From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:12 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The below information was supplied to your colleague earlier. On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre￾approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due EXT-18-2336-C-000280 diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, EXT-18-2336-C-000281 government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics EXT-18-2336-C-000282 Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. EXT-18-2336-C-000283 The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. EXT-18-2336-C-000284 Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights EXT-18-2336-C-000285 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized EXT-18-2336-C-000286 and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK -- > Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and EXT-18-2336-C-000287 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Good afternoon Heather, CNN is circling back on this request. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:16 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" , "Swift, Heather" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking to confirm the costs of all ofthe charters you outlined below. EXT-18-2336-C-000288 We are also looking to confirm the name ofthe charter company that provided the flights forthe Secretary’s official travel. Besides these charterflights you noted below has the Secretary also used military/government planes? Ifso can you outline dates, times, places, justification? Many thanks, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 3:14 PM To: "Swift, Heather" , "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Thank you Heather — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:13 PM EXT-18-2336-C-000289 To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I don't have that information immediately available. Will put a request in. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thank you Heather. What type of aircraft were these private planes? What was the cost forthese trips that came out ofthe DOI budget? Thank you — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" EXT-18-2336-C-000290 Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Rene - also want to add on the Alaska portion that was part of the CODEL arranged by Senate ENR. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 12:17 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thanks Heather. What type of planes were these charter flights? Can you please check and confirm? We are also looking to get a better understanding about why commercial flights were listed as not an option forthe 5/17 trip? There was no commercial flight available for the route/schedule. EXT-18-2336-C-000291 Getting around in the Arctic Circle is not like catching a flight out of Washington, D.C. Forthe 6/26 trip what were the times of his commitment? What time were the events scheduled for in Nevada? What time was the speaking engagement scheduled forthe next morning in Montana? The event ended around 8:00PM in NV. He arrived in MT around 2:00AM and the Secretary had meetings with governors and public lands advocates the following morning beginning at 8:45AM. The Western Governors Association - led by a Democratic governor - invited the Secretary to speak. Is it safe to assume the secretary flew commercial from Washington D.C. to places like Vegas, Alaska and St. Croix before boarding the private flights in those places? Yes - the Secretary flew to Nevada and the USVI on a commercial, coach, government fare. He got to Alaska by way of the CODEL which was arranged by the Senate. He left Alaska on a commercial, coach, government fare. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:31 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" EXT-18-2336-C-000292 Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I sent this to Hannah Lang. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets EXT-18-2336-C-000293 were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had two speaking engagements, in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the event on time. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget The Secretary took a military jet once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the summer. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military jet when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. There have been three such trips to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Atlanta. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Morning Heather, EXT-18-2336-C-000294 I checked in with my colleagues and they say they never received a response on this topic from Interior. Could you please provide? We are looking to find out has the Secretary chartered private planes for his travels while in office? Government/military planes during his time in office? How many times? Was commercial considered as the first option? Justification for flying private? Thank you, Rene Marsh CNN On 9/22/17, 12:53 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: We do it here too. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:44 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: > > Apologies. That’s annoying on our part. Sorry we are doubling up. Will check with them and circle back ifthere are any outstanding questions. > > — René Marsh > CNN > Correspondent > Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN > Office: 202- 777-7249 > > EXT-18-2336-C-000295 > On 9/22/17, 12:43 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: > > Rene can you please coordinate with your colleagues? I've received > this inquiry from several people at CNN. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department ofthe Interior > > >> On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:35 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> CNN is looking to get information on Zinke's travel information. When he travels by plane does he always fly commercial? Private ? >> >> Thank you, >> Rene Marsh >> CNN >> >> Sent from my iPhone > > EXT-18-2336-C-000296 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Hinson, Alex Sent: 2017-10-05T14:56:17-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: Reuters query on POLITICO story: "Interior secretary draws flak for mixing politics, official travel" Received: 2017-10-05T14:56:20-04:00 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Date: Thu, Oct 5, 2017 at 7:27 AM Subject: Reuters query on POLITICO story: "Interior secretary draws flak for mixing politics, official travel" To: Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov, Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Cc: valerie.volcovici@thomsonreuters.com Dear Heatheret al: Reuters is seeking reaction to the Politico report this morning regarding the secretary’s March travel as reported by Politico (below) as well as this week’s letter from 26 House lawmakers (also below). Does the department or the secretary have any comment? Many thanks in advance, and CC’ing our reporter on the issue here. Susan Heavey Correspondent Reuters News, Washington Bureau Office (202) 898 8322 E-mail: sheavey@thomsonreuters.com Twitter: @susanheavey Thomson Reuters http://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/05/zinke-fundraiser-official-travel-interior-243470 -----Original Message----- EXT-18-2336-C-000297 *** October 3, 2017 Press Release For immediate release Contact: David Perera (202) 770-7899 dave.perera@mail.house.gov REP. BARRAGÁN LEADS DEMOCRATS DEMANDING ANSWERS ABOUT SEC. ZINKE’S HIGH-END TRAVEL WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro), Rep. Don Beyer (D￾VA) and 26 members ofCongress sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke requesting answers about several flights he took at the expense ofAmerican taxpayers. The letter is in response to The Washington Post story released last week that revealed Secretary Zinke chartered a $12,000 flight on a plane owned by oil and gas executives In the letter, the members request that the secretary immediately disclose information on all chartered flights taken by him. That should include the costs associated with each flight, the owners ofeach plane used, who was on each flight, and documentation of the approvals for all flights. Those signing the letter include a majority of the House Natural Resources Committee Democrats, which has jurisdiction over the Department of the Interior (DOI). “Secretary Zinke owes Congress and the America people answers,” said Rep. Barragán. “What’s been alleged is a gross misuse of taxpayer money, and it calls into question the secretary’s ability to regulate an industry that he is obviously very cozy with.” “As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, which oversees the Interior Department, I applaud the investigation launched yesterday by the DOI’s inspector general. Still, it is important for Congress to exercise its oversight responsibility,” Rep. Barragán added. “Amid confirmed reports ofmultiple cabinet officials billing the taxpayers for luxurious travel accommodations, the Trump administration owes the country a full accounting of the expenses incurred on non-commercial flights,” said Rep. Beyer. “It is the height ofhypocrisy that senior officials in the administration show such disregard for the trust placed in them even as they insult the integrity of rank-and-file civil servants and recommend extreme budget cuts to agencies responsible for protecting the public health.” EXT-18-2336-C-000298 House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva said, “Secretary Zinke, and everyone working for the Trump administration, need to remember that their job is to enrich the lives of the people they serve, not to enrich themselves. This scamming of hardworking taxpayers needs to stop and there should be repercussions for these abuses of power.” Read the full letter here and below. ### Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior --- EXT-18-2336-C-000299 To: Bruce Ritchie[britchie@politico.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-05T19:37:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: **Media Alert** Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida Received: 2017-10-05T19:38:20-04:00 Today Secretary Zinke received a briefing on Everglades Restoration at Lake Okeechobee's Herbert Hoover Dike near Canal Point, Florida. The Secretary met with US Army Corps of Engineers Colonel Jason Kirk who gave him an overview ofthe construction at the site. The Secretary expressed his commitment to restoring the Everglades and noted how the ecosystem's health is paramount to the health ofFlorida's economy. In addition to jurisdiction over listed species via the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Interior also has a stake in the Restoration because ofthe many National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks, and National Preserve that makeup the region. Multiple hungry alligators lurked nearby. EXT-18-2336-C-000300 EXT-18-2336-C-000301 Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 5, 2017, at 5:32 PM, Bruce Ritchie wrote: Heather, can you help me with this? I'm in Pittsburgh at the Society of Environmental Journalists and the notice yesterday wound up in my spam folder in an alternate email address. (excuses excuses) Thanks! Bruce Ritchie POLITICO Florida EXT-18-2336-C-000302 britchie@politico.com Twitter @bruceritchie From: Bruce Ritchie Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2017 5:03:54 PM To: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: **Media Alert** Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida Can I get more information on the visits? I will not be able to attend howeverI need to be able to share a few details with readers and all details with coworkers. Thanks. Bruce Ritchie POLITICO Florida britchie@politico.com Twitter @bruceritchie 850-566-4518 cell From: Bruce Ritchie Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2017 5:02:04 PM To: Bruce Ritchie Subject: Fwd: **Media Alert** Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: U.S. Department of the Interior Date: Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 9:41 AM Subject: **Media Alert** Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida To: brucebritchie@gmail.com EXT-18-2336-C-000303 Date: October 4, 2017 Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Secretary Zinke set to Visit Florida WASHINGTON - Thursday, October 5, 2017, through Saturday, October 7, 2017, U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke will travel to Florida to conduct on-the￾ground assessments ofhurricane damage at National Park Service locations and to receive a briefing on Everglades Restoration. The Secretary was invited to the Everglades earlier this year by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and several other members ofthe Florida Congressional Delegation. All members ofthe news media wishing to attend open press opportunities must RSVP to Alex Hinson at interior_press@ios.doi.gov with the name, day-ofphone number, and email address ofevery member ofthe reporting team. More information will be made available with the confirmation ofRSVP. Thursday, October 5, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke WHAT: Briefing on infrastructure upgrades and Everglades restoration at Lake Okeechobee WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information EXT-18-2336-C-000304 Friday, October 6, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke WHAT: Hurricane damage assessment and clean-up project at Big Cypress National Preserve WHEN: Friday, October 6, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information Saturday, October 7, 2017 WHO: U.S. Secretary ofthe Interior Ryan Zinke Senator Marco Rubio Members ofthe Florida Congressional Delegation WHAT: Press Availability at Everglades National Park WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2017 WHERE: Please RSVP for more information ### EXT-18-2336-C-000305 Update subscription | Unsubscribe | Help | Contact Us This email was sent to brucebritchie@gmail.com by: U.S. Department of the Interior · 1849 C Street, N.W. · Washington DC 20240 · 202-208-3100 EXT-18-2336-C-000306 To: Caroline Boulton[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Swift Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Perez-Cubas, Olivia (Rubio) Sent: 2017-10-06T09:31:07-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Rubio -- October 7 Everglades Received: 2017-10-06T09:31:15-04:00 Thanks Caroline. Hi Heather – wanted to touch base about tomorrow and what your press plan is. We’d also like to send out an advisory today. Let us know, thanks! From: Caroline Boulton [mailto:caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2017 6:01 PM To: Perez-Cubas, Olivia (Rubio) Cc: Swift Heather Subject: Re: Rubio -- October 7 Everglades Hi Olivia, Looping in Heather, our press secretary. Caroline Sent from my iPhone On Oct 5, 2017, at 4:45 PM, Perez-Cubas, Olivia (Rubio) wrote: Hi Caroline – Olivia here with Senator Rubio’s office. Jessica passed along your email. Wanted to touch base on Saturday, and get a bettersense of your press plan/which events will be open. We’d also like to advise the trip, once we get the green light from you all. Just let me know when you get a chance. Thanks! Olivia Perez-Cubas | Communications Director U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL) 202.224.3041 (office) 305.632.7587 (cell) EXT-18-2336-C-000307 To: Hinson, Alex[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Perez-Cubas, Olivia (Rubio) Sent: 2017-10-06T09:41:46-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Rubio -- October 7 Everglades Received: 2017-10-06T09:41:55-04:00 Great, thank you both. Will hold until I hearfrom you From: Hinson, Alex [mailto:alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, October 6, 2017 9:41 AM To: Heather Swift Cc: Perez-Cubas, Olivia (Rubio) Subject: Re: Rubio -- October 7 Everglades Yes, I will be sending it to you shortly! On Fri, Oct 6, 2017 at 9:33 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Hello Olivia, we put out a press advisory and have some RSVPs. Alex, can you please forward to Olivia the advisory and confirmations? Olivia, could you please hold on additional advising until I speak with Park team. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 6, 2017, at 9:31 AM, Perez-Cubas, Olivia (Rubio) wrote: Thanks Caroline. Hi Heather – wanted to touch base about tomorrow and what your press plan is. We’d also like to send out an advisory today. Let us know, thanks! From: Caroline Boulton [mailto:caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2017 6:01 PM To: Perez-Cubas, Olivia (Rubio) Cc: Swift Heather Subject: Re: Rubio -- October 7 Everglades Hi Olivia, Looping in Heather, our press secretary. Caroline Sent from my iPhone EXT-18-2336-C-000308 On Oct 5, 2017, at 4:45 PM, Perez-Cubas, Olivia (Rubio) wrote: Hi Caroline – Olivia here with Senator Rubio’s office. Jessica passed along your email. Wanted to touch base on Saturday, and get a bettersense of your press plan/which events will be open. We’d also like to advise the trip, once we get the green light from you all. Just let me know when you get a chance. Thanks! Olivia Perez-Cubas | Communications Director U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL) 202.224.3041 (office) 305.632.7587 (cell) -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000309 To: Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-06T16:14:37-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: hi Heather, couple of questions Received: 2017-10-06T16:14:45-04:00 You good with this? “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including seeking commercial options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use of government resources.” - Heather Swift, DOI spokesman "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On Background - (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000310 From: "Rein, Lisa" Date: October 5, 2017 at 6:16:15 PM EDT To: 'Heather Swift' Subject: RE: hi Heather, couple ofquestions Ah, why don’t you tell me what it is? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2017 6:13 PM To: Rein, Lisa Subject: Re: hi Heather, couple of questions Lisa - offthe record you have a lot of really bad information here regarding Mrs. Zinke. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 5, 2017, at 6:03 PM, Rein, Lisa wrote: We are doing a broad story for the weekend on Cabinet secretaries.. Will explore travel and a few other themes. Wanted to run a few things by you about Sec. Zinke First.. Understand that he asks for the secretarial flag to fly on the roof of the Interior headquarters when he is in the building and come down when he is traveling or has left for the day. This is a really interesting new thing, don’t think other Cabinet members have done.. And, yes I had no idea there was even a secretarial flag for each agency! But see the bison with the stars. So, wanted to ask about the practice, why the secretary does it (I am thinking this is an old military tradition?) and who is responsible for putting up the flag,, I assume the contract security folks? Second: From the secretary’s travel schedule, we see that Mrs. Zinke has traveled with him several times, to the VI, the CODEL to the Arctic, to California for the meeting with Gov Brown,etc. Also, she has been present at meetings with employees and other meetings at Interior. (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000311 Wondering if you can tell me a bit about this.. Whether the Zinkes reimbursed the government for the cost of her travel when she has travelled and if her presence presents any conflict ofinterest since she is running Troy Downing’s campaign. Are there any plans to hire Mrs. Zinke as a government employee? (Sort of in the Ivanka Trump mold?) Ok, thanks much. Lisa Rein Staff Reporter Washington Post 202-334-5190 Cell 202-821-3120 @Reinlwapo Send me a confidential tip EXT-18-2336-C-000312 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Laura Rigas[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Caroline Boulton[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Newell, Russell Sent: 2017-10-06T16:23:26-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: hi Heather, couple of questions Received: 2017-10-06T16:23:33-04:00 Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Fri, Oct 6, 2017 at 4:14 PM, Heather Swift wrote: You good with this? “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including seeking commercial options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use of government resources.” - Heather Swift, DOI spokesman "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On Background - (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000313 From: "Rein, Lisa" Date: October 5, 2017 at 6:16:15 PM EDT To: 'Heather Swift' Subject: RE: hi Heather, couple ofquestions Ah, why don’t you tell me what it is? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2017 6:13 PM To: Rein, Lisa Subject: Re: hi Heather, couple ofquestions Lisa - offthe record you have a lot ofreally bad information here regarding Mrs. Zinke. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 5, 2017, at 6:03 PM, Rein, Lisa wrote: (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000314 We are doing a broad story for the weekend on Cabinet secretaries.. Will explore travel and a few other themes. Wanted to run a few things by you about Sec. Zinke First.. Understand that he asks for the secretarial flag to fly on the roofofthe Interior headquarters when he is in the building and come down when he is traveling or has left for the day. This is a really interesting new thing, don’t think other Cabinet members have done.. And, yes I had no idea there was even a secretarial flag for each agency! But see the bison with the stars. So, wanted to ask about the practice, why the secretary does it (I am thinking this is an old military tradition?) and who is responsible for putting up the flag,, I assume the contract security folks? Second: From the secretary’s travel schedule, we see that Mrs. Zinke has traveled with him several times, to the VI, the CODEL to the Arctic, to California for the meeting with Gov Brown,etc. Also, she has been present at meetings with employees and other meetings at Interior. Wondering ifyou can tell me a bit about this.. Whether the Zinkes reimbursed the government forthe cost ofher travel when she has travelled and ifher presence presents any conflict ofinterest since she is running Troy Downing’s campaign. Are there any plans to hire Mrs. Zinke as a government employee? (Sort ofin the Ivanka Trump mold?) Ok, thanks much. Lisa Rein StaffReporter Washington Post 202-334-5190 Cell 202-821-3120 EXT-18-2336-C-000315 @Reinlwapo Send me a confidential tip EXT-18-2336-C-000316 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Russell Newell Sent: 2017-10-07T14:23:48-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-10-07T14:23:58-04:00 She sounds like one Sent from my iPhone On Oct 7, 2017, at 7:34 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Rene is a fucking idiot. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 6, 2017, at 8:31 PM, Russell Newell wrote: I was about to send this to Rene but I'll send to you instead and maybe it will make me feel better. Just had to get it offmy chest. The double standard is nauseating. Rene - I'm curious whether you ever asked these types ofquestions to jewell or Salazar - about how they traveled and whether they took charters or spoke at political events or had spouses participate in any events with them. I don't recall the same level ofconcern about how they spent the taxpayer's dollars or the public's right to know about their travel. Have you ever bothered to learn about their travel to try to provide some context or do you care? Sent from my iPhone On Oct 6, 2017, at 5:18 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Heather, We have repeatedly asked the press office for answers to the below questions and for 4 days now we have been told you are working on it and today we’ve received no response at all. We are asking questions that the public has every right to EXT-18-2336-C-000317 know as these are their tax dollars and for Interior not answer any ofthe below questions is really hard to understand. Is the DOI issuing a no comment on all ofthe below questions? Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Friday, October 6, 2017 at 1:46 PM To: Heather Swift Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Heather, Circling back again. It's been a few days now. Reupping the questions CNN has. What was the purpose of his speech to the Vegas Golden Knights Hockey team in June? Who invited Zinke to give the speech to the team? Who owned the plane that Zinke flew on from Vegas to Montana? Who else was on board the plane from Vegas to Montana? Zinke’s schedule shows on 4/28 he traveled from DC to Atlanta. How did he travel? Commercial? Government plane? Private? On June 22 how did Zinke travel to his meeting in West Virginia? Did he use a Park Police Chopper? What is the cost estimate for use of the chopper? On July 7 why did the Secretary travel EXT-18-2336-C-000318 using a USPP helicopter? What was the cost associated with the use of the helicopter? Can you tell us about the flight on July 20th . Was that a commercial flight? If so please share the flight details? CNN is looking for justification for why Zinkes wife accompanied him on the following trips : Las Vegas, Greenland and Alaska? When on these trips does Mrs. Zinke participate in official meetings with the Secretary? Justification for Mrs. Zinke to have a desk there at Interior? Did Mrs. Zinke reimburse the government for these flights? When? How much was reimbursed? Thank you Rene Marsh CNN Sent from my iPhone On Oct 5, 2017, at 9:24 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Working on it. The person who handles the Secretary's travel is currently out ofthe office so it's taking a little longer than usual. Apologies for the delay. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 5, 2017, at 9:11 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Heather good morning, Circling back on this request again this morning. Hoping to get something from you today. EXT-18-2336-C-000319 Thank you, Rene Marsh Sent from my iPhone On Oct 4, 2017, at 1:02 PM, Marsh, Rene wrote: Good afternoon Heather, Do you have a sense oftiming for when we can expect a response to the below inquiry ? Thank you Rene Marsh CNN Sent from my iPhone On Oct 3, 2017, at 7:08 PM, Heather Swift wrote: Hi Rene. Checki ng into this for you. Heather Swift Press Secreta ry Depart ment ofthe Interio r EXT-18-2336-C-000320 On Oct 3, 2017, at 4:32 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interio r Press wrote: Hi Heather, CNN has additional questions on the Secretary’s travel. What was the purpose of his speech to the Vegas Golden Knights Hockey team in June? Who invited Zinke to give the speech to the team? Who owned the plane that Zinke flew on from Vegas to Montana? Who else was on board the plane from Vegas to Montana? Zinke’s schedule shows on 4/28 he traveled from DC to Atlanta. How did he travel? Commercial? Government plane? Private? On June 22 how did Zinke travel to his meeting in West Virginia? Did he use a Park Police Chopper? What is the cost estimate for use ofthe chopper? On July 7 why did the Secretary travel using a USPP helicopter? What was the cost associated with the use ofthe helicopter? Can you tell us about the flight on July 20th . Was that a commercial flight? If so please share the flight details? Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN EXT-18-2336-C-000321 Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:49 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The $12k is for Nevada. The $3k is for the flights between the islands. Also, for your reference, Secretary Jewell also took a number of charter aircraft, including but not limited to the following: • 1/14/16 $9,800 roundtrip between Alburquerque, NM --> Farmington, NM • 5/3/16 $13,605 Helena, MT --> Browning, MT (this is about a three hour drive) Bronwing, MT --> Palm Springs • 8/24/16 $20,383 Bakersfield, CA --> Kalispell, MT --> Livingston, MT • There were also at least two military aircraft flights on 9/5/13 between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands, and 5/13/14 DC to St. Louis. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000322 @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 2:43 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Hi there, I am getting a bit confused . Can you send the breakdown offlights and costs so I am clear on what cost what? I see $ 3,150 --- that’s the flight from where to where The $12375- that’s round trip between st. croix and st. Thomas We are on deadline . also looking to confirm the charter company used. I see youre quoted as confirming that but if reports as you point out have been inaccurate I need to get it confirmed with you myself. — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:18 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN 3/31/17 USVI flights were - $3,150 EXT-18-2336-C-000323 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 1:36 PM, Heather Swift wrote: The flight between two islands in the US VI. Yes that cost is correct. We have not yet been billed on the military air asset to the wildfire. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:21 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: You are quoted as saying one ofthe flights costs 12,375. Which costs are you waiting on? Can you provide the costs you already have? Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:16 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace EXT-18-2336-C-000324 Subject: Re: CNN Miranda Green Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:14 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: We are looking for the cost ofthe flights? I don’t see that below. B =y the way who did you provide this info to earlier ? — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: Heather Swift Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:12 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN The below information was supplied to your colleague earlier. On the record EXT-18-2336-C-000325 As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre￾approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how EXT-18-2336-C-000326 much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a EXT-18-2336-C-000327 commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the EXT-18-2336-C-000328 Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter EXT-18-2336-C-000329 plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political EXT-18-2336-C-000330 events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things EXT-18-2336-C-000331 were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico EXT-18-2336-C-000332 piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over EXT-18-2336-C-000333 territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix -- > St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. EXT-18-2336-C-000334 The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight EXT-18-2336-C-000335 available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM an d he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Good afternoon Heather, CNN is circling back on this request. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN EXT-18-2336-C-000336 Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:16 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" , "Swift, Heather" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.go v" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.g ov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking to confirm the costs of all ofthe charters you outlined below. We are also looking to confirm the name ofthe charter company that provided the flights for the Secretary’s official travel. Besides these charter flights you noted below has the Secretary also used military/government planes? If so can you outline EXT-18-2336-C-000337 dates, times, places, justification? Many thanks, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 3:14 PM To: "Swift, Heather" , "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.go v" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.g ov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Thank you Heather — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 EXT-18-2336-C-000338 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:13 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.go v" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.g ov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I don't have that information immediately available. Will put a request in. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.go v l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thank you Heather. EXT-18-2336-C-000339 What type of aircraft were these private planes? What was the cost for these trips that came out ofthe DOI budget? Thank you — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.go v" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.g ov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Rene - also want to add on the Alaska portion that was part of the CODEL arranged by Senate ENR. - EXT-18-2336-C-000340 Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.go v l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 12:17 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.go v l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thanks Heather. What type of planes were these charter flights? Can you please check and confirm? We are also looking to get a better understanding about why commercial flights were listed as not an option for the 5/17 trip? There was no commercial flight available for the route/schedule. Getting around in the Arctic Circle is not like catching a flight out of EXT-18-2336-C-000341 Washington, D.C. For the 6/26 trip what were the times of his commitment? What time were the events scheduled for in Nevada? What time was the speaking engagement scheduled for the next morning in Montana? The event ended around 8:00PM in NV. He arrived in MT around 2:00AM and the Secretary had meetings with governors and public lands advocates the following morning beginning at 8:45AM. The Western Governors Association - led by a Democratic governor - invited the Secretary to speak. Is it safe to assume the secretary flew commercial from Washington D.C. to places like Vegas, Alaska and St. Croix before boarding the private flights in those places? Yes - the Secretary flew to Nevada and the USVI on a commercial, coach, government fare. He got to Alaska by way of the CODEL which was arranged by the Senate. He left Alaska on a commercial, coach, government fare. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent EXT-18-2336-C-000342 Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:31 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.go v" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.g ov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I sent this to Hannah Lang. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the EXT-18-2336-C-000343 Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had two speaking engagements, in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the event on time. EXT-18-2336-C-000344 Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget The Secretary took a military jet once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high￾priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the summer. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military jet when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. There have been three such trips to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Atlanta. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.go v l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Morning Heather, EXT-18-2336-C-000345 I checked in with my colleagues and they say they never received a response on this topic from Interior. Could you please provide? We are looking to find out has the Secretary chartered private planes for his travels while in office? Government/military planes during his time in office? How many times? Was commercial considered as the first option? Justification for flying private? Thank you, Rene Marsh CNN On 9/22/17, 12:53 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: We do it here too. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:44 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: > > Apologies. That’s annoying on our part. Sorry we are doubling up. EXT-18-2336-C-000346 Will check with them and circle back ifthere are any outstanding questions. > > — René Marsh > CNN > Correspondent > Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN > Office: 202- 777- 7249 > > > On 9/22/17, 12:43 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: > > Rene can you please coordinate with your colleagues? I've received > this inquiry from several people at CNN. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department ofthe Interior > > >> On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:35 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> CNN is looking to get information on Zinke's travel information. When he travels by plane does he always fly commercial? Private ? >> >> Thank you, EXT-18-2336-C-000347 >> Rene Marsh >> CNN >> >> Sent from my iPhone > > EXT-18-2336-C-000348 To: Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Russell Newell Sent: 2017-10-09T15:15:36-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: statement Received: 2017-10-09T15:15:38-04:00 ON BACKGROUND: Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000349 costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public and have been fully transparent. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. EXT-18-2336-C-000350 To: Micah Chambers[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; ; daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov[daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; benjamin_cassidy@ios.doi.gov[benjamin_cassidy@ios.doi.gov]; Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Downey Magallanes Sent: 2017-10-09T17:10:43-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Updated DRAFT statement and background Received: 2017-10-09T17:11:04-04:00 On Oct 9, 2017, at 5:06 PM, Micah Chambers wrote: Sent from my iPhone On Oct 9, 2017, at 4:35 PM, Laura Rigas wrote: Please let us know asap (by 5pm) ifyou have any edits. We will use the statement below (which is the only one WH has or will approve) plus background info (several new points) as we continue to get inquiries. Also, several news outlets have asked for copies ofwhat was sent to Congress. What is that status ofthe electronic version? Thanks, L Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior DOI Statement: “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000351 continue to work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including using government coach class fare options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use ofgovernment resources.” DOI Ethics Statement: "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. ON BACKGROUND: (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000352 Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public and have been fully transparent. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000353 big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. EXT-18-2336-C-000354 To: Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Micah Chambers[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov]; ; daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov[daniel_jorjani@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; benjamin_cassidy@ios.doi.gov[benjamin_cassidy@ios.doi.gov]; Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Laura Rigas Sent: 2017-10-09T17:12:54-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Updated DRAFT statement and background Received: 2017-10-09T17:13:02-04:00 Fine with that addition on background. Also, Micah, have you been given a timeline on getting an electronic version or the 1 page summary with the different types offlights? Reporters keep asking. Thx, L Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior On Oct 9, 2017, at 5:11 PM, Downey Magallanes wrote: On Oct 9, 2017, at 5:06 PM, Micah Chambers wrote: Sent from my iPhone On Oct 9, 2017, at 4:35 PM, Laura Rigas wrote: Please let us know asap (by 5pm) ifyou have any edits. We will use the statement below (which is the only one WH has or will approve) plus background info (several new points) as we continue to get inquiries. (b)(6) (b)(5) (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000355 Also, several news outlets have asked for copies ofwhat was sent to Congress. What is that status ofthe electronic version? Thanks, L Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior DOI Statement: “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always continue to work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including using government coach class fare options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use ofgovernment resources.” DOI Ethics Statement: "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin EXT-18-2336-C-000356 (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. ON BACKGROUND: (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000357 Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public and have been fully transparent. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000358 Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. EXT-18-2336-C-000359 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Marsh, Rene[Rene.Marsh@cnn.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov]; Paul Ross[paul_ross@ios.doi.gov]; Levitt, Ross[Ross.Levitt@turner.com]; Wallace, Gregory[gregory.wallace@turner.com] From: 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press Sent: 2017-10-11T10:31:24-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-10-11T10:31:40-04:00 We have been given the list of days and events that have raised concerned on background. However we would like to get the Interior Department’s response for balance in our piece. — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 10:27 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , Paul Ross , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Who is the organization and what are their accusations? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Wed, Oct 11, 2017 at 10:25 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking into trips made by Zinke that have been flagged by others outside ofCNN They say during the below trips the Secretary mixed political activities with official travel · Attended Virgin Islands GOP fundraiser on 3/30 · Spoke at the RNC spring meeting on 5/11 in California · Participated in events for Greg Gianforte on 5/12 and 5/13 in Montana · Rep. Don Young reception on 5/30 in Alaska · Spoke at Las Vegas event for major donor on 6/26 EXT-18-2336-C-000360 · Colorado GOP fundraiser on 7/21 They also raise concerns about what they consider to be frequent official travel to MT · 3/9-3/12 · 3/16-3/19 · 5/5-5/7 · 5/12-5/13 · 6/27 · 8/24 CNN is looking for comment on both ofthese. Many thanks. Best, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 EXT-18-2336-C-000361 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: POLITICO Pro Budget and Appropriations Brief Sent: 2017-10-11T17:29:21-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Budget & Appropriations Brief, presented by Businesses Against the Ad Tax: Chorus of complaints unlikely to sink aid package — Black bets on conference committee — Education Department lays out new grant priorities Received: 2017-10-11T19:23:09-04:00 By Jennifer Scholtes and Sarah Ferris | 10/11/2017 05:26 PM EDT OFF TO THE FLOOR: House leaders seem confident they have the votes to easily pass a $36 billion hurricane aid bill on Thursday — the largest installment ofdisaster assistance since Hurricane Sandy. But, ofcourse, nothing's easy in the world ofsupplemental appropriations bills. A politically diverse range ofHouse Republicans are demanding various tweaks, including funding offsets, changes to the National Flood Insurance Program and higher overall aid levels for storm-stricken states, as we explain for Pros this afternoon. Everybody's a critic: Republican Study Chairman Mark Walker (R-N.C.), who spoke up at this morning's closed-door conference meeting, sent a letter to fellow members today blasting the "ever-growing" bill that's now bigger than five subcommittee spending bills combined. And Heritage Action has listed this one as a "key vote," urging lawmakers to oppose the "bailout" of the National Flood Insurance Program. Long-shot lobbying: In reality, though, the House bill probably won't be getting a face-lift before it hits the floor. And in a move that will further inflame some conservatives, we're told GOP leaders are still planning on a speedy suspension vote with no amendments. Midnight oil: Appearing in wonk inboxes just before midnight Tuesday, the measure is almost exactly what the White House wanted, with an extra $1 billion thrown in to help with Hurricane Nate and California wildfires, as Sarah reported after hours. FEMA would get $18.7 billion, the National Flood Insurance Program would write off$16 billion ofits debt and the federal firefighting force would field $576.5 million. The legislation even includes the Trump administration's last-minute request for a $4.9 billion loan to help the Puerto Rican government pay its workers and bills. GOOD WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON! Reach out: jscholtes@politico.com (@jascholtes) and sferris@politico.com (@sarahnferris). ** A message from Businesses Against the Ad Tax: Small businesses across the nation stand united against an ad tax. Seeking to raise revenue, Congress may make advertising more expensive for local businesses. By making it harder to reach their customers, an ad tax would cripple local businesses, kill jobs and hurt the U.S. economy. Learn more at BAAdTax.org. ** Doc of the day — The Bipartisan Policy Center released a report today warning that EXT-18-2336-C-000362 congressional inaction is "untenable" as financing shortfalls loom for both Social Security and Medicare. The figures come from a July update by the government's Trustees ofthe Social Security and Medicare but lacked policy recommendations because that board has no current appointees. #DailyBudgetFact — Congress has approved 16 "emergency" supplemental appropriations bills since 2000, spanning from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to this year's deadly hurricanes, according to the CBO. The largest single package: the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of2007. That bill totaled $120 billion, with the vast majority ofthat cash going to the Pentagon. Quote du jour — Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) on the prospects ofCongress being forced to take up another stopgap spending bill after the Dec. 8 funding deadline: "I told my staffthis morning, 'Let's all decide now what the potluck for Christmas is going to be.' I would not be surprised to be here. I would love to be wrong." BUDGET BLENDING 'EM: House conservatives have long dreaded the idea that they could be forced to simply swallow the Senate's budget — no ifs, ands or buts — ifthey truly want to see tax reform. But House Budget Chairman Diane Black (R-Tenn.) told Pro Tax's Aaron Lorenzo that she's still banking on a conference committee and hasn't heard differently from GOP leadership. And House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) was similarly adamant about the joint talks. Waiting it out: For the next two weeks, House and Senate lawmakers will be passing each other on the tarmac as they head in and out ofD.C., which means that a conference can'trealistically start until November. That's unfortunate for Black, who's anxious to return home to her Tennessee gubernatorial bid. (Still no word on when she'll decide to give up the gavel.) EDUCATION REVAMPING THE SCORING SYSTEM: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos laid out new goals today for distributing cash through discretionary grant programs, Caitlin Emma reports. Unsurprisingly, the secretary wants the department to prioritize things like expanding school choice and promoting STEM and computer science. Want to weigh in? The department is seeking comment for the next 30 days on the 11 proposed priorities. TAX STAYING POWER: The leader ofthe Council ofEconomic Advisers says tax cuts need to be permanent to deliver the biggest economic boost — an aspiration that's made trickier by reconciliation, Colin Wilhelm reports. Permanent or temporary, though, POTUS tweeted this morning that "massive" tax cuts will grow the U.S. economy by "leaps and bounds," Louis Nelson notes. More: Rev it with repatriation | Defense budget should include 'context' oftax cuts | Johnson Amendment cheerleaders emerge EXT-18-2336-C-000363 AGRICULTURE SODA TAX FIZZLES OUT: The headline-grabbing fight between Michael Bloomberg and the American Beverage Association is over in Illinois, and the soda lobby has emerged victorious. After just two months, a Cook County governing board voted overwhelmingly today to repeal the penny-per-ounce soda tax, as Helena Bottemiller Evich reports. Advocates said the tax would bring in about $200 million a year. (MORE) DISASTER RELIEF THE EVER-GROWING LIST: The White House on Tuesday declared its latest disaster zone across large swaths ofCalifornia amid a scourge ofdeadly wildfires. By our count, it's President Donald Trump's third major disaster declaration in four days. That includes Gulfstates hit by Hurricane Nate last weekend, as well as a retroactive response for flooding in parts ofIdaho and Wisconsin earlier this year. STAFFING UP: Puerto Rico's oversight board has hired Williams & Jensen to lobby the federal government for help amid its most devastating natural disaster in recent memory. Eight lobbyists will help the island push for maximum federal aid, including Medicaid funding, as well as other infrastructure and energy issues, POLITICO Influence reports. DON'T FORGET THE FARMS: Florida Gov. Rick Scott and the state's agriculture commissioner are on the Hill today making a final push to secure relieffunding fortheir growers in this week's package. Agricultural damage is estimated at $2.5 billion so far, and Florida leaders are anxious about waiting out the winter without the extra cash, Jenny Hopkinson reports. OBAMACARE SHRINKING REACH: Dozens ofObamacare sign-up groups say they'll likely be forced to roll back their efforts nationwide this fall after recent funding cuts. A survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that a whopping 89 percent ofgroups plan to cut staffin the wake ofthe White House's nearly 50 percent cut this year, Rachana Pradhan reports today. REWRITING THE RULES: The Trump administration is tapping into its regulatory power to weaken a key piece ofObamacare — the strict rules governing health insurance plans in each state. The White House is planning an executive order on Thursday that will allow coverage to be sold across state lines, a move that could allow the sales ofmore loosely regulated plans, as Adam Cancryn and Louis Nelson report. ADMINISTRATION TRAVEL TROUBLES: Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is under heightened scrutiny for mixing political fundraisers into his official travel, including a weekend ski getaway that raised as much as $3,000 per attendee. On another taxpayer-funded business trip, Zinke stopped by a fundraiser at an Alaskan steakhouse, Esther Whieldon and Ben Lefebvre report. The former Montana congressman is already under investigation by the Office ofSpecial Counsel for similar trips that strayed from official business. EXT-18-2336-C-000364 EARMARKS — Is Washington bungling the Census? POLITICO. — Diane Black, prepping gubernatorial bid, takes victory lap. Roll Call. — Bob Corker is just the beginning ofTrump's tax-cut problems. Bloomberg. — Trump blames the national debt on foreign aid as he pushes a tax plan that would raise the deficit. Washington Post. — Highway funding impasse hits home in Milwaukee. Governing. — West Virginia gets OK to expand Medicaid drug treatment. Associated Press. — DHS official: Trump able to pick border wall design. POLITICO Pro. WE'RE COUNTING: 58 days until federal funding runs out and the National Flood Insurance Program expires (Dec. 8, 2017). ** A message from Businesses Against the Ad Tax: Small businesses across the country stand united against an ad tax. A new tax on advertising would cripple local businesses, kill jobs and slow economic growth nationwide. Today, advertising is 100% tax deductible - just like the cost ofrent and computers. Businesses depend on advertising to attract new customers, hire new employees and build their brands. But Congress is considering changing this to raise revenue from the pockets ofsmall and medium businesses. An ad tax would raise the cost ofdoing business, impact small and family-owned businesses, and hurt local communities. It's a short-sighted proposal that would only make the tax code more complex. Visit BAAdTax.org to learn more. ** To view online: https://www.politicopro.com/tipsheets/budget-appropriations-brief/2017/10/chorus-of￾complaints-unlikely-to-sink-aid-package-025006 Stories from POLITICO Pro Disaster aid bill set to zip through House minus flood insurance reform Back By Jennifer Scholtes and Sarah Ferris | 10/11/2017 04:16 PM EDT House GOP leaders are fielding multiple last-minute demands fortweaks to a $36.5 billion disaster aid package headed for a vote Thursday. EXT-18-2336-C-000365 But the bill likely is a done deal, thanks to support from Democrats and conservatives unwilling to buck politically sensitive relieffor hurricane-battered states and Puerto Rico. Although the legislation is scheduled to advance swiftly on the floor without amendments, Republican lawmakers nonetheless have come forward with a myriad ofproposed changes to the proposal unveiled late Tuesday. Besides ongoing concerns about offsetting the cost, some GOP legislators are calling on leaders to increase the overall aid infusion, while others are gunning for added reforms to keep the National Flood Insurance Program from continuing to fall further into debt. Per the Trump administration's request, the bill would forgive $16 billion ofthe flood insurance program's $30 billion debt. And although there has been little opposition to that idea, some Republicans argue that the reliefshould be coupled with fundamental changes to help the program stay solvent and to deter construction in areas particularly vulnerable to flooding. "You don't want to incentivize some ofthese people to move back into a high-risk area," Dave Brat (R-Va.) told reporters Wednesday. "We've got to make sure the taxpayer isn't continually stuck with bills out ofthin air where we don't reform the incentives that are creating these disasters." Some conservatives have blasted the $16 billion provision in the bill as a "bailout" for flood insurers. The influential Heritage Action group released a statement Wednesday afternoon urging Republicans to block the bill because ofspending on those flood programs, which it argues is "not truly 'emergency' in nature." Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.) has dismissed calls to add flood insurance language, arguing that the hurricane aid is "vital now" to provide instant reliefto Puerto Rico, where most ofthe island remains without electrical power. Besides, authorizing committees — not the spending panel — are responsible for advancing bills that change policy, the chairman contends. "The Appropriations Committee is often criticized for authorizing on our bills," Frelinghuysen said Wednesday. "I think it's important for the authorizers to do their work. I don't think we need to do their work for them." But GOP leaders have twice learned over the last month that flood insurance reforms are not easy to pass, regardless oftheir path. The House initially failed under an expedited procedure to pass unrelated FAA legislation, H.R. 3823 (115), last month that was loaded down with flood insurance provisions. The flood language, seen as a nonstarter in the Senate, was then stripped out before that measure was sent to President Donald Trump late last month. During a closed-door conference meeting Wednesday morning, Speaker Paul Ryan told Republicans there still isn't sufficient support to include some flood insurance overhauls in the current aid package, according to Tom Cole (R-Okla.). EXT-18-2336-C-000366 "The real question is: Do you have the votes?" Cole said about the potential addition offlood insurance language. "And the speaker made that point — right now they don't have the votes for that." Under the current procedural plan, House lawmakers won't even be able to offer amendments to the aid bill, which is expected to pass under suspension ofthe rules — a fast-track process that limits debate, skips the traditional amendment process and requires the support oftwo-thirds of those voting for passage. Without changes, the legislation already appears to be a sure bet for passage, Cole predicted. "First ofall, I think they're going to get all the Democratic votes here," the Oklahoma Republican said, adding that there are "certainly significant concerns" about both the flood insurance program and funding that's not offset, meaning it will increase the deficit. "But I don't think it'll be a close vote." Indeed, Democratic leaders have said their members will overwhelmingly support the bill. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) released a statement Wednesday praising the package, which she said would deliver "urgently needed assistance" to the victims ofmultiple natural disasters. The House passed an initial $15 billion aid package (H.R. 601 (115)) last month in an overwhelming 316-90 vote, a day after the Senate passed the measure 80-17. Since then, Republican Study Committee Chairman Mark Walker (R-N.C.) has been trying to rally Republicans to insist on funding offsets in any aid packages to come, arguing that the first installment was unique because "there were people's lives in the balance" and it "wasn't an overwhelming amount." In a letter delivered Wednesday to fellow GOP lawmakers, Walker blasted House appropriators for including the White House's last-minute request to include an extra $4.9 billion loan to Puerto Rico in the "ever-growing" aid package. He pointed out that the $36 billion cost is larger than five Appropriations subcommittee spending bills combined. But some ofCongress' most fiscally conservative Republicans have been unwilling to join Walker's crusade. And even Freedom Caucus leader Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) has said demanding offsets in an emergency aid package is "not a sustainable position." Countering concerns about the legislation's hefty price tag, lawmakers from hurricane-stricken states are also pleading with GOP leaders to increase the package's overall funding level, arguing that the multi-billion-dollar plan is actually insufficient to handle recovery needs. "Obviously some would like to see more," Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), an Appropriations Committee cardinal who oversees agriculture spending, told POLITICO on Wednesday. "But the administration wants to keep it to a bare minimum." Aderholt said leaders are still tallying support forthe package but are "holding tight" on the overall funding level right now, since additional aid installments are expected in the coming EXT-18-2336-C-000367 months. The bill is expected to be taken up by the Senate next week ifpassed by the House. To view online click here. Back House unveils $36 billion hurricane aid package Back By Sarah Ferris | 10/10/2017 11:15 PM EDT The House Appropriations Committee tonight released a $36.5 billion hurricane reliefpackage that will be fast-tracked to the floor later this week. The bill would replenish FEMA's disaster fund by $18.7 billion, which would allow $4.9 billion to go toward disaster loans intended to help shore up Puerto Rico's cash-strapped government. It would also wipe out $16 billion in National Flood Insurance Program debt. The House package was made public just hours after the White House's latest funding revision, upping the request by $4.9 billion. The measure also would provide $576.5 million for wildfire efforts. The bill will be considered under suspension ofthe rules, according to a GOP appropriations aide — speeding up debate and prohibiting amendments. To view online click here. Back White House seeks $4.9B to shore up Puerto Rico finances Back By Sarah Ferris | 10/10/2017 08:38 PM EDT The Trump administration on Tuesday sought an additional $4.9 billion in emergency hurricane aid to stave offwhat Puerto Rico's governor recently warned could become a fiscal catastrophe. The Office ofManagement and Budget sent a formal request to House leadership Tuesday afternoon, revising its most recent recovery package request to nearly $35 billion. The extra $4.9 billion would "address the immediate liquidity issue that Puerto Rico is having," OMB spokesman John Czwartacki told POLITICO. It would allow the island government to make its payroll and fund pensions amid its worst natural disaster in decades. The White House's request exceeds the $4 billion request from Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló last week, though it would be delivered in the form ofa loan, rather than a grant. EXT-18-2336-C-000368 In his letter to the White House, Rosselló warned that Puerto Rico's government needed an immediate cash infusion. "In addition to the immediate humanitarian crisis, Puerto Rico is on the brink ofa massive liquidity crisis that will intensify in the immediate future," the governor wrote the White House. The loan funds would likely be added to the storm recovery package that the House is expected to approve this week. The House Appropriations Committee has received and is reviewing the request, a GOP aide confirmed. To view online click here. Back DeVos pitches new priorities for competitive grants Back By Caitlin Emma | 10/11/2017 12:51 PM EDT Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Wednesday proposed new priorities for doling out funds through existing discretionary grant programs, including the expansion ofschool choice and the promotion ofSTEM and computer science. It's a familiar move by an Education secretary to advance certain policy goals. For example, former Education Secretary John B. King Jr. put forward a priority to increase socioeconomic diversity in schools. As a result, school districts applying for federal grants would get points for proposing projects that tackled segregation or concentrated poverty. DeVos' Education Department is seeking comment for the next 30 days on 11 new proposed priorities, according to a notice that's set to publish in Thursday's Federal Register. STEM and computer science made the cut after the Trump administration last month told DeVos to spend at least $200 million in existing grant funds per year on the promotion ofhigh-quality STEM education and, in particular, computer science education. DeVos laid out the new focal points for competitive grant programs in a new blog post today. They are titled: — Empowering Families to Choose a High-Quality Education that Meets Their Child's Unique Needs. — Promoting Innovation and Efficiency, Streamlining Education with an Increased Focus on Improving Student Outcomes, and Providing Increased Value to Students and Taxpayers. — Fostering Flexible and Affordable Paths to Obtaining Knowledge and Skills. — Fostering Knowledge and Promoting the Development ofSkills that Prepare Students to be Informed, Thoughtful, and Productive Individuals and Citizens. — Meeting the Unique Needs ofStudents And Children, including those with Disabilities and/or with Unique Gifts and Talents. EXT-18-2336-C-000369 — Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education, With a Particular Focus on Computer Science. — Promoting Literacy. — Promoting Effective Instruction in Classrooms and Schools. — Promoting Economic Opportunity. — Encouraging Improved School Climate and Safer and More Respectful Interactions in a Positive and Safe Educational Environment. — Ensuring that Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families Have Access to High-Quality Educational Choices. To view online click here. Back Hassett says temporary tax cuts less effective Back By Colin Wilhelm | 10/11/2017 12:32 PM EDT Council ofEconomic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett said today that tax cuts will be most effective at boosting the economy ifthey're permanent. Republicans are considering a combination ofpermanent and temporary tax changes to help get their tax overhaul plan through the Senate. "Ifthe tax goes down and then goes back up ... you get a much smaller effect in the near-term," Hassett said at an event hosted by The Hill. Even ifthose changes expire 10 years out they will still have less impact than permanent tax changes, he added. A tactic Republicans plan to use to avert a Democratic filibuster in the Senate requires that any changes that would boost the deficit beyond 10 years have to expire, and they have had trouble coming up with offsets that would cover most ofthe cost oftax reform. After the administration outlined its tax principles in April, National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn said the administration preferred permanent tax reform, but added "we have to do what we have to do." To view online click here. Back Trump: U.S. economy will soar ifCongress approves tax cuts Back By Louis Nelson | 10/11/2017 07:04 AM EDT The package oftax cuts and reforms backed by the White House will push the already soaring stock market to further heights, President Donald Trump wrote online Wednesday morning, pitching his proposal as fuel for an economy that has remained strong since his election last year. EXT-18-2336-C-000370 "Stock Market has increased by 5.2 Trillion dollars since the election on November 8th, a 25% increase," the president wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. "Lowest unemployment in 16 years and ifCongress gives us the massive tax cuts (and reform) I am asking for, those numbers will grow by leaps and bounds. #MAGA" Without a major legislative achievement to hang his hat on, Trump and his backers have often pointed to the success ofthe stock market in his presidency's opening months as evidence that his policies, including proposed tax reform and the repeal ofdozens ofgovernment regulations, have strengthened the economy. Trump has claimed credit for generally improving economic indicators even though many were already trending upward under the administration ofhis predecessor, Barack Obama. Wednesday morning, Trump also lobbed insults at the news media and Democrats, accusing the former ofignoring the stock market's growth on his watch and the latter ofdesiring higher taxes and "crime-producing borders." "It would be really nice ifthe Fake News Media would report the virtually unprecedented Stock Market growth since the election. Need tax cuts," Trump wrote online. "The Democrats want MASSIVE tax increases & soft, crime-producing borders. The Republicans want the biggest tax cut in history & the WALL!" To view online click here. Back Repatriation will boost average household finances by $4,000, Trump to say Back By Aaron Lorenzo | 10/11/2017 06:41 AM EDT Getting U.S. companies to repatriate their foreign profits will lead to more money in average Americans' pockets, to the tune ofsome $4,000, President Donald Trump will say later today. A plan to tax income stockpiled overseas at a one-time reduced rate will generate the benefit, according to a senior administration official who previewed a speech Trump is scheduled to give in Harrisburg, Pa. "We will eliminate the penalty on returning future earnings back to the United States," Trump will say, according to remarks prepared for delivery. "And we will impose a one-time low tax on money currently parked overseas so it can be brought back home to America — where it belongs." The White House Council ofEconomic Advisers has estimated that this change, along with a lower rate, would likely give the typical U.S. household a $4,000 pay raise, the administration official said. No specifics on how much lower the one-time tax would be from the 35 percent current rate were given, though. Trump, whose speech is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. at a hangar at the Harrisburg International Airport, will talk about how the various tax cut and simplification proposals in a EXT-18-2336-C-000371 GOP tax reform package will benefit a large swath ofthe audience invited to hear Trump in person — truckers — namely through reducing the top rate on non-corporate pass-through businesses and eliminating estate taxes. "When your trucks are moving, America is growing," Trump is supposed to say. WHAT'S NEXT: GOP leaders in Congress and Trump aides are finalizing plans for tax overhaul legislation. To view online click here. Back Defense budget debate should include 'context' of tax cuts, Larsen says Back By Connor O'Brien | 10/11/2017 12:45 PM EDT The debate over increasing defense spending should be put in the context oftax cuts and other key spending proposals, Rep. Rick Larsen said today. Larsen, a senior House Armed Services Democrat from Washington state, was speaking at a Brookings Institution forum alongside fellow HASC member, Nebraska Republican Don Bacon. Both discussed the debate over lifting defense and domestic spending caps set by the Budget Control Act. Larsen contended tax cuts that substantially increase the deficit would make major increases in defense spending above the caps unrealistic. "Budgets don't happen in the context ofthemselves," he said. "They happen in the context of everything else that's going on and everything else we spend money on. And tax expenditures are part ofthat." "So, a proposal to cut taxes $1.5 trillion or $5 trillion, whatever the number is, in the context of increasing domestic and defense spending ... turns congressional budgeting into a joke that we are actually telling and are the butt of," he added. House budget provisions to fast-track tax reform, a key Republican priority, require the legislation to be deficit neutral. But the Senate budget blueprint would permit a tax overhaul to add as much as $1.5 trillion to the deficit. Bacon said he opposed holding up defense spending to extract domestic increases, but acknowledged only a bipartisan compromise would succeed. Larsen predicted lawmakers would hammer out an omnibus spending deal before the continuing spending resolution runs out Dec. 8, but added "it won't be clean and it won't be nice." To view online click here. Back EXT-18-2336-C-000372 Leave Johnson Amendment alone, House Democrats say Back By Aaron Lorenzo | 10/10/2017 02:31 PM EDT House Democrats urged congressional leaders not to use tax reform legislation to reverse the politicking ban on tax-exempt religious and charitable groups, as well as foundations. Known as the Johnson Amendment, it prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations from endorsing, opposing or contributing to political candidates. And it should stay in place, according to a letter sent to tax writers today by 92 House Democrats. "Americans do not want our houses ofworship, charitable nonprofits, and foundations to become points ofleverage for partisan politics," said the letter, which was sent to Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and ranking member Richard Neal (D-Mass.). Brady has long said he wants to get rid ofthe Johnson Amendment because he believes it restricts religious leaders' free speech, a common position with the GOP. He has said he wants to eliminate it as part oflegislation to overhaul U.S. tax laws, which he and other Republican leaders are trying to shepherd through Congress this fall. President Donald Trump has also been outspoken against it. Those behind the letter, including 10 Ways and Means members, said the Johnson Amendment protects a longstanding separation between charitable giving and politics. It dates back to 1954. In August, more than 4,000 faith leaders sent a letter to Congress in favor ofkeeping the Johnson Amendment in place, the lawmakers noted in their letter, which was also addressed to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). To view online click here. Back Cook County repeals its soda tax Back By Helena Bottemiller Evich | 10/11/2017 02:23 PM EDT The Cook County Board ofCommissioners today voted overwhelmingly to repeal the penny-per￾ounce soda tax the county has levied for only two months — a major win forthe beverage industry and a blow to the public health advocates pushing for such sin taxes. The 15-2 vote, which makes the repeal veto-proof, comes after an expensive and boisterous fight in the Chicago area, where Michael Bloomberg again went head to head with the American Beverage Association and its allies in the business community. Late last week, a number ofkey commissioners flipped their position on the tax, opening up a path to repeal. "We see this as a momentum swing," said Lauren Kane, a spokeswoman for ABA. "People are just saying we want the government to find other ways to pay fortheir priorities rather than taxing working people." EXT-18-2336-C-000373 The repeal, which is set to kick in Dec. 1, leaves the county needing to rethink how it fills a roughly $200 million budget hole. To view online click here. Back Florida pushes Congress to include disaster relief for farmers Back By Jenny Hopkinson | 10/11/2017 05:01 AM EDT As Congress considers how much it should spend to rebuild Puerto Rico and the GulfCoast after this year's catastrophic hurricanes, Florida officials want to make sure farmers in their state are part ofthe equation. The state is eyeing a disaster reliefpackage aimed at getting more money to Puerto Rico as a vehicle for funding for its growers. That legislation, state officials say, needs to earmark money and tell the USDA to get aid to specialty crops, horticulture, livestock and other farm-related sectors. Groves, greenhouses, fields and cattle herds throughout the state have had millions ofdollars in damage from Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm and one ofthe strongest to ever hit the state. Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will meet with the state's congressional delegation in Washington on Wednesday to update them on the reliefeffort, to push them to get the state's needs included in the package and to secure quick passage. "Ifwe are not in this round then all ofthat gets backed up weeks, ifnot months," Putnam said. "That means that assistance gets backed up into next year, which is just not helpful." The state's Department ofAgriculture and Consumer Services has released preliminary estimates that more than $2.5 billion in damage was caused as the storm. Ofthat, citrus — Florida's signature crop that is heavily concentrated in the southwest corner of the state — is expected to be the hardest hit, with losses estimated to be upward of$760 million. About 421,00 acres ofcitrus groves were affected by hurricane or tropical storm force winds, that knocked ripe, ready-to-harvest fruit offtrees. Some groves are expected to be a total loss after their roots have been sitting in flooded fields for weeks. Replacing them will be expensive, and new trees need a few years before they start producing fruit. Estimates are still early but 30 percent to 70 percent ofthe 2017 crop is expected to be lost, Lisa Lochridge, a spokeswoman for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, said. That compounds the problem for an industry that has already been weakened in recent years by citrus greening disease, which has wiped out more than halfofthe state's production. "These losses have just been disastrous," Lochridge said. "It justremains to be seen to what degree the industry can rebound." EXT-18-2336-C-000374 Other significant agriculture economies were also affected. Florida's beefherds are expected to take a $237 million hit, while dairies had $11.8 million in damage. Sugarcane growers, which supply almost a quarter ofthe U.S.'s sugar, had $382 million in losses. Fruits and vegetables excluding citrus suffered more than $180 million in losses. While many of the state's produce crops had yet to be planted, the storm destroyed irrigation systems and in￾field preparations, costing farmers time and money to replace. The greenhouse and nursery sector is expecting $625 million in crops were affected. Some — especially the harm to field crops — will be covered by crop insurance. However, fruit and vegetable growers and nursery and flower growers often don't buy insurance because ofthe high premiums. Those crops aren't planted on enough acres by enough farmers to create affordable insurance options. Even for those farmers who have it, crop insurance often falls short, said Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain. The Louisiana Department ofAgriculture and Forestry is still assessing the damage from Hurricane Harvey, through Strain said it was likely to be less than $50 million. In the few parishes that took the brunt ofthe storm, hay, sugarcane and soybeans were most affected. Although many farmers ofthose crops have insurance, it doesn't cover the whole value ofthe crop, Strain said. "The farm bill is totally inadequate to deal with disasters ofthat nature, so each time it happens each state has to go to Washington" and ask for the help it needs, Strain said. To be sure, the USDA has already eased up on rules and set aside money available to help Gulf Coast farmers and residents rebuild after this year's hurricanes. It has made loans and other disaster reliefprograms available to farmers in affected areas and allowed for flexibility to give them more time to file for help and declare losses. The department has eased food stamp rules to help families in Florida, Texas and the Virgin Islands purchase food after the storms. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has also visited Florida and Texas to view the damage from the storms. But there is only so much USDA can do without permission, and more money, from Congress. Meanwhile, the White House requested $29 billion from Congress last week for disaster relief funding for rebuilding after hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey and the wildfires in this summer in the West. Lawmakers are now working with that package and could have legislation ready shortly. In a letter to House and Senate Appropriations committee leaders on Friday, Florida's delegation detailed a variety ofways that the disaster reliefpackage can help farmers. It included: — Increasing borrowing limits forthe Commodity Credit Corporation — an arm ofUSDA charged with stabilizing farmers' income and crop prices — to ensure that money fortree and livestock replacement is available to farmers — Granting the USDA secretary authority to use CCC funds and other money to help citrus, specialty crops, nursery systems and other crops for which "traditional disaster programs and EXT-18-2336-C-000375 authorities prove woefully inadequate" — Including tax relieffor citrus farmers — Giving more money for the Emergency Conservation Program, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish, in addition to home rental and food assistance programs. The delegation and Florida officials also want the appropriations bill to include instructions to USDA that will allow more flexibility for the department to issue payouts. "It will take an act ofCongress to unlock the funds and allow USDA to quickly design a program that gets help out the door and in a responsible way," Putnam said. In an Oct. 4 letter to Perdue, 10 ofthe state's congressmen asked that USDA make similar requests to Capitol Hill. There is precedent for Congress to give USDA more money and authority to help growers after natural disasters. In 2004, a $13 billion hurricane reliefpackage signed by then-President George W. Bush included more than $222 million for Florida's forests and farmland restoration. That year, Florida was hit by four hurricanes in a two-month period. Lawmakers gave the state more help the following year as it worked to recover from Hurricane Wilma. "There are models out there but USDA needs to have the additional appropriations and the authority to administer such a program and do it quickly," Putnam added. "Timing is ofthe essence." Sabrina Rodriguez contributed to this report. To view online click here. Back Survey: Obamacare navigators expect layoffs, reduced outreach after Trump cuts funding Back By Rachana Pradhan | 10/11/2017 09:48 AM EDT Obamacare enrollment groups say they are likely to lay offstaff, cut back outreach and limit their geographic footprint after the Trump administration sharply curtailed their federal funding, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation survey. HHS awarded roughly $37 million to nearly 100 navigator organizations across the country this year, a sharp decline from the roughly $60 million they received annually from the federal government in prior enrollment seasons. Nearly 90 percent ofnavigators said they expect to lay offstaff, the survey found. More than 80 percent said they would cut back their enrollment efforts and events, and 57 percent said they would limit the number ofpeople who are devoted to more complicated enrollment cases. EXT-18-2336-C-000376 The Kaiser survey also raises questions about the Trump administration's explanation forthe funding cuts. CMS said the funding would be tied to how well the groups performed on previous enrollment targets — for instance, a group that previously hit 70 percent ofits enrollment goal would now receive 70 percent ofits funding, HHS said. But the Kaiser survey found funding adjustments did not correlate with enrollment performance for about 78 percent ofnavigator groups. Roughly halfthe organizations surveyed also said the federal government did not provide a rationale fortheir funding decreases, and another 40 percent said the reasoning was unclear. Grant amounts for 2018 ranged from as little as $10,000 to as much as $4.9 million, according to an HHS breakdown offunding. Kaiser surveyed groups between Sept. 22 and Oct. 4, and 48 programs in 32 states responded. The next open enrollment period begins Nov. 1. To view online click here. Back Trump says health care executive order will allow coverage to be sold across state lines Back By Adam Cancryn and Louis Nelson | 10/10/2017 06:49 AM EDT President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order this week aimed at expanding access to loosely regulated health insurance plans -- a move that could give consumers more coverage options but also destabilize Obamacare markets. The order is expected to direct a trio ofagencies to rewrite federal rules to allow trade associations and other groups offer their own health plans. Those so-called association health plans would be exempt from some ofObamacare's strict regulations and could be sold across state lines. "They will be able to buy, they'll be able to cross state lines and they will get great competitive health care and it will cost the United States nothing," Trump said today. "With Congress the way it is, I decided to take it upon myself." Trump is planning to sign the directive on Thursday, a source briefed on the plans said, in a move that would follow through on his repeated calls to open up the sale ofhealth insurance across state lines. Republicans including Sens. Rand Paul and Mike Enzi have long championed association health plans as a way to lower insurance costs and give people more options. The order likely won't contain many specifics on how the administration would pave the way for those alternative offerings. Instead, it's likely to leave it to the Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services departments to reinterpret a sweeping employee health benefits regulation with an eye toward expanding coverage options for consumers. EXT-18-2336-C-000377 It remains unclear how far the Trump administration will go in circumventing Obamacare's regulations to encourage sales oflooser-regulated plans -- and exactly which rules association health plans would be exempt from. The Labor Department has already met with business trade groups about the planned executive order and begun work on reinterpreting federal regulations, two sources familiar with the matter said. The Trump administration is separately looking into easing rules on short-term insurance policies, two sources familiar with the plans said. The Obama administration last year limited the length ofthose policies -- which also don't comply with Obamacare's rules -- to three months. The rule change being explored now would restore insurers' ability to sell short-term policies that provide up to a year ofcoverage, effectively reestablishing them as a competitor to more robust Obamacare plans. But already, insurers and policy experts have warned that allowing cheap, loosely regulated association health plans to flood the market would upset the Obamacare market's delicate balance and open the door to undermining key protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Association health plans are already sold in some states but have to meet Obamacare's regulations. Ifthe administration were to free them from those rules, those plans could charge far lower premiums for a skimpier set ofbenefits -- aiming to attract the healthiest and cheapest enrollees while potentially leaving Obamacare plans with higher-cost customers. "It would deteriorate the risk pool, lead to increased premiums, more instability and potentially make insurers have to make decisions on whether they're going to continue to participate," said Cori Uccello, a senior health fellow at the American Academy ofActuaries. Concerns about undermining Obamacare's patient protections -- including a ban on charging people more based on their health status -- helped sink multiple Republican efforts to repeal and replace the law. But conservative Republicans including Paul have continued to insist that rolling back Obamacare's regulations are the only path to lowering premiums and increasing competition. And business groups are largely expected to back an attempt to expand the health coverage that trade associations can over to their members. "Any effort to jump start this issue and provide more competition in the states, in the individual and small group market, is welcome," said Neil Trautwein, the vice president for health policy at the National Retail Federation. Since congressional Republicans admitted defeat on repeal, Trump has been vocal about his frustration with the failure to deliver on a key campaign promise. In an interview with Forbes published Tuesday morning, Trump reiterated his position that Obamacare is "a total mess" and insisted that while the healthcare law is now his responsibility, EXT-18-2336-C-000378 blame for its struggles fall entirely at the feet ofhis predecessor. "Obamacare is Obama's fault. It's never going to be our fault," Trump said. "What we're doing is trying to keep it afloat, because it's failing," the president said. "I mean the insurance companies are fleeing and have fled. They fled before I got here. But with that being said, no, Obamacare is Obama's fault. It's nobody else's fault." To view online click here. Back Is Washington bungling the Census? Back By Danny Vinik | 10/11/2017 05:02 AM EDT For more than 200 years, the federal government has regularly taken an immense survey of American business called the Economic Census. Though not as well-known as the decennial census, the big population count in which enumerators tally Americans house to house, it has been conducted at least every five years since 1905, with a gap only during World War II. Its basic measurements ofeconomic activity, like jobs and revenue, are crucially important to companies, policymakers and anyone trying to track the nation's economic health. The next Economic Census was supposed to start in January, five years after the previous one, as usual. But earlier this year, the Census Bureau quietly changed its deadline, pushing it back at least six months. The agency told POLITICO that it has not publicly announced the delay but confirmed that aspects ofthe Economic Census were "re-planned," and the results would be out six months late. "Ifthe Obama guys had quietly suggested delaying the Economic Census by six months, there'd be holy hell to pay," said a former high-ranking appointee in the Commerce Department. According to multiple statistical experts who spoke with Census Bureau officials, the reason was money: The Census needed the money earmarked for the Economic Census to prepare forthe 2020 decennial, which Congress has underfunded by hundreds ofmillions ofdollars. In a tight budget environment, the bureau was effectively forced to choose between two ofWashington's most important efforts to collect data on the country. Even ifit's conducted on the new schedule, the delay ofthe 2017 Economic Census will have negative effects down the line; it leaves outdated baseline numbers in place for policymakers, and creates problems for companies that need to comply. Said another census-watcher ofthe 2017 survey: "It will always have this asterisk." Such asterisks are popping up more and more in the sleepy world offederal statistics. As wonky as it may sound, collecting and publishing information on Americans and U.S. businesses is one ofthe most important roles ofthe government: Information provided by Washington helps small businesses decide the next town in which to expand, and determines the destination ofmore than $400 billion in federal spending each year. The government has no fewer than 128 agencies that collect and disseminate numbers, including 13 whose primary responsibility is statistics. Its surveys cover topics from inflation to oil prices to mink pelt production. As technical and dry as EXT-18-2336-C-000379 they are, the data overall form the backbone ofU.S. economic planning. "There are very few things you can get a bunch ofeconomists to agree on, but this is it," said Tom Beers, executive director ofthe National Association ofBusiness Economics, about the importance offederal statistics. But today, under pressure from nearly a decade ofbudget stagnation, the system is nearing a breaking point. Conversations with more than two dozen statistical experts, present and former officials, find agencies sharply cutting back on the scale and ambition oftheir data-gathering, reducing sample sizes, delaying investments and, in some cases, eliminating surveys altogether—a last-resort measure that forever leaves a hole in what we know about how the nation is changing. The Bureau ofLabor Statistics, forinstance, which publishes the nation's monthly jobs report, has seen its funding fall by nearly 10 percent since 2005, after adjusting for inflation. In turn, the agency has scaled back its quarterly survey on employment and wages, which serves as a benchmark for the jobs report; in 2013, it was forced to stop a survey on mass layoffs and another on green jobs. The little-known Bureau ofTransportation Statistics, which collects national transportation data, has seen its budget decline by 21 percent and has been unable to collect data on the number oftrucks and their use in the United States. The biggest anxiety looming over this landscape is the 2020 census. Mandated by the Constitution and conducted without fail every 10 years, the census is the most important and expensive project ofany kind that the government regularly undertakes. But it's already well behind schedule. Strapped for funding in the 2016 and 2017 budgets, it has canceled two ofthe three field tests scheduled for 2018 and pushed back its advertising campaign designed to get people to answer the survey. When the Census Bureau asked for money in the three-month stopgap spending measure that passed in early September, Congress denied those funds. "The 2020 census is still in significant trouble, budget-wise," said Terri Ann Lowenthal, former co-director ofthe Census Project, an organization that tracks the census. "That keeps me up at night." The troubles at the census, as well as many other statistical agencies, predate Donald Trump's presidency; they're part ofa discretionary budget squeezed hard by Congress and the 2013 sequester. But the Trump administration has brought a fresh wave ofconcern in the form ofa president skeptical about the value ofgovernment overall, and whose administration doesn't seem to be concerned about the gaps it could leave. Early anxieties about a "war on data" by the new administration haven't borne out , but indifference is a risk too: While both George W. Bush and Barack Obama put a great deal ofemphasis on the value ofdata, Trump still hasn't nominated anyone to run the Census Bureau and the BLS, arguably the two most important statistical agencies. Beyond the tight budgets and neglect from the White House, a larger risk lurks around the corner, one that threatens the very reliability ofstatistics: People simply aren't answering surveys the way they used to. Because ofdemographic and technological changes, response rates for federal surveys have been falling for years, a trend that shows no sign ofreversing. This makes surveys more expensive to conduct—exacerbating the budget problems at agencies that run them—and raises something ofan existential threat to what we know about our own country. EXT-18-2336-C-000380 "It's a slow-moving train wreck," said Erica Groshen, who led the BLS from 2013 to 2017. As data become ever-more important to business and governance, federal statistics are becoming more expensive—and, the fear is, less reliable. There is one bright spot, however: New ideas and techniques are giving the government lots ofways to replace, even improve upon, its collection ofinformation. By using data already collected by the government and purchasing data from the private sector, Washington can provide a fuller, timelier picture ofAmerica—from quicker numbers on economic growth to more accurate information about our health. Nancy Potok, chief statistician ofthe United States, calls this opportunity a "watershed moment," and many experts said an update is long overdue; the federal statistical system has essentially been unchanged for decades, even as the economy has become globalized and technology has reshaped industries. "We're doing about the same set ofindicators that we did 20 years ago," said Robert Groves, who led the Census Bureau from 2009 to 2012 and recently chaired a National Academies panel on improving federal statistics. "Name something in the economy that is done precisely the same way as 20 years ago." But for all the promise ofso-called Big Data, so far, the agencies have made little progress incorporating it—in large part, experts said, because they simply don't have the money for the upfront investment it requires. Buying data from companies, testing it and researching alternatives can be expensive. And as statistical agencies are always in search ofareas to cut, such research and development is often the first casualty. The question now is whether Congress will actually realize the threat facing federal statistics and make the necessary investments to modernize the system, using the vast swaths ofdata unlocked by new technologies to produce more accurate, timely information. Or whether continued neglect will undermine the federal statistical system, dooming one ofthe America's great economic advantages. PERHAPS NO STATISTICAL agency faces as tough a budgetary environment than the Bureau ofLabor Statistics, the 2,400-person agency founded in 1884. Every month, it produces two ofthe most important and closely watched economic statistics: Its 60,000-person survey of American households generates the unemployment rate, and a different survey, which asks people about the price ofrecent purchases, produces the inflation rate. For all its importance, though, the BLS budget has flatlined for almost a decade—and sharply declined, ifadjusted forinflation. In 2010, Congress funded the agency at $611 million; for 2017, that number was $609 million, an inflation-adjusted decline ofmore than 10 percent. At the same time, survey response rates have gone down, making it more expensive to produce the same reports. For the survey that estimates the unemployment rate, called the Current Population Survey, response rates have fallen from around 92 percent in 2010 to 87 percent today. That may not seem like much, but for statistics that are watched to the tenth ofa percentage point—the unemployment rate is currently 4.2 percent—small changes in response rates can create subtle biases that affect the data, making the results less reliable. In 2013, faced with a large budget cut of$30 million, about 5 percent ofits previous budget, BLS canceled surveys on green jobs and on mass layoffs, and discontinued a program that made EXT-18-2336-C-000381 it easier to compare international and domestic statistics. The agency got just halfofthat cut restored in 2014, forcing it to curtail its quarterly survey on employment and wages; BLS also announced it was canceling a price index on exports but reinstated it after facing a backlash from the business community. With current programs already underfunded, the agency has been unable to invest in new innovative approaches and upgrade its current surveys. For instance, for years, BLS has tried to get money to fund a survey on alternative working arrangements, such as independent contractors like Uber drivers—currently a significant gap in what we know about the job market. BLS last conducted the survey in 2005, before the rise ofthe so-called gig economy, and policymakers haven't had up-to-date data since. Even after it gained a congressional champion in Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Congress failed to provide the $1.6 million to run the survey. The agency conducted the survey again last May, by shifting money internally, but with just two data points in a 12-year stretch—and no money for future surveys—it's tough to get an accurate picture ofhow the labor market is changing. "I worry that there's lots ofissues like that where we are going to be behind the curve," said Beers. Some surveys remain grounded altogether: The last time the agency measured employer￾provided job training—a top policy priority for Democrats and Republicans—was 1995. Other surveys are out ofdate. The BLS is currently trying to update the geographic locations in its inflation estimates and reduce the complexity and time required for a survey on consumer expenditures. But funding shortfalls have forced it to scale back its plans: It has reduced the number ofcities in the inflation measure, and the update to the consumer expenditures survey could take 20 years. THE BLS REPRESNTS an extreme example ofthe challenges facing the entire statistical system—but it isn't alone. At the Bureau ofJustice Statistics, response rates for its high-profile national crime victimization survey fell from 90 percent in 2008 to 76 percent today. At the same time, budget cuts have forced the BJS to suspend surveys on public defense functions and indigent defense. The Bureau ofTransportation hasn't had the money to update its survey on truck use since 2002, and the Economic Research Service at the U.S. Department ofAgriculture has cut surveys on smaller commodities, like strawberries. "Ifyou are going to drop something, you drop the minor ones," said Katherine Smith Evans, a former head ofthe ERS, "even though, to some extent, the information is more valuable to small markets than to large ones." Charlie Rothwell, director ofthe National Center on Health Statistics, a little-known agency within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that produces statistics on births, deaths and drug overdoses, said that flat budgets and declining response rates were forcing the NCHS to "innovate around the edges." Response rates for the NCHS's big survey on the health ofadults and children have dropped from the high 60s to the mid-50s in recent years, forcing the agency to spend more money to achieve a representative sample—money that can't be used to research and develop new innovative survey techniques and experiment with alternative data. "It's like driving an Indy car," said Rothwell. "We keep messing around with the engine, but maybe we ought to replace the engine at some point." EXT-18-2336-C-000382 Ofcourse, a lot ofdata collected by the government aren't ofbroad national importance; the fate ofour democracy doesn't rest on the strawberry or mink count. But it does depend greatly on the big kahuna—the Census Bureau, which dwarfs the rest ofthe statistical system. Its decennial census is a massive undertaking that requires a huge administrative ramp-up in the three years priorto the national count. After technological problems in the 2010 census led to a $3 billion cost overrun , Congress put the bureau on a tight budget, a big challenge as response rates declined, requiring expensive in-person follow-ups. "The only thing you can do as the country gets more diverse, living arrangements get more complicated—you need more bodies," said John Thompson, who resigned as director ofthe Census Bureau in June. "And that costs a lot." Typically, Congress dramatically boosts the agency's funding in the run-up to the decennial so it can hire hundreds ofthousands ofpeople and launch dozens offield offices. The Census Bureau did receive an increase this year, but one that was $200 million below its budget request—and, at 7 percent, significantly below the 11 percent increase it received during the ramp-up a decade ago. In turn, the agency has canceled two ofthe three sites where it intended to hold its 2018 dress rehearsal, a crucial test for the decennial; it also canceled tests ofspecial procedures to count Americans living in rural communities and in areas recovering from natural disasters. Ironically, Thompson said, the tests were intended to save money by trying out new techniques; without the testing, the agency will have to revert to techniques that worked well in 2010 but are more expensive. "Ifyou want to save money on the census, you need to spend money in Year 7, not Years 9 and 10," said Groves, Thompson's predecessor. In the Trump era, experts worry that the most powerful advocate forthe Census Bureau and other statistical agencies—the executive branch—is no longer going to play that role. During the Obama administration, the statistical agencies repeatedly asked for funding hikes, only to be denied by Congress. Agency heads defended those figures at hearings on Capitol Hill, passionately advocating for more money. But Trump's 2018 budget, which includes huge cuts to discretionary spending, proposes cuts to many ofthe statistical agencies. Its $1.5 billion request for the Census Bureau—even ifCongress funds it at that level—falls $350 million short ofwhat the Obama administration projected the agency would need. When Trump officials trek to Capitol Hill, they'll have to defend these cuts, rather than press to reverse them. An official in the White House's Office ofManagement and Budget defended the budget requests as viable. "We are committed to having an accurate 2020 Census, and are working closely with the Commerce Department to make sure that the resources necessary to assure a successful census will be available," the official said. That has left statistical experts especially discouraged and concerned about the future ofthe federal statistical system. In the past, statistical experts and agency officials could appeal to certain lawmakers who championed the mission. But when I asked who championed the agencies now, I was met with silence. "The BLS is without champions right now," said Groshen. Said Beers, "A lot ofother functions ofthe government have well-funded lobbying groups to make sure that a program continues. There's nothing like that for statistics." FOR ALL THE angst about the future ofgovernment data-gathering, there's a lot ofexcitement as well. The world is awash in data like never before—a shift that offers huge opportunities to EXT-18-2336-C-000383 update a statistical system that relies on the age-old techniques, like phone surveys and knocking on doors. Nearly everyone who tracks government statistics believes this means Washington will be able to produce more accurate statistics at a much lower cost. And there are hopes that it will also reduce survey complexity, saving respondents hours oftime finding paperwork and attempting to understand complicated questions—but it also comes with some big challenges and risks. The first is the biggest: rethinking how our statistical system operates. Julia Lane, a professor at New York University, has worked with federal agencies on this issue and seen the challenge up close. "You start with masses ofdata from all sources," she said, "and you have to figure out how to link those sources, figure out what's missing, deal with very rapid updates, how to make sense of it, protect confidentiality." A big part ofthe challenge is personnel, and the new kinds ofdata scientists the government will need to recruit. "You can think ofthe statistical agencies as being data factories," said Lane. "You have to retool an entire production line. ... It's like retooling a factory when your machines are actually people." The problem is that when agencies prioritize resources, programs like training are often first cut, said Potok, the U.S.' chiefstatistician. Some ofthe data the government needs come from elsewhere in the government—or, theoretically, they could. For instance, instead ofasking about a person's income—a question that causes many respondents to drop off—an agency could get that information directly from the IRS, which records it from federal tax returns. Similarly, unemployment insurance records could provide data on wages. So far, such data sharing has occurred only sparingly. The statistical agencies aren't built to use third-party data—even data from the rest ofthe government—and they don't have the institutional capacity or money to develop ways to incorporate it. But there are some signs of progress: In one notable example, the Census Bureau and the Bureau ofEconomic Analysis have tested a new way to estimate retail sales, a monthly report that financial analysts complain is too slow and does not provide enough geographic detail. As Americans increasingly use plastic to purchase clothing and other retail goods, the government has experimented with purchasing credit card data from third-party aggregators, and so far, the data have tracked the retail sales figures pretty closely. "You don't know what an individual purchased, but in an aggregated way, you can see sales of washing machines in Chicago yesterday," said Potok, who previously was deputy director ofthe Census Bureau. "You can produce it faster. It's probably cheaper." For skeptics ofBig Government, the idea ofreplacing the retail sales survey with credit card data is a perfect example ofhow, in many cases, the private sector can track statistical information better than the government; a job that once required the vast network and infrastructure ofthe federal government can now, through the help ofnew technologies, easily be completed by private companies. But Potok also warns that commercial data isn't a "magic solution." What happens ifthe third-party aggregator changes its methodology or jacks up the price ofthe data? There's real value in producing the data in-house, where agencies must follow a careful set of rules in their surveys, so that users and respondents alike know exactly what is being collected, EXT-18-2336-C-000384 how it's going to be used and its reliability. "It's all very transparent," said Potok. "When you are buying data from a company, it's not transparent at all. Ifthey change their methods at all, it could skew the numbers and you wouldn't know it." Privacy advocates are also concerned that linking administrative data could cause the inadvertent disclosure ofrespondents' personal information. "The more you link stufftogether and provide that data, you have a greater chance to identify someone," said Rothwell, head ofthe National Center for Health Statistics. Privacy was also a top concern forthe Commission on Evidenced Based Policymaking, which was created under a 2016 law championed by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). In a 138-page report released in September, the commission recommended ways to increase the availability and use ofdata, including strong privacy protections. "I thought I understood about privacy and confidentiality from my time spent at BLS," said Katharine Abraham, an economics professor at the University ofMaryland who co-chaired the commission. "But I didn'treally understand the set ofpeople who think about these issues, how deeply they feel about them." One idea popular among people who prioritize expanding access to data—a central clearinghouse for all federal data—was heavily opposed by privacy advocates on the commission who said it would be a perfect target for cyberattack. "In the end, I was convinced it wasn't a good idea," Abraham said. As agencies attempt to link more and more data, these are the types ofbig, important questions they are going to face, and experts aren't exactly sure how to answer them. But they do know that the traditional surveys that have been the backbone offederal statistics for over two centuries are not enough in the 21st century. "It's an existential challenge," said Lane. "They can't keep collecting data through surveys. They know that." Said Potok: "Ifwe don't do something now, we could have a crisis in the future. I don't think we're in a crisis state now." The hope, experts agree, is that we are on the verge ofsomething ofa statistical revolution, one that will update the current slow, outdated system to meet the challenges in the fast-paced, globalized economy. "We're still measuring on a monthly cycle—that's the best we can do—yet there are massive decisions being made on a faster cycle," said Groves. "We have a statistical system that did quite well for an economy that no longer exists." The risk, though, is that budget cuts and declining response rates undermine data quality before agencies can research and incorporate new data sets. So far, we haven't reached the breaking point—a big mistake in the unemployment rate, forinstance—but no one can say for sure that such a crisis won't hit soon. "When a bridge falls down, then suddenly people realize, wow, we needed that bridge," said Groves. "It's just like that. We've enjoyed a wonderful run. But this needs attention." Danny Vinik is the assistant editor ofThe Agenda at POLITICO. To view online click here. Back DHS official: Trump able to pick border wall design Back EXT-18-2336-C-000385 By Ted Hesson | 10/11/2017 03:24 PM EDT The choice ofa border wall design from a slate ofprototypes under construction may fall to President Donald Trump, Homeland Security Department spokesman David Lapan said today. Trump pledged at an Alabama campaign rally in September that he would decide which border wall design should move forward. "I'm going to go out and look at them personally and pick the right one," the president said. At today's briefing, Lapan said, "We don't know yet what the president's level ofinvolvement will be." Lapan added that no law "prohibits him, as it did during the [request for proposal] process, from being involved." U.S. Customs and Border Protection contracted six construction companies to build eight border wall prototypes in the San Diego area, four made ofconcrete and four made of"other" materials. Four ofthe samples have been completed, according to Lapan. The department expects the remainder to be finished by Oct. 26. Once completed, the walls will be subject to a 30-day concrete "curing" period before CBP begins its evaluation. To view online click here. Back Was this Pro content helpful? Tell us what you think in one click. Yes, very Somewhat Neutral Not really Not at all You received this POLITICO Pro content because your customized settings include: Budget & Appropriations Brief. To change your alert settings, please go to https://www.politicopro.com/settings This email was sent to heather_swift@ios.doi.gov by: POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA EXT-18-2336-C-000386 To: Barnum, Jeremy[jeremy_barnum@nps.gov] Cc: Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Lisa Mendelson[lisa_mendelson-ielmini@nps.gov]; Jennifer Wyse[jennifer_wyse@nps.gov]; Bob Vogel[bob_vogel@nps.gov]; Maureen Foster[maureen_foster@nps.gov]; April Slayton[april_slayton@nps.gov] From: Willens, Todd Sent: 2017-10-11T17:44:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For DOI Review - NPS Statement on Stonewall Received: 2017-10-11T17:46:25-04:00 All good here. Thank you. Todd Willens Assistant Deputy Secretary Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW -- MIB Room 6116 Washington, DC 20240 office: 202-208-6291 NOTE: EveryemailI sendorreceive issubjectto release underthe Freedom of Information Act. On Wed, Oct 11, 2017 at 5:08 PM, Barnum, Jeremy wrote: Dear Todd, In the interest oftime, Laura Rigas asked that I send for your review the below statement on an event today at Stonewall National Monument that has garnered significant media attention. NPS and the park superintendent would like to use the statement to respond to ongoing questions about today's event . We've also included briefQ&A for continued questions on the flag at the bottom. Please let me know ifyou have any concerns or questions. Best, Jeremy K. Barnum Acting ChiefofPublic Affairs National Park Service Mobile: (202) 617-7973 Statement by Joshua Laird, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor It is the mission of Stonewall National Monument to share the history of the Stonewall Uprising, a momentous event that inspired a national LGBT civil rights movement. In that spirit, the National Parks of New York Harbor was pleased to welcome a commemoration event at Stonewall National Monument earlier today. The event’s organizers requested a permit to hold today’s event at Stonewall National Monument which the National Park Service (NPS) approved. Suggestions that the National Park Service pulled its support for the event are false. We never pulled our support and the EXT-18-2336-C-000387 permit was never in question. We even staffed the event and supplied power and amplification equipment. The NPS does not “sponsor” first amendment events, but we do participate in the planning of permitted events to make certain they meet safety and resource protection requirements. NPS personnel often attend these events ensure they follow permit requirements. In this case, there was some confusion about whether we would or would not speak at the event. As the senior NPS representative in the area, I attended today’s event and I hope that my presence underscores how important Stonewall is to us and our appreciation for the community’s support of the monument. Q&A If asked about the flag: The flag pole is not on federal property. The park raised the flag on September 28 as a part of a good-faith effort to respond to community interest. When it was determined that the flagpole is not on federal property, the flag was given to New York City Parks. They have chosen to let the flag continue to fly on the flagpole. Jeremy K. Barnum Acting ChiefofPublic Affairs National Park Service Mobile: (202) 617-7973 Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube EXT-18-2336-C-000388 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Laura Rigas Sent: 2017-10-12T01:29:26-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Lola Zinke tweet re: travel Received: 2017-10-12T01:29:30-04:00 Can you pls keep Brad and me in the loop on the response? Thx. On Oct 11, 2017, at 2:45 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: ............ - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Zack Colman Date: Wed, Oct 11, 2017 at 2:09 PM Subject: Lola Zinke tweet re: travel To: "Swift, Heather" Hi Heather, Wanted to direct you to the responses in this tweet: https://twitter.com/LolaZinke/status/917711705374937089 A Twitter user poses this question to Lola: So are you claiming that no taxpayer funds have ever been used to pay for your travel? DOI confirmed that you went along to Norway & AK Lola then responds: please refer to Senate Select committee travel ethics rules EXT-18-2336-C-000389 It appears this is an admission that Lola was on those flights but that she believes she followed all appropriate ethics rules (and, again, there may well have been clearance by ethics). Was Lola on those flights? Can you provide that clearance that ethics provided for her to be on those flights? Since these responses are public, I’m operating with some considerable time pressure but I also want to get this right. So please let me know. -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman EXT-18-2336-C-000390 To: Newell, Russell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-12T10:58:43-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: SPAM DANGER? Received: 2017-10-12T11:01:22-04:00 OMG - They also include the forest service lol Sent from my iPad On Oct 12, 2017, at 10:56 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: thanks forthe input. helpful. will share with Jeff. Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 10:55 AM, Heather Swift wrote: I don't like that there's no hyperlinks in the beginning and that there's no mention ofwhich outlet it is or ifit's opinion. Also don't like that it's not divided by Bureau. It took us about three months ofworking with Bulletin to get a format that worked. Sent from my iPad On Oct 12, 2017, at 10:52 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: Bulletin looks much better visually. Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 10:51 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Not a fan ofthis format. EXT-18-2336-C-000391 Sent from my iPad On Oct 12, 2017, at 10:48 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: just asked Jeff- techMIS is a potential new vendorto take over the service Bulletin has been providing. Jeff said this is test or sample ofwhat news clips would look like under them. We'd have the ability to tweak. Jeffwants to sit down with Laura and me today to discuss Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 10:42 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Any idea what in the world the world this is? Did we get another service? Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: DOI Daily To: Burt Squires - TechMIS Subject: DOI Daily Briefing (10-12-17) DOI DAILY BRIEFING Prepared for the Office ofCommunications (OCO) U.S. Department ofthe Interior (DOI) By TechMIS www.TechMIS.com EXT-18-2336-C-000392 Mobile User Copy TO: U.S. Department ofthe Interior & Staff DATE: Thursday, October 12, 2017 7:00 AM ET DOI In The News Ethics office directorrebukes agency heads Watchdog Uses Years Old Endorsement To Claim Zinke Violated Ethics Rules As Trump's Interior Secretary Zinke's Mix OfFundraisers, Government Work Raises New Ethics Concerns Zinke blasted over travel; will not touch Confederate monuments on federal lands House committee advances bill to limit Antiquities Act [MA] Feds ignore objections to Cape Wind [UT] Op-ed: Utah delegation needs a clear message about our monuments [NV] Nevada's Heller, Laxalt join Sandoval in supporting sage grouse decision EXT-18-2336-C-000393 [CA] Fears grow ofwildfires merging in California [CA] Whole towns evacuated as Northern California firestorm grows; at least 23 people are dead, 285 missing [CA] Wildfires Burning Through Cash, Not Just Landscape [CA] Wildfires trample California's $58 billion wine industry [CA] Will wine country disaster push Congress to fix fire budget? [CA] Fire restoration activities planned [CA] Rives Mansion hits the market for $1.3 million Bureau ofIndian Affairs [MA] Taunton City Council extends emergency services agreement with tribe [SD] Family sues Indian boarding school in Pierre for wrongful death [MT] Homeland Hero [AZ] The Largest Coal-Fired Power Plant in the West Is Slated for Closure [AZ] Navajo Nation President Begaye Testifies before Congress to Fix Problems with 1974 Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act [CA] Camp 4 Final Deal Getting Close Bureau ofLand Management [TN] Villagers help create a 'hidden gem' [CO] Legal Protest Targets Trump Fracking Plan That Threatens Colorado River [CO] Suit seeks to stop oil-gas drilling on 9 parcels [WY] US government halts Wyoming wild horse roundup amid dispute Bureau ofOcean Energy Management EXT-18-2336-C-000394 Scientists Eavesdrop on Little-known Beaked Whales to Learn How Deeply They Dive [NJ] New Jersey Gov. Christie Rejects President's Offshore Drilling Plan Bureau ofReclamation [AZ] The Sierra Club's Shadowy History with the Navajo Generating Station Fish and Wildlife Service 250 Years After Washington Drained It, Feds Soak A Swamp Mussel, once feared extinct, brought back to Ohio River Bee-Killing Pesticide Found in 75 Percent ofGlobal Honey Samples [KY] Bald Eagle Population Soars in Kentucky [SD] The only ND man indicted in a SD sting for selling eagle parts is in custody [MT] Controversy Over Grizzly Bear Protection Continues [CA] Opinion: Tiny Mouse Is Huge Success Story for Endangered Species Act US Forest Service Wildfires: How They Form, And Why They're So Dangerous [NH] White Mountains forest fire still burning a week later [SC] More than 150 roads in need ofrepair around National Forest [IN] Region parks, parkways to lose hundreds oftrees [OR] Forest Service needs to alter their procedures [CA] Drought and heat, worsened by humans, help fuel California fires [CA] The Napa Fire Is a Perfectly Normal Apocalypse EXT-18-2336-C-000395 [CA] Bulldozing Forests Isn't the Answer to Controlling California's Wildfires. Here's What Is. [CA] Forest Service visitor-use surveys begin US Geological Survey [WY] Geologists Map the Plumbing Beneath Yellowstone's Old Faithful Geyser [WY] 'Supervolcano' Under Yellowstone May Have Planet-Killing Potential National Park Service National parks need investment from private companies to thrive No more parks? [NY] Stonewall National Monument's rainbow flag plan was going fine, then things got weird [NC] Mysterious debris washes ashore in Hatteras, leading to a lot of questions [TN] Chimney Tops Trail reopens [MS] Barrier islands to remain closed after Nate [TX] New EPA Rule Will Allow Twice The Pollution From Texas Coal Plants [MT] Glacier National Park sets annual attendance record [WY] September 3rd busiest in Yellowstone's history [WY] Traffic accident kills 4 bison in Grand Teton park [WY] Yellowstone Death Linked to a Search for Forrest Fenn's Treasure [WY] 'UFO' Sighted Zig-Zagging Over Yellowstone Supervolcano [WY] Devils Tower plans prescribed fire EXT-18-2336-C-000396 [WY] Experts expect record year forlake trout removal Office ofInsular Affairs [PR] Three weeks since Hurricane Maria, much ofPuerto Rico still dark, thirsty and frustrated [PR] Puerto Rico's hurricane death toll rises to 45 [PR] Puerto Rico: US officials privately acknowledge serious food shortage [PR] Trump's Puerto Rico video tells positive story, leaves misery on cutting-room floor [PR] Puerto Rico ReliefBill Cancels $16 Billion in Debt — But Not for Puerto Rico [PR] Puerto Rico's treasured rainforest another victim ofHurricane Maria [PR] Puerto Rico's Solar Rush [VI] Has America Forgotten the Virgin Islands? [VI] US Virgin Islands getting back to business following September storms Headlines The Washington Post The New York Times The Wall Street Journal ABC News NBC News CBS News Washington Schedule President EXT-18-2336-C-000397 Vice President Senate House ofRepresentatives Editorial Note: This Briefrepresents summarized content - click on the hyperlink to access full-text articles forthese news summaries. Note: The DOI News Briefing is a collection ofnews articles generated by a set ofsearch terms related to DOI's mission. The inclusion of particular stories is not intended to reflect their importance, noris it intended to endorse the political viewpoints or affiliations included in news coverage. DOI In The News Ethics office directorrebukes agency heads CBS News [10/11/2017 10:21 AM, Rebecca Shabad, 14389K] reports that the acting director ofthe U.S. Office ofGovernment Ethics is warning the leaders ofgovernment agencies that they should promote an "ethical culture," while suggesting some have practiced the opposite. In a memo issued to agency heads, David Apol, the acting director and general counsel ofthe Government Ethics office, wrote that he's grateful to leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to ethical service. "At the same time, I am deeply concerned that the actions ofsome in government leadership have EXT-18-2336-C-000398 harmed perceptions about the importance ofethics and what conduct is, and is not, permissible," Apol wrote. Apol called on these agency heads to "redouble" their commitment to ethics in government. Officials' use of charter flights such as by Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt have recently come under scrutiny. The Washington Post [10/11/2017 7:27 PM, Editorial Board] reports now that former health and human services secretary Tom Price has been drummed out ofgovernment for swanning around the nation in private planes at exorbitant expense to taxpayers, other members ofthe Trump administration are jockeying to claim the mantle ofhaughtiest Cabinet member. Among the leading contenders is Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who seems to have learned contempt forthe people who pay his salary at the knee ofMr. Price. Mr. Zinke thought nothing ofspending $12,375 on a charter flight from Las Vegas, where he spoke at the behest ofa political patron, to his home state ofMontana in June. He waved away criticism ofthe flight as "a little B.S. over travel." MSNBC [10/11/2017 7:44 PM, Staff, 4332K] reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke follows Tom Price EXT-18-2336-C-000399 using government resources for personal travel. Trump's ethics chief says he's "deeply concerned" with the administration's actions. Additional reporting: Miami Herald [10/11/2017 9:23 PM, Staff, 4830K, FL] Watchdog Uses Years Old Endorsement To Claim Zinke Violated Ethics Rules As Trump's Interior Secretary The Daily Caller [10/11/2017 6:02 PM, Tim Pearce, 5106K, DC] reports a government watchdog group is calling for an ethics investigation into Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke after a statement from Zinke endorsing a fundraising firm was found on the firm's website. Campaign for Accountability (CfA) filed a request forinvestigation with the Office ofGovernment Ethics Wednesday, claiming Zinke broke federal ethics regulations by using his office as a platform to endorse a private business. ForthRight Strategy, a fundraising firm hired by Zinke during his 2014 congressional race, featured an apparent endorsement from Zinke on the front page ofits website, according to CfA. "You guys are in large part why I had the money and support that afforded me the opportunity to become a Congressman forthe at-large seat in Montana," Zinke's statement read. "Your results and personal commitment to Team Zinke EXT-18-2336-C-000400 were bar none! I greatly value the professional as well as the personal relationship we have developed over many years! Thank you!" The statement is several years old, predating when Zinke was nominated to serve as secretary ofthe Interior, CfA confirmed to The Daily Caller News Foundation. Zinke's Mix OfFundraisers, Government Work Raises New Ethics Concerns ABC Action News [10/11/2017 9:50 AM, Lindsey Pulse and Katherine Biek, 517K, FL] reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has made some seemingly questionable travel decisions, and media outlets just uncovered some more. Politico uncovered two more instances of the Cabinet official attending fundraisers when the U.S. government paid for his travel. In March, Zinke reportedly went to a fundraiser affiliated with Rep. Steve Daines at a ski resort in Montana, and in May, he's said to have attended a fundraiser for Rep. Don Young at a steakhouse in Alaska. The outlet says Zinke also attended several other events with donors while on official trips. CNN [10/11/2017 9:49 PM, Staff, 888K] reports that ethics hawks are zeroing in on Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's travel and whether he violated a federal law intended to insulate federal employees from political influence. EXT-18-2336-C-000401 Politico [10/11/2017 10:00 AM, Anthony Andragna, 10378K] reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke attended at least two additional political fundraisers during trips he took for official Interior business, Pro's Esther Whieldon and Ben Lefebvre scoop. Federal law permits Cabinet officials to participate in partisan political activities on their own time and without using any federal resources, but FEC records don't list any reimbursement payments to Interior for the events. "Both law and common sense tell us that taxpayer resources are supposed to be used when you're doing the taxpayers' business [but] are not supposed to be used to help candidates get elected," said Brendan Fischer ofthe nonprofit watchdog organization Campaign Legal Center. Spokeswoman Heather Swift said ethics officials signed offon all trips and they all complied with the law. "The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including seeking commercial options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use ofgovernment resources," she said. Government Executive [10/11/2017 1:23 PM, Charles S. Clark, 156K, DC] reports that the array ofissues swirling around Trump Cabinet members' taxpayer-funded travel now include potential violations of the Hatch Act. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Tuesday was reported by EXT-18-2336-C-000402 Politico to have attended two political fund-raisers during official travel and leisure trips, raising questions about whether he properly complied with Hatch Act restrictions on mixing politics with government business. Zinke, Politico disclosed, has attended at least three "political fundraisers while traveling for official business, including a weekend ski getaway less than three weeks after he was sworn in that donors paid up to $3,000 to attend," according to sources and documents the publication reviewed. "Zinke has held at least a half-dozen other events with big donors or influential conservative organizations while on official trips," the report said. His mixing oftravel purposes is under review by the Interior Department's inspector general. The newest wrinkle is whether Zinke has violated the Hatch Act. While Cabinet members may conduct partisan political activities, rules require them to do so on their own time, with their own resources, and without invoking their government job title. An Interior spokesman said Zinke's travels were approved by ethics officials and were compliant with the law. Additional reporting: CNN [10/11/2017 10:37 PM, Rene Marsh, 15712K] MSN [10/12/2017 12:44 AM, Rene Marsh and Gregory Wallace, 880K] EXT-18-2336-C-000403 MSNBC [10/12/2017 12:27 AM, Rachel Maddow, 4332K] Time Warner Cable News Buffalo [10/11/2017 1:25 PM, Staff, NY] WRAL [10/12/2017 6:05 AM, Staff, 1045K, NC] Missoulian [10/11/2017 9:45 AM, Ed Gilk, 180K, MT] Salon [10/11/2017 9:31 AM, Taylor Link, 5434K, CA] Zinke blasted over travel; will not touch Confederate monuments on federal lands Washington Post [10/11/2017 10:19 AM, Dino Grandoni, 39042K] reports that Zinke told Breitbart News over the weekend that there are some monuments on federal lands he will not touch — Confederate EXT-18-2336-C-000404 monuments. "No monuments are going to be removed from federal land," Zinke said. "Where do you start and where do you stop?... Ifyou're a native Indian, I can tell you, you're not very happy about the history of General Sherman or perhaps President Grant." Zinke continued: "I think we should never hide from our history or erase our history. I think we should embrace the history and understand the faults and learn from it. But when you try to erase history, what happens is you also erase how it happened and why it happened and the ability to learn from it." Washington Examiner [10/11/2017 6:08 PM, Josh Siegel, 3567K, DC] reports that the House Natural Resources Committee advanced legislation Wednesday that would limit the power of presidents to designate public land as national monuments. The National Monument Creation and Protection Act, moved by a 23-17 vote, would overhaul the 1906 Antiquities Act, which gives the president unilateral power to protect structures of"historic and scientific interest." Separately on Tuesday, the Natural Resources Committee considered a resolution authored by Rep. Raul Grijalva ofArizona requiring Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to disclose more information about his review of recent national monument designations. The measure did not advance. President Trump ordered the Interior Department to undertake a review of27 national monuments shortly after his inauguration. Zinke issued a report to Trump in August, but it was not made public. A memo leaked to the media revealed that Zinke recommends shrinking or changing the boundaries ofsix national EXT-18-2336-C-000406 monuments and proposes management changes to four others that could reopen areas to logging, cattle grazing and commercial fishing. The Bears Ears National Monument in Utah is perhaps the most contentious one Zinke pegs for a size reduction. ThinkProgress [10/11/2017 2:09 PM, Jenny Rowland, 3037K, DC] reports the full House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday is marking up a bill that would limit the president's authority to protect historic places and landscapes. H.R. 3990, introduced by Rep. Rob Bishop, who chairs the committee, would radically re-imagine the Antiquities Act - the law allowing presidents to create national monuments - by imposing acreage caps, narrowing the definition ofwhat deserves protection, and prohibiting national monuments that protect oceans, among other restrictions. The committee will also address another bill, a resolution ofinquiry filed by Rep. Grijalva and 25 other House Democrats, aimed at getting the administration to provide Congress with more information about Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke's national monument review and report. Zinke has come under fire recently for the secret nature ofhis report which would significantly reduce at least four national monuments. Ironically, Bishop's bill undercuts many ofthe recommendations made in the leaked version of Zinke's report as well as the Trump Administration's overall agenda on national monuments. The Washington Times [10/11/2017 8:34 PM, Ben Wolfgang, 3771K, DC] reports that the bill, expected to pass the GOP￾led House, overhauls the 1906 Antiquities Act and sets new limits on what land can be designated as a monument and lays out the level ofconsultation that must take place between the federal and local governments during the process. The House legislation comes amid a review ofrecent monument designations by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who has recommended to President Trump that a handful ofmonuments – most notably the sprawling Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, both in Utah – be drastically cut down in size. Additional reporting: WTOP [10/11/2017 4:58 PM, Associated Press, DC] EcoWatch [10/11/2017 11:18 AM, Staff, 564K, OH] KSL [10/11/2017 3:32 PM, Amy Joi O'Donoghue, KSL, 1018K, UT] EXT-18-2336-C-000408 Statesman Journal [10/11/2017 2:17 PM, Matthew Daly, 258K, OR] KVER [10/11/2017 8:15 PM, Judy Fahys, CA] [MA] Feds ignore objections to Cape Wind Martha's Vineyard Times [10/11/2017 12:18 PM, June Parker, MA] reports that the federal government is continuing to ignore us when it comes to Cape Wind. The recent rubberstamp ofCape Wind's long-term lease of46 square miles ofNantucket Sound disregards the wishes ofthe state, the local government, and the Wampanoag tribes on both Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod. Why don't the feds realize this project is too expensive, outdated, and unwanted in our waters? Over the objections ofthe locals, the U.S. Department ofthe Interior first issued a lease to Cape Wind in 2010. In 2017, nothing has changed. The Steamship Authority, fishermen, the Cape and Islands delegation, the tribes, and many others all wrote to the Department ofthe Interior telling them Cape Wind does not belong in Nantucket Sound, there are far too many conflicts here and to cancel Cape Wind's lease. Their response? To continue to ignore us and instead rubber stamp approval. [UT] Op-ed: Utah delegation needs a clear message about our monuments EXT-18-2336-C-000409 Deseret News [10/11/2017 10:10 AM, Josh Boling, 1322K, UT] reports that ifthe Trump administration, Ryan Zinke and our Utah representatives wanted us to truly trust them then they would stop doing literally everything they could to undermine their own words. The latest: a leak from Trump's White House detailing Interior Secretary Zinke's monument review in which he recommends downsizing both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monuments. [NV] Nevada's Heller, Laxalt join Sandoval in supporting sage grouse decision Nevada Appeal [10/11/2017 6:42 PM, Staff, 22K, NV] reports that Sen. Dean Heller and Attorney General Adam Laxalt have now joined Gov. Brian Sandoval in applauding the BLM decision to cancel withdrawal offederal lands in six western states. The original plan was to withdraw 10 million acres ofland – a third ofthat total in Nevada – to protect the sage grouse. The rules would have severely limited mining and energy development in those areas. But Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke signed an order last week canceling that withdrawal and giving states more flexibility to manage the grouse population. EXT-18-2336-C-000410 The Buffalo Bulletin [10/11/2017 8:04 AM, Staff, 1K, WY] reports that Wyoming spent a decade tailoring a sage-grouse conservation plan, and when it comes to preserving greater sage-grouse habitat, few states do it better than our own. The Department ofthe Interior and the BLM should proceed with caution before they attempt to amend federal land use plans regarding the greater sage-grouse. And quite honestly, ifit ain't broke, don't fix it. Wide-sweeping changes could backfire as putting the quirky bird's habitat at risk could lead to a listing on the Endangered Species Act, and that would mean more restrictions on everything from agriculture to energy. Earlier this year, Ryan Zinke, Interior secretary, ordered a review of the sage-grouse plans and later released a report calling for changes to portions ofthe existing plan. The review and report were in response to industry representatives who said the current plan is too restrictive and expansive. Zinke said he's attempting to find balance between local economies and sage-grouse conservation. We hope that's the case and the Interior isn't attempting to appeal to a single group. Doing so will not protect sage-grouse or our Wyoming way oflife. [CA] Fears grow ofwildfires merging in California Washington Post [10/12/2017 4:56 AM, Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Kristine Phillips and Joel Achenbach, 3K] reports EXT-18-2336-C-000411 that the wind known as the Diablo is picking up again, the air is dry, there is no rain in sight and the killer wildfires that have scorched the wine country ofNorthern California remain almost completely uncontained. Officials warned Wednesday that some ofthe big fires could merge. Statewide, 8,000 firefighters are working to contain 22 wildfires that cover 170,000 acres — a collective area larger than the city ofChicago. The worst are in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties, where 4,500 homes and businesses had been burned at last count. The fire has put a strain on federal resources, too. Coming on the heels ofcatastrophic hurricanes, the California wildfires in total represent just one of22 disasters that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is managing across the nation. Eighty-five percent ofFEMA's 9,900 full-time employees are working "in the field," away from their assigned offices, agency spokesman Mike Cappannari said. With some ofthe fires in the Sierras and Southern California nearing containment, Cal Fire is shifting resources — which include 73 helicopters and 30 air tankers — to the most dangerous fires in and around wine country. The U.S. Forest Service said it has dispatched 740 personnel. "We are in a wickedly dangerous fire situation and when one ofus needs help, all of us come," said Bob Baird, director offire and aviation management for the Forest Service's Pacific Southwest region. [CA] Whole towns evacuated as Northern California firestorm grows; at least 23 people are dead, 285 missing Los Angeles Times [10/11/2017 10:05 PM, Phil Willon, Paige St. John, Louis Sahagun, Chris Megerian and Alene Tchekmedyian] reports the death toll rose to 21 Wednesday as multiple wildfires continued to spread across Northern California's wine country. As firefighters were dealing with wind shifts Wednesday afternoon, new evacuation orders were issued. All residents ofCalistoga were ordered to leave their homes. State and federal officials portrayed an all-out effort to fend offthe devastating wildfires at a news conference at a state emergency operations center outside Sacramento. The situation remains very dangerous, officials said. According to Cal Fire spokeswoman Heather Williams, 11 people have died in Sonoma County, six in Mendocino County, two in Yuba County and two in Napa County. CNN [10/11/2017 8:45 PM, Jason Hanna, Nicole Chavez and Steve Almasy] reports that in hard-hit Sonoma County, SheriffRob Giordano said his office has received 600 reports ofmissing people, ofwhich detectives have been able to locate 315 people. Giordano believes many ofthe 285 people who are unaccounted for will be located once telecommunications issues are solved, but he also fears more bodies will be found. KQED [10/11/2017 4:49 PM, Staff, 1027K, CA] reports that Cal Fire ChiefKen Pimlott gave an updated death toll late Wednesday morning, calling the series ofwildfires in wine country "a EXT-18-2336-C-000413 serious, critical, catastrophic event." He says 8,000 firefighters are focusing on protecting lives and property as they battle the flames from 21 fires that are chewing through critically dry vegetation. Pimlott says Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Washington are sending firefighters and the U.S. Forest Service is sending fire engines, bulldozers and hand crews. Governing [10/11/2017 7:31 AM, Lizzie Johnson, Trisha Thadani, Melody Gutierrez and Peter Fimrite, 306K, DC] reports that the dire situation was clear as the U.S. Forest Service was called in to help exhausted state firefighters battle 17 active wildfires, which have blackened more than 115,000 acres statewide, and, Pimlott said, the number is expected to keep rising. Mercury News [10/11/2017 12:06 PM, Mark Gomez, Katy Murphy, Erin Baldassari and David DeBolt, 4169K, CA] reports that at a news conference Tuesday morning, officials with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Cal Fire and other agencies reported that 17 fires statewide had burned a combined 115,000 acres and sent 3,200 evacuees to 28 shelters — and that the major fires in Napa and Sonoma were zero percent contained. Some 4,000 people are battling the fires, including crews from Nevada and the U.S. Forest Service. Air tankers dropped 266,000 gallons of retardant from the skies Monday. EXT-18-2336-C-000414 Good Morning America [10/11/2017 10:05 AM, Staff, 32K, NV] reports that there were a new batch ofevacuation orders in Northern California overnight, with thousands ofpeople on the move. Everywhere you look you see melted metal, which goes on for block after block in a moonscape ofgray ash; in many places the only thing left standing are the chimneys. As firefighters continue to defend downtown Santa Rosa from the onslaught offlames, from the ground and from the air, residents are taking stock ofall they have lost in the heart ofCalifornia wine country. The state ofCalifornia is asking forreinforcement from the U.S. Forest Service. [Editorial note: consult source link for video] [CA] Wildfires Burning Through Cash, Not Just Landscape KQED Public Radio [10/11/2017 3:00 PM, Ryan Levi, 920K, CA] reports wildfires continue to strain government resources throughout California, creating a vicious cycle offires and land burdened with excess fuels, which leads to bigger fires. About a third ofCalifornia is federal land, where fire response and prevention falls mostly to the U.S. Forest Service. All Forest Service fire funds come from its base operating budget, so when firefighting costs shoot skyward as they have over the last several years, resources have to be cribbed from other budget lines like fire prevention and forest health in a system called "fire borrowing." The Forest Service has already spent a record-breaking $2 billion-plus on fire suppression this year, and it estimates that it will have to transfer more than a half-billion dollars from other Forest Service programs to cover fire response forthe year. U.S. Secretary ofAgriculture Sonny Perdue, who oversees the Forest Service, EXT-18-2336-C-000415 has repeatedly spoken out about the need for Congress to establish a dedicated reserve funding source for wildfires similar to what exists for other natural disasters like hurricanes. "This whole department at USDA is going to fight hard to communicate to Congress and the administration that we need permanent fire funding and stop this fire borrowing once and for all," Perdue said at an event last month to introduce new Forest Service ChiefTony Tooke. [CA] Wildfires trample California's $58 billion wine industry MSN [10/11/2017 9:28 AM, Jennifer Kaplan, Lydia Mulvany and Jeffrey Taylor, 66K] reports that the fires ravaging Northern California stand to leave the area's renowned wine industry with damage that will be felt long after the final flames burn out. At least four Napa Valley vineyards have been destroyed or significantly damaged, and the toll may be even worse in Sonoma County to the west. The fires mark the second natural disaster in three years forthe area, which was hit by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake in 2014 that caused at least $500 million in economic damage, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The efforts to quench the fires are far from complete, said Jonathan Cox, a spokesman for Cal Fire, the state's Department ofForestry and Fire Protection. [CA] Will wine country disaster push Congress to fix fire budget? EXT-18-2336-C-000416 The Trinity Journal [10/11/2017 9:15 AM, Sally Morris, 4K, CA] reports that once a fire is out, there's a lot more work to be done as soil scientists, hydrologists and other field experts assess the damage to predict and prepare for future environmental impacts within the burned areas. It is officially called the Burned Area Emergency Response process, and with the Helena fire more than 91 percent contained as oflast week, that process is well underway through the multi-agency efforts ofthe U.S. Forest Service, BLM and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. [CA] Rives Mansion hits the market for $1.3 million The Downey Patriot [10/11/2017 11:56 AM, Alex Dominguez, 4K, CA] reports that Downey's historic Rives Mansion is officially for sale. After what has been a turbulent few years for Downey's iconic property, the foreclosed mansion officially went on the market Oct. 6 with the bank listing it at $1.3 million. Built in 1911, the home was constructed by L.A. County district attorney James Rives and is listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Register ofHistoric Landmarks as "a most interesting link to its agricultural past before Downey's mass suburbanization after World War II." Bureau ofIndian Affairs EXT-18-2336-C-000418 [MA] Taunton City Council extends emergency services agreement with tribe Taunton Daily Gazette [10/11/2017 12:38 PM, Charles Winokoor, 96K, MA] reports that the 151-acre site ofthe stalled Mashpee Wampanoag resort casino project in East Taunton will continue to be accessible to police, fire and emergency medical services – at least for the next six months. The Taunton City Council, on the recommendation ofCity Solicitor Jason D. Buffington, voted unanimously Tuesday night to extend a memorandum ofunderstanding with the tribe, so that those first responders continue to have legal access to the land. The barren Stevens Street site has been fenced offand devoid of construction activity since a federal judge in 2016 ruled in favor of25 plaintiffs – who challenged the federal Department ofthe Interior and its 2015 decision to place the Taunton land and 170 acres in Mashpee "in trust" as Indian reservation territory. [SD] Family sues Indian boarding school in Pierre for wrongful death Argus Leader [10/11/2017 1:34 PM, John Hult, 106K, SD] reports that the family ofa girl who died after a suicide attempt at a federal Indian boarding school has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the EXT-18-2336-C-000419 federal government. Emerson Little Elk ofTodd County says the Pierre Indian Learning Center's stafffailed to adequately monitor his granddaughter, who had a history ofdepression and threats ofsuicide, and that the center's staffwas slow to respond when they were informed ofher suicide attempt in October 2015.The family has charged negligence and asks a jury to award compensation for funeral expenses, compensation for pain and suffering and attorney fees. The case was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in South Dakota. The girl was 14 years old when the incident took place at the Pierre boarding school, which is overseen by the Department ofInterior's Bureau of Indian Education. The school serves Native American students from first through eighth grades, focusing on those with behavioral, mental health and emotional needs. [MT] Homeland Hero Flathead Beacon [10/11/2017 7:00 AM, Tristan Scott, 27K, MT] reports that as a Pikuni (or Blackfeet) warrior and veteran ofthe United States Marines Corps, Jesse DesRosier believes it is his duty and obligation to protect his country and lands, as well as to uphold the tribe's traditions and culture while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations. DesRosier is marshaling resources to defend a critical aspect of Blackfeet identity — the natural landscape where Blackfeet derived much of their spirituality. Specifically, he and dozens ofother Native American veterans EXT-18-2336-C-000420 and active-duty members have petitioned U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to defend a sacred ancestral homeland known as the Badger-Two Medicine, a 130,000-acre area named for the two rivers that define it. DesRosier and other tribal members, as well as numerous conservation groups, are seeking to furnish the wild and sacred Badger-Two Medicine with permanent protections from oil and gas drilling. They're currently calling on the Interior Department to defend the Obama administration's cancellation ofthe last remaining oil and gas leases and to protect the area in perpetuity. [AZ] The Largest Coal-Fired Power Plant in the West Is Slated for Closure Sierra Club [10/12/2017 4:00 AM, Evelyn Nieves, 227K] reports that Percy Deal, 68, has been fighting the coal industry all ofhis adult life. In the late 1960s, Peabody Energy started to mine Black Mesa's vast coal deposits. In the process, the company began using billions ofgallons ofthe Navajo Aquifer's water-as much as 3 million gallons a day-to move the coal via a slurry pipeline to the Mohave Generating Station, outside Laughlin, Nevada. Deal's quest to find answers fueled a career in politics and made him a prominent voice in the grassroots movement to monitorthe coal business on the reservation. Now, things are poised to change again as the coal mining and the coal-fired energy production on and around Black Mesa are winding down. The Navajo Generating Station, a 2,250-megawatt coal plant on Navajo land that is the largest coal-fired power plant west ofthe Mississippi EXT-18-2336-C-000421 River, is set to shut down as early as 2019. Since the NGS is the sole customer ofPeabody's Kayenta Mine on Black Mesa, that, too, is supposed to close-unless the tribes can find a way to ship coal outside the region, which many industry analysts consider highly unlikely. [AZ] Navajo Nation President Begaye Testifies before Congress to Fix Problems with 1974 Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act Native News [10/12/2017 12:02 AM, Staff, 57K, MI] reports that on Wednesday, Oct. 4, President Russell Begaye testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs supporting HR 2402. The legislation aims to unencumber Navajo lands that have been encumbered by preference right lease applications (PRLAs). "This important legislation brings to a close one chapter ofa four-decade-old federal statutory obligation to the Navajo Nation that was authorized in the Navajo Hopi Settlement Act of1974," President Begaye said. Introduced by Congressman Ben Ray Luján, HR 2402 is an attempt to rectify a quandary resulting from the Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act of1974. The 1974 Act committed Congress to provide the Navajo unencumbered lands that the Nation would select from federal lands managed by the Bureau ofLand Management. [CA] Camp 4 Final Deal Getting Close EXT-18-2336-C-000422 Santa Barbara Independent [10/12/2017 5:54 AM, Kelsey Brugger, 81K, CA] reports that resentment and bitterness has built up for years in the Santa Ynez Valley. Valley residents have adopted a "just say no" approach to the Chumash tribe's plans to expand the existing roughly 138-acre reservation. This tentative agreement surrounds Camp 4, the 1,400-acre property east of Highway 154. County supervisors Joan Hartmann and Das Williams met privately with Chumash chair Ken Kahn and vice chair Raul Armenta for six months after years of public negotiations failed. The tribe has for six years petitioned the U.S. government to bring Camp 4 into the reservation, saying they need to build more housing. Annexation, which was granted on the last day ofthe Obama administration, frees the land from the county's firm development codes and property-tax rolls. The deal would stipulate that the tribe would pay $178,500 annually while the county would drop its formal opposition. The property would be divided into 143 one-acre plots, one for each tribal member. The agreement would be in place until 2040, which Hartmann said is about longest timeframe federal regulators at the Department ofthe Interior would likely allow. Bureau ofLand Management [TN] Villagers help create a 'hidden gem' EXT-18-2336-C-000423 The Connection [10/11/2017 8:00 AM, Staff, TN] reports that nestled in the foothills ofthe Smoky Mountains and spanning 31 miles along the eastern shore ofTellico Lake, the East Lakeshore Trail provides plenty ofopportunity for those in the region to enjoy the outdoors. In 2002, Tennessee Valley Authority sold land for the development of what is now the WindRiver community. A small group ofcitizens from Tellico Village, Vonoreand Greenback voiced concerns about possible damage the new development could cause. From there, the Watershed Association of the Tellico Reservoir, or WATeR, was born. "It is an all volunteer, not-for-profit organization whose focus is on water pollution, soil erosion and promoting environmental education and appropriate outdoorrecreational pursuits," Bob Martin, WATeR board member, said. "It has sponsored an annual lakeshore cleanup for many years." The East Lakeshore Trail was officially designated as a National Recreation Trail by the United States Department ofthe Interior on May 30, 2012. [CO] Legal Protest Targets Trump Fracking Plan That Threatens Colorado River Center for Biological Diversity [10/11/2017 2:26 PM, Staff, 72K] reports conservation groups on Tuesday challenged a Bureau ofLand Management decision to auction offmore than 27,000 acres ofwestern Colorado public lands in December for fracking operations. Fracking would EXT-18-2336-C-000424 threaten the dwindling water supply in the Colorado River, a water source for about 40 million people. It also would worsen Colorado's air, water and greenhouse gas pollution and further imperil endangered Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker. Warming temperatures driven by greenhouse gas pollution have already reduced flows in the Colorado River, which supplies water to seven western states and Mexico. Scientists project that flow declines could exceed 30 percent by mid-century and 55 percent by the end of the century ifgreenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. [CO] Suit seeks to stop oil-gas drilling on 9 parcels Post Register [10/11/2017 8:17 AM, Associated Press, 47K, ID] reports that a Colorado county and three environmental groups have sued the federal government, saying the sale ofnine oil and gas leases on public land in southwestern Colorado could harm the threatened Gunnison sage grouse. The lawsuit filed in Denver federal court Tuesday says the federal Bureau ofLand Management didn't consult with wildlife managers and didn't conduct required reviews before selling leases in March. The lawsuit asks a judge to invalidate the leases. Agency spokesman Jayson Barangan said officials hadn't seen the lawsuit and couldn't comment. The Gunnison sage grouse was protected under the Endangered Species Act in 2014. Only about 5,000 remain, all in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. The suit EXT-18-2336-C-000425 was filed by the San Miguel County commissioners, Rocky Mountain Wild, San Juan Citizens Alliance and Conservation Colorado. [WY] US government halts Wyoming wild horse roundup amid dispute The Washington Times [10/11/2017 4:29 PM, Mead Gruver, 3771K] reports the U.S. government has agreed to halt a Wyoming wild horse roundup amid a legal dispute over whether it should count foals toward the roundup quota. The U.S. Bureau ofLand Management and roundup opponents agreed in a court filing Tuesday the roundup would stop at 1,560 horses of all ages, a number the BLM was set to reach Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal in Cheyenne was set to rule within days whether to allow the roundup to resume while a lawsuit filed by the opponents moves ahead. The roundup began Sept. 23 and originally was expected to take four to six weeks. The Wild Horse Preservation Campaign and two photographers sued Friday, claiming the BLM was deviating from past practice by not counting captured foals toward the roundup's 1,560-horse limit. A spokeswoman for the BLM's Wyoming State Office, Kristen Lenhardt, declined comment citing agency policy not to comment on pending litigation. EXT-18-2336-C-000426 SweetwaterNOW [10/11/2017 4:04 PM, Katie Glennemeier, 25K, WY] reports that as ofOctober 10, the project has gathered 1,062 adults horses, 269 foals, and returned 4 animals to the range. Twelve horses been euthanized, all categorized as having chronic or pre-existing conditions diagnosed with a prognosis of"hopeless for recovery" by a veterinarian. Those conditions include conditions like poorly healed fractures, club feet, and deformities. According to the daily reports, the BLM has also shipped 1,148 horses to contracted holding facilities in Rock Springs; Axtell, Utah; and Bruneau, Idaho. Additional reporting: KGAB [10/11/2017 2:36 PM, Associated Press, 16K, WY] Herald and News [10/11/2017 6:45 PM, Staff, 28K, OR] Bureau ofOcean Energy Management Scientists Eavesdrop on Little-known Beaked Whales to Learn How Deeply They Dive ScienceNewsline EXT-18-2336-C-000427 [10/11/2017 8:46 PM, Staff, 12K] reports that scientists have reported the first dive depths for Gervais' and True's beaked whales, two ofthe least known beaked whale species known as mesoplodonts. The study is also the first to use a towed linear hydrophone array to document dive depths for beaked whales, and researchers say it's a promising method to obtain dive depths for other beaked whale species. The findings by NOAA scientists from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) in Woods Hole, Mass. and a colleague now at Hydroacoustics Inc in Rochester, NY were recently reported in the Journal ofthe Acoustical Society ofAmerica. "Much ofwhat we know about beaked whales and their dive depths is from two or three species, and from a few locations. We know so little about Gervais' and True's beaked whales, but now we know something about how deep they dive and at what depths they are foraging, so this is a step forward," said Annamaria Izzi DeAngelis, lead author ofthe study and a marine mammal researcher in the passive acoustics group at the NEFSC. The study was funded by NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Navy N45 Program, and the Bureau ofOcean Energy Management. Data were collected as part of the Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS) program. [NJ] New Jersey Gov. Christie Rejects President's Offshore Drilling Plan The Heartland Institute [10/12/2017 7:27 AM, Kenneth Artz, IL] reports that Gov. Chris Christie ofNew Jersey is officially objecting to President Donald Trump's proposal to open the Atlantic Ocean coastline to offshore oil and gas exploration and production. Gov. Chris Christie ofNew Jersey filed formal objections to President Donald Trump's proposal to open the Atlantic Ocean coastline to offshore oil and gas exploration and production. In formal comments filed on August 16, the Christie administration reaffirmed the governor's opposition to any oil and gas production off the New Jersey coast, saying it would endanger the state's natural resources, coastal communities, and overall economy. New Jersey officials have long opposed drilling in the Atlantic, saying they believe any spills could put the state's $700 billion worth ofcoastal properties at risk. In addition, New Jersey's $45 billion shore-based tourism industry and its commercial fishing industry, which generates $8 billion annually and supports approximately 50,000 jobs, could also be harmed by a spill, state officials say. In a letter to the Bureau ofOcean Energy Management filed August 16, Bob Martin, commissioner ofNew Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection, outlined the state's opposition to any offshore drilling. Bureau ofReclamation [AZ] The Sierra Club's Shadowy History with the Navajo Generating Station Sierra Club [10/12/2017 7:27 AM, Bill Corcoran, CA] reports that when, in 2009, the Sierra Club launched a campaign pressing for the closure ofthe Navajo Generating Station, a massive power plant in the Four Corners region, the move seemed in-line with the organization's new priorities in the age ofclimate change. The Club's Beyond Coal campaign was beginning to hit its strides in halting orretiring coal-burning power plants nationwide, and the Navajo Generating Station, the largest coal plant west ofthe Mississippi River and the seventh largest source ofcarbon pollution in the United States, was a natural target. While the Sierra Club had been working with Navajo and Hopi community leaders over many decades on a variety ofissues, there had not been a clearing ofthe air about the organization's history regarding Navajo Generating Station. As the advocacy targeting the plant intensified, tribal activists rightly called for an airing ofthat history to ensure that the Sierra Club did not repeat past mistakes. The story begins like this: In the early to mid-1960s, the Sierra Club spearheaded a national campaign to prevent construction oftwo hydroelectric dams in the Grand Canyon. For the Arizona political elite and the federal Bureau ofReclamation, the proposed dams would be the keystone of the Central Arizona Project—a massive infrastructure scheme to enrich agricultural and development interests by getting water and electricity to the booming cities ofPhoenix and Tucson. [Editorial note: consult source link for additional commentary] Fish and Wildlife Service EXT-18-2336-C-000430 250 Years After Washington Drained It, Feds Soak A Swamp 88.5 WFDD [10/11/2017 1:17 PM, Ben Finley, 8K, NC] reports that this is a story about a future president who tried to drain a swamp, and government workers who are making it wet again. By returning the habitat to its natural state, they just might keep the Great Dismal Swamp from heating up the planet. It was a young George Washington, working as a surveyor 254 years ago, who saw profits in the wetlands straddling the Virginia￾North Carolina border. The seemingly impenetrable swamp had been dismissed as a deadly morass where explorers vanished and runaway slaves escaped. Today, scientists have discovered that the swamp's peat soil is a vital piece of the climate change puzzle, able to either contain or release a greenhouse gas that causes global warming. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is trying to undo damage by gradually "rewetting" the swamp. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the last two big fires at the Great Dismal Swamp released an estimated total of6.2 million metric tons ofcarbon dioxide – more than the annual output ofa million cars. The Albany Democrat-Herald [10/11/2017 11:59 AM, Ben Finley, 49K, OR] reports that now a years-long project is under way to make the swamp wet again in the 113,000-acre national wildlife refuge in Virginia and North Carolina, where EXT-18-2336-C-000431 ditches dug to reach lumber dried out the peat, releasing climate￾changing carbon and making wildfires more frequent. Scientists say that when peat is in its naturally wet state, it holds onto carbon from plants that have died over the course ofcenturies. Dried-out peat, however, releases that carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Mussel, once feared extinct, brought back to Ohio River Outdoor News [10/11/2017 11:29 AM, Associated Press, 18K, MN] A century ago, the mussel, named for the color ofits inner shell and a small protuberance on its outer shell that resembles a feline foot, was also once found in streams as distant as Illinois, Indiana and Alabama, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fact sheet. In announcing the mussel's endangered status, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared that, unless reproducing populations ofthe purple cat's paw could be found or developed, "the species will become extinct in the foreseeable future." With the world's only known population ofpurple cat's paw pearlymusselsbarely numbering two dozen, "a decision was made to relocate them and breed them in captivity and not to just rely on nature," said Michael Schramm, public outreach specialist for Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Bee-Killing Pesticide Found in 75 Percent ofGlobal Honey Samples EXT-18-2336-C-000432 Gears OfBiz [10/11/2017 12:21 PM, Helen Clark, 223K] reports that there's nothing sweet at all about the results ofa recent study ofhoney from around the world. In samples from every continent except Antarctica, traces ofneonicotinoid pesticides were found in 75 percent of them – even in honey from remote places like Tahiti. Almost halfthe samples contained at least two different types ofpesticides. The contamination rates were highest in North America, where a shocking 86 percent ofthe honey samples contained at least one neonicotinoid. For Asia, it was 80 percent; for Europe, 70 percent. The rate was lowest in South America (57 percent). In the study, published this month in the journal Science, researchers from the University ofNeuchatel in Switzerland tested honey collected by citizen scientists from nearly 200 sites around the world. Earlier this month, the NRDC announced it is suing the Environmental Protection Agency for approving the use ofneonicotinoids without consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ascertain the insecticides' impact on threatened or endangered species. The failure to do so is in violation ofthe federal Endangered Species Act. [KY] Bald Eagle Population Soars in Kentucky Before It's News [10/11/2017 10:26 AM, Meredith Abercrombie, 578K] reports that the bald eagle population in Kentucky continues to flourish, with 164 nesting pairs recorded so far in 2017, EXT-18-2336-C-000433 according to the Kentucky Department ofFish and Wildlife Resources. This is twice as many as seven years ago. There are multiple factors that have contributed to the rise in the eagle population. The ban ofDDT, a pesticide that caused eagle eggs to become fragile, has improved their health significantly. This, along with the nationwide reintroduction program forthe birds and an increase in suitable habitats in the state such as water reservoirs and large wetlands, has helped the once-fleeting population come back to Kentucky, the Kentucky Department ofFish and Wildlife Resources reports. This trend is also common nationwide, with breeding pairs increasing since the implementation of the Endangered Species Act of1973, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [SD] The only ND man indicted in a SD sting for selling eagle parts is in custody Grand Forks Herald [10/11/2017 4:38 PM, Barry Amundson, 87K, ND] A man who was the only North Dakotan to be indicted in an undercover operation where 15 people were indicted recently for selling and purchasing eagle and other protected migratory bird parts has denied the charges in a court appearance in federal court in Pierre. Sheldon Tree Top, 43, ofMandan, who faces up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine, was taken into custody last Friday by the U.S. Marshal Service pending his trial. No trial date has been set. He entered a not guilty plea at the hearing. In a two-year operation, an informant with the U.S. Fish and EXT-18-2336-C-000434 Wildlife Service purchased protected eagle parts, as well as those from other migratory birds in danger, from a number ofpeople mostly in South Dakota starting in 2014 and lasting into 2016. [MT] Controversy Over Grizzly Bear Protection Continues 90.9 WBUR [10/11/2017 12:26 PM, Cooper McKim, 783K, MA] reports that federal officials are considering removing grizzly bears in a northern Montana region from the endangered species list. This comes on the heels ofa U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision to delist bears in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem – which took decades to resolve. But, the debate is far from over. Several groups have filed lawsuits to stop the switch and keep the grizzlies under federal management. Wyoming Public Radio's Cooper McKim reports. [Editorial note: consult source link for audio] [CA] Opinion: Tiny Mouse Is Huge Success Story for Endangered Species Act Times ofSan Diego [10/11/2017 5:15 PM, Brett Hartl, 60K, CA] reports hikers exploring the canyons and bluffs of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park may not know it, but they are in the midst of the incredible comeback ofone ofCalifornia's most endangered species. Pacific EXT-18-2336-C-000435 pocket mice recently released into the San Joaquin Hills by the San Diego Zoo have begun breeding on their own. It's a milestone for this tiny animal once thought extinct and a testament to the power ofthe Endangered Species Act. Habitat loss from development decimated the population to the point that it was believed to be extinct. Luckily a small population was "rediscovered" in 1993. They quickly received emergency endangered species protection from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and a captive breeding program was initiated shortly after. US Forest Service Wildfires: How They Form, And Why They're So Dangerous National Geographic News [10/11/2017 2:27 PM, Austa Somvichian-Clausen, 10973K] reports as deadly wildfires continue to rage across Northern California's wine country, with winds picking up speed overnight and worsening conditions to now include a combined 54,000 acres of torched land, it now seems more important than ever to understand how wildfires work, and their lasting implications on our health and the environment. Though the exact source ofSonoma County's wildfires is unclear, authorities have pointed to the fact that 95 percent offires in the state ofCalifornia are started by people, according to CNN. Meteorologists aren't yet able to forecast wildfire outbreaks, but there are three conditions that must be present in order for a wildfire to burn. Firefighters refer to it as the fire triangle: fuel, oxygen, and a heat source. The suppression ofnaturally occurring, low-intensity forest fires has EXT-18-2336-C-000436 actually aided in the ability for high-intensity wildfires to run rampant. In the first halfofthe 20th century, the U.S. Forest Service suffered from what historian Stephen Pyne calls "Pyrophobia," orthe desire to suppress all wildfires. In some places, the path toward a safer, more ecologically sound relationship with fire is being blazed with prescribed fire, and what's being called by officials as "Managed wildfire." Fire crews put their efforts to suppress wildfires around the most fire-prone areas, such as communities, municipal watersheds, and sequoia groves. Otherwise they are learning to let some fires burn themselves out, as nature intended. [NH] White Mountains forest fire still burning a week later Boston Globe [10/11/2017 12:55 PM, Ben Thompson, 4047K, MA] reports that a forest fire that has burned for more than one week on a cliffin Woodstock, N.H., still covers around 70 acres and will continue to smolder until extinguished by heavy precipitation, the U.S. Forest Service said. "While rain over the weekend and holiday helped to dampen the fire's intensity, the fire is not out," U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Tiffany Bennasaid in a statement Tuesday. "Due to the very steep rugged terrain and fuels in the burn, this fire will continue to burn at various intensities until extinguished by a rain or snow event." "The fire continues to retain heat and to burn in the duffand root systems," White Mountain National Forest acting Deputy Forest Supervisor Joe Koloski said in the statement. "Weather will play a large role in the fire's EXT-18-2336-C-000437 behavior over the next few weeks." The blaze first broke out early last Tuesday morning on Dilly Cliffnear Lost River Gorge in Woodstock, and local, state, and federal firefighters have been on scene since then working to contain the fire. [SC] More than 150 roads in need ofrepair around National Forest Count On News 2 [10/11/2017 7:02 PM, Rebecca Collett, 66K, SC] reports potholes pepper the roads through the Francis Marion National Forest. Severe flooding in 2015 coupled with Hurricane Matthew in 2016, led to widespread erosion and damage impacting 157 National Forest System roads. Amid a News 2 investigation into the road problems, the National Forest Service release information they are working to fix the problems. "The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest has been aware of our road system needs and has been taking steps to address this need," according to Francis Marion National Forest Acting District Ranger Warren Tucker. The agency recently awarded two contracts to fix the biggest problems. Priority will be given to arterial roads, roads within established school bus routes, roads leading to private residences and roads identified as emergency evacuation routes. [IN] Region parks, parkways to lose hundreds oftrees EXT-18-2336-C-000438 Times of Northwest Indiana [10/12/2017 5:00 AM, Ed Bierschenk, 212K, IN] reports that trees are beginning to show offtheir colorful fall finery, but unfortunately for hundreds ofthem, it will be their last appearance in parks and parkways in Hammond and other communities in Lake and Porter counties. Leaves actually already have left many ofthese trees, as they succumbed to the larvae ofemerald ash borers that have decimated trees through much ofNorthwest Indiana and the nation. Some 50 years after The Beatles invaded America, another set of invaders are leaving their mark on the U.S. This time the tune the beetles are singing could be titled, "I Want to Eat Your Land," and is not music to the ears of tree lovers. Hundreds ofash trees throughout Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties have come down over the last several years, and more will come down in the coming years. In Gary, summer interns with the city's Green Team, urban conservation team members and U.S. Forest Service workers tagged infested trees in public areas, including the Broadway corridor, GreenLink trail, and Barnes, Gateway, Jackson and Reed parks. [OR] Forest Service needs to alter their procedures News Review Today [10/11/2017 2:25 PM, Don Wilson, 36K, OR] reports that I found it disturbing that a Forest Service official stated that about 75 percent of EXT-18-2336-C-000439 the North Umpqua fires were "good" and just cleaned out the underbrush. Was it planned that way, or were we just lucky? I suspect the latter. I'm sure had areas been thinned, the taxpayers would have gotten a break from the timber sold, plus the fire would have been easier to contain - which would have saved money, and smoke wouldn't have filled the air for weeks, even if thinning slash were burned, because managers can choose days when winds are favorable. It seems to me ifthe Forest Service had an aggressive commercial thinning program 10,000 to 20,000 acres a year - yes, even cutting some big old trees, where managers decided when, where, what and how trees were removed - that the vital resources, soils, water and air would be better protected than ifleft to the whim ofa lightning bolt. [CA] Drought and heat, worsened by humans, help fuel California fires Aol. [10/11/2017 7:31 AM, James Rainey, 15926K] reports that it may take weeks to determine the spark that touched offeach ofthe firestorms that consumed hunks ofmore than a dozen California communities this week. But the consensus in the scientific community is that the conditions that cleared a path forthe tsunami of flame were made by humans. Decades ofaggressive firefighting left too much fuel on the ground. And more than a century ofcarbon emissions exacerbated the state's drought and the record high temperatures that baked brush and timber to an explosive dryness. EXT-18-2336-C-000440 The damage from the wind-driven flames – which destroyed thousands of buildings and killed at least 17 people – is also more grievous because of another man-made initiative: building more and more homes in hilly communities adjacent to brush and woodlands. The early 1900s brought a public campaign for fire suppression after a series ofdeadly blazes. The U.S. created the national Forest Service, whose founding mission was to suppress fire on public lands. "Consequently, there is now a forest 'fire deficit' in the western United States attributable to the combined effects ofhuman activities, ecological, and climate changes," a paper by Jennifer R. Marlon ofYale's School on Forestry and Environmental Studies, concludes. Democracy Now [10/11/2017 11:57 AM, Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, 359K, IL] In California, powerful winds and bone-dry conditions are fueling massive wildfires. The wildfires come after the US Forest Service warned last year that an unprecedented 5-year drought led to the deaths of more than 100 million trees in California, setting the stage for massive fires. Climate scientists believe human-caused global warming played a major role in the drought. Park Williams, bioclimatologist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and co-author ofa 2016 report, shows that global warming is responsible for nearly halfofthe forest area burned in the western United States over the past three decades. [Editorial note: consult source link for video] EXT-18-2336-C-000441 [CA] The Napa Fire Is a Perfectly Normal Apocalypse Fortune [10/11/2017 3:14 PM, Steve Pyne, 8011K] reports on October 8, 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to explore California, sighted smoke around San Pedro Bay. We've been sighting smoke in California and commenting on it ever since. The outbreak ofwildfires in Napa and Sonoma, Calif. 475 years later reminds us that we may need to keep commenting until we truly learn what those smokes are signaling. They tell us that California is intrinsically fire-prone and that people have to live there in ways that accommodate this reality. For some fires, one factor may matter more than others, but they are all present. Still, two factors are particularly immediate and amenable, and they are the focus ofa national cohesive strategy the American fire community has tried to promote. The first is that rural communities and exurban enclaves are towns and should be treated by the same codes and zoning that had taken fire out ofAmerica's long-combustible cities. The second is trickier because it involves cultural values and the landscapes that have become the breeding ground for fire. [CA] Forest Service visitor-use surveys begin The Trinity Journal [10/11/2017 9:15 AM, Staff, 4K, CA] reports that beginning in October 2017 and continuing through September 2018, volunteers in orange vests standing near signs saying "Traffic Survey Ahead" will be asking motorists at various locations across the Shasta-Trinity National Forest to participate in a visitor-use survey. The EXT-18-2336-C-000443 purpose ofthis survey is to determine what activities visitors pursue on National Forest System lands, how visitors evaluate the quality oftheir trips, and recreationists' opinions about facilities and management policies. The information collected is useful for national forest management planning as well as local community tourism. Survey participation is voluntary, responses are confidential and surveys will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. When survey volunteers have the opportunity to speak with local people who use the forest, as well as out-of-area visitors, then all types ofvisitors may be represented in the study. US Geological Survey [WY] Geologists Map the Plumbing Beneath Yellowstone's Old Faithful Geyser Smithsonian [10/11/2017 11:04 AM, Ben Panko, 3009K] Dubbed "Old Faithful" in 1870, this natural wonder produces bursts ofwater every 60 to 110 minutes that spurt more than 100 feet in the air. But exactly what supplies the regular eruptions ofwater? In the new study, published in the journal Geophysical Review Letters, geologists took a more passive tact, writes Sean Reichard ofYellowstone Insider. They scattered 133 seismographs across a 250-acre region surrounding Old Faithful to measure the tiny vibrations the water and steam make as they move underneath the geyser. Over the course oftwo weeks, geologists tracked these tiny tremors, using them to measure the reservoir beneath Old Faithful. It turns out, it was surprisingly large, spanning more than 650 feet across and holding more than EXT-18-2336-C-000444 79 million gallons ofwater-far more than the roughly 8,000 gallons released by the geyser in each ofits eruptions. Water is heated by magma that underlies this massive chamber as the pressure climbs; the water is eventually ejected out ofthe surface cracks in a column ofscorching￾hot water. [WY] 'Supervolcano' Under Yellowstone May Have Planet-Killing Potential CBS New York [10/11/2017 12:56 PM, Staff, 1220K, NY] reports according to reports, a "Supervolcano" sleeping underneath Yellowstone National Park has the destructive capability to send the entire planet into a volcanic winter. Even more unnerving, researchers believe that the Yellowstone volcano could be ready to erupt within the next few decades. Researchers at Arizona State University have presented new data that claims pressure beneath Yellowstone may build up much quicker than previously thought. The findings are changing the timetable for a potential eruption from thousands ofyears to as early as the 2030's. In the hopes ofpreventing the next global catastrophe, NASA has been working on a complicated plan to cool down the fiery time bomb. According to reports, NASA is looking to drill down into the great volcano to open a path for water to be pumped in. The plan may also unlock a new source ofgeothermal energy for use. MSN EXT-18-2336-C-000445 [10/11/2017 2:20 PM, Trevor Nace, 880K] reports that scientists have relied upon is that when Yellowstone's supervolcano begins to rumble and its magma chambers begin to fill, we would have centuries to prepare for the devastating eruption. Recent studies find that the speed at which the volcano can fill its magma chamber and erupt is on the order ofa few decades. That means Yellowstone supervolcano could go from its usual activity like today to erupting in 2032s. Additional reporting: LatestNewsNetwork [10/11/2017 10:12 AM, Staff, 8K] CBS Philly [10/11/2017 12:56 PM, Staff, 838K, PA] reports that with so much talk lately National Park Service National parks need investment from private companies to thrive Elkhart Truth [10/12/2017 6:00 AM, Frank Hugelmeyer and Thomas Dammrich, 13K, IN] reports that with fall upon us, millions ofAmericans will head to America's iconic public lands and waters to soak up what's left of warmer EXT-18-2336-C-000446 weather and get a glimpse offall's renowned foliage. Ensuring Americans' ability to enjoy our country's outdoor spaces is big business and critical to the $887 billion outdoorrecreation industry. Given their significant role in providing healthy, outdoor recreation for Americans and the millions ofjobs and thousands ofsmall businesses they support, it's time our national parks, waterways and other public outdoor spaces get the attention they deserve. In recent months, the decision by the Trump Administration to review the size of27 National Monuments has spurred an important debate. Yet, there is a much greater threat to the nation's recreation economy looming than monument borders and it is an issue that receives little to no attention. Improvements to our outdated recreation infrastructure have gone largely unaddressed by both political parties for decades, no matter who lives in the White House or is in the majority on Capitol Hill. The good news is Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is trying something different. He has laid out a course ofaction that addresses the nearly $20 billion maintenance backlog crippling many ofour outdoor spaces and emphasizes the need to modernize services, lodging, marinas and campgrounds. No more parks? Sierra Club [10/11/2017 11:58 AM, Emily Lande, 227K] On Wednesday, October 11th, the House Natural Resources Committee is going to take a vote on a piece of legislation that Chairman Rob Bishop and his anti-parks caucus have been EXT-18-2336-C-000447 building towards for years. This bill, H.R. 3990, would gut the Antiquities Act, one ofthe key tools for public lands protection that has been used by 16 Presidents, democrat and republican, since it became law in 1906. With Secretary ofthe Interior Zinke's sham monuments review we saw them going after existing monuments; this bill goes after future monuments by making it next to impossible for any president to designate a monument ever again. [NY] Stonewall National Monument's rainbow flag plan was going fine, then things got weird Washington Post [10/11/2017 6:01 PM, Juliet Eilperin and Darryl Fears, 967K] reports the plan to celebrate the rainbow flag flying over Stonewall National Monument was going smoothly. Then things got weird. Activists had pressed for months to get the flag - a long-standing symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community - hoisted atop the flagpole adjacent to the national monument that President Barack Obama designated last year to commemorate the LGBT civil rights movement. The National Park Service agreed to do it, providing a flag that went up Sept. 28, and it worked with activists to put on an event commemorating the act on Wednesday, which was also National Coming Out Day. Joshua Laird, commissioner ofthe National Parks ofNew York Harbor, said in an interview EXT-18-2336-C-000448 Wednesday that Interior Department officials had made "an inquiry" late last week to his office to determine whether the rainbow flag would be the first one to fly on the ground ofa national monument. NPS officials determined that the flagpole was on city property, rather than the 7.7-acre patch ofland in Christopher Park that constitutes the monument itself. Laird emphasized that the rainbow flag was never removed and that the National Park Service has donated it to the city. He said that Interior Department officials in Washington did want to know whether "it was accurate" that the rainbow flag would set a precedent by flying on federal property but that he would not describe administration officials as raising "a concern" about it. "It's still up, it's still flying there," Laird said ofthe flag. "Visitors to Stonewall National Monument will see it, and 99 percent ofthem will not care ifit's on our property or property." The San Francisco Chronicle [10/11/2017 4:19 PM, Staff, 1991K, CA] reports gay rights activists who worked to get a rainbow flag installed at the new Stonewall National Monument in New York City are upset the National Park Service says the flag isn't actually on federal land but on city property. The distinction may seem like a minor one because the flag is flying either way. The group that lobbied for the flag to be flown at the site says the Park Service's announcement the city, not the federal government, would be maintaining the flag seems like a betrayal. EXT-18-2336-C-000449 Edge Media Network [10/11/2017 2:11 PM, Staff, 2615K, MA] reports that the National Park Service (NPS), which had originally approved and sponsored a ceremony to be held Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at Stonewall National Monument to dedicate the Rainbow flag, has suddenly withdrawn. The event, however, will go on. LGBT activists planning the event with NPS officials cite bureaucratic homophobia for the last-minute change in plans, as the Trump Administration has systematically rolled back LGBT rights at the federal level since January. This historic event had originally been planned as the first time that the LGBT flag will wave over federally-funded land, under the permanent stewardship ofthe National Park Service. NPS personnel were scheduled to speak at the event, but will no longer be in attendance. [NC] Mysterious debris washes ashore in Hatteras, leading to a lot of questions Virginian-Pilot [10/11/2017 10:29 AM, JeffHampton, 633K, VA] reports that rough surfon the Outer Banks just keeps on giving. A piece of aeronautical debris washed ashore Sunday evening in Hatteras Village. It's white, about 15 feet long and maybe 10 feet wide, made ofmetal and synthetic material. The rounded piece had a serial number on it and appears EXT-18-2336-C-000450 broken from offfrom something else. It did not have many barnacles on the surface indicating it had not been in the water long. Photographer Erin Everlee and her neighbors found the object. They called authorities with the National Park Service and later began an internet search. Rocket fairings – protective nose cones – are jettisoned after the rocket gets beyond the earth's atmosphere. Park rangers loaded the piece onto a flatbed truck and hauled it away. Air Force authorities were glad to help, and said they would let them know what it was soon. [TN] Chimney Tops Trail reopens Smoky Mountain News [10/11/2017 4:03 PM, Staff, 10K, NC] reports that for the first time in nearly a year, the Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open to hikers. The trail was closed off last November when a small fire was discovered on the rugged Chimney Tops pinnacle, and when that fire metastasized into a fiery blaze that swept down through the park and into Gatlinburg, it severely damaged the summit, resulting in long-term trail closure. The final quarter-mile oftrail that once led to the Chimney Tops pinnacles is still closed, due to heavy fire damage resulting in safety concerns. However, the trail is now open as far as a newly developed observation point that offers views ofMount LeConte and the Chimney Tops pinnacles. The Road Prong Trail, whose closure had coincided with that ofChimney Tops, is now open as well. "We are excited to complete the work on the Chimney Tops Trail EXT-18-2336-C-000451 in time for the fall color season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park," said Acting Superintendent Clay Jordan. [MS] Barrier islands to remain closed after Nate WTVM [10/11/2017 6:44 PM, Joyce Philippe, 55K, GA] reports that Mississippi barrier islands will remain closed after post-hurricane assessments revealed moderate to significant damage in multiple areas. The initial evaluations took place at West Ship and Horn Islands. Additional inspections will need to be completed on the other islands before they can be reopened to the public. A structural engineering team from the National Park Service will arrive in the area on Thursday to begin formal assessments. The team will survey the Davis Bayou fishing pier, government dock, boardwalks and overlooks, as well as the infrastructure at West Ship and Horn Islands on Friday. Mississippi's barrier islands are managed by GulfIslands National Seashore under the National Park Service. NPS officials say that all properties will open for public use once necessary repairs are completed. [TX] New EPA Rule Will Allow Twice The Pollution From Texas Coal Plants EXT-18-2336-C-000452 High Plains Public Radio [10/11/2017 10:12 PM, Jonathan Baker, 5K, TX] reports that a new rule enacted by Donald Trump's EPA will allow coal plants to increase the amount ofpollution they pump into the atmosphere, reports The Texas Observer. The new rule will allow coal power plants to emit almost twice as much sulfur dioxide as the previous restrictions instituted by the Obama Administration. Sulfur dioxide is known to exacerbate respiratory illnesses like asthma, and the pollutant is a major contributor to acid rain. The substance famously created haze problems in Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains national parks. Texas resisted the previous pollution rule under the previous administration, until the Obama White House ultimately forced Texas to comply. In response, Texas sued. Now, it appears Texas coal plants have won the day. [MT] Glacier National Park sets annual attendance record Montana Standard [10/11/2017 1:45 PM, Associated Press, 36K, MT] reports National Park Service statistics show that more than 3 million people visited Glacier National Park so far this year, making 2017 the busiest year in park history. The Flathead Beacon reported Tuesday that 3.3 million people had visited the park through September, a nearly 13-percent increase EXT-18-2336-C-000453 during the same nine-month period in 2016. Last year, the park fell short of the 3 million mark by just 37,000 visitors. Total visitation in September, however, was down compared to the same month last year due to a fire that closed a large swath ofthe west side ofthe park, including the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road. [WY] September 3rd busiest in Yellowstone's history Billings Gazette [10/11/2017 12:20 PM, Staff, 195K, MT] reports that Yellowstone National Park hosted 640,068 visits in September, the third busiest on record, but down 8.79 percent from September 2016. Visits may have declined due to several days ofsnowy weather. Road closures resulting from snow, ice and avalanche danger occurred on seven days. Portions ofthe Beartooth Highway were also closed from Sept. 15 to 28. So far in 2017, the park has hosted 3,872,776 visits, down 2.47 percent from the same period in 2016 (which was the highest on record). Even with the decline, year-to-date visitation in 2017 is 19.6 percent higher than five years ago. [WY] Traffic accident kills 4 bison in Grand Teton park Post Register [10/11/2017 8:19 AM, Associated Press, 47K, ID] reports that Grand Teton National Park rangers are investigating a traffic accident that left four bison dead in northwest Wyoming. The accident occurred Oct. 2 in the park on a foggy night on U.S. 26/89/191 when a pickup truck hit one bison on the highway, rolled and then struck and killed three more nearby bison. The National Park Service says the Casper woman who was driving alone escaped with minor injuries. Park spokesman Andrew White tells the Jackson Hole News & Guide that a citation has not been issued but isn't out of the question ifit's determined the motorist was traveling too fast for the conditions. Wildlife-vehicle collisions are common on the highway, which has posted speed limit of45 mph at night. [WY] Yellowstone Death Linked to a Search for Forrest Fenn's Treasure KCWY [10/11/2017 11:26 PM, Penny Preston, 15K, WY] reports that Yellowstone National Park is confirming the first death there this year was connected to a search for the Forrest Fenn treasure. Forrest Fenn, a New Mexico art collector, hid a box with jewels and coins worth millions in the Rockies. Two men died while searching for the treasure in New Mexico. 53-year old JeffMurphy reportedly started his day hike in Yellowstone on Rescue Creek trail June 7th, 2017. But, a park press release said Murphy's wife reported him missing the next day, so the EXT-18-2336-C-000455 search for Murphy began. On June 9th, searchers found Murphy's body. Park spokeswoman Morgan Warthin said he apparently died from a fall. [WY] 'UFO' Sighted Zig-Zagging Over Yellowstone Supervolcano Before It's News [10/11/2017 8:12 AM, Staff, 578K] A new video has surfaced on YouTube which shows what appears to be a UFO zig-zagging it's way over the Yellowstone supervolcano in northern Wyoming. Yellowstone has long been a hotspot for alien sightings and UFO enthusiasts. The famed Yellowstone volcano has garnered national interest in recent months, especially over the summer when more than 400 earthquakes hit in one week near the volcano. Experts at the U.S. Geological Survey say the risk ofthe Yellowstone supervolcano erupting is quite low, with a probability ofone in 730,000. [WY] Devils Tower plans prescribed fire Rapid City Journal [10/11/2017 7:00 AM, Staff, 107K, SD] reports that Devils Tower National Monument will implement a prescribed burn this fall as conditions permit, according to a news release. Fire management officials from the Northern EXT-18-2336-C-000456 Great Plains Fire Office and Devils Tower National Monument plan to burn 171 acres in the North Terrace Unit during the next few weeks. The last time a prescribed burn was completed in the North Terrace Unit was during the fall of2005. The burn is needed to remove buildup ofdead fuels and woody herbaceous growth, and encourage the growth ofnative prairie grasses and forbs. If conditions are not acceptable on the scheduled day ofthe burn, it will be postponed until desirable conditions return. [WY] Experts expect record year forlake trout removal Post Register [10/11/2017 8:20 AM, Mark Davis, 47K, ID] reports that the cutthroat trout conservation team at Yellowstone National Park expects to break a record this year, ridding Yellowstone Lake ofmore than 360,000 lake trout. The high mark was set last year, with 358,000 removed from the lake. "They're on a record pace," said Jonathan Shafer, Yellowstone public affairs officer. There are 35 to 40 miles ofnets in the lake every day during the mid￾May to mid-October effort. Crews made up ofboth Park Service employees and subcontractors man the nets six days a week in an attempt to crash the lake trout population. Nearly 3 million lake trout have been removed since the program began. EXT-18-2336-C-000457 Office ofInsular Affairs [PR] Three weeks since Hurricane Maria, much ofPuerto Rico still dark, thirsty and frustrated Washington Post [10/11/2017 7:56 PM, Manuel Roig-Franzia and Arelis R. Hernández] reports it has been three weeks since Hurricane Maria savaged Puerto Rico, and life in the capital city ofSan Juan inches toward something that remotely resembles a new, uncomfortable form ofnormalcy. Roughly halfofPuerto Ricans have no working cellphone service, creating islands ofisolation within the island and cutting offhundreds ofthousands ofpeople in regions outside the largest metropolitan areas from regular contact with their families, aid groups, medical care and the central government. Accompanying that vision of the future are worries about outbreaks ofdiseases such as scabies and Zika, which is transmitted by mosquitoes breeding in standing water. Just 63 percent ofthe island's residents have access to clean drinking water, and only 60 percent ofwastewater treatment plants are operating, according to figures released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. [PR] Puerto Rico's hurricane death toll rises to 45 CNN EXT-18-2336-C-000458 [10/11/2017 9:11 PM, Ray Sanchez] reports nearly three weeks after Hurricane Maria pummeled Puerto Rico, the vast majority ofthe island remains without power and the death toll from the storm has risen to 45, authorities said At least 113 people remain unaccounted for, according to Karixia Ortiz, a spokeswoman for Puerto Rico's Department ofPublic Safety. The recovery has moved slowly since Maria struck the US territory on September 20, leaving most ofthe island without basic services such as power and running water, according to residents, reliefworkers and local elected officials. As of Wednesday 89% ofthe island was without electricity and almost 47% had no phone service, according to a website set up by the Puerto Rican government. Some 43% ofthe island's 313 bank branches remained closed, it said. [PR] Puerto Rico: US officials privately acknowledge serious food shortage The Guardian [10/11/2017 8:06 PM, Richard Wolffe, UK] reports federal officials privately admit there is a massive shortage ofmeals in Puerto Rico three weeks after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. Officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) say that the government and its partners are only providing 200,000 meals a day to meet the needs ofmore than 2 million people. That is a daily shortfall of between 1.8m and 5.8m meals. The scale ofthe food crisis dwarfs the more widely publicized challenges ofrestoring power and communications. More than a third ofPuerto Ricans are still struggling to live without drinking water. Conditions on Puerto Rico remain dire; just 16% ofislanders having EXT-18-2336-C-000459 access to electricity. While commercial flights have resumed, and most gas stations have reopened, much ofthe island's economy remains at a standstill. [PR] Trump's Puerto Rico video tells positive story, leaves misery on cutting-room floor Philadelphia Inquirer [10/11/2017 8:21 AM, Jenna Johnson, 2100K, PA] reports that a few minutes into a video about Puerto Rico reliefefforts that President Trump tweeted out this week is a short clip about U.S. Forest Service workers clearing fallen trees offa road in the rural interior. Over the sound ofchain saws, the Forest Service's fire chiefexplains how this will allow for the easier distribution offood, medical supplies and other aid. But his full comments are cut offby a shift to footage ofa ship used as a hospital. Had the road-clearing clip continued for 15 seconds, the president's millions ofTwitter followers would have heard the fire chiefpraise the people ofPuerto Rico for successfully clearing many roads before the federal government arrived. The sentiment seems contrary to the president's repeated criticism oflocal efforts and his claim in the tweet accompanying the video: "Nobody could have done what I've done for #PuertoRico with so little appreciation. So much work!" EXT-18-2336-C-000460 [PR] Puerto Rico ReliefBill Cancels $16 Billion in Debt — But Not for Puerto Rico The Intercept [10/11/2017 12:01 PM, David Dayen, 1825K] reports that House Republicans unveiled a $36.5 billion disaster reliefsupplemental package Tuesday night, intended to pay for reliefand rebuilding efforts for the floods, hurricanes, and wildfires of the past several months. It includes money for Puerto Rico's ongoing struggle with the aftermath ofHurricane Maria, though only a fraction of that headline number. In fact, $5 billion ofthe funds earmarked for Puerto Rico comes in the form ofa loan, increasing the amount ofmoney the island will eventually need to pay back. And in a cruel irony, the bill also contains $16 billion in debt relief– just not for Puerto Rico's crushing debt. The full House chamber will vote on the bill from the House Appropriations Committee this week. The committee also proposes $576.5 million in U.S. Forest Service and Department ofInterior grants for wildfire suppression and management. [PR] Puerto Rico's treasured rainforest another victim ofHurricane Maria Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [10/12/2017 6:30 AM, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, 968K, PA] EXT-18-2336-C-000461 reports that when you looked up, you could once see nothing but the lush, emerald canopy oftabonuco and sierra palm trees covering El Yunque National Forest. That was before Hurricane Maria obliterated the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. forest system. Left behind was a scene so bare that on a recent visit, it was possible to see the concrete skyline ofSan Juan about 30 miles west — a previously unimaginable sight. El Yunque has been an enormous source ofpride in Puerto Rico and one ofthe main drivers ofthe island's tourism industry. The 28,000-acre forest on the eastern part ofthe island h EXT-18-2336-C-000462 To: Newell, Russell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Laura Rigas Sent: 2017-10-12T11:04:15-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: SPAM DANGER? Received: 2017-10-12T11:04:26-04:00 Thx. Was wondering the same thing. The format is terrible. Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior On Oct 12, 2017, at 10:48 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: just asked Jeff- techMIS is a potential new vendor to take over the service Bulletin has been providing. Jeffsaid this is test or sample ofwhat news clips would look like under them. We'd have the ability to tweak. Jeffwants to sit down with Laura and me today to discuss Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 10:42 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Any idea what in the world the world this is? Did we get another service? Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: DOI Daily To: Burt Squires - TechMIS Subject: DOI Daily Briefing (10-12-17) DOI DAILY BRIEFING EXT-18-2336-C-000463 Prepared for the Office ofCommunications (OCO) U.S. Department ofthe Interior(DOI) By TechMIS www.TechMIS.com Mobile User Copy TO: U.S. Department ofthe Interior & Staff DATE: Thursday, October 12, 2017 7:00 AM ET DOI In The News Ethics office directorrebukes agency heads Watchdog Uses Years Old Endorsement To Claim Zinke Violated Ethics Rules As Trump's Interior Secretary Zinke's Mix OfFundraisers, Government Work Raises New Ethics Concerns Zinke blasted over travel; will not touch Confederate monuments on federal lands House committee advances bill to limit Antiquities Act [MA] Feds ignore objections to Cape Wind [UT] Op-ed: Utah delegation needs a clear message about our monuments EXT-18-2336-C-000464 [NV] Nevada's Heller, Laxalt join Sandoval in supporting sage grouse decision [CA] Fears grow ofwildfires merging in California [CA] Whole towns evacuated as Northern California firestorm grows; at least 23 people are dead, 285 missing [CA] Wildfires Burning Through Cash, Not Just Landscape [CA] Wildfires trample California's $58 billion wine industry [CA] Will wine country disaster push Congress to fix fire budget? [CA] Fire restoration activities planned [CA] Rives Mansion hits the market for $1.3 million Bureau ofIndian Affairs [MA] Taunton City Council extends emergency services agreement with tribe [SD] Family sues Indian boarding school in Pierre for wrongful death [MT] Homeland Hero [AZ] The Largest Coal-Fired Power Plant in the West Is Slated for Closure [AZ] Navajo Nation President Begaye Testifies before Congress to Fix Problems with 1974 Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act [CA] Camp 4 Final Deal Getting Close Bureau ofLand Management [TN] Villagers help create a 'hidden gem' [CO] Legal Protest Targets Trump Fracking Plan That Threatens Colorado River [CO] Suit seeks to stop oil-gas drilling on 9 parcels [WY] US government halts Wyoming wild horse roundup amid dispute Bureau ofOcean Energy Management Scientists Eavesdrop on Little-known Beaked Whales to Learn How Deeply They Dive EXT-18-2336-C-000465 [NJ] New Jersey Gov. Christie Rejects President's Offshore Drilling Plan Bureau ofReclamation [AZ] The Sierra Club's Shadowy History with the Navajo Generating Station Fish and Wildlife Service 250 Years After Washington Drained It, Feds Soak A Swamp Mussel, once feared extinct, brought back to Ohio River Bee-Killing Pesticide Found in 75 Percent ofGlobal Honey Samples [KY] Bald Eagle Population Soars in Kentucky [SD] The only ND man indicted in a SD sting for selling eagle parts is in custody [MT] Controversy Over Grizzly Bear Protection Continues [CA] Opinion: Tiny Mouse Is Huge Success Story for Endangered Species Act US Forest Service Wildfires: How They Form, And Why They're So Dangerous [NH] White Mountains forest fire still burning a week later [SC] More than 150 roads in need ofrepair around National Forest [IN] Region parks, parkways to lose hundreds oftrees [OR] Forest Service needs to alter their procedures [CA] Drought and heat, worsened by humans, help fuel California fires [CA] The Napa Fire Is a Perfectly Normal Apocalypse [CA] Bulldozing Forests Isn't the Answer to Controlling California's Wildfires. Here's What Is. [CA] Forest Service visitor-use surveys begin US Geological Survey EXT-18-2336-C-000466 [WY] Geologists Map the Plumbing Beneath Yellowstone's Old Faithful Geyser [WY] 'Supervolcano' Under Yellowstone May Have Planet-Killing Potential National Park Service National parks need investment from private companies to thrive No more parks? [NY] Stonewall National Monument's rainbow flag plan was going fine, then things got weird [NC] Mysterious debris washes ashore in Hatteras, leading to a lot of questions [TN] Chimney Tops Trail reopens [MS] Barrier islands to remain closed after Nate [TX] New EPA Rule Will Allow Twice The Pollution From Texas Coal Plants [MT] Glacier National Park sets annual attendance record [WY] September 3rd busiest in Yellowstone's history [WY] Traffic accident kills 4 bison in Grand Teton park [WY] Yellowstone Death Linked to a Search for Forrest Fenn's Treasure [WY] 'UFO' Sighted Zig-Zagging Over Yellowstone Supervolcano [WY] Devils Tower plans prescribed fire [WY] Experts expect record year forlake trout removal Office ofInsular Affairs [PR] Three weeks since Hurricane Maria, much ofPuerto Rico still dark, thirsty and frustrated [PR] Puerto Rico's hurricane death toll rises to 45 [PR] Puerto Rico: US officials privately acknowledge serious food shortage [PR] Trump's Puerto Rico video tells positive story, leaves misery on cutting-room floor EXT-18-2336-C-000467 [PR] Puerto Rico ReliefBill Cancels $16 Billion in Debt — But Not for Puerto Rico [PR] Puerto Rico's treasured rainforest another victim ofHurricane Maria [PR] Puerto Rico's Solar Rush [VI] Has America Forgotten the Virgin Islands? [VI] US Virgin Islands getting back to business following September storms Headlines The Washington Post The New York Times The Wall Street Journal ABC News NBC News CBS News Washington Schedule President Vice President Senate House ofRepresentatives Editorial Note: This Briefrepresents summarized content - click on the hyperlink to access full-text articles forthese news summaries. Note: The DOI News Briefing is a collection ofnews articles generated by a set ofsearch terms related to DOI's mission. The inclusion ofparticular stories is not intended to reflect their importance, noris it intended to endorse the political viewpoints or affiliations included in news coverage. EXT-18-2336-C-000468 DOI In The News Ethics office directorrebukes agency heads CBS News [10/11/2017 10:21 AM, Rebecca Shabad, 14389K] reports that the acting director ofthe U.S. Office ofGovernment Ethics is warning the leaders ofgovernment agencies that they should promote an "ethical culture," while suggesting some have practiced the opposite. In a memo issued to agency heads, David Apol, the acting director and general counsel ofthe Government Ethics office, wrote that he's grateful to leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to ethical service. "At the same time, I am deeply concerned that the actions ofsome in government leadership have harmed perceptions about the importance ofethics and what conduct is, and is not, permissible," Apol wrote. Apol called on these agency heads to "redouble" their commitment to ethics in government. Officials' use of charter flights such as by Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt have recently come under scrutiny. The Washington Post [10/11/2017 7:27 PM, Editorial Board] reports now that former health and human services secretary Tom Price has been drummed out ofgovernment for swanning around the nation in private planes at exorbitant expense to taxpayers, other members ofthe Trump administration are jockeying to claim the mantle ofhaughtiest Cabinet member. Among the leading contenders is Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who seems to have learned contempt forthe people who pay his salary at the knee ofMr. Price. Mr. Zinke thought nothing ofspending $12,375 on a charter flight from Las Vegas, where he spoke at the behest ofa political patron, to his home state ofMontana in June. He waved away criticism ofthe flight as "a little B.S. over travel." MSNBC [10/11/2017 7:44 PM, Staff, 4332K] reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke follows Tom Price using government resources for personal travel. Trump's ethics chiefsays he's "deeply concerned" with the administration's actions. Additional reporting: Miami Herald [10/11/2017 9:23 PM, Staff, 4830K, FL] Watchdog Uses Years Old Endorsement To Claim Zinke Violated Ethics Rules As Trump's Interior Secretary The Daily Caller [10/11/2017 6:02 PM, Tim Pearce, 5106K, DC] reports a government watchdog group is calling for an ethics investigation into Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke after a statement from Zinke endorsing a fundraising firm was found on the firm's website. Campaign for Accountability (CfA) filed a request forinvestigation with the Office ofGovernment Ethics Wednesday, claiming Zinke broke federal ethics regulations by using his office as a platform to endorse a private business. ForthRight Strategy, a fundraising firm hired by Zinke during his 2014 congressional race, featured an apparent endorsement from Zinke on the front page ofits website, according to CfA. "You guys are in large part why I had the money and support that afforded me the opportunity to become a Congressman forthe at-large seat in Montana," Zinke's statement read. "Your results and personal commitment to Team Zinke were bar none! I greatly value the professional as well as the personal relationship we have developed over many years! Thank you!" The statement is several years old, predating when Zinke was nominated to serve as secretary ofthe Interior, CfA confirmed to The Daily Caller News Foundation. Zinke's Mix OfFundraisers, Government Work Raises New Ethics Concerns EXT-18-2336-C-000470 ABC Action News [10/11/2017 9:50 AM, Lindsey Pulse and Katherine Biek, 517K, FL] reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has made some seemingly questionable travel decisions, and media outlets just uncovered some more. Politico uncovered two more instances of the Cabinet official attending fundraisers when the U.S. government paid for his travel. In March, Zinke reportedly went to a fundraiser affiliated with Rep. Steve Daines at a ski resort in Montana, and in May, he's said to have attended a fundraiser for Rep. Don Young at a steakhouse in Alaska. The outlet says Zinke also attended several other events with donors while on official trips. CNN [10/11/2017 9:49 PM, Staff, 888K] reports that ethics hawks are zeroing in on Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's travel and whether he violated a federal law intended to insulate federal employees from political influence. Politico [10/11/2017 10:00 AM, Anthony Andragna, 10378K] reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke attended at least two additional political fundraisers during trips he took for official Interior business, Pro's Esther Whieldon and Ben Lefebvre scoop. Federal law permits Cabinet officials to participate in partisan political activities on their own time and without using any federal resources, but FEC records don't list any reimbursement payments to Interior for the events. "Both law and common sense tell us that taxpayer resources are supposed to be used when you're doing the taxpayers' business [but] are not supposed to be used to help candidates get elected," said Brendan Fischer ofthe nonprofit watchdog organization Campaign Legal Center. Spokeswoman Heather Swift said ethics officials signed offon all trips and they all complied with the law. "The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including seeking commercial options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use ofgovernment resources," she said. Government Executive [10/11/2017 1:23 PM, Charles EXT-18-2336-C-000471 S. Clark, 156K, DC] reports that the array ofissues swirling around Trump Cabinet members' taxpayer-funded travel now include potential violations of the Hatch Act. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Tuesday was reported by Politico to have attended two political fund-raisers during official travel and leisure trips, raising questions about whether he properly complied with Hatch Act restrictions on mixing politics with government business. Zinke, Politico disclosed, has attended at least three "political fundraisers while traveling for official business, including a weekend ski getaway less than three weeks after he was sworn in that donors paid up to $3,000 to attend," according to sources and documents the publication reviewed. "Zinke has held at least a half-dozen other events with big donors or influential conservative organizations while on official trips," the report said. His mixing oftravel purposes is under review by the Interior Department's inspector general. The newest wrinkle is whether Zinke has violated the Hatch Act. While Cabinet members may conduct partisan political activities, rules require them to do so on their own time, with their own resources, and without invoking their government job title. An Interior spokesman said Zinke's travels were approved by ethics officials and were compliant with the law. Additional reporting: CNN [10/11/2017 10:37 PM, Rene Marsh, 15712K] MSN [10/12/2017 12:44 AM, Rene Marsh and Gregory Wallace, 880K] MSNBC [10/12/2017 12:27 AM, Rachel Maddow, 4332K] Time Warner Cable News Buffalo [10/11/2017 1:25 PM, Staff, NY] WRAL [10/12/2017 6:05 AM, Staff, 1045K, NC] EXT-18-2336-C-000472 Missoulian [10/11/2017 9:45 AM, Ed Gilk, 180K, MT] Salon [10/11/2017 9:31 AM, Taylor Link, 5434K, CA] Zinke blasted over travel; will not touch Confederate monuments on federal lands Washington Post [10/11/2017 10:19 AM, Dino Grandoni, 39042K] reports that Zinke told Breitbart News over the weekend that there are some monuments on federal lands he will not touch — Confederate monuments. "No monuments are going to be removed from federal land," Zinke said. "Where do you start and where do you stop?... Ifyou're a native Indian, I can tell you, you're not very happy about the history ofGeneral Sherman or perhaps President Grant." Zinke continued: "I think we should never hide from our history or erase our history. I think we should embrace the history and understand the faults and learn from it. But when you try to erase history, what happens is you also erase how it happened and why it happened and the ability to learn from it." Washington Examiner [10/11/2017 6:08 PM, Josh Siegel, 3567K, DC] reports that the House Natural Resources Committee advanced legislation Wednesday that would limit the power ofpresidents to designate public land as national monuments. The National Monument Creation and Protection Act, moved by a 23-17 vote, would overhaul the 1906 Antiquities Act, which gives the president unilateral power to protect structures of"historic and scientific interest." Separately on Tuesday, the Natural Resources Committee considered a resolution authored by Rep. Raul Grijalva ofArizona requiring Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to disclose more information about his review ofrecent national monument designations. The measure did not advance. President Trump ordered the Interior Department to undertake a review of27 national monuments shortly after his inauguration. Zinke issued a report to Trump in August, but it was not made public. A memo leaked to the media revealed that Zinke recommends shrinking or changing the boundaries ofsix national monuments and proposes management changes to four others that could reopen areas to logging, cattle grazing and commercial fishing. The Bears Ears National Monument in Utah is perhaps the most contentious one Zinke pegs for a size reduction. ThinkProgress [10/11/2017 2:09 PM, Jenny Rowland, 3037K, DC] EXT-18-2336-C-000474 reports the full House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday is marking up a bill that would limit the president's authority to protect historic places and landscapes. H.R. 3990, introduced by Rep. Rob Bishop, who chairs the committee, would radically re-imagine the Antiquities Act - the law allowing presidents to create national monuments - by imposing acreage caps, narrowing the definition ofwhat deserves protection, and prohibiting national monuments that protect oceans, among other restrictions. The committee will also address another bill, a resolution ofinquiry filed by Rep. Grijalva and 25 other House Democrats, aimed at getting the administration to provide Congress with more information about Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke's national monument review and report. Zinke has come under fire recently for the secret nature ofhis report which would significantly reduce at least four national monuments. Ironically, Bishop's bill undercuts many ofthe recommendations made in the leaked version of Zinke's report as well as the Trump Administration's overall agenda on national monuments. The Washington Times [10/11/2017 8:34 PM, Ben Wolfgang, 3771K, DC] reports that the bill, expected to pass the GOP-led House, overhauls the 1906 Antiquities Act and sets new limits on what land can be designated as a monument and lays out the level ofconsultation that must take place between the federal and local governments during the process. The House legislation comes amid a review ofrecent monument designations by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who has recommended to President Trump that a handful ofmonuments – most notably the sprawling Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, both in Utah – be drastically cut down in size. Additional reporting: WTOP [10/11/2017 4:58 PM, Associated Press, DC] EcoWatch [10/11/2017 11:18 AM, Staff, 564K, OH] KSL [10/11/2017 3:32 PM, Amy Joi O'Donoghue, KSL, 1018K, UT] Statesman Journal [10/11/2017 2:17 PM, Matthew Daly, 258K, OR] KVER [10/11/2017 8:15 PM, Judy Fahys, CA] [MA] Feds ignore objections to Cape Wind Martha's Vineyard Times [10/11/2017 12:18 PM, June Parker, MA] reports that the federal government is continuing to ignore us when it comes to Cape Wind. The recent rubberstamp ofCape Wind's long-term lease of46 square miles ofNantucket Sound disregards the wishes ofthe state, the local government, and the Wampanoag tribes on both Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod. Why don't the feds realize this project is too expensive, outdated, and unwanted in our waters? Over the objections ofthe locals, the U.S. Department ofthe Interior first issued a lease to Cape Wind in 2010. In 2017, nothing has changed. The Steamship Authority, fishermen, the Cape and Islands delegation, the tribes, and many others all wrote to the Department ofthe Interior telling them Cape Wind does not belong in Nantucket Sound, there are far too many conflicts here and to cancel Cape Wind's lease. Their response? To continue to ignore us and instead rubber stamp approval. [UT] Op-ed: Utah delegation needs a clear message about our monuments Deseret News [10/11/2017 10:10 AM, EXT-18-2336-C-000476 Josh Boling, 1322K, UT] reports that ifthe Trump administration, Ryan Zinke and our Utah representatives wanted us to truly trust them then they would stop doing literally everything they could to undermine their own words. The latest: a leak from Trump's White House detailing Interior Secretary Zinke's monument review in which he recommends downsizing both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monuments. [NV] Nevada's Heller, Laxalt join Sandoval in supporting sage grouse decision Nevada Appeal [10/11/2017 6:42 PM, Staff, 22K, NV] reports that Sen. Dean Heller and Attorney General Adam Laxalt have now joined Gov. Brian Sandoval in applauding the BLM decision to cancel withdrawal offederal lands in six western states. The original plan was to withdraw 10 million acres ofland – a third ofthat total in Nevada – to protect the sage grouse. The rules would have severely limited mining and energy development in those areas. But Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke signed an order last week canceling that withdrawal and giving states more flexibility to manage the grouse population. The Buffalo Bulletin [10/11/2017 8:04 AM, Staff, 1K, WY] reports that Wyoming spent a decade tailoring a sage-grouse conservation plan, and when it comes to preserving greater sage-grouse habitat, few states do it better than our own. The Department ofthe Interior and the BLM should proceed with caution before they attempt to amend federal land use plans regarding the greater sage-grouse. And quite honestly, ifit ain't broke, don't fix it. Wide-sweeping changes could backfire as putting the quirky bird's habitat at risk could lead to a listing on the Endangered Species Act, and that would mean more restrictions on everything from agriculture to energy. Earlier this year, Ryan Zinke, Interior secretary, ordered a review ofthe sage-grouse plans and later released a report calling for changes to portions ofthe existing plan. The review and report were in response to industry representatives who said the current plan is too restrictive and expansive. Zinke said he's attempting to find balance between local economies and sage-grouse conservation. We hope that's the case and the EXT-18-2336-C-000477 Interior isn't attempting to appeal to a single group. Doing so will not protect sage-grouse or our Wyoming way oflife. [CA] Fears grow ofwildfires merging in California Washington Post [10/12/2017 4:56 AM, Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Kristine Phillips and Joel Achenbach, 3K] reports that the wind known as the Diablo is picking up again, the air is dry, there is no rain in sight and the killer wildfires that have scorched the wine country ofNorthern California remain almost completely uncontained. Officials warned Wednesday that some ofthe big fires could merge. Statewide, 8,000 firefighters are working to contain 22 wildfires that cover 170,000 acres — a collective area larger than the city ofChicago. The worst are in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties, where 4,500 homes and businesses had been burned at last count. The fire has put a strain on federal resources, too. Coming on the heels ofcatastrophic hurricanes, the California wildfires in total represent just one of22 disasters that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is managing across the nation. Eighty-five percent ofFEMA's 9,900 full-time employees are working "in the field," away from their assigned offices, agency spokesman Mike Cappannari said. With some ofthe fires in the Sierras and Southern California nearing containment, Cal Fire is shifting resources — which include 73 helicopters and 30 air tankers — to the most dangerous fires in and around wine country. The U.S. Forest Service said it has dispatched 740 personnel. "We are in a wickedly dangerous fire situation and when one ofus needs help, all ofus come," said Bob Baird, director offire and aviation management for the Forest Service's Pacific Southwest region. [CA] Whole towns evacuated as Northern California firestorm grows; at least 23 people are dead, 285 missing Los Angeles Times [10/11/2017 10:05 PM, Phil Willon, Paige St. John, Louis Sahagun, Chris Megerian and Alene Tchekmedyian] reports the death toll rose to 21 Wednesday as multiple wildfires continued to spread EXT-18-2336-C-000478 across Northern California's wine country. As firefighters were dealing with wind shifts Wednesday afternoon, new evacuation orders were issued. All residents ofCalistoga were ordered to leave their homes. State and federal officials portrayed an all-out effort to fend offthe devastating wildfires at a news conference at a state emergency operations center outside Sacramento. The situation remains very dangerous, officials said. According to Cal Fire spokeswoman Heather Williams, 11 people have died in Sonoma County, six in Mendocino County, two in Yuba County and two in Napa County. CNN [10/11/2017 8:45 PM, Jason Hanna, Nicole Chavez and Steve Almasy] reports that in hard-hit Sonoma County, SheriffRob Giordano said his office has received 600 reports ofmissing people, ofwhich detectives have been able to locate 315 people. Giordano believes many ofthe 285 people who are unaccounted for will be located once telecommunications issues are solved, but he also fears more bodies will be found. KQED [10/11/2017 4:49 PM, Staff, 1027K, CA] reports that Cal Fire ChiefKen Pimlott gave an updated death toll late Wednesday morning, calling the series ofwildfires in wine country "a serious, critical, catastrophic event." He says 8,000 firefighters are focusing on protecting lives and property as they battle the flames from 21 fires that are chewing through critically dry vegetation. Pimlott says Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Washington are sending firefighters and the U.S. Forest Service is sending fire engines, bulldozers and hand crews. Governing [10/11/2017 7:31 AM, Lizzie Johnson, Trisha Thadani, Melody Gutierrez and Peter Fimrite, 306K, DC] reports that the dire situation was clear as the U.S. Forest Service was called in to help exhausted state firefighters battle 17 active wildfires, which have blackened more than 115,000 acres statewide, and, Pimlott said, the number is expected to keep rising. Mercury News [10/11/2017 12:06 PM, Mark Gomez, Katy Murphy, Erin Baldassari and David DeBolt, 4169K, CA] reports that at a news conference Tuesday morning, officials with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Cal Fire and other agencies reported that 17 fires statewide had burned a combined 115,000 acres and sent 3,200 evacuees to 28 shelters — and that the major fires in Napa and Sonoma were zero percent contained. Some 4,000 people are battling the fires, including crews from Nevada and the U.S. Forest Service. Air tankers dropped 266,000 gallons of retardant from the skies Monday. Good Morning America [10/11/2017 10:05 AM, Staff, 32K, NV] reports that there were a new batch ofevacuation orders in Northern California overnight, with thousands ofpeople on the move. Everywhere you look you see melted metal, which goes on for block after block in a moonscape ofgray ash; in many places the only thing left standing are the chimneys. As firefighters continue to defend downtown Santa Rosa from the onslaught offlames, from the ground and from the air, residents are taking stock ofall they have lost in the heart ofCalifornia wine country. The state ofCalifornia is asking forreinforcement from the U.S. Forest Service. [Editorial note: consult source link for video] [CA] Wildfires Burning Through Cash, Not Just Landscape KQED Public Radio [10/11/2017 3:00 PM, Ryan Levi, 920K, CA] reports wildfires continue to strain government resources throughout California, creating a vicious cycle offires and land burdened with excess fuels, which leads to bigger fires. About a third ofCalifornia is federal land, where fire response and prevention falls mostly to the U.S. Forest Service. All Forest Service fire funds come from its base operating budget, so when firefighting costs shoot skyward as they have over the last several years, resources have to be cribbed from other budget lines like fire prevention and forest health in a system called "fire borrowing." The Forest Service has already spent a record-breaking $2 billion-plus on fire suppression this year, and it estimates that it will have to transfer more than a half-billion dollars from other Forest Service programs to cover fire response forthe year. U.S. Secretary ofAgriculture Sonny Perdue, who oversees the Forest Service, has repeatedly spoken out about the need for Congress to establish a EXT-18-2336-C-000480 dedicated reserve funding source for wildfires similar to what exists for other natural disasters like hurricanes. "This whole department at USDA is going to fight hard to communicate to Congress and the administration that we need permanent fire funding and stop this fire borrowing once and for all," Perdue said at an event last month to introduce new Forest Service ChiefTony Tooke. [CA] Wildfires trample California's $58 billion wine industry MSN [10/11/2017 9:28 AM, Jennifer Kaplan, Lydia Mulvany and Jeffrey Taylor, 66K] reports that the fires ravaging Northern California stand to leave the area's renowned wine industry with damage that will be felt long after the final flames burn out. At least four Napa Valley vineyards have been destroyed or significantly damaged, and the toll may be even worse in Sonoma County to the west. The fires mark the second natural disaster in three years forthe area, which was hit by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake in 2014 that caused at least $500 million in economic damage, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The efforts to quench the fires are far from complete, said Jonathan Cox, a spokesman for Cal Fire, the state's Department ofForestry and Fire Protection. [CA] Will wine country disaster push Congress to fix fire budget? The Trinity Journal [10/11/2017 9:15 AM, Sally Morris, 4K, CA] reports that once a fire is out, there's a lot more work to be done as soil scientists, hydrologists and other field experts assess the damage to predict and prepare for future environmental impacts within the burned areas. It is officially called the Burned Area Emergency Response process, and with the Helena fire more than 91 percent contained as oflast week, that process is well underway through the multi-agency efforts ofthe U.S. Forest Service, BLM and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. [CA] Rives Mansion hits the market for $1.3 million The Downey Patriot [10/11/2017 11:56 AM, Alex Dominguez, 4K, CA] reports that Downey's historic Rives Mansion is officially for sale. After what has been a turbulent few years for Downey's iconic property, the foreclosed mansion officially went on the market Oct. 6 with the bank listing it at $1.3 million. Built in 1911, the home was constructed by L.A. County district attorney James Rives and is listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Register ofHistoric Landmarks as "a most EXT-18-2336-C-000482 interesting link to its agricultural past before Downey's mass suburbanization after World War II." Bureau ofIndian Affairs [MA] Taunton City Council extends emergency services agreement with tribe Taunton Daily Gazette [10/11/2017 12:38 PM, Charles Winokoor, 96K, MA] reports that the 151-acre site ofthe stalled Mashpee Wampanoag resort casino project in East Taunton will continue to be accessible to police, fire and emergency medical services – at least for the next six months. The Taunton City Council, on the recommendation ofCity Solicitor Jason D. Buffington, voted unanimously Tuesday night to extend a memorandum ofunderstanding with the tribe, so that those first responders continue to have legal access to the land. The barren Stevens Street site has been fenced offand devoid ofconstruction activity since a federal judge in 2016 ruled in favor of25 plaintiffs – who challenged the federal Department ofthe Interior and its 2015 decision to place the Taunton land and 170 acres in Mashpee "in trust" as Indian reservation territory. [SD] Family sues Indian boarding school in Pierre for wrongful death Argus Leader [10/11/2017 1:34 PM, John Hult, 106K, SD] reports that the family ofa girl who died after a suicide attempt at a federal Indian boarding school has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the federal government. Emerson Little Elk ofTodd County says the Pierre Indian Learning Center's stafffailed to adequately monitor his granddaughter, who had a history ofdepression and threats ofsuicide, and that the center's staffwas slow to respond when they were informed ofher suicide attempt in October 2015.The family has charged negligence and asks a jury to award compensation for funeral expenses, compensation for pain and suffering and attorney fees. The case was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in South EXT-18-2336-C-000483 Dakota. The girl was 14 years old when the incident took place at the Pierre boarding school, which is overseen by the Department ofInterior's Bureau of Indian Education. The school serves Native American students from first through eighth grades, focusing on those with behavioral, mental health and emotional needs. [MT] Homeland Hero Flathead Beacon [10/11/2017 7:00 AM, Tristan Scott, 27K, MT] reports that as a Pikuni (or Blackfeet) warrior and veteran ofthe United States Marines Corps, Jesse DesRosier believes it is his duty and obligation to protect his country and lands, as well as to uphold the tribe's traditions and culture while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations. DesRosier is marshaling resources to defend a critical aspect ofBlackfeet identity — the natural landscape where Blackfeet derived much oftheir spirituality. Specifically, he and dozens ofother Native American veterans and active-duty members have petitioned U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to defend a sacred ancestral homeland known as the Badger-Two Medicine, a 130,000-acre area named for the two rivers that define it. DesRosier and other tribal members, as well as numerous conservation groups, are seeking to furnish the wild and sacred Badger-Two Medicine with permanent protections from oil and gas drilling. They're currently calling on the Interior Department to defend the Obama administration's cancellation ofthe last remaining oil and gas leases and to protect the area in perpetuity. [AZ] The Largest Coal-Fired Power Plant in the West Is Slated for Closure Sierra Club [10/12/2017 4:00 AM, Evelyn Nieves, 227K] reports that Percy Deal, 68, has been fighting the coal industry all ofhis adult life. In the late 1960s, Peabody Energy started to mine Black Mesa's vast coal deposits. In the process, the company began using billions ofgallons ofthe Navajo Aquifer's water-as much as 3 million gallons a day-to move the coal via a slurry pipeline to the Mohave Generating Station, outside Laughlin, Nevada. EXT-18-2336-C-000484 Deal's quest to find answers fueled a career in politics and made him a prominent voice in the grassroots movement to monitorthe coal business on the reservation. Now, things are poised to change again as the coal mining and the coal-fired energy production on and around Black Mesa are winding down. The Navajo Generating Station, a 2,250-megawatt coal plant on Navajo land that is the largest coal-fired power plant west ofthe Mississippi River, is set to shut down as early as 2019. Since the NGS is the sole customer ofPeabody's Kayenta Mine on Black Mesa, that, too, is supposed to close-unless the tribes can find a way to ship coal outside the region, which many industry analysts consider highly unlikely. [AZ] Navajo Nation President Begaye Testifies before Congress to Fix Problems with 1974 Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act Native News [10/12/2017 12:02 AM, Staff, 57K, MI] reports that on Wednesday, Oct. 4, President Russell Begaye testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs supporting HR 2402. The legislation aims to unencumber Navajo lands that have been encumbered by preference right lease applications (PRLAs). "This important legislation brings to a close one chapter ofa four-decade-old federal statutory obligation to the Navajo Nation that was authorized in the Navajo Hopi Settlement Act of1974," President Begaye said. Introduced by Congressman Ben Ray Luján, HR 2402 is an attempt to rectify a quandary resulting from the Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act of1974. The 1974 Act committed Congress to provide the Navajo unencumbered lands that the Nation would select from federal lands managed by the Bureau ofLand Management. [CA] Camp 4 Final Deal Getting Close Santa Barbara Independent [10/12/2017 5:54 AM, Kelsey Brugger, 81K, CA] reports that resentment and bitterness has built up for years in the Santa Ynez Valley. Valley residents have adopted a "just say no" approach to the Chumash tribe's plans to expand the existing roughly 138-acre reservation. EXT-18-2336-C-000485 This tentative agreement surrounds Camp 4, the 1,400-acre property east of Highway 154. County supervisors Joan Hartmann and Das Williams met privately with Chumash chair Ken Kahn and vice chair Raul Armenta for six months after years of public negotiations failed. The tribe has for six years petitioned the U.S. government to bring Camp 4 into the reservation, saying they need to build more housing. Annexation, which was granted on the last day ofthe Obama administration, frees the land from the county's firm development codes and property-tax rolls. The deal would stipulate that the tribe would pay $178,500 annually while the county would drop its formal opposition. The property would be divided into 143 one-acre plots, one for each tribal member. The agreement would be in place until 2040, which Hartmann said is about longest timeframe federal regulators at the Department ofthe Interior would likely allow. Bureau ofLand Management [TN] Villagers help create a 'hidden gem' The Connection [10/11/2017 8:00 AM, Staff, TN] reports that nestled in the foothills ofthe Smoky Mountains and spanning 31 miles along the eastern shore ofTellico Lake, the East Lakeshore Trail provides plenty ofopportunity for those in the region to enjoy the outdoors. In 2002, Tennessee Valley Authority sold land for the development ofwhat is now the WindRiver community. A small group ofcitizens from Tellico Village, Vonoreand Greenback voiced concerns about possible damage the new development could cause. From there, the Watershed Association ofthe Tellico Reservoir, or WATeR, was born. "It is an all volunteer, not-for-profit organization whose focus is on water pollution, soil erosion and promoting environmental education and appropriate outdoorrecreational pursuits," Bob Martin, WATeR board member, said. "It has sponsored an annual lakeshore cleanup for many years." The East Lakeshore Trail was officially designated as a National Recreation Trail by the United States Department ofthe Interior on May 30, 2012. EXT-18-2336-C-000486 [CO] Legal Protest Targets Trump Fracking Plan That Threatens Colorado River Center for Biological Diversity [10/11/2017 2:26 PM, Staff, 72K] reports conservation groups on Tuesday challenged a Bureau ofLand Management decision to auction offmore than 27,000 acres ofwestern Colorado public lands in December for fracking operations. Fracking would threaten the dwindling water supply in the Colorado River, a water source for about 40 million people. It also would worsen Colorado's air, water and greenhouse gas pollution and further imperil endangered Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker. Warming temperatures driven by greenhouse gas pollution have already reduced flows in the Colorado River, which supplies water to seven western states and Mexico. Scientists project that flow declines could exceed 30 percent by mid-century and 55 percent by the end of the century ifgreenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. [CO] Suit seeks to stop oil-gas drilling on 9 parcels Post Register [10/11/2017 8:17 AM, Associated Press, 47K, ID] reports that a Colorado county and three environmental groups have sued the federal government, saying the sale ofnine oil and gas leases on public land in southwestern Colorado could harm the threatened Gunnison sage grouse. The lawsuit filed in Denver federal court Tuesday says the federal Bureau ofLand Management didn't consult with wildlife managers and didn't conduct required reviews before selling leases in March. The lawsuit asks a judge to invalidate the leases. Agency spokesman Jayson Barangan said officials hadn't seen the lawsuit and couldn't comment. The Gunnison sage grouse was protected under the Endangered Species Act in 2014. Only about 5,000 remain, all in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. The suit was filed by the San Miguel County commissioners, Rocky Mountain Wild, San Juan Citizens Alliance and Conservation Colorado. [WY] US government halts Wyoming wild horse roundup amid dispute EXT-18-2336-C-000487 The Washington Times [10/11/2017 4:29 PM, Mead Gruver, 3771K] reports the U.S. government has agreed to halt a Wyoming wild horse roundup amid a legal dispute over whether it should count foals toward the roundup quota. The U.S. Bureau ofLand Management and roundup opponents agreed in a court filing Tuesday the roundup would stop at 1,560 horses of all ages, a number the BLM was set to reach Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal in Cheyenne was set to rule within days whether to allow the roundup to resume while a lawsuit filed by the opponents moves ahead. The roundup began Sept. 23 and originally was expected to take four to six weeks. The Wild Horse Preservation Campaign and two photographers sued Friday, claiming the BLM was deviating from past practice by not counting captured foals toward the roundup's 1,560-horse limit. A spokeswoman for the BLM's Wyoming State Office, Kristen Lenhardt, declined comment citing agency policy not to comment on pending litigation. SweetwaterNOW [10/11/2017 4:04 PM, Katie Glennemeier, 25K, WY] reports that as ofOctober 10, the project has gathered 1,062 adults horses, 269 foals, and returned 4 animals to the range. Twelve horses been euthanized, all categorized as having chronic or pre-existing conditions diagnosed with a prognosis of"hopeless for recovery" by a veterinarian. Those conditions include conditions like poorly healed fractures, club feet, and deformities. According to the daily reports, the BLM has also shipped 1,148 horses to contracted holding facilities in Rock Springs; Axtell, Utah; and Bruneau, Idaho. Additional reporting: KGAB [10/11/2017 2:36 PM, Associated Press, 16K, WY] Herald and News [10/11/2017 6:45 PM, Staff, 28K, OR] EXT-18-2336-C-000488 Bureau ofOcean Energy Management Scientists Eavesdrop on Little-known Beaked Whales to Learn How Deeply They Dive ScienceNewsline [10/11/2017 8:46 PM, Staff, 12K] reports that scientists have reported the first dive depths for Gervais' and True's beaked whales, two ofthe least known beaked whale species known as mesoplodonts. The study is also the first to use a towed linear hydrophone array to document dive depths for beaked whales, and researchers say it's a promising method to obtain dive depths for other beaked whale species. The findings by NOAA scientists from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) in Woods Hole, Mass. and a colleague now at Hydroacoustics Inc in Rochester, NY were recently reported in the Journal ofthe Acoustical Society ofAmerica. "Much ofwhat we know about beaked whales and their dive depths is from two or three species, and from a few locations. We know so little about Gervais' and True's beaked whales, but now we know something about how deep they dive and at what depths they are foraging, so this is a step forward," said Annamaria Izzi DeAngelis, lead author ofthe study and a marine mammal researcher in the passive acoustics group at the NEFSC. The study was funded by NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Navy N45 Program, and the Bureau ofOcean Energy Management. Data were collected as part ofthe Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS) program. [NJ] New Jersey Gov. Christie Rejects President's Offshore Drilling Plan The Heartland Institute [10/12/2017 7:27 AM, Kenneth Artz, IL] reports that Gov. Chris Christie ofNew Jersey is officially objecting to President Donald Trump's proposal to open the Atlantic Ocean coastline to offshore oil and gas exploration and production. Gov. Chris Christie ofNew Jersey filed formal objections to President Donald Trump's proposal to open the Atlantic Ocean coastline to offshore oil and gas exploration and production. In formal comments filed on August 16, the Christie administration reaffirmed the governor's opposition to any oil and gas production offthe EXT-18-2336-C-000489 New Jersey coast, saying it would endanger the state's natural resources, coastal communities, and overall economy. New Jersey officials have long opposed drilling in the Atlantic, saying they believe any spills could put the state's $700 billion worth ofcoastal properties at risk. In addition, New Jersey's $45 billion shore-based tourism industry and its commercial fishing industry, which generates $8 billion annually and supports approximately 50,000 jobs, could also be harmed by a spill, state officials say. In a letter to the Bureau ofOcean Energy Management filed August 16, Bob Martin, commissioner ofNew Jersey's Department ofEnvironmental Protection, outlined the state's opposition to any offshore drilling. Bureau ofReclamation [AZ] The Sierra Club's Shadowy History with the Navajo Generating Station Sierra Club [10/12/2017 7:27 AM, Bill Corcoran, CA] reports that when, in 2009, the Sierra Club launched a campaign pressing forthe closure ofthe Navajo Generating Station, a massive power plant in the Four Corners region, the move seemed in-line with the organization's new priorities in the age ofclimate change. The Club's Beyond Coal campaign was beginning to hit its strides in halting orretiring coal-burning power plants nationwide, and the Navajo Generating Station, the largest coal plant west ofthe Mississippi River and the seventh largest source ofcarbon pollution in the United States, was a natural target. While the Sierra Club had been working with Navajo and Hopi community leaders over many decades on a variety ofissues, there had not been a clearing ofthe air about the organization's history regarding Navajo Generating Station. As the advocacy targeting the plant intensified, tribal activists rightly called for an airing ofthat history to ensure that the Sierra Club did not repeat past mistakes. The story begins like this: In the early to mid-1960s, the Sierra Club spearheaded a national campaign to prevent construction oftwo hydroelectric dams in the Grand Canyon. For the Arizona political elite and the federal Bureau ofReclamation, the proposed dams would be the keystone ofthe Central Arizona Project—a massive infrastructure scheme to enrich agricultural and development interests by getting water and electricity to EXT-18-2336-C-000490 the booming cities ofPhoenix and Tucson. [Editorial note: consult source link for additional commentary] Fish and Wildlife Service 250 Years After Washington Drained It, Feds Soak A Swamp 88.5 WFDD [10/11/2017 1:17 PM, Ben Finley, 8K, NC] reports that this is a story about a future president who tried to drain a swamp, and government workers who are making it wet again. By returning the habitat to its natural state, they just might keep the Great Dismal Swamp from heating up the planet. It was a young George Washington, working as a surveyor 254 years ago, who saw profits in the wetlands straddling the Virginia-North Carolina border. The seemingly impenetrable swamp had been dismissed as a deadly morass where explorers vanished and runaway slaves escaped. Today, scientists have discovered that the swamp's peat soil is a vital piece of the climate change puzzle, able to either contain or release a greenhouse gas that causes global warming. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is trying to undo damage by gradually "rewetting" the swamp. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the last two big fires at the Great Dismal Swamp released an estimated total of6.2 million metric tons ofcarbon dioxide – more than the annual output ofa million cars. The Albany Democrat-Herald [10/11/2017 11:59 AM, Ben Finley, 49K, OR] reports that now a years-long project is under way to make the swamp wet again in the 113,000-acre national wildlife refuge in Virginia and North Carolina, where ditches dug to reach lumber dried out the peat, releasing climate-changing carbon and making wildfires more frequent. Scientists say that when peat is in its naturally wet state, it holds onto carbon from plants that have died over the course ofcenturies. Dried-out peat, however, releases that carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. EXT-18-2336-C-000491 Mussel, once feared extinct, brought back to Ohio River Outdoor News [10/11/2017 11:29 AM, Associated Press, 18K, MN] A century ago, the mussel, named for the color ofits inner shell and a small protuberance on its outer shell that resembles a feline foot, was also once found in streams as distant as Illinois, Indiana and Alabama, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fact sheet. In announcing the mussel's endangered status, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared that, unless reproducing populations ofthe purple cat's paw could be found or developed, "the species will become extinct in the foreseeable future." With the world's only known population ofpurple cat's paw pearlymusselsbarely numbering two dozen, "a decision was made to relocate them and breed them in captivity and not to just rely on nature," said Michael Schramm, public outreach specialist for Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Bee-Killing Pesticide Found in 75 Percent ofGlobal Honey Samples Gears OfBiz [10/11/2017 12:21 PM, Helen Clark, 223K] reports that there's nothing sweet at all about the results ofa recent study ofhoney from around the world. In samples from every continent except Antarctica, traces ofneonicotinoid pesticides were found in 75 percent of them – even in honey from remote places like Tahiti. Almost halfthe samples contained at least two different types ofpesticides. The contamination rates were highest in North America, where a shocking 86 percent ofthe honey samples contained at least one neonicotinoid. For Asia, it was 80 percent; for Europe, 70 percent. The rate was lowest in South America (57 percent). In the study, published this month in the journal Science, researchers from the University ofNeuchatel in Switzerland tested honey collected by citizen scientists from nearly 200 sites around the world. Earlier this month, the NRDC announced it is suing the Environmental Protection Agency for approving the use ofneonicotinoids without consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ascertain the insecticides' EXT-18-2336-C-000492 impact on threatened or endangered species. The failure to do so is in violation ofthe federal Endangered Species Act. [KY] Bald Eagle Population Soars in Kentucky Before It's News [10/11/2017 10:26 AM, Meredith Abercrombie, 578K] reports that the bald eagle population in Kentucky continues to flourish, with 164 nesting pairs recorded so far in 2017, according to the Kentucky Department ofFish and Wildlife Resources. This is twice as many as seven years ago. There are multiple factors that have contributed to the rise in the eagle population. The ban ofDDT, a pesticide that caused eagle eggs to become fragile, has improved their health significantly. This, along with the nationwide reintroduction program forthe birds and an increase in suitable habitats in the state such as water reservoirs and large wetlands, has helped the once-fleeting population come back to Kentucky, the Kentucky Department ofFish and Wildlife Resources reports. This trend is also common nationwide, with breeding pairs increasing since the implementation ofthe Endangered Species Act of1973, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [SD] The only ND man indicted in a SD sting for selling eagle parts is in custody Grand Forks Herald [10/11/2017 4:38 PM, Barry Amundson, 87K, ND] A man who was the only North Dakotan to be indicted in an undercover operation where 15 people were indicted recently for selling and purchasing eagle and other protected migratory bird parts has denied the charges in a court appearance in federal court in Pierre. Sheldon Tree Top, 43, ofMandan, who faces up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine, was taken into custody last Friday by the U.S. Marshal Service pending his trial. No trial date has been set. He entered a not guilty plea at the hearing. In a two-year operation, an informant with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchased protected eagle parts, as well as those from EXT-18-2336-C-000493 other migratory birds in danger, from a number ofpeople mostly in South Dakota starting in 2014 and lasting into 2016. [MT] Controversy Over Grizzly Bear Protection Continues 90.9 WBUR [10/11/2017 12:26 PM, Cooper McKim, 783K, MA] reports that federal officials are considering removing grizzly bears in a northern Montana region from the endangered species list. This comes on the heels ofa U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision to delist bears in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem – which took decades to resolve. But, the debate is far from over. Several groups have filed lawsuits to stop the switch and keep the grizzlies under federal management. Wyoming Public Radio's Cooper McKim reports. [Editorial note: consult source link for audio] [CA] Opinion: Tiny Mouse Is Huge Success Story for Endangered Species Act Times ofSan Diego [10/11/2017 5:15 PM, Brett Hartl, 60K, CA] reports hikers exploring the canyons and bluffs ofLaguna Coast Wilderness Park may not know it, but they are in the midst ofthe incredible comeback ofone ofCalifornia's most endangered species. Pacific pocket mice recently released into the San Joaquin Hills by the San Diego Zoo have begun breeding on their own. It's a milestone for this tiny animal once thought extinct and a testament to the power ofthe Endangered Species Act. Habitat loss from development decimated the population to the point that it was believed to be extinct. Luckily a small population was "rediscovered" in 1993. They quickly received emergency endangered species protection from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and a captive breeding program was initiated shortly after. US Forest Service EXT-18-2336-C-000494 Wildfires: How They Form, And Why They're So Dangerous National Geographic News [10/11/2017 2:27 PM, Austa Somvichian-Clausen, 10973K] reports as deadly wildfires continue to rage across Northern California's wine country, with winds picking up speed overnight and worsening conditions to now include a combined 54,000 acres of torched land, it now seems more important than ever to understand how wildfires work, and their lasting implications on our health and the environment. Though the exact source ofSonoma County's wildfires is unclear, authorities have pointed to the fact that 95 percent offires in the state ofCalifornia are started by people, according to CNN. Meteorologists aren't yet able to forecast wildfire outbreaks, but there are three conditions that must be present in order for a wildfire to burn. Firefighters refer to it as the fire triangle: fuel, oxygen, and a heat source. The suppression ofnaturally occurring, low-intensity forest fires has actually aided in the ability for high-intensity wildfires to run rampant. In the first halfofthe 20th century, the U.S. Forest Service suffered from what historian Stephen Pyne calls "Pyrophobia," orthe desire to suppress all wildfires. In some places, the path toward a safer, more ecologically sound relationship with fire is being blazed with prescribed fire, and what's being called by officials as "Managed wildfire." Fire crews put their efforts to suppress wildfires around the most fire-prone areas, such as communities, municipal watersheds, and sequoia groves. Otherwise they are learning to let some fires burn themselves out, as nature intended. [NH] White Mountains forest fire still burning a week later Boston Globe [10/11/2017 12:55 PM, Ben Thompson, 4047K, MA] reports that a forest fire that has burned for more than one week on a cliffin Woodstock, N.H., still covers around 70 acres and will continue to smolder until extinguished by heavy precipitation, the U.S. Forest Service said. "While rain over the weekend and holiday helped to dampen the fire's intensity, the fire is not out," U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Tiffany Bennasaid in a statement EXT-18-2336-C-000495 Tuesday. "Due to the very steep rugged terrain and fuels in the burn, this fire will continue to burn at various intensities until extinguished by a rain or snow event." "The fire continues to retain heat and to burn in the duffand root systems," White Mountain National Forest acting Deputy Forest Supervisor Joe Koloski said in the statement. "Weather will play a large role in the fire's behavior over the next few weeks." The blaze first broke out early last Tuesday morning on Dilly Cliffnear Lost River Gorge in Woodstock, and local, state, and federal firefighters have been on scene since then working to contain the fire. [SC] More than 150 roads in need ofrepair around National Forest Count On News 2 [10/11/2017 7:02 PM, Rebecca Collett, 66K, SC] reports potholes pepper the roads through the Francis Marion National Forest. Severe flooding in 2015 coupled with Hurricane Matthew in 2016, led to widespread erosion and damage impacting 157 National Forest System roads. Amid a News 2 investigation into the road problems, the National Forest Service release information they are working to fix the problems. "The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest has been aware of our road system needs and has been taking steps to address this need," according to Francis Marion National Forest Acting District Ranger Warren Tucker. The agency recently awarded two contracts to fix the biggest problems. Priority will be given to arterial roads, roads within established school bus routes, roads leading to private residences and roads identified as emergency evacuation routes. [IN] Region parks, parkways to lose hundreds oftrees Times of Northwest Indiana [10/12/2017 5:00 AM, Ed Bierschenk, 212K, IN] reports that trees are beginning to show offtheir colorful fall finery, but unfortunately for hundreds ofthem, it will be their last appearance in parks and parkways in Hammond and other communities in Lake and Porter EXT-18-2336-C-000496 counties. Leaves actually already have left many ofthese trees, as they succumbed to the larvae ofemerald ash borers that have decimated trees through much ofNorthwest Indiana and the nation. Some 50 years after The Beatles invaded America, another set ofinvaders are leaving their mark on the U.S. This time the tune the beetles are singing could be titled, "I Want to Eat Your Land," and is not music to the ears of tree lovers. Hundreds ofash trees throughout Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties have come down over the last several years, and more will come down in the coming years. In Gary, summer interns with the city's Green Team, urban conservation team members and U.S. Forest Service workers tagged infested trees in public areas, including the Broadway corridor, GreenLink trail, and Barnes, Gateway, Jackson and Reed parks. [OR] Forest Service needs to alter their procedures News Review Today [10/11/2017 2:25 PM, Don Wilson, 36K, OR] reports that I found it disturbing that a Forest Service official stated that about 75 percent of the North Umpqua fires were "good" and just cleaned out the underbrush. Was it planned that way, or were we just lucky? I suspect the latter. I'm sure had areas been thinned, the taxpayers would have gotten a break from the timber sold, plus the fire would have been easier to contain - which would have saved money, and smoke wouldn't have filled the air for weeks, even if thinning slash were burned, because managers can choose days when winds are favorable. It seems to me ifthe Forest Service had an aggressive commercial thinning program 10,000 to 20,000 acres a year - yes, even cutting some big old trees, where managers decided when, where, what and how trees were removed - that the vital resources, soils, water and air would be better protected than ifleft to the whim ofa lightning bolt. [CA] Drought and heat, worsened by humans, help fuel California fires Aol. [10/11/2017 7:31 AM, James Rainey, 15926K] reports that it may take weeks to determine the spark that EXT-18-2336-C-000497 touched offeach ofthe firestorms that consumed hunks ofmore than a dozen California communities this week. But the consensus in the scientific community is that the conditions that cleared a path forthe tsunami of flame were made by humans. Decades ofaggressive firefighting left too much fuel on the ground. And more than a century ofcarbon emissions exacerbated the state's drought and the record high temperatures that baked brush and timber to an explosive dryness. The damage from the wind-driven flames – which destroyed thousands of buildings and killed at least 17 people – is also more grievous because of another man-made initiative: building more and more homes in hilly communities adjacent to brush and woodlands. The early 1900s brought a public campaign for fire suppression after a series ofdeadly blazes. The U.S. created the national Forest Service, whose founding mission was to suppress fire on public lands. "Consequently, there is now a forest 'fire deficit' in the western United States attributable to the combined effects ofhuman activities, ecological, and climate changes," a paper by Jennifer R. Marlon ofYale's School on Forestry and Environmental Studies, concludes. Democracy Now [10/11/2017 11:57 AM, Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, 359K, IL] In California, powerful winds and bone-dry conditions are fueling massive wildfires. The wildfires come after the US Forest Service warned last year that an unprecedented 5-year drought led to the deaths ofmore than 100 million trees in California, setting the stage for massive fires. Climate scientists believe human-caused global warming played a major role in the drought. Park Williams, bioclimatologist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and co-author ofa 2016 report, shows that global warming is responsible for nearly halfofthe forest area burned in the western United States over the past three decades. [Editorial note: consult source link for video] [CA] The Napa Fire Is a Perfectly Normal Apocalypse Fortune [10/11/2017 3:14 PM, Steve Pyne, 8011K] reports on October 8, 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to explore California, sighted smoke around San Pedro Bay. We've been sighting smoke in California and commenting on it ever since. The outbreak ofwildfires in Napa and Sonoma, Calif. 475 years later reminds us that we may need to keep commenting until we truly learn what those smokes are signaling. They tell us that California is intrinsically fire-prone and that people have to live there in ways that accommodate this reality. For some fires, one factor may matter more than others, but they are all present. Still, two factors are particularly immediate and amenable, and they are the focus ofa national cohesive strategy the American fire community has tried to promote. The first is that rural communities and exurban enclaves are towns and should be treated by the same codes and zoning that had taken fire out ofAmerica's long-combustible cities. The second is trickier because it involves cultural values and the landscapes that have become the breeding ground for fire. EXT-18-2336-C-000499 [CA] Forest Service visitor-use surveys begin The Trinity Journal [10/11/2017 9:15 AM, Staff, 4K, CA] reports that beginning in October 2017 and continuing through September 2018, volunteers in orange vests standing near signs saying "Traffic Survey Ahead" will be asking motorists at various locations across the Shasta-Trinity National Forest to participate in a visitor-use survey. The purpose ofthis survey is to determine what activities visitors pursue on National Forest System lands, how visitors evaluate the quality oftheir trips, and recreationists' opinions about facilities and management policies. The information collected is useful for national forest management planning as well as local community tourism. Survey participation is voluntary, responses are confidential and surveys will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. When survey volunteers have the opportunity to speak with local people who use the forest, as well as out-of-area visitors, then all types ofvisitors may be represented in the study. US Geological Survey [WY] Geologists Map the Plumbing Beneath Yellowstone's Old Faithful Geyser Smithsonian [10/11/2017 11:04 AM, Ben Panko, 3009K] Dubbed "Old Faithful" in 1870, this natural wonder produces bursts ofwater every 60 to 110 minutes that spurt more than 100 feet in the air. But exactly what supplies the regular eruptions ofwater? In the new study, published in the journal Geophysical Review Letters, geologists took a more passive tact, writes Sean Reichard ofYellowstone Insider. They scattered 133 seismographs across a 250-acre region surrounding Old Faithful to measure the tiny vibrations the water and steam make as they move underneath the geyser. Over the course oftwo weeks, geologists tracked these tiny tremors, using them to measure the reservoir beneath Old Faithful. It turns out, it was surprisingly large, spanning more than 650 feet across and holding more than 79 million gallons ofwater-far more than the roughly 8,000 gallons released by the geyser in each ofits eruptions. Water is heated by magma that underlies this massive chamber as the pressure climbs; the water is EXT-18-2336-C-000500 eventually ejected out ofthe surface cracks in a column ofscorching-hot water. [WY] 'Supervolcano' Under Yellowstone May Have Planet-Killing Potential CBS New York [10/11/2017 12:56 PM, Staff, 1220K, NY] reports according to reports, a "Supervolcano" sleeping underneath Yellowstone National Park has the destructive capability to send the entire planet into a volcanic winter. Even more unnerving, researchers believe that the Yellowstone volcano could be ready to erupt within the next few decades. Researchers at Arizona State University have presented new data that claims pressure beneath Yellowstone may build up much quicker than previously thought. The findings are changing the timetable for a potential eruption from thousands ofyears to as early as the 2030's. In the hopes ofpreventing the next global catastrophe, NASA has been working on a complicated plan to cool down the fiery time bomb. According to reports, NASA is looking to drill down into the great volcano to open a path for water to be pumped in. The plan may also unlock a new source ofgeothermal energy for use. MSN [10/11/2017 2:20 PM, Trevor Nace, 880K] reports that scientists have relied upon is that when Yellowstone's supervolcano begins to rumble and its magma chambers begin to fill, we would have centuries to prepare for the devastating eruption. Recent studies find that the speed at which the volcano can fill its magma chamber and erupt is on the order ofa few decades. That means Yellowstone supervolcano could go from its usual activity like today to erupting in 2032s. Additional reporting: LatestNewsNetwork [10/11/2017 10:12 AM, Staff, 8K] EXT-18-2336-C-000501 CBS Philly [10/11/2017 12:56 PM, Staff, 838K, PA] reports that with so much talk lately National Park Service National parks need investment from private companies to thrive Elkhart Truth [10/12/2017 6:00 AM, Frank Hugelmeyer and Thomas Dammrich, 13K, IN] reports that with fall upon us, millions ofAmericans will head to America's iconic public lands and waters to soak up what's left ofwarmer weather and get a glimpse offall's renowned foliage. Ensuring Americans' ability to enjoy our country's outdoor spaces is big business and critical to the $887 billion outdoorrecreation industry. Given their significant role in providing healthy, outdoor recreation for Americans and the millions ofjobs and thousands ofsmall businesses they support, it's time our national parks, waterways and other public outdoor spaces get the attention they deserve. In recent months, the decision by the Trump Administration to review the size of27 National Monuments has spurred an important debate. Yet, there is a much greater threat to the nation's recreation economy looming than monument borders and it is an issue that receives little to no attention. Improvements to our outdated recreation infrastructure have gone largely unaddressed by both political parties for decades, no matter who lives in the White House or is in the majority on Capitol Hill. The good news is Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is trying something different. He has laid out a course ofaction that addresses the nearly $20 billion maintenance backlog crippling many ofour outdoor spaces and emphasizes the need to modernize services, lodging, marinas and campgrounds. No more parks? Sierra Club [10/11/2017 11:58 AM, Emily Lande, 227K] On Wednesday, October 11th, EXT-18-2336-C-000502 the House Natural Resources Committee is going to take a vote on a piece of legislation that Chairman Rob Bishop and his anti-parks caucus have been building towards for years. This bill, H.R. 3990, would gut the Antiquities Act, one ofthe key tools for public lands protection that has been used by 16 Presidents, democrat and republican, since it became law in 1906. With Secretary ofthe Interior Zinke's sham monuments review we saw them going after existing monuments; this bill goes after future monuments by making it next to impossible for any president to designate a monument ever again. [NY] Stonewall National Monument's rainbow flag plan was going fine, then things got weird Washington Post [10/11/2017 6:01 PM, Juliet Eilperin and Darryl Fears, 967K] reports the plan to celebrate the rainbow flag flying over Stonewall National Monument was going smoothly. Then things got weird. Activists had pressed for months to get the flag - a long-standing symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community - hoisted atop the flagpole adjacent to the national monument that President Barack Obama designated last year to commemorate the LGBT civil rights movement. The National Park Service agreed to do it, providing a flag that went up Sept. 28, and it worked with activists to put on an event commemorating the act on Wednesday, which was also National Coming Out Day. Joshua Laird, commissioner ofthe National Parks ofNew York Harbor, said in an interview Wednesday that Interior Department officials had made "an inquiry" late last week to his office to determine whether the rainbow flag would be the first one to fly on the ground ofa national monument. NPS officials determined that the flagpole was on city property, rather than the 7.7-acre patch ofland in Christopher Park that constitutes the monument itself. Laird emphasized that the rainbow flag was never removed and that the National Park Service has donated it to the city. He said that Interior Department officials in Washington did want to know whether "it was accurate" that the rainbow flag would set a precedent by flying on federal property but that he would not describe administration officials as raising "a concern" about it. "It's still up, it's still flying there," Laird said ofthe flag. "Visitors to Stonewall National Monument will see it, and 99 percent ofthem will not care ifit's on our property or property." EXT-18-2336-C-000503 The San Francisco Chronicle [10/11/2017 4:19 PM, Staff, 1991K, CA] reports gay rights activists who worked to get a rainbow flag installed at the new Stonewall National Monument in New York City are upset the National Park Service says the flag isn't actually on federal land but on city property. The distinction may seem like a minor one because the flag is flying either way. The group that lobbied for the flag to be flown at the site says the Park Service's announcement the city, not the federal government, would be maintaining the flag seems like a betrayal. Edge Media Network [10/11/2017 2:11 PM, Staff, 2615K, MA] reports that the National Park Service (NPS), which had originally approved and sponsored a ceremony to be held Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at Stonewall National Monument to dedicate the Rainbow flag, has suddenly withdrawn. The event, however, will go on. LGBT activists planning the event with NPS officials cite bureaucratic homophobia for the last-minute change in plans, as the Trump Administration has systematically rolled back LGBT rights at the federal level since January. This historic event had originally been planned as the first time that the LGBT flag will wave over federally-funded land, under the permanent stewardship ofthe National Park Service. NPS personnel were scheduled to speak at the event, but will no longer be in attendance. [NC] Mysterious debris washes ashore in Hatteras, leading to a lot of questions Virginian-Pilot [10/11/2017 10:29 AM, JeffHampton, 633K, VA] reports that rough surfon the Outer Banks just keeps on giving. A piece of aeronautical debris washed ashore Sunday evening in Hatteras Village. It's white, about 15 feet long and maybe 10 feet wide, made ofmetal and synthetic material. The rounded piece had a serial number on it and appears broken from offfrom something else. It did not have many barnacles on the EXT-18-2336-C-000504 surface indicating it had not been in the water long. Photographer Erin Everlee and her neighbors found the object. They called authorities with the National Park Service and later began an internet search. Rocket fairings – protective nose cones – are jettisoned after the rocket gets beyond the earth's atmosphere. Park rangers loaded the piece onto a flatbed truck and hauled it away. Air Force authorities were glad to help, and said they would let them know what it was soon. [TN] Chimney Tops Trail reopens Smoky Mountain News [10/11/2017 4:03 PM, Staff, 10K, NC] reports that for the first time in nearly a year, the Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open to hikers. The trail was closed off last November when a small fire was discovered on the rugged Chimney Tops pinnacle, and when that fire metastasized into a fiery blaze that swept down through the park and into Gatlinburg, it severely damaged the summit, resulting in long-term trail closure. The final quarter-mile oftrail that once led to the Chimney Tops pinnacles is still closed, due to heavy fire damage resulting in safety concerns. However, the trail is now open as far as a newly developed observation point that offers views ofMount LeConte and the Chimney Tops pinnacles. The Road Prong Trail, whose closure had coincided with that ofChimney Tops, is now open as well. "We are excited to complete the work on the Chimney Tops Trail in time for the fall color season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park," said Acting Superintendent Clay Jordan. [MS] Barrier islands to remain closed after Nate WTVM [10/11/2017 6:44 PM, Joyce Philippe, 55K, GA] reports that Mississippi barrier islands will remain closed after post-hurricane assessments revealed moderate to significant damage in multiple areas. The initial evaluations took place at West Ship and Horn Islands. Additional EXT-18-2336-C-000505 inspections will need to be completed on the other islands before they can be reopened to the public. A structural engineering team from the National Park Service will arrive in the area on Thursday to begin formal assessments. The team will survey the Davis Bayou fishing pier, government dock, boardwalks and overlooks, as well as the infrastructure at West Ship and Horn Islands on Friday. Mississippi's barrier islands are managed by GulfIslands National Seashore under the National Park Service. NPS officials say that all properties will open for public use once necessary repairs are completed. [TX] New EPA Rule Will Allow Twice The Pollution From Texas Coal Plants High Plains Public Radio [10/11/2017 10:12 PM, Jonathan Baker, 5K, TX] reports that a new rule enacted by Donald Trump's EPA will allow coal plants to increase the amount ofpollution they pump into the atmosphere, reports The Texas Observer. The new rule will allow coal power plants to emit almost twice as much sulfur dioxide as the previous restrictions instituted by the Obama Administration. Sulfur dioxide is known to exacerbate respiratory illnesses like asthma, and the pollutant is a major contributor to acid rain. The substance famously created haze problems in Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains national parks. Texas resisted the previous pollution rule under the previous administration, until the Obama White House ultimately forced Texas to comply. In response, Texas sued. Now, it appears Texas coal plants have won the day. [MT] Glacier National Park sets annual attendance record Montana Standard [10/11/2017 1:45 PM, Associated Press, 36K, MT] reports National Park Service statistics show that more than 3 million people visited Glacier National Park so far this year, making 2017 the busiest year in park history. The Flathead Beacon reported Tuesday that 3.3 million EXT-18-2336-C-000506 people had visited the park through September, a nearly 13-percent increase during the same nine-month period in 2016. Last year, the park fell short of the 3 million mark by just 37,000 visitors. Total visitation in September, however, was down compared to the same month last year due to a fire that closed a large swath ofthe west side ofthe park, including the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road. [WY] September 3rd busiest in Yellowstone's history Billings Gazette [10/11/2017 12:20 PM, Staff, 195K, MT] reports that Yellowstone National Park hosted 640,068 visits in September, the third busiest on record, but down 8.79 percent from September 2016. Visits may have declined due to several days ofsnowy weather. Road closures resulting from snow, ice and avalanche danger occurred on seven days. Portions ofthe Beartooth Highway were also closed from Sept. 15 to 28. So far in 2017, the park has hosted 3,872,776 visits, down 2.47 percent from the same period in 2016 (which was the highest on record). Even with the decline, year-to-date visitation in 2017 is 19.6 percent higher than five years ago. [WY] Traffic accident kills 4 bison in Grand Teton park Post Register [10/11/2017 8:19 AM, Associated Press, 47K, ID] reports that Grand Teton National Park rangers are investigating a traffic accident that left four bison dead in northwest Wyoming. The accident occurred Oct. 2 in the park on a foggy night on U.S. 26/89/191 when a pickup truck hit one bison on the highway, rolled and then struck and killed three more nearby bison. The National Park Service says the Casper woman who was driving alone escaped with minor injuries. Park spokesman Andrew White tells the Jackson Hole News & Guide that a citation has not been issued but isn't out ofthe question ifit's determined the motorist was traveling too fast for the EXT-18-2336-C-000507 conditions. Wildlife-vehicle collisions are common on the highway, which has posted speed limit of45 mph at night. [WY] Yellowstone Death Linked to a Search for Forrest Fenn's Treasure KCWY [10/11/2017 11:26 PM, Penny Preston, 15K, WY] reports that Yellowstone National Park is confirming the first death there this year was connected to a search for the Forrest Fenn treasure. Forrest Fenn, a New Mexico art collector, hid a box with jewels and coins worth millions in the Rockies. Two men died while searching for the treasure in New Mexico. 53-year old JeffMurphy reportedly started his day hike in Yellowstone on Rescue Creek trail June 7th, 2017. But, a park press release said Murphy's wife reported him missing the next day, so the search for Murphy began. On June 9th, searchers found Murphy's body. Park spokeswoman Morgan Warthin said he apparently died from a fall. [WY] 'UFO' Sighted Zig-Zagging Over Yellowstone Supervolcano Before It's News [10/11/2017 8:12 AM, Staff, 578K] A new video has surfaced on YouTube which shows what appears to be a UFO zig-zagging it's way over the Yellowstone supervolcano in northern Wyoming. Yellowstone has long been a hotspot for alien sightings and UFO enthusiasts. The famed Yellowstone volcano has garnered national interest in recent months, especially over the summer when more than 400 earthquakes hit in one week near the volcano. Experts at the U.S. Geological Survey say the risk ofthe Yellowstone supervolcano erupting is quite low, with a probability ofone in 730,000. [WY] Devils Tower plans prescribed fire EXT-18-2336-C-000508 Rapid City Journal [10/11/2017 7:00 AM, Staff, 107K, SD] reports that Devils Tower National Monument will implement a prescribed burn this fall as conditions permit, according to a news release. Fire management officials from the Northern Great Plains Fire Office and Devils Tower National Monument plan to burn 171 acres in the North Terrace Unit during the next few weeks. The last time a prescribed burn was completed in the North Terrace Unit was during the fall of2005. The burn is needed to remove buildup ofdead fuels and woody herbaceous growth, and encourage the growth ofnative prairie grasses and forbs. If conditions are not acceptable on the scheduled day ofthe burn, it will be postponed until desirable conditions return. [WY] Experts expect record year forlake trout removal Post Register [10/11/2017 8:20 AM, Mark Davis, 47K, ID] reports that the cutthroat trout conservation team at Yellowstone National Park expects to break a record this year, ridding Yellowstone Lake ofmore than 360,000 lake trout. The high mark was set last year, with 358,000 removed from the lake. "They're on a record pace," said Jonathan Shafer, Yellowstone public affairs officer. There are 35 to 40 miles ofnets in the lake every day during the mid-May to mid-October effort. Crews made up ofboth Park Service employees and subcontractors man the nets six days a week in an attempt to crash the lake trout population. Nearly 3 million lake trout have been removed since the program began. Office ofInsular Affairs [PR] Three weeks since Hurricane Maria, much ofPuerto Rico still dark, thirsty and frustrated EXT-18-2336-C-000509 Washington Post [10/11/2017 7:56 PM, Manuel Roig-Franzia and Arelis R. Hernández] reports it has been three weeks since Hurricane Maria savaged Puerto Rico, and life in the capital city ofSan Juan inches toward something that remotely resembles a new, uncomfortable form ofnormalcy. Roughly halfofPuerto Ricans have no working cellphone service, creating islands ofisolation within the island and cutting offhundreds ofthousands ofpeople in regions outside the largest metropolitan areas from regular contact with their families, aid groups, medical care and the central government. Accompanying that vision of the future are worries about outbreaks ofdiseases such as scabies and Zika, which is transmitted by mosquitoes breeding in standing water. Just 63 percent ofthe island's residents have access to clean drinking water, and only 60 percent ofwastewater treatment plants are operating, according to figures released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. [PR] Puerto Rico's hurricane death toll rises to 45 CNN [10/11/2017 9:11 PM, Ray Sanchez] reports nearly three weeks after Hurricane Maria pummeled Puerto Rico, the vast majority ofthe island remains without power and the death toll from the storm has risen to 45, authorities said At least 113 people remain unaccounted for, according to Karixia Ortiz, a spokeswoman for Puerto Rico's Department ofPublic Safety. The recovery has moved slowly since Maria struck the US territory on September 20, leaving most ofthe island without basic services such as power and running water, according to residents, reliefworkers and local elected officials. As of Wednesday 89% ofthe island was without electricity and almost 47% had no phone service, according to a website set up by the Puerto Rican government. Some 43% ofthe island's 313 bank branches remained closed, it said. [PR] Puerto Rico: US officials privately acknowledge serious food shortage The Guardian [10/11/2017 8:06 PM, Richard Wolffe, UK] reports federal officials privately admit there is a massive shortage ofmeals in EXT-18-2336-C-000510 Puerto Rico three weeks after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. Officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) say that the government and its partners are only providing 200,000 meals a day to meet the needs ofmore than 2 million people. That is a daily shortfall of between 1.8m and 5.8m meals. The scale ofthe food crisis dwarfs the more widely publicized challenges ofrestoring power and communications. More than a third ofPuerto Ricans are still struggling to live without drinking water. Conditions on Puerto Rico remain dire; just 16% ofislanders having access to electricity. While commercial flights have resumed, and most gas stations have reopened, much ofthe island's economy remains at a standstill. [PR] Trump's Puerto Rico video tells positive story, leaves misery on cutting-room floor Philadelphia Inquirer [10/11/2017 8:21 AM, Jenna Johnson, 2100K, PA] reports that a few minutes into a video about Puerto Rico reliefefforts that President Trump tweeted out this week is a short clip about U.S. Forest Service workers clearing fallen trees offa road in the rural interior. Over the sound ofchain saws, the Forest Service's fire chiefexplains how this will allow for the easier distribution offood, medical supplies and other aid. But his full comments are cut offby a shift to footage ofa ship used as a hospital. Had the road-clearing clip continued for 15 seconds, the president's millions ofTwitter followers would have heard the fire chiefpraise the people ofPuerto Rico for successfully clearing many roads before the federal government arrived. The sentiment seems contrary to the president's repeated criticism oflocal efforts and his claim in the tweet accompanying the video: "Nobody could have done what I've done for #PuertoRico with so little appreciation. So much work!" [PR] Puerto Rico ReliefBill Cancels $16 Billion in Debt — But Not for Puerto Rico EXT-18-2336-C-000511 The Intercept [10/11/2017 12:01 PM, David Dayen, 1825K] reports that House Republicans unveiled a $36.5 billion disaster reliefsupplemental package Tuesday night, intended to pay for reliefand rebuilding efforts for the floods, hurricanes, and wildfires of the past several months. It includes money for Puerto Rico's ongoing struggle with the aftermath ofHurricane Maria, though only a fraction of that headline number. In fact, $5 billion ofthe funds earmarked for Puerto Rico comes in the form ofa loan, increasing the amount ofmoney the island will eventually need to pay back. And in a cruel irony, the bill also contains $16 billion in debt relief– just not for Puerto Rico's crushing debt. The full House chamber will vote on the bill from the House Appropriations Committee this week. The committee also proposes $576.5 million in U.S. Forest Service and Department ofInterior grants for wildfire suppression and management. [PR] Puerto Rico's treasured rainforest another victim ofHurricane Maria Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [10/12/2017 6:30 AM, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, 968K, PA] reports that when you looked up, you could once see nothing but the lush, emerald canopy oftabonuco and sierra palm trees covering El Yunque National Forest. That was before Hurricane Maria obliterated the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. forest system. Left behind was a scene so bare that on a recent visit, it was possible to see the concrete skyline ofSan Juan about 30 miles west — a previously unimaginable sight. El Yunque has been an enormous source ofpride in Puerto Rico and one ofthe main drivers ofthe island's tourism industry. The 28,000-acre forest on the eastern part ofthe island h EXT-18-2336-C-000512 To: Hinson, Alex[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Laura Rigas[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Newell, Russell Sent: 2017-10-12T17:42:48-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: *DRAFT DOI Daily Comms Received: 2017-10-12T17:42:54-04:00 good thanks Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 5:37 PM, Hinson, Alex wrote: INTERIOR WASHINGTON 10/12/2017 DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT TO: White House Cabinet Affairs Communications FROM: Heather Swift & Laura Rigas SUBJECT: Communications Update Press Inquiries: • Many small inquiries and logistical inquiries Top Stories • CNN: Zinke's travel continues to raise ethical questions • Washington Post: The Energy 202: Coal production is actually up under Trump. Should he get credit? • Salt Lake Tribune: House committee OKs bill to curb president’s monument-creation power under 111- year-old Antiquities Act • Washington Post: Interior Secretary Zinke’s claim that the U.S. has struggled to produce ‘low-cost, abundant and reliable energy’ Top Issues and Accomplishments • Interior continues to support all Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, and Hurricane Nate efforts. All bureaus are executing their emergency plans and assisting in Hurricane relief. • Tomorrow, Secretary Zinke will make a major announcement at Grand Canyon National Park about the results ofa NPS workplace harassment survey. This event will be open press. ### On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 4:55 PM, Hinson, Alex wrote: INTERIOR EXT-18-2336-C-000513 WASHINGTON 10/12/2017 DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT TO: White House Cabinet Affairs Communications FROM: Heather Swift & Laura Rigas SUBJECT: Communications Update Press Inquiries: • Many small inquiries and logistical inquiries. • **Inquires on travel** o DOI Statement: “The Interior Department under the Trump Administration has always and will always continue to work to ensure all officials follow appropriate rules and regulations when traveling, including using government coach class fare options at all times appropriate and feasible, to ensure the efficient use ofgovernment resources.” Top Stories • CNN: Zinke's travel continues to raise ethical questions • Washington Post: The Energy 202: Coal production is actually up under Trump. Should he get credit? • Salt Lake Tribune: House committee OKs bill to curb president’s monument￾creation power under 111-year-old Antiquities Act • Washington Post: Interior Secretary Zinke’s claim that the U.S. has struggled to produce ‘low-cost, abundant and reliable energy’ Top Issues and Accomplishments • Interior continues to support all Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, and Hurricane Nate efforts. All bureaus are executing their emergency plans and assisting in Hurricane relief. • Tomorrow, Secretary Zinke will make a major announcement at Grand Canyon National Park about the results ofa NPS workplace harassment survey. This event will be open press. ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary EXT-18-2336-C-000514 Department of the Interior -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000515 To: David Bernhardt ; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Magallanes, Downey[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Jason Larrabee[jason_larrabee@ios.doi.gov]; Daniel Jorjani[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov]; David Mihalic[david_mihalic@ios.doi.gov]; Micah Chambers[micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov]; Timothy Williams[timothy_williams@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Nachmany, Eli[eli_nachmany@ios.doi.gov]; Aaron Thiele[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov] From: Newell, Russell Sent: 2017-10-12T18:21:19-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: Updated Comms rollout materials for Friday Received: 2017-10-12T18:21:28-04:00 All employee invite to Friday Livestream with Sec. Zinke.docx COMMS PLAN Harassment Report.docx Draft_All employee memo_Survey results (1).docx GRCA All Employees Talking Points for Acting Director Reynolds (1).docx GRCA Media Call Talking Points for Acting Director Reynolds (1).docx Internal and RTQ FAQs on Harassment Survey and Response.docx October 17 webinar v.2.pptx Talking points for superintendents.docx 1013 RZ harassment.docx NPS Work Environment Survey Release.docx All - attached are the latest comms materials forthe NPS survey announcement tomorrow. the Secretary's remarks are the second-to-last document. We made edits to the draft I sent last night based on comments and suggestions. The press release is the last document. The media advisory went out about an hour ago. v/r russell (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000516 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: POLITICO Pro Energy Sent: 2017-10-13T05:42:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Morning Energy, presented by ExxonMobil: Ryan heads to Puerto Rico amid latest Trump dustup — Is Perry abandoning free market principles? — Trump taps climate skeptic White to run CEQ Received: 2017-10-13T05:42:29-04:00 By Anthony Adragna | 10/13/2017 05:40 AM EDT With help from Alex Guillén DIRE SITUATION IN PUERTO RICO GETTING HELP: Amid the latest controversy over President Donald Trump's tweets about the devastation in Puerto Rico, Congress is stressing its commitment to helping the nearly 3.5 million U.S. citizens still in dire need ofassistance. Speaker Paul Ryan leads a bipartisan delegation to tour the devastated island today, a day after the House overwhelmingly passed a bill H.R. 2266 (115) that would aid Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other sites ofrecent severe weather. All 69 lawmakers voting against the bill were Republicans. Senate leaders plan to take up the measure once they finish work on a budget resolution. Meanwhile, the administration sought to walk back Trump's suggestions he might pull the plug on aid to the island. "Our country will stand with those American cities in Puerto Rico until the job is done," ChiefofStaffJohn Kelly said in a press conference. And a FEMA spokeswoman, Eileen Lainez, tweeted: ".@fema will be w/Puerto Rico, USVI, every state, territory impacted by a disaster every day, supporting throughout their response & recovery." Democrats condemned Trump's comments: "Mr. President, do not send a message to any American that we will turn our backs on them. That is not fair; it's not right; and you ought to correct the statement you made this morning," House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer said on the floor. The island's governor, Ricardo Rossello, took a more measured tone: "The U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico are requesting the support that any ofour fellow citizens would receive across our Nation," he tweeted. Meanwhile, two House Democrats — Nydia Velazquez and Bennie Thompson — asked DHS to investigate whether the death toll of45 currently associated with Hurricane Maria is far lower than the actual toll. Situation on the ground: Amid reports residents were trying to drink from wells on Superfund sites, EPA said in a status update that it sent crews to Dorado, Caguas, and San Germán to post signs and attempt to ensure water truck deliveries to those neighborhoods. More than three weeks after the hurricane arrived, 83 percent ofthe island lacks electricity and 36 percent of residents lack potable drinking water, according to government figures. Meanwhile, California continues to battle wildfires that have devastated wine country and claimed at least 29 lives. Smoke from the fires has resulted in the production ofas much as pollution in two days as all ofthe state's cars produce in a year, according to USA Today, and the Bay Area has experienced its worst air quality week in recorded history. EXT-18-2336-C-000517 TGIF EVERYBODY! I'm your host Anthony Adragna, and FERC's Joe McClelland was first to identify Rep. John Moolenaar as the only chemist currently serving in Congress. For today: Who is the tallest U.S. senator in history? Send your tips, energy gossip and comments to aadragna@politico.com, or follow us on Twitter @AnthonyAdragna, @Morning_Energy, and @POLITICOPro. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? A rising chorus ofconservative voices are accusing Energy Secretary Rick Perry ofbetraying free market principles that have long been a GOP hallmark as he presses FERC to fast-track a new regulation that would directly benefit coal and nuclear power plants, Pro's Darius Dixon reports . "This is inconsistent with a longstanding policy of fiscal responsibility and open markets that have always been espoused by what I thought ofas the Republican Party. I'm not sure that we're in the same place today," said former Republican FERC commissioner Nora Mead Brownell, adding that Perry's plan "undoes 20 to 25 years of really hard work." Republicans have long bashed the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan as an example of the government picking winners and losers, but many conservatives are finding it hard to celebrate that regulation's rescission this week as Perry plots a new government intervention. "There is no free market, but you don't fight intervention with intervention," said Tom Pyle, president ofthe pro-market Institute for Energy Research who led Trump's DOE transition team. "He's recognized the symptoms but he's not proposing the right cure." Perry defended his proposal Thursday before a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, arguing the federal government had provided financial support to various sectors for a long time and that power markets were never really fair. "We have subsidized the energy industry for a long time. I, frankly, don't have a problem with that," he said. Asked about the cost ofhis proposal on consumers, Perry also shot back that the issue was crucial forthe nation's security: "What's the cost offreedom? What does it cost to build a system to keep America free?" WHITE ON SCHEDULE: The White House announced late Thursday night that Kathleen Hartnett White, an outspoken critic ofclimate change science, will be nominated as chair ofthe Council on Environmental Quality. That shouldn't shock Pros who recall the April story from POLITICO's Alex Guillén and Andrew Restuccia previewing her nomination. Expect White to have one ofthe more contentious nominations ofthe year as Senate Democrats assail her longtime attacks on climate change science. "Carbon dioxide is not a pollutant," White wrote in an op-ed last year, a major departure from established climate science. She also called for a government commission to review climate science, something Pruitt is carrying out at EPA. ME would also not be surprised ifDemocrats bring up the 2014 piece in which White argued fossil fuels helped end slavery. Plus: The White House said Alex Beehler will be nominated to be assistant secretary ofthe Army for energy, installations and environment. Beehler, a senior Defense Department official during the Bush administration, now runs his own energy consultancy. He worked at Koch Industries from 2000 to 2003 as director ofenvironmental and regulatory affairs, according to his LinkedIn profile. NOAA PICK CAUSES A STORM: Barry Myers' push to place restrictions on the information EXT-18-2336-C-000518 on the National Weather Service releases as CEO ofAccuWeather is raising concerns for how he'd approach such matters as the head ofNOAA, POLITICO's Andrew Restuccia reports. "There seems to be a huge conflict ofinterest considering his business background and belief system," Daniel Sobien, the president ofthe National Weather Service Employees Organization, said. Sens. Bill Nelson and Brian Schatz are among the Democrats who've also expressed concerns with the pick. HOUSE READY FOR A PRUITT APPEARANCE: Energy and Commerce Republicans are getting antsy for EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to make his first appearance before their committee. "There's a lot ofinterest in him coming," Rep. John Shimkus, who chairs the Environment Subcommittee, tells ME. "[Chairman Greg Walden ] is now convinced that it's time the administrator try to make time for us in his schedule." A committee aide said the panel was "currently working" to determine Pruitt's availability, a standard line for the last month. CONGRESS TO GOVERNOR: DID YOU LIE UNDER OATH? The top House Oversight Republican and Democrat formally asked Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder in a letter Thursday whether he lied to them under oath about when he learned ofan outbreak ofLegionnaires' disease connected to the Flint water crisis. "Ifnecessary, you may also choose to amend or supplement your testimony," Trey Gowdy and Elijah Cummings wrote. But Snyder shot back with his own letter shortly afterward defending his testimony as "truthful." EXPANDED WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS PASS: The House unanimously — by a 420-0 vote — sent legislation S. 585 (115) expanding whistleblower protections for federal workers to the White House. It would also provide training to employees so they're aware of their rights. The chamber rejected a push from Democrats to expand the measure to include employees who call out superiors for "improper use ofair transportation" after the resignation of former HHS Secretary Tom Price. CASE STUDY IN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE WOES: Dilapidated infrastructure has forced the closure ofa key lock on the Ohio River in southern Illinois that's led to a 57-mile backup of51 towboats and 564 barges waiting to pass, Pro's Eric Wolffand Tanya Snyder report . The closure ofLock 52 highlights the need for the major cash infusion that Trump promised during a speech along the banks ofthe same river earlier this year. Deb Calhoun, a spokeswoman for the Waterways Council, said the advocacy group for water infrastructure would "hold the administration's feet to the fire," noting "the president said we need to fix it." Situational awareness: Eric and Tanya note Trump himselfhasn't spoken much about his infrastructure package recently — and that the fall timeline for Congress to craft a legislative infrastructure package has slipped away. BACK IN THE DEEP SOUTH: Pruitt was in Mississippi Thursday where he met with Gov. Phil Bryant and held a roundtable to discuss the agency's recent proposal to pull back the Obama￾era Waters ofthe U.S. regulation. "Our job at EPA is not to look at folks in Mississippi as adversaries, but as partners," Pruitt said in a statement. ME would note Pruitt does not appear to have held anything resembling this type ofmeeting in either the Northeast or Pacific Northwest to date. EXT-18-2336-C-000519 MAIL CALL! THEY FOUND SOME BEEF: Four top House Democrats — Peter DeFazio, Betty McCollum, Frank Pallone and Elijah Cummings — sent a letter Thursday asking GAO to investigate whether EPA violated the Antideficiency Act and other federal laws when Pruitt appeared in National Cattleman's BeefAssociation video urging members' to speak up as the agency considered whether to repeal WOTUS. "We request that GAO provide a legal opinion that addresses whether the Administrator's appearance in the promotional NCBA video in connection with the hyperlinked material on the NCBA website complies with the relevant limitations on the use ofappropriated funds forlobbying and publicity or propaganda purposes and the Antideficiency Act," they wrote. CONCERNED OVER SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY: Two senior House Science Republicans — Lamar Smith and Andy Biggs — sent a letter to Pruitt on Thursday seeking a briefing, documents and other information about EPA's Integrated Risk Information System program, which establishes a federal database ofthe risks ofvarious chemicals. "The Committee is concerned about persistent issues regarding the difficulty to correct IRIS assessments that appear to use low-quality science to justify results," they wrote. ** Presented by ExxonMobil: We're collaborating with FuelCell Energy on a novel idea to use fuel cells to capture carbon at natural gas power plants, and in the process reduce emissions and increase electrical output. This technology could be a game changer in addressing the world's growing need for energy, while also reducing the impact on the environment. Learn more. ** FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF GOOD LUCK WITH THAT: Sen. Dianne Feinstein sent a letter to Pruitt Thursday asking him to reconsider his move to rescind the Clean Power Plan. "Your decision to begin repealing the Clean Power Plan not only endangers the lives of Americans, it also undermines America's international credibility," she wrote. GAMEPLAN FOR TACKLING SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and National Park Service acting Director Mike Reynolds will today announce a strategy for eliminating sexual harassment, discrimination and intimidation during an all-employee meeting at the Grand Canyon National Park. Zinke's opening remarks will be public, though an employee question and answer session will be closed. DEMOCRATIC CONSERVATION GROUP LAUNCHES: A new grassroots organization, Democratic Conservation Alliance, launches today with the goal ofelecting and defending Democratic politicians who will fight against anti-conservation policies. "On behalfofAmerica's public land owners, the Democratic Conservation Alliance will help kick anti-park politicians out ofoffice and replace them with champions ofconservation who will make Teddy Roosevelt proud," Matt Lee-Ashley, a board member, said in a statement. AU REVOIR? All fossil fuel powered vehicles would be offthe streets ofParis by 2030 under a plan the city unveiled Thursday, POLITICO Europe's Marion Solletty reports. "The target is by no means written as a 'ban' by 2030 in the climate plan, but rather as a trajectory which seems both credible and tenable," a press release said. Mayor Anne Hidalgo wants diesel cars offthe street by 2024 and gasoline cars gone by 2030. COULD BE INTERESTING: Harvard's T.H. Chan School ofPublic Health examines public EXT-18-2336-C-000520 and private sector responses to climate change today at noon with a panel featuring former EPA chiefGina McCarthy and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. Watch here. MOVERS, SHAKERS: Jennifer Y. Brown is leaving her role as chiefofstafffor the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. The panel's current deputy chiefofstaff, Mark Marin, will replace her. GOT PLANS FOR UNITED NATIONS FOOD DAY? Celebrate on Monday with our Pro Agriculture colleagues, who are hosting a high-level conversation on the future ofthe global food supply. The event, "Greening the Food Supply: Carrots and Sticks that Work," will explore success stories in sustainable agriculture and consider the challenges involved in achieving a sustainable global food supply. Eastern Market is the place: North Hall, 225 7th St., SE. The time is 11:30 a.m. RSVP: here. QUICK HITS — The Grandfather OfAlt-Science. FiveThirtyEight. — Grassley says public could sway EPA rules. Iowa Farmer Today. — The U.S. solar industry's new growth region: Trump country. Reuters. — Canada aligning with U.K. to fight global growth in coal-fired electricity. CBC. — North Dakota landowners' lawsuit against pipeline dismissed. AP. — Oil Prices Fall on Concerns Over Rising U.S. Production. Wall Street Journal. — Where's Zinke? The Interior secretary's special flag offers clues. Washington Post. HAPPENING TODAY 9 a.m. — House Natural Resources Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee holds hearing on onshore energy policy discussion draft, Longworth 1334 THAT'S ALL FOR ME! **Presented by ExxonMobil: Energy is fundamental to modern life and drives economic prosperity - in small communities across America and around the world. We need a range of solutions to meet growing energy demand while reducing emissions to address the risk of climate change. Visit the Energy Factor to learn more about some ofthe bold ideas and next￾generation technologies we're working on to meet this challenge: EnergyFactor.com ** To view online: https://www.politicopro.com/tipsheets/morning-energy/2017/10/ryan-heads-to-puerto-rico-amid￾latest-trump-dustup-025030 Stories from POLITICO Pro EXT-18-2336-C-000521 House passes second massive disaster package Back By Sarah Ferris | 10/12/2017 03:29 PM EDT The House overwhelmingly passed a $36.5 billion emergency funding package Thursday intended to aid hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico and several mainland states, as well as wildfire response efforts in California. In approving (353-69) their second tranche ofhurricane aid in less than five weeks, House lawmakers agreed to the largest disaster package since Hurricane Sandy. But members from both parties describe the latest infusion as a down payment for a much more costly and comprehensive response. "We've had some incredible tragedies and natural disasters," House Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.) said on the House floor Thursday. "We must act quickly to make sure the federal government fulfills its duties to millions ofpeople in need." The legislation (H.R. 2266 (115)) now heads to the Senate, where leaders plan to take it up once the chamber has finished work on a budget resolution. In the wake ofthree deadly hurricanes that pounded the U.S. this season, the aid bill would send another $18.7 billion to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund. That money is used for urgent recovery efforts like power restoration and debris removal, as well as individual needs like housing and child care assistance. The measure also includes $4.9 billion in loans to help Puerto Rico's government make payroll for emergency services like police and fire departments. The federal government has declared a dozen major disasters since August, from the hurricane￾battered Florida coastline to California wine country. More than three weeks after Hurricane Maria hit, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are still reeling from their most devastating disaster in decades and could remain largely without power through the end ofthe year. The bill mostly mirrors the White House's request, including a contentious $16 billion to partially wipe out the National Flood Insurance Program's debt. Several House Republicans, particularly on the Financial Services Committee, balked at the idea ofbacking a longtime Democratic priority. Other conservatives, fueled by criticism from groups like Heritage Action and Club for Growth, condemned the idea ofincluding a flood program "bailout" in an emergency spending bill without reforms to help reach long-term solvency. The GOP opposition was not enough to endanger the bill, however. Leadership ultimately fast￾tracked the legislation, using a process for non-controversial bills that requires the support oftwo￾thirds ofthose voting to achieve passage. Hours before the House began debate, the disaster reliefbill took on fresh urgency as President EXT-18-2336-C-000522 Donald Trump threatened to pull back federal resources from Puerto Rico. "We cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the First Responders, who have been amazing (under the most difficult circumstances) in P.R. forever!" he tweeted. Using their debate time to condemn those remarks, several House Democrats were warned by the presiding officer not to barrage the president on the floor ofthe House. "Mr. President, do not send a message to any American that we will turn our backs on them," the House's No. 2 Democrat, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), said before the passage vote. "That is not fair, that is not right, and you ought to correct the statement you made." Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, called the president's outburst "reckless" at a time when "Americans are suffering and simply trying to survive." And Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) accused Trump of"indifference and soft bigotry." Congress has already enacted $15 billion in emergency aid for hurricane-battered states like Florida and Texas — a bill (H.R. 601 (115)) signed more than a week before Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico. Democrats have for weeks demanded another cash infusion for the Caribbean territory, where the Trump administration has been accused ofresponding too slowly. GOP leaders initially argued that manpower — not cash — was FEMA's most essential resource in the immediate wake ofMaria. And a formal funding request was not expected until mid-to￾late October. But as public pressure mounted, the White House ultimately sped up its timeline and submitted a request last week. Adding to that wish list on Tuesday, the Trump administration called for $4.9 billion to stave off what Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló warned could become a "liquidity crisis." Lawmakers from both parties, including the full 38-member Texas delegation, have pressed for funding beyond FEMA aid and debt reliefforthe flood insurance program. Local lawmakers say they desperately need cash for other rebuilding tools, like the Community Development Block Grant program and the Army Corps ofEngineers. House appropriators have said those programs will likely see boosts in a future aid package, while the current bill is intended for the most urgent, life-saving efforts. "This is the second step. This is not going to be the last one. We are going to need a lot ofmore help in the coming months," Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón, who represents Puerto Rico, said on the floor. "It will take a lot ofresources, a lot ofmoney and a lot of commitment ofU.S. citizens like we are." To view online click here. EXT-18-2336-C-000523 Back Trump sparks new backlash after threatening Puerto Rico aid Back By Matthew Nussbaum and Louis Nelson | 10/12/2017 07:57 AM EDT President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested that U.S. citizens on the hurricane-ravaged island ofPuerto Rico shouldn't get used to assistance from the federal government — a statement that sparked new outrage and left the White House on the defensive. "Electric and all infrastructure was disaster before hurricanes," Trump wrote on Twitter in a series ofposts. "Congress to decide how much to spend. We cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the First Responders, who have been amazing (under the most difficult circumstances) in P.R. forever!" Trump has come under fire for appearing to blame Puerto Rico for neglecting its infrastructure and financial health in recent years, while sparring with local officials and initially giving the U.S. territory less attention than hurricane victims in Texas and Florida. The tweets on Thursday — which landed as nearly 90 percent ofthe island was still without power and nearly 40 percent ofresidents lack access to clean drinking water — particularly touched a nerve. "It is not that you do not get it; you are incapable offulfilling the moral imperative to help the people ofPR. Shame on you.![sic]" Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor ofSan Juan, wrote on Twitter. In recent weeks, she has been a target ofsevere criticism from Trump, who dismissed her and other critics as "politically motivated ingrates." Puerto Rico's governor, Ricardo Rosselló, sought a less fiery path, writing on Twitter: "The U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico are requesting the support that any ofour fellow citizens would receive across our Nation." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said at a news conference that Trump's broadside "is heartbreaking and it lacks knowledge." Two other Democrats, Reps. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), even asked the Department ofHomeland Security to investigate the possible underreporting ofdeaths caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The concern was not contained to Democrats. House Speaker Paul Ryan echoed Trump's comment that the island needs fiscal reforms, but suggested now was not the time for that debate. "At the moment, and it's why I'm going down there tomorrow, there's a humanitarian crisis that needs to be attended to and this is an area where the federal government has a responsibility, and we're acting on it," Ryan said. The White House sought to clean up the comments later on Thursday, with chiefofstaffJohn Kelly telling reporters later that "the U.S. military and FEMA can't be there forever." EXT-18-2336-C-000524 "The minute you go anywhere as a first responder, and this would apply certainly to the military, you are trying very hard to work yourselfout ofa job," Kelly said during a surprise appearance at the White House briefing, adding that FEMA and the military can be withdrawn "hopefully sooner rather than later." He said he had spoken with Rosselló earlier Thursday and that the White House enjoys a "great relationship" with the governor. "Our country will stand with those American cities in Puerto Rico until the job is done," Kelly added. The White House also released a statement from press secretary Sarah Sanders on Thursday afternoon. "Our job in any disaster affected location is to help the community respond and recover from that disaster. We continue to do so with the full force ofthe U.S. government and its resources in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands and other affected areas," Sanders said. "Successful recoveries do not last forever; they should be as swift as possible to help people resume their normal lives. We are committed to helping Puerto Rico. Our Administration is working with Governor Rossello and Congress to identify the best fiscally responsible path forward." And a White House official stressed that Puerto Rico's debt crisis would be addressed independently ofthe disaster reliefprocess. Trump's morning warning came after White House officials had stressed for weeks their intention to work with Puerto Rico throughout the recovery process. And Trump himselfhad said last month that "we will not rest ... until the people ofPuerto Rico are safe." "These are great people. We want them to be safe and sound and secure, and we will be there every day until that happens," Trump said at a manufacturing event on Sept. 29. Puerto Rico has struggled with the devastation from a particularly heavy hurricane season, one that included a direct hit from Hurricane Maria late last month that devastated large swaths ofthe island. The official death toll from the storm has risen to 45, CNN reported Wednesday, and at least 113 people are unaccounted for. Reports ofdesperation are piling up, including from federal government officials. The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday warned Puerto Rican residents against breaking into industrial waste sites in search ofdrinking water. And The New York Times reported that medical care remains a challenge on the island, with just 43 ofthe island's 72 open hospitals currently operating with power. Still, Trump has asserted that his administration's handling ofthe storm has been a great success, and he has rejected any criticism ofthe effort as "fake news." Even as the president has continued to rail against the territory, Congress on Thursday moved forward on hurricane relieffunds, which the White House has also advocated for. The U.S. House passed a $36.5 billion aid package, much ofit targeted at Puerto Rico, by a vote EXT-18-2336-C-000525 of353-69. The legislation marks the largest disaster package since the one provided for Hurricane Sandy victims in 2013. The money would replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency's coffers by roughly $18 billion, which lawmakers say is enough to last for several more weeks. That includes $4.9 billion in emergency loans to ensure the cash-strapped island government can pay its workers and other debts. But GOP leaders have been clear that another installment ofaid will be needed before the end of this year. Emergency responders from all federal agencies, from FEMA to the Defense Department, have been going quickly through their cash reserves in Puerto Rico's worst disaster in decades. And Democrats are saying that Trump's rhetoric is not helping. "The President ofthe United States' most solemn duty is to protect the safety and the security of the American people. By suggesting he might abdicate this responsibility for our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico, Mr. Trump has called into question his ability to lead," Velázquez said in a statement. Sarah Ferris, Colin Wilhelm, Rachael Bade and Heather Caygle contributed to this report. To view online click here. Back Conservatives fret Perry's grid rule runs counter to market goals Back By Darius Dixon | 10/12/2017 05:24 PM EDT Energy Secretary Rick Perry hardened his position Thursday calling for changes to electricity markets to support coal-fired power plants, even as a rising chorus ofconservative voices accused him ofabandoning the free market principles that have been a cornerstone ofthe Republican Party. Testifying before a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, Perry rejected the notion that power markets were fair, and he pointed to financial support that has been doled out to other energy sources for years. "I don't think that you have this perfect free-market world," Perry told lawmakers. "We subsidize a lot ofdifferent energy sources. We subsidize wind energy. We subsidize ethanol. We subsidize solar. We subsidize oil and gas. The question is how do you make it as fair as you can?" Perry's proposal, made public late last month, directed FERC to fast-track a new regulation in power markets overseen by the agency that would allow full cost recovery for power plants that keep 90 days' worth offuel on-site, a threshold that would only include coal and nuclear power plants. EXT-18-2336-C-000526 "We have subsidized the energy industry for a long time. I, frankly, don't have a problem with that," he said. Perry's plan quickly drew opposition from the renewable energy industry and many power generators, as well as the oil and natural gas sector, which has been the biggest competitor for coal in recent years. Market advocates have also criticized Perry, saying that he has turned his back on the market mechanisms that have been at the heart ofRepublican economic policies — and that his home state ofTexas implemented under former Gov. George W. Bush. "This is inconsistent with a longstanding policy offiscal responsibility and open markets that have always been espoused by what I thought ofas the Republican Party. I'm not sure that we're in the same place today," said former Republican FERC commissioner Nora Mead Brownell. "This doesn't feel like draining the swamp to me. It feels like the swamp is expanding and oozing, and now is tinged with coal dust." Perry's proposal "undoes 20 to 25 years ofreally hard work," she said. Republican Rob Powelson, a new FERC commissioner, told a gathering ofstate regulators last week that he didn't "sign up to blow up the markets," according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. He later added in an email to POLITICO that the agency was "looking to address some ofthese market issues but not looking to [undo] the organized markets by picking winners and losers or creating moral hazards in the marketplace." Critics contend that ifFERC adopted Perry's proposal, the electricity markets that dictate prices for tens ofmillions ofAmericans from New Jersey to Illinois would be fundamentally altered to anchor coal and nuclear plants to the electric grid at great cost without a clear guarantee that they wouldn't lose power when the next natural disaster swings through. But Perry has cast the issue as critical for ensuring the security ofthe country. "What's the cost offreedom? What does it cost to build a system to keep America free?" Perry asked Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), who had pressed him on whether DOE had considered how much his recent proposal to aid coal and nuclear power might cost consumers. Coal is the nation's most abundant power-plant fuel, but a combination ofenvironmental regulations, huge surges in natural gas and renewable-energy production and slumping demand for electricity have prompted power companies to shutter many coal-burning plants over the past decade. As recently as 2007, coal provided more than halfthe electric power sector's net electricity generation — but as ofthis summer, that share had fallen to less than a third. Still, other members ofthe administration are still using free-market arguments to attack former President Barack Obama's climate change policies. At a Monday event in Kentucky's coal country with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, EPA chiefScott Pruitt stuck to complaints Republicans have long used to bash the Obama EPA's Clean Power Plan, decrying it as something that "really was about picking winners and losers." But for many conservatives, it's hard to savor the victory ofdismantling Obama's Clean Power Plan when the Trump administration is standing up a new government intervention. EXT-18-2336-C-000527 "It certainly came out ofleft field for me," Nick Loris, an energy and environment fellow for The Heritage Foundation, said ofPerry's proposal. "When I think about what 'all ofthe above' energy looks like, it shouldn't mean subsidize all ofthe above. And this DOE regulation is pushing us down that pathway, and not to limited government." Loris was also unhappy with DOE's recent decision to increase federal loan guarantees for over￾budget Vogtle nuclear reactors in Georgia by $3.7 billion. "For an administration that is intent on wanting to drain the swamp, this is certainly not helping," Loris said. Perry, who President Donald Trump has pressed to keep Ohio coal-fired power plants open, has said he was interested in a "conversation" about how to increase the resilience ofthe grid, but he emphasized on Thursday it was imperative that FERC take quick action. "We can have a conversation and I think [FERC] must move. I think they must act. We've kicked this can down the road," he told lawmakers. But some conservatives say even though U.S. energy markets are far from perfect, Perry's approach is the wrong one. "There is no free market, but you don't fight intervention with intervention," said Tom Pyle, president ofthe pro-market Institute for Energy Research who led Trump's DOE transition team. "He's recognized the symptoms but he's not proposing the right cure." Other critics pointed to the irony ofa Texan seeking to undermine the power markets, since the Lone Star state runs perhaps the most free-wheeling electricity system in the country. "Ifyou've just joined the conversation today, I think you'd be knocked over by the irony ofa Republican — indeed a Texas Republican — advocating for getting in the way ofmarket competition and directly imposing a winner-picking outcome," said Joe Goffman, a senior EPA air adviser under Obama. "To say that there's no free market in electricity is so beside the point as to border on the disingenuous," he added. "Nobody's arguing that there's a free market. What people are arguing for is an unrigged market." Even other conservatives find Perry's position particularly awkward. "There's no free market for electricity, but the one example you could find that might actually call that into question is the state ofTexas," said Travis Kavulla, a Republican who is a vice chairman ofMontana's utility regulator. "It's certainly dissonant with both his reputation, but also the policies ofhis state, which is really unique among the states and has an extremely vibrant and competitive wholesale and retail market for electricity." Perry had the power to fast-track the issue but the proposal's fate decision will ultimately fall to five commissioners at FERC, an agency made up largely oftechnocrats that has long sought to safeguard the energy markets. But a DOE official said that the proposal was not shared with EXT-18-2336-C-000528 federal regulators before it was filed but also emphasized that DOE expects — and is almost counting on — FERC to make major changes to the proposal. "It is impossible to actually foresee this being implemented as-written," Kavulla said. "It's inconceivable that FERC would adopt this. In some ways, this is just DOE lighting a firecracker and throwing it in FERC's direction and saying, 'These coal people have really been on our case. Do something about it!'" To view online click here. Back Trump eyes climate skeptic for key White House environmental post Back By Alex Guillén and Andrew Restuccia | 04/12/2017 06:00 PM EDT President Donald Trump may tap a vocal critic ofclimate change science to serve as the highest￾ranking environmental official in the White House. Kathleen Hartnett White, who says carbon emissions are harmless and should not be regulated, is a top contender to run the Council on Environmental Quality, the White House's in-house environmental policy shop, sources close to the administration told POLITICO. White House officials brought White in for an interview late last month, according to a person familiar with the hiring process, and Trump met with White at Trump Tower in November when she was under consideration to lead the Environmetal Protection Agency. Adding White to the administration would be a major win for Steve Bannon, Trump's chief strategist, and other hard-line conservatives in the White House, who have been feuding behind the scenes for weeks with the more moderate forces in the West Wing over issues like climate change. And her nomination could appease Trump's climate skeptic supporters, who have criticized EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for hesitating to revisit his agency's conclusion that global warming threatens public health. Trump administration officials are divided over whether White is the best person for the job, and they are also considering other candidates to lead CEQ, sources said. A White House spokeswoman declined to comment, saying, "We will let you know when we have an announcement." Like Pruitt, the former Oklahoma attorney general and fossil fuel ally, White would be another voice from a large oil and gas producing state in charge ofclimate change and environmental policy. White is a former chairwoman ofthe Texas Commission on Environmental Quality who now works for a conservative think tank in the Lone Star State. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, a former Texas governor, is said to be advocating on White's candidacy behind the scenes. Tapping White would only deepen environmentalists' fears that the new administration will EXT-18-2336-C-000529 implement a wholesale reversal offormer President Barack Obama's approach to climate change as a serious, long-term threat to the environment and national security. White sat on Trump's economic advisory council during his campaign and since 2008 has worked at the Austin-based conservative think tank Texas Public Policy Foundation, which has received funding from Koch Industries, ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy and other energy companies and utilities. White, who was a registered lobbyist with the group until Nov. 29, has long been a major voice in the niche industry ofpublic figures who question climate science data or downplay the risks ofglobal warming. "Carbon dioxide is not a pollutant, and carbon is certainly not a poison. Carbon is the chemical basis ofall life on earth. Our bones and blood are made out ofcarbon," White wrote in a June op￾ed. She added that CO2 is the "gas oflife" because it is a nutrient used by plants — an argument frequently raised by climate skeptics that most scientists say distracts from the climate-changing components ofthe gas. White's position contrasts sharply with established climate science. In its most recent comprehensive report, the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the leading scientific body on global warming, concluded that the Earth is warming because of human-generated emissions — and that time is running short to stave offthe worst risks of climate change, including increased temperatures, more extreme weather, sea level rise and ocean acidification. Similar findings have been reached by U.S. authorities, including EPA, NASA and NOAA — all agencies that would be subject to guidance White would issue as CEQ chair, ifshe were confirmed by the Senate. In an interview with POLITICO in September, White proposed establishing a "blue ribbon commission" to relitigate climate science, underscoring her unorthodox beliefthat the science showing human-induced climate change is unsettled. The commission, she said, would develop an "alternative scientific methodology" to the IPCC, whose usefulness she said has "reached its peak." Ifnominated, White would likely be an advocate within the administration ofreopening the foundation ofObama's climate change agenda: EPA's 2009 "endangerment finding," a scientific conclusion that greenhouse gases constitute a threat to public health or welfare. Trump told an industry-backed think tank last year that he will "review" the endangerment finding, a potentially difficult task given the scientific consensus on the issue. Any withdrawal of the finding would be challenged by environmentalists in court. Pruitt has so far declined to reopen the endangerment finding, a decision that has infuriated some ofTrump's conservative supporters. White would be able to play a key role in shaping the Trump administration's overall approach to climate change, and she has been clear that she does not think the issue should be addressed by EPA. In 2015, she argued that Obama's rules to limit carbon emissions from power plants EXT-18-2336-C-000530 marked "an unprecedented expansion offederal administrative power" with "no measurable climate benefits." And last May, she urged House Speaker Paul Ryan to pass a bill that would block EPA from regulating carbon dioxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons or other greenhouse gases. At CEQ, White could direct other agencies to turn their attention away from climate change, and she would be in charge ofimplementing recent executive orders on energy development and regulatory streamlining. Last month, Trump ordered the council to revoke recently issued guidance directing all federal agencies to consider climate change when they conduct environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, a decision that would be difficult to challenge in court. And in January, the president told CEQ to come up with a plan to expedite environmental reviews for major infrastructure projects. While environmentalists have long accused GOP officials ofdragging their feet on climate change, White is by far the most outspoken critic ofthe underlying science — and the most ardent defender offossil fuels — that Trump has considered to serve in his administration. In a 2014 blog post, White took aim at an article in The Nation by MSNBC host Chris Hayes, whose "recommendation to avert global warming, like most warmist policies, toys with the greatest advance made by mankind," she wrote. In White's view, there is a connection between "the abolition ofslavery and humanity's first widespread use ofenergy from fossil fuels." The rise ofcoal and oil, she argued, provided economic incentive to end the practice ofslavery in the U.S. and elsewhere. (One critic fired back that the industrial revolution actually "exacerbated" slavery by increasing the demands for slave-produced goods such as cotton.) Putting a permanent CEQ chair in place would also raise the question ofwhere Trump wants decision-making on environmental issues to happen — in the White House or at agencies. The Obama administration shifted major environmental responsibilities from CEQ to EPA and some other agencies as it sought aggressive action on climate change. It remains unclear whether Trump's CEQ will continue in that vein or have a greater role in policymaking, though outside Republicans have encouraged Trump aides to grant the council wide latitude. The council was run from 2015 through the end ofObama's term by Christy Goldfuss, an unconfirmed managing director. Obama never nominated a replacement for his first CEQ chair, Nancy Sutley, who left in 2014. White's criticisms ofObama environmental regulations go beyond climate change. She said in 2015 that EPA's Waters ofthe U.S. rule, which determines which bodies ofwater are subject to federal oversight, "is about amending the definitions ofwell understood words into tortured versions ofthemselves so that the EPA can seize control ofdry land where water may flow after heavy rains." She also criticized the new ozone standard of70 parts per billion, calling the rule's scientific conclusions "a statistical house ofcards" and predicting it "may be the straw that breaks the back ofour struggling economy." EXT-18-2336-C-000531 White, who received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Stanford University, was a commissioner at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality from 2001 to 2007, serving as chairman forthe last four years ofthat term. She previously sat on the Texas Water Development Board. Environmentalists do give White some credit for advances made during her tenure at TCEQ. Luke Metzger, director ofEnvironment Texas, told POLITICO that she helped implement a legislative order to create an online reporting system for major emissions events, which is still used by green activists to track noncompliance by major energy companies. Metzger also credited her with a "slightly improved" enforcement policy, though he noted that she blocked an effort by a fellow TCEQ commissioner in 2006 to boost penalties. In 2008, White joined the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where she directs its Armstrong Center for Energy & the Environment. To view online click here. Back Trump's pick for NOAA chief causes a storm Back By Andrew Restuccia | 10/12/2017 07:52 PM EDT As a top executive at AccuWeather, Barry Myers has pushed for limits on the kinds ofproducts that the National Weather Service offers to the public, saying they offered unfair competition to his industry. Now, President Donald Trump's nomination ofMyers to lead the weather service's parent agency could allow him to make those kinds ofrestrictions mandatory — to the benefit ofhis family-run forecasting company. The AccuWeather CEO's nomination to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is stirring criticism from people who worry he would hobble the weather service, which provoked an industry backlash more than a decade ago by making hour-by-hour forecasts, cellphone alerts and other consumer-friendly data widely available online. A bill that Myers supported 12 years ago, sponsored by then-Sen. Rick Santorum, would have prohibited the agency from competing with private providers in most circumstances. Myers, who has served as a NOAA adviser, has more recently spoken ofcooperation with the agency, including industry's advocacy for Congress to fund its budget. But his critics expressed misgivings nonetheless. "I fear that he'll do irreparable harm to an agency whose primary mission is to save lives," said Daniel Sobien, the president ofthe National Weather Service Employees Organization, which strongly opposes Myers' nomination. "There seems to be a huge conflict ofinterest considering his business background and beliefsystem." EXT-18-2336-C-000532 Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) agreed, calling Myers a "questionable" choice. "As the CEO ofAccuWeather, Barry Myers views NOAA as a direct competitor that provides high-quality forecasts for free," Schatz said in a statement Thursday. He added that "Mr. Myers will have to work very hard to persuade me that he will run NOAA forthe public good." Myers' defenders say they hope he'll use his long experience running a major weather enterprise to modernize NOAA, which also oversees fisheries, marine sanctuaries, endangered species, climate research, satellite data and its own uniformed officer corps. "In past decade, AccuWeather has embraced 'Big Data' and become an advertising & digital innovation behemoth under Myers' leadership," wrote Ryan Maue, the chiefoperations officer at the website Weather.us, in a post on Twitter. Maue separately told POLITICO: "I expect Myers to bring that same vision to NOAA and enhance collaboration with the private sector especially in the role ofspace-based remote sensing and satellites." Myers did not return a call to his office Thursday, and a lobbyist who works with AccuWeather did not respond to emails seeking comment. Myers, whose brother Joel founded AccuWeather in 1962, would join a roster ofother business leaders whom Trump has installed atop his agencies — many ofthem bringing considerable potential conflicts ofinterest to the job. He has degrees in law and business, not the science and math degrees that Bush's and President Barack Obama's NOAA chiefs had. Richard Painter, who served as the top ethics official for President George W. Bush, said Myers can probably meet the legal requirements to separate himselffrom his business. But, he added: "The appearances are awful. He should recuse from any matter that could have a financial impact on the company. And he should sell the stock." Myers indeed "will be liquidating all ofhis private sector holdings," said a spokesman for NOAA's parent agency, the Commerce Department, adding that he'll "be subject to the same ethics and recusal requirements as any federal official." The spokesman also rejected suggestions that Myers would clamp down on the weather service's public offerings. He said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who chose Myers for the job, "sees the provision oftimely, accurate data to the public as one ofthe Department's core missions. This includes weather data provided by the NWS, so there is no risk that Myers will restrict NWS provision ofdata to the public." "Myers has also been a strong proponent offree and open weather data to the public," the spokesman added. But in 2005, Myers supported Santorum's widely panned bill, which would have prohibited the weather service from offering a product or service "that is or could be provided by the private sector" — a provision that would have benefited companies like AccuWeather. The bill made some exceptions, including information needed to protect life and property, but weather entrepreneurs, hobbyists, airline pilots and open-government advocates said it would EXT-18-2336-C-000533 have choked offa wealth ofdata that the National Weather Service had begun making widely available. The legislation would have countered a 2004 policy change by the Bush administration that had eased restrictions on the weather service's ability to offer new products and services. "It is not an easy prospect for a business to attract advertisers, subscribers, orinvestors when the government is providing similar products and services for free," Santorum said when introducing his bill. Critics, including Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), noted that taxpayers had already paid for the weather service's data. Myers told The Palm Beach Post at the time that he wanted the weather service to return to its "core mission ... which is protecting other people's lives and property," rather than spending "hundreds ofmillions ofdollars a year, every day, producing forecasts of'warm and sunny.'" "We work hard every day competing with other companies and we also have to compete with the government," he told ABC News a month later. Myers had donated $1,000 to Santorum's Senate campaign in 2004 and 2005, though the executive also has a track record ofdonating to both Democratic and Republican politicians, including Trump, Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney. Santorum and Myers are both prominent alumni ofPenn State University, and AccuWeather is based near the school's main campus in State College, Pa. Santorum's bill went nowhere, however — an outcome that Maue said turned out to be "the best thing that could have happened for Accuweather as they were on the ground floor ofthe digital/smart phone App revolution for weather apps." More recently, Myers testified to the House Science Committee last year about the need for "embracing free and open data in all situations," while maintaining that "the best public facing forecasts and information comes from the weather industry." Still, he said government, industry and academia each bring their own strengths to the relationship, adding that "NWS need not do everything to keep Americans safe. Others can share the load." Myers estimated that cooperation among the federal government, the private weather industry and academic researchers had saved 1 million to 2 million lives since the late 1950s. But Sobien, the union chief, expressed skepticism about the kind ofpartnership Myers envisions. "In the past, he has supported proposals that essentially made it so the National Weather Service's only function was to provide data to companies like AccuWeather who would then repackage that data and sell them," Sobien said. AccuWeather, which says its forecasts appear on more than 200 major television stations, 900 radio stations and 180,000 websites, has also been aggressive over the years in criticizing the weather service for what it sees as its shortcomings. Among other incidents, the company complained that the weather service had underestimated the strength ofHurricane Claudette before it hit Texas in 2003, and it said the federal agency was late to issue warnings about a 2015 tornado in Oklahoma. EXT-18-2336-C-000534 As recently as February, AccuWeather's website highlighted an incident in which some of NOAA's weather data suffered a "significant outage," while noting that "AccuWeather-produced services remained available and reliable." AccuWeather's sharp-elbowed approach also extends to competition with its rival The Weather Channel, which it replaced two years ago on Verizon's FiOS television lineup. AccuWeather's website has also inspired eye-rolling among some in the weather community by offering 90-day forecasts, which one meteorologist blogging forthe American Geophysical Union dismissed as "scientifically indefensible" and "even worse than the Farmer's Almanac." Members ofthe small community ofweather watchers, who never forgot AccuWeather's support for Santorum's bill, contend it will be nearly impossible for Myers to fully eliminate his conflicts ofinterest. Myers' brother Joel still serves as the company's president and chairman ofthe board. Their brother Evan is the chiefoperating officer. "His family owns the business and he knows the decisions he makes are going to affect the business for years and potentially decades to come," said Andrew Rosenberg, director ofthe Union ofConcerned Scientists' Center for Science and Democracy. He added, "My biggest concern is not that somebody has a business background, but do they genuinely recognize that a job in government is a fundamentally different one from managing and running a private business for profit." Others are reserving judgment. David Titley, a former NOAA official during the Obama administration, said he prefers not to comment on personnel decisions. "We will all have to wait & see in what direction Barry wants to take NOAA," he said in an email. To view online click here. Back Dems move to shield whistleblowers who report pricey travel Back By Kyle Cheney | 10/12/2017 03:08 PM EDT House Democrats on Thursday sought to expand whistleblower protections for federal workers who call out superiors for "improper use ofair transportation," following the mounting questions about Trump administration officials' use ofexpensive forms oftravel. Lawmakers offered the proposal as part ofa debate over broader whistleblower protection. It was rejected by Republicans, as expected, but forced GOP lawmakers to vote on an issue that has drawn increasing scrutiny, as several Trump Cabinet members have faced criticism for regular use ofchartered or military jets. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price resigned last month after a POLITICO EXT-18-2336-C-000535 investigation revealed he took hundreds ofthousands ofdollars' worth ofchartered flights, sometimes to go short distances. And other Cabinet members — including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke — have faced questions about expensive travel at taxpayer expense. A bill under consideration — the Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act — would prohibit federal employees from accessing medical records ofjob applicants or subordinates and includes punishment for supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers. The bill also offers more training to supervisors about whistleblower protections. Democrats offered their proposal as a "motion to recommit," which would have sent the bill back to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to be changed to include their proposed amendment. To view online click here. Back Ohio River jam highlights absence ofTrump's infrastructure plan Back By Eric Wolffand Tanya Snyder | 10/12/2017 06:59 PM EDT Shipments ofcoal and grain are paralyzed at a critical chokepoint on the Ohio River due to dilapidated infrastructure, highlighting the need forthe kind ofmajor capital investment that President Donald Trump promised, in a speech along the banks ofthe same river, three months ago. Lock 52 on the Ohio River in southern Illinois closed Oct. 9 because its infrastructure is too decrepit to function effectively in high water, and it could be several more days before the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers reopens it. The closure has created a 57-mile backup of51 towboats and 564 barges waiting to pass, according to the Waterways Council, an advocacy group for water infrastructure. Trump visited this key inland waterway in June, emphasizing the importance ofwaterways and promising investment. But Trump's fiscal 2018 budget proposal called for cuts to civil works spending. And his campaign promise of$1 trillion forinfrastructure is so far unrealized, even as the New Deal-era locks and dams on the Ohio River degrade and unscheduled delays balloon. That's left commodities producers, who depend on waterways for bulk transportation, in the lurch. In 2015, companies shipped 575 million tons ofcommodities worth $302 billion via waterways. Ofthat total, coal makes up the largest single industry at 23 percent, with grains following at 15 percent. Waterways infrastructure, much ofwhich was built in the 1920s and 1930s and some as part of President Franklin Roosevelt's public works programs, is long past its expected lifespan. The Waterways Council says unscheduled delays have grown by 700 percent over the last decade. The closure ofa single lock on the Mississippi River during harvest season could cost $933 million, according to a University ofTennessee study. EXT-18-2336-C-000536 Carol Labashosky, a spokeswoman for the Louisville district of the Army Corps of Engineers, said having to close Lock 52 isn't unique historically, but there have been frequent intermittent closures at this lock as well as another one downriver throughout September and October. "This fall we've had quite a few closures," Labashosky said. "Some of them have only been a couple of days or one day, but this is a lengthy delay." Labashosky said they'll reopen the lock "as soon as the river cooperates," which she estimated would happen Friday or Saturday. Others are betting on Oct. 15 or 16. Industries reliant on waterways are looking to Trump's promises of infrastructure investment to help modernize and update the locks and dams. The Waterways Council agrees. Deb Calhoun, a spokeswoman for the group, said they want to "hold the administration's feet to the fire. "The president said we need to fix it," she said. In June, Trump spoke on the banks of the Ohio River, in front of a barge filled with West Virginia coal, to proclaim that "America must have the best, fastest and most reliable infrastructure anywhere in the world." Noting the "dilapidated system of locks and dams that are more than half a century old" and the "$8.7 billion maintenance backlog that is only getting bigger and getting worse," Trump declared: "We cannot accept these conditions any longer." But in May the administration released a fiscal 2018 budget that proposed to cut the Corps' civil works budget by about 17 percent. The amount proposed would fund only a small number of the 25 congressionally authorized priority projects, which have a combined portfolio value of $8.8 billion. Calhoun said they are "trying to move forward and not stop and go backwards," and observed that the budget came out when Trump was "pretty new on the job." Trump's budget did address the urgent bottleneck at Locks and Dams 52 and 53. Though it proposed to shut down work on four ongoing Corps waterways projects, it requested $26 million out of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund for the Olmsted Locks and Dam project, which was supposed to solve the problems at Locks and Dams 52 and 53 years ago, but has been mired in delays due to a misguided attempt at a new dam-building method. The Olmsted project, authorized in 1988, was supposed to be finished in 10 years for $775 million. The Corps claims it will be done next summer, nearly 30 years later — with a final cost close to $3 billion. For the remainder of the 25 projects Congress wants to see built, industries are waiting on the infrastructure package Trump promised during the campaign. Trump himself hasn't spoken much about his infrastructure package since proposing that $1 trillion in spending could be leveraged by $200 billion from the federal government. In fact, he has since indicated he may be souring on public-private partnerships, which administration officials and Republican lawmakers had long said would fund 80 percent of the plan. The battle over health care has pushed back the promised tax overhaul, which is not expected to be quick business either. The fall timeline for Congress to craft a legislative infrastructure package has ---- EXT-18-2336-C-000537 slipped away, and no one knows to when. Ohio-based coal producer Murray Energy depends on inland waterways to move its product, and is calling for more spending. "We certainly support President Trump's commitment to rebuild America's infrastructure, particularly the locks and dams along the Ohio, Monongahela and Mississippi Rivers," spokesman Gary Broadbent told POLITICO. Even ifthe Olmsted Locks and Dam opens on time next summer, the project won't be finished until 2022, when the existing Lock 52 and 53 are finally pulled out ofthe river. To view online click here. Back Was this Pro content helpful? Tell us what you think in one click. Yes, very Somewhat Neutral Not really Not at all You received this POLITICO Pro content because your customized settings include: Morning Energy. To change your alert settings, please go to https://www.politicopro.com/settings This email was sent to heather_swift@ios.doi.gov by: POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA EXT-18-2336-C-000538 To: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Gregory Julian[gregory.julian@bsee.gov] From: Angelico, Eileen Sent: 2017-10-13T15:32:50-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Need a sec Received: 2017-10-13T15:39:15-04:00 Here is the text ofthe BSEE release. We expect to issue this afternoon; we do not have an exact time currently. I will advise when we do have an exact time for issuance. ****************************** BSEE Responds to Oil Release in the Gulf of Mexico NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is responding to a report from LLOG Exploration Offshore, LLC of an oil release from subsea infrastructure in 4,463 feet water depth in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 40 miles southeast of Venice, La. The offshore oil and gas operator, LLOG Exploration Offshore, LLC reported to BSEE that production from the field that flows through the subsea infrastructure is shut-in at this time. A sheen was observed and reported through the National Response Center. Monitoring of the residual sheen continues. There are no reports of personnel injuries. The source of the release has been identified. LLOG reported that through the use of a remotely-operated vehicle, a crack was observed in a jumper pipe leading from Mississippi Canyon Block 209 , Well No. 1 to a manifold located on the seafloor. As a result of securing the well, the flow through the crack in the pipe has ceased. A BSEE engineer was on-site at LLOG’s incident command Thursday to verify the release source via the live feed from the ROV. Two BSEE inspectors traveled offshore today to LLOG’s Delta House platform and have initiated BSEE’s investigation. More information including the estimation of spill volume will be provided as it becomes available. EXT-18-2336-C-000539 ### On Fri, Oct 13, 2017 at 3:11 PM, Russell Newell wrote: Thanks Eileen Sent from my iPhone On Oct 13, 2017, at 3:10 PM, Laura Rigas wrote: Super helpful, thank you. Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior On Oct 13, 2017, at 3:09 PM, Angelico, Eileen wrote: Yes, we will send ahead. No needs at present, wanted to be sure to make you aware. Eileen On Fri, Oct 13, 2017 at 3:06 PM, Laura Rigas wrote: Can you pls send us the statement before it goes out? We are on the press call with the boss now about the NPS survey. Thx forthe heads up! What do you need from us? Happy to help in any way. Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior On Oct 13, 2017, at 3:03 PM, Angelico, Eileen wrote: Laura, Russell, and Heather, There is an offshore incident in the GulfofMexico that is under control. ASLM and Deputy Secretary have been informed and EXT-18-2336-C-000540 Scott is keeping them updated. We do plan to put out a statement. Do you need to me discuss with you? Let me know, thanks. Eileen EXT-18-2336-C-000541 To: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-10-13T15:43:02-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: NEPA streamlining? interview request Received: 2017-10-13T18:20:46-04:00 For sure Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 13, 2017, at 12:31 PM, Russell Newell wrote: Can I offer dep sec forthis? Think this would be good. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Kovski, Alan" Date: October 13, 2017 at 2:01:28 PM EDT To: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" Subject: NEPA streamlining? interview request Heather, Alex, Can I interview someone in Interior about efforts to improve the NEPA review process? It would be great ifI could explain what Interior believes are realistic improvements forthese processes. I say “realistic” because of course the courts often get involved and prevent as much streamlining as Interior might like. This was true underthe Obama administration and presumably is more true now. Is this a subject that Deputy Secretary Bernhardt orsomeone else in Interior might be willing to talk to me about? (Not today, of course. Maybe next week?) : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Alan Kovski Staff Reporter EXT-18-2336-C-000542 Bloomberg BNA Office: 703-341-3825 Cell: 571-319-7477 akovski@bna.com EXT-18-2336-C-000543 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Newell, Russell Sent: 2017-10-13T15:47:06-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: NEPA streamlining? interview request Received: 2017-10-13T16:13:19-04:00 thanks Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Fri, Oct 13, 2017 at 3:43 PM, Heather Swift wrote: For sure Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Oct 13, 2017, at 12:31 PM, Russell Newell wrote: Can I offer dep sec for this? Think this would be good. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Kovski, Alan" Date: October 13, 2017 at 2:01:28 PM EDT To: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" Subject: NEPA streamlining? interview request Heather, Alex, Can I interview someone in Interior about efforts to improve the NEPA review process? It would be great ifI could explain what Interior believes are realistic improvements for these processes. I EXT-18-2336-C-000544 say “realistic” because ofcourse the courts often get involved and prevent as much streamlining as Interior might like. This was true under the Obama administration and presumably is more true now. Is this a subject that Deputy Secretary Bernhardt or someone else in Interior might be willing to talk to me about? (Not today, ofcourse. Maybe next week?) : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Alan Kovski Staff Reporter Bloomberg BNA Office: 703-341-3825 Cell: 571-319-7477 akovski@bna.com EXT-18-2336-C-000545 To: Shire, Gavin[gavin_shire@fws.gov]; Ross, Paul[paul_ross@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov] From: Newell, Russell Sent: 2017-10-13T16:10:50-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Consultation Article Received: 2017-10-13T16:11:54-04:00 spoke with Gavin and Paul on this. Recommend Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Fri, Oct 13, 2017 at 8:58 AM, Shire, Gavin wrote: Heather, Could you call me about this matter at your earliest convenience to follow up on Todd's request? Thanks, G Gavin Shire Chief of Public Affairs U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: EA 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 703-358-2649 (o) 703-346-9123 (c) gavin_shire@fws.gov ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Frazer, Gary Date: Fri, Oct 13, 2017 at 8:14 AM Subject: Fwd: Consultation Article To: Gavin Shire Cc: Barbara Wainman Gavin -- See my exchange with Todd below. Could you discuss with Heather and figure out how the Department wants to proceed? thanks -- GDF Gary Frazer Assistant Director -- Ecological Services U.S. Fish andWildlife Service (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000546 (202) 208-4646 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Willens, Todd Date: Fri, Oct 13, 2017 at 8:09 AM Subject: Re: Consultation Article To: "Frazer, Gary" Cc: "Goeken, Richard" I am going to defer to Interior Communications on this and asked Heather Swift to track. Can you have the FWS press shop present this to her for consideration? Todd Willens Assistant Deputy Secretary Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW -- MIB Room 6116 Washington, DC 20240 office: 202-208-6291 NOTE: EveryemailI sendorreceive issubjectto release underthe Freedom of Information Act. On Fri, Oct 13, 2017 at 8:06 AM, Frazer, Gary wrote: Todd -- I spoke with our Public Affairs folks yesterday about In light ofthis, would you like us to Regardless, we do sincerely regret the lapse in judgment in speaking with a reporter on this matter. -- GDF Gary Frazer Assistant Director -- Ecological Services U.S. Fish andWildlife Service (202) 208-4646 On Wed, Oct 11, 2017 at 3:07 PM, Goeken, Richard wrote: The article was in "Inside EPA." It is an electronic newsletter and also comes weekly in a paper format. (b)(5) (b)(5) (b)(5) EXT-18-2336-C-000547 DAILY NEWS Pesticide Reviews Advance But EPA Attainment OfCourt Schedule Uncertain October 02, 2017 Trump administration officials are reviewing staff-level draft biological opinions of the first pesticides to undergo a new process for assessing risks to endangered species but it is unclear whether they will complete their reviews and forward them to EPA in time to meet a year-end court deadline for issuing the final versions. Gina Shultz, deputy assistant director ofecological services at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), tells Inside EPA in a recent interview that the service has completed drafts ofthe first three biological opinions (BiOps) and is currently seeking Trump administration review before forwarding the documents to EPA. “We are in the process oftrying to briefour new policy leadership team” on the fist three draft BiOps completed under an Obama-era framework for assessing pesticide risks to listed species. “We want to make sure that everybody understands and is comfortable with what this is and the science behind” the new process and the initial reviews. Federal officials face a court-ordered year-end deadline for reviewing the first three chemicals -- chlorpyrifos, malalthion and diazinon -- to undergo a new inter-agency process for assessing pesticides' risks under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). But some environmentalists fear the Trump administration will fail to complete the reviews after Dow AgroSciences and other industry officials urged the Trump administration to scrap the process largely crafted during the Obama administration, though they warn that scrapping the process will result in additional work for the agencies, which face later deadlines for a host ofadditional substances. Shultz said she did not know whether federal agencies would meet the year-end deadline for evaluating the first three pesticides. She said FWS next step is to send the draft final BiOps to EPA after Trump administration officials in the Interior Department and its Solicitor's Office complete their review. Shultz also said she is not aware ofany Trump administration response to the industry request to scrap the so-called interim approaches, and that FWS continues to improve the process both internally and through meetings with EPA, the U.S. Department ofAgriculture and the National Marine Fisheries Service. “We are continuing to improve and refine the process,” she said, noting that federal officials have improved maps ofspecies ranges to better focus on the species that are likely to be affected by pesticide use. “The four agencies do continue to meet periodically and share information and discuss lessons learned” and areas for improvement. Shultz' assurance that federal officials are seeking to advance reviews ofthe first pesticides to undergo the new federal review process comes as some environmentalists are raising alarms that the Trump administration will heed Dow's request to scrap the process. EPA recently sidestepped state pesticide regulators' request for an update on the reviews. A source with the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), which won legal deadlines for federal agencies to complete the ESA reviews, says EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, along with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who lead federal wildlife agencies, appear willing to heed pesticide producers' call to scrap the Obama-era process. But a second environmentalist, who has negotiated with industry in an effort to revise the new process, says that federal officials face a significant workload in completing the novel reviews. Although the source called it concerning that federal agencies have not released draft final BiOps for public comment, the source says work is advancing. Section 7 Review EXT-18-2336-C-000548 ESA Section 7 requires that EPA consult with FWS and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service, collectively known as the services, on pesticides' potential risks to listed species. After an EPA biological evaluation, the services craft a BiOp of the product's potential for jeopardizing listed species and lay out reasonable and prudent alternatives that EPA must implement to protect the species. But EPA and the services have long failed to conduct the required consultations on pesticides' risks to listed species, resulting in numerous environmentalist lawsuits that have set legal deadlines for the agencies to consult on risks ofcertain commonly-used pesticides. In November 2013, EPA and federal wildlife officials rolled out the “interim approaches” process based on National Academy ofSciences advice for complying with the ESA in Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act registrations. Since then, EPA officials have acknowledged that the current process is overly conservative but said they are working to improve it and make it more efficient. Nevertheless, on Jan. 18, days before Trump's inauguration, the Obama EPA forwarded the first biological evaluations to the services, in support offinal BiOps due out by December 2017. During a Sept. 18-19 meeting ofthe State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group in Washington, DC, EPA officials sidestepped a request from state pesticide regulators for a status update on reviews ofthe first three pesticides to undergo the new federal process, saying the agency would provide a response in the future. Uncertainty over the status ofinter-agency consultation on the first three chemicals comes after Dow and two other registrants in an April 13 letters, urged top officials at EPA and federal wildlife agencies to scrap the Obama administration ESA pesticide assessment process, charging the interim approaches are “fundamentally flawed and should be set aside.” The companies urged the Trump administration to halt the first three reviews under the new process, and adopt a new approach, though former Obama-era EPA toxics chiefJim Jones has publicly doubted that the Trump administration will be able to adopt “sustainable” long-term changes to the framework. The CBD source says that should the Trump administration heed the industry call to scrap the new process and miss the court-ordered deadline for the first three reviews it would only create more work for federal agencies. “I don't understand what they think they're endgame is. They're just digging themselves into a deeper hole,” the source says, noting that federal agencies face deadlines for completing similar future reviews ofnumerous pesticides, including methomyl, carbarly, and glyphosate. “Ifthey had just moved forward with consultation, they would have far more clarity” on what steps are needed to protect species from various pesticides and to complete the required for reviews, the source adds. Should EPA miss the deadline for the first reviews, the source says, the Trump administration would have to show the court that agencies either lacked the resources or expertise to complete the consultations, a high hurdle given progress agencies made under the Obama administration in developing the process and conducting the reviews. The second environmentalist, who has negotiated with industry in hopes of preserving the Obama-era process, says despite the tight window for seeking public input on the first draft BiOps and issuing the final versions by year-end, federal agencies are continuing the effort. The source said federal officials face a significant workload, noting that EPA's first draft biological evaluations completed under the new process found the first pesticides are likely to adversely affect an overwhelming majority oflisted species and critical habitat, requiring federal wildlife officials to weigh risks to numerous species. “I think these BiOps are still going to move forward,” the second environmentalist source said. “My understanding is it's a lot ofwork.” -- Dave Reynolds (dreynolds@iwpn EXT-18-2336-C-000549 -- Richard W. Goeken Deputy Solicitor, Parks and Wildlife Department ofInterior - Solicitor's Office, MS 6341 Richard.Goeken@sol.doi.gov office - 202-208-3142 mobile - 202-507-1862 EXT-18-2336-C-000550 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: David Bernhardt Sent: 2017-10-13T18:28:15-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Recap today's announcement. Received: 2017-10-13T18:54:13-04:00 What a great report! Well done. Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 13, 2017, at 6:05 PM, Heather Swift wrote: > > The first wave of press has been very favorable. NY Times, AP, LA > Times all have filed stories worth putting on the fridge. Expecting > the gateway papers to issue editorials over the coming week too. > > The live streamed town hall meeting had more than 950 people log on > from parks across the country. I would imagine in many cases more than > one person was watching per computer. That's incredible and > unprecedented reach for NPS web meetings. Their communications office > told me they usually get about 300 for NPS-wide webinars. > > The feedback I received from NPS employees at all levels at Grand > Canyon has been overwhelmingly positive. People are thankful he is > aggressive and forward leaning. Many people used the term progressive. > Many women thanked him for coming to Grand Canyon to make the > announcement. > > Lastly, the overwhelming majority of the questions were pointed and on > topic. I was screening them as I handed them to the superintendent to > read aloud. People were most concerned about retaliation, bullying, > and knowing the right person to report to. > > After we exhausted all on topic questions i allowed questions about > supporting the front lines, empowering local leadership, and > philosophy/leadership style. > > All in, from the press secretary's perspective I would say this was a > very very good day on offense. We could not have done it without the > NPS team and strong policy from Dep Sec and Sol. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department of the Interior EXT-18-2336-C-000551 United States Department of the Interior OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Washington, DC 20240 IN REPLY REFER TO: 7202.4-OS-2018-00127 July 19, 2019 Via email: csaeger@westernvaluesproject.com Chris Saeger Executive Director Western Values Project 704C East 13th St, Suite 568 Whitefish, MT 59937 Re: Western Values Project v. U.S. Dep’t of the Interior, No. 18-2336 (D.D.C.), concerning FOIA requests tracked as 17-00285, 17-01064, 17-01234, 18-00010, 18- 00127, 18-00183, 18-00760, 18-00967, 18-00968, 18-01331, 18-01368, 18-01400 Dear Mr. Saeger: On October 16, 2017, you filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking the following: [A]ccess to and copies of all e-mails sent by or sent to Ms. Heather Swift from (and including) September 25, 2017 – October 15, 2017. This should include the entire contents of Ms. Swift's e-mail inbox and e-mail outbox during this time-period and should include e-mails in which Ms. Swift was merely carbon copied ("CC"). On November 17, 2017, we acknowledged your request and advised you of your fee status under the FOIA. We are writing today to respond to your request on behalf of the Office of the Secretary. We are releasing one file consisting of 494 pages. Of those 494 pages, there are 22 documents released in part with redactions as described below. Additional releases will be forthcoming as we process additional records. Portions of the documents may be redacted pursuant to Exemption 6 of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6)) because they fit certain categories of information: Personal Information Exemption 6 allows an agency to withhold “personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” The courts have held that the phrase “similar files” involves all information that applies to a particular person. Hertzberg v. Veneman, 273 F. Supp. 2d 67, 85 n.11 (D.D.C. 2003). Mr. Chris Saeger 2 To determine whether releasing requested information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, we are required to perform a “balancing test.” This means that we must weigh the individual’s right to privacy against the public’s right to disclosure. (1) First, we must determine whether the individual has a discernable privacy interest in the information that has been requested. (2) Next, we must determine whether release of this information would serve “the public interest generally” (i.e., would “shed light on the performance of the agency's statutory duties”). (3) Finally, we must determine whether the public interest in disclosure is greater than the privacy interest of the individual in withholding. The information that we are withholding consists of personal information, and we have determined that the individuals to whom this information pertains have a substantial privacy interest in it. Additionally, we have determined that the disclosure of this information would shed little or no light on the performance of the agency’s statutory duties and that, on balance, the public interest to be served by its disclosure does not outweigh the privacy interest of the individuals in question, in withholding it. Nat’l Ass’n of Retired Fed. Employees v. Horner, 879 F.2d 873, 879 (D.C. Cir. 1989). In summation, we have determined that release of the information that we have withheld would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of these individuals, and that it therefore may be withheld, pursuant to Exemption 6. Jennifer Heindl, Attorney-Advisor, in the Office of the Solicitor, was consulted in reaching this decision. Clarice Julka, Office of the Secretary FOIA Officer, is responsible for making this decision. For your information, Congress excluded three discrete categories of law enforcement and national security records from the requirements of the FOIA. See 5 U.S.C. § 552(c). This response is limited to records that are subject to the requirements of the FOIA. This is a standard notification that is given to all our requesters and should not be taken as an indication that excluded records do, or do not, exist. If you have any questions regarding any of the issues discussed in this letter, you may contact Ryan McQuighan by phone at 202-513-0765, by fax at 202-219-2374, by e-mail at os_foia@ios.doi.gov, or by mail at U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C St, NW, MS-7328 MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240. You also may seek dispute resolution services from our FOIA Public Liaison, Clarice Julka, at the phone and address above. Sincerely, Clarice Julka Office of the Secretary FOIA Officer Mr. Chris Saeger 3 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: POLITICO Pro Energy Sent: 2017-09-29T05:43:29-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Morning Energy, presented by the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute: Zinke took non￾commercial flights too — Pruitt doesn't plan to pay back his non-commercial flights — How U.S.-Mexico got to yes on water deal Received: 2017-09-29T05:43:45-04:00 By Anthony Adragna | 09/29/2017 05:41 AM EDT With help from Esther Whieldon ZINKE JOINS FLIGHT CLUB: Turns out Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has also used military and charter airplanes while in office, including a charter plane he took to events in his hometown in Montana and private flights between two Caribbean islands, Pro's Ben Lefebvre reports , citing documents and a department spokeswoman. That makes him at least the fourth member ofPresident Donald Trump's Cabinet to bill the costs ofnon-commercial flights to U.S. taxpayers while in office. Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift said the agency selected those options because they couldn't find commercial flights that would work with Zinke's schedule and that ethics officials had given them the all-clear. Among the most notable trips is a June 26 charter flight Zinke and several staffers took from Las Vegas to an airport about 20 minutes from his residence in Whitefish, Mont., at a cost of $12,375. Commercial flights between Vegas and Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Mont., are available for several hundred dollars, according to travel planning websites. During his time in Vegas, Zinke gave a motivational speech at an event for the city's new NHL team hosted by Bill Foley, chairman ofFidelity National Financial, a company whose employees were among Zinke's largest donors during his two congressional campaigns, according to The Washington Post, which also reports the plane Zinke flew on was owned by oil and gas executives. Zinke and staffalso took two chartered flights on March 31 from St. Croix to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to attend the centennial ofthe Danish government turning the islands over to the United States. No other arrangements were available, according to Swift, though websites show commercial flights between the two islands generally run a few hundred dollars. As for your next question: Swift said she had not spoken to Zinke about whether he would reimburse the government for the cost ofthe flights, as HHS Secretary Tom Price said he would late Thursday. But Zinke will be at the Heritage Foundation today for what's billed as "a major policy address" entitled "A Vision for American Energy Dominance" and slated to take questions. More information here. CAN YOU PUT A PRICE ON PRUITT'S NON-COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS? Amid growing criticism from members ofboth parties on Capitol Hill, EPA said late Thursday that Administrator Scott Pruitt wouldn't pay out ofpocket forthe $58,000 worth ofnon-commercial flights he and his staffhave taken on four occasions, Pro's Emily Holden reports. "Ifa FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000001 reimbursement was necessary, we would have been told during the approval process and acted accordingly," agency spokeswoman Liz Bowman said. EPA's general counsel provided ethics approvals for at least three ofthe four trips. Concern from some Republicans: Lisa Murkowski expressed openness to adding language to a spending bill that would prevent Pruitt from taking private flights but hoped it wouldn't come to that, your ME host reports. "I don't think it's appropriate," Murkowski said regarding Pruitt's and Price's use ofprivate aircraft. (We spoke to her before the Zinke news broke.) Meanwhile, Sen. Chuck Grassley asked Trump in a letter Thursday for information on what steps Cabinet secretaries are taking to ensure the "most fiscally responsible travel." But not everyone was so concerned. EPW Chairman John Barrasso wanted more information before he could judge appropriateness ofPruitt's flights and would only commit to having him testify "this year." Barrasso and Majority Whip John Cornyn were among the Republicans who wouldn't answer the broad question ofwhether Cabinet officials should take private transportation. And others like Sen. Jim Inhofe defended the flights. "Ifthere is a problem with it, then there would be a rule against it and there isn't one," Inhofe, a friend ofPruitt's, said. "That's why he checked first to make sure there wouldn't be a problem." Meanwhile, Sen. Tom Udall, top Democrat on the Appropriations subpanel responsible for EPA spending, asked Pruitt in a letter for details on his flying habits and further information on his "privacy booth" that cost taxpayers $25,000. "I do think we can both agree that a fundamental part ofany federal agency's 'core mission' must be the proper and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars," he wrote. And three House Democrats introduced a bill — the SWAMP FLYERS Act (points for creativity) — barring the U.S. oftaxpayer funds on non-commercial travel. WE MADE IT TO FRIDAY! I'm your host Anthony Adragna, and Growth Energy's Chris Bliley was first up to identify Wilt Chamberlain as the NBA Hall-of-Famer who endorsed Richard Nixon in 1968. Fortoday: Which congressman worked as speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan for seven years? Send your tips, energy gossip and comments to aadragna@politico.com, or follow us on Twitter @AnthonyAdragna, @Morning_Energy and @POLITICOPro. PUERTO RICO STILL REELING: More than a week after Hurricane Maria stuck, most of Puerto Rico remains without electricity, phone services and potable water as fuel shortages persist and supplies remain trapped at the port. Trump's Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert said the administration was providing "as much federal reliefinto Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as we can muster," but the government sent a three-star general, Lt. Gen. Jeff Buchanan to help coordinate the response. More aid sought now: House Democrats are banging the drums for another reliefpackage now, according to Pro's Budget & Appropriations Brief. "This has to happen soon, not weeks from now, not in late October," Nydia Velazquez said at a press conference. "We need to see action as early as next week." But Speaker Paul Ryan said those aggressive timelines aren't what first￾responders on the ground actually need and vowed to act on a disaster request once received from the White House. Meanwhile, 19 House Democrats asked the Natural Resources FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000002 Committee to hold an oversight hearing on the government's response. Three tweets from POTUS: "FEMA & First Responders are doing a GREAT job in Puerto Rico. Massive food & water delivered. Docks & electric grid dead. Locals trying.......really hard to help but many have lost their homes. Military is now on site and I will be there Tuesday. Wish press would treat fairly!...Puerto Rico is devastated. Phone system, electric grid many roads, gone. FEMA and First Responders are amazing. Governor said "great job!" THEY MADE A DEAL! U.S. and Mexican negotiators overcame tensions between the two nations because ofTrump's immigration and trade stances to address issues caused by shrinking supplies from the Colorado River, Pro's Esther Whieldon reports . "Water is the lifeblood ofthis region," Jennifer Pitt, Colorado River Project director for the National Audubon Society, said. "It's just too important for the two countries not to have good relations over (it) and not have a plan in place about how to manage supplies reliably for that enormous population." Failing to reach a deal risked years oflitigation in a crisis that would force choices between cutting off water supplies to either farms and sensitive wildlife habitats orto major population centers. COMPANIES TWEAK SOUGHT SOLAR RELIEF: Suniva and SolarWorld USA submitted a joint briefto the International Trade Commission recommending different remedies to imported solar equipment but said that either option could be selected, Pro's Eric Wolff reports. Suniva recommends a price floor for all solar modules that starts at 74 cents per watt and declines over the four years ofthe tariff, as well as tariffs for both modules and the solar cells. SolarWorld said it was seeking a quota of220 MW on imported cells and 5,700 MW on imported modules. Trump has the final call on what to select. Group: Use caution: The Advanced Energy Buyers Group released a letter Thursday asking the ITC not to set "excessive remedies" on imported solar products as it considers a response to the initial ruling last week that imports harmed U.S. manufacturers ofsolar panels. "We recommend a balanced approach with respect to remedies that avoids unduly increasing the cost ofsolar energy," they wrote. "This case has already had a damaging effect on solar projects, raising costs as solar providers prepare for shortages." FAMED WOTUS JUDGE GETS A PROMOTION: The Senate confirmed Judge Ralph Erickson, 95-1, Thursday to a seat on 8th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was the lone vote against. Among energy watchers, Erickson gained national attention when he issued a nationwide stay on the Obama-era Waters ofthe U.S. regulation back in 2015. A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS: Zinke's loaded up his advisory board on staffing and personnel issues with just political appointees, including several former industry lobbyists, Pro's Ben Lefebvre reports. The move contradicts federal guidelines that recommend giving career employees an equal voice in such discussions with the Executive Resources Board. EPA CONFIRMS DAMAGE TO HOUSTON-AREA SUPERFUND SITE: After confirming the protective cap on the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund site sustained damage during Superfund Harvey, EPA directed International Paper and Industrial Maintenance Corporation, the potentially responsible parties at the site, to take "immediate action" to repair the damage. FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000003 Sampling from one ofthe areas showed dioxins present at 70,000 nanograms per kilogram, far above the recommended clean up levels of30 ng/kg. EPW DEMOCRATS WANT SUPERFUND ANSWERS: All the EPW Democrats sent a letter to Pruitt Thursday asking him to affirm his agency would continue to reimburse Superfund litigation costs assumed by the DOJ Environment and Natural Resources Division, after the New York Times reported those payments may be on the chopping block. "Ifthese cuts are adopted, neither EPA nor State regulators will be able to adequately fund site clean-ups or enforce clean￾up agreements, and DOJ will be unable to prosecute polluters in order to compel clean-ups to be paid for by those who caused the contamination in the first place," they wrote. FLOOD INSURANCE-LESS FAA BILL CLEARS CONGRESS: Senators stripped out controversial private flood insurance language and the House then approved a stopgap FAA measure H.R. 3823 (115) on Thursday, Pro Transportation's Lauren Gardner reports . A bipartisan group ofsenators objected to language in the original package encouraging private insurance companies to enter the flood arena. "We can't have a situation happen where people can't sell or buy property because you can't get a mortgage unless you get flood insurance, and you can't get flood insurance because there's none available that's cost-effective," Sen. Marco Rubio said. ** A message from the U.S. Chamber's Global Energy Institute: Coming soon, our team of policy experts will be providing timely reactions and analysis ofenergy news as it happens at Fuel for Thought, the Global Energy Institute's new blogging hub. Sign up now to receive these updates in your inbox: http://bit.ly/2yJpM29 ** MAIL CALL! BISHOP SEEKS REVIEW OF MINERAL WITHDRAWALS: House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop sent a letter to Zinke and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue asking for them to review mineral withdrawals done over the past eight years ofthe Obama administration. "Millions ofacres offederal lands were inappropriately withdrawn from mineral access due to false premises ofenvironmental protectionism and the intentional misuse ofstatutory authority," he wrote. PELOSI CRITICIZES TIMING OF BILL WITH GUN MEASURE: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi criticized the House GOP for pushing a sportsmen's package with a provision that relaxes rules on purchasing gun silencers — expected to come up for a vote shortly — so soon after welcoming back House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, POLITICO's Heather Caygle reports . "This is not a sportsmen's package. This is an NRA wish list," a spokesman for Pelosi said. No date for a vote has yet been announced. PERRY'S IN OHIO: He had to cancel a planned July trip to DOE's Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion plant due to a Cabinet meeting, but Energy Secretary Rick Perry will be in Piketon, Ohio today to tour the Cold War nuclear site that has been undergoing decommissioning since 2011. Joining Perry are Ohio Sens. Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown as well as Reps. Bill Johnson and Brad Wenstrup. The secretary tweeted out a bunch ofpictures from his Thursday visit to a Pennsylvania coal mine (sample here), as well a shot ofhim enjoying a local delicacy, "cold pizza." FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000004 NO FLY ZONE: The FAA and Interior announced Thursday they had restricted the operation ofdrones within 400 feet ofthe boundaries often Interior sites, including the Folsom, Glen Canyon, Grand Coulee, Hoover and Shasta dams. The restrictions, which also include the Statue ofLiberty and Mount Rushmore, take effect Oct. 5. More information here. N.Y. POL PICKED FOR EPA REGION 2: Pruitt announced Thursday his selection ofNew York assemblyman Pete Lopez to run EPA's Region 2 office, which covers New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, Pro's Alex Guillén reports. Lopez, a Republican, has been in the state assembly since 2007 and currently represents a district southwest ofAlbany. PAGING LOLA ZINKE! Troy Downing, a Big Sky businessman challenging incumbent Montana Sen. Jon Tester in 2018, faces seven misdemeanor charges accusing him oftrying to buy Montana resident hunting or fishing licenses as an out-of-state resident, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports. Lola Zinke, wife ofthe Interior secretary, chairs his campaign. PEER BLASTS ZINKE'S STAFF LOYALTY COMMENTS: Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility is slated today to send a letter to its subscribers blasting Zinke for earlier this week questioning the loyalty ofstaffand not following through on his promise to give the front-line staffmore say over decisions. "Public employees work forthe public, not for politicians," PEER will say. The very idea ofa civil service "was to replace a spoils system where employment was based on political allegiance." NOT MINCING WORDS: Former FWS biologist Felix Smith, who in the 1980s blew the whistle on the mass poisoning ofmigratory birds in California's Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge, sent an angry email to Zinke Wednesday blaming him for any pushback he is getting from staff. "You and President Trump have chilled or killed the moral ofa large portion ofthe rank and file ofDOI. I hope they hunker down until this experiment with democracy passes," Smith said in an email obtained by ME. TAKE A GLANCE! The Institute for Policy Integrity New York University School ofLaw is out with a report Thursday arguing the Trump administration's cost-benefit analysis for its Waters ofthe U.S. rule repeal selectively ignores data on the benefits ofthe rule based on the age ofsupporting research studies. It says similar tactics likely appear throughout various regulatory proposals. BIG BENEFITS FROM REDUCING AIR POLLUTION: Reductions in nitrogen oxides and ozone pollution saved $800 million a year in reduced medication use and benefits of$1.3 billion a year in 1,975 fewer deaths each summer, according to a new report from the Energy Policy Institute at the University ofChicago QUICK HITS — Global carbon emissions stood still in 2016, offering climate hope. The Guardian. — China Sets Tough Electric-Car Production Target. Wall Street Journal. — Majority ofAmericans now say climate change makes hurricanes more intense. Washington Post. FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000005 — Standing Rock tribal head who led Dakota Access pipeline fight voted out. Argus Leader. — Spicer Says Rolling Back Regulations Helping Economy. The Allegheny Front. — Fighting the Toxic Nightmare Next Door. Bloomberg Businessweek. HAPPENING TODAY 9:00 a.m. — "Global Hotspots and Security Challenges: A Conversation with Senator Joni Ernst," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 1616 Rhode Island Avenue NW 11:30 a.m. — Secretary Ryan Zinke delivers remarks and takes questions at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE THAT'S ALL FOR ME! ** A message from the U.S. Chamber's Global Energy Institute: For the last decade, we've been at the forefront ofenergy discussions in Washington and around the nation. Now, as the Global Energy Institute, we're ready for an even larger role, reflecting America's growing influence as an energy superpower. Without our vast grassroots network, we're positioned to help the lead the charge for common sense energy solutions that will grow our economy and improve our security. Visit our website to learn more. www.globalenergyinstitute.org ** To view online: https://www.politicopro.com/tipsheets/morning-energy/2017/09/zinke-took-non-commercial￾pricey-flights-too-024828 Stories from POLITICO Pro Interior Secretary Zinke traveled on charter, military planes Back By Ben Lefebvre | 09/28/2017 07:54 PM EDT Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and his aides have taken several flights on private or military aircraft, including a $12,000 charter plane to take him to events in his hometown in Montana and private flights between two Caribbean islands, according to documents and a department spokeswoman. Zinke is at least the fourth senior member ofthe Trump administration to have used non￾commercial planes at taxpayer expense, along with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and HHS Secretary Tom Price. President Donald Trump has fumed at Price's pricey travel, and Democrats say the revelations demonstrate a cavalier attitude by Cabinet members toward excessive spending. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke's charter or military plane trips were booked only after officials were unable to find commercial flights that would accommodate Zinke's schedule, and that all were "pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office." Swift said she had not spoken to Zinke about whether he would reimburse the government forthe cost ofthe flights, as Price plans to do for some ofthe $400,000 tab he racked up on charter flights. FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000006 On June 26, a Beechcraft King Air 200 carried Zinke and several staffers from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Mont., about a 20-minute drive from Zinke's home in Whitefish, according to his official schedule. The flight cost $12,375, Swift said. Zinke left after speaking at an event for the city's new professional hockey team, the "Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp Dinner," according to his schedule. Earlier in the day, he had been in Pahrump, Nev., for an announcement related to public lands. Zinke's flight left Las Vegas at 8:30 p.m. PST and landed around 1:30 a.m. MST in Kalispell. The secretary stayed overnight at his residence, Interior documents show. Las Vegas is one ofthe main connecting airports for commercial flights to Glacier International. Commercial flights between the two cities are available for several hundred dollars a ticket, according to travel planning websites. In Whitefish, Zinke attended the Western Governors' Association's annual meeting, where he spoke for about 20 minutes without taking questions. He then had a private lunch with association members. In the afternoon Zinke was the subject ofa photo shoot with GQ magazine at Lake McDonald and fished while being interviewed by Outside Magazine, the records show. Zinke and staffers flew commercial back to Washington, D.C., the next day, according to the records. The trip was not the first in which Interior booked a private jet for Zinke. On March 31, Interior chartered two flights to take Zinke and stafffrom St. Croix to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to attend the centennial ofthe Danish government turning the islands over to the United States. Another two flights were chartered to return to St. Croix later that night. Swift said she did not know how much the flights cost but that no other arrangements were available. Commercial flights between the two islands generally run a few hundred dollars, according to travel booking websites. In May, Zinke and his wife, Lolita, used a military aircraft to travel to Norway. From there, they flew on a military plane to Alaska for events organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The trip included charter planes to travel within Alaska, a common occurrence in the large, remote state. The Zinkes paid for Lolita's share ofthe trip, the full cost ofwhich was not immediately available, Swift said. Zinke also took a military helicopter from Fort Bliss to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June, and he used a Bureau ofLand Management helicopter to review the Basin and Range National Monument on July 30. "It is difficult to survey a half-million-acre piece ofland with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half," Swift said. Along with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Zinke took a military plane to Ravalli County, Mont., to check on wildfires in the area in August. "The military plane was used because ofa very tight travel window, with no viable commercial airline options to transport two secretaries, FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000007 security details, and associated USDA, Forest Service and Interior staffto Missoula in the time required," said USDA spokesman Tim Murtaugh. The cost ofthe flight was not immediately available, but the two agencies plan to reimburse the Air Force, Murtaugh said. To view online click here. Back Price says he'll repay taxpayers for his private jet travel Back By Rachana Pradhan | 09/28/2017 04:23 PM EDT Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price said he will write a personal check to the federal government for his costs oftraveling on private jets and will permanently halt his use of charter flights. "The taxpayers won't pay a dime for my seat on those planes," Price said in a statement Thursday afternoon. The announcement follows a POLITICO investigation that found Price has taken at least 26 charter flights costing taxpayers more than $400,000 since May to conduct official business within the country. Price's travel, which was first reported over a week ago, has increasingly come under fire from President Donald Trump and former colleagues in Congress. HHS confirmed to several media outlets that Price will write a check to the U.S. Treasury worth $51.887.31 — just a fraction ofthe total travel costs. The department did not confirm those details to POLITICO, which broke the story ofhis chartered flights. HHS did not address the costs ofthe staffand security officials who accompanied Price on those flights. Price, whose use ofprivate jets is being investigated by the HHS inspector general and Congress, said he will no longer charter flights for official business. "No exceptions," he said. President Donald Trump on Wednesday wouldn't commit to keeping Price in his administration, saying only "we'll see" when asked whether Price would be fired. Trump has privately fumed over Price's use ofexpensive charter jets, and some aides have called for firing Price. Hours before Price's announcement, the White House on Thursday said it had ordered HHS to halt all private flights. "As the president said yesterday, he's not thrilled — certainly not happy with the actions," White House press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. Many ofPrice's flights were between major cities that offered inexpensive alternatives on commercial airlines, including Nashville, Philadelphia and San Diego. On some ofthose trips, Price mixed official business with personal affairs. Price's statement came after increasing scrutiny from the Hill. The House Oversight Committee on Wednesday launched a bipartisan investigation into the use ofprivate planes by all Cabinet secretaries. Sen. Chuck Grassley on Thursday sent a letter asking the White House to rein in FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000008 officials' travel costs. Price's decision to reimburse just the costs ofjust his airfare is unlikely to satisfy Democratic lawmakers, who've ripped him forlavishly spending taxpayer dollars while advocating for major cuts to health insurance programs covering low-income Americans. "Until @SecPriceMD has paid back the full amount ofhis private jet flights he is still ripping off taxpayers," tweeted Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Finance Committee. Price, who appeared at a White House event on opioid abuse with First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday, gave no indication that he planned to step down amid the outcry over his private travel. Earlier in the day, Price told reporters he believed the president still supported him, but he later refused to say whether he was worried about losing his job. "I work at the pleasure ofthe president," Price said on Fox News, adding that he hopes to "regain the trust" ofthe American people and those working in the administration. Price said he's complying with the inspector general's review and contended that all his trips passed legal review. Other Cabinet officials' travel has also come under recent scrutiny. Department auditors are reviewing private and military flights taken Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Price, who represented Georgia for more than a decade in the House, has a longstanding reputation as a fiscal hawk and a staunch opponent ofObamacare. As a former chair ofthe House Budget Committee, he proposed federal spending plans that would have repealed the 2010 health law and culled hundreds ofbillions from health care entitlement programs. During his time as secretary, Price backed the White House's proposal to cut $6 billion from the National Institutes ofHealth and slash overall HHS spending by 18 percent. Congress has opposed those cuts. On Thursday, Price said he regretted the concerns that his travel practices has raised. "All ofmy political career I've fought forthe taxpayers," Price said. "It is clear to me that in this case, I was not sensitive enough to my concern for the taxpayer." To view online click here. Back Pruitt won't cover costs for private flights Back By Emily Holden | 09/28/2017 06:48 PM EDT EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt doesn't plan to pay out ofpocket for the $58,000 worth ofnon￾commercial flights he and his staffhave taken on four occasions, according to an agency spokeswoman. FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000009 Pruitt has taken three private government flights and one chartered plane. EPA has said those flights represented the only travel options for reaching scheduled events in time, including taking an Air Force plane to New York at a cost of$36,068.50 to travel to events ahead ofan international energy ministers' meeting in Italy. The agency received ethics approvals from EPA's acting general counsel for three ofthe four trips. "Ifa reimbursement was necessary, we would have been told during the approval process and acted accordingly," agency spokeswoman Liz Bowman said. HHS Secretary Tom Price today said he would write a personal check to the federal government to cover the cost ofhis seat on private jet flights that cost more than $400,000 since May. To view online click here. Back Senate Republicans offer mixed reviews on Pruitt's pricey plane trips Back By Anthony Adragna | 09/28/2017 05:14 PM EDT Senate Republicans were split Thursday over whether to condemn, defend or sidestep questions about EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's expensive use ofcharter and military planes. Lisa Murkowski, who oversees the Appropriations subpanel responsible for EPA funding, said she was open to adding language to a spending bill that would prevent Pruitt from taking private flights, after reports this week revealed EPA spent more than $58,000 for charter flights on private or government-owned planes. But the Alaska Republican said she hopes it doesn't come to that. "I don't think it's appropriate," Murkowski said regarding Pruitt's and HHS Secretary Tom Price's use ofprivate aircraft. "That is clearly something that the executive reins in. You tell your people, 'Look, there's no charter flights.' You set the standard. You set what is acceptable. And I think that should be done." Pruitt used non-commercial flights during trips to Oklahoma, North Dakota and Colorado, as well as to ensure he made a connecting flight to an energy ministers meeting in Italy. The agency's general counsel signed offon the trips, though their high cost has drawn criticism as the Trump administration seeks to slash the agency's budget by one-third. But not everyone was ready to criticize the trips. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), the former Environment and Public Works chairman and a friend ofPruitt, defended the administrator's flights. "Ifthere is a problem with it, then there would be a rule against it and there isn't one," Inhofe told POLITICO in an interview. "That's why he checked first to make sure there wouldn't be a problem." FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000010 Current EPW Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said he was "going to wait and see what comes out" before weighing in on the appropriateness ofPruitt's flights. He did not commit to holding a hearing on the issue, saying only that Pruitt would testify before the committee sometime this year. Asked ifit was generally appropriate for Cabinet officials to take private aircraft, orifhe would have similarly held offcriticism ifit were an Obama administration official involved, Barrasso said, "I want to see what the information is." He added, "With Cabinet members, sometimes it's the only way to get from place to place." Other Republicans declined to answer the broad question ofwhether Cabinet officials should take private transportation or said they were unaware ofthe details ofPrice and Pruitt's travel. "Good to talk with all ofyou," Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) told reporters when asked ifCabinet officials should fly in private jets. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), meanwhile, said he has more questions about Pruitt's and Price's plane tabs. Grassley sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting information on what steps Cabinet secretaries are taking to ensure the "most fiscally responsible travel." Democrats demanded a full accounting ofthe trips and wanted to know ifTrump officials are getting different treatment than Obama Cabinet members. "I wonder why Scott Pruitt is different from [former EPA Administrator] Gina McCarthy in terms ofhis needs," Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said. "Whatever they need [in terms ofsecurity], I think we ought to give it to them, but they shouldn't get anything more than they need." Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on EPW, called for Pruitt to testify in the near future. "This is one ofthose situations where the best disinfectant is sunshine," Carper said. To view online click here. Back House Democrats want White House briefing on Puerto Rico Back By Heather Caygle | 09/28/2017 02:02 PM EDT House Democrats want top Trump administration officials to briefthe caucus as soon as possible on what lawmakers say has been the White House's anemic response to the devastation in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) on Thursday invited White House ChiefofStaffJohn Kelly and acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke to come speak to the caucus, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO. "We are deeply concerned by the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as a result ofthe recent devastating hurricanes, and what has seemed to be an FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000011 inadequate response by the federal government to date," wrote Crowley and several other Democrats with close ties to Puerto Rico. "Natural disasters know no political bounds and have no party affiliations. That is why a meeting between the both ofyou and the House Democratic Caucus is needed," they added. Democrats also say they're concerned by reports that the White House might not send Congress a formal request for disaster aid until several weeks from now, something lawmakers say is unacceptable given the state ofthe two U.S. territories. Puerto Rico remains without power and many ofits 3.5 million U.S. citizens have limited access to basic human necessities including food and clean water. The U.S. Virgin Islands and its more than 100,000 inhabitants were also devastated by the storm. Lawmakers on both sides ofthe aisle have chided the Trump administration for what they say is an indefensibly slow response to help the territories after they were devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The White House said Thursday it would temporarily grant Puerto Rico a reprieve from the Jones Act, a decades-old law that blocks non-U.S. ships from transporting goods to the island. The Trump administration denied a similar request two days ago, with the president telling reporters Wednesday that the shipping industry had objected to granting the waiver. But some Democrats criticized the move saying the waiver — which will last for 10 days — doesn't provide nearly enough time for supplies to get to the island to start the rebuilding process. DHS has said the waiver can be extended ifnecessary. Democrats, in the letter, inviting Kelly and Duke, say the administration should also be sending telecommunication supplies to Puerto Rico to restore phone service and refrigeration units for food and medicine. "We also cannot forget that residents ofPuerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are citizens of the United States, and they are deserving ofour federal government's full attention and resources," the lawmakers wrote. Other members who signed the letter include House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), José Serrano (D-N.Y.), Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and U.S. Virgin Island Delegate Stacey Plaskett. To view online click here. Back House Democrats want White House briefing on Puerto Rico Back By Heather Caygle | 09/28/2017 02:02 PM EDT FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000012 House Democrats want top Trump administration officials to briefthe caucus as soon as possible on what lawmakers say has been the White House's anemic response to the devastation in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) on Thursday invited White House ChiefofStaffJohn Kelly and acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke to come speak to the caucus, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO. "We are deeply concerned by the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as a result ofthe recent devastating hurricanes, and what has seemed to be an inadequate response by the federal government to date," wrote Crowley and several other Democrats with close ties to Puerto Rico. "Natural disasters know no political bounds and have no party affiliations. That is why a meeting between the both ofyou and the House Democratic Caucus is needed," they added. Democrats also say they're concerned by reports that the White House might not send Congress a formal request for disaster aid until several weeks from now, something lawmakers say is unacceptable given the state ofthe two U.S. territories. Puerto Rico remains without power and many ofits 3.5 million U.S. citizens have limited access to basic human necessities including food and clean water. The U.S. Virgin Islands and its more than 100,000 inhabitants were also devastated by the storm. Lawmakers on both sides ofthe aisle have chided the Trump administration for what they say is an indefensibly slow response to help the territories after they were devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The White House said Thursday it would temporarily grant Puerto Rico a reprieve from the Jones Act, a decades-old law that blocks non-U.S. ships from transporting goods to the island. The Trump administration denied a similar request two days ago, with the president telling reporters Wednesday that the shipping industry had objected to granting the waiver. But some Democrats criticized the move saying the waiver — which will last for 10 days — doesn't provide nearly enough time for supplies to get to the island to start the rebuilding process. DHS has said the waiver can be extended ifnecessary. Democrats, in the letter, inviting Kelly and Duke, say the administration should also be sending telecommunication supplies to Puerto Rico to restore phone service and refrigeration units for food and medicine. "We also cannot forget that residents ofPuerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are citizens of the United States, and they are deserving ofour federal government's full attention and resources," the lawmakers wrote. Other members who signed the letter include House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), José FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000013 Serrano (D-N.Y.), Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and U.S. Virgin Island Delegate Stacey Plaskett. To view online click here. Back U.S., Mexico set aside Trump tensions for Colorado River deal Back By Esther Whieldon | 09/29/2017 05:02 AM EDT The water-sharing pact signed this week by the U.S. and Mexico emerged despite tensions caused by President Donald Trump's policies on immigration and trade, showing the negotiators' willingness to take on problems caused by shrinking supplies from the Colorado River, according to western water experts. That deal signed Wednesday was supported by state water agencies and major users in both countries, and sets out procedures to reduce off-take during times ofdrought that are expected to persist forthe foreseeable future. "Water is the lifeblood ofthis region," Jennifer Pitt, Colorado River Project director for the National Audubon Society, said in an interview. "It is fundamentally important to the economies ofsouthwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico. ... It's just too important for the two countries not to have good relations over [it] and not have a plan in place about how to manage supplies reliably forthat enormous population." Representatives from the International Boundary and Water Commission ofthe United States and Mexico signed the pact, called Minute 323, that largely carries forward for another nine years a prior agreement that was due to expire this year. Water levels at the Colorado River's most important reservoir, Lake Mead, have been plummeting, and both the U.S. and Mexico could have faced the threat ofmandatory supply cuts starting as early as next year. The river supplies drinking water to tens ofmillions ofpeople in both countries and irrigation for millions ofacres ofagriculture, both ofwhich would suffer unless the countries reached a deal. Federal officials failed to sign a deal before the end ofthe Obama administration, raising fears that Trump's calls to build a wall along the Mexican border and the reopening ofNAFTA would undo years ofprogress in the negotiations. But the officials, supported by state water agencies and Mexico water license holders, knew they had to reach a deal or risk years oflitigation in a crisis that would force them to choose between cutting offwater supplies to farms and sensitive wildlife habitats orto major population centers. "In a crisis, you would have winners and losers, and some ofthe biggest losers would be agriculture and the environment," said Ted Kowalski, director ofthe Colorado River initiative at the Walton Family Foundation. "I think it's highly unlikely the Bureau ofReclamation is going to turn offthe city ofLas Vegas or the city ofPhoenix." FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000014 So the officials continued plodding away at negotiations, hoping the Trump administration would in the end agree to a deal. The water agency officials were "largely insulated from the political conversation between Washington, D.C., and Mexico," said Chuck Cullom, Colorado River programs manager for the Central Arizona Project. The water managers "focused on providing the greatest benefits for the country and the communities ... rather than the political winds that might be blowing in a number ofdirections," he said in an interview. The basin states made reaching a deal a top priority this year, according to Pitt. "There's a long-standing balance ofpower between the states and the federal government on the Colorado River where the federal government tries to as much as possible defer to the states, who are really the owners ofthe water. So as the states made it clear to the incoming administration this was a priority, the administration said, 'We will support you on this,'" she said. A key sticking point in the negotiations had been Mexico's insistence that the lower basin states ofCalifornia, Arizona and Nevada first agree to a drought contingency plan under which they would voluntarily conserve additional water beyond mandatory cuts in order to increase reservoir levels. Mexico officials were worried they would be left holding the bag ifa water crisis occurred before the states reached a deal. But Mexico eventually agreed to make additional cuts once the states pass a contingency plan. Mexico is very dependent on the upstream dams in the U.S. forits water delivery, since a 2010 earthquake damaged its dams. But Mexico also took the position that the original 1944 treaty between the countries only required it to cut supplies ifthe U.S. suffered extreme drought, a vague term that left too much open to interpretation. "That was a big concession for Mexico to follow our lead," said Tom Buschatzke, director ofthe Arizona Department ofWater Resources. But the U.S. also agreed to fund $31.5 million in water efficiency projects in Mexico through 2026 and to explore the possibility ofinvesting in a desalinization plant that could help address future water supply challenges. What made the deal possible is "the hard work that long preceded Trump," said Stephen Mumme, a political science professor at Colorado State University. "This is a classic example of ... a situation where not doing it could be really costly, and the sheer complexity ofthe number ofplayers and the importance ofthe U.S. stake in this policy arena really overrode the Trump administration," he said. "It's a good example in my mind ofthe limits ofrhetorical breast beating and name calling and wall building." To view online click here. Back FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000015 Suniva, SolarWorld modify remedy proposal in trade case Back By Eric Wolff| 09/28/2017 07:20 PM EDT Suniva and SolarWorld USA are pressing a U.S. trade panel to recommend that President Donald Trump institute either a floor price forimported solar equipment ortariffs plus a quota that caps the amount ofsolar panels and cells that can enter the country. The two solar panel manufacturers filed a joint briefto the U.S. International Trade Commission, and each recommended different remedies, though they said that either option could be selected. Suniva recommends a price floor for all solar modules that starts at 74 cents per watt and declines over the four years ofthe tariff, as well as tariffs for both modules and the solar cells. SolarWorld said it was seeking a a quota of220 MW on imported cells and 5,700 MW on imported modules. "Both co-petitioners agree that an effective remedy must include either the co-petitioners' requested tariffplus Suniva's requested module floor price or the co-petitioners' requested tariff plus SolarWorld's requested quota," the companies said in a joint statement. Briefs were due on Wednesday to the ITC, and the companies publicly released their proposals to today, excluding proprietary company information. The ITC voted unanimously last week that low-cost imports had harmed the domestic solar manufacturing industry. Under the "safeguard" provisions ofthe Trade Act, Trump will have the final say in what tariffs to impose. WHAT'S NEXT: The commission will have a hearing on remedies on Oct. 3. To view online click here. Back Zinke stacks staffing board with political aides, former lobbyists Back By Ben Lefebvre | 09/28/2017 03:41 PM EDT Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has assigned only political appointees, including several former industry lobbyists, as members ofan advisory board on staffing and personnel issues, a move critics say sidelines members ofthe government workforce who are supposed to get a seat at the table. The makeup ofthe Executive Resources Board contradicts federal guidelines that recommend giving career employees an equal voice in such discussions, and it is fueling criticism Zinke is crowding out independent experts and giving too much voice to the industries his department oversees. The nine-member board is being led by Deputy Secretary ofthe Interior David Bernhardt, a FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000016 former lobbyist whose clients included oil and gas interests; Associate Deputy Secretary James Cason, who worked energy issues for Kelly, Anderson & Associates, Inc.; and White House liaison Lori Mashburn, among other political staffwith history oflobbying forthe oil and gas industry. Zinke established the board to "oversee all aspects ofthe management ofexecutive resources," including senior managers, scientists and policy staffat the department, according to an Aug. 11 memo. "This is very much ofa pattern," said Chris Saeger, executive director ofthe Western Values Project, which obtained the memo through a Freedom ofInformation Act request and shared it with POLITICO. "They have made a practice ofshuffling career staff, marginalizing them. They're sending a very clear message, that they want to consolidate power with people who are loyal to Zinke and President. " Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift did not answer questions about why Zinke included only political appointees as members ofthe ERB. She did point out that two career employees, acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Capital and Diversity Mary Pletcher and Deputy Solicitor for General Law Ed Keable, will serve as advisers to the board. Zinke came under fire earlier this week when he questioned the loyalty ofmany Interior staffers, and he has previously raised eyebrows for shuffling senior employees into jobs they did not seem suited for, in one instance reassigning a manager overseeing climate change issues to a job collecting oil and gas royalties. Interior's inspector general has launched an investigation into the staffmoves. The secretary's decision does not comport with recommendations from the Office ofPersonnel Management, which has suggested that such boards consist ofa mix ofcareer staff, senior executive staffand political staff. "It is not advisable to have an ERB that is exclusively or predominantly career executives, noris it recommended to have an ERB that is exclusively or predominantly political appointees; both perspectives should be well represented to ensure a balanced view, when possible," OPM said in a 2009 report. To view online click here. Back House clears FAA stopgap, avoiding shutdown Back By Lauren Gardner | 09/28/2017 04:24 PM EDT Congress Thursday voted to extend the FAA's tax authority for six months after senators jettisoned private flood insurance language that had threatened the bill's chances, with just days before portions ofthe FAA's authorities were set to lapse. After wrangling between the House and Senate over the flood insurance language, Congress FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000017 wrapped the measure, H.R. 3823 (115), up two days before the FAA's authority to collect and spend excise taxes was set to expire. Allowing that authority to lapse would have led to a partial shutdown ofthe FAA, affecting the agency's airport funding, equipment and research and development functions and leading to the furlough ofthousands ofemployees. (Air traffic control and safety operations would have continued, albeit without pay for the employees.) The House was forced to act a third time on the measure after a bipartisan group ofsenators objected to the original package's language encouraging private insurance companies to enter the flood arena. While some ofthose members support changes to the National Flood Insurance Program, they've argued that any effort to promote a private market should be considered as part ofbroader legislation that addresses the existing federal program. "We can't have a situation happen where people can't sell or buy property because you can't get a mortgage unless you get flood insurance, and you can't get flood insurance because there's none available that's cost-effective," Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said. Thursday wasn't the first time this week the House had to take a mulligan on the extension bill. GOP leaders put the legislation, which also includes tax reliefprovisions for victims ofrecent hurricanes and extensions for certain health care programs, on the suspension calendar Monday, meaning they needed two-thirds oflawmakers present to vote in favor ofthe bill for it to pass. But Democrats revolted, and the vote came up short. House leaders then tweaked the bill to broaden eligibility for tax breaks to U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands — addressing a criticism lobbed by Democrats — and prepared it for a quick floor debate where only a simply majority was needed for passage; it succeeded. But senators who are active on NFIP policy began agitating against the House bill, with Senate Commerce Chairman John Thune conceding Thursday evening that his colleagues would likely change the bill and kick it back to the House. House leaders had left themselves some breathing room for such a scenario through the way the rule governing debate on their bill was crafted. But it wasn't clear whether the Senate would try to jam the House until Thursday afternoon, when leadership surveyed lawmakers on whether they would object to an FAA extension that dropped the flood insurance language. While this week's drama over the FAA extension was tied to policy outside the aviation space, House Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) is still gunning for a massive overhaul of the FAA's air traffic control operations. His broader bill, H.R. 2997 (115), which would strip those functions from the agency and put them under the control ofa nonprofit corporation, could get a floor vote next month, provided he rounds up enough support. FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000018 To view online click here. Back Pruitt taps New York lawmaker for EPA Region 2 job Back By Alex Guillén | 09/28/2017 11:27 AM EDT EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has picked New York Assembly member Pete Lopez to run EPA's Region 2 office, which covers New York and New Jersey — as well as the hurricane￾devastated Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Both territories suffered significant damage to their electric and water systems, with an estimated 42 percent ofPuerto Ricans without access to potable water, according to the FEMA. Lopez, a Republican, has been in the state assembly since 2007 and currently represents a district southwest ofAlbany. He ran to replace Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) but dropped out ofthe race early last year. "His familiarity with the region and his experience working to solve environmental problems in New York will be invaluable in helping EPA serve Americans in the Northeast and the Caribbean," Pruitt said in a statement. Judith Enck, the Obama administration's previous Region 2 chief, told the Times Union that Lopez "cares about the environment" and is "is as good as it's going to get in this administration." To view online click here. Back Was this Pro content helpful? Tell us what you think in one click. Yes, very Somewhat Neutral Not really Not at all You received this POLITICO Pro content because your customized settings include: Morning Energy. To change your alert settings, please go to https://www.politicopro.com/settings This email was sent to heather_swift@ios.doi.gov by: POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000019 FOIA001:00571609 EXT-18-2336-D-000020 To: Conlin, Sheila (NBCUniversal)[Sheila.Conlin@nbcuni.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov]; Alexander, Blayne (NBCUniversal)[blayne.alexander@nbcuni.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T12:54:21-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question from NBC News about Sec. Zinke's comments this morning about travel Received: 2017-09-29T12:54:34-04:00 The WP is wildly misleading and omits facts. See info below. On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. FOIA001:00568032 EXT-18-2336-D-000021 "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an FOIA001:00568032 EXT-18-2336-D-000022 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights FOIA001:00568032 EXT-18-2336-D-000023 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary FOIA001:00568032 EXT-18-2336-D-000024 and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 12:52 PM, Conlin, Sheila (NBCUniversal) wrote: I am writing to confirm that when Sec. Zinke said this morning – “Numbertwo - flying late at night - to the great state of Montana - on invitation - ah - invitation to meet the great governor ofthe great state of Montana - and to speak at the Western Governor's Association - the next morning.” He was referring to the trip discussed in today’s Washington Post : In June, Zinke and his staffers took a four-hour flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont., aboard a private plane owned by the executives ofa Wyoming oil-and-gas exploration firm, aviation and business records show. Is that correct? I am on deadline and would appreciate hearing back as soon as possible. Regards - Sheila Conlin Senior Producer NBC News Channel/DC Bureau (cell) 202 494-4835 Email: Sheila.Conlin@nbcuni.com FOIA001:00568032 EXT-18-2336-D-000025 To: Heather Swift[Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Green, Miranda Sent: 2017-09-29T12:13:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Confirming cost of Zinke's charter plane travel Received: 2017-09-29T12:15:56-04:00 Hi Heather, I just heard Sec. Zinke speak at Heritage and he said "I believe taxpayers absolutely have the right to know official travel costs. It's common sense, and at the department we make those documents and my travel schedule available to everyone." Can you please provide me with those exact costs for the travel on the private and mil air plans he mentioned? He mentioned three instances for private jets and one for military aid with Secretary Perdue. Thanks, Miranda FOIA001:00567999 EXT-18-2336-D-000026 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Jochim, Eric Sent: 2017-09-29T12:23:55-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Montana Stations seeking comment Received: 2017-09-29T12:24:26-04:00 Thank you forthe response. Eric Jochim News Director, KTVH/KXLH 406-457-2725 From: Heather Swift Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 10:21 AM To: Jochim, Eric Subject: Re: Montana Stations seeking comment On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interiorsecretaries, the Secretary traveled on charterflights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charterservices because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. FOIA001:00567994 EXT-18-2336-D-000027 Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor- General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership ofthe plane: the Secretary has never met orspoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor ofthe federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years offederal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number offronts that needed the secretary's time. All ofthese things were also part ofthe secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point ofthe UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again anotherlie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands ratherthan an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is underthe jurisdiction ofthe Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. FOIA001:00567994 EXT-18-2336-D-000028 Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning overthe Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available forthe itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charterin northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charterlanded at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 12:15 PM, Jochim, Eric wrote: Good morning Heather, We are looking for a statement on the reports out of Politico and the FOIA001:00567994 EXT-18-2336-D-000029 Washington Post about the Secretaries travel expenditures. Here are the articles for background: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes￾interior-243280?lo=ap_a1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8-a4b8- 11e7-ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html?utm_term=.3b8a0d89e9b0 We have 5:30p Eastern deadline. Thanks in advance for your help. Eric Jochim News Director, KTVH/KXLH 406-457-2725 FOIA001:00567994 EXT-18-2336-D-000030 To: Jochim, Eric[ejochim@ktvh.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T12:21:54-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Montana Stations seeking comment Received: 2017-09-29T12:22:26-04:00 On the record As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division ofGeneral Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership ofthe plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor ofthe federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years offederal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that FOIA001:00567980 EXT-18-2336-D-000031 would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staffabout it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number offronts that needed the secretary's time. All ofthese things were also part ofthe secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point ofthe UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours ofofficial government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction ofthe Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary ofofficial government events. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. FOIA001:00567980 EXT-18-2336-D-000032 The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 12:15 PM, Jochim, Eric wrote: Good morning Heather, We are looking for a statement on the reports out ofPolitico and the Washington Post about the Secretaries travel expenditures. Here are the articles for background: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes￾interior-243280?lo=ap_a1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8-a4b8-11e7- ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html?utm_term=.3b8a0d89e9b0 We have 5:30p Eastern deadline. Thanks in advance for your help. Eric Jochim News Director, KTVH/KXLH 406-457-2725 FOIA001:00567980 EXT-18-2336-D-000033 To: Jennifer A. Dlouhy[jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T12:10:05-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: travel, Heritage Received: 2017-09-29T12:11:08-04:00 She was not on the USVI flight orthe Nevada flight. She paid personally for the Alaska CODEL flight. Several Congressional spouses were on the CODEL. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 12:05 PM, Jennifer A. Dlouhy (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) wrote: Thank you. One follow up: I appreciate the clarity here on staff seats too. Did Lola Zinke travel on any of those three charter flights, and if so, how were her tickets paid? Thanks, Jen. --- Jennifer A. Dlouhy jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net / jendlouhyenergy@gmail.com reporterjen@protonmail.com Desk: 202.807.2159 Cell/Text/Signal: 202.905.3257 Twitter: @jendlouhyhc Stories: http://bloom.bg/23Crpvk From: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: travel, Heritage On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers FOIA001:00567961 EXT-18-2336-D-000034 in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, FOIA001:00567961 EXT-18-2336-D-000035 and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the FOIA001:00567961 EXT-18-2336-D-000036 Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under FOIA001:00567961 EXT-18-2336-D-000037 the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee FOIA001:00567961 EXT-18-2336-D-000038 organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK -- > Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 11:57 AM, Jennifer A. Dlouhy (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) wrote: Of course! And yes -- agree FOIA001:00567961 EXT-18-2336-D-000039 --- Jennifer A. Dlouhy jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net / jendlouhyenergy@gmail.com reporterjen@protonmail.com Desk: 202.807.2159 Cell/Text/Signal: 202.905.3257 Twitter: @jendlouhyhc Stories: http://bloom.bg/23Crpvk From: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: travel, Heritage Will you take on record and background? Dang it's cold in here! ⛄ Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 11:54 AM, Jennifer A. Dlouhy (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) wrote: I have his statement just now, of course, but do you have the full details -- dates, costs -- of these trips, as provided to Politico? Thanks, Jen. --- Jennifer A. Dlouhy jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net / jendlouhyenergy@gmail.com reporterjen@protonmail.com Desk: 202.807.2159 Cell/Text/Signal: 202.905.3257 Twitter: @jendlouhyhc Stories: http://bloom.bg/23Crpvk FOIA001:00567961 EXT-18-2336-D-000040 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Jochim, Eric Sent: 2017-09-29T12:13:50-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Montana Stations seeking comment Received: 2017-09-29T12:16:57-04:00 Good morning Heather, We are looking for a statement on the reports out of Politico and the Washington Post about the Secretaries travel expenditures. Here are the articles for background: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes-interior￾243280?lo=ap_a1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8-a4b8-11e7-ade1- 76d061d56efa_story.html?utm_term=.3b8a0d89e9b0 We have 5:30p Eastern deadline. Thanks in advance for your help. Eric Jochim News Director, KTVH/KXLH 406-457-2725 FOIA001:00567959 EXT-18-2336-D-000041 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Jennifer A. Dlouhy (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) Sent: 2017-09-29T12:04:09-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: travel, Heritage Received: 2017-09-29T12:04:19-04:00 Thank you. One follow up: I appreciate the clarity here on staff seats too. Did Lola Zinke travel on any of those three charter flights, and if so, how were her tickets paid? Thanks, Jen. --- Jennifer A. Dlouhy jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net / jendlouhyenergy@gmail.com reporterjen@protonmail.com Desk: 202.807.2159 Cell/Text/Signal: 202.905.3257 Twitter: @jendlouhyhc Stories: http://bloom.bg/23Crpvk From: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: travel, Heritage On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using FOIA001:00567954 EXT-18-2336-D-000042 tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background FOIA001:00567954 EXT-18-2336-D-000043 Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. FOIA001:00567954 EXT-18-2336-D-000044 Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. FOIA001:00567954 EXT-18-2336-D-000045 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00567954 EXT-18-2336-D-000046 On Sep 29, 2017, at 11:57 AM, Jennifer A. Dlouhy (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) wrote: Of course! And yes -- agree --- Jennifer A. Dlouhy jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net / jendlouhyenergy@gmail.com reporterjen@protonmail.com Desk: 202.807.2159 Cell/Text/Signal: 202.905.3257 Twitter: @jendlouhyhc Stories: http://bloom.bg/23Crpvk From: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: travel, Heritage Will you take on record and background? Dang it's cold in here! ⛄ Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 11:54 AM, Jennifer A. Dlouhy (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) wrote: I have his statement just now, of course, but do you have the full details -- dates, costs -- of these trips, as provided to Politico? Thanks, Jen. --- Jennifer A. Dlouhy jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net / jendlouhyenergy@gmail.com reporterjen@protonmail.com Desk: 202.807.2159 Cell/Text/Signal: 202.905.3257 Twitter: @jendlouhyhc Stories: http://bloom.bg/23Crpvk FOIA001:00567954 EXT-18-2336-D-000047 To: Jennifer A. Dlouhy[jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T12:13:31-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: travel, Heritage Received: 2017-09-29T12:14:29-04:00 CORRECTION - Mrs Z was not on the charter in Alaska either. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 12:05 PM, Jennifer A. Dlouhy (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) wrote: Thank you. One follow up: I appreciate the clarity here on staff seats too. Did Lola Zinke travel on any of those three charter flights, and if so, how were her tickets paid? Thanks, Jen. --- Jennifer A. Dlouhy jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net / jendlouhyenergy@gmail.com reporterjen@protonmail.com Desk: 202.807.2159 Cell/Text/Signal: 202.905.3257 Twitter: @jendlouhyhc Stories: http://bloom.bg/23Crpvk From: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: travel, Heritage On the record As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law FOIA001:00567937 EXT-18-2336-D-000048 (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this FOIA001:00567937 EXT-18-2336-D-000049 process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. On background Regarding the ownership of the plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an FOIA001:00567937 EXT-18-2336-D-000050 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included several hours of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. FOIA001:00567937 EXT-18-2336-D-000051 Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The FOIA001:00567937 EXT-18-2336-D-000052 Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK -- > Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 11:57 AM, Jennifer A. Dlouhy (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) wrote: Of course! And yes -- agree --- FOIA001:00567937 EXT-18-2336-D-000053 Jennifer A. Dlouhy jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net / jendlouhyenergy@gmail.com reporterjen@protonmail.com Desk: 202.807.2159 Cell/Text/Signal: 202.905.3257 Twitter: @jendlouhyhc Stories: http://bloom.bg/23Crpvk From: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: travel, Heritage Will you take on record and background? Dang it's cold in here! ⛄ Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 11:54 AM, Jennifer A. Dlouhy (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) wrote: I have his statement just now, of course, but do you have the full details -- dates, costs -- of these trips, as provided to Politico? Thanks, Jen. --- Jennifer A. Dlouhy jdlouhy1@bloomberg.net / jendlouhyenergy@gmail.com reporterjen@protonmail.com Desk: 202.807.2159 Cell/Text/Signal: 202.905.3257 Twitter: @jendlouhyhc Stories: http://bloom.bg/23Crpvk FOIA001:00567937 EXT-18-2336-D-000054 To: Bowman, Jennifer[Jennifer.Bowman@foxnews.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T11:07:26-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: DOI RESPONSE TO WAPO RPT ON ZINKE $12K CHARTER FLIGHT Received: 2017-09-29T11:07:34-04:00 On background Regarding the ownership ofthe plane: the Secretary has never met or spoken to Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor ofthe federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, that company had years offederal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. The WP piece was false through omission where it said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA. In fact there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AMmeeting. The WP was wrong when said there were multiple political events, there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. The WP piece is false through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staffabout it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number offronts that needed the secretary's time. All ofthese things were also part ofthe secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point ofthe UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included SEVERAL HOURS ofofficial government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a National Park that is under the jurisdiction ofthe Department. Lastly- The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:54 AM, Bowman, Jennifer wrote: FOIA001:00567918 EXT-18-2336-D-000055 Great – very helpful. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 10:51 AM To: Bowman, Jennifer Subject: Re: DOI RESPONSE TO WAPO RPT ON ZINKE $12K CHARTER FLIGHT Statement. Background to follow in another email. As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. FOIA001:00567918 EXT-18-2336-D-000056 Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning FOIA001:00567918 EXT-18-2336-D-000057 over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell FOIA001:00567918 EXT-18-2336-D-000058 Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:46 AM, Bowman, Jennifer wrote: Hi Heather, Does DOI have a response to this story? Please forward me any response or background on this. Thank you, Jennifer Bowman White House Producer Fox News Channel C: 202-251-2791 C2: 202-412-9197 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8- a4b8-11e7-ade1- 76d061d56efa_story.html?deferJs=true&outputType=default￾article&utm_term=.75dfcd8723fe Investigations Zinke took FOIA001:00567918 EXT-18-2336-D-000059 $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents show The inside track on Washington politics. By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein Investigations September 28 at 10:48 PM Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs of travel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option of flying commercial. In June, Zinke and his staffers took a four-hour flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont., aboard a private plane owned by the executives ofa Wyoming oil-and￾gas exploration firm, aviation and business records FOIA001:00567918 EXT-18-2336-D-000060 show. The landing in Kalispell put Zinke a short drive from his home in Whitefish, Mont., where he spent the night, documents show. The flight cost taxpayers $12,375, according to an Interior Department spokeswoman. Commercial airlines run daily flights between the two airports and charge as little as $300. The new flight details show how Zinke has mixed political gatherings and personal destinations with his taxpayer-funded work as the head ofa federal agency that manages or controls the vast majority of federal land. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke’s charter flights were authorized by ethics officials and booked only when feasible commercial flights were unavailable. Previous interior secretaries flew charter flights when needed, Swift added. She did not provide documentation of the approvals. Zinke spoke the next day at the annual meeting of the Western Governors This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. It is intended solely forthe named addressee. Ifyou are not the addressee indicated in this message (or responsible for delivery ofthe message to the addressee), you may not copy or deliver this message orits attachments to anyone. Rather, you should permanently delete this message and its attachments and kindly notify the sender by reply e-mail. Any content ofthis message and its attachments that does notrelate to the official business ofFox FOIA001:00567918 EXT-18-2336-D-000061 News or Fox Business must not be taken to have been sent or endorsed by either ofthem. No representation is made that this email orits attachments are without defect. FOIA001:00567918 EXT-18-2336-D-000062 To: Bowman, Jennifer[Jennifer.Bowman@foxnews.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T10:47:59-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: DOI RESPONSE TO WAPO RPT ON ZINKE $12K CHARTER FLIGHT Received: 2017-09-29T10:48:07-04:00 Will send you statement and info on flights then follow up with background contradicting the WP claims. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:46 AM, Bowman, Jennifer wrote: Hi Heather, Does DOI have a response to this story? Please forward me any response or background on this. Thank you, Jennifer Bowman White House Producer Fox News Channel C: 202-251-2791 C2: 202-412-9197 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8-a4b8-11e7- ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html?deferJs=true&outputType=default￾article&utm_term=.75dfcd8723fe Investigations Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s FOIA001:00567889 EXT-18-2336-D-000063 plane, documents show The inside track on Washington politics. By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein Investigations September 28 at 10:48 PM Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs of travel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option of flying commercial. In June, Zinke and his staffers took a four-hour flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont., aboard a private plane owned by the executives ofa Wyoming oil-and-gas exploration firm, aviation and business records show. The landing in Kalispell put Zinke a short drive from his home in Whitefish, Mont., where he spent the night, documents show. The flight cost taxpayers $12,375, according to an Interior Department spokeswoman. Commercial airlines run daily flights between the two airports and charge as little as $300. The new flight details show how Zinke has mixed political gatherings and personal destinations with his taxpayer-funded FOIA001:00567889 EXT-18-2336-D-000064 work as the head ofa federal agency that manages or controls the vast majority of federal land. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke’s charter flights were authorized by ethics officials and booked only when feasible commercial flights were unavailable. Previous interior secretaries flew charter flights when needed, Swift added. She did not provide documentation of the approvals. Zinke spoke the next day at the annual meeting of the Western Governors This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. It is intended solely for the named addressee. Ifyou are not the addressee indicated in this message (or responsible for delivery ofthe message to the addressee), you may not copy or deliver this message or its attachments to anyone. Rather, you should permanently delete this message and its attachments and kindly notify the sender by reply e-mail. Any content ofthis message and its attachments that does not relate to the official business ofFox News or Fox Business must not be taken to have been sent or endorsed by either ofthem. No representation is made that this email or its attachments are without defect. FOIA001:00567889 EXT-18-2336-D-000065 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Bowman, Jennifer Sent: 2017-09-29T10:50:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: DOI RESPONSE TO WAPO RPT ON ZINKE $12K CHARTER FLIGHT Received: 2017-09-29T10:50:32-04:00 Thanks Heather. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 10:48 AM To: Bowman, Jennifer Subject: Re: DOI RESPONSE TO WAPO RPT ON ZINKE $12K CHARTER FLIGHT Will send you statement and info on flights then follow up with background contradicting the WP claims. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:46 AM, Bowman, Jennifer wrote: Hi Heather, Does DOI have a response to this story? Please forward me any response or background on this. Thank you, Jennifer Bowman White House Producer Fox News Channel C: 202-251-2791 C2: 202-412-9197 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8-a4b8-11e7- ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html?deferJs=true&outputType=default￾article&utm_term=.75dfcd8723fe Investigations Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home FOIA001:00567885 EXT-18-2336-D-000066 in oil executive’s plane, documents show The inside track on Washington politics. By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein Investigations September 28 at 10:48 PM Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs of travel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option of flying commercial. In June, Zinke and his staffers took a four-hour flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont., aboard a private plane owned by the executives ofa Wyoming oil-and-gas exploration firm, aviation and business records show. The landing in Kalispell put Zinke a short drive from his home in Whitefish, Mont., where he spent the night, documents show. The flight cost taxpayers $12,375, according to an Interior Department spokeswoman. Commercial airlines run daily flights between the two airports and charge as little as $300. FOIA001:00567885 EXT-18-2336-D-000067 The new flight details show how Zinke has mixed political gatherings and personal destinations with his taxpayer-funded work as the head ofa federal agency that manages or controls the vast majority of federal land. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke’s charter flights were authorized by ethics officials and booked only when feasible commercial flights were unavailable. Previous interior secretaries flew charter flights when needed, Swift added. She did not provide documentation of the approvals. Zinke spoke the next day at the annual meeting of the Western Governors This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. It is intended solely for the named addressee. Ifyou are not the addressee indicated in this message (orresponsible for delivery ofthe message to the addressee), you may not copy or deliver this message orits attachments to anyone. Rather, you should permanently delete this message and its attachments and kindly notify the sender by reply e-mail. Any content ofthis message and its attachments that does not relate to the official business ofFox News or Fox Business must not be taken to have been sent or endorsed by either ofthem. No representation is made that this email orits attachments are without defect. FOIA001:00567885 EXT-18-2336-D-000068 To: Heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[Heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Bowman, Jennifer Sent: 2017-09-29T10:46:11-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: DOI RESPONSE TO WAPO RPT ON ZINKE $12K CHARTER FLIGHT Received: 2017-09-29T10:46:20-04:00 Hi Heather, Does DOI have a response to this story? Please forward me any response or background on this. Thank you, Jennifer Bowman White House Producer Fox News Channel C: 202-251-2791 C2: 202-412-9197 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8-a4b8-11e7-ade1- 76d061d56efa_story.html?deferJs=true&outputType=default-article&utm_term=.75dfcd8723fe Investigations Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents show The inside track on Washington politics. By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein Investigations September 28 at 10:48 PM Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. FOIA001:00567884 EXT-18-2336-D-000069 The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs of travel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option of flying commercial. In June, Zinke and his staffers took a four-hour flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont., aboard a private plane owned by the executives ofa Wyoming oil-and-gas exploration firm, aviation and business records show. The landing in Kalispell put Zinke a short drive from his home in Whitefish, Mont., where he spent the night, documents show. The flight cost taxpayers $12,375, according to an Interior Department spokeswoman. Commercial airlines run daily flights between the two airports and charge as little as $300. The new flight details show how Zinke has mixed political gatherings and personal destinations with his taxpayer-funded work as the head ofa federal agency that manages or controls the vast majority of federal land. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke’s charter flights were authorized by ethics officials and booked only when feasible commercial flights were unavailable. Previous interior secretaries flew charter flights when needed, Swift added. She did not provide documentation of the approvals. Zinke spoke the next day at the annual meeting of the Western Governors This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. It is intended solely for the named addressee. Ifyou are not the addressee indicated in this message (orresponsible for delivery ofthe message to the addressee), you may not copy or deliver this message or its attachments to anyone. Rather, you should permanently delete this message and its attachments and kindly notify the sender by reply e-mail. Any content ofthis FOIA001:00567884 EXT-18-2336-D-000070 message and its attachments that does notrelate to the official business ofFox News or Fox Business must not be taken to have been sent or endorsed by either ofthem. No representation is made that this email or its attachments are without defect. FOIA001:00567884 EXT-18-2336-D-000071 To: Bowman, Jennifer[Jennifer.Bowman@foxnews.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T10:51:04-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: DOI RESPONSE TO WAPO RPT ON ZINKE $12K CHARTER FLIGHT Received: 2017-09-29T10:51:12-04:00 Statement. Background to follow in another email. As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the Division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. FOIA001:00567880 EXT-18-2336-D-000072 "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. FOIA001:00567880 EXT-18-2336-D-000073 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:46 AM, Bowman, Jennifer wrote: Hi Heather, FOIA001:00567880 EXT-18-2336-D-000074 Does DOI have a response to this story? Please forward me any response or background on this. Thank you, Jennifer Bowman White House Producer Fox News Channel C: 202-251-2791 C2: 202-412-9197 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2017/09/28/59533ed8-a4b8-11e7- ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html?deferJs=true&outputType=default￾article&utm_term=.75dfcd8723fe Investigations Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents show The inside track on Washington politics. By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein By Drew Harwell and Lisa Rein Investigations September 28 at 10:48 PM Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. FOIA001:00567880 EXT-18-2336-D-000075 The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs of travel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option of flying commercial. In June, Zinke and his staffers took a four-hour flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont., aboard a private plane owned by the executives ofa Wyoming oil-and-gas exploration firm, aviation and business records show. The landing in Kalispell put Zinke a short drive from his home in Whitefish, Mont., where he spent the night, documents show. The flight cost taxpayers $12,375, according to an Interior Department spokeswoman. Commercial airlines run daily flights between the two airports and charge as little as $300. The new flight details show how Zinke has mixed political gatherings and personal destinations with his taxpayer-funded work as the head ofa federal agency that manages or controls the vast majority of federal land. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke’s charter flights were authorized by ethics officials and booked only when feasible commercial flights were unavailable. Previous interior secretaries flew charter flights when needed, Swift added. She did not provide documentation of the approvals. Zinke spoke the next day at the annual meeting of the Western Governors This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential FOIA001:00567880 EXT-18-2336-D-000076 information. It is intended solely for the named addressee. Ifyou are not the addressee indicated in this message (or responsible for delivery ofthe message to the addressee), you may not copy or deliver this message or its attachments to anyone. Rather, you should permanently delete this message and its attachments and kindly notify the sender by reply e-mail. Any content ofthis message and its attachments that does not relate to the official business ofFox News or Fox Business must not be taken to have been sent or endorsed by either ofthem. No representation is made that this email or its attachments are without defect. FOIA001:00567880 EXT-18-2336-D-000077 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T10:31:06-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T10:31:20-04:00 Oh that is definitely not happening. Still waiting on the itineraries. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:16 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: On the Downing stuff? It would have an impact if she’s using executive office vehicles to campaign as part of a Senate race, I believe. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 10:14 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March I'm trying to understand the angle on since she became a volunteer chair and it's impact on the Secretary. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:11 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No accusations - just fact finding. Basically trying to see if any of the secretaries have been misusing taxpayer funds. We're asking all the Secretarial offices these sorts of questions. But we have to be thorough and make sure all the buttons are buttoned, information￾wise. I know what my editors will ask so I want have the info to answer them. Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567879 EXT-18-2336-D-000078 From: Heather Swift Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:50:53 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Can you explain this more? Is there an accusation ofwrongdoing? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 9:46 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Ok. Thanks forthat. And last one (for now), which will probably come out ofthe earlier question – did Mrs. Zinke travel with the Secretary on official business at any time since she started working as a campaign chairman for Troy Downing? If so, do you know which trips? Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:40 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March No she didn't. I'll put a request in for that information - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:37 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. So can you please give me a complete list oftrips in which she accompanied the Secretary? If not on the USVI or Nevada flights, does that mean she accompanied him on every otherflight? FOIA001:00567879 EXT-18-2336-D-000079 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:35 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Mrs. Zinke has personally footed the bill for any travel she did accompanying her husband. She was not on the USVI or the Nevada flights, helos, or wildfire flight. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:30 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. Doing a mind-reading of my editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are othertrips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, orreimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about hertraveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. - Heather Swift FOIA001:00567879 EXT-18-2336-D-000080 Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567879 EXT-18-2336-D-000081 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T09:50:53-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T09:51:05-04:00 Can you explain this more? Is there an accusation ofwrongdoing? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 9:46 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Ok. Thanks forthat. And last one (for now), which will probably come out ofthe earlier question – did Mrs. Zinke travel with the Secretary on official business at any time since she started working as a campaign chairman for Troy Downing? If so, do you know which trips? Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:40 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March No she didn't. I'll put a request in for that information - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:37 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. So can you please give me a complete list oftrips in which she accompanied the Secretary? If not on the USVI or Nevada flights, does that mean she accompanied him on every otherflight? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:35 AM FOIA001:00567877 EXT-18-2336-D-000082 To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Mrs. Zinke has personally footed the bill for any travel she did accompanying her husband. She was not on the USVI or the Nevada flights, helos, or wildfire flight. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:30 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. Doing a mind-reading ofmy editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are other trips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, orreimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about hertraveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, FOIA001:00567877 EXT-18-2336-D-000083 And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567877 EXT-18-2336-D-000084 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-29T09:45:17-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T09:46:50-04:00 Ok. Thanks forthat. And last one (for now), which will probably come out ofthe earlier question – did Mrs. Zinke travel with the Secretary on official business at any time since she started working as a campaign chairman for Troy Downing? Ifso, do you know which trips? Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:40 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March No she didn't. I'll put a request in for that information - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:37 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. So can you please give me a complete list oftrips in which she accompanied the Secretary? If not on the USVI or Nevada flights, does that mean she accompanied him on every other flight? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:35 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Mrs. Zinke has personally footed the bill for any travel she did accompanying her husband. She was not on the USVI or the Nevada flights, helos, or wildfire flight. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec FOIA001:00567876 EXT-18-2336-D-000085 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:30 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. Doing a mind-reading of my editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are othertrips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, orreimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about hertraveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567876 EXT-18-2336-D-000086 FOIA001:00567876 EXT-18-2336-D-000087 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T10:14:13-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T10:14:44-04:00 I'm trying to understand the angle on since she became a volunteer chair and it's impact on the Secretary. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:11 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No accusations - just fact finding. Basically trying to see if any of the secretaries have been misusing taxpayer funds. We're asking all the Secretarial offices these sorts of questions. But we have to be thorough and make sure all the buttons are buttoned, information-wise. I know what my editors will ask so I want have the info to answer them. Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Heather Swift Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:50:53 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Can you explain this more? Is there an accusation ofwrongdoing? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 9:46 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: FOIA001:00567874 EXT-18-2336-D-000088 Ok. Thanks for that. And last one (for now), which will probably come out ofthe earlier question – did Mrs. Zinke travel with the Secretary on official business at any time since she started working as a campaign chairman for Troy Downing? If so, do you know which trips? Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:40 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March No she didn't. I'll put a request in for that information - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:37 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. So can you please give me a complete list oftrips in which she accompanied the Secretary? If not on the USVI or Nevada flights, does that mean she accompanied him on every other flight? From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:35 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Mrs. Zinke has personally footed the bill for any travel she did accompanying her husband. She was not on the USVI or the Nevada flights, helos, or wildfire flight. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:30 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: FOIA001:00567874 EXT-18-2336-D-000089 Thank you. Doing a mind-reading of my editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are other trips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, or reimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about her traveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 FOIA001:00567874 EXT-18-2336-D-000090 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567874 EXT-18-2336-D-000091 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-29T10:11:15-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T10:11:39-04:00 No accusations - just fact finding. Basically trying to see if any of the secretaries have been misusing taxpayer funds. We're asking all the Secretarial offices these sorts of questions. But we have to be thorough and make sure all the buttons are buttoned, information-wise. I know what my editors will ask so I want have the info to answer them. Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Heather Swift Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:50:53 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Can you explain this more? Is there an accusation ofwrongdoing? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 9:46 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Ok. Thanks forthat. And last one (for now), which will probably come out ofthe earlier question – did Mrs. Zinke travel with the Secretary on official business at any time since she started working as a campaign chairman for Troy Downing? Ifso, do you know which trips? Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:40 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March FOIA001:00567873 EXT-18-2336-D-000092 No she didn't. I'll put a request in for that information - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:37 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. So can you please give me a complete list oftrips in which she accompanied the Secretary? If not on the USVI or Nevada flights, does that mean she accompanied him on every otherflight? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:35 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Mrs. Zinke has personally footed the bill for any travel she did accompanying her husband. She was not on the USVI or the Nevada flights, helos, or wildfire flight. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:30 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. Doing a mind-reading of my editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are other trips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, orreimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about hertraveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] FOIA001:00567873 EXT-18-2336-D-000093 Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567873 EXT-18-2336-D-000094 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: James Cason[james_cason@ios.doi.gov] From: Nedra Darling Sent: 2017-09-29T09:16:52-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: FYI Standing Rock tribal chairman loses in general election Received: 2017-09-29T09:17:00-04:00 Thanks. Sent from my iPhone Nedra Darling Director, Public Affairs Office ofthe Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 8:31 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: Standing Rock tribal chairman loses in general election Published: Friday, September29, 2017 Standing Rock Sioux tribal chairman Dave Archambault II, whose opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline launched him into the national spotlight, has lost his bid for re-election, according to unofficial results. Archambault conceded defeat after results showed him winning just 37 percent of the tribe's vote, compared to 63 percent for tribal councilman and former wildlife ranger Mike Faith. Faith, who also opposes the pipeline, said he believes protests that shut down a main highway — cutting offrevenues from the tribal casino — took away attention from other long-standing problems. "People want to see how we can fix ourselves," he said. "We have to look at not depending on the casino so much. We have to look at enticing companies to come down here." "We kind of neglected our own" by helping spearhead the protests, he added. "We did what we had to do, but we didn't realize we were going to hurt our economy that much." Archambault said in his statement of concession that he looks forward to a smooth transition and hopes the tribe won't lose "the powerful momentum we have at Standing Rock." "I did the best I could for my tribe, and that's what we must ask of our leaders," he said (Blake Nicholson, Associated Press, Sept. 28). — DI - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567860 EXT-18-2336-D-000095 @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567860 EXT-18-2336-D-000096 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T09:34:53-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T09:35:45-04:00 Mrs. Zinke has personally footed the bill for any travel she did accompanying her husband. She was not on the USVI or the Nevada flights, helos, or wildfire flight. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:30 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank you. Doing a mind-reading of my editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are othertrips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, orreimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about hertraveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. FOIA001:00567856 EXT-18-2336-D-000097 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567856 EXT-18-2336-D-000098 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T09:24:38-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T09:25:25-04:00 Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567830 EXT-18-2336-D-000099 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-29T09:30:35-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Received: 2017-09-29T09:30:48-04:00 Thank you. Doing a mind-reading of my editors, I guess I should maybe phrase the question this way to save ourselves time: In what official DOI trips, if any, and excluding the CODEL already mentioned, did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary? And ifthere are other trips where she accompanied him, did she pay her own way, or reimburse DOI for expenses related to her participation? And just for your knowledge, I don’t care about her traveling so much. It’s more about the money spent. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 9:25 AM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Question from Politico re: Virgin Islands trip in March Still waiting on the cost from OAS. No, Mrs. Zinke was not on the trip. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello, And just to follow up again, please let me know the cost ofthe four planes chartered to take the Secretary to/from St. Thomas on the March/April Virgin Islands trip. One additional question – did Mrs. Zinke accompany the Secretary on that trip? Ifso, did the Zinkes reimburse DOI for her part ofthe trip, or pay their own way? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com FOIA001:00567829 EXT-18-2336-D-000100 Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567829 EXT-18-2336-D-000101 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Michael Bastasch Sent: 2017-09-29T09:25:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Who's spreading the Zinke travel stories? Received: 2017-09-29T09:26:36-04:00 Thanks! On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:23 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. T axpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:17 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: A statement on this would be great. They left out a lot. FOIA001:00567825 EXT-18-2336-D-000102 On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:42 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. WAPO 2. POLITICO 3. All the official on the record stuff 1. WAPO Lisa, the Secretary has never in his life met Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, you would have learned that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. But YOU never bothered to research, just take some lazy opposition research that was dropped into your lap. By the way, every other reporter who was pitched that declined after learning the facts because it was so flimsy. Further, you lied through omission where you said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA - FACT CHECK there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AM meeting. You failed to include the piece of evidence that the trips were all above board - the statement from the two senior ethics officers - because it didn't fit your hit piece. You lied and said there were multiple political events, yet there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. You lied through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Are you aware that Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included SEVERAL HOURS of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a NATIONAL PARK that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly - saying "swift didn't know" while not factually false is pretty low. It was 10PM FOIA001:00567825 - EXT-18-2336-D-000103 and I told you I did not have the information immediately available. Your phrasing suggests something more malice. POLITICO The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. ON THE RECORD As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. FOIA001:00567825 - EXT-18-2336-D-000104 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:38 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Ok, thanks. That would be great. On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:36 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: I can send you a strongly worded email i sent to the reporter but it's not for the record. If you want to me to respond to anything I will but would just give you this email for context about what's wrong with the WP piece. - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567825 EXT-18-2336-D-000105 On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:33 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Really? What's wrong with it? On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:31 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: That would seem to be it. They are the only ones quoted. The WP story is so factually incorrect. - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:23 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Seems like the Center for Western Priorities. -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567825 EXT-18-2336-D-000106 -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567825 EXT-18-2336-D-000107 To: Michael Bastasch[mike@dailycallernewsfoundation.org] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T09:23:50-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Who's spreading the Zinke travel stories? Received: 2017-09-29T09:24:37-04:00 As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. T axpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot of flight options. Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and staff fly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 9:17 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: A statement on this would be great. They left out a lot. On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:42 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. WAPO FOIA001:00567808 - EXT-18-2336-D-000108 2. POLITICO 3. All the official on the record stuff 1. WAPO Lisa, the Secretary has never in his life met Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, you would have learned that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. But YOU never bothered to research, just take some lazy opposition research that was dropped into your lap. By the way, every other reporter who was pitched that declined after learning the facts because it was so flimsy. Further, you lied through omission where you said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA - FACT CHECK there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AM meeting. You failed to include the piece of evidence that the trips were all above board - the statement from the two senior ethics officers - because it didn't fit your hit piece. You lied and said there were multiple political events, yet there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. You lied through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Are you aware that Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included SEVERAL HOURS of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a NATIONAL PARK that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly - saying "swift didn't know" while not factually false is pretty low. It was 10PM and I told you I did not have the information immediately available. Your phrasing suggests something more malice. POLITICO The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The FOIA001:00567808 - - EXT-18-2336-D-000109 Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. ON THE RECORD As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. FOIA001:00567808 EXT-18-2336-D-000110 Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:38 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Ok, thanks. That would be great. On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:36 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: I can send you a strongly worded email i sent to the reporter but it's not for the record. If you want to me to respond to anything I will but would just give you this email for context about what's wrong with the WP piece. - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:33 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Really? What's wrong with it? On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:31 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: FOIA001:00567808 EXT-18-2336-D-000111 That would seem to be it. They are the only ones quoted. The WP story is so factually incorrect. - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:23 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Seems like the Center for Western Priorities. -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567808 EXT-18-2336-D-000112 -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567808 EXT-18-2336-D-000113 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Michael Bastasch Sent: 2017-09-29T09:17:36-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Who's spreading the Zinke travel stories? Received: 2017-09-29T09:18:25-04:00 A statement on this would be great. They left out a lot. On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:42 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. WAPO 2. POLITICO 3. All the official on the record stuff 1. WAPO Lisa, the Secretary has never in his life met Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, you would have learned that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. But YOU never bothered to research, just take some lazy opposition research that was dropped into your lap. By the way, every other reporter who was pitched that declined after learning the facts because it was so flimsy. Further, you lied through omission where you said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA - FACT CHECK there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AM meeting. You failed to include the piece of evidence that the trips were all above board - the statement from the two senior ethics officers - because it didn't fit your hit piece. You lied and said there were multiple political events, yet there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. You lied through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Are you aware that Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary FOIA001:00567802 - EXT-18-2336-D-000114 included SEVERAL HOURS of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a NATIONAL PARK that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly - saying "swift didn't know" while not factually false is pretty low. It was 10PM and I told you I did not have the information immediately available. Your phrasing suggests something more malice. POLITICO The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. ON THE RECORD As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. FOIA001:00567802 - EXT-18-2336-D-000115 Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:38 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Ok, thanks. That would be great. On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:36 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: I can send you a strongly worded email i sent to the reporter but it's not for the record. If you want to me to respond to anything I will but would just give you this email for context about what's wrong with the WP piece. - FOIA001:00567802 EXT-18-2336-D-000116 Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:33 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Really? What's wrong with it? On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:31 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: That would seem to be it. They are the only ones quoted. The WP story is so factually incorrect. - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:23 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Seems like the Center for Western Priorities. -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567802 EXT-18-2336-D-000117 -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567802 EXT-18-2336-D-000118 To: Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal)[Hallie.Jackson@nbcuni.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T08:20:28-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Hi from NBC / request for comment on Zinke travel Received: 2017-09-29T08:21:20-04:00 As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Background (the rest is for the record) - The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: United States Virgin IslandCentennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. Interior is the Federal department that oversees federal policy in the territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. The Secretary's itinerary was full of official events related to Transfer Day as well as stops with American military veterans from the territory and to DOI locations. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flights were available for the itinerary of official government events. FOIA001:00567776 EXT-18-2336-D-000119 Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor). The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and 5 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:01 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Will send when I get to the office Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:54 AM, Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) wrote: > > Heather - thanks for your patience. Unfortunately, I haven't seen whatever you've distributed to my colleagues. Would love ifyou could please let me know any info you have on this, as I FOIA001:00567776 EXT-18-2336-D-000120 can then make sure it's shares internally to cut down on other requests for information. > > My cell is . > > Thanks, > -Hallie- > >> On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:33 AM, Heather Swift wrote: >> >> Three ofyour colleagues already have. >> >> Heather Swift >> Press Secretary >> Department ofthe Interior >> >> >>> On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:27 AM, Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) wrote: >>> >>> Hi guys - reaching out regarding this Washington Post report on Sec. Zinke's private charter travel. Is it accurate that he flew from Vegas to Montana on a charter? What was the cost ofthat? >>> >>> Would love ifyou could call me - . >>> >>> Thanks, >>> -Hallie Jackson- >>> ChiefWhite House Correspondent >>> NBC News > (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00567776 EXT-18-2336-D-000121 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) Sent: 2017-09-29T07:53:48-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Hi from NBC / request for comment on Zinke travel Received: 2017-09-29T07:54:15-04:00 Heather - thanks for your patience. Unfortunately, I haven't seen whatever you've distributed to my colleagues. Would love if you could please let me know any info you have on this, as I can then make sure it's shares internally to cut down on other requests for information. My cell is . Thanks, -Hallie- > On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:33 AM, Heather Swift wrote: > > Three of your colleagues already have. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department of the Interior > > >> On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:27 AM, Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) wrote: >> >> Hi guys - reaching out regarding this Washington Post report on Sec. Zinke's private charter travel. Is it accurate that he flew from Vegas to Montana on a charter? What was the cost of that? >> >> Would love if you could call me - . >> >> Thanks, >> -Hallie Jackson- >> Chief White House Correspondent >> NBC News (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00567768 - - EXT-18-2336-D-000122 To: Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal)[Hallie.Jackson@nbcuni.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T07:32:51-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Hi from NBC / request for comment on Zinke travel Received: 2017-09-29T07:33:02-04:00 Three of your colleagues already have. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior > On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:27 AM, Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) wrote: > > Hi guys - reaching out regarding this Washington Post report on Sec. Zinke's private charter travel. Is it accurate that he flew from Vegas to Montana on a charter? What was the cost of that? > > Would love if you could call me - . > > Thanks, > -Hallie Jackson- > Chief White House Correspondent > NBC News (b)(6) FOIA001:00567766 - EXT-18-2336-D-000123 To: Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal)[Hallie.Jackson@nbcuni.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T08:01:29-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Hi from NBC / request for comment on Zinke travel Received: 2017-09-29T08:01:42-04:00 Will send when I get to the office Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior > On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:54 AM, Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) wrote: > > Heather - thanks for your patience. Unfortunately, I haven't seen whatever you've distributed to my colleagues. Would love if you could please let me know any info you have on this, as I can then make sure it's shares internally to cut down on other requests for information. > > My cell is . > > Thanks, > -Hallie- > >> On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:33 AM, Heather Swift wrote: >> >> Three of your colleagues already have. >> >> Heather Swift >> Press Secretary >> Department of the Interior >> >> >>> On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:27 AM, Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) wrote: >>> >>> Hi guys - reaching out regarding this Washington Post report on Sec. Zinke's private charter travel. Is it accurate that he flew from Vegas to Montana on a charter? What was the cost of that? >>> >>> Would love if you could call me - . >>> >>> Thanks, >>> -Hallie Jackson- >>> Chief White House Correspondent >>> NBC News > (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00567762 - EXT-18-2336-D-000124 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) Sent: 2017-09-29T08:23:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Hi from NBC / request for comment on Zinke travel Received: 2017-09-29T08:23:31-04:00 Thanks. Ifyou're able to let me know who else from NBC reached out, I'm happy to follow up with them to make sure you're not bombarded by repetitive requests in the future. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 29, 2017, at 8:21 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre￾approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. Background (the rest is for the record) - The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: United States Virgin IslandCentennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 FOIA001:00567761 EXT-18-2336-D-000125 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. Interior is the Federal department that oversees federal policy in the territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. The Secretary's itinerary was full of official events related to Transfer Day as well as stops with American military veterans from the territory and to DOI locations. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flights were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor). The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and 5 staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:01 AM, Heather Swift wrote: FOIA001:00567761 EXT-18-2336-D-000126 Will send when I get to the office Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:54 AM, Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) wrote: > > Heather - thanks for your patience. Unfortunately, I haven't seen whatever you've distributed to my colleagues. Would love ifyou could please let me know any info you have on this, as I can then make sure it's shares internally to cut down on other requests forinformation. > > My cell is . > > Thanks, > -Hallie- > >> On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:33 AM, Heather Swift wrote: >> >> Three ofyour colleagues already have. >> >> Heather Swift >> Press Secretary >> Department ofthe Interior >> >> >>> On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:27 AM, Jackson, Hallie (NBCUniversal) wrote: >>> >>> Hi guys - reaching out regarding this Washington Post report on Sec. Zinke's private charter travel. Is it accurate that he flew from Vegas to Montana on a charter? What was the cost ofthat? >>> >>> Would love ifyou could call me - . >>> >>> Thanks, >>> -Hallie Jackson- >>> ChiefWhite House Correspondent >>> NBC News > (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00567761 EXT-18-2336-D-000127 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Hughes, Jillian Sent: 2017-09-29T07:34:04-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: CBS q - Planes Received: 2017-09-29T07:34:57-04:00 Understood. Thank you, appreciate it. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 7:32 AM To: Hughes, Jillian Subject: Re: CBS q - Planes I don't have the numberin front of me as I am still at my home but I can confirm it is about $12,000 forthe Secretary and four staff. The facts would disagree with the Washington Post piece on flight availability. There was no commercial flight. The WP also draws fake and misleading conclusions on the ownership ofthe plane. The charter company was an approved government vendorthat had contracts with the federal government for years. The flight was selected and arranged by officials in the Office of Aviation. The ownership of a plane is never a point of consideration and the Secretary never met or even spoke with the owner of the plane. To say there's some kind of connection is a wild departure from reality. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:26 AM, Hughes, Jillian wrote: Got it, thank you. Would you agree with the $ amount WaPo put on the Vegas > Kalispell flight? $12,375? And I assume you would disagree with WaPo saying a $300 commercial flight was available (given the reasoning below that commercial flights would not get him there in time). Happy to chat if you’d like, those are my two most pressing questions. I’m at (202) 457-4461 From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 7:15 AM To: Hughes, Jillian Subject: Re: CBS q - Planes As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charterflights when FOIA001:00567742 EXT-18-2336-D-000128 there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. The Washington Post piece is full of wrong information which I'm happy to walk you through if you have any questions as there is just way too much wrong with it to type out on my phone right now. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor- General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. FOIA001:00567742 EXT-18-2336-D-000129 Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 6:46 AM, Hughes, Jillian wrote: Hi Heather – Reaching out about reports of the Secretary’s use of private planes. “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and his aides have taken several flights on private or military aircraft, including a $12,000 charter plane to take him to events in his hometown in Montana and private flights between two Caribbean islands, according to documents and a department spokeswoman.” http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes￾interior-243280 Any confirmation of this graph/or comment from you? It looks like some of these details came straight from you? “Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke's charter or military plane trips were booked only after officials were unable to find commercial flights that would accommodate Zinke's schedule, and that all were "pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office." Swift said she had not spoken to Zinke about whether he would reimburse the government for the cost of the flights, as Price plans to do for some of the $400,000 tab he racked up on charter flights. On June 26, a Beechcraft King Air 200 carried Zinke and several staffers from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Mont., about a 20-minute drive from Zinke’s home in Whitefish, according to his official schedule. The flight cost $12,375, Swift said.” Many thanks, Jillian Jillian B. Hughes White House Producer, CBS News (443) 528-2493 FOIA001:00567742 EXT-18-2336-D-000130 To: Hughes, Jillian[HughesJ@cbsnews.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T07:32:16-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CBS q - Planes Received: 2017-09-29T07:32:25-04:00 I don't have the number in front ofme as I am still at my home but I can confirm it is about $12,000 for the Secretary and four staff. The facts would disagree with the Washington Post piece on flight availability. There was no commercial flight. The WP also draws fake and misleading conclusions on the ownership ofthe plane. The charter company was an approved government vendor that had contracts with the federal government for years. The flight was selected and arranged by officials in the Office ofAviation. The ownership ofa plane is never a point ofconsideration and the Secretary never met or even spoke with the owner ofthe plane. To say there's some kind ofconnection is a wild departure from reality. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:26 AM, Hughes, Jillian wrote: Got it, thank you. Would you agree with the $ amount WaPo put on the Vegas > Kalispell flight? $12,375? And I assume you would disagree with WaPo saying a $300 commercial flight was available (given the reasoning below that commercial flights would not get him there in time). Happy to chat if you’d like, those are my two most pressing questions. I’m at (202) 457-4461 From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 7:15 AM To: Hughes, Jillian Subject: Re: CBS q - Planes As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. FOIA001:00567733 EXT-18-2336-D-000131 The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. The Washington Post piece is full of wrong information which I'm happy to walk you through if you have any questions as there is just way too much wrong with it to type out on my phone right now. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option FOIA001:00567733 EXT-18-2336-D-000132 Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 6:46 AM, Hughes, Jillian wrote: Hi Heather – Reaching out about reports of the Secretary’s use of private planes. “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and his aides have taken several flights on private or military aircraft, including a $12,000 charter plane to take him to events in his hometown in Montana and private flights between two Caribbean islands, according to documents and a department spokeswoman.” http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes￾interior-243280 Any confirmation of this graph/or comment from you? It looks like some of these details came straight from you? “Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke's charter or military plane trips were booked only after officials were unable to find commercial flights that would accommodate Zinke's schedule, and that all were "pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office." Swift said she had not spoken to Zinke about whether he would reimburse the government for the cost of the flights, as Price plans to do for some of the $400,000 tab he racked up on charter flights. On June 26, a Beechcraft King Air 200 carried Zinke and several staffers from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Mont., about a 20-minute drive from Zinke’s home in Whitefish, according to his official schedule. The flight cost $12,375, Swift said.” Many thanks, Jillian Jillian B. Hughes White House Producer, CBS News (443) 528-2493 FOIA001:00567733 EXT-18-2336-D-000133 To: Willa Frej[willa.frej@huffpost.com] Cc: Interior Press[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T08:12:05-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Media Inquiry from HuffPost Received: 2017-09-29T08:12:52-04:00 "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 5:41 AM, Willa Frej wrote: Good morning, Could you please confirm that Secy. Zinke's charter flight from Las Vegas to Montana this summer was authorized by ethics officials? Could you also please confirm what the total cost was? Thank you, Willa -- Willa Frej Reporter | HuffPost +447583050371 (mobile) @willafrej FOIA001:00567732 EXT-18-2336-D-000134 To: Daniel Jorjani[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov] Cc: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Newell, Russell Sent: 2017-09-29T07:38:34-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-29T07:38:37-04:00 thanks Dan Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 7:35 AM, Daniel Jorjani wrote: The Travel Office (Tim N.). As a fallback, the Travel Lawyers (Tim M. and Jennifer H.). Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department of the Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 ' 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department ofthe Interior solely forthe intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception ofthis message or the use or disclosure ofthe information it contains may violate the law and subject the violatorto civil or criminal penalties. Ifyou believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:30 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: Ben promised to provide context in his article, which he did not. Did anyone ever ask Sally Jewell or Salazar about whether they were going to reimburse the govt for official travel? Who would have travel records for past Secretaries? I'd like to see a comparison. Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567725 EXT-18-2336-D-000135 (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:19 PM, Jorjani, Daniel wrote: OK to release the travel authorization. Waiting to hear back from Melinda to hear if she is ok with being quoted. Adding Ed to keep DGL in the loop. Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department of the Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department of the Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:12 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00567725 ■ EXT-18-2336-D-000136 different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567725 EXT-18-2336-D-000137 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Michael Bastasch Sent: 2017-09-29T08:33:17-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Who's spreading the Zinke travel stories? Received: 2017-09-29T08:34:05-04:00 Really? What's wrong with it? On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:31 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: That would seem to be it. They are the only ones quoted. The WP story is so factually incorrect. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:23 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Seems like the Center for Western Priorities. -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567724 EXT-18-2336-D-000138 To: Michael Bastasch[mike@dailycallernewsfoundation.org] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T08:42:47-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Who's spreading the Zinke travel stories? Received: 2017-09-29T08:43:34-04:00 1. WAPO 2. POLITICO 3. All the official on the record stuff 1. WAPO Lisa, the Secretary has never in his life met Mr Neilson and that the charter plane company is a vendor of the federal government. It was selected by career officials a thousand miles away in Boise or Atlanta after cost analysis. Furthermore, you would have learned that company had years of federal contracts before the Secretary was even sworn into office. But YOU never bothered to research, just take some lazy opposition research that was dropped into your lap. By the way, every other reporter who was pitched that declined after learning the facts because it was so flimsy. Further, you lied through omission where you said commercial flights are available between LAS and FCA - FACT CHECK there are exactly 0 commercial flights leaving after 8PM that would have got the Secretary to FCA in time for an 8:30AM meeting. You failed to include the piece of evidence that the trips were all above board - the statement from the two senior ethics officers - because it didn't fit your hit piece. You lied and said there were multiple political events, yet there were not. He attended single political event for Senator Daines in Big Sky when he was already scheduled to be in the area and it was no cost to the Department. You lied through omission on the Yellowstone aspect by making it sound like the itinerary was light. In fact, the itinerary in Yellowstone was robust. Are you aware that Yellowstone has a serious sexual harassment situation? The Secretary traveled there to meet with the superintendent and the staff about it. The park is also in hot negotiations with tribes on a number of fronts that needed the secretary's time. All of these things were also part of the secretary's trip in addition to meeting the employees he oversees. On the point of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. Again another lie through omission and leading readers to believe he is at a foreign "Caribbean" islands rather than an American territory that is overseen by the Department. That itinerary included SEVERAL HOURS of official government events and ceremonies as well as meeting with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a NATIONAL PARK that is under the jurisdiction of the Department. Lastly - saying "swift didn't know" while not factually false is pretty low. It was 10PM and I told you I did not have the information immediately available. Your phrasing suggests FOIA001:00567719 - EXT-18-2336-D-000139 something more malice. POLITICO The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion of the trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. ON THE RECORD As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska FOIA001:00567719 - EXT-18-2336-D-000140 Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:38 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Ok, thanks. That would be great. On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:36 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: I can send you a strongly worded email i sent to the reporter but it's not for the record. If you want to me to respond to anything I will but would just give you this email for context about what's wrong with the WP piece. - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:33 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: FOIA001:00567719 EXT-18-2336-D-000141 Really? What's wrong with it? On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:31 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: That would seem to be it. They are the only ones quoted. The WP story is so factually incorrect. - Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:23 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Seems like the Center for Western Priorities. -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch FOIA001:00567719 EXT-18-2336-D-000142 Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567719 EXT-18-2336-D-000143 To: Heather Swift[Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Michael Bastasch Sent: 2017-09-29T08:23:33-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Who's spreading the Zinke travel stories? Received: 2017-09-29T08:24:21-04:00 Seems like the Center for Western Priorities. -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567718 EXT-18-2336-D-000144 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Michael Bastasch Sent: 2017-09-29T08:38:25-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Who's spreading the Zinke travel stories? Received: 2017-09-29T08:39:08-04:00 Ok, thanks. That would be great. On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:36 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: I can send you a strongly worded email i sent to the reporter but it's not for the record. If you want to me to respond to anything I will but would just give you this email for context about what's wrong with the WP piece. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:33 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Really? What's wrong with it? On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:31 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: That would seem to be it. They are the only ones quoted. The WP story is so factually incorrect. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:23 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Seems like the Center for Western Priorities. -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567716 EXT-18-2336-D-000145 -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567716 EXT-18-2336-D-000146 To: Michael Bastasch[mike@dailycallernewsfoundation.org] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-29T08:36:40-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Who's spreading the Zinke travel stories? Received: 2017-09-29T08:37:26-04:00 I can send you a strongly worded email i sent to the reporter but it's not for the record. If you want to me to respond to anything I will but would just give you this email for context about what's wrong with the WP piece. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:33 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Really? What's wrong with it? On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:31 AM, Swift, Heather wrote: That would seem to be it. They are the only ones quoted. The WP story is so factually incorrect. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 8:23 AM, Michael Bastasch wrote: Seems like the Center for Western Priorities. -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567711 EXT-18-2336-D-000147 -- Michael Bastasch Daily Caller News Foundation FOIA001:00567711 EXT-18-2336-D-000148 To: Jorjani, Daniel[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov] Cc: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Newell, Russell Sent: 2017-09-29T07:30:42-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-29T07:30:52-04:00 Ben promised to provide context in his article, which he did not. Did anyone ever ask Sally Jewell or Salazar about whether they were going to reimburse the govt for official travel? Who would have travel records for past Secretaries? I'd like to see a comparison. Russell Newell Deputy Director ofCommunications U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:19 PM, Jorjani, Daniel wrote: OK to release the travel authorization. Waiting to hear back from Melinda o hear ifshe is ok with being quoted. Adding Ed to keep DGL in the loop. Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department ofthe Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department ofthe Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception ofthis message or the use or disclosure ofthe information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. Ifyou believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:12 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00567704 EXT-18-2336-D-000149 The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567704 EXT-18-2336-D-000150 To: Newell, Russell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Daniel Jorjani Sent: 2017-09-29T07:35:22-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-29T07:35:29-04:00 The Travel Office (Tim N.). As a fallback, the Travel Lawyers (Tim M. and Jennifer H.). Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department of the Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 ' 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department of the Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 29, 2017, at 7:30 AM, Newell, Russell wrote: Ben promised to provide context in his article, which he did not. Did anyone ever ask Sally Jewell or Salazar about whether they were going to reimburse the govt for official travel? Who would have travel records for past Secretaries? I'd like to see a comparison. Russell Newell Deputy Director of Communications U.S. Department of the Interior (202) 208-6232 @Interior On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:19 PM, Jorjani, Daniel wrote: OK to release the travel authorization. Waiting to hear back from Melinda to hear if she is ok with being quoted. Adding Ed to keep DGL in the loop. (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00567700 • EXT-18-2336-D-000151 Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department ofthe Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department ofthe Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception ofthis message or the use or disclosure ofthe information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. Ifyou believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:12 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The FOIA001:00567700 EXT-18-2336-D-000152 last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567700 EXT-18-2336-D-000153 To: Edelman, Adam (NBCUniversal)[Adam.Edelman@nbcuni.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T07:23:40-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Can you confirm Politico report about Zinke flying on military planes? Received: 2017-09-29T07:23:48-04:00 Based upon your email (which i get is based upon shoddy reporting) the characterization ofthe trips is skewed. The "Caribbean Islands" is the United States Virgin Islands, which is American soil that the Interior is in charge offederal policy for. And the single flight from Las Vegas to Montana was for the Western Governors' Association, which is led by Montana's Democratic governor. The WGA is a major event for the Interior as nearly all our land holdings are in Western states. It was not forthe secretary to travel home. As with the previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. The politico piece did not accurately describe a number ofthings including the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to for the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor- General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over US territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. The very long itinerary of government ceremonies was also joined by meetings with American military veterans from the territory and a visit to a DOI/NPS location Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary ofofficial government events. FOIA001:00567696 EXT-18-2336-D-000154 Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 6:57 AM, Edelman, Adam (NBCUniversal) wrote: Hi, Adam Edelman @ NBC News here. I’m trying to confirm details from a Politico report last night revealing that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and his aides have taken several flights on private or military aircraft, including a $12,000 charter plane to take him to events in his hometown in Montana and private flights between two Caribbean islands. http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes-interior￾243280 The report cites a department spokesperson. Can you confirm that Zinke and aides took these flights? Can you provide me with the circumstances behind/ details of/dates/times ofthese flights? Thank you. FOIA001:00567696 EXT-18-2336-D-000155 Adam Edelman | NBC News Digital 917-355-9198 | 212-664-5279 adam.edelman@nbcuni.com | @abedelman FOIA001:00567696 EXT-18-2336-D-000156 To: Hughes, Jillian[HughesJ@cbsnews.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T07:14:49-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CBS q - Planes Received: 2017-09-29T07:14:57-04:00 As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. The Washington Post piece is full ofwrong information which I'm happy to walk you through if you have any questions as there is just way too much wrong with it to type out on my phone right now. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. FOIA001:00567693 EXT-18-2336-D-000157 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 6:46 AM, Hughes, Jillian wrote: Hi Heather – Reaching out about reports of the Secretary’s use of private planes. “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and his aides have taken several flights on private or military aircraft, including a $12,000 charter plane to take him to events in his hometown in Montana and private flights between two Caribbean islands, according to documents and a department spokeswoman.” http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes-interior￾243280 Any confirmation of this graph/or comment from you? It looks like some of these details came straight from you? “Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke's charter or military plane trips were booked only after officials were unable to find commercial flights that would accommodate Zinke's schedule, and that all were "pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office." Swift said she had not spoken to Zinke about whether he would reimburse the government for the cost of the flights, as Price plans to do for some of the $400,000 tab he racked up on charter flights. FOIA001:00567693 EXT-18-2336-D-000158 On June 26, a Beechcraft King Air 200 carried Zinke and several staffers from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Mont., about a 20-minute drive from Zinke’s home in Whitefish, according to his official schedule. The flight cost $12,375, Swift said.” Many thanks, Jillian Jillian B. Hughes White House Producer, CBS News (443) 528-2493 FOIA001:00567693 EXT-18-2336-D-000159 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Hughes, Jillian Sent: 2017-09-29T07:26:11-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: CBS q - Planes Received: 2017-09-29T07:26:20-04:00 Got it, thank you. Would you agree with the $ amount WaPo put on the Vegas > Kalispell flight? $12,375? And I assume you would disagree with WaPo saying a $300 commercial flight was available (given the reasoning below that commercial flights would not get him there in time). Happy to chat if you’d like, those are my two most pressing questions. I’m at (202) 457-4461 From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 7:15 AM To: Hughes, Jillian Subject: Re: CBS q - Planes As with previous Interiorsecretaries, the Secretary traveled on charterflights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. The Washington Post piece is full of wrong information which I'm happy to walk you through if you have any questions as there is just way too much wrong with it to type out on my phone right now. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." -- Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor- General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. FOIA001:00567692 EXT-18-2336-D-000160 Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 6:46 AM, Hughes, Jillian wrote: Hi Heather – Reaching out about reports of the Secretary’s use of private planes. “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and his aides have taken several flights on private or military aircraft, including a $12,000 charter plane to take him to events in his hometown in Montana and private flights between two Caribbean islands, according to documents and a department spokeswoman.” http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes-interior￾243280 Any confirmation of this graph/or comment from you? It looks like some of these details came straight from you? FOIA001:00567692 EXT-18-2336-D-000161 “Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke's charter or military plane trips were booked only after officials were unable to find commercial flights that would accommodate Zinke's schedule, and that all were "pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office." Swift said she had not spoken to Zinke about whether he would reimburse the government for the cost of the flights, as Price plans to do for some of the $400,000 tab he racked up on charter flights. On June 26, a Beechcraft King Air 200 carried Zinke and several staffers from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Mont., about a 20-minute drive from Zinke’s home in Whitefish, according to his official schedule. The flight cost $12,375, Swift said.” Many thanks, Jillian Jillian B. Hughes White House Producer, CBS News (443) 528-2493 FOIA001:00567692 EXT-18-2336-D-000162 To: Rich, Michawn - OC, Washington, DC[Michawn.Rich@oc.usda.gov]; Rodgers, Meghan - OC, Washington, DC[Meghan.Rodgers@oc.usda.gov]; heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Murtaugh, Tim - OC, Washington, DC Sent: 2017-09-29T03:42:33-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: Sec Perdue traveling on military plane with Sec Zinke to Montana Received: 2017-09-29T03:42:47-04:00 Got this one and responded thusly. I was up early with so figured I would just answer. Begin forwarded message: From: "Murtaugh, Tim - OC, Washington, DC" Date: September 29, 2017 at 3:41:12 AM EDT To: "Karson, Kendall J." Cc: SM.OC.Press Subject: Re: Sec Perdue traveling on military plane with Sec Zinke to Montana It is Secretary Perdue's responsibility to oversee the Forest Service and the thousands of employees who risk their lives protecting life and property battling wildfires. As part of those duties, he traveled with Interior Secretary Zinke to meet with firefighters and personally assess the situation at the ongoing Lolo Peak fire in August. Though Secretary Perdue usually travels on commercial flights, in this instance there were no viable commercial options available to transport two Cabinet secretaries, security details, and associated staff from USDA, the Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior to Missoula, Montana in the time required. On Sep 29, 2017, at 1:34 AM, Karson, Kendall J. wrote: Hi Tim – I’m reaching out from ABC News to get a statement on Secretary Perdue’s travel with Secretary Zinke on a military plan to Ravalli County, Montana after wildfires broke out in the area in August. Do you have any comment? Thanks, Kendall This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and (b)(6) FOIA001:00567680 - EXT-18-2336-D-000163 delete the email immediately. FOIA001:00567680 EXT-18-2336-D-000164 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Zack Colman Sent: 2017-09-28T22:30:25-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Received: 2017-09-28T22:30:37-04:00 Oh yeah, not even getting into the GQ stuff. Didn't plan on it. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:18 PM, Heather Swift wrote: I also want to add the Politico piece misrepresents the Montana portion. The Secretary's itinerary started with meetings at 8:30 AM and then a 45 minute speech at WGA (at the invitation ofthe Democratic governor) a press conference, and a working lunch with the governors. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:38 PM, Zack Colman wrote: At least gotta like me a little more than politico today... didn't even focus on the Tromso and St. Croix flights because we were aware there's no other options. Thanks again for working with me on all this. I do appreciate the forthrightness. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:03 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: I'm just waiting on our ethics officer to get back to me. The rest is below. 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000165 The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM career staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. ATTACHED 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000166 STATEMENT PENDING - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:58 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Oy. Sorry to hearthat. Will look out forit. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:55 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Our ethics officer is out of the office so it's taking a bit. (b)(6) FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000167 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Waiting on the letters of approval for flight and speaking engagement. Both come from the ethics office. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:51 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000168 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:46 PM, Zack Colman wrote: I actually don’t believe that is necessary now that I am aware that it was a government contract. That was ifit had been a gift to the department. FYI we do plan on running the story in the a.m. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:43 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Zack, why do you think this is needed for the flight? https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/upl oads/di-2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf - FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000169 Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 4:06 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Just wanted to follow up to make sure we’re on the same page for what I’m looking for now: 1) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. 2) The cost ofthe flight. 3) This signed and dated form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf 4) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. I don’t envision getting this done today, for obvious reasons, so happy to keep working with you on this. -Zack -- Zack Colman FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000170 E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 1:09 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline I'm here. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 1:07 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather - just got out ofa meeting and heading to another now that begins at 1:30. Will call in a few minutes. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 12:20 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000171 Career ethics officials vet and approve every single trip the Secretary goes on. Can you give me a ring and chat off the record? 202-208-5338 Info may change your story. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:40 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Oh, and one last thing – regardless of whatever happened with this travel, did an ethics official happen to sign off on it before the flight occurred? Would have had to sign this form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/ uploads/di-2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf Thanks! -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000172 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Zack Colman Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:38 AM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline But, brava, nonetheless. Brava, indeed. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:34 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline That's what you think! That's 90 seconds wasted on googling the perfect gif I'm not going to get back. FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000173 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:19 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Sure thing, Heather. I recall meeting you at a Washington Examiner event back in the day when I used to work there – not trying to be a faceless reporter you’ve rarely interacted with. We’re all humans here, ha. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:18 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000174 Thank you, Zack! I REALLY appreciate it. I promise you nobody has asked your line of questioning so I don't expect you to get scooped on anything. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:14 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Sorry about all the back and forth here. It’s just that my editorfeels we have enough confirmed here through SEC filings, FEC filings, government databases, etc., to put a lot ofthis together. Given the attention being paid right now to planes and all that stuff, we’re very sensitive to getting jumped by someone else given the weird nature of our publishing time (which, as a constantly nervous reporter, might be a little understandable, hopefully). Ultimately, we can give you until 6 a.m. tomorrow at the absolute latest – that’s when everything gets through the system en route to publishing. I was hoping to get something by late afternoon to ensure I had all I needed FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000175 before I started writing, but it is what it is, I can hold off. I’ve had enough good relationships with comms staffin this administration and the last and try to do everyone a solid by not writing before I have all the facts – too often people already have the story written before they even reach out. That’s not the case here, seriously. Sorry to have been a little snippy earlier. I think if you ask around that most people find me to be a fair reporter, and I hope you understand some ofthe constraints under which I’m operating. I know you have your own constraints, so this is the olive branch. Thanks, -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:08 AM To: Zack Colman ; Noelle Straub FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000176 Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Your request is not the only thing I'm working on today, Zack. I have multiple requests from EE alone and an entire national press corps I also work with. I'd appreciate some flexibility on your deadline. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 10:05 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Heather – I can do by 4 pm today. I think that is a reasonable amount of time considering I sent the request at the start ofthe business day. -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000177 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:03 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Hey Zack, I might need a little more time to track this down. Can you do by 10 tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 9:16 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi there, Zack Colman here, White House correspondent with E&E News. Hope this finds you well. Had some questions about Sec. Zinke's June 26 flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont. Was wondering who paid for that and how much it cost. Also, who else was on the plane? I thought it was worth asking since the plane is owned by Jay Nielson, a board member of the Yellowstone Recreations Fund and former executive in Nielson & Associates, an oil and gas drilling business that, FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000178 along with Wyoming-based Iron Creek Energy, sold to Texas-based drillers Legacy LP. He's the son of James Nielson, the scion of a oil and gas drilling business (started by Glenn Nielson) who has donated more than $100,000 to Republican candidates and campaign committees, who owns a company (Y￾Tex) with 10s of thousands of government contracts and who owns a ski resort in an area that as recently as 2011 was being considered for additional wildlife protection by the Interior Department (Sleeping Giant). All that said - what is Mr. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? Sec. Zinke also appears to have spoken to Bill Foley's NHL hockey team in Las Vegas before jumping aboard this chartered flight. What was the nature of that visit, and how did it affect his ability to avoid needing to take a chartered flight? Were other commercial flights available that would have gotten Sec. Zinke to Kalispell? So, to clarify: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? 2. How much did that flight cost? 3. Who was on the flight? 4. What is Sec. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? I have a 3:30 pm deadline. Please let me know if you have any responses by then. Thanks, -Zack FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000179 <2017_09_28_19_55_26.pdf> FOIA001:00567668 EXT-18-2336-D-000180 To: Marsh, Rene[Rene.Marsh@cnn.com]; Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Levitt, Ross[Ross.Levitt@turner.com]; Wallace, Gregory[gregory.wallace@turner.com] From: Marsh, Rene Sent: 2017-09-29T13:09:00-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-09-29T13:09:30-04:00 Good afternoon Heather, CNN is circling back on this request. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:16 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" , "Swift, Heather" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking to confirm the costs of all ofthe charters you outlined below. We are also looking to confirm the name ofthe charter company that provided the flights forthe Secretary’s official travel. Besides these charterflights you noted below has the Secretary also used military/government planes? Ifso can you outline dates, times, places, justification? Many thanks, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 FOIA001:00567574 EXT-18-2336-D-000181 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 3:14 PM To: "Swift, Heather" , "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Thank you Heather — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:13 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I don't have that information immediately available. Will put a request in. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thank you Heather. What type of aircraft were these private planes? What was the cost forthese trips that came out of the DOI budget? Thank you — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN FOIA001:00567574 EXT-18-2336-D-000182 Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Rene - also want to add on the Alaska portion that was part of the CODEL arranged by Senate ENR. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 12:17 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thanks Heather. What type of planes were these charterflights? Can you please check and confirm? We are also looking to get a better understanding about why commercial flights were listed as not an option forthe 5/17 trip? There was no commercial flight available for the route/schedule. Getting around in the Arctic Circle is not like catching a flight out of Washington, D.C. Forthe 6/26 trip what were the times of his commitment? What time were the events scheduled forin Nevada? What time was the speaking engagement scheduled forthe next morning in Montana? The event ended around 8:00PM in NV. He arrived in MT around 2:00AM and the Secretary had meetings with governors and public lands advocates the following morning beginning at 8:45AM. The Western Governors Association - led by a Democratic governor - invited the Secretary to speak. FOIA001:00567574 EXT-18-2336-D-000183 Is it safe to assume the secretary flew commercial from Washington D.C. to places like Vegas, Alaska and St. Croix before boarding the private flights in those places? Yes - the Secretary flew to Nevada and the USVI on a commercial, coach, government fare. He got to Alaska by way of the CODEL which was arranged by the Senate. He left Alaska on a commercial, coach, government fare. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:31 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I sent this to Hannah Lang. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks FOIA001:00567574 EXT-18-2336-D-000184 Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had two speaking engagements, in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the event on time. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget The Secretary took a military jet once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the summer. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military jet when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. There have been three such trips to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Atlanta. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Morning Heather, I checked in with my colleagues and they say they never received a response on this topic from Interior. Could you please provide? We are looking to find out has the Secretary chartered private planes for his travels while in office? Government/military planes during his time in office? How many times? Was commercial considered as the first option? Justification for flying private? Thank you, Rene Marsh CNN On 9/22/17, 12:53 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: We do it here too. FOIA001:00567574 EXT-18-2336-D-000185 Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:44 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: > > Apologies. That’s annoying on our part. Sorry we are doubling up. Will check with them and circle back ifthere are any outstanding questions. > > — René Marsh > CNN > Correspondent > Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN > Office: 202- 777-7249 > > > On 9/22/17, 12:43 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: > > Rene can you please coordinate with your colleagues? I've received > this inquiry from several people at CNN. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department ofthe Interior > > >> On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:35 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> CNN is looking to get information on Zinke's travel information. When he travels by plane does he always fly commercial? Private ? >> >> Thank you, >> Rene Marsh >> CNN >> >> Sent from my iPhone > > FOIA001:00567574 EXT-18-2336-D-000186 FOIA001:00567574 EXT-18-2336-D-000187 To: Marsh, Rene[Rene.Marsh@cnn.com]; Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Levitt, Ross[Ross.Levitt@turner.com]; Wallace, Gregory[gregory.wallace@turner.com] From: Marsh, Rene Sent: 2017-09-29T11:16:17-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-09-29T11:16:34-04:00 Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking to confirm the costs of all ofthe charters you outlined below. We are also looking to confirm the name ofthe charter company that provided the flights forthe Secretary’s official travel. Besides these charterflights you noted below has the Secretary also used military/government planes? Ifso can you outline dates, times, places, justification? Many thanks, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 3:14 PM To: "Swift, Heather" , "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Thank you Heather — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:13 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" FOIA001:00567556 EXT-18-2336-D-000188 , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I don't have that information immediately available. Will put a request in. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thank you Heather. What type of aircraft were these private planes? What was the cost forthese trips that came out of the DOI budget? Thank you — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Rene - also want to add on the Alaska portion that was part of the CODEL arranged by Senate ENR. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567556 EXT-18-2336-D-000189 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 12:17 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thanks Heather. What type of planes were these charterflights? Can you please check and confirm? We are also looking to get a better understanding about why commercial flights were listed as not an option forthe 5/17 trip? There was no commercial flight available for the route/schedule. Getting around in the Arctic Circle is not like catching a flight out of Washington, D.C. Forthe 6/26 trip what were the times of his commitment? What time were the events scheduled forin Nevada? What time was the speaking engagement scheduled forthe next morning in Montana? The event ended around 8:00PM in NV. He arrived in MT around 2:00AM and the Secretary had meetings with governors and public lands advocates the following morning beginning at 8:45AM. The Western Governors Association - led by a Democratic governor - invited the Secretary to speak. Is it safe to assume the secretary flew commercial from Washington D.C. to places like Vegas, Alaska and St. Croix before boarding the private flights in those places? Yes - the Secretary flew to Nevada and the USVI on a commercial, coach, government fare. He got to Alaska by way of the CODEL which was arranged by the Senate. He left Alaska on a commercial, coach, government fare. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:31 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" FOIA001:00567556 EXT-18-2336-D-000190 , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I sent this to Hannah Lang. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had two speaking engagements, in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the event on time. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget The Secretary took a military jet once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the summer. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military jet when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. There have been three such trips to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Atlanta. FOIA001:00567556 EXT-18-2336-D-000191 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Morning Heather, I checked in with my colleagues and they say they never received a response on this topic from Interior. Could you please provide? We are looking to find out has the Secretary chartered private planes for his travels while in office? Government/military planes during his time in office? How many times? Was commercial considered as the first option? Justification for flying private? Thank you, Rene Marsh CNN On 9/22/17, 12:53 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: We do it here too. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:44 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: > > Apologies. That’s annoying on our part. Sorry we are doubling up. Will check with them and circle back ifthere are any outstanding questions. > > — René Marsh > CNN > Correspondent > Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN > Office: 202- 777-7249 > > > On 9/22/17, 12:43 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: > FOIA001:00567556 EXT-18-2336-D-000192 > Rene can you please coordinate with your colleagues? I've received > this inquiry from several people at CNN. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department ofthe Interior > > >> On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:35 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> CNN is looking to get information on Zinke's travel information. When he travels by plane does he always fly commercial? Private ? >> >> Thank you, >> Rene Marsh >> CNN >> >> Sent from my iPhone > > FOIA001:00567556 EXT-18-2336-D-000193 To: Marsh, Rene[Rene.Marsh@cnn.com]; Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov[interior_press@ios.doi.gov]; russell_newell@ios.doi.gov[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Levitt, Ross[Ross.Levitt@turner.com]; Wallace, Gregory[gregory.wallace@turner.com] From: 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press Sent: 2017-09-29T11:16:17-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNN Received: 2017-09-29T11:16:31-04:00 Good Morning Heather, CNN is looking to confirm the costs of all ofthe charters you outlined below. We are also looking to confirm the name ofthe charter company that provided the flights forthe Secretary’s official travel. Besides these charterflights you noted below has the Secretary also used military/government planes? Ifso can you outline dates, times, places, justification? Many thanks, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Marsh, Rene" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 3:14 PM To: "Swift, Heather" , "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Thank you Heather — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:13 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" FOIA001:00567554 EXT-18-2336-D-000194 , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I don't have that information immediately available. Will put a request in. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:09 PM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thank you Heather. What type of aircraft were these private planes? What was the cost forthese trips that came out of the DOI budget? Thank you — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:05 PM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN Rene - also want to add on the Alaska portion that was part of the CODEL arranged by Senate ENR. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567554 EXT-18-2336-D-000195 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 12:17 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Thanks Heather. What type of planes were these charterflights? Can you please check and confirm? We are also looking to get a better understanding about why commercial flights were listed as not an option forthe 5/17 trip? There was no commercial flight available for the route/schedule. Getting around in the Arctic Circle is not like catching a flight out of Washington, D.C. Forthe 6/26 trip what were the times of his commitment? What time were the events scheduled forin Nevada? What time was the speaking engagement scheduled forthe next morning in Montana? The event ended around 8:00PM in NV. He arrived in MT around 2:00AM and the Secretary had meetings with governors and public lands advocates the following morning beginning at 8:45AM. The Western Governors Association - led by a Democratic governor - invited the Secretary to speak. Is it safe to assume the secretary flew commercial from Washington D.C. to places like Vegas, Alaska and St. Croix before boarding the private flights in those places? Yes - the Secretary flew to Nevada and the USVI on a commercial, coach, government fare. He got to Alaska by way of the CODEL which was arranged by the Senate. He left Alaska on a commercial, coach, government fare. Thank you, — René Marsh CNN Correspondent Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN Office: 202- 777-7249 From: "Swift, Heather" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:31 AM To: "Marsh, Rene" Cc: "interior_press@ios.doi.gov" , "russell_newell@ios.doi.gov" FOIA001:00567554 EXT-18-2336-D-000196 , "Levitt, Ross" , Gregory Wallace Subject: Re: CNN I sent this to Hannah Lang. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had two speaking engagements, in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the event on time. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget The Secretary took a military jet once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the summer. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military jet when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. There have been three such trips to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Atlanta. FOIA001:00567554 EXT-18-2336-D-000197 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: Morning Heather, I checked in with my colleagues and they say they never received a response on this topic from Interior. Could you please provide? We are looking to find out has the Secretary chartered private planes for his travels while in office? Government/military planes during his time in office? How many times? Was commercial considered as the first option? Justification for flying private? Thank you, Rene Marsh CNN On 9/22/17, 12:53 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: We do it here too. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior > On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:44 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: > > Apologies. That’s annoying on our part. Sorry we are doubling up. Will check with them and circle back ifthere are any outstanding questions. > > — René Marsh > CNN > Correspondent > Twitter: @Rene_MarshCNN > Office: 202- 777-7249 > > > On 9/22/17, 12:43 PM, "Heather Swift" wrote: > FOIA001:00567554 EXT-18-2336-D-000198 > Rene can you please coordinate with your colleagues? I've received > this inquiry from several people at CNN. > > Heather Swift > Press Secretary > Department ofthe Interior > > >> On Sep 22, 2017, at 11:35 AM, 'Marsh, Rene' via Interior Press wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> CNN is looking to get information on Zinke's travel information. When he travels by plane does he always fly commercial? Private ? >> >> Thank you, >> Rene Marsh >> CNN >> >> Sent from my iPhone > > FOIA001:00567554 EXT-18-2336-D-000199 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Timothy Cama Sent: 2017-09-28T21:53:45-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Can you please correct this Received: 2017-09-28T21:53:54-04:00 What's the issue(s)? On Sep 28, 2017 at 9:44 PM, wrote: I realize your colleague simply wrote about another article but this is really a hack job. Didn't even bother to email. http://thehill. com/homenews/administration/353026-zinke-used-private-military￾planes-for-travel-report Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00567508 EXT-18-2336-D-000200 To: Timothy Cama[tcama@thehill.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T22:07:45-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Can you please correct this Received: 2017-09-28T22:07:52-04:00 As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary ofofficial government events. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks FOIA001:00567503 EXT-18-2336-D-000201 Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 10:06 PM, Timothy Cama wrote: Ok cool. I'll pass it along and make sure Julia sees it. Thanks. On Sep 28, 2017 at 10:03 PM, wrote: A flight "to the Caribbean" is incorrect. He took a commercial flight to the USVI and then once there took a round trip flight between two islands in the US territory. "to attend an event with the Danish government" is incomplete and incorrect through omission. The Secretary attended several events with both the Governor ofthe USVI and the Danish Prime Minister... as well as many other government officials. "In addition to using charter flights, Zinke used a military plane to travel to Norway with his wife" incorrect. This was a CODEL arranged by SENR. Mrs Zinke met the CODEL, including congressional spouses, in Norway. She joined the rest ofthe trip with other spouses at personal cost. "Swift said she could not to confirm to Politico whether Zinke would reimburse the government for the cost ofhis travel." It was official government travel for official business. There was no personal time what so ever. Heather Swift FOIA001:00567503 EXT-18-2336-D-000202 Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:44 PM, Heather Swift wrote: I realize your colleague simply wrote about another article but this is really a hack job. Didn't even bother to email. http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/353026-zinke-used-private-military￾planes-for-travel-report Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567503 EXT-18-2336-D-000203 To: Bruggeman, Lucien C.[Lucien.C.Bruggeman@abc.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:15:33-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs Received: 2017-09-28T21:15:41-04:00 As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. FOIA001:00567501 EXT-18-2336-D-000204 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:46 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: Hi all – wondering if you have any information about a report in Politico tonight about Secretary Zinke’s travel. Forreference: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan￾zinke-charter-military-planes-interior-243280 Thanks￾Luc Lucien Bruggeman ABC News – Washington Assignment Editor (o) 202-222-7700 (c) 651-494-4870 FOIA001:00567501 EXT-18-2336-D-000205 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Timothy Cama Sent: 2017-09-28T22:06:40-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Can you please correct this Received: 2017-09-28T22:06:44-04:00 Ok cool. I'll pass it along and make sure Julia sees it. Thanks. On Sep 28, 2017 at 10:03 PM, wrote: A flight "to the Caribbean" is incorrect. He took a commercial flight to the USVI and then once there took a round trip flight between two islands in the US territory. "to attend an event with the Danish government" is incomplete and incorrect through omission. The Secretary attended several events with both the Governor ofthe USVI and the Danish Prime Minister... as well as many other government officials. "In addition to using charter flights, Zinke used a military plane to travel to Norway with his wife" incorrect. This was a CODEL arranged by SENR. Mrs Zinke met the CODEL, including congressional spouses, in Norway. She joined the rest ofthe trip with other spouses at personal cost. "Swift said she could not to confirm to Politico whether Zinke would reimburse the government for the cost ofhis travel." It was official government travel for official business. There was no personal time what so ever. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:44 PM, Heather Swift wrote: I realize your colleague simply wrote about another article but this is really a hack job. Didn't even bother to email. http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/353026-zinke-used-private-military-planes￾for-travel-report Heather Swift Press Secretary FOIA001:00567499 EXT-18-2336-D-000206 Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567499 EXT-18-2336-D-000207 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Center for Western Priorities Sent: 2017-09-28T23:38:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: STATEMENT and TIMELINE on Interior Secretary Zinke's Private Flight to Montana Received: 2017-09-28T23:39:13-04:00 CONTACT Aaron Weiss, Media Director Center for Western Priorities aaron@westernpriorities.org 720-279-0019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 STATEMENT and TIMELINE on Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s Private Flight to Montana DENVER—News broke Thursday night that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke joins the ranks of HHS Secretary Tom Price and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, who flew private flights in lieu of commercial at taxpayer expense. In Secretary Zinke’s case, the most egregious case of private travel occurred on June 26th, when the secretary opted against flying commercial to spend an evening with the Las Vegas professional hockey team—a team owned by Bill Foley, chairman of Fidelity National Financial, which happens to be Secretary Zinke’s largest campaign contributor over the course of his career. Zinke then took a private plane to his home in Whitefish, Montana. The night before, Zinke flew from Washington to Lake Tahoe for an event with the Rule of Law Defense Fund, a dark-money group sponsored by the Koch brothers which supports Republican attorneys general. According to the Secretary’s travel schedule, he was seated at a table with lobbyists from Koch Industries, the NRA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Center for Western Priorities issued the following statement from Media Director Aaron Weiss: “Here's another case of a Trump administration official wining and dining with donors, lobbyists, and executives at the expense of taxpayers. Secretary Zinke's entire Nevada trip was a flimsy excuse for a political event in Lake Tahoe and a thank-you meeting with his biggest campaign bundler. Then he saddles taxpayers with the bill for a private plane when he could have easily flown commercial.” FOIA001:00567495 EXT-18-2336-D-000208 KEY EVENTS JUNE 25, 2017: • 6:35 am — Zinke flies from Washington to Reno with Interior staff • 1:50–6:00 pm — Zinke spends an afternoon of personal time at Lake Tahoe • 6:00 pm — Zinke attends Rule of Law Defense Fund dinner. At Zinke’s table: NRA lobbyists Randy Kozuch and Lacey Biles; Koch Industries lobbyist Allen Richardson; U.S. Chamber of Commerce VP Page Faulk JUNE 26, 2017: • 10:25 am — Zinke and staff fly from Reno to Las Vegas • 2:00 pm–3:20 pm — Zinke holds photo op in Pahrump, Nevada • 5:30–7:30 pm — Zinke attends dinner and gives motivational speech to Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL team, where he is introduced by team owner and major donor Bill Foley, Chairman of Fidelity National Financial • 6:50 pm — Final commercial flight connecting to Whitefish (Delta 2140/1144) departs Las Vegas • 8:30 pm — Having stayed with Foley past the departure time of the final commercial flight connecting to Whitefish, Zinke flies from Las Vegas to Whitefish on a private plane at taxpayer expense For more information, visit westernpriorities.org. To speak with an expert on public lands, contact Aaron Weiss at 720-279-0019 or aaron@westernpriorities.org. ### The Center forWestern Priorities is a conservation policy and advocacy organization focused on land and energy issues across the American West. Center for Western Priorities | 820 16th Street Ste 450, Denver, CO 80202 | 303.974.7761 unsubscribe from this list | view email in browser FOIA001:00567495 EXT-18-2336-D-000209 To: Bruggeman, Lucien C.[Lucien.C.Bruggeman@abc.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:29:33-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs Received: 2017-09-28T21:29:41-04:00 Nevada flight cost was $12,375. I do not immediately have the other figures. It is 9:30 at night and I cannot reach officials who would know. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:28 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: Thank you Heather. The Politico report indicates specific costs for the chartered flights – do you happen to have those figures as well? Thanks again From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:16 PM To: Bruggeman, Lucien C. Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe InteriorDesignated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. FOIA001:00567489 EXT-18-2336-D-000210 Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:46 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: FOIA001:00567489 EXT-18-2336-D-000211 Hi all – wondering if you have any information about a report in Politico tonight about Secretary Zinke’s travel. For reference: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military￾planes-interior-243280 Thanks￾Luc Lucien Bruggeman ABC News – Washington Assignment Editor (o) 202-222-7700 (c) 651-494-4870 FOIA001:00567489 EXT-18-2336-D-000212 To: Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com[Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:34:45-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Received: 2017-09-28T21:34:53-04:00 TY. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:34 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: I used your comment “As with previous …. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:31 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Do you plan to include past Interior Secretary's use of charter aircraft? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:19 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: OK From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:19 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights I also want to add that the politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a 45 minute speech to the WGA at the invitation ofthe democratic governor, a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567484 EXT-18-2336-D-000213 On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:16 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Thank you From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:15 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights There were no such instances. As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charterflights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre￾approved by the ethics office before booking and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor- General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix FOIA001:00567484 EXT-18-2336-D-000214 Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:51 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: On flights he took on charter aircraft when cheaper commercial flights were available. FOIA001:00567484 EXT-18-2336-D-000215 From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:50 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Are you asking ifthe Secretary will personally pay forflights taken on official government business? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:48 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Did the secretary take a charter flight on June 26 from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport? How much did it cost? Was a commercial flight available? Did he take charterflights in the U.S. Virgin Islands in March when commercial flights were available? Did he use a military aircraft on a flight to Norway in May? Will he reimburse the government forthe cost ofthese flights? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:39 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Please send specific questions Heather Swift Press Secretary FOIA001:00567484 EXT-18-2336-D-000216 Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:34 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com " wrote: Reuters is seeking comment on a Politico story that Secretary Zinke traveled on charter and military planes. Thanks http://www.politico. com/story/2017/09/ 28/ryan-zinke￾charter-military￾planes-interior￾243280 Eric Beech Correspondent Thomson Reuters Washington Bureau Office: 202-898-8322 Mobile: 202-577- 9959 eric.beech@thomso nreuters.com FOIA001:00567484 EXT-18-2336-D-000217 To: Bruggeman, Lucien C.[Lucien.C.Bruggeman@abc.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:30:36-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs Received: 2017-09-28T21:30:40-04:00 Do you plan to include past Interior Secretary's use ofcharter aircraft? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:28 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: Thank you Heather. The Politico report indicates specific costs for the chartered flights – do you happen to have those figures as well? Thanks again From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:16 PM To: Bruggeman, Lucien C. Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe InteriorDesignated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. FOIA001:00567463 EXT-18-2336-D-000218 Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:46 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: FOIA001:00567463 EXT-18-2336-D-000219 Hi all – wondering if you have any information about a report in Politico tonight about Secretary Zinke’s travel. For reference: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military￾planes-interior-243280 Thanks￾Luc Lucien Bruggeman ABC News – Washington Assignment Editor (o) 202-222-7700 (c) 651-494-4870 FOIA001:00567463 EXT-18-2336-D-000220 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Jorjani, Daniel Sent: 2017-09-28T21:12:27-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-28T21:13:14-04:00 Approved Quote. It has to be from both Melinda and Ed since we're covering two separate, though related, areas - Travel and Ethics, which report up through separate offices within SOL. Both are cc'd on this message. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor￾General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department ofthe Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department ofthe Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception ofthis message or the use or disclosure ofthe information it contains may violate the law and subject the violatorto civil or criminal penalties. Ifyou believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 8:30 PM, Heather Swift wrote: The reporter is only holding on the ethics statement. He has all the other info. The ethics statement will be very important. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567462 EXT-18-2336-D-000221 On Sep 28, 2017, at 7:53 PM, Russell Newell wrote: Looks good here Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 7:13 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? FOIA001:00567462 EXT-18-2336-D-000222 There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567462 EXT-18-2336-D-000223 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com Sent: 2017-09-28T21:33:35-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Received: 2017-09-28T21:33:55-04:00 I used your comment “As with previous …. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:31 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Do you plan to include past Interior Secretary's use of charter aircraft? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:19 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: OK From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:19 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights I also want to add that the politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a 45 minute speech to the WGA at the invitation ofthe democratic governor, a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:16 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Thank you From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:15 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights There were no such instances. As with previous interiorsecretaries, the FOIA001:00567460 EXT-18-2336-D-000224 Secretary traveled on charterflights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor￾General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada FOIA001:00567460 EXT-18-2336-D-000225 and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:51 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: On flights he took on charter aircraft when cheaper commercial flights were available. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:50 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Are you asking ifthe Secretary will personally pay forflights taken on official government business? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:48 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Did the secretary take a charterflight on June 26 from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport? How much did it cost? Was a FOIA001:00567460 EXT-18-2336-D-000226 commercial flight available? Did he take charter flights in the U.S. Virgin Islands in March when commercial flights were available? Did he use a military aircraft on a flight to Norway in May? Will he reimburse the government forthe cost ofthese flights? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:39 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Please send specific questions Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:34 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Reuters is seeking comment on a Politico story that Secretary Zinke traveled on charter and military planes. Thanks http://www.politico.com/story/20 17/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter￾military-planes-interior-243280 Eric Beech Correspondent Thomson Reuters Washington Bureau Office: 202-898-8322 Mobile: 202-577-9959 eric.beech@thomsonreuters.com FOIA001:00567460 EXT-18-2336-D-000227 To: Zack Colman[zcolman@eenews.net] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:16:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Received: 2017-09-28T21:16:26-04:00 "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:38 PM, Zack Colman wrote: At least gotta like me a little more than politico today... didn't even focus on the Tromso and St. Croix flights because we were aware there's no other options. Thanks again for working with me on all this. I do appreciate the forthrightness. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:03 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: I'm just waiting on our ethics officer to get back to me. The rest is below. 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000228 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM career staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. ATTACHED 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. STATEMENT PENDING - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000229 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:58 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Oy. Sorry to hear that. Will look out for it. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:55 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Our ethics officer is out of the office so it's taking a bit. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov (b)(6) FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000230 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Waiting on the letters of approval for flight and speaking engagement. Both come from the ethics office. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:51 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:46 PM, Zack Colman wrote: I actually don’t believe that is necessary now that I am aware that it was a government contract. That was ifit had been a gift to the department. FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000231 FYI we do plan on running the story in the a.m. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:43 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Zack, why do you think this is needed for the flight? https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 4:06 PM, Zack Colman wrote: FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000232 Hi Heather, Just wanted to follow up to make sure we’re on the same page for what I’m looking for now: 1) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. 2) The cost ofthe flight. 3) This signed and dated form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf 4) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. I don’t envision getting this done today, for obvious reasons, so happy to keep working with you on this. -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 1:09 PM FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000233 To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline I'm here. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 1:07 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather - just got out ofa meeting and heading to another now that begins at 1:30. Will call in a few minutes. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 12:20 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Career ethics officials vet and approve every single trip the Secretary goes on. Can you give me a ring and chat off the record? 202-208- 5338 Info may change your story. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000234 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:40 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Oh, and one last thing – regardless of whatever happened with this travel, did an ethics official happen to sign off on it before the flight occurred? Would have had to sign this form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf Thanks! -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Zack Colman Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:38 AM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline But, brava, nonetheless. Brava, indeed. -- FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000235 Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:34 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline That's what you think! That's 90 seconds wasted on googling the perfect gif I'm not going to get back. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:19 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Sure thing, Heather. I recall meeting you at a Washington Examiner event back in the day when I used to work there – not trying to be a faceless reporter you’ve rarely interacted with. We’re all humans here, ha. FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000236 -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:18 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Thank you, Zack! I REALLY appreciate it. I promise you nobody has asked your line of questioning so I don't expect you to get scooped on anything. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:14 AM, Zack Colman wrote: FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000237 Hi Heather, Sorry about all the back and forth here. It’s just that my editor feels we have enough confirmed here through SEC filings, FEC filings, government databases, etc., to put a lot ofthis together. Given the attention being paid right now to planes and all that stuff, we’re very sensitive to getting jumped by someone else given the weird nature of our publishing time (which, as a constantly nervous reporter, might be a little understandable, hopefully). Ultimately, we can give you until 6 a.m. tomorrow at the absolute latest – that’s when everything gets through the system en route to publishing. I was hoping to get something by late afternoon to ensure I had all I needed before I started writing, but it is what it is, I can hold off. I’ve had enough good relationships with comms staffin this administration and the last and try to do everyone a solid by not writing before I have all the facts – too often people already have the story written before they even reach out. That’s not the case here, seriously. Sorry to have been a little snippy earlier. I think if you ask around that most people find me to be a fair reporter, and I hope you understand some ofthe constraints under which I’m operating. I know you have your own constraints, so this is the olive branch. Thanks, -Zack -- Zack Colman FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000238 E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:08 AM To: Zack Colman ; Noelle Straub Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Your request is not the only thing I'm working on today, Zack. I have multiple requests from EE alone and an entire national press corps I also work with. I'd appreciate some flexibility on your deadline. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 10:05 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Heather – I can do by 4 pm today. I think that is a reasonable amount oftime considering I sent the request at the start ofthe business day. FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000239 -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:03 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Hey Zack, I might need a little more time to track this down. Can you do by 10 tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 9:16 AM, Zack Colman FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000240 wrote: Hi there, Zack Colman here, White House correspondent with E&E News. Hope this finds you well. Had some questions about Sec. Zinke's June 26 flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont. Was wondering who paid for that and how much it cost. Also, who else was on the plane? I thought it was worth asking since the plane is owned by Jay Nielson, a board member of the Yellowstone Recreations Fund and former executive in Nielson & Associates, an oil and gas drilling business that, along with Wyoming￾based Iron Creek Energy, sold to Texas-based drillers Legacy LP. He's the son of James Nielson, the scion of a oil and gas drilling business (started by Glenn Nielson) who has donated more than $100,000 to Republican candidates and campaign committees, who owns a company (Y-Tex) with 10s of thousands of government contracts and who owns a ski resort in an area that as recently as 2011 was being considered for additional wildlife protection by the Interior Department (Sleeping Giant). All that said - what is Mr. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? Sec. Zinke also appears to have spoken to Bill Foley's NHL hockey team in Las Vegas before jumping aboard this chartered flight. What was the nature of that visit, and how did it affect his ability to avoid needing to take a chartered flight? Were other commercial flights available that would have gotten Sec. Zinke to Kalispell? So, to clarify: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? 2. How much did that flight cost? 3. Who was on the flight? 4. What is Sec. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? I have a 3:30 pm deadline. Please let me know if you have any responses by then. Thanks, -Zack FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000241 <2017_09_28_19_55_26.pdf> FOIA001:00567454 EXT-18-2336-D-000242 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:09:09-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T21:09:17-04:00 Ben your description ofthe events in Montana is off. The Secretary had meetings starting at 8:30AM and then went to WGA. He gave a 45 minute speech then held a press conference. The then had a working lunch with governors. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 7:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Oh, and USDA told me they're splitting the cost of the military flight with DOI. Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Swift, Heather Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:38:12 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel I'll have a statement from the ethics office by the end of the night. The lead official is out of state on leave because - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:37 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger dodger. (b)(6) FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000243 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:35 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Web team says redacting is going to be PIA, so they’re just putting your quote about it being cleared up higher and removing doc. From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:31 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel THANK YOU! I owe you a beer. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I just sent word on redacting the info to the production guys. From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:27 PM To: Ben Lefebvre FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000244 Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000245 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000246 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000247 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000248 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would for the private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000249 for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charter flights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay for its use? Any idea on cost? FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000250 Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, or ifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry for the dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992 ) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000251 4. Did the Secretary use a charter flight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for her travel, lodging or food budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. For the flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co-manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000252 Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000253 meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000254 Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft for travel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000255 FOIA001:00567450 EXT-18-2336-D-000256 To: Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com[Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:30:46-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Received: 2017-09-28T21:30:55-04:00 Do you plan to include past Interior Secretary's use ofcharter aircraft? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:19 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: OK From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:19 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights I also want to add that the politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a 45 minute speech to the WGA at the invitation ofthe democratic governor, a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:16 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Thank you From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:15 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights There were no such instances. As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charterflights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. FOIA001:00567448 EXT-18-2336-D-000257 "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor￾General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended FOIA001:00567448 EXT-18-2336-D-000258 at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:51 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: On flights he took on charter aircraft when cheaper commercial flights were available. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:50 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Are you asking ifthe Secretary will personally pay forflights taken on official government business? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:48 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Did the secretary take a charterflight on June 26 from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport? How much did it cost? Was a commercial flight available? Did he take charter flights in the U.S. Virgin Islands in March when commercial flights were available? Did he use a FOIA001:00567448 EXT-18-2336-D-000259 military aircraft on a flight to Norway in May? Will he reimburse the government forthe cost ofthese flights? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:39 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Please send specific questions Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:34 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Reuters is seeking comment on a Politico story that Secretary Zinke traveled on charter and military planes. Thanks http://www.politico.com/story/20 17/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter￾military-planes-interior-243280 Eric Beech Correspondent Thomson Reuters Washington Bureau Office: 202-898-8322 Mobile: 202-577-9959 eric.beech@thomsonreuters.com FOIA001:00567448 EXT-18-2336-D-000260 To: Bruggeman, Lucien C.[Lucien.C.Bruggeman@abc.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:35:36-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs Received: 2017-09-28T21:35:48-04:00 Thanks! Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:35 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: We will put the Secretary's travel in appropriate context. Thanks for all your help tonight! From: Heather Swift Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:30:36 PM To: Bruggeman, Lucien C. Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs Do you plan to include past Interior Secretary's use ofcharter aircraft? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:28 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: Thank you Heather. The Politico report indicates specific costs forthe chartered flights – do you happen to have those figures as well? Thanks again From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:16 PM To: Bruggeman, Lucien C. Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567445 EXT-18-2336-D-000261 Subject: Re: abc news - report on Secy. Zinke travel costs As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre￾approved by the ethics office before booking and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor￾General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 FOIA001:00567445 EXT-18-2336-D-000262 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:46 PM, Bruggeman, Lucien C. wrote: Hi all – wondering if you have any information about a report in Politico tonight about Secretary Zinke’s travel. For reference: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan￾zinke-charter-military-planes-interior-243280 Thanks￾Luc Lucien Bruggeman ABC News – Washington Assignment Editor (o) 202-222-7700 (c) 651-494-4870 FOIA001:00567445 EXT-18-2336-D-000263 To: Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com[Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:14:52-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Received: 2017-09-28T21:15:05-04:00 There were no such instances. As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option FOIA001:00567440 EXT-18-2336-D-000264 Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:51 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: On flights he took on charter aircraft when cheaper commercial flights were available. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:50 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Are you asking ifthe Secretary will personally pay for flights taken on official government business? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567440 EXT-18-2336-D-000265 On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:48 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Did the secretary take a charter flight on June 26 from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport? How much did it cost? Was a commercial flight available? Did he take charter flights in the U.S. Virgin Islands in March when commercial flights were available? Did he use a military aircraft on a flight to Norway in May? Will he reimburse the government for the cost of these flights? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:39 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Please send specific questions Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:34 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Reuters is seeking comment on a Politico story that Secretary Zinke traveled on charter and military planes. Thanks http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke￾charter-military-planes-interior-243280 Eric Beech Correspondent Thomson Reuters Washington Bureau Office: 202-898-8322 Mobile: 202-577-9959 eric.beech@thomsonreuters.com FOIA001:00567440 EXT-18-2336-D-000266 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com Sent: 2017-09-28T21:19:24-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Received: 2017-09-28T21:19:36-04:00 OK From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:19 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights I also want to add that the politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a 45 minute speech to the WGA at the invitation ofthe democratic governor, a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:16 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Thank you From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:15 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights There were no such instances. As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charter flights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. FOIA001:00567436 EXT-18-2336-D-000267 Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:51 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: FOIA001:00567436 EXT-18-2336-D-000268 On flights he took on charter aircraft when cheaper commercial flights were available. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:50 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Are you asking ifthe Secretary will personally pay for flights taken on official government business? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:48 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Did the secretary take a charter flight on June 26 from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport? How much did it cost? Was a commercial flight available? Did he take charter flights in the U.S. Virgin Islands in March when commercial flights were available? Did he use a military aircraft on a flight to Norway in May? Will he reimburse the government for the cost ofthese flights? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:39 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Please send specific questions Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:34 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Reuters is seeking comment on a Politico story that Secretary Zinke traveled on charter and military planes. Thanks FOIA001:00567436 EXT-18-2336-D-000269 http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/rya n-zinke-charter-military-planes-interior-243280 Eric Beech Correspondent Thomson Reuters Washington Bureau Office: 202-898-8322 Mobile: 202-577-9959 eric.beech@thomsonreuters.com FOIA001:00567436 EXT-18-2336-D-000270 To: heather_swift@ios.doi.gov[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com Sent: 2017-09-28T21:16:24-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Received: 2017-09-28T21:16:52-04:00 Thank you From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:15 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights There were no such instances. As with previous interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." -- Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor- General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option FOIA001:00567428 EXT-18-2336-D-000271 Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:51 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: On flights he took on charter aircraft when cheaper commercial flights were available. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:50 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Are you asking ifthe Secretary will personally pay forflights taken on official government business? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:48 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Did the secretary take a charterflight on June 26 from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport? How much did it cost? Was a commercial flight available? Did he take charterflights in the U.S. Virgin Islands in March when commercial flights were available? Did he use a military aircraft on a flight to Norway in May? Will he reimburse the government forthe cost of FOIA001:00567428 EXT-18-2336-D-000272 these flights? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:39 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Please send specific questions Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:34 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Reuters is seeking comment on a Politico story that Secretary Zinke traveled on charter and military planes. Thanks http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke￾charter-military-planes-interior-243280 Eric Beech Correspondent Thomson Reuters Washington Bureau Office: 202-898-8322 Mobile: 202-577-9959 eric.beech@thomsonreuters.com FOIA001:00567428 EXT-18-2336-D-000273 To: Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com[Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:18:56-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Received: 2017-09-28T21:18:58-04:00 I also want to add that the politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a 45 minute speech to the WGA at the invitation ofthe democratic governor, a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:16 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Thank you From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 9:15 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights There were no such instances. As with previous interiorsecretaries, the Secretary traveled on charterflights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office before booking and the charterflights went through an additional level of due diligence. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor- General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights FOIA001:00567425 EXT-18-2336-D-000274 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget The Secretary took military air once with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue after he was invited by USDA to attend a briefing at a wildfire camp in Montana. The fire was one of the most high-priority in the country and a firefighter had died battling the blaze earlier in the month. (The two departments co-manage wildfire fighting efforts for the federal government. ) The Secretary also travels military when he travels with POTUS or VPOTUS. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:51 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: On flights he took on charter aircraft when cheaper commercial flights were available. From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] FOIA001:00567425 EXT-18-2336-D-000275 Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:50 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Are you asking ifthe Secretary will personally pay forflights taken on official government business? Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:48 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Did the secretary take a charterflight on June 26 from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport? How much did it cost? Was a commercial flight available? Did he take charter flights in the U.S. Virgin Islands in March when commercial flights were available? Did he use a military aircraft on a flight to Norway in May? Will he reimburse the government forthe cost ofthese flights? From: Heather Swift [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 8:39 PM To: Beech, Eric B. (Reuters) Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Comment on Politico story about Secretary Zinke taking charter flights Please send specific questions Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:34 PM, "Eric.Beech@thomsonreuters.com" wrote: Reuters is seeking comment on a Politico story that Secretary Zinke traveled on charter and military planes. Thanks http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/rya n-zinke-charter-military-planes-interior-243280 FOIA001:00567425 EXT-18-2336-D-000276 Eric Beech Correspondent Thomson Reuters Washington Bureau Office: 202-898-8322 Mobile: 202-577-9959 eric.beech@thomsonreuters.com FOIA001:00567425 EXT-18-2336-D-000277 To: Zack Colman[zcolman@eenews.net] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T20:02:50-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Received: 2017-09-28T20:03:38-04:00 2017_09_28_19_55_26.pdf I'm just waiting on our ethics officer to get back to me. The rest is below. 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM career staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. ATTACHED FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000278 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. STATEMENT PENDING - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:58 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Oy. Sorry to hearthat. Will look out forit. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:55 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Our ethics officer is out of the office due to a death in the family so it's taking a bit. FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000279 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Waiting on the letters of approval for flight and speaking engagement. Both come from the ethics office. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:51 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000280 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:46 PM, Zack Colman wrote: I actually don’t believe that is necessary now that I am aware that it was a government contract. That was ifit had been a gift to the department. FYI we do plan on running the story in the a.m. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:43 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Zack, why do you think this is needed for the flight? https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di-2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000281 @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 4:06 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Just wanted to follow up to make sure we’re on the same page for what I’m looking for now: 1) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. 2) The cost ofthe flight. 3) This signed and dated form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf 4) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. I don’t envision getting this done today, for obvious reasons, so happy to keep working with you on this. -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000282 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 1:09 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline I'm here. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 1:07 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather - just got out ofa meeting and heading to another now that begins at 1:30. Will call in a few minutes. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 12:20 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Career ethics officials vet and approve every single trip the Secretary goes on. Can you give me a ring and chat off the record? 202-208- 5338 Info may change your story. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000283 @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:40 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Oh, and one last thing – regardless of whatever happened with this travel, did an ethics official happen to sign off on it before the flight occurred? Would have had to sign this form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf Thanks! -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Zack Colman Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:38 AM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline But, brava, nonetheless. Brava, indeed. -- FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000284 Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:34 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline That's what you think! That's 90 seconds wasted on googling the perfect gif I'm not going to get back. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:19 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Sure thing, Heather. I recall meeting you at a Washington Examiner event back in the day when I used to work there – not trying to be a faceless reporter you’ve rarely interacted with. We’re all humans here, ha. -- FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000285 Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:18 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Thank you, Zack! I REALLY appreciate it. I promise you nobody has asked your line of questioning so I don't expect you to get scooped on anything. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:14 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Sorry about all the back and forth here. It’s just that my editorfeels we have enough confirmed here through SEC filings, FEC filings, government databases, FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000286 etc., to put a lot ofthis together. Given the attention being paid right now to planes and all that stuff, we’re very sensitive to getting jumped by someone else given the weird nature of our publishing time (which, as a constantly nervous reporter, might be a little understandable, hopefully). Ultimately, we can give you until 6 a.m. tomorrow at the absolute latest – that’s when everything gets through the system en route to publishing. I was hoping to get something by late afternoon to ensure I had all I needed before I started writing, but it is what it is, I can hold off. I’ve had enough good relationships with comms staffin this administration and the last and try to do everyone a solid by not writing before I have all the facts – too often people already have the story written before they even reach out. That’s not the case here, seriously. Sorry to have been a little snippy earlier. I think if you ask around that most people find me to be a fairreporter, and I hope you understand some ofthe constraints under which I’m operating. I know you have your own constraints, so this is the olive branch. Thanks, -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:08 AM To: Zack Colman ; Noelle Straub FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000287 Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Your request is not the only thing I'm working on today, Zack. I have multiple requests from EE alone and an entire national press corps I also work with. I'd appreciate some flexibility on your deadline. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 10:05 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Heather – I can do by 4 pm today. I think that is a reasonable amount oftime considering I sent the request at the start ofthe business day. -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000288 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:03 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Hey Zack, I might need a little more time to track this down. Can you do by 10 tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 9:16 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi there, Zack Colman here, White House correspondent with E&E News. Hope this finds you well. Had some questions about Sec. Zinke's June 26 flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont. Was wondering who paid for that and how much it cost. Also, who else was on the plane? I thought it was worth asking since the plane is owned by Jay Nielson, a board member of the Yellowstone Recreations Fund and former executive in Nielson & Associates, an oil and gas drilling business that, along with Wyoming-based Iron Creek Energy, sold to Texas-based drillers Legacy LP. He's the son of James Nielson, the scion of a oil and gas drilling business (started by Glenn Nielson) who has donated more than $100,000 to Republican candidates and campaign committees, who owns a company (Y-Tex) with 10s of thousands of government contracts and who owns a ski resort in an area that as recently as 2011 was being considered for additional wildlife protection by the Interior Department (Sleeping Giant). All that said - what is Mr. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? Sec. Zinke also appears to have spoken to Bill Foley's NHL hockey team in Las Vegas before jumping aboard this chartered flight. What was the nature of that visit, and FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000289 how did it affect his ability to avoid needing to take a chartered flight? Were other commercial flights available that would have gotten Sec. Zinke to Kalispell? So, to clarify: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? 2. How much did that flight cost? 3. Who was on the flight? 4. What is Sec. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? I have a 3:30 pm deadline. Please let me know if you have any responses by then. Thanks, -Zack FOIA001:00567409 EXT-18-2336-D-000290 To: Zack Colman[zcolman@eenews.net] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:17:36-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Received: 2017-09-28T21:17:45-04:00 I also want to add the Politico piece misrepresents the Montana portion. The Secretary's itinerary started with meetings at 8:30 AM and then a 45 minute speech at WGA (at the invitation ofthe Democratic governor) a press conference, and a working lunch with the governors. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:38 PM, Zack Colman wrote: At least gotta like me a little more than politico today... didn't even focus on the Tromso and St. Croix flights because we were aware there's no other options. Thanks again for working with me on all this. I do appreciate the forthrightness. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:03 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: I'm just waiting on our ethics officer to get back to me. The rest is below. 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM career staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000291 As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. ATTACHED 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. STATEMENT PENDING - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:58 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Oy. Sorry to hear that. Will look out for it. FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000292 -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:55 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Our ethics officer is out of the office so it's taking a bit. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Waiting on the letters of approval for flight and speaking engagement. Both come from the ethics office. (b)(6) FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000293 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:51 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:46 PM, Zack Colman wrote: I actually don’t believe that is necessary now that I am aware that it was a government contract. That was ifit had been a gift to the department. FYI we do plan on running the story in the a.m. -- Zack Colman FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000294 E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:43 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Zack, why do you think this is needed for the flight? https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 4:06 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Just wanted to follow up to make sure we’re on the same page for what I’m looking for now: FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000295 1) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. 2) The cost ofthe flight. 3) This signed and dated form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf 4) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. I don’t envision getting this done today, for obvious reasons, so happy to keep working with you on this. -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 1:09 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline I'm here. FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000296 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 1:07 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather - just got out ofa meeting and heading to another now that begins at 1:30. Will call in a few minutes. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 12:20 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Career ethics officials vet and approve every single trip the Secretary goes on. Can you give me a ring and chat off the record? 202-208- 5338 Info may change your story. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:40 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Oh, and one last thing – regardless of whatever FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000297 happened with this travel, did an ethics official happen to sign off on it before the flight occurred? Would have had to sign this form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf Thanks! -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Zack Colman Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:38 AM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline But, brava, nonetheless. Brava, indeed. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000298 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:34 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline That's what you think! That's 90 seconds wasted on googling the perfect gif I'm not going to get back. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:19 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Sure thing, Heather. I recall meeting you at a Washington Examiner event back in the day when I used to work there – not trying to be a faceless reporter you’ve rarely interacted with. We’re all humans here, ha. -- Zack Colman E&E News FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000299 White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:18 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Thank you, Zack! I REALLY appreciate it. I promise you nobody has asked your line of questioning so I don't expect you to get scooped on anything. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:14 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Sorry about all the back and forth here. It’s just that my editor feels we have enough confirmed here through SEC filings, FEC filings, government databases, etc., to put a lot ofthis together. Given FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000300 the attention being paid right now to planes and all that stuff, we’re very sensitive to getting jumped by someone else given the weird nature of our publishing time (which, as a constantly nervous reporter, might be a little understandable, hopefully). Ultimately, we can give you until 6 a.m. tomorrow at the absolute latest – that’s when everything gets through the system en route to publishing. I was hoping to get something by late afternoon to ensure I had all I needed before I started writing, but it is what it is, I can hold off. I’ve had enough good relationships with comms staffin this administration and the last and try to do everyone a solid by not writing before I have all the facts – too often people already have the story written before they even reach out. That’s not the case here, seriously. Sorry to have been a little snippy earlier. I think if you ask around that most people find me to be a fair reporter, and I hope you understand some ofthe constraints under which I’m operating. I know you have your own constraints, so this is the olive branch. Thanks, -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000301 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:08 AM To: Zack Colman ; Noelle Straub Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Your request is not the only thing I'm working on today, Zack. I have multiple requests from EE alone and an entire national press corps I also work with. I'd appreciate some flexibility on your deadline. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 10:05 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Heather – I can do by 4 pm today. I think that is a reasonable amount oftime considering I sent the request at the start ofthe business day. -Zack -- FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000302 Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather [mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:03 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Hey Zack, I might need a little more time to track this down. Can you do by 10 tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 9:16 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi there, Zack Colman here, White House correspondent with E&E News. Hope this finds you well. Had some questions about Sec. Zinke's June 26 flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000303 Mont. Was wondering who paid for that and how much it cost. Also, who else was on the plane? I thought it was worth asking since the plane is owned by Jay Nielson, a board member of the Yellowstone Recreations Fund and former executive in Nielson & Associates, an oil and gas drilling business that, along with Wyoming￾based Iron Creek Energy, sold to Texas-based drillers Legacy LP. He's the son of James Nielson, the scion of a oil and gas drilling business (started by Glenn Nielson) who has donated more than $100,000 to Republican candidates and campaign committees, who owns a company (Y-Tex) with 10s of thousands of government contracts and who owns a ski resort in an area that as recently as 2011 was being considered for additional wildlife protection by the Interior Department (Sleeping Giant). All that said - what is Mr. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? Sec. Zinke also appears to have spoken to Bill Foley's NHL hockey team in Las Vegas before jumping aboard this chartered flight. What was the nature of that visit, and how did it affect his ability to avoid needing to take a chartered flight? Were other commercial flights available that would have gotten Sec. Zinke to Kalispell? So, to clarify: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? 2. How much did that flight cost? 3. Who was on the flight? 4. What is Sec. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? I have a 3:30 pm deadline. Please let me know if you have any responses by then. Thanks, -Zack FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000304 <2017_09_28_19_55_26.pdf> FOIA001:00567393 EXT-18-2336-D-000305 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Jennifer Yachnin Sent: 2017-09-28T20:42:22-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: Travel schedule Received: 2017-09-28T20:42:27-04:00 Good, thanks. No, unless you're putting out a general statement the executive decision has been that it's a Climatewire story. Sorry for the mix-up. -------------------------- 303.355.2979 office 202.907.9649 mobile From: Heather Swift [heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:40 PM To: Jennifer Yachnin Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Travel schedule I'm working with your colleague Zack on a story. I imagine no need to double up. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:33 PM, Jennifer Yachnin wrote: Hi - Apologies if you've also been pinged by our Climatewire folks (that said, I can put the statement in both publications if you have one). I understand the Secretary took a $12k charter flight from Nevada to Montana ahead of the WGA meeting. Was that travel (and other charter travel) pre-approved by the DOI ethics office? Also, why take a private flight? Secondly, the President criticized Tom Price for taking charter flights. Any concerns that he will also be upset with Sec. Zinke? Thanks. - Jennifer -------------------------- 303.355.2979 office 202.907.9649 mobile FOIA001:00567386 EXT-18-2336-D-000306 To: Jennifer Yachnin[jyachnin@eenews.net] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T20:40:05-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Travel schedule Received: 2017-09-28T20:40:16-04:00 I'm working with your colleague Zack on a story. I imagine no need to double up. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:33 PM, Jennifer Yachnin wrote: Hi - Apologies if you've also been pinged by our Climatewire folks (that said, I can put the statement in both publications if you have one). I understand the Secretary took a $12k charter flight from Nevada to Montana ahead of the WGA meeting. Was that travel (and other charter travel) pre-approved by the DOI ethics office? Also, why take a private flight? Secondly, the President criticized Tom Price for taking charter flights. Any concerns that he will also be upset with Sec. Zinke? Thanks. - Jennifer -------------------------- 303.355.2979 office 202.907.9649 mobile FOIA001:00567384 EXT-18-2336-D-000307 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-28T19:53:07-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:53:17-04:00 Oh, and USDA told me they're splitting the cost of the military flight with DOI. Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Swift, Heather Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:38:12 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel I'll have a statement from the ethics office by the end of the night. The lead official is out of state on leave because - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:37 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger dodger. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:35 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Web team says redacting is going to be PIA, so they’re just putting your quote about it being cleared up higher and removing doc. (b)(6) FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000308 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:31 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel THANK YOU! I owe you a beer. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I just sent word on redacting the info to the production guys. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:27 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary - FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000309 Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000310 To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000311 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000312 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000313 Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000314 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000315 Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging or food budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000316 Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co￾manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000317 Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000318 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft fortravel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000319 Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567379 EXT-18-2336-D-000320 To: Ebbs, Stephanie[Stephanie.Ebbs@abc.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:38:21-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Politico report Received: 2017-09-28T21:38:29-04:00 As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the itinerary ofofficial government events. Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks FOIA001:00567365 EXT-18-2336-D-000321 Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staffto the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:35 PM, Ebbs, Stephanie wrote: Hey Heather, Can you confirm any ofthis? And do you have any otherinformation about the secretary's travel? I though I saw some reporting that he always flew commercial but of course can't remember where I saw it http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes￾interior-243280 Interior Secretary Zinke traveled on charter, military planes www.politico.com The trips included private flights to his hometown and in the Caribbean. FOIA001:00567365 EXT-18-2336-D-000322 Stephanie Ebbs ABC News-Washington (desk) 202-222-7300 (cell) 202-875-4377 @stephebbs FOIA001:00567365 EXT-18-2336-D-000323 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Zack Colman Sent: 2017-09-28T20:38:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Received: 2017-09-28T20:38:24-04:00 At least gotta like me a little more than politico today... didn't even focus on the Tromso and St. Croix flights because we were aware there's no other options. Thanks again for working with me on all this. I do appreciate the forthrightness. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 8:03 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: I'm just waiting on our ethics officer to get back to me. The rest is below. 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM career staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000324 following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. ATTACHED 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. STATEMENT PENDING - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:58 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Oy. Sorry to hearthat. Will look out forit. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000325 Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:55 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Our ethics officer is out of the office so it's taking a bit. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Waiting on the letters of approval for flight and speaking engagement. Both come from the ethics office. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:51 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: (b)(6) FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000326 roger - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:46 PM, Zack Colman wrote: I actually don’t believe that is necessary now that I am aware that it was a government contract. That was ifit had been a gift to the department. FYI we do plan on running the story in the a.m. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:43 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000327 Zack, why do you think this is needed for the flight? https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 4:06 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Just wanted to follow up to make sure we’re on the same page for what I’m looking for now: 1) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. 2) The cost ofthe flight. 3) This signed and dated form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di-2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf 4) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. I don’t envision getting this done today, for obvious reasons, so happy to keep working with you on this. FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000328 -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 1:09 PM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline I'm here. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 1:07 PM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather - just got out ofa meeting and heading to another now that begins at 1:30. Will call in a few minutes. Sent from my iPhone FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000329 On Sep 28, 2017, at 12:20 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: Career ethics officials vet and approve every single trip the Secretary goes on. Can you give me a ring and chat off the record? 202-208-5338 Info may change your story. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:40 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Oh, and one last thing – regardless of whatever happened with this travel, did an ethics official happen to sign off on it before the flight occurred? Would have had to sign this form: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/di￾2000_2014_fillable_0.pdf Thanks! -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000330 From: Zack Colman Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:38 AM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline But, brava, nonetheless. Brava, indeed. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:34 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline That's what you think! That's 90 seconds wasted on googling the perfect gif I'm not going to get back. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000331 @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:19 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Sure thing, Heather. I recall meeting you at a Washington Examiner event back in the day when I used to work there – not trying to be a faceless reporter you’ve rarely interacted with. We’re all humans here, ha. -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 11:18 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Thank you, Zack! I REALLY appreciate it. I promise you nobody has asked your line of questioning so I don't expect you to get scooped on anything. - Heather Swift FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000332 Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 11:14 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Hi Heather, Sorry about all the back and forth here. It’s just that my editor feels we have enough confirmed here through SEC filings, FEC filings, government databases, etc., to put a lot ofthis together. Given the attention being paid right now to planes and all that stuff, we’re very sensitive to getting jumped by someone else given the weird nature of our publishing time (which, as a constantly nervous reporter, might be a little understandable, hopefully). Ultimately, we can give you until 6 a.m. tomorrow at the absolute latest – that’s when everything gets through the system en route to publishing. I was hoping to get something by late afternoon to ensure I had all I needed before I started writing, but it is what it is, I can hold off. I’ve had enough good relationships with comms staffin this administration and the last and try to do everyone a solid by not writing before I have all the facts – too often people already have the story written before they even reach out. That’s not the case here, seriously. Sorry to have been a little snippy earlier. I think if you ask around that most people find me to be a fairreporter, and I hope you understand some ofthe constraints under which I’m operating. I know you have your own constraints, so this is the olive branch. Thanks, -Zack FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000333 -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:08 AM To: Zack Colman ; Noelle Straub Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Your request is not the only thing I'm working on today, Zack. I have multiple requests from EE alone and an entire national press corps I also work with. I'd appreciate some flexibility on your deadline. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 10:05 AM, Zack Colman wrote: Heather – I can do by 4 pm today. I think that is a reasonable amount oftime considering I sent the request at the start ofthe business day. FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000334 -Zack -- Zack Colman E&E News White House correspondent c: 248-563-9744 o: 202-446-0408 twitter: @zcolman From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 10:03 AM To: Zack Colman Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: Zinke chartered flight - 3:30p ET deadline Hey Zack, I might need a little more time to track this down. Can you do by 10 tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 9:16 AM, Zack Colman wrote: FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000335 Hi there, Zack Colman here, White House correspondent with E&E News. Hope this finds you well. Had some questions about Sec. Zinke's June 26 flight from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Mont. Was wondering who paid for that and how much it cost. Also, who else was on the plane? I thought it was worth asking since the plane is owned by Jay Nielson, a board member of the Yellowstone Recreations Fund and former executive in Nielson & Associates, an oil and gas drilling business that, along with Wyoming-based Iron Creek Energy, sold to Texas-based drillers Legacy LP. He's the son of James Nielson, the scion of a oil and gas drilling business (started by Glenn Nielson) who has donated more than $100,000 to Republican candidates and campaign committees, who owns a company (Y-Tex) with 10s of thousands of government contracts and who owns a ski resort in an area that as recently as 2011 was being considered for additional wildlife protection by the Interior Department (Sleeping Giant). All that said - what is Mr. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? Sec. Zinke also appears to have spoken to Bill Foley's NHL hockey team in Las Vegas before jumping aboard this chartered flight. What was the nature of that visit, and how did it affect his ability to avoid needing to take a chartered flight? Were other commercial flights available that would have gotten Sec. Zinke to Kalispell? So, to clarify: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? 2. How much did that flight cost? 3. Who was on the flight? 4. What is Sec. Zinke's relationship to the Nielsons? 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? I have a 3:30 pm deadline. Please let me know if you have any responses by then. Thanks, -Zack FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000336 <2017_09_28_19_55_26.pdf> FOIA001:00567358 EXT-18-2336-D-000337 To: dhenry@thehill.com[dhenry@thehill.com]; tcama@thehill.com[tcama@thehill.com] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:44:05-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Can you please correct this Received: 2017-09-28T21:44:13-04:00 I realize your colleague simply wrote about another article but this is really a hack job. Didn't even bother to email. http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/353026-zinke-used-private-military-planes-for-travel-report Heather Swift Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00567357 EXT-18-2336-D-000338 To: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Daniel Jorjani[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T20:30:02-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-28T20:30:05-04:00 The reporter is only holding on the ethics statement. He has all the other info. The ethics statement will be very important. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 7:53 PM, Russell Newell wrote: Looks good here Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 7:13 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary FOIA001:00567346 EXT-18-2336-D-000339 was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567346 EXT-18-2336-D-000340 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-28T19:51:54-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:52:05-04:00 Story is going to Web now. I can get the ethics officer statement in a follow-up for tomorrow. Any progress on the costs of the Virgin Island flights or BLM helicopter use? Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Swift, Heather Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:38:12 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel I'll have a statement from the ethics office by the end of the night. The lead official is out of state on leave because - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:37 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger dodger. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:35 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Web team says redacting is going to be PIA, so they’re just putting your quote about it being cleared up higher and removing doc. (b)(6) FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000341 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:31 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel THANK YOU! I owe you a beer. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I just sent word on redacting the info to the production guys. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:27 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000342 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000343 Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000344 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000345 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000346 Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000347 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000348 Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging or food budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000349 Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co￾manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000350 Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000351 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft fortravel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000352 Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567337 EXT-18-2336-D-000353 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:38:12-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:38:59-04:00 I'll have a statement from the ethics office by the end of the night. The lead official is out of state on leave because - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:37 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger dodger. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:35 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Web team says redacting is going to be PIA, so they’re just putting your quote about it being cleared up higher and removing doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:31 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel THANK YOU! I owe you a beer. (b)(6) FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000354 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I just sent word on redacting the info to the production guys. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:27 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000355 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000356 Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000357 ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000358 office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000359 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000360 From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000361 July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging or food budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000362 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co￾manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000363 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000364 paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft fortravel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000365 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567318 EXT-18-2336-D-000366 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-28T19:35:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:36:08-04:00 Web team says redacting is going to be PIA, so they’re just putting your quote about it being cleared up higher and removing doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:31 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel THANK YOU! I owe you a beer. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I just sent word on redacting the info to the production guys. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:27 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM FOIA001:00567311 EXT-18-2336-D-000367 To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. FOIA001:00567311 EXT-18-2336-D-000368 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567311 EXT-18-2336-D-000369 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre FOIA001:00567311 EXT-18-2336-D-000370 Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging or FOIA001:00567311 EXT-18-2336-D-000371 food budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co-manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . FOIA001:00567311 EXT-18-2336-D-000372 Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, FOIA001:00567311 EXT-18-2336-D-000373 Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft fortravel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567311 EXT-18-2336-D-000374 To: Daniel Jorjani[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov]; David Bernhardt[ ]; Willens, Todd[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; Magallanes, Downey[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Boulton, Caroline[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T20:05:56-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: clip - Interior Secretary Zinke traveled on charter, military planes Received: 2017-09-28T20:06:45-04:00 POLITICO Interior Secretary Zinke traveled on charter, military planes By BEN LEFEBVRE 09/28/2017 07:54 PM EDT Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and his aides have taken several flights on private or military aircraft, including a $12,000 charter plane to take him to events in his hometown in Montana and private flights between two Caribbean islands, according to documents and a department spokeswoman. Zinke is at least the fourth senior member ofthe Trump administration to have used non￾commercial planes at taxpayer expense, along with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and HHS Secretary Tom Price. President Donald Trump has fumed at Price's pricey travel, and Democrats say the revelations demonstrate a cavalier attitude by Cabinet members toward excessive spending. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said Zinke's charter or military plane trips were booked only after officials were unable to find commercial flights that would accommodate Zinke's schedule, and that all were "pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office." Swift said she had not spoken to Zinke about whether he would reimburse the government forthe cost ofthe flights, as Price plans to do for some ofthe $400,000 tab he racked up on charter flights. On June 26, a Beechcraft King Air 200 carried Zinke and several staffers from Las Vegas to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Mont., about a 20-minute drive from Zinke’s home in Whitefish, according to his official schedule. The flight cost $12,375, Swift said. Zinke left after speaking at an event for the city's new professional hockey team, the "Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp Dinner," according to his schedule. Earlier in the day, he had been in Pahrump, Nev., for an announcement related to public lands. Zinke's flight left Las Vegas at 8:30 p.m. PST and landed around 1:30 a.m. MST in Kalispell. The secretary stayed overnight at his residence, Interior documents show. Las Vegas is one ofthe main connecting airports for commercial flights to Glacier International. Commercial flights between the two cities are available for several hundred dollars a ticket, (b)(6) FOIA001:00567308 EXT-18-2336-D-000375 according to travel planning websites. In Whitefish, Zinke attended the Western Governors' Association's annual meeting, where he spoke for about 20 minutes without taking questions. He then had a private lunch with association members. In the afternoon Zinke was the subject ofa photo shoot with GQ magazine at Lake McDonald and fished while being interviewed by Outside Magazine, the records show. Zinke and staffers flew commercial back to Washington, D.C., the next day, according to the records. The trip was not the first in which Interior booked a private jet for Zinke. On March 31, Interior chartered two flights to take Zinke and stafffrom St. Croix to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to attend the centennial ofthe Danish government turning the islands over to the United States. Another two flights were chartered to return to St. Croix later that night. Swift said she did not know how much the flights cost but that no other arrangements were available. Commercial flights between the two islands generally run a few hundred dollars, according to travel booking websites. In May, Zinke and his wife, Lolita, used a military aircraft to travel to Norway. From there, they flew on a military plane to Alaska for events organized by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The trip included charter planes to travel within Alaska, a common occurrence in the large, remote state. The Zinkes paid for Lolita’s share ofthe trip, the full cost ofwhich was not immediately available, Swift said. Zinke also took a military helicopter from Fort Bliss to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June, and he used a Bureau ofLand Management helicopter to review the Basin and Range National Monument on July 30. “It is difficult to survey a half-million-acre piece ofland with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half,” Swift said. Along with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Zinke took a military plane to Ravalli County, Mont., to check on wildfires in the area in August. "The military plane was used because ofa very tight travel window, with no viable commercial airline options to transport two secretaries, security details, and associated USDA, Forest Service and Interior staffto Missoula in the time required," said USDA spokesman Tim Murtaugh. The cost ofthe flight was not immediately available, but the two agencies plan to reimburse the Air Force, Murtaugh said. FOIA001:00567308 EXT-18-2336-D-000376 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:27:07-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:27:54-04:00 Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000377 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000378 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000379 You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000380 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000381 Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000382 Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging orfood budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000383 accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co￾manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000384 Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000385 Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000386 Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft for travel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000387 FOIA001:00567306 EXT-18-2336-D-000388 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:37:36-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:38:23-04:00 roger dodger. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:35 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Web team says redacting is going to be PIA, so they’re just putting your quote about it being cleared up higher and removing doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:31 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel THANK YOU! I owe you a beer. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000389 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I just sent word on redacting the info to the production guys. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:27 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000390 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000391 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000392 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000393 Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000394 To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000395 When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000396 were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging or food budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000397 firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co￾manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000398 a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000399 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft for travel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000400 FOIA001:00567304 EXT-18-2336-D-000401 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-28T19:17:53-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:18:03-04:00 Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567303 EXT-18-2336-D-000402 ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] FOIA001:00567303 EXT-18-2336-D-000403 Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: FOIA001:00567303 EXT-18-2336-D-000404 When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging orfood budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? FOIA001:00567303 EXT-18-2336-D-000405 Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co-manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) FOIA001:00567303 EXT-18-2336-D-000406 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft for travel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were FOIA001:00567303 EXT-18-2336-D-000407 any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567303 EXT-18-2336-D-000408 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:57:26-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:58:15-04:00 Roger. We have not been billed for it to date. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:53 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Oh, and USDA told me they're splitting the cost of the military flight with DOI. Ben Lefebvre Politico Pro, oil & gas energy reporter Office: 703-647-8775 Mobile: 313-473-0537 @bjlefebvre From: Swift, Heather Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:38:12 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel I'll have a statement from the ethics office by the end of the night. The lead official is out of state on leave because - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:37 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: roger dodger. - (b)(6) FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000409 Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:35 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Web team says redacting is going to be PIA, so they’re just putting your quote about it being cleared up higher and removing doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:31 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel THANK YOU! I owe you a beer. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I just sent word on redacting the info to the production guys. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:27 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000410 Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000411 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000412 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000413 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000414 chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000415 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000416 Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000417 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging or food budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co￾manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000418 government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000419 Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000420 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft for travel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000421 FOIA001:00567297 EXT-18-2336-D-000422 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Daniel Jorjani[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov] From: Russell Newell Sent: 2017-09-28T19:53:34-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-28T19:53:41-04:00 Looks good here Sent from my iPhone On Sep 28, 2017, at 7:13 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last FOIA001:00567288 EXT-18-2336-D-000423 flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567288 EXT-18-2336-D-000424 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: 2017-09-28T19:30:01-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:30:11-04:00 I just sent word on redacting the info to the production guys. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:27 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre FOIA001:00567287 EXT-18-2336-D-000425 Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567287 EXT-18-2336-D-000426 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec FOIA001:00567287 EXT-18-2336-D-000427 Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM FOIA001:00567287 EXT-18-2336-D-000428 To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging orfood budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre FOIA001:00567287 EXT-18-2336-D-000429 Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co￾manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> FOIA001:00567287 EXT-18-2336-D-000430 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft for travel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567287 EXT-18-2336-D-000431 FOIA001:00567287 EXT-18-2336-D-000432 To: Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; David Bernhardt[ ]; Katharine Macgregor[katharine_macgregor@ios.doi.gov]; Casey Hammond[casey_hammond@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:35:12-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: FYI - BLM letter to the editor Received: 2017-09-28T19:35:59-04:00 https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-civil-service-pledges-loyalty-to-the￾constitution-not-the-president/2017/09/28/fc0db838-a38c-11e7-b573- 8ec86cdfe1ed_story.html?utm_term=.2455a43b45ec The civil service pledges loyalty to the Constitution, not the president September 28 at 6:14 PM As The Post reported, in a speech to the National Petroleum Council on Monday, “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke claimed that nearly a third ofhis staffis disloyal to President Trump” [ “Interior secretary says 30% ofstaffis not loyal to Trump,” PowerPost, Sept. 27]. As a member ofthe civil service at the Interior Department’s Bureau ofLand Management, I’d suggest Mr. Zinke needs a lesson in civics. In Nazi Germany the civil service pledged personal loyalty and obedience to AdolfHitler. This is not the way ofa free society. When I joined the Interior Department in 2002, I took an oath to “support and defend the Constitution ofthe United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and to “well and faithfully discharge the duties ofthe office on which I am about to enter.” To the best ofmy ability I have done so, in Republican and Democratic administrations. In the federal civil service, our ultimate allegiance is to the Constitution and the American people. We should support the goals ofeach administration, but we do so within the framework ofexisting laws, regulations and judicial decisions. Civil servants have a responsibility to offer objective information and impartial advice, not blind loyalty. Rob Winthrop, Washington - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov (b)(6) FOIA001:00567284 EXT-18-2336-D-000433 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:30:57-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:31:46-04:00 THANK YOU! I owe you a beer. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I just sent word on redacting the info to the production guys. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:27 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Would you be willing to magic marker over the career officials' (Raul Matias and Sherman Hogue) salary and GS levels on the second page of the form? I know it's all publicly releasable information, I just want to release it in the press if it's not necessary - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000434 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:24 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: What’s up? From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:19 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000435 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000436 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000437 Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000438 Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000439 Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000440 No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging or food budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000441 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co￾manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000442 , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000443 was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft fortravel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000444 Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567277 EXT-18-2336-D-000445 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:13:00-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:13:49-04:00 06-25-17 Nevada-Montana OAS-110.pdf FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000446 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000447 Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000448 some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000449 On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000450 Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging orfood budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000451 Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co-manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000452 Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000453 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft for travel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000454 commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567272 EXT-18-2336-D-000455 To: Ben Lefebvre[blefebvre@politico.com] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:19:23-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Received: 2017-09-28T19:20:10-04:00 Could I ask a small favor off the record? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:17 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Thank. Including a link to the doc. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:13 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel FYI - here's the flight approval doc from Nevada - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:54 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000456 I think tonight. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:53 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel is your piece running tonight or tomorrow? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:50 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: No problem. I know how it is…. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:44 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel ah, sorry. that's my word salad. I haven't talked with the Secretary about personally paying for official government travel. FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000457 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:41 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: You said: “I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel.” Sorry, that means you haven’t had the opportunity to discuss what with the Secretary? Reimbursement? Clearing the flights with ethics department? Sorry – I know it’s getting late. Just want to make sure I have things correct. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:25 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Roger. He had multiple official government events and meetings on both sides of the trip. On the front end, an event ending at 7:45PM and on the back end meetings beginning again at 8:30AM. No commercial flights were available which merited the late flight. Of course this was pre-approved by the ethics office. Every single trip the secretary goes on is pre-cleared by career officials in the ethics office. I have not had the opportunity to discuss that with the Secretary however the trip is fully compliant and approved government travel. FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000458 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Nope, I know they’re government travel. But just wanted to know about the use of a chartered jet for government work. Just want to know if he has to reimburse. Tom Price just said he would forthe private flights he booked. From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:01 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Ben I am getting the sense that you believe these were not official government trips for some reason. Is that what you're getting at? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Sorry – the St. Thomas flighs, and the flight to the WGA meeting. FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000459 From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 5:48 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Are you asking if the Secretary plans to reimburse DOI for the Secretary's flights for official business? - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 5:45 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hi Heather, Does Zinke intend to reimburse DOI for any ofthe charterflights? Thank you, Ben From: Ben Lefebvre Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:12 PM To: 'Swift, Heather' Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: RE: question form Politico on Secretary travel FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000460 And more follow-up: When you say Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter, does that mean DOI did not pay forits use? Any idea on cost? Did Mrs. Zinke attend the Norway leg ofthe trip? I’m just confused ifthe Greenland/Norway leg ofthat trip was an official CODEL, orifthe CODEL was just the Alaska bit. Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 4:03 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Thank you. A few more. Sorry forthe dribble dribble on this. 1. The August flight to Ravalli County, that was tied to this August 24 Tweet? (Re: This: https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/889679192685780992) No, that appears to be a July tweet. 2. What transportation was used for his visit to Basin & Range Monument visit on July 30? (https://twitter.com/SecretaryZinke/status/891861787234058240 ) If military or charter, reasoning and cost? It was a BLM helicopter. (I don't immediately have the cost information available) 3. Did the Secretary use a military vehicle to review the Organ Mountains monument in New Mexico in June? Ifso, reasoning and cost? FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000461 Fort Bliss supplied a helicopter so the Secretary and Ft Bliss personnel were able to discuss their needs and concerns as related to the monument. Reasoning - it is difficult to survey a half million-acre piece of land with few roads by foot or car in an hour and a half. 4. Did the Secretary use a charterflight to visit Florida in April? Ifso, reasoning and cost? The Secretary has not been to Florida. 5. I see on the Secretary Trip Summary that Mrs. Zinke was with him during the Alaska trip in May. Did she also travel with him to Norway (i.e., the leg ofthe trip before the events in Alaska)? Ifso, did DOI pay anything for hertravel, lodging orfood budget? Or did the Zinke’s reimburse DOI her part ofthe trip out oftheir private bank accounts? Mrs. Zinke personally paid for all of her expenses while traveling on the CODEL and in Alaska. 6. Forthe flights on AF1 to visit the Boy Scout jamboree and the Youngstown POTUS rally, did DOI pay anything toward the flights? Yes. (I do not have this information immediately available) Thank you, Ben From: Swift, Heather[mailto:heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 3:35 PM To: Ben Lefebvre Cc: interior_press@ios.doi.gov Subject: Re: question form Politico on Secretary travel Apart from events with POTUS/VPOTUS, the Secretary took military air once. He was invited by USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue to go to a wildfire camp at a Type 1 FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000462 fire in Ravalli County Montana in August. The fire claimed the life of one firefighter. It is still burning but 90% contained. The USDA and DOI co-manage wildfire fighting on federal lands. The USDA was the lead on the trip. DOI has not been billed for it. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: USVI Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary ofthe Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over territories) Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available Payment: the Secretary and stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost/staff) 5/17 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland and Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter . Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option , please contact SENR for more details about their choice of aircraft Payment: the Secretary and 1 stafftickets were paid out ofthe DOI budget. (waiting on cost) 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT forthe Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000463 a speaking engagement in the evening in Nevada and meetings in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: 8:30PM Las Vegas --> 1:40AM Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and staffto the event on time. Payment: $12,375 ( Secretary and 4 staff ) was paid out ofthe DOI budget . FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000464 - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM, Ben Lefebvre wrote: Hello all, Has Secretary Zinke used military aircraft fortravel during his time as Interior Secretary, and, ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? You can exclude travel with the POTUS on Air Force 1. Also, has Secretary Zinke used charter flights for official travel during his time as Secretary? Ifsuch travel happened, how much are the trips estimated to have cost? I see on his public calendar that only a few flights were explicitly described as commercial flights, a July 30-31 United flight from LAS to IAD, for example. Were any ofthe trips listed in his public calendar on chartered flights? Thank you, Ben Lefebvre Oil & gas policy reporter, POLITICOPro Desk: 703-647-8775 Mobile/WhatsApp: 313-473-0537 Proton: bjlefebvre@protonmail.com Twitter: @bjlefebvre FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000465 FOIA001:00567269 EXT-18-2336-D-000466 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Edward Keable[edward.keable@sol.doi.gov] From: Jorjani, Daniel Sent: 2017-09-28T19:19:10-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-28T19:20:00-04:00 OK to release the travel authorization. Waiting to hear back from Melinda to hear ifshe is ok with being quoted. Adding Ed to keep DGL in the loop. Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department ofthe Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department ofthe Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception ofthis message or the use or disclosure ofthe information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. Ifyou believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:12 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00567236 EXT-18-2336-D-000467 every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567236 EXT-18-2336-D-000468 To: Jorjani, Daniel[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov]; Edward Keable[edward.keable@sol.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:20:13-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-28T19:21:00-04:00 Thank you. - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:19 PM, Jorjani, Daniel wrote: OK to release the travel authorization. Waiting to hear back from Melinda o hear ifshe is ok with being quoted. Adding Ed to keep DGL in the loop. Daniel H. Jorjani U.S. Department ofthe Interior Acting Solicitor & Principal Deputy Solicitor Main Interior Building, Suite 6356 202-219-3861 (Voice) 202-706-9018 (Cell) daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov This electronic message contains information generated by the US Department ofthe Interior solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception ofthis message or the use or disclosure ofthe information it contains may violate the law and subject the violatorto civil or criminal penalties. Ifyou believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 7:12 PM, Swift, Heather wrote: 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00567235 EXT-18-2336-D-000469 The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567235 EXT-18-2336-D-000470 To: Daniel Jorjani[daniel.jorjani@sol.doi.gov]; Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Swift, Heather Sent: 2017-09-28T19:12:20-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: For Review - deadline tonight Received: 2017-09-28T19:13:07-04:00 1. Who paid for Sec. Zinke's flight from Las Vegas to Whitefish? The flight was conducted while the Secretary and staff were on official government business in Nevada and Montana, and as such the flight was paid by the Department. 2. How much did that flight cost? The flight cost was $12,375 3. Who was on the flight? The Secretary, the USPP officer on duty, two Interior staff, and one BLM staff. 5. What was the nature of Sec. Zinke's visit to the Golden Knights development camp and how did that affect his ability to get a commercial flight to Kalispell? As a former military officer and current government leader, the Secretary was asked to give a speech about leadership and the importance of teamwork. The Department’s career ethics officials determined this was well within the Department’s mission and it also was a key audience of people we are trying to target to use our public lands. Suggesting that by cancelling meetings and events the Secretary could make a different flight is not a valid argument. That point could be made for every person who ever books flights. It’s important for the Secretary to be in the field talking with the American people and meeting with local and state officials, which was exactly what he was doing on both legs of that trip. 6. Were there other commercial flights available that Sec. Zinke could have made? There were no commercial flights available that the Secretary could have made. The last flight for the day left before the event concluded and the next available flight was the following morning which would have put the Secretary at the airport well after his first few meetings of the day. 7) The signed and dated OK from the Office of Aviation Services at Interior. WAITING ON OK TO RELEASE THIS DOC FOIA001:00567227 EXT-18-2336-D-000471 8) A signed and dated letter of clearance from the Interior ethics office that the speaking engagement on June 26, 2017 at the Las Vegas Golden Knights camp was for official government business and cleared by the ethics department. INSERT STATEMENT - Heather Swift Department ofthe Interior @DOIPressSec Heather_Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:00567227 EXT-18-2336-D-000472 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Ebbs, Stephanie Sent: 2017-09-28T21:07:39-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Politico report Received: 2017-09-28T21:07:48-04:00 Hey Heather, Can you confirm any ofthis? And do you have any otherinformation about the secretary's travel? I though I saw some reporting that he always flew commercial but of course can't remember where I saw it http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/28/ryan-zinke-charter-military-planes-interior￾243280 Interior Secretary Zinke traveled on charter, military planes www.politico.com The trips included private flights to his hometown and in the Caribbean. Stephanie Ebbs ABC News-Washington (desk) 202-222-7300 (cell) 202-875-4377 @stephebbs FOIA001:00565866 EXT-18-2336-D-000473 To: Shaffer, Leslie (NBCUniversal, CNBC Asia)[Leslie.Shaffer@nbcuni.com] Cc: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov[Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-28T21:56:19-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: CNBC enquiry Received: 2017-09-28T21:56:32-04:00 As with previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. The politico piece did not accurately describe the Montana portion ofthe trip. The Secretary's itinerary began with meetings at 8:30 AM then included a keynote speech to the Western Governor's Association (which is led by Montana's Democratic governor), a press conference, a working lunch with governors, and other engagements. "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department ofthe Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director ofthe Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members ofthe Senior Executive Service. Three Charter Flights 3/31 Trip: United States Virgin Islands Centennial Transfer Day Ceremony (The 100 year anniversary of the Danish government turning over the Virgin Islands to the United States. DOI has jurisdiction over US territories) Also attending the ceremonies were the Danish Prime Minister and Governor Mapp as well as several other high ranking government officials. Flight Plan: St Croix --> St Thomas --> St Croix Reason: No commercial flight were available for the extensive itinerary of official government events. Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 5/17 FOIA001:00565863 EXT-18-2336-D-000474 Trip: CODEL to Norway and Greenland with additional stops in Alaska Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee organized the Arctic CODEL. The Committee organized and utilized a charter in northern Alaska. Flight Plan: Deadhorse, AK --> Alpine, AK --> Fairbanks Reason: Commercial flights were not an option Payment: the Secretary and the staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget. 6/26 Las Vegas to Kalispell, MT for the Western Governors Association annual meeting. The Secretary had events and speaking engagements in the evening in Nevada and in the morning in Montana. Flight Plan: Las Vegas --> Kalispell Reason: No commercial flight available to get the Secretary and necessary staff to the morning Montana events on time. The Secretary's speech ended at 7:45PM and he had a meeting at 8:30 the following morning. The charter landed at 1:30AM. The secretary had multiple events at the Western Governors Association Payment: the Secretary and staff tickets were paid out of the DOI budget Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 28, 2017, at 9:52 PM, Shaffer, Leslie (NBCUniversal, CNBC Asia) wrote: Hello – I’m a writer at CNBC. Politico is reporting that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and members of his staff have used charter and military flights, sometimes at great expense. Does Mr. Zinke orthe department have a comment on the report? Can you confirm that the charterflight from Las Vegas to Montana in June cost $12,375? What was the cost ofthe charterflights between St. Croix and St. Thomas in March? Can you provide the costs forthe various military flights described in the report? Thank you, Leslie Shaffer FOIA001:00565863 EXT-18-2336-D-000475 Leslie Shaffer Senior Writerat CNBC Asia Pacific 10 Anson Road #06-01 International Plaza Singapore 079903 DID: +65-6326-1759 Twitter: @LeslieShaffer1 FOIA001:00565863 EXT-18-2336-D-000476 To: Hinson, Alex[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T10:44:01-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: *DRAFT DOI Daily Report Received: 2017-09-29T10:44:11-04:00 Can you please respond to the emails I forwarded you from Jorjani Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:43 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: yes? On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 10:42 AM, Heather Swift wrote: ALEX Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:16 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: no worries. you got it On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 10:15 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Hold. Low priority. Thank you. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:14 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: FOIA001:00518750 EXT-18-2336-D-000477 INTERIOR DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT NEWS TO SHARE: Washington Post: The Energy 202: Zinke suggests solar power may not best use ofpublic land “Despite saying in speeches that he happens “to love the coal miners”but that wind power “kills all the birds,”the Trump administration’s official policy is ostensibly to pursue an “all-of-the-above”energy strategy. Under such a policy, as it’s described, the government does not pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Private firms are free to develop the energy source they determine to be the most economical. The more sources ofelectricity and fuel there are domestically, the thinking goes, the less dependent the United States is on other nations to meet its energy needs.” The Bend Bulletin: Editorial: Zinke shows thoughtful approach to wildfire “Zinke recognizes the dangers wildfires pose. His memo was written in response to those dangers. He didn’t give explicit instructions about what should be done. He did note, however, that as his department urges Western communities to adopt Firewise standards, it should model those same standards in planning, development and maintenance ofits facilities. Some critics ofthe agency and its leader took that as a directive for a one-size-fits-all plan for fuel reduction on BLMland. Yet, the memo says nothing about specifics. Instead, it lays out a broad direction to the agencies under his charge.” Correcting the Record: Washington Post: Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents show “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs oftravel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option offlying commercial.” TALKING POINTS FOIA001:00518750 EXT-18-2336-D-000478 • As is consistent with the travel of previous Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the division ofGeneral Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. • Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charterservices because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. • Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. • "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career FOIA001:00518750 EXT-18-2336-D-000479 members of the Senior Executive Service New York Times: Interior Department to Overhaul Obama’s Sage Grouse Protection Plan “The Trump administration will seek to reconsider an Obama-era blueprint for protecting the greater sage grouse, a move that could lead to new mineral leasing, grazing and other commercial activities across the quirky bird’s Western habitat. The Interior Department intends this week to publish a formal notice ofintent to amend 98 sage grouse habitat management plans across 10 states, according to multiple agency and state officials who have been briefed on the effort. Those plans, completed in 2015, were adopted after a decade ofnegotiations among conservationists, sportsmen and extraction industries as well as federal, state, local and tribal authorities.” TALKING POINTS • Secretary Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3353 to improve conservation of sage-grouse, strengthening collaboration between state and federal partners on this issue. • It’s important to take into account the state and local voices on this issue to make the best decisions. • The Secretary is considering economic development, job creation, and energy production as part ofthe conservation planning. ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior -- Alex Hinson FOIA001:00518750 EXT-18-2336-D-000480 Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00518750 EXT-18-2336-D-000481 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Hinson, Alex Sent: 2017-09-29T10:43:29-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: *DRAFT DOI Daily Report Received: 2017-09-29T10:43:33-04:00 yes? On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 10:42 AM, Heather Swift wrote: ALEX Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:16 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: no worries. you got it On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 10:15 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Hold. Low priority. Thank you. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:14 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: INTERIOR DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT NEWS TO SHARE: Washington Post: The Energy 202: Zinke suggests solar power may not best use ofpublic land “Despite saying in speeches that he happens “to love the coal miners”but that wind power “kills all the birds,”the Trump administration’s official policy is ostensibly to pursue an “all-of￾the-above”energy strategy. Under such a policy, as it’s described, the government does not pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Private firms are free to develop the energy source FOIA001:00518741 EXT-18-2336-D-000482 they determine to be the most economical. The more sources of electricity and fuel there are domestically, the thinking goes, the less dependent the United States is on other nations to meet its energy needs.” The Bend Bulletin: Editorial: Zinke shows thoughtful approach to wildfire “Zinke recognizes the dangers wildfires pose. His memo was written in response to those dangers. He didn’t give explicit instructions about what should be done. He did note, however, that as his department urges Western communities to adopt Firewise standards, it should model those same standards in planning, development and maintenance ofits facilities. Some critics ofthe agency and its leader took that as a directive for a one-size-fits-all plan for fuel reduction on BLMland. Yet, the memo says nothing about specifics. Instead, it lays out a broad direction to the agencies under his charge.” Correcting the Record: Washington Post: Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents show “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs oftravel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option offlying commercial.” TALKING POINTS • As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the division ofGeneral Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. • Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart of good government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. • Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary FOIA001:00518741 EXT-18-2336-D-000483 and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. • "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service New York Times: Interior Department to Overhaul Obama’s Sage Grouse Protection Plan “The Trump administration will seek to reconsider an Obama-era blueprint for protecting the greater sage grouse, a move that could lead to new mineral leasing, grazing and other commercial activities across the quirky bird’s Western habitat. The Interior Department intends this week to publish a formal notice ofintent to amend 98 sage grouse habitat management plans across 10 states, according to multiple agency and state officials who have been briefed on the effort. Those plans, completed in 2015, were adopted after a decade ofnegotiations among conservationists, sportsmen and extraction industries as well as federal, state, local and tribal authorities.” TALKING POINTS • Secretary Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3353 to improve conservation ofsage-grouse, strengthening collaboration between state and federal partners on this issue. • It’s important to take into account the state and local voices on this issue to make the best decisions. • The Secretary is considering economic development, job creation, and energy production as part ofthe conservation planning. ### FOIA001:00518741 EXT-18-2336-D-000484 -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00518741 EXT-18-2336-D-000485 To: Hinson, Alex[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T10:15:19-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: *DRAFT DOI Daily Report Received: 2017-09-29T10:15:32-04:00 Hold. Low priority. Thank you. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:14 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: INTERIOR DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT NEWS TO SHARE: Washington Post: The Energy 202: Zinke suggests solar power may not best use ofpublic land “Despite saying in speeches that he happens “to love the coal miners”but that wind power “kills all the birds,”the Trump administration’s official policy is ostensibly to pursue an “all-of-the-above”energy strategy. Under such a policy, as it’s described, the government does not pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Private firms are free to develop the energy source they determine to be the most economical. The more sources ofelectricity and fuel there are domestically, the thinking goes, the less dependent the United States is on other nations to meet its energy needs.” The Bend Bulletin: Editorial: Zinke shows thoughtful approach to wildfire “Zinke recognizes the dangers wildfires pose. His memo was written in response to those dangers. He didn’t give explicit instructions about what should be done. He did note, however, that as his department urges Western communities to adopt Firewise standards, it should model those same standards in planning, development and maintenance ofits facilities. Some critics ofthe agency and its leader took that as a directive for a one-size-fits-all plan for fuel reduction on BLMland. Yet, the memo says nothing about specifics. Instead, it lays out a broad direction to the agencies under his charge.” Correcting the Record: Washington Post: Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents show “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs oftravel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and FOIA001:00518738 EXT-18-2336-D-000486 military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option offlying commercial.” TALKING POINTS • As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the division ofGeneral Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. • Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. • Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. • "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service New York Times: Interior Department to Overhaul Obama’s Sage Grouse Protection Plan “The Trump administration will seek to reconsider an Obama-era blueprint for protecting the greater sage grouse, a move that could lead to new mineral leasing, grazing and other commercial activities across the quirky bird’s Western habitat. The Interior Department intends this week to publish a formal notice of intent to amend 98 sage grouse habitat management plans across 10 states, according to multiple agency and state officials who have been briefed on the effort. Those plans, completed in 2015, were adopted after a decade of negotiations among conservationists, sportsmen and extraction industries as well as federal, state, local and tribal authorities.” TALKING POINTS • Secretary Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3353 to improve conservation ofsage-grouse, strengthening collaboration between state and federal partners on this issue. FOIA001:00518738 EXT-18-2336-D-000487 • It’s important to take into account the state and local voices on this issue to make the best decisions. • The Secretary is considering economic development, job creation, and energy production as part ofthe conservation planning. ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00518738 EXT-18-2336-D-000488 To: Heather Swift[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov]; Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Hinson, Alex Sent: 2017-09-29T10:14:33-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: *DRAFT DOI Daily Report Received: 2017-09-29T10:14:40-04:00 INTERIOR DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT NEWS TO SHARE: Washington Post: The Energy 202: Zinke suggests solar power may not best use ofpublic land “Despite saying in speeches that he happens “to love the coal miners”but that wind power “kills all the birds,”the Trump administration’s official policy is ostensibly to pursue an “all-of￾the-above”energy strategy. Under such a policy, as it’s described, the government does not pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Private firms are free to develop the energy source they determine to be the most economical. The more sources ofelectricity and fuel there are domestically, the thinking goes, the less dependent the United States is on other nations to meet its energy needs.” The Bend Bulletin: Editorial: Zinke shows thoughtful approach to wildfire “Zinke recognizes the dangers wildfires pose. His memo was written in response to those dangers. He didn’t give explicit instructions about what should be done. He did note, however, that as his department urges Western communities to adopt Firewise standards, it should model those same standards in planning, development and maintenance ofits facilities. Some critics of the agency and its leader took that as a directive for a one-size-fits-all plan for fuel reduction on BLMland. Yet, the memo says nothing about specifics. Instead, it lays out a broad direction to the agencies under his charge.” Correcting the Record: Washington Post: Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents show “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil-and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs oftravel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option offlying commercial.” TALKING POINTS • As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the division of General Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. • Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. FOIA001:00518725 EXT-18-2336-D-000489 • Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. • "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division ofGeneral Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service New York Times: Interior Department to Overhaul Obama’s Sage Grouse Protection Plan “The Trump administration will seek to reconsider an Obama-era blueprint for protecting the greater sage grouse, a move that could lead to new mineral leasing, grazing and other commercial activities across the quirky bird’s Western habitat. The Interior Department intends this week to publish a formal notice ofintent to amend 98 sage grouse habitat management plans across 10 states, according to multiple agency and state officials who have been briefed on the effort. Those plans, completed in 2015, were adopted after a decade of negotiations among conservationists, sportsmen and extraction industries as well as federal, state, local and tribal authorities.” TALKING POINTS • Secretary Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3353 to improve conservation ofsage￾grouse, strengthening collaboration between state and federal partners on this issue. • It’s important to take into account the state and local voices on this issue to make the best decisions. • The Secretary is considering economic development, job creation, and energy production as part ofthe conservation planning. ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00518725 EXT-18-2336-D-000490 To: Hinson, Alex[alex_hinson@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Russell Newell[russell_newell@ios.doi.gov] From: Heather Swift Sent: 2017-09-29T10:42:48-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: *DRAFT DOI Daily Report Received: 2017-09-29T10:42:56-04:00 ALEX Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:16 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: no worries. you got it On Fri, Sep 29, 2017 at 10:15 AM, Heather Swift wrote: Hold. Low priority. Thank you. Heather Swift Press Secretary Department ofthe Interior On Sep 29, 2017, at 10:14 AM, Hinson, Alex wrote: INTERIOR DAILY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT NEWS TO SHARE: Washington Post: The Energy 202: Zinke suggests solar power may not best use ofpublic land “Despite saying in speeches that he happens “to love the coal miners”but that wind power “kills all the birds,”the Trump administration’s official policy is ostensibly to pursue an “all-of-the￾above”energy strategy. Under such a policy, as it’s described, the government does not pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Private firms are free to develop the energy source they determine to be the most economical. The more sources ofelectricity and fuel there are domestically, the thinking goes, the less dependent the United States is on other nations to meet its energy needs.” The Bend Bulletin: Editorial: Zinke shows thoughtful approach FOIA001:00518721 EXT-18-2336-D-000491 to wildfire “Zinke recognizes the dangers wildfires pose. His memo was written in response to those dangers. He didn’t give explicit instructions about what should be done. He did note, however, that as his department urges Western communities to adopt Firewise standards, it should model those same standards in planning, development and maintenance ofits facilities. Some critics ofthe agency and its leader took that as a directive for a one-size-fits-all plan for fuel reduction on BLMland. Yet, the memo says nothing about specifics. Instead, it lays out a broad direction to the agencies under his charge.” Correcting the Record: Washington Post: Zinke took $12,000 charter flight home in oil executive’s plane, documents show “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke chartered a flight from Las Vegas to near his home in Montana this summer aboard a plane owned by oil￾and-gas executives, internal documents show. The flight, along with private flights during a trip to the Virgin Islands, could propel Zinke into the growing debate over the costs oftravel by Cabinet secretaries, some ofwhom have chosen expensive charter jets and military planes at high expense to taxpayers over the cheaper option offlying commercial.” TALKING POINTS • As is consistent with the travel ofprevious Interior secretaries, the Secretary traveled on charter flights when there were no commercial options available. All travel is pre-approved by the ethics office and the travel lawyers in the division ofGeneral Law (statement from them below) before booking, and the charter flights went through an additional level ofdue diligence. • Taxpayers absolutely have a right to know how much official government travel costs. It’s common sense. At the Department we make those documents available to the public. Using tax dollars wisely and ethically is a big responsibility and is at the heart ofgood government. Unfortunately there are some times when Interior has to utilize charter services because we often travel to areas that don’t have a lot offlight options. • Standard operating procedure is that the Secretary and stafffly on a commercial, government, coach fare whenever possible. • "The Scheduling Office meets regularly with the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law to ensure that all travel is thoroughly reviewed and approved in advance and that it is fully FOIA001:00518721 EXT-18-2336-D-000492 compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Consistent with this process, the trip was reviewed and approved in advance by both the Departmental Ethics Office and the Division of General Law. In short, the trip - including the Secretary's address to the hockey developmental squad - was completely compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations." --Joint Statement from Melinda Loftin (Department of the Interior Designated Agency Ethics Official and Director of the Departmental Ethics Office) and Edward Keable (Deputy Solicitor - General Law). Both are career members of the Senior Executive Service New York Times: Interior Department to Overhaul Obama’s Sage Grouse Protection Plan “The Trump administration will seek to reconsider an Obama-era blueprint for protecting the greater sage grouse, a move that could lead to new mineral leasing, grazing and other commercial activities across the quirky bird’s Western habitat. The Interior Departmentintends this week to publish a formal notice ofintentto amend 98 sage grouse habitat management plans across 10 states, according to multiple agency and state officials who have been briefed on the effort. Those plans, completed in 2015, were adopted after a decade ofnegotiations among conservationists, sportsmen and extraction industries as well as federal, state, local and tribal authorities.” TALKING POINTS • Secretary Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3353 to improve conservation ofsage-grouse, strengthening collaboration between state and federal partners on this issue. • It’s important to take into account the state and local voices on this issue to make the best decisions. • The Secretary is considering economic development, job creation, and energy production as part ofthe conservation planning. ### -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00518721 EXT-18-2336-D-000493 -- Alex Hinson Deputy Press Secretary Department of the Interior FOIA001:00518721 EXT-18-2336-D-000494 United States Department of the Interior OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Washington, DC 20240 IN REPLY REFER TO: 7202.4-OS-2018-00968 August 20, 2019 Via email: csaeger@westernvaluesproject.com Chris Saeger Executive Director Western Values Project 704C East 13th St, Suite 568 Whitefish, MT 59937 Re: Western Values Project v. U.S. Dep’t of the Interior, No. 18-2336 (D.D.C.), concerning FOIA requests tracked as 17-00285, 17-01064, 17-01234, 18-00010, 18-00127, 18-00183, 18-00760, 18-00967, 18-00968, 18-01331, 18-01368, 18- 01400 Dear Mr. Saeger: On October 16, 2017, you filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking the following: [A]ccess to and copies of all e-mails sent by or sent to Ms. Heather Swift from (and including) September 25, 2017 – October 15, 2017. This should include the entire contents of Ms. Swift's e-mail inbox and e-mail outbox during this time-period and should include e-mails in which Ms. Swift was merely carbon copied ("CC"). On November 17, 2017, we acknowledged your request and advised you of your fee status in accordance with the FOIA. In negotiating production schedules, you asked to prioritize this request, exclude attachments and accept emails with certain keywords/topics. We are writing today to respond to your request on behalf of the Office of the Secretary. We are releasing 1 file consisting of 745 pages. Of those 745 pages, 49 documents contain redactions as described below. Additional releases will be forthcoming as we process additional records. Portions of the enclosed documents have been redacted pursuant to Exemption 5 of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. § 552 (b)(5)) under the following privileges: Deliberative Process Mr. Chris Saeger 2 Exemption 5 allows an agency to withhold “inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party... in litigation with the agency” 5 U.S.C. § 552 (b)(5). As such, the Exemption 5 “exempt[s] those documents... normally privileged in the civil discovery context.” National Labor Relations Bd. v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 421 U.S. 132, 149 (1975). The exemption incorporates the privileges that protect materials from discovery in litigation. These privileges include deliberative process, confidential commercial information, attorney work-product, and attorney-client. See id.; see also Federal Open Market Committee v. Merrill, 443 U.S. 340, 363 (1979) (finding a confidential commercial information privilege under Exemption 5). Deliberative Process Privilege The deliberative process privilege “protects the decisionmaking process of government agencies” and “encourages the frank discussion of legal and policy issues” by ensuring that agencies are “not forced to operate in a fishbowl.” Mapother v. United States Dep’t of Justice, 3 F.3d 1533, 1537 (D.C. Cir. 1993) (citing Wolfe v. United States Dep’t of Health & Human Services, 839 F.2d 768, 773 (D.C. Cir. 1988)). Three policy purposes have been advanced by the courts as the bases for this privilege: (1) to encourage open, frank discussions on matters of policy between subordinates and superiors; (2) to protect against premature disclosure of proposed policies before they are finally adopted; and (3) to protect against public confusion that might result from disclosure of reasons and rationales that were not in fact ultimately the grounds for an agency’s action. See Coastal States Gas Corp. v. United States Dep’t of Energy, 617 F.2d 854, 866 (D.C. Cir. 1980). The deliberative process privilege protects materials that are both predecisional and deliberative. Mapother, 3 F.3d at 1537; Access Reports v. United States Dep’t of Justice, 926 F.2d 1192, 1195 (D.C. Cir. 1991); Vaughn v. Rosen, 523 F.2d 1136, 1143-44 (D.C. Cir. 1975). A “predecisional” document is one “prepared in order to assist an agency decisionmaker in arriving at his decision,” and may include “recommendations, draft documents, proposals, suggestions, and other subjective documents which reflect the personal opinions of the writer rather than the policy of the agency.” Maricopa Audubon Society v. United States Forest Service, 108 F.3d 1089, 1093 (9th Cir. 1997). A predecisional document is part of the “deliberative process” if “the disclosure of [the] materials would expose an agency’s decisionmaking process in such a way as to discourage candid discussion within the agency and thereby undermine the agency’s ability to perform its functions.” Dudman Communications Corp. v. Department of the Air Force, 815 F.2d 1565, 1568 (D.C. Cir. 1987). The deliberative process privilege does not apply to records created 25 years or more before the date on which the records were requested. We reasonably foresee that disclosure would harm an interest protected by exemption 5. Those portions of the documents that have been withheld pursuant to the deliberative process privilege of Exemption 5 are both predecisional and deliberative. They do not contain or represent formal or informal agency policies or decisions. They are the result of frank and open discussions among employees of the Department of the Interior. Therefore, their content has been held confidential by all parties. Public dissemination of this information would have a chilling effect on the agency’s deliberative processes; it would expose the agency’s decision-making process in Mr. Chris Saeger 3 such a way as to discourage candid discussion within the agency and thereby undermine its ability to perform its mandated functions. Portions of the documents may be redacted pursuant to Exemption 6 of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6)) because they fit certain categories of information: Personal Information, E-mail Addresses Exemption 6 allows an agency to withhold “personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” The courts have held that the phrase “similar files” involves all information that applies to a particular person. Hertzberg v. Veneman, 273 F. Supp. 2d 67, 85 n.11 (D.D.C. 2003). To determine whether releasing requested information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, we are required to perform a “balancing test.” This means that we must weigh the individual’s right to privacy against the public’s right to disclosure. (1) First, we must determine whether the individual has a discernable privacy interest in the information that has been requested. (2) Next, we must determine whether release of this information would serve “the public interest generally” (i.e., would “shed light on the performance of the agency's statutory duties”). (3) Finally, we must determine whether the public interest in disclosure is greater than the privacy interest of the individual in withholding. The information that we are withholding consists of personal information, and we have determined that the individuals to whom this information pertains have a substantial privacy interest in it. Additionally, we have determined that the disclosure of this information would shed little or no light on the performance of the agency’s statutory duties and that, on balance, the public interest to be served by its disclosure does not outweigh the privacy interest of the individuals in question, in withholding it. Nat’l Ass’n of Retired Fed. Employees v. Horner, 879 F.2d 873, 879 (D.C. Cir. 1989). In summation, we have determined that release of the information that we have withheld would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of these individuals, and that it therefore may be withheld, pursuant to Exemption 6. Portions of the enclosed documents have been redacted pursuant to Exemption 7 of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(7)). Exemption 7 of the FOIA protects from disclosure “records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes” if such records fall within one or more of six additional categories. The records withheld under Exemption 7 were compiled for law enforcement purposes and therefore meet the threshold requirement of Exemption 7. 7(C) Mr. Chris Saeger 4 Exemption 7(C) protects personal information in law enforcement records where release could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Here, releasing records you are seeking would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy because they identify individuals referenced in law enforcement records and the release of this information would not shed light on an agency’s performance of its statutory duties. Therefore, we are withholding records under Exemption 7(C). 7(E) Exemption 7(E) protects law enforcement records that “would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigation or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law.” Here, releasing records you are seeking could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law because they disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigation or prosecution. Therefore, we are withholding records under Exemption 7(E). Jennifer Heindl, Attorney-Advisor, in the Office of the Solicitor, was consulted in reaching this decision. Clarice Julka, Office of the Secretary FOIA Officer, is responsible for making this decision. For your information, Congress excluded three discrete categories of law enforcement and national security records from the requirements of the FOIA. See 5 U.S.C. § 552(c). This response is limited to records that are subject to the requirements of the FOIA. This is a standard notification that is given to all our requesters and should not be taken as an indication that excluded records do, or do not, exist. If you have any questions regarding any of the issues discussed in this letter, you may contact Ryan McQuighan by phone at 202-513-0765, by fax at 202-219-2374, by e-mail at os_foia@ios.doi.gov, or by mail at U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C St, NW, MS-7328 MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240. You also may seek dispute resolution services from our FOIA Public Liaison, Clarice Julka, at the phone and address above. Sincerely, Clarice Julka Office of the Secretary FOIA Officer CLARICE JULKA Digitally signed by CLARICE JULKA Date: 2019.08.20 16:03:55 -04'00' -- To: From: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-01T06:24:21-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Thursday, March 1, 2018 Received: 2018-03-01T06:24:25-05:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 1, 2018 at 5:58:36 AM EST To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Thursday, March 1, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 6:00 AM EST Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Reuters: U.S. Interior Panel Votes For Lower Federal Offshore Oil And Gas Royalties. • CNN: National Park Service: Most Popular Park Sites For 2017. • Sunnyside (WA) Daily Sun-News: Report On Fight Against Invasive Mussels Released. • Associated Press: Ex-Interior Officials: Zinke’s Proposed Overhaul Unnecessary. • Washington Examiner: Ryan Zinke’s Special Assistant Resigns Over Anti-Muslim Views Shared On Social Media. • Reuters: Trump Wades Deeper Into Biofuel Debate With Second Meeting. • Politico: Trump’s Mining Giveaway. • Government Executive: House Democrats Request Subpoena Over Interior’s Senior Executive Reassignments. • MSNBC: Zinke May Have Pulled Official From Firefighting Duty For Tour. Bureau Of Land Management • Salt Lake (UT) Tribune: Feds Approve Uranium Mine Expansions In Utah’s San Juan County, One Of Them Near Bears Ears. • Bend (OR) Bulletin: BLM Offers Tours To See Greater Sage-Grouse In Eastern Oregon. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management • For Many Republicans, Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan And Beaches Don’t Mix. • Don’t Expect Oil Drilling Off Jersey Shore, Trump Official Tells N.J. Republicans. • Cape Officials Join In Condemning Trump Drilling Proposal. (b)(6) FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000001 • Bipartisan Rally Against Offshore Drilling In Ocean City. • Hundreds Turn Out For Federal Meeting On Offshore Energy Development. Bureau Of Reclamation • Sacramento County Sues State Alleging Secret Meetings On Delta Tunnels. Fish And Wildlife Service • Oregon Public Broadcasting: Lawsuit Asks For Greater Protections For Rare Northwest Bird. • Associated Press: Fire Crews Burn 84 Acres Of Refuge To Help Longleaf Pine. National Park Service • WRC-TV Washington: Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Dates To Be Announced Thursday. • Missoulian (MT): Park Service Releases Concepts For Sperry Chalet Restoration. • New Jersey Herald: Opposition Grows To Plans For I-80 Fence In Knowlton. • Kingman (AZ) Daily Miner: Grand Canyon Readying To Celebrate 100 Years Of National Park Status. • Bend (OR) Bulletin: New Superintendent For John Day Fossil Beds. Insular And International Affairs • Governor Invites Senator Murkowski To Visit NMI. • American Samoa Seeks Major Federal Disaster Assistance. • Local Students Debate Politics And Meet Influential Leaders At Junior Statesmen Winter Congress Convention. • Chicken Of The Sea Partners With Pacifical On MSC Certified Tuna. • Mānoa: UH Law School Offers Legal Training To Pacific Island Judges. Office Of Surface Mining • Nearly $55.7M For PA To Reclaim Abandoned Coal Mines. • $2.8 Million Grant To Fund Abandoned Coal Mine Cleanup In Eastern Oklahoma. US Geological Survey • E&P Magazine: USGS Study Finds New Frack Sand Source In River Sediment. • Oklahoman: Regulators Tighten Rules To Control Fracking-related Earthquakes In Central, Northwest And South-central Oklahoma. • Additional Reading. Opinion Pieces • Energy Interests Dominate Interior Department’s Royalty Policy Committee. • Depending On China And Russia For Key Minerals Could Lead To A National Security Crisis. • Busting The Top Five Myths About Offshore Energy. • Why Fossil Fuels Survive. • Additional Reading. Top National News • New York Times: Media Analyses: Trump Stands Up To NRA, Appears To Embrace Gun Restrictions. • ABC: Trump Blasts Sessions Over FISA Abuse Probe, And AG Fires Back. • Associated Press: Hicks Announces She Will Leave White House Post. FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000002 Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “Donald Trump Gets A Lesson From That ‘Very Bad Judge.’” - “The European Union Must Stand Up To Polish Nationalism.” • Washington Post. - “The NSA Chief Spelled Out The Russian Threat. Is Trump Listening?” - “Putin Is Getting Away With Murder In Syria.” - “The NRA Is Finally Paying The Price.” • Wall Street Journal. - “The White House Family Business.” - “Trump vs. Jeff Sessions.” - “Cleaning Up The Cleaned Up Tax Code.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News U.S. Interior Panel Votes For Lower Federal Offshore Oil And Gas Royalties. Reuters (2/28) reports that the Interior Department’s Royal Policy Committee voted Wednesday to recommend to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke that the Department “lower royalty rates for federal offshore oil and gas drilling to 12.5 percent from 18.75 percent through 2024, to spur more production.” In addition, the panel voted “to increase the amount of acreage available for offshore oil and natural gas leasing in the outer continental shelf.” The Hill (2/28, Cama) reports the committee panel included “officials representing energy companies, state governments, tribes and Interior officials” and that the “lower rate would apply to the value of oil and gas from drilling-rights leases sold starting this year.” Two top Democrats on Congressional committees overseeing the Interior Department, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), criticized the proposal and said, “This proposal would amount to a giveaway to some of the most profitable companies in the world and rob taxpayers of potentially billions of dollars of revenues over the life of the leases.” The Hill (2/28, Green) reports Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) “sent a joint letter Tuesday night to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke” that raised “concerns over the Interior Department’s expected decision Wednesday to lower royalty rates on oil drilled offshore.” Cantwell and Grijalva believe “the rate drop would amount to a ‘giveaway,’ likening it to a ‘fire sale.’” The two Democratic lawmakers also asked “Zinke to open up the RPC meetings to the public and allow for public comment.” Additional coverage was provided by the Washington Examiner FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000003 (2/28, Siegel). Bloomberg News (2/28, Dlouhy) reports the recommendations of the 20-member panel “are seen as potentially helping make U.S. waters more competitive with other offshore hotspots around the world, including Mexico’s portion of the Gulf of Mexico. Oil companies hunting for new crude discoveries in U.S. Gulf waters have been pushed into deeper depths, where ultra-high pressures strain the capacity of equipment, make wells harder to drill and increase costs.” The Washington Examiner (2/28, Siegel) reports the proposed amount will be “the lowest rate the government can charge for offshore leases” and will be recommended to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. Interior Department spokesperson Heather Swift said, “The department will not be making a decision on this today. ... We look forward to reviewing the committees recommendations after they have been formally received.” Zinke appointed members of the committee “after former President Barack Obama let it lapse during his second term.” National Park Service: Most Popular Park Sites For 2017. CNN (2/28, Hetter) reports that “nearly 331 million people visited the National Park Service’s 417 sites around the United States in 2017, a slight dip from the 331 million record-breaking visits during its centennial anniversary year in 2016.” NPS officials “expected the slight decline after the centennial celebrations during the previous year.” However, the article notes, “while attendance numbers remained relatively stable, people actually spent more time in the parks in 2017 – more than 1.4 billion hours last year, an increase of 19 million hours over 2016.” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said, in a statement, “Our National Parks are being loved to death. As visitor rates continue at a high level, we must prioritize much￾needed deferred maintenance including aging facilities, roads and other critical infrastructure. President Trump’s proposal to establish a Public Lands Infrastructure Fund is a step in the right direction. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue, this is an American issue, and the President and I remain ready to work with anyone in Congress who is willing to get the job done.” Zion National Park Ranks 3rd In U.S. For Number OfVisitors. USA Today (2/28, Demille) reports that Zion National Park “ranks as the third busiest in the U.S. after another record-breaking year for visitation in 2017.” The park “drew 4.5 million, according to National Park Service figures released Wednesday.” The article notes that “only Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, with 11.3 million visitors, and the Grand Canyon National Park, at 6.3 million, drew more.” Joshua Tree National Park Seeing Surge In Popularity. The AP (2/28) reports that Joshua Tree National Park is “seeing an explosion in popularity.” The park welcomed “more than 2.8 million visitors in 2017.” Park spokesman George Land “says reasons for the surge included a substantial wildflower bloom, an unusually warm period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, and growing popularity among foreign tourists.” FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000004 Report On Fight Against Invasive Mussels Released. The Sunnyside (WA) Daily Sun-News (2/28) reports that the Interior Department on Wednesday “released a report highlighting the progress made in the fight against invasive zebra and quagga mussels, which can impair the delivery of water and power, diminish boating and fishing and devastate ecosystem health.” The report arrives after Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “announced in June a set of initiatives to protect western ecosystems and hydroelectric facilities from the destructive species through continued collaboration with western governors as well as federal, state, and tribal agencies.” Zinke said, “I am pleased to share progress made on honoring those commitments. There is more work to do, and Interior is committed to continuing our efforts. With the busy boating season approaching, it is imperative that we are vigilant in taking measures to prevent the spread of invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species.” The Boulder City (NV) Review (2/28) reports that the Interior Department “spent $8.6 million nationwide in fiscal year 2017 to address the issue.” The department is “working on more than four dozen actions to address invasive mussels including preventing the spread of the species to uninfested waters, and containing and controlling them where they are established, such as in Lake Powell and the Lower Colorado River region.” Ex-Interior Officials: Zinke’s Proposed Overhaul Unnecessary. The AP (2/28, Elliott) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s reorganization plan “to put more of his department’s decision-makers in the field has a fundamental flaw in the eyes of some who spent their careers making those decisions: They’re already out there.” According to the article, “eleven former Interior Department officials with decades of experience in both Washington and in local offices told The Associated Press the agency already has a well-established system for decentralized decision-making.” Scott Florence, who retired after 38 years with the Bureau of Land Management, said, “Ninety percent-plus of the decisions that get made get made at the local level.” The issue, “some said, is that over the past few years, an increasing number of decisions that should have been made locally were ultimately decided in Washington because of political pressure, under both Democratic and Republican administrations.” Additionally, “since 91.5 percent of the department’s workforce of about 70,000 is already based outside the Washington area, most of the former interior employees said they doubted pushing more employees out of Washington would improve things.” Additional coverage of the reorganization plan was provided by KBSC￾FM Boise, ID (2/28, Barnhill). Ryan Zinke’s Special Assistant Resigns Over Anti-Muslim Views Shared On Social Media. The Washington Examiner (2/28, Siciliano) reports that Christine Bauserman, a special assistant to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, has FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000005 resigned after “a media report showed several instances when she made inflammatory comments on social media.” Bauserman’s resignation came “after a CNN KFile review showed that she posted remarks on Facebook and Twitter that espoused conspiracy theories, anti-Muslim and anti-LGBT views.” The Washington Post (2/28, Fears) quotes a statement from an Interior spokeswoman which said, “The positions expressed by Ms. Bauserman are inappropriate and unacceptable, and they are not consistent with those of the Secretary or the Trump Administration. ... The department has accepted Ms. Bauserman’s letter of resignation.” Also reporting are CNN (2/28, Kaczynski, Massie), The Hill (2/28, Carter), and the Arizona Daily Independent (2/28, Hunnicutt). Trump Wades Deeper Into Biofuel Debate With Second Meeting. Reuters (3/1, Renshaw) reports that President Trump on Thursday will “gather rivals from the oil and corn industries for the second time this week as the administration seeks elusive common ground on reforms to the nation’s controversial biofuels law.” According the article, “the meetings come amid rising concern in the White House over the current state of the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a law requiring refiners to mix biofuels such as corn-based ethanol into their fuel, which has increasingly divided two of Trump’s most important constituencies.” Trump will be “joined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who will be sitting in for U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue as he attends events in California,” according to sources. Trump’s Mining Giveaway. Politico (2/28, Vinik, Michael) reports that President Trump’s decision to shrink two national monuments in Utah will “give a huge windfall to miners.” Due to the General Mining Act of 1872, “miners will be able to extract resources from the 1.84 million acres of land for just a few hundred dollars, reaping huge profits on land owned by the federal government.” The article says that “this subsidy already costs Washington hundreds of millions of dollars annually – and without any legislative changes, Trump just made it even larger.” House Democrats Request Subpoena Over Interior’s Senior Executive Reassignments. Government Executive (2/28, Katz) reports that Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, “requested a subpoena of documents related to the reassignment of dozens of senior executives at the Interior Department, saying the Trump administration has so far stymied efforts to bring transparency to the decisions.” Interior “sent 176 pages of documents...in response to a request he made in October.” According to the article, “more FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000006 than one-third of that was a photocopied version of the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act, however, and Cummings said the rest was heavily redacted and failed to shine light on all of his questions.” Cummings wrote his letter to Rep. Trey Gowdy, asking “Gowdy specifically to compel the department to provide unredacted documents and said the request falls ‘squarely within our jurisdiction.’” Zinke May Have Pulled Official From Firefighting Duty For Tour. MSNBC (2/28) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “may have pulled firefighting personnel for his helicopter tour last summer in which he did not visit any fire zones.” Bureau Of Land Management Feds Approve Uranium Mine Expansions In Utah’s San Juan County, One Of Them Near Bears Ears. The Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (2/28) reports that the Bureau of Land Management has “issued final approvals for two uranium mine expansions in southeast Utah, including one on the backdoor of what used to be Bears Ears National Monument.” According to the article, “in decisions signed last week, the BLM’s Utah state director Ed Roberson approved the expansions, but with several conditions.” Additional coverage was provided by the Denver Business Journal (2/28, Miller). BLM Offers Tours To See Greater Sage-Grouse In Eastern Oregon. The Bend (OR) Bulletin (2/28, Stephen) reports that the Bureau of Land Management is offering a series of tours to observe greater sage-grouse breed. The tours on March 10 and April 7 will be limited to 20 people per tour. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management For Many Republicans, Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan And Beaches Don’t Mix. The Washington Post (2/28, Fears) reports that several South Carolina Republican legislators have broken “sharply with the president over his plan to offer oil and gas companies leases to drill a few miles off beaches that bring $20 billion in annual revenue to South Carolina and support 600,000 tourism jobs.” At Interior Department public “listening sessions” to “explain its proposed five-year lease plan – which would open 95 percent of the nation’s outer continental shelf to potential drilling – a growing chorus of bipartisan opposition is finding its voice.” The Post says the first wave of opposition came from “Atlantic and Pacific coast governors, congressional delegations and attorneys general,” and now “state lawmakers, mayors and city councils are mobilizing in an attempt to stop the administration’s plan.” According to the Post, “Mark Harmon, the director of a state unit of the American Petroleum Institute, stressed a FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000007 different point. ‘Ultimately it means the potential for jobs and reinvestment in the community,’ he said.” Don’t Expect Oil Drilling Off Jersey Shore, Trump Official Tells N.J. Republicans. NJ News (2/27, Salant) reports that after meeting with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Republican lawmakers from New Jersey were optimistic that the Jersey Shore would be excluded from offshore drilling. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) said, “If it’s not off the table, it will soon be off the table.” Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) observed that Zinke acknowledged “the area off the coast of New Jersey met none of the criteria for opening the area to oil drilling,” as it lacked reserves and onshore infrastructure. LoBiondo also cited “unanimous bipartisan opposition.” Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) said, “It’s crystal clear to the secretary that we don’t want offshore drilling and he’s going to have a fight on his hands if he tries to push it.” Cape Officials Join In Condemning Trump Drilling Proposal. The Cape Cod (MA) Times (2/26, Fraser) reports Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) hosted a gathering at the New England Aquarium on Monday “to condemn a proposal to reopen the ocean off New England to oil and gas exploration, and possibly drilling.” Markey’s gathering comes before the BOEM is scheduled to hold a public hearing Tuesday on the federal proposal. Markey said, “Unfortunately this public meeting (today) is nothing more than a sham in the Trump style – all show, no substance. ... I will exhaust all legislative tools to fight this.” Opponents of the plan are preparing to stage “an anti-drilling rally” before the BOEM meeting. Brewster resident Christopher Powicki said, “We want them to know the opposition to this is deep, wide, and is going to be persistent.” Bipartisan Rally Against Offshore Drilling In Ocean City. The Ocean City (NJ) Patch (2/27, Bellano) reports a bipartisan group of New Jersey politicians gathered “against the backdrop of one of the Earth’s most powerful natural resources” outside the Ocean City Music Pier to express their opposition to the Trump administration’s proposed offshore drilling plan “and encourage the public to do the same.” Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said the location was selected to serve as a reminder of what would be at risk in the event of an oil spill. Additional coverage was provided by WHYY-TV Philadelphia (2/26, MacDonald). Hundreds Turn Out For Federal Meeting On Offshore Energy Development. The North State Journal (NC) (2/28, King) reports the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management met Monday in North Carolina “to talk about a proposal allowing leases to develop oil and gas reserves in the 7.2 million acres off of N.C.’s coastline in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS),” which FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000008 the State Journal says are “currently off-limits in the five-year leasing plan that expired in 2017.” According to the article, if North Carolina is included in the next five-year leasing plan, “it is estimated to mean 55,000 jobs for the state and $4 billion to the state economy by 2035.” Bureau Of Reclamation Sacramento County Sues State Alleging Secret Meetings On Delta Tunnels. The Sacramento (CA) Bee (2/28, Kasler) reports that Sacramento County is spearheading “a lawsuit accusing state officials of holding illegal secret meetings about the controversial Delta tunnels project.” The county, “joined by the city of Stockton, several Delta water agencies and a group of environmental organizations, sued the State Water Resources Control Board on Tuesday.” The suit alleges “officials with the state water board met privately and illegally as far back as 2015 with representatives of the California Department of Water Resources and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the lead agencies planning the tunnels.” In the suit, Sacramento County and the other plaintiffs claims the secret meetings provide evidence of “deliberate obstruction, and possible collusion.” Fish And Wildlife Service Lawsuit Asks For Greater Protections For Rare Northwest Bird. Oregon Public Broadcasting (2/28, Burns) reports that “an environmental group is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to increase protections for a small ground-nesting bird called the streaked horned lark.” The Center for Biological Diversity is “suing to raise the bird’s status to ‘endangered.’” The group is also “trying to get rid of an exemption for farmers and airports that threaten the lark’s nesting habitat.” Additional coverage was provided by the AP (2/28) and KUOW-FM Seattle (2/28, Burns). Fire Crews Burn 84 Acres Of Refuge To Help Longleaf Pine. The AP (3/1) reports that “fire crews have burned a small section of a wildlife refuge to benefit longleaf pine trees, which require periodic fires to thrive, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.” According to the article, “most of the 38,500-acre Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Reserve is in Louisiana and its headquarters is in Slidell, but Wednesday’s burn was in Pearl River County, Mississippi.” Assistant Fire Management Officer Chris LeRouge “says the refuge hopes to conduct about two more prescribed burns before turkey nesting season begins in mid-March or April.” National Park Service Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Dates To Be Announced Thursday. WRC-TV Washington (2/28, Jones) reports that the National Park Service will “announce peak bloom dates for Washington’s cherry blossoms FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000009 Thursday.” According to the article, “last year’s peak bloom was predicted to happen between March 14 through March 17, but a cold snap damaged some of the blossoms and pushed peak bloom back five days.” Currently, “the Yoshino cherry trees are in the first of six stages that culminate in peak bloom.” Park Service Releases Concepts For Sperry Chalet Restoration. The Missoulian (MT) (2/28, Byron) reports that “four concepts released to the public Wednesday for restoring Glacier National Park’s famed Sperry Chalet dormitory range from stabilizing the walls but not rebuilding the structure – instead, setting up temporary yurts or wall tents for visitors — to reconstructing the dorm to as ‘close to as it was’ with some critical building code updates.” Other options being considered are “to restore the dormitory ‘in place, but modernized,’ or moving the building’s location so it’s beyond recent avalanche activity.” Lauren Alley, a spokesperson for the national park, “said the options are consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires the federal agency to assess a variety of effects for proposed actions before making decisions.” Opposition Grows To Plans For I-80 Fence In Knowlton. The New Jersey Herald (2/28, Scruton) reports that “a fast-expanding circle of citizens, governing bodies, elected officials and conservation￾minded groups is becoming involved in efforts to stop or severely alter the state Department of Transportation’s plan to build a wall along a section of the Interstate 80 that runs through the Delaware Water Gap.” The purpose of the wall is “to keep rocks and boulders from falling from the cliffs of Mount Tammany onto the highway that runs between the base of the mountain and the Delaware River, which carved the gap.” Additional coverage was provided by NJ News (2/28, Ionno). Grand Canyon Readying To Celebrate 100 Years Of National Park Status. The Kingman (AZ) Daily Miner (2/28) reports that the Grand Canyon “celebrates its centennial anniversary next year and the National Park Service is marking the event with a new logo for 2019.” The logo, “unveiled Monday by the National Park Service and Grand Canyon Association, depicts the Grand Canyon and one of its most significant geographical elements, the Colorado River, accompanied by the tagline, ‘Go Grand.’” To promote Grand Canyon visitation during the Centennial, the NPS will “hold events throughout the year at the South Rim, North Rim, Desert View, Inner Canyon and surrounding gateway communities.” New Superintendent For John Day Fossil Beds. The Bend (OR) Bulletin (3/1) reports that “the National Park Service has selected Patrick Gamman as the new superintendent John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the agency announced Wednesday.” Gamman will FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000010 “replace Shelly Hall, who retired in August. He is expected to begin his work at the national monument in Eastern Oregon in late spring.” Insular And International Affairs Governor Invites Senator Murkowski To Visit NMI. Marianas Variety (3/1) reports that Gov. Ralph D.L.G. Torres last week sent a letter to Sen. Lisa Murkowski, “inviting her and the members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to visit the Northern Mariana Islands for an in-depth experience of the CNMI’s economic resurgence and its goal of retaining its economic viability.” The invitation arrives “on the heels of the recent Senate committee hearing on S. 2325, the Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act.” Since the hearing, Torres has “reached out to members of both the House and the Senate and has remained in discussions with them as the legislation moves through Congress.” American Samoa Seeks Major Federal Disaster Assistance. Radio New Zealand (2/27) reports that American Samoa is seeking a declaration that “would pave the way for more federal aide in the wake of Cyclone Gita.” The cyclone has “caused nearly $US7 million worth of damage to American Samoa’s government buildings and other infrastructure.” The request was signed and sent on February 25. Local Students Debate Politics And Meet Influential Leaders At Junior Statesmen Winter Congress Convention. The Virgin Islands Consortium (VIR) (2/27) reports that “a delegation of eight Virgin Islands high school students recently attended the Junior State of America’s (JSA) ‘MidSoHio’ (Midwest, Southeast & Ohio River Valley) Winter Congress Convention in Washington, DC, and brought home one of the coveted Best Speaker Gavels, a release issued late Monday.” The students “spent five days in the nation’s capital, where they debated dozens of student-drafted bills during a mock-legislative session, visited cultural landmarks, and met with influential leaders including Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, Congressman and Civil Rights pioneer John Lewis, and Douglas Domenech, assistant secretary for Insular Areas at the Department of the Interior.” On February 16th, the group visited the Interior Department and “met with the leaders of the Office of Insular Affairs, including Assistant Secretary Douglas Domenech, Policy Director Basil Ottley, and Technical Assistance Director Charlene Leizear.” Chicken Of The Sea Partners With Pacifical On MSC Certified Tuna. Benzinga (2/27) reports that Chicken of the Sea has signed an agreement with Pacifical “to promote MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified tuna sourced from the eight-member nations of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) in the Western Central Pacific Ocean.” FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000011 Mānoa: UH Law School Offers Legal Training To Pacific Island Judges. The University of Hawaii System (2/27) announces that “the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will offer legal training for another two years through a contract that brings judicial education to jurists throughout the Pacific, and also hosts them in Honolulu for intensive week-long sessions.” The program is “part of the Pacific Islands Legal Institute administered by the Ninth Circuit Pacific Islands Committee, with funding provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior.” Office Of Surface Mining Nearly $55.7M For PA To Reclaim Abandoned Coal Mines. The Wilkes-Barre (PA) Times Leader (2/28, O'Boyle) reports that the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has “announced the availability of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation grants, which will provide $55,657,898 million to Pennsylvania to reclaim abandoned coal mines.” Rep. Lou Barletta “said funding for the reclamation of abandoned mine lands is a critical component in revitalizing Pennsylvania’s coal communities.” Barletta said, “I look forward to seeing the tangible ways in which this money will improve our land and water resources and drive economic development across the state.” $2.8 Million Grant To Fund Abandoned Coal Mine Cleanup In Eastern Oklahoma. The Oklahoman (2/28, Wilmoth) reports that “a $2.8 million federal grant will allow state officials to continue their efforts to clean up abandoned coal mines in eastern Oklahoma.” The article US Geological Survey USGS Study Finds New Frack Sand Source In River Sediment. E&P Magazine (2/28) reports that “sediment from the Missouri River Basin can be as used a fracking proppant, or frack sand, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said in a statement on Feb. 27.” Ron Zelt, a USGS scientist and the lead author of the study, said, “Information from the new study could shift how deposited reservoir sediment is mitigated, and how recovered sediments potentially could be viable to various industries.” Additional coverage was provided by Oil and Gas Investor (2/28). Regulators Tighten Rules To Control Fracking-related Earthquakes In Central, Northwest And South-central Oklahoma. The Oklahoman (2/28, Money) reports geologists and regulators in Oklahoma “said they are on solid footing with revised rules they issued Tuesday to control fracking-related earthquakes in central, northwest and south-central Oklahoma.” The new standards, “issued by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Oil and Gas Conservation Division and the FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000012 Oklahoma Geological Survey, requires oil and gas well operators hydraulically fracturing a well to more quickly act to limit earthquakes associated with the process.” Bloomberg News (2/28, Wethe) reports the OCC “announced that all explorers within certain areas must use equipment known as a seismic array, which detects movement underground.” In addition, the regulators “lowered the quake threshold for pausing work from 3.0 magnitude to 2.5, a level where humans can feel the earth move.” UPI (2/28, Graeber) reports the U.S. Geological Survey on Wednesday “recorded a 2.9-magnitude quake in Fairview, an area prone to heightened seismicity.” KGOU-FM Norman, OK (2/28, Wertz) and E&E Publishing (2/28) also provide coverage of the new protocols. Additional Reading. • Willapa BayWetlands OKWith Higher Seas. Chinook (WA) Observer (2/28, Burns). • Hawaii Dumped 1.5 Billion Gallons OfLava Into Pacific As Volcano Wall Collapses. Forbes (2/28, Nace). Opinion Pieces Energy Interests Dominate Interior Department’s Royalty Policy Committee. In an op-ed for U.S. News & World Report (2/28, Alexander), Taxpayers for Common Sense President Ryan Alexander says the Interior Department’s Royalty Policy Committee is “well-represented with energy interests ready to profit from the committee’s recommendations” and lacks “any independent taxpayer voice.” The Committee has, so far, neglected to review royalty and leasing policies that continue “to cost taxpayers billions of dollars in last revenue;” and without “some dramatic changes, the Royalty Policy Committee could just be an echo chamber for the Trump administration’s agenda to fast-track leasing, decrease royalties and favor industry over federal taxpayers.” Alexander calls on the Royalty Policy Committee “to turn the process around” and remember its “fiduciary duty to the American taxpayer,” before it becomes “a case study in crony capitalism.” Depending On China And Russia For Key Minerals Could Lead To A National Security Crisis. Jeff A. Green, president and founder of J.A. Green & Company, a bipartisan government relations firm based in Washington, DC, writes in a piece for The Hill (2/28) that the Trump Administration understands that one of China’s “primary trade weapons” is its “near-monopoly over several minerals and materials that the United States military relies on to maintain its technological edge.” He says that in “recognition of such high stakes, the administration has made producing and manufacturing domestic FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000013 supplies of minerals a national security priority over the past year.” The Administration has done so by issuing three executive orders meant to maximize the government’s use of materials produced in the US, identify weaknesses in domestic supply chains, and reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. Busting The Top Five Myths About Offshore Energy. In an op-ed for the Daily Caller (2/28, Green), API’s Energy Tomorrow Blog Editor Mark Green debunks the “top five myths about offshore energy” and says “oversight of state and federal officials have made offshore development safer than it has ever been – and continuously becoming safer because technologies are ever-improving.” In response to the myth that offshore development risks spoiling coastal areas, Green cites comments made by Shell officials last year to US federal officials. According to Green, Shell pointed out that approximately 65,000 wells have been drilled in the Gulf of Mexico since World War II and “[a]ll the while, our industry has co-existed with commercial and recreational fishing, military restricted zones, tourism, recreational activities, and even in the proximity of marine protected areas, including the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.” Other myths debunked by Green include: offshore development is high-risk, offshore development is opposed by the military, energy from offshore sources is not needed, and offshore survey efforts hurt marine animals. Why Fossil Fuels Survive. Robert Samuelson writes in the Washington Post (2/28) that the “real obstacle” to dealing with climate change is “our vast dependence on fossil fuels and the difficulty of extricating ourselves without crippling the world economy.” While the Trump Administration “has withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement, making any transition harder,” the problems “transcend President Trump’s disengagement, as a new study from the oil giant BP makes clear.” The study projects that “total use of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal)” will “increase almost 20 percent between 2016 and 2040. The electric cars, renewables and fuel switching merely offset some – but not all – of the added energy demand from population and economic growth.” Additional Reading. • Help ForMartin County– And The Rest OfKentucky. Ashland (KY) Daily Independent (2/28). • How To Protect National Monuments From Trump. Sacramento (CA) Bee (2/28, Frank). • Did The Clintons Finagle A Twofer, Including A Land-grab? Washington Examiner (3/1, Pendley). • OPINION: Trump Administration Granting Big OilIts WildestDreams? Pagosa (CO) Daily Post (2/28, Weiss). FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000014 • Our View: Government Must Listen On Ocean Drilling. Gloucester (MA) Times (2/28). Top National News Media Analyses: Trump Stands Up To NRA, Appears To Embrace Gun Restrictions. To cautiously favorable and at times stunned media coverage, the President yesterday appeared to support legislation opposed by the NRA and GOP leaders. His comments came at a televised White House meeting with 17 lawmakers. As the New York Times (2/28, Shear) reports, Trump “appeared to stun giddy Democrats and stone-faced Republicans by calling for comprehensive gun control that would expand background checks, keep guns from the mentally ill, secure schools and restrict gun sales from some young adults.” Trump “repeatedly suggested that the dynamics had changed, in part because of his leadership in the White House, a sentiment that the Democrats in the room readily agreed with as they saw the president supporting their ideas.” Roll Call (2/28, McKinless) reports Trump “told lawmakers if they combine their various gun-related measures into a bill in the ballpark of the ideas he endorsed on Wednesday, he ‘will sign it.’” NBC Nightly News (2/28, story 2, 2:35, Holt) said Trump “stood up to the” NRA and “appeared to embrace new gun restrictions,” while the CBS Evening News (2/28, story 2, 2:35, Cordes) led its segment on the meeting with footage of Trump saying, “I’m not into popularity. I’m into getting something done that’s good.” CBS reported the President “scrambled the partisan divide on guns...siding with Democrats on dramatically expanding background checks and raising the purchasing age for semi-automatic weapons.” Trump was also shown saying, “It doesn’t make sense that I have to wait until I’m 21 to get handgun, but I can get this weapon at 18.” ABC World News Tonight (2/28, story 2, 4:35, Karl), which described Republicans as “livid” at Trump, reported that “the most pro-NRA president in history gathered together a group including some of Congress’s most forceful advocates of gun control.” ABC showed the President saying, “I see some folks that don’t say nice things about me. That’s okay. Because if you turn that into this energy, I’ll love you. I don’t care.” Trump, added ABC, “repeatedly took positions that put himself at odds with the NRA and Republican leaders in Congress.” In fact, Reuters (2/28, Rascoe, Rampton) reports, Trump “said he told NRA officials, ‘It’s time. We’ve got to stop this nonsense. It’s time.’” Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report said on Fox News’ Special Report (2/28), “I think a lot of people, when the President was first elected and when he was inaugurated, thought that this was going to happen actually more often – a candidate who sold himself as this negotiator, a guy who was going to do politics differently, that he was going to create FOIA001:02257040 ·~--- EXT-18-2336-E-000015 these new and different kinds of alliances. This isn’t actually that surprising for people outside of Washington because that is the Donald Trump they saw as candidate. I think it’s a good thing for him to do as President because it puts it back on the issue here of a President who is not a traditional politician, is going to talk like a regular person.” Tom Bevan of Real Clear Politics said on Fox News’ Special Report (2/28) that Trump “has got goodwill with the base on some of the issues and on some aspects of the gun issue. The question is how far is he going to go and how much and how strong is he going to lead on this issue? We are going into primary season. ... It’s an election year. It’s not the best time for compromise to be had on the gun issue. So, it will depend on how much Trump is willing to push on this issue and lead.” Politico (2/28, Alexander) recounts that “Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), the House majority whip, spoke up during a White House meeting in favor of a House Republican plan that combines a background-check measure with a provision that would make concealed-carry permits valid across state lines.” Trump, however, “dismissed the idea, saying ‘it’ll never pass.’” The AP (2/28, Mascaro, Daly) quotes Trump as saying during the meeting, “We can’t wait and play games and nothing gets done. ... We want to stop the problems.” To Politico (2/28, Lima), “Trump took a hammer to Republicans’ usual talking points Wednesday.” Matt Vespa, writing for Townhall (2/28), called the meeting “a total disaster” and “pretty much was a capitulation to pro-gun control Democrats.” More cautious is the analysis in the Washington Post (2/28, Debonis, Kim), which saw the meeting as “reminiscent of a bipartisan White House meeting Trump convened in January on immigration, in which the unpredictable president promised to sign any compromise solution Congress could craft, only to reject the outcome days later. Behind the scenes, administration officials had sabotaged a bipartisan bill that inevitably collapsed.” The Post also says Trump “sent so many mixed signals about what he envisioned for a package on firearms and school safety that he left Democrats gleeful and Republicans tight-lipped amid doubts that Congress would produce any legislation.” Breitbart (2/28, Hawkins) reports Trump “spoke of...using the Manchin-Toomey bill ‘as a base’ to which other gun bills can be added, and then continued taking comments from various senators and representatives in attendance.” The Washington Times (2/28, Boyer) further reports that “in a surprise, Mr. Trump expressed support for reviving a Senate bill that former President Obama sought in 2013 to expand background checks to all gun sales.” The Manchin-Toomey bill “failed to pass the Senate five years ago, receiving 54 votes instead of the needed 60,” but the President “expressed interest in using Manchin￾Toomey as a base for an overall bill, and asked if the lawmakers would considering adding a provision to raise the legal age limit from 18 to 21 for purchasing certain long guns.” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2/28, Mauriello) reports that when Sen. Pat Toomey “confirmed that the FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000016 legislation he wrote with US Sen. Joe Manchin...doesn’t address that,” Trump retorted, “You know why? Because you’re afraid of the NRA. ... I can say the NRA is opposed to it. ... These are great patriots. They love our country, but that doesn’t mean we have to agree on it.” Trump, the Dallas Morning News (2/28, Gillman) reports, also “gave full-throated support Wednesday to Sen. John Cornyn’s bill to beef up federal gun buyer background checks,” and he also “called for confiscating guns from people who are mentally ill.” Said Trump, “I don’t want mentally ill people to be having guns. ... Take the guns first, go through due process second.” The Morning News adds that after taking “a startling stance,” Trump “reiterated it,” saying, “Take the firearms first and then go to court.” To USA Today (2/28, Jackson, Shesgreen, Gaudiano), it was just “one of many startling comments” Trump “made in a rambling White House meeting designed to hash out school safety legislation.” Trump, reports the Washington Examiner (2/28, Feldscher), made those remarks in response to “Vice President Mike Pence’s statement that no one’s rights should be trampled in gun control legislation.” The Hill (2/28, Samuels) quoted Pence as saying, “Allow due process so no one’s rights are trampled, but the ability to go to court, obtain an order and then collect not only the firearms but any weapons.” The Wall Street Journal (2/28, Radnofsky, Peterson)runs a similar account of the session. Moreover, McClatchy (2/28, Hill) reports, Trump reiterated “he will write an executive order banning bump stocks.” The President later took to Twitter and wrote, “It was an honor to welcome bipartisan members of Congress for a discussion on SAFE schools and SAFE communities. As we continue to mourn the loss of so many precious young lives in Parkland, we are determined to turn our grief into action.” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 (2/28), “It felt like something of a real discussion and that was important. Secondly, the President clearly committed to a strong background check bill, a strong universal background check bill. He said he didn’t want a weak bill. It’s clear he wanted to close the gun show loophole, that he wanted to do something about background checks. Of course, many of my colleagues that have been through the immigration debate in the last few weeks have seen him say one thing and the next day say another. So, we have to hold him to this, because the American people are very focused on this now, young people going to march in the streets, and if we do nothing after he has said this, I don’t think that’s going to work very well for him.” Cuomo Criticizes Congressional Democrats As Too Timid On Gun Control Issue. POLITICO New York (2/28, Vielkind) reports “Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo faulted members of his own party Wednesday for not advancing tougher gun control legislation.” Cuomo, “who is positioning himself for a potential 2020 presidential bid, told New York-based reporters on an unrelated morning conference call that New York’s gun control laws are already very strict, and that federal action is needed to prevent mass FOIA001:02257040 ·~----- EXT-18-2336-E-000017 shootings like the recent tragedy in South Florida.” Said Cuomo, “I’d like to see the national Democrats put a real gun bill on the table: full background checks, no loopholes, mental health database and ban assault weapons. ... I understand why the White House won’t do it, I don’t understand why the national Democrats don’t do it.” Florida Polls Finds Support For Assault-Weapons Ban, Opposition To Arming Teachers. The South Florida Sun Sentinel (2/28, Man) reports “the latest poll of Florida voters, released Wednesday, shows a broad consensus in favor of stricter gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons, and opposition to arming teachers.” In effect, the poll “found some of what most Florida voters want [is] the opposite of what the Florida Legislature is working on.” The Miami Herald (2/28, Vassolo, Smiley) reports a Quinnipiac survey “found that 62 percent of voters favor a ban on assault weapons, and about two-thirds support ‘stricter gun laws,’ like universal background checks or a ban on the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines, while 56 percent oppose arming faculty members.” Those “results closely mirror those from a separate poll conducted by Florida Atlantic University’s Business and Economic Polling Initiative and also released Wednesday.” That poll found “nearly 70 percent of people in the state want to see a ban on the sale of assault-style weapons and support stricter gun laws.” The FAU survey, says Politico (2/28, Caputo), also found “56 percent of voters opposed arming teachers.” In an editorial, the Tampa (FL) Tribune (2/28) argues “Florida parents should not send their kids to school wondering whether the math teacher, the kindergarten teacher or the football coach secretly carries a gun,” and “yet the Florida Legislature appears poised to approve a risky scheme that envisions 10 armed teachers in every school who are prepared to respond to a mass shooter.” To the Tribune, “many students who embrace teachers as mentors and role models would eye all of them with new suspicion, since which teachers had guns would be secret.” Moreover, “minority students who already are disciplined disproportionately and often coached by parents to be cautious around police would be particularly affected.” Morning Consult/Politico National Poll Finds Public Supports Arming Teachers 50%-42%. Breitbart (2/28, Hawkins) reports “a February 22-26 poll conducted by Morning Consult/Politico shows that voters support arming teachers in the wake of the Florida school shooting. The margin of support was 50% to 42%.” Father OfShooting Victim Calls On Trump To Denounce Threats Against Survivors, Families. The Washington Post (2/28, Wong) reports “the father of a 14-year-old girl who was gunned down in Parkland...has called on...Trump to address threats against student survivors and their families – many of whom have been outspoken about their desire for tighter gun￾control laws.” Fred Guttenberg “spoke to CNN about the occasionally vicious attacks against the survivors,” saying, “We need our President FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000018 Trump today to address it publicly and demand that everyone who is making these threats stop.” Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Reopens After Deadly Shooting. The AP (2/28, Kennedy, Spencer, Replogle) reports that “students and teachers hugged and cried Wednesday as they returned under heavy police guard to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High for the first time since” the shooting. The AP says that “on the way in, teens were guarded by hundreds of police officers,” who in turn “were accompanied by comfort animals, including dogs, horses and a donkey.” The AP adds that “after school dismissed, members of the Guardian Angels wearing their trademark red berets lined the streets at a crosswalk.” The CBS Evening News (2/28, story 3, 2:25, Daiz) said “the day started with fourth period so students could be reunited with the classmates they were with during the shooting.” The South Florida Sun Sentinel (2/28, Travis, Solomon, Geggis) reported the students “observed 17 seconds of silence in first period, one for each victim,” and “were given goodies, like bagels and cream cheese, and comfort from 40 therapy dogs. And there were hugs all around.” NBC Nightly News (2/28, story 4, 2:30, Sanders) reported “officials say 95 percent of the 3,000-plus students who go to school here showed up today. Fifteen students have told the school principal they don’t think they can ever come back to this school.” The Miami Herald (2/28, Harris) reports “it wasn’t a normal school day,” but “it was a first step.” ABC World News Tonight (2/28, story 3, 2:25, Muir) similarly recounted the “emotional return to school...for the students in Parkland,” while the New York Times (2/28, Healy), among other new outlets, also reports the story. Florida Strawberry Festival Allows Guns, But No Beer Or Pets. The Tampa (FL) Tribune (2/28, Cridlin) reports from Plant City, FL that “you can’t buy a beer at the Florida Strawberry Festival. You can’t bring a bottle of water or a dog that’s not a service animal.” However, “you can...sit in the front row of a Reba McEntire concert with a Smith & Wesson holstered to your chest” or “ride the Space Roller with a handgun.” Said Festival President Paul Davis, “We do not encourage you to bring your weapon on grounds. ... But if you have a legal right to do it, then you can do it.” Georgia Teacher In Custody After Firing Gun In Classroom. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2/28) reports “a North Georgia teacher, known as the longtime radio voice of Dalton High School football and basketball, is in custody after he fired at least one shot inside a classroom Wednesday, police said.” The incident “sent panicked students running through hallways and alarmed parents who were already on edge in the wake of a mass shooting at a Florida high school earlier this month.” The Washington Post (2/28, Truong) recounts that “Jesse Randall Davidson, a 53-year-old social studies teacher, barricaded himself inside a classroom at Dalton High School on Wednesday morning, according to Tweets from the Dalton Police Department.” USA Today (2/28, Stanglin) further reports that “officers persuaded the teacher to surrender without FOIA001:02257040 •----- '--------- EXT-18-2336-E-000019 incident after about 30 to 45 minutes,” and “no one was injured aside from a female student who hurt her ankle while rushing to evacuate Dalton High School.” GOP Rep. Young References Holocaust In Arguing Against Gun Control. The Washington Post (2/28, Debonis) reports that Rep. Don Young (R-AK), “recently argued against gun control to constituents by suggesting that Jews could have avoided perishing in the Holocaust if they had armed themselves.” Citing a report from Alaska Public Media, the Post says Young last week told a gathering of the Alaska Municipal League, “How many millions of people were shot and killed because they were unarmed? Fifty million in Russia because their citizens weren’t armed. How many Jews were put into the ovens because they were unarmed?” Dick’s Sporting Goods, Which Sold A Gun To Cruz, To Stop Selling Assault-Style Rifles. The Los Angeles Times (2/28, Masunaga) reports “Dick’s Sporting Goods said Wednesday that it will no longer sell assault￾style rifles or high-capacity magazines and will not sell guns to anyone under 21 after the shooting massacre at a Parkland.” The retailer is also “taking a strong stance on gun control, saying in its statement that ‘thoughts and prayers are not enough’ and calling for elected officials to enact a ban on assault-style weapons. It will continue to sell other firearms.” USA Today (2/28, Hafner, Bomey) reports CEO Edward Stack told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that “Dick’s sold a shotgun to the Parkland school shooter through one of its stores last November,” and “though the gun wasn’t used in the shooting, the revelation spurred the company toward action.” The Washington Post (2/28, Siegel) quotes Stack as saying, “We did everything by the book, and we did everything that the law required, and he was still able to buy a gun.” NBC Nightly News (2/28, story 3, 2:45, Holt) said Dick’s move “could be a tipping point in a growing corporate response to the Florida school shooting,” and showed Stack saying, “We don’t want to be part of the story any longer.” In an interview with the New York Times (2/28, Creswell), Stack said, “When we saw what happened in Parkland, we were so disturbed and upset. ... We’re going to take a stand and step up and tell people our view and, hopefully, bring people along into the conversation.” The Times adds that “in 2012, after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 26 people, Dick’s removed assault-style rifles from its main retail stores.” However, “a few months later, the company began carrying the firearms at its outdoor and hunting retail chain, Field & Stream.” Stack said this time “the changes will be permanent.” The CBS Evening News (2/28, story 4, 0:50, Glor) reported that “now just one major retailer will still sell assault-style weapons: Bass Pro Shop, which also owns Cabela’s. Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer, stopped selling the weapons in 2015.” The Wall Street Journal (2/28), among other news outlets, also reports on Dick’s decision. Another Wall Street Journal (2/28, Fuhrmans, Feintzeig) piece, meanwhile, remarks on FOIA001:02257040 •----- EXT-18-2336-E-000020 the pressure felt by CEOs to take a stand on the gun issue, coming from activists and younger consumers. USA Today (2/28) editorializes that “in the face of uncertainty on Capitol Hill, another option for...strong-willed” activist “students is to pressure corporations to step in where Congress fears to tread.” The students “notched one victory on this front Wednesday when a major retailer, Dick’s Sporting Goods, said it would stop selling assault-style rifles altogether, and block sales of high-capacity magazines and other guns to anyone under 21.” USA Today adds that “the action by Dick’s follows decisions by a host of companies – including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Best Western and MetLife – to sever discount deals with the National Rifle Association, even in the face of thuggish threats by NRA supporters.” Along similar lines, the Washington Post (2/28) writes in an editorial that “companies that once saw value in partnering with the National Rifle Association have decided to end their connections with the organization.” To the Post, “what the NRA ignores is that the Constitution it so often lauds gives citizens the right to decide with whom to do business. The NRA’s alienation of a large mass of consumers is its own responsibility.” WalmartRaises Age ForBuying Firearms, Ammunition To 21. Politico (2/28, Morin) reports Walmart “announced on Wednesday that it would no longer sell guns and ammunition to those younger than 21.” The company said in a statement, “In light of recent events, we’ve taken an opportunity to review our policy on firearm sales. ... Going forward, we are raising the age restriction for purchase of firearms and ammunition to 21 years of age. We will update our processes as quickly as possible to implement this change.” The AP (2/28) notes “Walmart Inc. stopped selling AR-15 guns and other semi-automatic weapons in 2015.” The company “doesn’t sell bump stocks, the accessory attached to a semi-automatic gun that makes it easier to fire rounds faster. It also doesn’t sell large-capacity magazines. It also says it doesn’t sell handguns, except in Alaska.” After NRA Flap, Georgia Governor Agrees To Sign Tax BillWithout Tax Break ForDelta. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2/28, Bluestein) reports Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal “said he would reluctantly support a measure that stripped a lucrative tax break for Delta Air Lines but also includes broader cuts to the state’s income tax rate.” Deal “was a vocal supporter of the tax break, which would have slashed the $50 million jet fuel tax exemption.” Trump Blasts Sessions Over FISA Abuse Probe, And AG Fires Back. President Trump took to Twitter yesterday to ask, “Why is A.G. Jeff Sessions asking the Inspector General to investigate potentially massive FISA abuse. Will take forever, has no prosecutorial power and already late with reports on Comey etc. Isn’t the I.G. an Obama guy? Why not use Justice Department lawyers? DISGRACEFUL!” The tweet, as well as Sessions’ reply, generated extensive cable, print and online coverage. FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000021 Nearly all of it – including some analyses on conservative outlets – was very unfavorable toward Trump. ABC World News Tonight (2/28, story 6, 2:00, Pierre) was only major network newscast to note the story last night. ABC said “the President has made his frustration with his Attorney General well-known for months,” but “for the first time,” Sessions “stood up to the President, writing in a statement, quote, ‘We have initiated the appropriate process that will ensure complaints against this department will be fully and fairly acted upon if necessary. As long as I am the Attorney General, I will continue to discharge my duties with integrity and honor.’” Pierre Thomas added that “sources say the message from Sessions was blunt: ‘Let me do the job as I see fit, or fire me.’” To the Washington Times (2/28, Miller), meanwhile, Sessions “declared he wasn’t quitting yet.” USA Today (2/28, Jackson) indicates that “not since July has Trump launched such pointed broadsides against his attorney general, who was one of Trump’s earliest and most vocal supporters,” and Reuters (2/28, Landay, Lynch) that “the latest fracas began with Trump flaying Sessions for having Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz – not prosecutors – examine how the agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation obtained a warrant to monitor a former Trump campaign adviser, Carter Page.” The Washington Post (2/28, Zapotosky, Demirjian) reports Trump’s tweet “takes some liberties with the facts.” Politico (2/28, Lima, Gerstein), for example, says “despite Trump’s suggestion that Horowitz is an ‘Obama guy,’ Horowitz has been appointed to roles by presidents of both parties. He held Justice Department positions under four presidents: George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Obama, who appointed him inspector general in 2012.” Moreover, the AP (2/28, Tucker) reports, “the report” Trump “suggests is late is actually not,” and “the office he attacks as toothless has more power than he credits it with.” The Los Angeles Times (2/28, Tanfani) reports Trump “has shredded long-standing norms by repeatedly attacking his own FBI and Justice Department,” while the New York Times (2/28, Sullivan) refers to “the latest example of Mr. Trump...wading into Justice Department investigations.” The Times adds that “previous presidents have allowed law enforcement a large degree of independence to keep from influencing their inquiries,” but Trump “has consistently called for investigations into his political rivals and he has criticized Mr. Sessions for not being more aggressive.” The AP (2/28, Gurman) says that “this time” Trump “is angry that Sessions referred the allegations of employee misconduct to the inspector general, but that’s exactly what that office is charged with doing. Its lawyers are part of the department and, contrary to Trump’s claims, can and often do refer matters for prosecution.” In fact, “Horowitz also launched the review of the FBI’s handling of the Clinton case — the stated reason by Trump and Sessions for the dismissal of [former director] Comey FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000022 in May.” The New York Post (2/28, Fredericks), The Hill (2/28, Fabian) and Wall Street Journal (2/28, Wilber, Viswanatha), among other news outlets, run similar reports. Guy Benson, writing for Townhall (2/28), says that “setting aside the unseemly spectacle of Trump routinely humiliating of his own Attorney General – whom he clearly wants to serve as his personal political lapdog – Sessions has been correct in each of the instances that have drawn his boss’ ire.” Benson adds that “if Trump wants a reckless, legal advice￾ignoring Attorney General, he should fire Sessions.” In an editorial, meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal (2/28) questions the wisdom of a CEO who berates his top subordinates in public the way Trump has with Sessions, and urges to President to order his Attorney General to appoint someone at DOJ whose job would be to make all documents pertinent to the FISA abuse probe available to the public. Rep. Ron DeSantis said on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle (2/28) that Sessions “is a fine guy, but he doesn’t have any prosecutorial power. He can’t hold anyone accountable. He will take a year and a half to write a report and offer recommendations. ... You need a special counsel who can actually pursue those matters, somebody from outside the Justice Department, who is not afraid to upend the apple cart. That’s what we need in this situation. The IG is just not going to cut it.” Sen. Ron Wyden said on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 (2/28), “I think it is just bizarre. I don’t know any other way to characterize it. The reality is, is the President again not really understanding the function of the job. I mean no President is above the law. The position that Jeff Sessions holds means he’s got to follow the law. It’s not as if he’s just working for the President. He’s working for the American people.” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said on CNN’s Situation Room (2/28), “Trump obviously misunderstands the role of the attorney general. The attorney general is the people’s attorney. The White House counsel is the President’s attorney. And so Jeff Sessions is correct in following procedures in this instance as it relates to the investigation.” Rep. Jerrold Nadler was asked on CNN’s Situation Room (2/28) if Trump’s comments are designed to get Sessions to resign. Nadler said, “It may very well be because if Sessions were to resign – remember, he’s recused from the Russia investigation. The President could appoint someone else who was not recused who might then be able to fire Rosenstein or Mueller and sabotage the investigation and that clearly would be very much to the detriment. We must get to the bottom of the Russian interference in our election and we must get to the bottom of why the President refuses now to authorize our intelligence agencies to protect us against the Russian interference in our next election.” Former US Attorney Preet Bharara said on CNN’s Situation Room (2/28), “This is just another step in a series of steps the President has taken publicly to, A – discredit his attorney general who he picked and who he had work with him on his campaign, and also, to sort of try to direct FOIA001:02257040 '-------- '-------- EXT-18-2336-E-000023 who is involved in what investigations and what the results should be.” David Swerdlick of the Washington Post said on CNN’s Situation Room (2/28) that “the President continues to either not understand or not acknowledge that he understands that the role of the attorney general is not to be the President’s personal attack dog, not to be his Roy Cohn, as the President has been quoted as saying.” Swerdlick added that Trump “is sending a message to all of his close advisers, ‘If you get crosswise with me, I am going to be merciless and it will never end.” Gowdy Praises Horowitz, Says He Has “Complete Confidence In Him.” Bloomberg News (2/28, Talev, Strohm) reports “the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Trey Gowdy, who regularly clashed with the Obama administration and Clinton, defended Horowitz as an impartial investigator.” Said Gowdy, “I have had a number of interactions with Inspector General Horowitz, including as recently as earlier this month. ... He has been fair, fact centric, and appropriately confidential with his work.” Added Gowdy, “He was confirmed by the US Senate without a single dissent. ... I have complete confidence in him and hope he is given the time, the resources and the independence to complete his work.” Sources Say MuellerLooking Into Trump’s Public Attacks On Sessions Last Summer. The Washington Post (2/28, Barrett, Dawsey, Helderman) reports “Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III has been investigating a period of time last summer when...Trump seemed determined to drive...Sessions from his job, according to people familiar with the matter who said that a key area of interest for the inquiry is whether those efforts were part of a months-long pattern of attempted obstruction of justice.” The Post adds “in recent months, Mueller’s team has questioned witnesses in detail about Trump’s private comments and state of mind in late July and early August of last year...to determine whether the president’s goal was to oust Sessions.” Trump Privately Refers To Sessions As “Mr. Magoo.”In a story about the Mueller investigation’s take on the Trump-Sessions discord, the Washington Post (2/28, Barrett, Dawsey, Helderman) reports that “behind the scenes, Trump has derisively referred to Sessions as ‘Mr. Magoo,’ a cartoon character who is elderly, myopic and bumbling, according to people with whom he has spoken.” Trump has also “told associates that he has hired the best lawyers for his entire life, but is stuck with Sessions, who is not defending him and is not sufficiently loyal.” Thirteen House Republicans Call On Sessions To Appoint Second Special Counsel. The Hill (2/28, Manchester) reports that in a letter, “thirteen House Republicans are calling on...Sessions to appoint a second special counsel to investigate Hillary Clinton.” These “conservative lawmakers sent a letter to Sessions on Wednesday requesting that he appoint a special counsel to investigate the end of the Clinton email probe, the start of the investigation into Russia’s election meddling and alleged surveillance abuses by the FBI.” The Hill adds, “The letter’s signers were GOP Reps. Lee Zeldin (N.Y.), Mark Meadows (N.C.), Jim Jordan (Ohio), Claudia Tenney FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000024 (N.Y.), Francis Rooney (Fla.), Matt Gaetz (Fla.), Ted Budd (N.C.), Jody Hice (Ga.), Scott Perry (Pa.), Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Andy Harris (Md.), Louie Gohmert (Texas) and Dave Brat (Va.).” Hannity Defends Trump, Also Calls For New Special Counsel. Sean Hannity said on Fox News’ Hannity (2/28), “In this case, I believe the President is right.” Hannity added that “it is time, knowing the facts as we have them, which are incontrovertible and overwhelming that the Attorney General has to do his job, serve the American people, and, yes, the rule of law and the Constitution. And Jeff Sessions, if he is not up to the task, if he wants to create a two tiered justice system, well, we have other options. How about just appoint special counsel?” Hicks Announces She Will Leave White House Post. Hope Hicks’ announcement that she is leaving her White House job generated extensive media coverage, including the lead reports on all three major network newscasts. The coverage, which cast Hick’s departure as a big surprise, highlighted her close ties to the President, as a well a sense of personnel upheaval in the wake of other high-profile departures from the White House. Despite unequivocal White House denials, some reports also suggested it was no coincidence that the news came one day after Hicks testified before the House Intel Committee, while others speculated her ties to disgraced former aide Rob Porter may have played a role in her decision. The AP (2/28, Miller, Colvin) reports “White House officials and outside advisers suggested Hicks’ departure would strengthen chief of staff John Kelly’s control over what has been an oftentimes chaotic West Wing.” In a statement, “Kelly said Hicks had become ‘a trusted adviser and counselor,’ but behind the scenes the pair had occasionally clashed over her more informal role.” CNN (2/28, Acosta, Diamond, Collins, Liptak), meanwhile, “Hicks and Kelly enjoyed an amiable working relationship and did not feud in the way the retired Marine general has with other top officials,” and the New York Times (2/28, Haberman) further quotes Kelly as saying, “I quickly realized what so many have learned about Hope: She is strategic, poised and wise beyond her years. ... She became a trusted adviser and counselor, and did a tremendous job overseeing the communications for the president’s agenda including the passage of historic tax reform. She has served her country with great distinction.” The Washington Examiner (2/28, Nelson, Morrongiello) reports White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said “there’s ‘no definitive timeline’ on when she’ll leave her role.” NBC Nightly News (2/28, lead story, 2:40, Holt) led with the story, and referred to a “bombshell change at the White House.” NBC (Jackson) later spoke of “another dramatic departure in the West Wing: This time, someone who might as well be family to Donald Trump.” The CBS Evening News (2/28, lead story, 3:25, Brennan) called Hicks the President’s “longest-serving political aide and his most trusted.” The White FOIA001:02257040 ·~--- -------'■ EXT-18-2336-E-000025 House “says she had been considering leaving her position for months, and now she wants to take on a job outside of government.” The announcement “came a day after she testified before the House Intelligence Committee, which is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. Sources say she told the committee that her work for the President required her to tell white lies, but she never lied about Russia.” CBS added that that there have been “a lot of departures” from Trump’s team, but “there’s always turnover at the end of the first year of an administration due to burnout.” The AP (2/28, Miller, Colvin), however, refers to Hicks’ departure as “just the latest manifestation of historic staff churn in the Trump administration,” and USA Today (2/28, Korte) reports Hicks “was the fourth White House communications director of the Trump White House, and the longest serving — following the often chaotic tenures of Sean Spicer, Michael Dubke and Anthony Scaramucci.” ABC World News Tonight (2/28, lead story, 3:40, Muir) said in its lead story, “Tonight, the growing list of departures right there on your screen. A little more than a year into this Administration, starting with Michael Flynn. The firings, the resignations. One more key name added to that list tonight, Hope Hicks.” ABC (Vega) added, “Less than 24 hours after...Hicks emerged from nearly nine hours of testifying on Capitol Hill...the President’s closest aide and long-time confidante unexpectedly resigning.” While “the official line from the White House” is Hicks “has been thinking about leaving the job for some time and wants to spend more time with her family...the news comes with Hicks under fire for that testimony.” CNN (2/28, Acosta, Diamond, Collins, Liptak) cited “one source” who said the President “found out on Wednesday that she had made a final decision to leave.” The New York Post (2/28, Fredericks) notes Trump praised Hicks in a statement, “Hope is outstanding and has done great work for the last three years. She is as smart and thoughtful as they come, a truly great person. ... I will miss having her by my side but when she approached me about pursuing other opportunities, I totally understood. I am sure we will work together again in the future.” White House lawyer Ty Cobb, meanwhile, said, “I can’t imagine anyone here leaving a bigger hole in the White House.” Politico (2/28, Samuelsohn) quotes Cobb as saying, “She couldn’t have been a more supportive or talented ally to me.” The Washington Examiner (2/28, Nelson, Morrongiello) notes “Hicks recently became the focus of intense media coverage when her reported boyfriend, former White House staff secretary Rob Porter, was accused by both of his ex-wives of abuse.” Sanders “told a group of reporters Wednesday that Hicks ‘had been thinking about it before’ the Porter controversy and said Trump ‘is not unhappy with her in any way’ after Hicks reportedly testified that she told white lies on Trump’s behalf.” Added Sanders, “Guys, quit trying to make this a scandal. It’s not.” The Hill (2/28, Fabian, Anapol) also points out that “Hicks’s role came under scrutiny FOIA001:02257040 •~---- EXT-18-2336-E-000026 earlier this month in the aftermath of the domestic abuse allegations against...Porter,” as she “reportedly helped arrange public statements that were supportive of Porter.” The Washington Post (2/28, Rucker, Parker) reports that Hicks, “a former fashion model,” first “entered Trump’s universe as a public relations consultant to his daughter, Ivanka.” Hicks “then went to work directly for Ivanka Trump’s company, from where she was recruited to join...Trump’s presidential campaign in its infancy.” The Post adds that “by her own admission, Hicks knew little to nothing about politics,” but “had a preternatural ability to manage Trump’s whims and appetites, soothe his moods and shape his public image to his liking.” The New York Times (2/28, Haberman) indicates, meanwhile, that “she maintained one of the lowest public profiles of anyone to ever hold the job, declining to sit for interviews or appear at the White House briefing room podium. That mystique added to the outsize attention she received.” The Washington Times (2/28, Miller) calls the news “startling,” and Reuters (2/28, Holland) says her “departure will deprive Trump of an important confidant and adviser, someone who knows his likes and dislikes through more than three years of experience.” The Wall Street Journal (2/28, Ballhaus), among other news outlets, also reports the story this morning, while Bloomberg News (2/28, Talev) notes Hicks said in a statement, “I wish the president and his administration the very best as he continues to lead our country.” CNN Report: Hicks Resigned After Being Berated By Trump Over House Testimony. The Hill (2/28, Carter) reports “Trump reportedly berated...Hicks the day before her resignation, according to a new report.” On CNN’s Out Front (2/28), Erin Burnett, “reported Wednesday that Trump was angry with Hicks following her closed-door testimony to the House Intelligence Committee, in which she reportedly revealed she was sometimes required to tell ‘white lies’ as part of her work in the White House.” Burnett “reported one of Trump’s ‘close allies’ told CNN that Trump asked Hicks after her testimony ‘how she could be so stupid.’” Added Burnett, “Apparently, that was the final straw for Hope Hicks.” John Roberts, however, said on Fox News’ Special Report (2/28), “I am told Hope Hicks really wanted to leave and she had been thinking about it for some time. She really wanted to get the testimony before the House Intelligence committee out of the way before she made the decision to leave.” Dan Balz, in a Washington Post (2/28) analysis, writes “Hicks’s resignation came the day after she spent hours testifying on Capitol Hill about Russian interference in the 2016 election, though there was no indication that the two are related.” Balz also says Hicks’ announcement, “stunning as it was, hardly qualifies as out of the ordinary in an administration in which chaos is a constant.” Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report, also on Fox News’ Special Report (2/28), said that Hicks’ admission that she has told “white lies” is “a pretty damaging piece of information to get out there. Anything that is put FOIA001:02257040 [81 ___ _ EXT-18-2336-E-000027 out on the record by your White House communications director has to come through that filter of somebody who has admitted to saying things that aren’t true at different times. I do think that is a piece of this.” Sen. Ron Wyden said on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 (2/28), “This looks to me like more evidence of a White House in disarray. If we were going to name all the people who have either left or been fired just in the last couple months, we’d spend your whole show just going through it.” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, asked on CNN’s Situation Room (2/28) if he believes Hicks’ resignation is related to the Russia investigation, said, “Absolutely. Another day, another scandal, another resignation in the Trump White House. What else is new? What we’ve seen from the very beginning of this Administration is nothing but chaos, crisis and confusion. And of course her resignation is related to the fact that, just yesterday, she was before the intelligence committee and acknowledged telling lies on behalf of the Trump Administration. ... That in and of itself is disqualifying.” Hicks “was one of Donald Trump’s closest associates throughout the campaign and into the administration. The evidence continues to mount that there was an apparent conspiracy between some members of the Trump campaign and Russian spies to sell out our democracy and then engage in a possible cover-up. And Hope Hicks appears to be connected to all of those particular elements.” Asked on CNN’s Situation Room (2/28) if the Russia investigation played a role in Hicks’ resignation, Rep. Jerrold Nadler said, “I don’t know. I have no facts on that. All I do know is that when the communications people for the President admits she lied to the American people, that’s a terrible betrayal and it’s a terrible thing that the representative of the President lies to the American people.” Rep. Joaquin Castro, asked on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 (2/28) if Hicks’ resignation is related to her congressional testimony, said, “Quite possibly, also with the reporting that the President may have berated her for being honest.” Castro added that “there was a point when she was going through that series of questions that her face almost looked as if she was saying why did I get involved with these people, with Donald Trump. That was my sense when I was looking at her when she was struggling to answer these questions.” Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “Donald Trump Gets A Lesson From That ‘Very Bad Judge.’” In an editorial, the New York Times (2/28) points out that Judge Gonzalo Curiel, of the Southern District of California, who President Trump called “very hostile,” “a very bad judge” and a “hater of Donald Trump,” when he was “presiding over a long-running class-action lawsuit against Trump University,” on Tuesday “rejected a challenge by the State of California and several environmental groups to the administration’s waiver of environmental laws that could have held up” construction of the border FOIA001:02257040 •·------ ··----- EXT-18-2336-E-000028 wall. The Times argues that “there are in fact still people of principle in public service, and they’re doing important work every day to preserve our institutions and counteract this president’s worst impulses.” Curiel “has continued to do his job, carefully applying the law to the cases that come before him, no matter how obnoxious the litigants might be.” That, the Times adds, “requires a level of selflessness and devotion to democratic ideals that are alien to Mr. Trump.” “The European Union Must Stand Up To Polish Nationalism.”In an editorial, the New York Times (2/28) writes that “since coming to power in Poland in 2015, the nationalist Law and Justice party has enacted one outrageous measure after another, placing the nation’s courts under political control, trying to do the same with the news media, purging the civil service and, most recently, criminalizing any suggestion of Polish complicity in the Holocaust.” In response, the EU has “taken the unprecedented step of warning Warsaw that it could lose its voting rights in the organization if it carries on.” The Post says that while “it may not be easy for the European Union to follow through on that threat...it cannot back down.” Washington Post. “The NSA Chief Spelled Out The Russian Threat. Is Trump Listening?” In an editorial, the Washington Post (2/28) says NSA Director Rogers’ testimony that “we’re probably not doing enough” with regard to Russian election interference is proof that the Administration “is derelict in its duty to protect the country from a foreign power’s hostile intrusions.” The Post argues that Rogers “should be given all the authorities he needs to combat Russian election intrusion efforts at their source.” “Putin Is Getting AwayWith Murder In Syria.”The Washington Post (2/28) editorializes that the Assad regime is “once again...conducting a brutal and criminal offensive against its own population,” and it “has been made possible, like so many before it, by Vladimir Putin. The Russian military is backing the Ghouta offensive, and Russian diplomats ensured that the Security Council resolution meant to stop it was held up for several days, then laced with loopholes providing a pretext for the slaughter to continue.” The Post argues that “in the absence of a firm US response to its latest outrages — and so far there is no sign of one — the Kremlin is unlikely to change course.” “The NRA Is Finally Paying The Price.”The Washington Post (2/28) writes in an editorial that “companies that once saw value in partnering with the National Rifle Association have decided to end their connections with the organization.” To the Post, “what the NRA ignores is that the Constitution it so often lauds gives citizens the right to decide with whom to do business. The NRA’s alienation of a large mass of consumers is its own responsibility.” Wall Street Journal. FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000029 “The White House Family Business.” A Wall Street Journal (2/28) editorial that Jared Kushner has become a target of those who want President Trump out of office and he and his wife, Ivanka Trump, must decide if they would better serve the President by relinquishing their formal roles at the White House. “Trump vs. JeffSessions.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (2/28) questions the wisdom of a CEO who berates his top subordinates in public the way President Trump has with Attorney General Sessions, and urges to President to order his Attorney General to appoint someone at DOJ whose job would be to make all documents pertinent to the FISA abuse probe available to the public. “Cleaning Up The Cleaned Up Tax Code.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (2/28) calls on lawmakers to correct a provision of the new tax law which allows farmers a larger deduction for selling to farm cooperatives as opposed to other operators. According to the Journal, some farmers could use the provision to reduce their taxable income to zero. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. New York Times: Trump Calls Sessions’s Handling of Surveillance Abuse Allegations ‘Disgraceful’ Kushner’s Business Got Loans After White House Meetings Trump Stuns Lawmakers With Seeming Embrace of Gun Control Scared but Resilient, Stoneman Douglas Students Return to Class China’s Censors Ban Winnie the Pooh and the Letter ‘N’ After Xi’s Power Grab Miami Superintendent Chosen to Lead New York City Schools Wall Street Journal: Trump Urges Congress To Take Action On Guns Hope Hicks, Trump’s Communications Director, To Resign If You Didn’t Sell Stocks This Month, You’ve Probably Got FOMO Bill Ackman Surrenders In His Five-Year War Against Herbalife Washington Post: Mueller Digs Into Attempt To Force Sessions To Quit Hicks To Step Down As Communications Director Arpaio’s Candidacy Will Test Trumpism Some In GOP Say Oil, Beaches Don’t Mix Trump Sends Mixed Signals On Guns Financial Times: Dick’s Sporting Goods To Stop Selling Assault-Style Rifles India Regains Title Of World’s Fastest-Growing Major Economy Jared Kushner’s Circle Of Power Shrinks In White House FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000030 Theresa May Attacks Brussels Brexit Draft As Threat To UK Integrity Washington Times: Mayor’s Tip-off Escalates Trump-state Squabble Trump Urges Senate To Pass Expanded Gun Check Bill Solemn Goodbye To Graham Universities Voice Support For Student Protests Fair Play Questions Raised After Wrestler’s Victories Macron Tries Once More To Combat Radicalization Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: Hope Hicks Resignation; Florida Shooting-Gun Control; Florida Shooting-Students; Classroom Gunshot; Russia Probe; Trump-AG Sessions; Severe Weather; SF Police Shootout; LA Serial Rapist; Amazon￾Package Theft; Billy Graham Funeral; Oscar Award News. CBS: Hope Hicks Resignation; Florida Shooting-Gun Control; Florida Shooting-Students; Classroom Gunshot; Military Base-Chemical Envelope; Syrian Civil War; Sanctuary Cities; NBA News; Distracted Driving Research; UK Royal News; Organ Donor. NBC: Hope Hicks Resignation; Florida Shooting-Gun Control; Florida Shooting-Gun Retailers; Florida Shooting-Students; Severe Weather; Distracted Driving Research; Billy Graham Funeral; Social Merchants Warning; Car Explosion; UK Royal News; NBA News; Montana Mayor. Network TVAt A Glance: Florida Shooting – 20 minutes, 40 seconds Hope Hicks Resignation – 9 minutes, 45 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Florida Shooting-Gun Control; Florida Shooting-Gun Retailers; Hope Hicks Resignation; Florida Shooting-Students. CBS: Florida Shooting-Gun Control; Florida Shooting-Gun Retailers; Hope Hicks Resignation; Billy Graham Funeral; Severe Weather. FOX: Florida Shooting-Gun Control; Florida Shooting-Gun Retailers; Hope Hicks Resignation. NPR: Hope Hicks Resignation; Florida Shooting-Gun Control; Florida Shooting-Gun Retailers; School Shooting Foiled; Wall Street News. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — Hosts a meeting on school safety; has lunch with the Vice President and the Secretary of Defense; meets with members of the Senate. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — Has lunch with the President and the Secretary of Defense. FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000031 US Senate: 9:30 AM Senate Armed Services Committee considers NSA director nominee – Nominations hearing considers Lt. Gen. Paul Nakasone to be general and National Security Agency Director / Central Security Service Chief / U.S. Cyber Command Commander; Dr Brent Park to be National Nuclear Security Administration Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation; and Anne Marie White to be Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm G50, Washington, DC http://armed-services.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Fed Chair Powell presents Monetary Policy Report to Senate Banking Committee – Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing on ‘The Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress’, with testimony from Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 538, Washington, DC http://www.federalreserve.gov https://twitter.com/federalreserve 10:00 AM Nominations hearing considers John Ring to be a National Labor Relations Board member Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 430, Washington, DC http://help.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Senate Governmental Affairs subcommittee hearing on federal managers’ role in hiring – Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management Subcommittee hearing on ‘Examining Federal Managers’ Role in Hiring’, with testimony from Office of Personnel Management Associate Director of Employee Services Mark Reinhold; Department of Homeland Security Chief Human Capital Officer Angela Bailey; and Department of Commerce Chief Human Capital Officer Kevin Mahoney Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 342, Washington, DC http://hsgac.senate.gov/ https://twitter.com/SenateHSGAC 10:00 AM Senate Foreign Relations Committee nominations hearing – Nominations hearing considers Robert Pence to be U.S. Ambassador to Finland; Dr Judy Shelton to be European Bank for Reconstruction and Development U.S. Executive Director; and Trevor Traina to be U.S. Ambassador to Austria Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 419, Washington, DC http://foreign.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Transportation Secretary Chao testifies to Senate committee on administration’s rebuilding infrastructure framework – Oversight hearing on ‘The Administration’s Framework for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America’, with testimony from Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao; and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James Location: Rm 406, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://epw.senate.gov/public/ 10:00 AM Senate Energy Committee hearing on cybersecurity in infrastructure – Hearing on ‘Cybersecurity in our Nation’s Critical Energy Infrastructure’, with testimony from Assistant Secretary of Energy for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Bruce Walker; University of Washington Center for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Executive Director Dr Barbara Endicott-Popovsky; Dragos CEO Robert Lee; National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson; and University of FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000032 Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Professor of Engineering Dr William Sanders Location: Rm 366, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC www.energy.senate.gov 10:00 AM Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting – Executive Business Meeting, with agenda including consideration of nominations of Joel Carson III to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit; Colm Connolly and Maryellen Noreika to be U.S. District Judges for the District of Delaware; William Jung to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; Ryan Holte to be U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judge; Jonathan Mitchell to be Administrative Conference of the United States Chairman; Billy Williams to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon; Mark James to be U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Missouri; Daniel Mosteller to be U.S. Marshal for the District of South Dakota; and Jesse Seroyer Jr. to be U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Alabama Location: Rm 226, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://judiciary.senate.gov/ 10:15 AM Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation committee hearing on Implementation of Positive Train Control – The hearing will focus on the implementation of the safety technology known as positive train control (PTC), amid concerns that some passenger railroads could fall short of meeting legal safety obligations, as well as actions or steps that could be taken to ensure compliance with the statutory deadline of December 31, 2018. Witnesses: Susan Fleming, Director of Physical Infrastructure, Government Accountability Office; Barry J. DeWeese, Assistant Inspector General, Department of Transportation OIG; David L. Mayer, Chief Safety Officer, Metropolitan Transportation Authority; Richard Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amtrak. Https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings? ID=09177549-8FA7-454A-9A43-9CA8F61D57D2 Location: 253 Russell http://commerce.senate.gov https://twitter.com/SenateCommerce 11:00 AM ‘Puerto Rico: The Road to Recovery and Reconstruction’ conference – ‘Puerto Rico: The Road to Recovery and Reconstruction’ Albert Shanker Institute, American Federation of Teachers, and Hispanic Federation conference, on rebuilding Puerto Rico’s economy and education system after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. Speakers include Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, San Juan, Puerto Rico Mayor Yulin Cruz, Ponce, Puerto Rico Mayor Maria Melendez, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Hispanic Foundation President Jose Calderon, and New York State Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, First St NE, Washington, DC www.shankerinstitute.org 2:00 PM Closed Briefing: Intelligence Matters Location: Rm 219, Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://intelligence.senate.gov Late Rev. Billy Graham continues lying in honor in the U.S. Capitol – Body of the late Rev. Billy Graham continues lying in honor in the Rotunda FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000033 of the U.S. Capitol, with members of the public and Capitol Hill community invited to ‘pay their respects to the late reverend while he lies in rest’ for two days, following his 21 Feb death at the age of 99 * Dubbed ‘America’s Pastor’, the evangelist is said to have preached to 215 million people in 53 countries, twice preaching to crowds of over one million. He provided counsel to 12 sitting U.S. presidents, from Harry Truman to Barack Obama, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1996 * Graham is only the fourth person to lay in honor at the Capitol, following U.S. Capitol Police officers John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut, who were killed in the line of duty in 1998, and civil rights icon Rosa Parks Location: U.S. Capitol, Rotunda, Washington, DC www.speaker.gov https://twitter.com/SpeakerRyan US House: 9:00 AM POSTPONED: House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on ‘Army Readiness Posture’ – POSTPONED: Readiness Subcommittee hearing on ‘Army Readiness Posture’, with testimony from U.S. Army Deputy Chiefs of Staff (G-3/5/7) Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson and (G-4) Lt. Gen. Aundre Piggee; Army National Guard Director Lt. Gen. Timothy Kadavy; and Chief of Army Reserve Lt. Gen. Charles Luckey Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 9:30 AM POSTPONED: Rex Tillerson testifies to U.S. House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on budget – POSTPONED: State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Department of State and Foreign Assistance’, with testimony from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2359, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP No votes scheduled in the House of Representatives. Late Rev. Billy Graham continues lying in honor in the U.S. Capitol – Body of the late Rev. Billy Graham continues lying in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, with members of the public and Capitol Hill community invited to ‘pay their respects to the late reverend while he lies in rest’ for two days, following his 21 Feb death at the age of 99 * Dubbed ‘America’s Pastor’, the evangelist is said to have preached to 215 million people in 53 countries, twice preaching to crowds of over one million. He provided counsel to 12 sitting U.S. presidents, from Harry Truman to Barack Obama, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1996 * Graham is only the fourth person to lay in honor at the Capitol, following U.S. Capitol Police officers John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut, who were killed in the line of duty in 1998, and civil rights icon Rosa Parks Location: U.S. Capitol, Rotunda, Washington, DC www.speaker.gov https://twitter.com/SpeakerRyan Other: 8:30 AM U.S. surgeon general and CDC acting director at U.S. Chamber of Commerce event on the opioid crisis – ‘Combating the Opioid Crisis: From Communities to the Capital’ U.S. Chamber of Commerce forum, highlighting possible solutions being explored by the federal govt, FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000034 business community, public sector leaders, and local communities to fight the ongoing opioid epidemic, with speakers providing updates on the steps being taken in their communities to resolve the crisis. Participants include U.S. Surgeon General Dr Jerome Adams, CDC Acting Director Dr Anne Schuchat, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, Republican Rep. Greg Walden, Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic founders James and Mary Winnefeld, EverFi co-founder and President of Global Partnerships Jon Champan, Aetna Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr Harold Paz Location: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1615 H St NW, Washington, DC www.uschamber.com https://twitter.com/USChamber 8:30 AM Dem Sen. Jeanne Shaheen speaks at CFR on ‘Women’s Contributions to Peace and Security’ – Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen speaks on ‘Women’s Contributions to Peace and Security’ at the Council on Foreign Relations, discussing the implementation of the ‘Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017’, which requires the U.S. to improve women’s participation in peace and security processes, and how women’s contributions can improve the effectiveness of U.S. security operations around the world Location: Council on Foreign Relations, 1777 F St NW, Washington, DC www.cfr.org https://twitter.com/CFR_org 9:00 AM National Cherry Blossom Festival kick-off press conference – 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival kick-off press conference to announce plans for the festival and the predicted peak blooming period. Speakers include Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Embassy of Japan Minister for Communications and Cultural affairs Takehiro Shimada and National Mall and Memorial Parks/National Park Service Acting Superintendent Karen Cucurullo * Festival begins 20 Mar Location: Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org https://twitter.com/CherryBlossFest 9:00 AM CFPB Acting Director Mulvaney and SBA Administrator McMahon speak at U.S. Chamber of Commerce – U.S. Chamber of Commerce Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness hosts event to ‘spark discussion about the landscape for small business lending’. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Acting Director Mick Mulvaney speaks about ‘the role the Bureau will play in supporting small businesses’ access to credit’, and Small Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon delivers remarks sharing the small business perspective on lending Location: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1615 H St NW, Washington, DC www.uschamber.com https://twitter.com/USChamber 1:30 PM GOP Rep. Mac Thornberry discusses U.S. nuclear policy and strategy at CSIS – ‘Assessing the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review’ Center for Strategic and International Studies Project on Nuclear Issues conference, on U.S. nuclear policy and strategy. Keynote speakers are Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood, and Republican Rep. Mac Thornberry Location: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 1616 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.csis.org FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000035 https://twitter.com/CSIS 2:00 PM DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting – Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting, with agenda including a review of the Unity Reform Commission report and other party business Location: W Hotel Washington DC, 515 15th St NW, Washington, DC http://www.democrats.org/ https://twitter.com/TheDemocrats 2:00 PM Potomac Institute Ambassador’s Forum on ‘Balkan Security Challenges’ – Potomac Institute for Policy Studies International Center for Terrorism Studies Ambassador’s Forum on ‘Balkan Security Challenges: Past Lessons and Future Outlook’, with former U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. (Ret.) Alfred Gray, Albania Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. Floreta Faber, Kosovo Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. Vlora Citaku, Slovenia Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. Stanislav Vidovic, Montenegro Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. Nebojsa Kaluderovic, State Department Office of European Security Political, and Military Affairs’ Richard Prosen, and International Law Institute Chairman Don Wallace Location: Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 901 N Stuart St, Arlington, VA www.potomacinstitute.org https://twitter.com/PotomacInst 2:00 PM Saudi princess in conversation at Middle East Policy Council event – Middle East Policy Council hosts ‘The Changing Role of Women and Youth in Saudi Arabia’ conversation with Saudi Arabian Sports Authority Vice-President for Development and Planning Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, CVC-202, Washington, DC http://www.mepc.org https://twitter.com/MidEastPolicy 6:00 PM Mexico Ambassador to the U.S. speaks at National Immigration Forum reception – National Immigration Forum Spring Reception, including discussion on cultural, economic, and security anxieties ‘driving the migration debate’ in the U.S. and across the globe. Speakers include Mexico Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. Geronimo Gutierrez, More in Common co-founder Tim Dixon, and National Immigration Forum Executive Director Ali Noorani Location: Greenberg Traurig, 2101 L St NW, Washington, DC http://www.immigrationforum.org/ https://twitter.com/NatImmForum Bicameral, bipartisan lawmakers speak at New Jersey Chamber Congressional Dinner – New Jersey Chamber of Commerce 81st Annual Walk to Washington and Congressional Dinner, with remarks from Democratic Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, Republican Rep. Chris Smith, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The dinner is the highlight of the Walk to Washington, the Chamber’s annual train trek to Washington, DC, where chamber members board a chartered Amtrak train and walk up and down the aisles discussing issues and generating business contacts * Event continues tomorrow with reporters roundtable breakfast, followed by the charter train’s return trip to New Jersey Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC www.njchamber.com https://twitter.com/njchamber #chambertrain White House Cabinet-Level Opioid Summit – White House Cabinet￾FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000036 Level Opioid Summit, with Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan among participants Location: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.whitehouse.gov/ https://twitter.com/whitehouse Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Stephen Colbert: “Yesterday, we found out that Jared’s security clearance was being downgraded and that he lost access to top-secret intelligence. I don’t know. He’s done a very good job of keeping his intelligence secret.” James Corden: “Yesterday, White House Communications Director Hope Hicks spoke in front of a congressional committee giving testimony about the Russia investigation, during which she said that her work for President Trump sometimes requires her to tell white lies. Now, the President said that, like most things, he’s fine with it as long as they’re white.” James Corden: “President Trump’s already released a statement saying Hope Hicks is leaving because she wanted to pursue other opportunities. And maybe that’s why she left. Clearly, the President can lie just fine without her.” James Corden: “Even more bad news for President Trump: The faculty at Lehigh University has voted to rescind the honorary degree the school gave Trump in 1988. That is a pretty big hit for the President’s LinkedIn profile. This kind of blow-back is happening all across the White House. There is even talk that Eric Trump could lose his GED.” Trevor Noah: “Yesterday, news came out that Jared Kushner lost his top￾secret security clearance, possibly because he’s doing business with foreign countries that were trying to manipulate him. Then this morning, Trump got into a Twitter fight with his attorney general. Then just this afternoon, one of his closest and longest-standing advisers, Communications Director Hope Hicks, suddenly announced her resignation. Yeah, and this last piece of news was really shocking: Trump had a communications director?” Trevor Noah: “The New York Times reported HUD spent $31,000 on a new dining set for Secretary Ben Carson’s office as cuts were being planned for programs to the homeless and elderly and poor. Ben Carson says he didn’t know the table was purchased, but does not intend to return it. You know, FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000037 there are times when I doubt Ben Carson’s blackness, but then something like this happens, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s my dude.’” Jimmy Fallon: “Speaking of Trump, his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, just lost his security clearance at the White House. They say it’s because of shady business dealings, financial problems, and lack of foreign policy experience. When he heard that, Trump said, ‘Okay, now you can call me dad.’” Seth Meyers: “White House Communications Director Hope Hicks announced today that she is resigning from her position. Which is weird, because I thought hope left the White House a year ago. All the hopes are leaving.” Seth Meyers: “In a new interview, Oprah said that she won’t run for President until she gets a sign from God. Said God, ‘Was this one not clear enough?’” Seth Meyers: “According to reports, the Nobel Institute is investigating a possibly fake nomination of President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Let me save you some time. It’s fake.” Seth Meyers: “Donald Trump Jr. reported for jury duty today here in New York. And out of habit, he opened with ‘not guilty.’” Conan O’Brien: “As of last Friday, Jared Kushner no longer has top security clearance. No top-secret security clearance. So now, if Kushner wants access to classified information, he’ll have to read President Trump’s tweets like everybody else.” Jordan Klepper: “Now after all this media BS, chief of staff John Kelly has downgraded Jared’s top-secret clearance to regular secret clearance. That means he only gets the whack second-tier secrets, like, instead of knowing what went down at Area 51 in Nevada, he only gets to know what happened at Area 4 in Tampa.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000038 respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02257040 EXT-18-2336-E-000039 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-02T06:36:34-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Friday, March 2, 2018 Received: 2018-03-02T06:36:38-05:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 2, 2018 at 5:59:42 AM EST To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Friday, March 2, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 6:00 AM EST Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Albuquerque (NM) Journal: Zinke Cancels Chaco Canyon Lease Sale. • New York Times: Oil Was Central In Decision To Shrink Bears Ears Monument, Emails Show. • Law360: Nat’l Monument Cut Benefited Utah Lawmaker, Watchdog Told. • KGVO-FM Missoula (MT): Ryan Zinke Pushes For Reorganization Of ‘Marshmallow’ Management. • KCHH-FM Worden (MT): Secretary Zinke’s Surprise Phone Call To “Montana Talks”. • Huffington Post: One Year In, Ryan Zinke’s Conservation Legacy Would Make His Hero Scowl. • The Hill: Trump Administration Hired More Than 75 Lawyers With Ties To Agencies They Oversee. • Mother Jones: Lawmakers Want To Know Why The Trump Administration Demanded Sensitive Oil Data. • Great Falls (MT) Tribune: Cold, Snow Has Cattle Freezing, Smothering On Blackfeet Reservation. • Nevada Appeal: $600,000 In Parks Grants Available For Local Governments. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • Umatilla Tribes Enter Cooperative Agreement For Cobell Land Program. • Wilton Rancheria Wins Court Decision In Favor Of Long-Awaited Casino. Bureau Of Land Management • Casper (WY) Star-Tribune: Wyoming Fights Methane Rule, Again. • Elko (NV) Daily Free Press: BLM Offers 40 Parcels In Oil, Gas Lease Sale. (b)(6) FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000040 • Victorville (CA) Daily Press: DRECP Scoping Meeting In Hesperia Draws Diverse Crowd; BLM Seeks Comments. • Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel: 4 Counties Want Royalty Payments From Anvil Points. • Moab (UT) Times-Independent: After Oil Well Venting Strong Odor Causes Alarm Among Nearby Residents. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management • Enviros Plead With Ga. Governor To ‘Stand Up For Our Coast’. • US Officials To Talk Offshore Drilling With Long Islanders. • Rhode Island Protesters Decry Federal Offshore Drilling Plan. • SC Republicans Split With Gov. McMaster On Offshore Drilling. • Cape Cod Drilling Protesters Dress To Express. • AG Fighting Plan To Open Mass. Coast To Offshore Oil Drilling. Bureau Of Reclamation • Tester Calls Out Trump On Water Project Funding. Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement • A New Economic And Ecological Concept For Offshore Decommissioning. Fish And Wildlife Service • Associated Press: Court: Decision Ending Sea Otter Relocation Program Legal. • Oregonian: Lawsuit Seeks Stronger Protections For ‘Threatened’ Oregon Bird Species. • Gainesville (FL) Sun: Lawsuit Likely Over ‘Tough Little’ Cedar Key Mole Skink. National Park Service • Washington Post: Peak Bloom For D.C.’s Famed Cherry Trees Will Begin March 17, Park Service Says. • The Hill: ‘March For Our Lives’ Won’t Take Place On National Mall Due To Scheduling Conflict. • Associated Press: Park Service Unveils Concepts For Sperry Chalet Restoration. • Oswegonian: Fort Ontario Considered For National Park Status Due To Bill By Congressman Katko. • KULR-TV Billings (MT): Yellowstone National Park Celebrates Turning 146. • Point Reyes (CA) Light: Comments Out Early On Park GMPA. • Maui (HI) Now: Comment Period Regarding Proposed Fee Increase Deadline, March 2. US Geological Survey • E&E Publishing: Military Site Faces ‘Shocking’ Risk Of Being Swamped. • Associated Press: Wanted: ‘Citizen Scientists’ To Help Count Joshua Trees. • Bloomberg News: Nor’easter Set To Hit U.S. East Coast With Floods, High Winds. Opinion Pieces • President Trump’s Public Lands Agenda Is Extremely Unpopular. • Our View: Offshore Drilling Not Worth The Risk. • Sentence Sends A Message. • Trump’s Tumultuous Cabinet, Ranked. FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000041 • Additional Reading. Top National News • Bloomberg News: GOP Furious, Investors “Shaken” As Trump Announces Steel, Aluminum Tariffs. • New York Times: NRA Lobbyist Suggests Trump Has Backed Off Support For Gun Control. • Breitbart: Trump Touts Manufacturing Growth, 49-Year Low In Jobless Claims. • Washington Examiner: EPA Begins Dismantling Obama Methane Rules. • Associated Press: EPA Moves To Roll Back Further Clean Air, Water Rules. • Bloomberg News: Corporate America Seen Taking On Issues The Government Won’t. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “Intrigue In The House Of Trump.” - “Jared Kushner Flames Out.” - “Ivanka Trump: Brand Building At The White House.” - “No Matter The Verdict, Corruption Trial Taints Cuomo.” • Washington Post. - “Trump’s Tariffs Will Hurt All Americans.” - “There’s Something States Can Do About Gun Violence: ‘Red-Flag’ Laws.” - “Children Are Killed For Insurance Money. Maryland Is Doing Something About It.” • Wall Street Journal. - “Trump’s Tariff Folly.” - “A Shady Joint-Employer Ambush.” - “South Africa’s Economic Peril.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Zinke Cancels Chaco Canyon Lease Sale. The Albuquerque (NM) Journal (3/1, Coleman) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has “canceled an oil and gas lease sale near Chaco Canyon in northern New Mexico until the agency can further review the impact on cultural artifacts in the area.” Zinke said in an exclusive interview Thursday afternoon that “there have been some questions raised” so the Bureau of Land Management will hold off on the sale. The sale had been set for March 8. FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000042 Oil Was Central In Decision To Shrink Bears Ears Monument, Emails Show. The New York Times (3/2, Lipton, Friedman) reports that “even before President Trump officially opened his high-profile review last spring of federal lands protected as National Monuments, the Department of Interior was focused on the potential for oil and gas exploration at a protected Utah site, internal agency documents show.” The debate began “as early as March 2017, when an aide to Senator Orrin Hatch, Republican of Utah, asked a senior Interior Department official to consider reduced boundaries for Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah to remove land that contained oil and natural gas deposits that had been set aside to help fund area public schools.” A map that Hatch’s office provided, “which was transmitted about a month before Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke publicly initiated his review of national monuments, was incorporated almost exactly into the much larger reductions President Trump announced in December, shrinking Bears Ears by 85 percent.” Nat’l Monument Cut Benefited Utah Lawmaker, Watchdog Told. Law360 (3/1, Rodriguez) reports that “a conservation group said Thursday it is asking the U.S. Department of the Interior’s inspector general to conduct a formal investigation into the modified boundaries of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, claiming a Utah state legislator is personally profiting from the changes.” Western Values Project said Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “recommended reducing the size of the monument ‘in line with what state and local leaders requested,’ including Kane County leaders, one of which is state Rep. Mike Noel.” The Washington Post (3/1, Grandoni) reports that “Noel owns a 40- acre parcel of land that was contained entirely within the former boundaries of Grand Staircase-Escalante, according to documents published by the Western Values Project.” The Trump Administration “redrew the boundaries in such a way as to connect that land with acreage outside the national monument, in effect allowing for better potential access to it.” In response, Noel “told The Washington Post he did not ask Interior to shrink the monument so that the 40-acre piece of land was no longer inside of it.” Ryan Zinke Pushes For Reorganization Of ‘Marshmallow’ Management. KGVO-FM Missoula, MT (3/1, King) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “says he is working on restructuring the Department of the Interior and its multiple bureaucracies.” According to Zinke, “the complex management system currently in use, leads to confusion and ineffective spending of taxpayer dollars.” He “says he hopes the reorganization will lead to better communication with local communities and give the federal government less of a ‘heavy hand.’” FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000043 Secretary Zinke’s Surprise Phone Call To “Montana Talks”. KCHH-FM Worden, MT (3/1, Flint) reports that Thursday’s “Montana Talks” with Aaron Flint received “a surprise phone call” from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Zinke “talked about his one year anniversary as secretary, moving more jobs and key leadership positions in federal land management agencies out to the West, and energy development and access to federal lands.”’ He also commented on President Trump’s “latest remarks in the gun control debate.” One Year In, Ryan Zinke’s Conservation Legacy Would Make His Hero Scowl. The Huffington Post (3/1, D'Angelo) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “speaks often of his love for America’s conservationist president, Theodore Roosevelt.” However, Theodore Roosevelt IV, the president’s great-grandson, “said he’s ‘reluctant to put words in a dead man’s mouth,’ but has no doubt his ancestor would condemn what Zinke is doing.” According to Roosevelt, “many in the Roosevelt family...are angry that Zinke keeps invoking their ancestor to misrepresent his own actions.” Roosevelt said, “His concept of how you protect public lands and the values that they represent are certainly very different than the old lion’s. And when he says he’s going to live up to the legacy of [Teddy], he’s not doing it.” Trump Administration Hired More Than 75 Lawyers With Ties To Agencies They Oversee. The Hill (3/1, Wilson) reports that “more than 75 Trump administration lawyers either represented clients in the industries they regulate or had clients with business before the government, according to a report released Thursday by the liberal watchdog group Public Citizen.” Notably, Deputy Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, “a former lawyer and lobbyist at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, once represented California’s Westlands Water District, the largest water district in the country that was involved in improper payments from the Bureau of Reclamation, according to an inspector general report.” Also, Daniel Jorjani, the Interior Department’s principal deputy solicitor, “came from groups tied to the billionaire conservative donors Charles and David Koch, who are the majority owners of Koch Industries.” Lawmakers Want To Know Why The Trump Administration Demanded Sensitive Oil Data. Mother Jones (3/1, Federman) reports that “lawmakers are demanding answers from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke about why political appointees in his department asked for early access to data from a study of oil and gas deposits on Alaska’s North Slope—a request that led to the resignation of a top scientist at the US Geological Survey.” In a letter to Zinke Tuesday, Reps. Raul Grijalva and Donald McEachin “said the events, if true, were FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000044 ‘the latest in a troubling series of attacks on scientific integrity and ethical lapses’ at the department.” The letter “calls on Zinke to provide details about why Interior officials wanted to see the unpublished data, how they intended to use it, and if they ever actually reviewed it before the final report was made public.” Cold, Snow Has Cattle Freezing, Smothering On Blackfeet Reservation. The Great Falls (MT) Tribune (3/1, Puckett) reports that “significant cattle losses are expected on the Blackfeet Reservation as a result of a brutal winter that brought almost continual heavy snow, bitter temperatures and blowing wind in the month of February alone, officials said Thursday.” Sen. Jon Tester “said Thursday he’s calling on federal officials to be ready to provide disaster relief as large amounts of snow continue to accumulate across the state, and personally discussed local needs with FEMA Administrator Brock Long.” Tester “said he’s also requesting immediate assistance from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue highlighting the added strain that snowfall puts on agriculture operations and work needed to prevent flooding from future snowmelt.” $600,000 In Parks Grants Available For Local Governments. Nevada Appeal (3/1) reports that the Interior Department has “made available $600,000 to park and recreation developments through the Land and Water Conservation Fund program.” Bureau Of Indian Affairs Umatilla Tribes Enter Cooperative Agreement For Cobell Land Program. The Nation Sun News (3/1) reports that “the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation have signed a second cooperative agreement as part of the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations.” According to the article, “as part of the new agreement, outreach meetings are being held in March to inform landowners about the program.” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs John Tahsuda said, “By partnering with the Umatilla Confederated Tribes for a second round of implementation at their location, the department will build off of our successful initial implementation and maximize the use of the funds from the Cobell settlement.” Additional coverage was provided by the East Oregonian (3/1, McDowell). Wilton Rancheria Wins Court Decision In Favor Of Long-Awaited Casino. The Nation Sun News (3/1) reports that “a federal judge has sided with the FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000045 Wilton Rancheria, rejecting a challenge to the tribe’s long-awaited casino project in northern California.” The Bureau of Indian Affairs “approved the tribe’s land-into-trust application on January 19, 2017, the last full day of the Obama administration.” However, opponents claimed “the official who made the decision wasn’t authorized to do so.” Judge Trevor McFadden rejected those arguments. The Sacramento (CA) Bee (3/1, Garrison) reports that McFadden held “that a federal law regarding agency vacancies gave Larry Roberts, the principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the authority to issue the decision.” The Elk Grove (CA) Citizen (3/1, Armstrong) reports that Wilton Rancheria’s chairman, Raymond Hitchcock said, “We are pleased that the court rejected this desperate attempt by special interests and their high-priced law firms to use the legal system to try to stifle competition.” Additional coverage was provided by Law360 (3/1, Powell). Bureau Of Land Management Wyoming Fights Methane Rule, Again. The Casper (WY) Star-Tribune (3/1, Richards) reports that “Wyoming is trying to bring the methane rule fight back to federal court in the Cowboy State with the aim of scrapping the regulations until the Interior Department gives the country new ones.” Wyoming and “other industry states say compliance is unfair and the rule should be tabled until the Interior is finished with its revision process.” The state counsel argued in court documents filed Wednesday, “Neither the regulated community nor the BLM is capable of switching on compliance with the Waste Prevention Rule overnight.” BLM Offers 40 Parcels In Oil, Gas Lease Sale. The Elko (NV) Daily Free Press (2/28) reports that the Bureau of Land Management will “offer 40 parcels in Elko, Eureka and Nye counties totaling approximately 69,691 acres at its March quarterly oil and gas lease sale.” The article notes that the auction “does not include the 54,000 acres around the Ruby Mountains being analyzed by the U.S. Forest Service after an expression of interest was filed in April 2017.” According to the article, “the environmental analysis and draft decision notice for those parcels is expected to be released by mid-March.” DRECP Scoping Meeting In Hesperia Draws Diverse Crowd; BLM Seeks Comments. The Victorville (CA) Daily Press (3/1) reports that the Bureau of Land Management’s on Wednesday held its “third scoping meeting since the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECEP) reopened for amendments in early February.” The meeting drew was attended by “well over 100 people, including High Desert residents, members of conservation groups and county officials, turned out Wednesday evening at the FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000046 Courtyard Marriott Hotel.” Jerome “Jerry” Perez, state director of the Bureau of Land Management, said, “This is an important topic for many in this room. We’re here to gather information ... what you think about the DRECP. It’s not intended to be a public hearing. Help us figure out what will be the breadth and scope of what we may need to do in the future.” 4 Counties Want Royalty Payments From Anvil Points. The Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel (3/2, Ashby) reports that “if the federal government ever releases royalty payments to the state from the closed Anvil Points oil shale research facility, the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee knows how it should be distributed.” Under a bill that will be debated Monday, that federal mineral lease money “would go to four northwest Colorado counties.” Under HB1249, “Garfield and Rio Blanco counties would receive 40 percent each while Mesa and Moffat counties would see 10 percent each.” After Oil Well Venting Strong Odor Causes Alarm Among Nearby Residents. The Moab (UT) Times-Independent (3/1, Egelhoff) reports that local residents were alarmed by a strong odor near a well site in Utah. Workers at the well – Three Mile 24-21D, operated by Wesco Operating Co. on Bureau of Land Management property – said the odor was non-toxic. BLM Public Affairs Specialist Lisa Bryant said, “The BLM immediately followed up with the company after receiving reports from nearby private landowners of hydrogen sulfide odors. Following on-site inspections, the BLM determined the company had followed safety precautions for the venting operations. Monitoring indicated that hydrogen sulfide levels did not rise to concentrations that triggered health or environmental concerns.” Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management Enviros Plead With Ga. Governor To ‘Stand Up For Our Coast’. E&E Publishing (3/1, Swartz) reports both “industry supporters and environmental advocates” appeared Wednesday for an informational session on the Interior Department’s draft five-year plan for offshore energy development. Opponents to drilling have criticized Governor Nathan Deal (R) for failing to speak out against drilling off Georgia’s coast. However, Georgia Petroleum Council Executive Director Hunter Hopkins argued, “It’s been 30-plus, almost 40, years since anybody has surveyed off of the coast and looked for oil, natural gas deposits,” likening the old technology to X-rays. But with advancements in technology, he said, new surveys could look more like MRIs. According to E&E, Hopkins “and other supporters talked up jobs, economic development and energy independence that would come with offshore drilling. Being able to drill successfully could turn Georgia into a fuel-production state, with the royalties flowing back into the state budget.” WABE-FM Atlanta (3/1, Samuel) reports online that Deal “has been FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000047 on the fence” about drilling off Georgia’s coast, “but he hasn’t said ‘no.’” Hopkins said, “We were just pleased with that position, that he did not technically shut the door.” According to WABE, “Companies should at least be allowed to look for oil and gas off Georgia’s coast, Hopkins said, to find out if there’s anything worth drilling for. If there is, he said, it could bring more jobs to Georgia, though any actual drilling could still be years off.” Offshore Drilling Opponents Rally At Georgia Capitol. The Bluffton (SC) Today (3/1, Landers) reports that “opponents of offshore drilling staged a rally at the Georgia Capitol on Wednesday ahead of an afternoon ‘listening session’ on the issue that federal regulators scheduled in Atlanta.” The event was” organized by the Business Alliance for Protecting the Atlantic Coast, One Hundred Miles, Environment Georgia, the Savannah and Ogeechee riverkeepers and the Georgia chapters of the Sierra Club and Surfrider Foundation.” US Officials To Talk Offshore Drilling With Long Islanders. The AP (3/2) reports Interior Department officials are heading to Long Island to discuss opening up new areas to offshore drilling with local residents. Friday’s session will be hosted by Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), who “opposes the Trump Administration’s proposal to authorize new areas for offshore drilling for oil and natural gas.” Rhode Island Protesters Decry Federal Offshore Drilling Plan. The AP (3/1, McDermott) reports protesters opposed to the proposed expansion of offshore drilling in the US “crashed a hearing on the issue in Rhode Island on Wednesday, saying the plan is bad for the environment.” Approximately 100 protesters gathered at the Statehouse before marching to the BOEM meeting. WPRI-TV Providence, RI (2/28, Machado) reports environmental activists on Wednesday “swarmed a meeting of the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, asking the federal employees there not to allow companies to drill for oil and gas off of Rhode Island’s coastline.” Protesters marched from the State House to the site of the BOEM meeting chanting “no drill, no spill.” The AP (2/28) reports opponents of the Trump administration’s proposed offshore drilling plan “are expected to gather in Providence as federal ocean regulators hold a public meeting” on Wednesday. Environmental group Save the Bay is planning to host a rally at the Statehouse that will feature remarks from Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) beforehand. WPRI-TV Providence, RI (2/28, Nunes) reports Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) believes “drilling would threaten the state’s waters, which are a vital part of the economy and ecosystem.” Raimondo plans to “partner with state environmental leaders” during “an event Wednesday protesting Republican President Donald Trump’s new offshore drilling plan.” SC Republicans Split With Gov. McMaster On Offshore Drilling. FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000048 Columbia (SC) State (2/28, Marchant) reports a new poll by Winthrop University shows “51 percent of South Carolinians surveyed opposed offshore drilling,” while 41 percent were in favor of it. Self-identified Democrats were “71 percent opposed and 24 percent favoring,” while self￾identified Republicans were “63 percent favoring and 30 percent opposed.” The Charleston (SC) Post and Courier (2/28, Byrd) reports the poll results “could spell trouble for Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who is now at odds with his base on this issue at a time when he’s trying to fend off four other GOP challengers in the 2018 governor’s race.” Cape Cod Drilling Protesters Dress To Express. The Cape Cod (MA) Times (2/27, Fraser) reports the BOEM “didn’t allow oral testimony at its public meeting Tuesday” in Boston on the proposed offshore drilling plan, but that “didn’t stop people from making their voices heard.” On the floor above the official hearing, “a costumed, sign-bearing crowd jammed into a conference room...to listen to representatives from a panoply of environmental organizations, more than 20 nonprofit organizations, state elected officials, and others, speak in opposition to exploration and drilling anywhere off the New England coastline.” Speakers expressed concerns on a range of topics, including “the possible effects of an oil spill on fisheries, marine life and...valuable coastline and tourist economy.” AG Fighting Plan To Open Mass. Coast To Offshore Oil Drilling. WFXT-TV Boston (2/28) reports Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey joined a rally in Boston on Tuesday opposing a federal plan to open Massachusetts’ coasts to offshore oil drilling. The rally was held “ahead of a meeting with the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).” Healey said, “This reckless and arbitrary plan threatens to destroy our multi-billion-dollar fishing and tourism industries and our vibrant marine and coastal ecosystems.” Bureau Of Reclamation Tester Calls Out Trump On Water Project Funding. The Havre (MT) Daily News (3/1, Ross) reports that President Trump’s proposed budget “represents a step backward for Rocky Boy’s/North Central Montana Regional Water System, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said in a letter to Trump Tuesday, the same day he and Sen. Steve Daines, R￾Mont., announced a hearing for a bill that could provide funding for such projects.” Cuts to the Bureau of Reclamation in the president’s proposal, Tester said, “would reduce funding for the project by $8.2 million, and the Fort Peck Reservation/Dry Prairie Water System by $10.5 million.” Tester said”These drastic cuts are in direct contradiction to the bipartisan support seen throughout Congress for investing in these types of water projects that provide clean water to rural communities. I respectfully urge your Administration to support the use of funds that accrue to the Reclamation FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000049 Fund for the purpose of supporting western water development, and rural water infrastructure projects and authorized Indian water rights settlements are well within that scope,” he continued. Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement A New Economic And Ecological Concept For Offshore Decommissioning. E&P Magazine (3/1, Salardi, Allen) reports Xodus Group and Subcon International have formed a new partnership that will deploy “Integrated Rigs to Reef (IR2R) decommissioning solutions” that will solve “the issue of the high cost of oil and gas asset decommissioning as well as...the reduction in fish habitats.” The IR2R approach overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional R2R technique “by augmenting the obsolete oil and gas structures with purpose-built reef modules” that “enhance the new habitat and convert it into a more productive purpose-built artificial reef.” Such a solution optimizes “the ecological benefit” and turns the structure into “a new asset whose ownership and liability can be transferred to the relevant government agency in charge of habitat restoration or to another stakeholder.” Fish And Wildlife Service Court: Decision Ending Sea Otter Relocation Program Legal. The AP (3/1) reports that “a federal appeals court has upheld a decision by federal wildlife officials to end a program to relocate endangered sea otters off the California coast.” The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday “rejected lawsuits by fishing industry groups that argued Congress required the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to continue the program indefinitely.” Law360 (3/1, Greene) reports that court found “that the fishermen’s contention that the program couldn’t stop made ‘no sense whatsoever.’” Additional coverage was provided by KSBW-TV Monterey, CA (3/1, Larson). Lawsuit Seeks Stronger Protections For ‘Threatened’ Oregon Bird Species. The Oregonian (3/1, Williams) reports that “an environmental advocacy group is suing the federal government to strengthen protections for a bird species that only lives in the Pacific Northwest, which they say could soon go extinct.” The Center for Biological Diversity “filed the complaint Wednesday seeking to change the status of the streaked horned lark from ‘threatened’ to ‘endangered’ under the Endangered Species Act.” Lawsuit Likely Over ‘Tough Little’ Cedar Key Mole Skink. The Gainesville (FL) Sun (3/1, Swirko) reports that the Center for Biological Diversity is expected to filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the Cedar Key mole skink. At issue is the FWS’ “failure FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000050 to act on a petition to list the skink as threatened or endangered, said Elise Bennett, an attorney for the center.” The center has “filed a required notice of intent to sue the federal agency, which will have 60 days to respond.” National Park Service Peak Bloom For D.C.’s Famed Cherry Trees Will Begin March 17, Park Service Says. The Washington Post (2/28, Chiu) reports that the National Park Service announced Thursday that Washington’s cherry blossoms are “expected to reach peak bloom between March 17 and March 20.” According to Mike Litterst, a spokesman for the National Park Service, “if weather conditions are optimal – mild temperatures and no high winds or heavy rains – the blossoms could stay on trees for about a week to 10 days.” This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival will run from March 20 to April 15. Also reporting are USA Today (3/1, Trejos), USA Today (3/1), the Washington Patch (3/1, Taylor), and WUSA-TV Washington Washington (3/1). ‘March For Our Lives’ Won’t Take Place On National Mall Due To Scheduling Conflict. In its “Blog Briefing Room” blog, The Hill (3/1, Carter) reports that “a pro￾gun control march planned for later this month in Washington, D.C., won’t take place on the National Mall due to a scheduling conflict.” The group organizing the “March for Our Lives” event “submitted a permit request to the National Park Service to hold the event on the Mall on March 24.” NPS spokesman Mike Litterst said “the agency had already received a permit application for some of the same areas on the day requested by the march organizers.” Also reporting are the Washington Post (3/1, Moyer), the Washington Examiner (3/1, Mayfield), NPR (3/1, Domonoske), and WRC-TV Washington Washington (3/1, Swalec). Park Service Unveils Concepts For Sperry Chalet Restoration. The AP (3/1) reports that the National Park Service on Wednesday “released four concepts for the restoration of Glacier National Park’s Sperry Chalet dormitory.” The concepts “range from stabilizing the walls but not rebuilding the structure – instead, setting up temporary wall tents for visitors – to reconstructing the dorm to as ‘close to as it was’ with some critical building code updates.” The comment period for the project ends April 2. Also reporting are the Missoula Current (MT) (3/1, Devlin), the Daily Inter Lake (MT) (3/1, Reilly), and Montana Public Radio (3/1, Ouellet). Fort Ontario Considered For National Park Status Due To Bill By Congressman Katko. FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000051 The Oswegonian (3/2, Flavell) reports that Fort Ontario is “currently in the process of becoming a national park.” Rep. John Katko “wrote a bipartisan bill that, if passed, would direct the National Park Service to study Fort Ontario and evaluate the park’s national significance to determine whether it should change from being recognized as a state park to a national park.” The House “approved the bipartisan bill with a unanimous voice vote, and the bill will now advance to the Senate.” Yellowstone National Park Celebrates Turning 146. KULR-TV Billings, MT (3/1, Crossley) reports that Yellowstone National Park celebrated its 146th birthday on Thursday. Also reporting are Yellowstone Insider (3/1, Reichard) and WWTV-TV Cadillac (MI) Cadillac, MI (3/1, Shea). Comments Out Early On Park GMPA. The Point Reyes (CA) Light (3/1, Guth) reports that the National Park Service has “received nearly 3,000 public comments on its initial concepts for an amendment to its general management plan that will determine the future of ranch and elk management in the Point Reyes National Seashore and the northern reaches of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.” The NPS published the comments “prematurely in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from a local group that believes the agency is leading ranchers to ‘death by a thousand cuts.’” Seashore spokeswoman Melanie Gunn “said that as a result of complying with the FOIA request, the park released the raw comments without an accompanying analysis to identify basic trends.” Comment Period Regarding Proposed Fee Increase Deadline, March 2. The Maui (HI) Now (3/1) reports that “the public comment period regarding a proposed fee increase to the tri-park annual pass will close” on Friday. The proposal would “raise the tri-park annual pass from $30 to $50, beginning on May 1, 2018, and conforms to the nationwide pricing structure for other national parks with similar visitation.” Superintendent Natalie Gates said, “These parks are here for the American people. Public input – for or against this proposed fee increase– is really important for us.” US Geological Survey Military Site Faces ‘Shocking’ Risk Of Being Swamped. E&E Publishing (3/1, Waldman) reports that “a multibillion-dollar military installation in the Pacific that has provided key testing for the U.S. defense against a possible North Korean nuclear strike could become uninhabitable in less than two decades due to climate change.” The Army’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site “on the low-lying Kwajalein Atoll FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000052 in the Marshall Islands is expected to be submerged by seawater at least once a year, according to a new study ordered by the Department of Defense.” U.S. Geological Survey research geologist Curt Storlazzi, the study’s lead author, said, “We were very surprised. Most of the historical publications ... have generally been end-of-century, 2100, 2150, things like that. We’re talking about in people’s lifetimes; we’re talking about in expected life spans of construction, and so that was shocking.” Wanted: ‘Citizen Scientists’ To Help Count Joshua Trees. The AP (3/2, Brean) reports that “using satellite and aerial imagery already widely available on the internet,” researchers “hope to compile landscape￾scale data on the presence and absence of Joshua trees across their native range in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.” According to the article, “the resulting distribution map could be used to identify populations worthy of further study or protection and help trace the impacts of climate change on one of the Mojave’s keystone species.” Todd Esque, a Henderson-based ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, “described the process during a February outing with the Friends of the Arizona Joshua Tree Forest, a volunteer group devoted to preserving the nationally recognized stand of trees in Mohave County, Arizona, about 115 miles southeast of Las Vegas.” Esque “said researchers will need to recruit an army of volunteer ‘citizen scientists’ to help map the entire desert.” Nor’easter Set To Hit U.S. East Coast With Floods, High Winds. Bloomberg News (3/1, Sullivan) reports that “a potentially record-breaking nor’easter is set to pummel the East Coast with wind, snow and rain Friday, putting billions of dollars of coastal real estate at risk from ‘unprecedented flooding.’” The U.S. Geological Survey is “sending crews along the coast from Maine to Delaware to monitor the storm.” Ronald Busciolano, a supervisory hydrologist with the USGS , said in a statement, “Nor’easters can cause higher tides than hurricanes in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.” Opinion Pieces President Trump’s Public Lands Agenda Is Extremely Unpopular. In an op-ed for The Hill (3/1, Arce), Maite Arce, president and CEO of the Hispanic Access Foundation, writes that “a new poll of California voters provides more evidence that the Trump administration’s efforts to rollback protections on national monuments are not only widely unpopular, but also have communities concerned about the future of these special places.” The Hispanic Access Foundation poll, “conducted by David Binder Research, found that more than three in four Californians (78 percent) oppose actions taken by President Trump late last year to remove protections from about 2 million acres of public lands from Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Escalante￾Staircase National Monuments. Only 18 percent support his decision.” Moreover, “among people of color, the opposition is 84 percent versus 12 FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000053 percent in support.” Our View: Offshore Drilling Not Worth The Risk. The Winston-Salem (NC) Journal (3/1) editorial board writes that BOEM representatives, who held the department’s “only public meeting in the state for commenting on the Trump administration’s plan to open our coast to offshore drilling” this week, were still greeted by “hundreds of environmentalists,” despite restrictions on public comments. The Journal says the North Carolina Petroleum Council’s David McGowan said, “Gov. Cooper and other outspoken opponents of offshore energy development have said ‘not off our coast’ or essentially ‘not in my backyard.’ This is not a productive, responsible state energy strategy.” However, according to the Journal, “actually it is. What’s irresponsible is risking such a unique treasure as our coast for temporary financial gain from a relatively limited resource.” The Journal concludes that the “proposal has drawn opposition from 14 coastal-state governors, Democrats and Republicans alike, including Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who has been promised an exemption from the drilling plan... These people know what they’ve got and they know what we know – it’s not worth the risk.” Sentence Sends A Message. The Eugene (OR) Register-Guard (3/1) editorializes that Malheur refuge takeover participant Ryan Payne’s prison sentence is important in light of the acquittals of other participants. According to the paper, “prosecutors’ failure to make so many of their charges stick has been read in some quarters as vindication of the Bundys, and of the idea that the federal government is so lacking in legitimacy that public property can be taken, used and destroyed without consequence.” However, “Payne’s sentence disrupts that story line.” It asserts that “the Malheur refuge takeover was an offense against every American, an offense against the far-sighted idea of natural resource conservation for the common good, and an offense against the Burns-Paiute tribe whose lands and artifacts were treated with recklessness and disrespect.” Trump’s Tumultuous Cabinet, Ranked. In an analysis for the Washington Post (3/1, Bump), Philip Bump ranks the heads of the 15 cabinet departments “from most to least tumultuous.” The least tumultuous position is the Secretary of Defense, followed by the heads of the USDA, DHS, Labor, Transportation, Energy, Commerce, Education, Treasury, Interior, State, DOJ, HUD, VA, and HHS. Regarding Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Bump cites the controtroversies over Zinke travel, a contract granted by Puerto Rico “to a small company in Zinke’s small home town,” and the recent resignation of two scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey “after Zinke asked that they share confidential data on oil reserves before it was made public.” FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000054 Additional Reading. • The Public, Elected Officials Needs More Information On Secretary Zinke’s Goals. Southwest Colorado Journal (3/1). • PROGRESS: What Opening Up ANWR Means For Alaska’s Energy Prospects. Anchorage (AK) Press (3/1, Bradner). • Peg Howell Guest Column: The Future Of Our Coast Is In Your Hands. South Strand News (SC) (3/1, Howell). • Botched Bison Management Needs Review. Bismarck (ND) Tribune (3/2). • This Bill Won’t Help Coal Communities, But Rolling Back Regulations Will. Daily Signal (3/1, Loris). • Public Is Losing Its Voice On Management Of ‘Public’ Land. Albuquerque (NM) Journal (3/2, Thompson). Top National News GOP Furious, Investors “Shaken” As Trump Announces Steel, Aluminum Tariffs. President Trump’s announcement that he is following through on a campaign promise to levy tariffs on aluminum and steel generated extensive – and mostly unfavorable – media coverage, including scathing reports on all three major network newscasts. Media analyses cast the move as risking an all-out trade war and threatening the health of a seemingly resurgent US economy. Bloomberg News (3/1, Chandra, Miller), for example, bemoans the fact that Trump’s announcement came “after data released Thursday morning showed recent tax cuts buoyed Americans’ spending power in January, unemployment claims fell last week to an almost five-decade low and factories expanded in February at the fastest rate since 2004.” Many reports also highlighted the sharp stock sell-off that followed the announcement, and noted that what little support there was for Trump’s move came from Democrats – as Republicans were quite vocal in their opposition. At any rate, NBC Nightly News (3/1, story 3, 2:20, Jackson) reported, Trump’s move “is no surprise,” as “he campaigned on it.” NBC News (3/1) refers to a “GOP meltdown over Trump plan,” and reports “Republicans pounced” on the President’s proposal “in an unprecedented way.” Roll Call (3/1, Williams) similarly indicated the Republican reaction was “fast, furious and negative,” while The Hill (3/1, Needham) casts Trump as “defying” the GOP. The Washington Post (2/28, Lynch, Paletta), in a similar analysis, remarks on the opposition to the move from “the business community, normally a reliable GOP ally.” On the other hand, Bloomberg News (3/1, Wasson) reports, “some Democrats are applauding” Trump’s action, an “upside-down reaction” that “comes a day after Trump irked Republicans and pleased many Democrats by backing stricter gun-control measures.” Sen. Sherrod Brown said, “This welcome action is long overdue for shuttered steel plants across Ohio and FOIA001:02715984 IZI ____ _ EXT-18-2336-E-000055 steelworkers who live in fear that their jobs will be the next victims of Chinese cheating.” Sen. Ron Wyden, meanwhile, is quoted as saying, “I am pleased that the president recognizes the importance of addressing these challenges and finally intends to take action.” The Hill (3/1, Samuels) reported that Sen. Bob Casey, up for reelection this fall, lauded Trump “for announcing plans to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, saying it will help Pennsylvania workers.” Casey is quoted as tweeting, “It has taken the Administration far too long, but today’s announcement of an intention to act next week is a welcome step. When countries cheat on trade, Pennsylvania workers lose. I urge the Administration to follow through and to take aggressive measures to ensure our workers can compete on a level playing field.” The Hill added that Casey is bidding for another term “in a state Trump narrowly won in 2016.” The CBS Evening News (3/1, story 4, 1:55, Brennan) noted Brown’s support for the tariffs, but went on to show GOP Sen. John Kennedy saying, “Once you start imposing tariffs, you don’t do it in a vacuum. Other countries respond.” Another Republican, Sen. Ben Sasse, “called the tariffs a ‘massive tax increase on American families. You’d expect a policy this bad from a leftist administration, not a supposedly Republican one.’” CBS showed Press Secretary Sarah Sanders retorting, “I don’t know that the President will or should ever apologize for protecting American workers, and certainly not to Sen. Sasse.” NBC Nightly News (3/1, story 3, 2:20, Jackson) showed Sen. Orrin Hatch saying, “This is just going to be a huge tax on American citizens,” and NBC reported that Speaker Ryan said “he hopes the President will consider the unintended consequences.” Reuters (3/1, Holland, Gibson), meanwhile, quotes Sen. Pat Roberts as warning, “Every time you do this, you get a retaliation. Agriculture is the number one target. I think this is terribly counterproductive for the agriculture economy.” The Washington Post (2/28, Lynch, Paletta) reports “investors appeared shaken by the news,” with the Dow down “around 586 points, a loss of 2 percent, in early-afternoon trading before closing the day down 420 points.” Reuters (3/1, Valetkevitch) reports the Dow “fell...1.68 percent, to 24,608.98, the S&P 500 .SPX lost 36.16 points, or 1.33 percent, to 2,677.67 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC dropped 92.45 points, or 1.27 percent, to 7,180.56.” Bloomberg News (2/28, Walt, Mullen), the New York Times (3/1, Phillips) and the Wall Street Journal (3/1, B1, Wursthorn), among other news outlets, devote stories to the stock numbers – which were noted across much of the reporting of Trump’s decision. Reuters (3/1, Carey, Banerjee) reports that “shares of General Motors Co lost 3.97 percent, Ford Motor Co was down 3.0 percent and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was down 2.8 percent.” The Detroit Free Press (3/1, Spangler) recounts that “speaking to more than a dozen steel and aluminum executives at the White House, Trump said he would sign tariffs of 25% on imported steel and 10% on FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000056 imported aluminum next week.” Trump said the measure will be “for a long period of time,” and he further told the executives, “We’ll be signing it in. And you’ll have protection for the first time in a long while and you’re going to regrow your industries. That’s all I’m asking.” The AP (3/1, Thomas, Wiseman) further quotes Trump as saying, “What’s been allowed to go on for decades is disgraceful. It’s disgraceful. ... When it comes to a time when our country can’t make aluminum and steel...you almost don’t have much of a country.” Breitbart (3/1, Spiering) reports Trump also said, “People have no idea how badly our country has been treated by other countries by people representing us that didn’t have a clue or if they did, then they should be ashamed of themselves. ... Because they have destroyed the steel industry,” and “we’re bringing it all back.” NPR (3/1, Ydstie, Schneider) reported “the decision follows a study by the Commerce Department that found that large amounts of steel and aluminum imports posed a threat to US national security.” The finding “gives the White House the authority to limit imports by tariffs or other means.” The Daily Caller (3/1, Datoc) reports “the president hinted at his reasoning for the tariffs in a tweet earlier Thursday morning.” Wrote Trump, “Our Steel and Aluminum industries (and many others) have been decimated by decades of unfair trade and bad policy with countries from around the world. We must not let our country, companies and workers be taken advantage of any longer. We want free, fair and SMART TRADE!” The Washington Times (3/1, Boyer, Miller) notes that “at the meeting, US Steel Corp. CEO Dave Burritt said competing with foreign companies that use unfair trade practices was like playing ‘the whack-a￾mole game.’” Added Burritt, “We are not protectionists. We want a level playing field.” Action On Tariffs Follows Fierce White House Debate. The AP (3/1, Thomas, Wiseman) reports “the decision had been strenuously debated within the White House, with top officials such as economic adviser Gary Cohn and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis raising concerns.” The penalties, on the other hand, “were pushed by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, an economist who has favored taking aggressive action.” The New York Times (3/1, Swanson) also reports “advisers have been bitterly divided over how to proceed on the tariffs,” but “in recent weeks, a group of White House advisers who advocate a tougher posture on trade has been in ascendance, including Robert Lighthizer, the country’s top trade negotiator, and...Navarro, a trade skeptic who had been sidelined but is now in line for a promotion.” Politico (2/28, Restuccia, Behsudi) recounts that “shortly before he resigned amid domestic abuse allegations, White House staff secretary Rob Porter got into a heated argument about the tariffs with Navarro in the Oval Office in front of the president, according to a person familiar with the FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000057 issue.” However, “Porter’s resignation removed a fierce opponent of the tariffs from the West Wing and revived the chaotic policy review process that defined the early weeks of Trump’s presidency.” According to Breitbart (3/1, Spiering), “several White House officials tried to enact a frantic, last-ditch effort to stop Trump’s decision on Thursday, leaking details of dysfunction and division in the White House to the media.” But “Trump told reporters that he had made his decision.” Gloria Borger said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/1) that most of the President’s advisers think the move is a “horrible idea and most were try to trying to convince him not to do it, with some notable exceptions,” such as Navarro. The President “scheduled this very quickly and very hastily. It almost seems as if he was trying to do it without letting everybody inside the White House that he was trying to do it so he could get away with it. Was he doing it to change the subject from all of the news we have been dealing with lately? Did he just want to look decisive and effective? Maybe. But, the stock market plunged over 400 points. You have people inside the White House now scrambling because they are upset with what has occurred.” Mike Allen of Axios said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/1), “It was a surprise, and it was not just a surprise not just to the markets. It was a shock inside. I can’t overstate how unusual it is for White House aides, a couple hours before a big presidential event, to have no idea. This tells you how they think compared to how the President thinks. They were telling us he can’t do this, the paperwork isn’t done. The President has been saying he wants to do this. Axios has reported, in some meeting he said bring me my tariffs. This is a President getting what he wanted.” Katie Pavlich of Townhall said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/1), “The Administration is gambling on the idea that the ends will justify the means. They know it’s a big risk. History shows that tariffs aren’t always good for the United States, and they certainly aren’t good when it comes to putting taxes on our allies.” “Person Close To Cohn” Says Trade Decision Could Lead Him To Leave White House. Politico (3/1, White, Restuccia) reports “one person close to Cohn, a former Goldman Sachs executive, said he wouldn’t be surprised if he eventually left the chaotic and deeply exhausting administration as a result of the decision.” Meanwhile, “a second person close to Cohn described it as a brutal blow that violated one of the NEC director’s core beliefs --that protectionism is economically backward and won’t lead to increased prosperity.” Media Analyses: Trump’s Course On Trade Will Hurt Consumers, Overall Economy. NBC Nightly News (3/1, story 3, 2:20, Jackson) concluded last night that the tariffs mean “you could pay more for products made with steel and aluminum. ... How much more could you pay for a car or washing machine? Still unclear.” On ABC World News Tonight (3/1, story 7, 1:10, Muir), Rebecca Jarvis said “the primary concern” for investors is that “while this is helpful to US steel and aluminum companies, it also means that the FOIA001:02715984 ·~----- EXT-18-2336-E-000058 cost for US manufacturers on those materials go up, and that could ultimately get passed along to consumers. ... Think of anything that involves a can: beer, soda. Think of building materials. All of those costs start to go up in the case of these tariffs.” Deirdre Bolton of Fox Business Network said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/1) that “potential trade wars also threaten American exporters. An American firm can lose access point blank to a foreign market or American goods are taxed so heavily in retaliation that lost money and lost jobs follow.” In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/1) blasts the move as a tax hike, and predicts it will hurt both the economy and Trump’s voters. The Washington Post (3/1) editorializes, “Race to the bottom, trade war: Call it what you will, the spiral will eventually harm everyone, the United States and its metal industries very much included.” CNN Money (3/1, Gillespie) said “at the heart of the looming trade action is Trump’s campaign promise to create good-paying jobs in the United States, particularly in factories, by getting tough on trade.” However, “researchers...say automation is much more of a job-killer and the United States should focus more on job training than tariffs.” Bob Bryan reports for Business Insider (3/1, Bryan) that “studies show that these types of moves typically result in a small boost for the industries and serious negative consequences for the broader US economy.” Roll Call (3/1, Ferguson) and the Wall Street Journal (3/1, Nicholas, Schlesinger), among other news outlets, run similar accounts this morning. Reuters (3/1, Seba, Gardner), meanwhile, reports the “US oil and gas industry on Thursday slammed...Trump’s plan,” saying “the move would kill energy jobs by raising costs for big infrastructure projects.” Reuters adds “officials at the nation’s top energy industry trade groups issued statements urging Trump to drop the idea, and a source familiar with Exxon Mobil’s investment plans said the tariff could lead the company to curtail an expansion of one of the country’s biggest oil refineries.” Said the API’s Jack Gerard, “These tariffs would undoubtedly raise costs for US businesses that rely heavily on steel and aluminum for the majority of their products – and ultimately consumers.” Europeans, Canadians, Mexicans, Chinese Express Outrage. Fox News’ Special Report (3/1) reported that “the action is predominantly aimed at China, which is dumping cheap steel products into the US,” but the move “may affect America’s closest allies. Canada declared any tariff against steel would be unacceptable. Britain said we are particularly concerned by any measures that would impact the UK steel and aluminum industries.” Richard Quest reported on CNN’s Situation Room (3/1) that “we’ve heard from the Brits, the Canadians...and we’ve heard from the Mexicans as well. They are all saying the same things: ‘if you introduce these tariffs, we will retaliate.’ That’s what you’ve seen in the market today.” The Washington Post (2/28, Lynch, Paletta) reports that “in a further FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000059 slap at China, Trump announced the tariffs even as a top Chinese economic official was in Washington for talks aimed at forestalling a possible trade war.” Liu He, who is “one of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s closest aides, is scheduled to meet with senior administration officials in a bid to restart a direct economic dialogue that lagged last year.” China’s Foreign Ministry “repeated its government’s objections,” saying, “The United States is disregarding the rules of the WTO, and China is dissatisfied with this.” Reuters (3/1) reports European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also said, “We will not sit idly while our industry is hit with unfair measures that put thousands of European jobs at risk ... The EU will react firmly and commensurately to defend our interests.” Reuters (3/1) notes that the German Steel Association also reacted to the news, saying in a statement, “The US is setting up a customs barrier to protect itself from steel imports from all over the world. This measure clearly violates the rules of the World Trade Organization.” Bloomberg News (3/1, Bochove, Wingrove, Owram) says “Canada is vowing to retaliate.” Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said, “We will always stand up for Canadian workers and Canadian businesses,” and “should restrictions be imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum products, Canada will take responsive measures to defend its trade interests and workers.” Reuters (3/1, Schnurr, Hopkins) reports Freeland, however, “did not give details and Canadian officials were not immediately available for comment.” David Swerdlick of the Washington Post said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/1), “You have a situation here where President Trump has been consistent on this. He campaigned saying he wouldn’t be afraid to use tariffs. ... Back in November the US Trade Commission started looking into this. Now they are taking action. The problem is not just that you could tank the stock market like what happened today but that you’re going to antagonize China, a country we are working with or against on a whole bunch of fronts just for the slim possibility that you’re going to slightly shift the trade balance.” Morning Consult Poll: 59% Back Tariffs On Chinese Steel And Aluminum. Breitbart (3/1, Binder) reports that “in a Morning Consult poll, 59 percent of Americans say it is ‘important’ that...Trump place tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, specifically from China, showing a wide range of support for the White House’s economic nationalist agenda.” Breitbart adds that “about 66 percent of voters said shrinking America’s more than $375 billion trade deficit with China was key, as well as 56 percent who said they wanted to see the Trump administration challenge China’s leaders on intellectual property protection, and 44 percent who said they want China labeled as a currency manipulator.” NRA Lobbyist Suggests Trump Has Backed Off Support For Gun Control. While President Trump expressed optimism Thursday that a bill “should FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000060 emerge” from Wednesday’s White House meeting on school safety and media coverage of Trump’s comments in the wake of the Florida school shooting highlight Trump’s apparent agreement with some Democratic ideas, a tweet late Thursday from the NRA’s chief lobbyist suggested that Trump may have backed away from that support. The New York Times (3/1, Shear, Stolberg, Kaplan) reports that Chris Cox, the NRA’s top lobbyist claimed Thursday night that Trump “had retreated from his surprising support a day earlier for gun control measures after a meeting with N.R.A. officials and Vice President Mike Pence in the Oval Office.” In a tweet posted just after 9 p.m., Cox wrote that he met with Trump and Pence and added that “we all want safe schools, mental health reform and to keep guns away from dangerous people. POTUS & VPOTUS support the Second Amendment, support strong due process and don’t want gun control. #NRA #MAGA.” About an hour later, Trump tweeted, “Good (Great) meeting in the Oval Office tonight with the NRA!” The Times says the tweets “suggest that it may have taken the gun rights group only about 24 hours to persuade the president to back away from the positions he took embracing Democratic gun control measures” during a meeting with lawmakers on Wednesday. The Washington Examiner (3/1, Chaitin) says Trump’s “enthusiastic” tweet came one day after he “roiled gun rights advocates when he suggested illegally taking away guns from dangerous people.” Similarly, the New York Post (3/1, Tacopino) says the tweet came “one day after Trump told lawmakers to take people’s guns away and ‘go through due process second.’” The Washington Times (3/1, Morton) says Cox “promptly retweeted the president.” Politico (3/1, Nelson) reports that in a tweet earlier Thursday, Trump “declar[ed] that ‘a bill should emerge’ from the conversations that have begun in the wake” of the Florida school shooting. Trump tweeted, “Many ideas, some good & some not so good, emerged from our bipartisan meeting on school safety yesterday at the White House. ... Background Checks a big part of conversation. Gun free zones are proven targets of killers. After many years, a bill should emerge. Respect 2nd Amendment!” ABC World News Tonight (3/1, story 6, 2:55, Muir) reported that during his White House meeting with lawmakers Wednesday, President Trump “agree[d] with the Democrats in the room on several ideas, including universal background checks.” However, ABC (Karl) added that some of Trump’s “most reliable Republican friends in Congress said point blank they couldn’t support some of the ideas he embraced.” The New York Times (3/1, Qiu)examines “the claims made” by lawmakers during Wednesday’s meeting “that may have strayed from the facts or otherwise require some additional context.” The AP (3/1, Mascaro, Daly, Lucey) describes Republicans as cautious, while other reports put Republicans’ reaction in stronger terms. For example, The Hill (3/1, Zanona) says House conservatives were “baffled” by Trump’s “support for a string of Democratic-backed gun FOIA001:02715984 ----~ • EXT-18-2336-E-000061 control ideas, with some lawmakers even questioning how committed he is to protecting the Second Amendment,” and Politico (3/1, Everett, Bade) says Trump “threw decades of party orthodoxy on gun rights out the window” and the response “among congressional Republicans was a mix of disbelief, denial and outrage.” Sen. Ben Sasse said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/1), “Here is what America means. It means that we believe rights come to us from God via nature and government exists to secure and protect our rights. Government doesn’t give us rights. When you say something like we’ll take the guns first, we’ll grab the guns first and later we will have a due process conversation, what that means is government’s first and hopefully you have a bureaucrat you trust to decide what rights you have. That’s not how America works.” Rep. Jodey Arrington said on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight (3/1) that Trump is “going down that slippery slope, that knee-jerk reaction we are accustomed to whether you have mass shootings and I would oppose President Obama and I would oppose President trump and any President that negotiates away what is a fundamental right and quite frankly it’s a right that if it were not exercised by our founding patriots, we wouldn’t have the rest of our rights and we wouldn’t have our independence.” Rep. Adam Kinzinger, asked on MSNBC’s Morning Joe (3/1) about the President’s proposal to raise the age to buy a firearm to 21, said, “I think it definitely for the AR-15 it should be 21. I’m open to the question of shotguns and things because I think there’s plenty of reasons to have a shotgun for hunting.” Asked about expanding background checks, Kinzinger said, “Here’s my question. The answer in this is going to be in the details. Now if my dad wants to sell me his pistol, does he have to put me through a federal background check. That is a question. But, is there are areas where people are buying guns and not having background checks, I am definitely open to closing that.” Rep. Sean Duffy said on Fox News Tucker Carlson Tonight (3/1), “I think there is a whole bunch of issues taking place outside of guns. I think our kids in America are angry. They are being raised in single family homes without fathers. ... There is a whole slew of issues in America that we didn’t have 40 years ago. We have to address the root cause of what is bringing kids to be so angry and detached.” Meanwhile, Roll Call (3/1, Connolly) reports that Democrats “pressured the president to keep his word.” Sen. Chris Murphy “urged the administration to follow through on the president’s words Wednesday,” saying, “The White House can now launch a lobbying campaign to get universal background checks passed, as the president promised in this meeting, or they can sit and do nothing.” The Washington Times (3/1, Sherfinski) reports that Senate Democrats said Thursday that “any bill must expand background checks and allow court-ordered gun confiscations” and “demand[ed] a vote on a semi-automatic rifle ban – FOIA001:02715984 -----------'■ --------'■ EXT-18-2336-E-000062 though they said that is not a deal-breaker if it doesn’t become law.” Minority Leader Schumer said his caucus “is prepared to provide a ‘very large’ number of votes for those priorities.” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe (3/1), “My colleagues that were in the meeting about Dreamers left there and were ebullient and thought something was going to get done and we were obviously undermined the last day after a group of Democrats, Republicans...had come together with a common sense idea about how to make sure those kids could stay in the country and we had border security.” Klobuchar added that “one difference” now is that “it was a very clear focus on universal background check. He didn’t say it once or twice. He said it like ten times and the American people are focused on this right now. ... For him to say that to the American people and turn back on that, I think that would be something like we’ve never seen in terms of a betrayal. So, it is on him now not only to keep up that focus, but also to get the members of his own party to get behind it.” Rep. Stephanie Murphy said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe (3/1), “I was really heartened by what the President said and some of the commitments that he made to see this through to the end.” Murphy added that this “might be a Nixon goes to China moment for Trump. He might be the only President who can help us advance some commonsense gun safety measures because...nobody believes he’s trying to take away anybody’s guns.” Joe Scarborough writes in the Washington Post (3/1) that Trump may “decide that this is the time for real progress on common-sense gun-safety legislation” because “it’s the right thing to do” or because “it’s the smart thing to do. But if he chooses instead to let his party continue to languish in fear, Republicans will just be giving Americans one more reason to vote them out of power – and relegate Trumpism to the ash heap of history.” Trump’s Openness To Gun Legislation Sets Off Scramble In Senate. Politico (3/1, Schor) says Trump’s “unexpected openness to expansive gun control measures set off a scramble in the Senate Thursday, with lawmakers in both parties laying out a raft of competing proposals and jockeying for position.” The “flurry of action suggests Trump’s wild-card support Wednesday for proposals to expand background checks and raise the age limit for certain rifle purchases has caused plenty of political ripples — if not yet a wave big enough to unite lawmakers behind a single approach.” Sen. Pat Toomey said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe (3/1) that he and Sen. Joe Manchin “are definitely going to move forward if we can. We are actively soliciting support for our bill. There are several Republican senators who voted against it in the 2013 who have told me they are reconsidering so I am hopeful about that. I think the President’s very aggressive support for expanding background checks is encouraging.” Toomey was asked on Fox News’ Fox & Friends (3/1) about the President’s comment that he is afraid of the NRA. Toomey said, “Let’s think FOIA001:02715984 ------'■ ------'■ ------'■ EXT-18-2336-E-000063 about how ridiculous that is. I’m the guy that wrote the bill that the NRA opposed. The Manchin-Toomey legislation was strongly opposed by the NRA. They didn’t endorse me in my re-election. They haven’t given me a dime since 2010. I’m the guy that stood up to the NRA among Republicans.” Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway said on Fox News’ Fox & Friends (3/1), “The President just told me last night, we had a conversation late last night about yesterday’s session. He told me last night that there are elements of the Toomey-Manchin bill and there are elements of the Cornyn-Murphy bill he is supportive of and he has made that very clear. I think that itself shows some bipartisan impulses, but he also is very respectful of the Second Amendment and the law-abiding citizens who own and possess their firearms in a peaceful way and that they have their rights also and he knows that.” NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch said on Fox News’ Fox & Friends (3/1), “I listened to that discussion of Manchin-Toomey yesterday. Toomey himself even said that this bill would not have done anything to prevented this atrocity. It simply wouldn’t have. When you talk about the background check system and you talk about keeping firearms out of the hand of those mentally unstable, therefore danger to themselves or others, this is something we’re all in agreement on, which is why it is inconceivable to millions of Americans families why they’re the ones being punished for failures of government. We all have to realize the firearm did not walk itself in the school. It was allowed to after 45 missed calls.” Pelosi Optimistic About Comprehensive Gun Legislation Without Assault Weapons Ban. The Los Angeles Times (3/1) reports that House Minority Leader Pelosi expressed optimism that “Congress can pass comprehensive gun legislation, but said she doesn’t expect an assault weapons ban to be part of such a measure.” Speaking at her weekly news conference, Pelosi said, “It might not be [an] assault weapon ban, but practically anything short of that is what we would expect. ... That might take longer. We need to have the best package we can get done now.” Trump To Discuss Violent Video Games With Industry Reps Next Week. The New York Post (3/1, Moore) reports that the President will meet next week “with members of the video game industry next week after he suggested the games and movies should be rated for violent content during a meeting with bipartisan lawmakers.” Press secretary Sarah Sanders said of the gun control issue, “The president has met with a nu mber of stakeholders. ... Next week he ’ll also be meeting with members of the video game industry to see what they can do on that front. ... This is going to be an ongoing process and something we don ’t expect to happen overnight, but something we’ll continue to be engaged in.” Hundreds Of School Districts Already Arming Teachers. In the wake of President Trump’s suggestion that teachers be trained to carry firearms, the New York Times (3/1, Green, Fernandez) reports that “hundreds of school districts across the country, most of them small and rural, already FOIA001:02715984 ----------' ~ EXT-18-2336-E-000064 have.” Breitbart (3/1, Hope) reports that the Fayetteville Independent School District this week “joined nearly 200 other Texas school districts in arming their employees to protect students under a ‘Guardian’ program.” Superintendent Jeff Harvey “told KVUE the goal of the program was not to create vigilante teachers,” and said the guardians are “a protection for each and every student in this school district.” Harvey added, “We have numerous folks on staff that have military backgrounds. ... Everyone here believes in that sense of protectiveness of their kids. Each one of these kids is ours. We treat them like they’re our own and we want to make sure we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to protect them.” In a separate story, Breitbart (3/1, Hawkins) reports that the Pike County, Kentucky School Board has “voted to work with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office to train and arm teachers for school safety.” According to Kentucky.com, the vote was “unanimous” in favor of armed teachers. AfterVoicing Support ForGun Control, Rubio Offers “Less Controversial” Measure. The Washington Post (3/1, Sullivan) reports that while Sen. Marco Rubio “endorsed raising the age requirement for buying a rifle from 18 to 21 and voiced openness to placing limits on the size of ammunition magazines” eight days ago, on Thursday, when he “unveiled his plan to address gun violence, he did not outline any specific plans on these very divisive fronts.” Instead, he “embraced a series of other, less controversial measures” including “freeing up more federal dollars to beef up school security and create ‘crisis interventions teams’; creating gun violence restraining orders; pressing school districts to promptly alert law enforcement to dangerous behavior; passing a bipartisan bill to tighten the National Instant Background Check System; and mandating the FBI notify states when a prohibited person tries to buy a gun and fails the requisite background check.” The Miami Herald (3/1, Daugherty, Smiley) says Rubio argued on the Senate floor “that local law enforcement and school officials could have prevented the massacre in Parkland and urged Congress to pass narrowly tailored bills on school safety and mental health that have support from both parties,” but he “barely mentioned guns.” FCC Chairman Turns Down NRA Award. Politico (3/1, McGill) reports that FCC Chairman Pai on Thursday declined “an NRA gun award he received at the Conservative Political Action Conference last week, citing the advice of ethics officials at his agency.” An NRA executive named Pai “the Charlton Heston Courage Under Fire Award recipient at CPAC for his efforts to repeal the Obama-era net neutrality rules,” but Pai, “in letters sent Thursday to the NRA and to the American Conservative Union, which puts on the conference, noted he was ‘surprised’ by the award and turned down the gun.” WTimes Analysis: NRA Remains One OfMost Successful Lobbying Groups. The Washington Times (3/1, Varney) reports that while NRA “has become politically toxic in Washington,” the “electoral scorecard shows that FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000065 the NRA represents many people and is effective.” In terms of “money and candidates, the NRA ranks among the most successful lobbying groups.” NRA-backed candidates “prevailed in 73.3 percent of the 2016 races where the NRA picked sides, and when judged by spending, 94.4 percent of the organization’s political money supported successful candidates.” Georgia Senate Punishes Delta Over NRA Stance. The New York Times (3/1, Fausset) reports that the Georgia Senate on Thursday approved a measure “that stripped out a tax break proposal highly coveted by Delta Air Lines – the most stinging punishment that America’s pro-gun forces have leveled so far on one of the many corporations recalibrating their positions on firearms after the Florida high school massacre.” The $50 million sales tax exemption on jet fuel “had been included in a broader tax￾relief bill,” but “a number of Georgia Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, removed the perk as retribution for Delta’s decision to end a promotional discount for members of the National Rifle Association.” KrogerRaises Age ForGun Purchases At Fred MeyerStores To 21. USA Today (3/1, Bomey) reports that Kroger announced Thursday that it is “banning gun sales at its Fred Meyer stores to anyone younger than 21.” According to Kroger, the decision came “in response to the tragic events in Parkland and elsewhere.” FormerFBI Agents Say FBI Mishandled Tips On Florida School Shooter. The Miami Herald (3/1, Gordon, Weaver) reports that “many former FBI agents and law enforcement experts” believe the FBI “failed at basic detective work — and in multiple ways” before the Florida school shooting. The “most alarming warning” not only suggested that Nikolas Cruz “was a likely school shooter but that he also could be influenced by the Islamic terror group ISIS, both glaring red flags for national security.” However, “a specialist and supervisor at the FBI’s civilian call center in West Virginia didn’t pass the warning on to field agents in South Florida.” Contrary To Training, BSO Captain Told Deputies To Form Perimeter Around Parkland Shooting. The Miami Herald (3/1, DeMarzo, Nehamas) reports that Capt. Jan Jordan, the Broward Sheriff’s Office captain “who initially took charge of the chaotic scene at a Parkland high school...told deputies to form a perimeter around the deadly scene – which they did instead of going in to confront the shooter, according to a partial BSO dispatch log obtained by the Miami Herald.” Sheriff Scott Israel “has said BSO training and nationwide active-shooter procedure call for armed law enforcement officers to confront shooters immediately rather than secure a scene.” The Herald says the log “raises fresh questions about the department’s handling of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14.” Couples Carry Assault-Style Rifles As They Exchange Vows In “Pro-Gun” Church. The Washington Post (3/1, Phillips) reports that “dozens of couples” wearing crowns and carrying “assault-style rifles” went “to a pro￾gun Pennsylvania church for a commitment ceremony on Wednesday.” The couples “are worshipers at the World Peace and Unification Sanctuary, also FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000066 known as the Sanctuary Church” in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania. Church leader Hyung Jin Moon “called on his followers to bring unloaded rifles to the ceremony.” WPost Voices Support For“Red Flag”Laws. In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/1) argues that “whether or not Congress adds muscle to gun laws,” states “need not be impotent in the face of credible threats.” The Post voices support for “red-flag” laws that “empower relatives and close friends, as well as law enforcement officers, to ask judges to issue ‘gun violence restraining orders,’” arguing that if Florida had such a law, “it’s possible that the Parkland rampage could have been averted.” Trump Touts Manufacturing Growth, 49-Year Low In Jobless Claims. In a pair of tweets Thursday evening, President Trump touted positive economic news, writing in one, “Jobless claims at a 49 year low!” and in another, “Manufacturing growing at the fastest pace in almost two decades!” Breitbart (3/1, Carney) reports that new unemployment claims “fell to their lowest level since 1969 last week.” While economists anticipated “226,000 new jobless claims, a rise over the previous week,” claims “unexpectedly fell by 10,000 to 210,000 in the week ending on February 24.” Powell Offers Upbeat View OfEconomy. The Wall Street Journal (3/1, Timiraos) reports that in two days of congressional testimony this week, Fed Chairman Powell offered an upbeat assessment of the economy and left open the possibility of four quarter-point interest rate increases in 2018. EPA Begins Dismantling Obama Methane Rules. The Washington Examiner (3/1, Siciliano) reports the EPA on Thursday “announced two piecemeal actions” aimed at reducing “costs and regulatory ‘burdens’ imposed on the oil and natural gas industry by the Obama administration’s methane emission rules.” The agency said the two actions would mitigate “‘significant and immediate compliance concerns’ for the industry, while reducing ‘burdens’ on state environmental agencies and saving millions of dollars in compliance costs.” Recently appointed EPA air pollution chief Bill Wehrum said, “The technical amendments to the 2016 oil and gas [new source rule] are meant to alleviate targeted regulatory compliance issues faced by affected sources. While this action addresses an immediate need, it does not deter the ongoing work at the agency to assess the 2016 rule as a whole, including whether it is prudent or necessary to directly regulate methane.” Wyoming Fights Methane Rule, Again. The Casper (WY) Star-Tribune (3/1, Richards) reports that “Wyoming is trying to bring the methane rule fight back to federal court in the Cowboy State with the aim of scrapping the regulations until the Interior Department gives the country new ones.” Wyoming and “other industry states say compliance is unfair and the rule should be tabled until the Interior is finished with its revision process.” The FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000067 state counsel argued in court documents filed Wednesday, “Neither the regulated community nor the BLM is capable of switching on compliance with the Waste Prevention Rule overnight.” EPA Moves To Roll Back Further Clean Air, Water Rules. The AP (3/1, Biesecker, Brown) reports the EPA announced Thursday “it is rewriting Obama-era rules governing pollution from oil and gas operations and coal ash dumps, moves that opponents say will significantly weaken protections for human health and the environment.” The proposed changes are “the latest in series of actions taken over the last year to roll back regulations opposed by the fossil-fuel industry” and the EPA argues “the revisions would save electric utilities $100 million per year in compliance costs, while oil and gas operators would reap up to $16 million in benefits by 2035.” However, opponents and environmental advocates expect the revisions to “lead to dirtier air and water.” In a statement, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum said the changes will “provide regulatory certainty to one of the largest sectors of the American economy and avoid unnecessary compliance costs to both covered entities and the states.” Proposed Changes To EPA rule Would Give States More Power To Manage Toxic Coal Ash. According to the Washington Post (3/1, Dennis, Eilperin), the EPA proposed “significant” updates to “an Obama-era initiative to regulate coal ash waste” that will give “states and utilities more latitude in how they dispose of the potentially toxic substance.” The Post reports that the “proposal includes more than a dozen suggested changes regarding the way coal ash is stored at more than 400 coal-fired power plants around the country, namely that it would allow ‘alternative performance standards’ for state and federally permitted facilities.” Corporate America Seen Taking On Issues The Government Won’t. Bloomberg News (3/1, Campbell, Simmons) reports on a trend of US companies “pressured to act on controversial social and political issues where government won’t.” The trend is “currently manifested by firms cutting ties to the National Rifle Association and efforts by large investors to reduce exposure to gun-makers,” but continues moving forward “on issues that Washington has failed to tackle,” such as benefits for working mothers, climate change, or support for politically vulnerable groups.” Many corporate pledges are as much marketing as substance” and “few believe that voluntary actions taken by businesses can substitute for meaningful government action,” Bloomberg reports, noting a lack of consistency across the economy as just one tobacco firm is among 609 companies that score highly for LGBT protections. Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “Intrigue In The House Of Trump.” In the first part of an editorial FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000068 series on “nepotism in the White House,” the New York Times (3/1) says that one of the President’s “most disturbing departures from tradition was his appointment of close relatives to positions at the very apex of government power,” and the “consequences of that ethical break” are now being seen. The Times argues that Trump’s “behavior is a warning that ethical traditions and culture are not enough” and calls on lawmakers to “harden some of these norms into law, to safeguard the executive branch and the public trust from future presidents eager to use America’s highest office to benefit their families.” “Jared KushnerFlames Out.”In the second part of an editorial series on “nepotism” in the White House, the New York Times (3/1, Board) says that while Trump “voices high praise for [Jared] Kushner’s talent, the fact that he’s family is qualification enough for a president obsessed with close￾lipped loyalty and uninterested in policy unless it benefits himself.” The Times argues that Kushner’s “paltry” accomplishments in one year demonstrate “why, from the nation’s founding to the present day, the architects of American democracy have tried so mightily to restrict the hiring of presidential relatives.” The Times adds that if Congress would “require that presidential appointees across the federal government possess relevant credentials and experience, that they meet enforceable performance metrics, and...that they can pass a background check,” it would “prove [Kushner’s] only real achievement.” “Ivanka Trump: Brand Building At The White House.”In the third part of an editorial series on “nepotism in the White House,” the New York Times (3/1, Board) says that before President Trump no American president “has given such an underqualified son or daughter a White House post, and [Ivanka] Trump’s tenure demonstrates why.” The Times says that “no policymaker truly committed to the agenda Ms. Trump espouses would have joined this administration. No presidential adviser with the values she claims would still be working for a president so determined to lay waste to them.” The Times asks why she remains in the Administration and says the answers “could only be family allegiance, personal gain, or plans – wildly optimistic plans, in light of the F.B.I. noose tightening around this White House – for a dynastic political career,” which are “precisely what the founders condemned as nepotism’s dangers to democracy.” “No Matter The Verdict, Corruption Trial Taints Cuomo.”The New York Times (3/1) argues in an editorial that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo would benefit from forgoing suspicious campaign donations in order to demonstrate that “he’s sticking to both the spirit of the rules and his own ethics agenda.” Cuomo’s former aide and family friend Joseph Percoco is on trial for charges of accepting bribes, and Cuomo has “repeatedly urged the Legislature to close” a campaign finance loophole which he himself has used “to plow many hundreds of thousands of dollars from corporate donors into a campaign strongbox containing more than $30 million.” The Times argues that to end such actions would be what is “in some circles...called walking the walk.” FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000069 Washington Post. “Trump’s Tariffs Will Hurt All Americans.” The Washington Post (3/1) editorializes, “Race to the bottom, trade war: Call it what you will, the spiral will eventually harm everyone, the United States and its metal industries very much included.” “There’s Something States Can Do About Gun Violence: ‘Red-Flag’Laws.” In an editorial the Washington Post (3/1) argues that “whether or not Congress adds muscle to gun laws,” states “need not be impotent in the face of credible threats.” The Post voices support for “red-flag” laws that “empower relatives and close friends, as well as law enforcement officers, to ask judges to issue ‘gun violence restraining orders,’” arguing that if Florida had such a law, “it’s possible that the Parkland rampage could have been averted.” “Children Are Killed For Insurance Money. Maryland Is Doing Something About It.”The Washington Post (3/1) writes that legislation in the Maryland House and Senate requiring insurance companies “to tighten underwriting standards and procedures before writing life insurance policies on children” is a positive step toward guarding “against fraud and evil intent” around buying insurance on a child’s life. The Post cites the case of 15-month-old Prince McLeod Rams, who was murdered “by a father who had secretly and fraudulently obtained more than $500,000 in life insurance on the boy.” The editors “would have preferred even stricter requirements,” and urge states like Virginia to follow suit. Wall Street Journal. “Trump’s Tariff Folly.” In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/1) blasts President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum as a tax hike, and predicts it will hurt both the economy and Trump’s voters. “A ShadyJoint-Employer Ambush.”The Wall Street Journal (3/1) criticizes National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Inspector General David Berry for his investigation into Board member Bill Emanuel for a conflict-of￾interest following the NRLB’s decision to reverse an Obama-era standard that contractors had “indirect control” over their subcontractors’ employees. The Journal argues that Berry’s case against Emanuel was off￾track, because Emanuel’s former employer was not directly involved in the case from which Berry argues he should have recused himself. The Journal also asserts that finding such a conflict-of-interest would exclude too great a number of decision-makers from many cases, and sets a double standard by not investigating Obama NLRB appointee Craig Becker, who participated in cases involving his former employer. The Journal says these actions should prompt the Senate to take up bipartisan legislation passed in the House last year setting a “direct-control” standard for subcontractors. “South Africa’s Economic Peril.”The Wall Street Journal (3/1) editorializes that the South African National Assembly’s vote on Tuesday that will begin amending the constitution to allow land expropriation FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000070 without compensation is disappointing. The editors argue that the move will perpetuate failing economic policies. The government is also claiming that expropriation would help overcome apartheid-era land tenure discrimination, but survey data show that these issues are largely resolved. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: Trump To Impose Steep Aluminum And Steel Tariffs Boom In Share Buybacks Renews Question Of Who Wins From Tax Cuts China, Finally, Clamps Down On North Korea Trade—And The Impact Is Stinging Turmoil On Madison Avenue As Marketers Push For Change New York Times: Trump To Impose Sweeping Steel And Aluminum Tariffs Trump’s Chaos Theory For The Oval Office Is Taking Its Toll Putin’s “Invincible” Missile Is Aimed At US Vulnerabilities Trump Wants To Arm Teachers. These Schools Already Do. Trump Targets MS-13, A Violent Menace, If Not The One He Portrays Alberto Carvalho Backs Out Of New York City Schools Job Washington Post: Tough Talk From Russia Relations With US At Worst Point Since Cold War Trump Draws His Line On Trade Hundreds Say Renowned Teacher Harassed Girls 24 Hours Of Chaos Leave Legislators, Aides Reeling Financial Times: Russia To Deploy “Unstoppable” Nuclear Weapons Says Putin Donald Trump To Slap 25% Tariff On Steel Imports Asian Bike-Sharing Companies Find Road Is Tougher In Europe Social Media Faces EU “1-Hour Rule” On Taking Down Terror Content Washington Times: Trump To Slap Tariffs On Steel, Aluminum Liberal Causes, Trump-Bashing To Pull Spotlight From Hollywood Scandals At Oscars NRA Spends Big — And Gets Its Money’s Worth At Ballot Box Democrats Demand Bill With Expanded Background Checks, Gun Confiscations Anti-Establishment Five-Star Movement Set To Upend Italian Politics In A Hemisphere Of Crises, Low-Profile OAS Faces “Irrelevancy Trap” Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000071 ABC: Severe Weather; Weather Forecast; Severe Weather-West Coast; Kushner Controversy; H.R. McMaster-Possible Resignation; Russia-Putin; Florida Shooting-Gun Control; Trump-Trade Tariffs; Trump Cabinet￾Spending Controversy; Virginia-Family Murder; Chicago Traffic Accident; Dallas House Explosion; Cooking Hardware Recall; Academy Awards. CBS: Severe Weather; Severe Weather-Travel Disruption; Severe Weather￾West Coast; Trump-Trade Tariffs; Trump Family Threat-Arrested; Russia￾Putin; ISIS Threats; WV-Teachers Strike; Syrian Civil War; Universal Flu Vaccine Development; Equifax Security Breach; EPA Secretary-Spending Controversy; Nat Geo Photographer. NBC: Russia-Putin; Putin Interview; Trump-Trade Tariffs; White House Staff Turmoil; Severe Weather; Wells Fargo-Whistle Blower; Opioid Epidemic; Online Security Tips; WV-Teachers Strike; Cooking Hardware Recall; Athlete-Family Reunion; NBA Player. Network TVAt A Glance: Severe Weather – 8 minutes, 20 seconds White House Staff Turmoil – 7 minutes, 30 seconds Russia-Putin – 6 minutes, 55 seconds Trump-Trade Tariffs – 5 minutes, 25 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Trump-Trade Tariffs; Wall Street News; Florida Shooting-Gun Control; Russia-Putin; Weinstein Company Merger. CBS: Trump-Trade Tariffs; Russia-Putin; Severe Weather; Florida Shooting￾Gun Control; Wall Street News. FOX: Severe Weather; Trump-Trade Tariffs; Suspicious Death Investigation. NPR: Trump-Trade Tariffs; Florida Shooting-Gun Control; FBI-Russia NRA Ties; Pulse Night Club Widow Trial; Wall Street News. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — Attends the funeral of the Reverend Billy Graham; hosts a roundtable with Republican National Committee; delivers remarks at the Republican National Committee Spring Donor Retreat Dinner. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — Attends the funeral of the Reverend Billy Graham; speaks at America First Policies event. US Senate: No schedule announced. US House: No votes scheduled. Other: 9:00 AM Hudson Institute discussion on ‘Reuniting Ukraine through International Cooperation’ – ‘Reuniting Ukraine through International Cooperation: Options in Donbas’ Hudson Institute discussion, on a new paper from Center on International Cooperation Non-Resident Fellow Richard Gowan, ‘Can the United Nations Unite Ukraine?’, which looks at the FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000072 various ways by which an eventual peacekeeping mission in Ukraine might come about and discusses options that might appeal to all parties in the conflict. Panelists include Gowan, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Amb. Kurt Volker, and Baker McKenzie Senior Associate Lyndon Allin Location: Hudson Institute, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.hudson.org https://twitter.com/HudsonInstitute 9:30 AM DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting continues – Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting, day two, with agenda including a review of the Unity Reform Commission report and other party business Location: W Hotel Washington DC, 515 15th St NW, Washington, DC http://www.democrats.org/ https://twitter.com/TheDemocrats Students For Liberty Liberty Con – Students For Liberty Liberty Con, with speakers including Republican Rep. Justin Amash, Forbes Media Editor￾in-Chief Steve Forbes, ACLU President Susan Herman, Thurgood Marshall College Fund President and CEO Johnny Taylor, Whole Foods Co-founder and CEO John Mackey, Euro Pacific Capital President and CEO Peter Schiff, Foundation for Economic Education President Lawrence Reed, and former Estonian President Mart Laar Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road Northwest, Washington, DC ww.libertycon.com https://twitter.com/sfliberty Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Stephen Colbert: “Now, I’m no economist, so I can’t say whether this tariff is good or bad, but I’m guessing bad because since Trump announced it, the Dow dropped more than 500 points. Yes, it sunk like an anchor made of solid, American steel.” Stephen Colbert: “Rumor has it that the White House already has McMaster’s replacement picked out: Stephen Biegun, who currently serves as Vice President for the Ford Motor Company. So they may be losing a three-star general with a Purple Heart, but the new guy’s a winner of the JD Power Award for best mid-sized sedan three years in a row!” Stephen Colbert: “Trump has been angry ever since Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation, and today we learned that Robert Mueller is examining Trump’s apparent efforts to oust Sessions last July, which is shocking. There’s still someone in the White House who was there since last July?” James Corden: “More details have emerged after White House FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000073 Communications Director Hope Hicks suddenly resigned yesterday. Apparently after Hope Hicks told Congress that she lied on his behalf, the President was so furious he berated her and demanded that Hicks explain how she could be so stupid. To which Hope Hicks replied, ‘You first.’” James Corden: “According to a new article, First Lady Melania Trump was able to come to the United States in 2001 after she got her green card through a program designed for people specifically with, quote, ‘extraordinary ability.’ Now many people are questioning this. And I was going to say, she has put up with Donald Trump for 17 years. If that is not extraordinary, I don’t know what is.” Trevor Noah: “Donald Trump attacked his own party for being scared of the NRA. I did not see that coming. That was the craziest twist since the end of ‘The Usual Suspects.’” Trevor Noah: “I guess yesterday some people on the left got a glimpse of why Trump’s people love him so much. He wants to take action, and he’s not going to let anything stop him. And people on the right got a glimpse of why people are terrified of Trump on the left. He wants to take action, and he’s not going to let anything stop him.” Jimmy Fallon: “White House Communications Director Hope Hicks is leaving the White House. Hicks says she wants to move on to a job that’s a little less stressful like heart surgeon or air traffic controller. Actually, Hicks said that she resigned to pursue other opportunities. Pretty tough job market out there. She had to compete against all those other unemployed Trump communications directors.” Jimmy Fallon: “Meanwhile, the last communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, says that morale at the White House is terrible. Seriously, he was there for 10 days. He’s like a guy who spends a semester in England, comes back with a British accent.” Jimmy Fallon: “I read that Trump actually keeps a list of anyone who has ever criticized him. Even has a name for that list: the US Census.” Seth Meyers: “President Trump is planning to meet next week with members of the video game industry as part of the discussion over school FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000074 safety. He’s also very interested in taking a look at Mario’s immigration papers.” Seth Meyers: [Referring to President Trump’s comments on gun safety yesterday] “Republicans got their dream President, and now he’s just blurting out their worst nightmares. We’re like a week away from Trump driving up to the White House in a Prius blasting the Hamilton soundtrack and wearing a t-shirt that says #Resist.” Conan O’Brien: “Oprah said she asked God for a sign on whether or not she should run for President, but she hasn’t had a sign yet. Yeah, and then someone pointed out Trump being President is the sign.” Jordan Klepper: “Wait, what? Trump take guns? But Obama take guns! So Obama build wall?” Jordan Klepper: “Conservatives are not afraid of the NRA. That’s ridiculous. I know that I’m not at all afraid of the NRA just because they’re a multi￾million-dollar lobbying machine with the ability to totally annihilate anyone who deviates from their message for even a second. No way.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02715984 EXT-18-2336-E-000075 To: Caroline Boulton[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Renner[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-03-02T14:45:17-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Boy Scouts Received: 2018-03-02T14:46:53-05:00 Boy Scout Eagle Award.docx FOIA001:02715999 EXT-18-2336-E-000076 (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02715995 EXT-18-2336-E-000077 To: Caroline Boulton[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Renner[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-03-02T14:56:23-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fw: Privileged & Confidential - Received: 2018-03-02T14:58:18-05:00 pdf pdf ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: To: Ryan Zinke < ; Lolita Zinke > Cc: ; Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2018 5:33 PM Subject: Privileged & Confidentia ***Privileged & Confidential*** Biography | Website | vCard | Email | Twitter | LinkedIn | Blog From: Ryan Zinke [mailto: ] Sent: Friday, February 16, 2018 6:08 PM To: Subject: Fwd: scanned documents (24 pgs x 2) Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716001 EXT-18-2336-E-000078 -------- Original message -------- From: Lolita Zinke > Date: 02/16/2018 17:42 (GMT-05:00) To: Subject: Fwd: scanned documents (24 pgs x 2) Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "staff2342@theupsstore.com" Date: February 15, 2018 at 3:48:35 PM PST To: " " > Subject: scanned documents (24 pgs x 2) Please see attachment, Thank you The UPS Store 315 Meigs Road, Suite A Santa Barbara CA 93109 805.962.8874 805.962.0824 Fax CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This is a transmission from The UPS Store and may contain privileged and confidential information. 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(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716001 EXT-18-2336-E-000079 (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02715991 EXT-18-2336-E-000080 (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02715997 EXT-18-2336-E-000081 Received: RZ From: Sent: Importance: Subject: Cc: To: Good Attached Signed Afternoon, is the Renner, 2018-03-02T15:58:17-05:00 Re: Ryan Form.pdf signed Fw: Zinke form Privileged Elinor 2018-03-02T15:59:05-05:00 Normal from Ryan & Confidential Zinke. - Lolita Zinke Sincerely, Elinor On Fri, Mar 2, 2018 at 2:56 PM, Ryan Zinke < > wrote: ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: To: Ryan Zinke < >; Lolita Zinke < > Cc: ; "Ryan, Stephen" Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2018 5:33 PM Subject: Privileged & Confidential - Biography | Website | vCard | Email | Twitter | LinkedIn | Blog (b)(6) (b)(6) ( (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02715988 EXT-18-2336-E-000082 From: Ryan Zinke [mailto: Sent: Friday, February 16, 2018 6:08 PM To: Subject: Fwd: scanned documents (24 pgs x 2) Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Lolita Zinke < > Date: 02/16/2018 17:42 (GMT-05:00) To: Subject: Fwd: scanned documents (24 pgs x 2) Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "staff2342@theupsstore.com" Date: February 15, 2018 at 3:48:35 PM PST To: " " < > Subject: scanned documents (24 pgs x 2) Please see attachment, Thank you The UPS Store 315 Meigs Road, Suite A Santa Barbara CA 93109 805.962.8874 805.962.0824 Fax CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This is a transmission from The UPS Store and may contain privileged and confidential information. 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Thank you. ******************************************************************************************************************* Please visit http://www.mwe.com/ for more information about our Firm. -- Elinor Renner U.S. Department of the Interior Immediate Office of the Secretary Special Assistant to the Secretary Washington, DC 20240 202-208-6087 FOIA001:02715988 EXT-18-2336-E-000084 (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02715985 EXT-18-2336-E-000085 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-05T06:59:45-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Monday, March 5, 2018 Received: 2018-03-05T06:59:50-05:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 5, 2018 at 5:01:40 AM CST To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Monday, March 5, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2018 6:00 AM EST Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • New York Times: Department Of Interior Documents Show Original Focus On Oil Exploration In National Monument Land. • Associated Press: US Interior Boss Defers Contested Oil And Gas Lease Sale. • Houston Chronicle: As CERAWeek Kicks Off, Energy Industry Focuses On Technology, Innovation. • NPR: In Pa., Zinke Unveils Federal Government’s $55M Toward State’s Abandoned Mine Cleanup Efforts. • Platts: Trump Administration Weighs Plan To Lower Offshore Oil And Gas Royalty Rates. • The Hill: Coal Industry Mired In Decline Despite Trump Pledges. • The Hill: Greens Launch Ads Against Republicans Who Voted For Drilling In Arctic Refuge. • San Francisco Chronicle: Along California-Oregon Border, Debate Over Protected Lands Is Clash Of Values. • Helena (MT) Independent Record: Daines, Tester Present Plan To Spend $80M A Year On Montana’s Rural Water Projects. • Associated Press: Questions Surround Trump’s 1st Wall Contract. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • FBI: Spike In Pine Ridge Reservation Homicides Tied To Meth. • Family Rails Against Bureau Of Indian Affairs. Bureau Of Land Management • Salem (OR) Capital Press: Prison Program To Rehab Sage Grouse Habitat Faces Uncertain Future. (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000086 • Associated Press: Feral Cattle A Nuisance In A California National Monument. • Palm Springs (CA) Desert Sun: Joshua Tree Cries Foul As Trump Targets California Desert For Energy. • Associated Press: Gianforte Proposes To Release Montana Wilderness Study Areas. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management • Trump Drilling Plan Faces Backlash. Bureau Of Reclamation • AZ Water Managers Disagree On Ways To Avoid Colorado River Shortage. Fish And Wildlife Service • Associated Press: Groups, US Reach Settlement On Predator-Killing Poisons. • Associated Press: Judge Gives Group 90 Days To Save Historic Arkansas Bridge. National Park Service • Skift: U.S. National Parks Still Aren’t Sure How To Deal With Overtourism. • Associated Press: DC Gun Control March Bumped From Site For Talent Show. • Associated Press: Peak Bloom For DC’s Famed Cherry Trees Is Coming Early. • Missoulian (MT): No Food, Lodging At Glacier’s Sperry Complex This Summer. • Arizona Daily Sun: Off-road Vehicle Access Expands In Glen Canyon Under New Proposal. • Denver Post: Rocky Mountain National Park Will Open 2-mile Stretch Of Lakeside Trail To Mountain Bikes. • Associated Press: Yellowstone National Park Preparing Roads For Spring. • Hawley (PA) News Eagle: NPS Will Close River Road To Protect Breeding Amphibians. • Beckley (WV) Register-Herald: NPS To Hold Meeting On Climbing Regulations. Insular And International Affairs • President Trump OKs Disaster Declaration In American Samoa. US Geological Survey • Fox News: 1.5M ‘Rare Penguins’ Discovered In Antarctica. Opinion Pieces • Sec. Zinke Putting Our Special Places At Risk. • Desert Lands Mark Zinke Anniversary With Plenty Of Uncertainty. • What The Most Endangered Grizzlies In The Lower 48 Don’t Need: A National Hiking Trail Through Their Territory. • Our Opinion: Offshore Drilling Not Worth The Risk. • Where’s The Outrage Over Cutting Oil And Gas Royalty Rates. • Additional Reading. Top National News • Associated Press: Media Analyses: Despite Outcry, Administration To Proceed On Tariffs. • Washington Post: Trump Threatens To Impose Tax On European Cars If EU Retaliates Over Steel, Aluminum Tariffs. • New York Times: Trump Asserts Trade Wars Are “Good” And Insists They Are FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000087 “Easy To Win.” • Washington Post: After Meeting With NRA, White House Says Trump Is Not Yet Decided On What Gun Control Measures He Supports. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “Donald Trump Sure Has A Problem With Democracy.” • Washington Post. - “Gratuitous Cruelty By Homeland Security: Separating A 7-Year-Old From Her Mother.” - “The UN Human Rights Commissioner Says Shame Is In Retreat. He’s Right.” - “Democracy Is Dying In Cambodia. Facebook Should Make Sure It Doesn’t Help Kill It.” • Wall Street Journal. - “The Qualcomm Question.” - “Steel Tariffs Without Jobs.” - “The Italian Indecision.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Department Of Interior Documents Show Original Focus On Oil Exploration In National Monument Land. The New York Times (3/2, Lipton, Friedman) reports that internal agency documents show the Department of Interior “was focused on the potential for oil and gas exploration at” the protected Bears Ears National Monument in Utah “even before President Trump opened his high-profile review” of the lands last spring. The documents show that Sen. Orrin Hatch “asked a senior Interior Department official” in March 2017 “to consider reduced boundaries for Bears Ears National Monument...to remove land that contained oil and natural gas deposits that had been set aside to help fund area public schools,” and provided a map of Bears Ears which “was incorporated almost exactly into the much larger reductions President Trump announced in December.” The documents were published by the New York Times (3/2). The AP (3/2) reports that “agency spokeswoman Heather Swift said Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke considered the viewpoints of ‘members of Congress, governors, state and tribal leaders, and the public’ before recommending reductions at the Utah monuments.” Swift “said he also heard from the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, which is responsible for education funding that comes in part from the sale FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000088 of resources from state lands.” Also, “Hatch’s office said Friday that the Republican lawmaker was ‘grateful’ for the release of the emails because they make clear that his request for changes to the monument were focused on school funding.” The Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (3/2, Maffly) reports that however, “for a leader of Utah Diné Bikéyah, one of the tribal groups that advocated for Bears Ears, release of the emails was confirmation of hypocrisy on behalf of political leaders.” Willie Grayeyes, the group’s board chairman for Utah Diné Bikéyah, said, “As we can see from these letters, the reassurances from Utah politicians do not match their actions.” He asked, “Why are human lives and pristine landscapes not honored as respected by Utah leaders? What will it take for them to hear our voice?” Additional coverage was provided by The Hill (3/2, Delk) and MSNBC (3/2). US Interior Boss Defers Contested Oil And Gas Lease Sale. The AP (3/2, Bryan) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is “putting the brakes on an upcoming oil and gas lease sale after hearing concerns from American Indian tribal leaders and others about potential effects on numerous cultural sites that dot the northwestern corner of New Mexico.” The move, described as a “surprise” by the AP, was “welcomed Friday by environmental groups and others who had organized around a campaign to flood the Bureau of Land Management with an unprecedented number of protests against the sale.” Zinke “told the Albuquerque Journal in an interview Thursday in Washington that the agency would halt the sale of 25 parcels, citing the concerns about cultural impact.” On Friday, Zinke explained that “he wants the agency to complete an ongoing analysis of nearly 5,500 culture sites in the proposed leasing area.” Zinke said in a statement, “I’ve always said there are places where it is appropriate to develop and where it’s not. This area certainly deserves more study.” Also reporting are the Washington Post (3/2, Eilperin), the Farmington (NM) Daily Times (3/2, Moses), the Alamosa (CO) Valley Courier (3/4), Santa Fe New Mexican (3/3, Stiny), and the High Country (CO) News (3/2, Thompson). As CERAWeek Kicks Off, Energy Industry Focuses On Technology, Innovation. The Houston Chronicle (3/2, Blunt) reports that Interior Ryan Zinke is mong this year’s headliners at this week’s CERAWeek conference in Houston. Likely topics for discussion at the conference include the US shale boom, the OPEC production cut agreement, and how oil field operations are being increasingly transformed with the advent of digital technology. In Pa., Zinke Unveils Federal Government’s $55M Toward State’s Abandoned Mine Cleanup Efforts. NPR (3/2, Frazier) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke went to FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000089 Western Pennsylvania “to tout the federal government’s abandoned mine cleanup program.” Zinke visisted East Bethlehem Township, Washington County, “to announce $300 million in federal funds for abandoned mine lands throughout the country.” The article notes that “of the $300 million in abandoned mine funding, Pennsylvania’s share will be $55 million, second only to Wyoming’s, at $91 million.” Trump Administration Weighs Plan To Lower Offshore Oil And Gas Royalty Rates. Platts (3/2, Scheid) reports the Trump administration is reviewing “an industry-backed recommendation to cut royalty rates for all leases in federal waters by one-third, a proposal aimed at boosting offshore oil and natural gas production.” The proposal, which was “unanimously approved by the Department of Interior’s Royalty Policy Committee on Wednesday,” calls to reduce “rates for offshore oil and gas leases in US waters...from 18.75% to 12.5%.” National Ocean Industries Association spokesperson Nicolette Nye said, “As companies determine where to spend their limited capital money for exploration, the 12.5% rate may be the tipping point for deciding whether to invest in US waters.” Executive Director of the Center for Western Priorities Jennifer Rokala criticized the recommendation and said, “Zinke has stacked the deck with energy companies and asked them if they should pay less to extract oil, gas, and coal from our public lands and waters. ... It’s like asking kindergarteners if they want birthday cake for dinner. You know the answer you’ll get.” The Houma (LA) Courier (3/3, Magill) reports supporters of the recommendation believe the reduced royalty rate “could reinvigorate an offshore oilfield that has shed thousands of jobs amid a three-and-a-half-year bust,” while opponents believe “the measure amounts to a giveaway that benefits oil companies at the expense of U.S. taxpayers.” Coal Industry Mired In Decline Despite Trump Pledges. The Hill (3/4, Wilson) reports President Trump “has moved aggressively in his first year in office to roll back regulations he says have harmed America’s coal miners” but according to the Energy Information Agency “Americans will be less dependent on coal, that coal production will fall, and that coal capacity in the nation’s power plants is likely to decline in coming years.” The Hill adds “the war on coal, in short, is over. And coal lost.” Experts contend that coal regulations “may have hastened the demise of a once-dominant industry. But the decline started with market forces far more powerful than any presidential administration, including changing demands and the low cost of natural gas.” Greens Launch Ads Against Republicans Who Voted For Drilling In Arctic Refuge. The Hill (3/2, Cama) reports the National Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) campaign arm on Friday “launched a six-figure advertising FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000090 campaign” against Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan Costello, Patrick Meehan, and Erik Paulson over their vote “to permit oil and natural gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)” as part of “the controversial GOP tax overhaul last year, which has a provision that authorizes it.” Along California-Oregon Border, Debate Over Protected Lands Is Clash Of Values. The San Francisco Chronicle (3/4, Alexander) reports that the Cascade￾Siskiyou National Monument is “at the heart of a nationwide debate over the management of America’s public lands,” following President Trump’s recent decision to shrink two monuments in Utah. The Trump Administration has “recommended more logging and cattle grazing.” But “all four senators from California and Oregon, as well as many in the state legislatures, are lining up with conservation groups to protest.” Daines, Tester Present Plan To Spend $80M A Year On Montana’s Rural Water Projects. The Helena (MT) Independent Record (3/2, Lutey) reports that Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines “have put forth a 20-year plan to spend $80 million a year on Montana rural water projects, most of which have been funded a few million dollars at a time since first being endorsed by Congress in 2000.” The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Water and Power “held a hearing on the Montana bill Wednesday, during which the Department of Interior made its case for funding rural water projects.” Alan Mikkelsen, senior adviser to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on water and western resources, “said the Interior also supported firming up American Indian tribal water rights and compensating tribes for land lost to reservoirs.” Questions Surround Trump’s 1st Wall Contract. The AP (3/2, Beck) reports that Nebraska startup SWF Constructors, which was “awarded the first border wall construction project” under President Trump, “is the offshoot of a construction firm that was sued repeatedly for failing to pay subcontractors and accused in a 2016 government audit of shady billing practices.” The AP says “it remains unclear why SWF was listed” on the wall contract bid rather than its New York-based owner Edgewood, but legal experts suspect it may reflect “an attempt to dodge scrutiny of past legal problems.” Bureau Of Indian Affairs FBI: Spike In Pine Ridge Reservation Homicides Tied To Meth. The AP (3/4) reports the FBI says that “An increased prevalence of meth at South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation led to an unusual number of homicides in 2016,” in the AP’s words. FBI Assistant Special in Charge Robert Perry said, “We wanted to understand, ‘Is there something we’re FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000091 missing?’ Is there a trend here that we haven’t identified that we could affect?’ The answer really is we didn’t find anything other than the drug use.” The Rapid City (SD) Journal (3/4, Tan) reports, “Perry said the violent deaths tapered off in 2017 once the Pine Ridge meth trade dynamics got sorted out.” Family Rails Against Bureau Of Indian Affairs. The Daily Mail (3/2) reports that “an investigation into the whereabouts of missing 21-year-old woman from Montana has been turned over to the FBI.” Ashley Loring Heavyrunner “vanished from Montana’s Blackfeet Reservation in June of 2017 and has not been heard from since.” The investigation was “initially opened and led by the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” but “after more than nine months without success, the department turned their investigation over to the federal agency.” Bureau Of Land Management Prison Program To Rehab Sage Grouse Habitat Faces Uncertain Future. The Salem (OR) Capital Press (3/2, Plaven) reports that Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are calling for the Interior Department “to continue funding an innovative prison work program designed to rehabilitate fire￾scorched rangeland and restore habitat for sage grouse across the West.” The senators “stressed the importance” of the Sagebrush in Prisons Project in a letter sent Feb. 15 to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. The project “faces an uncertain future after a funding agreement for roughly $500,000 with the BLM expired last September.” Feral Cattle A Nuisance In A California National Monument. The AP (3/4) reports that feral cattle in the Sand to Snow National Monument have “become a nuisance to hikers and local vegetation.” The Los Angeles Times (3/2, Sahagun) reports meanwhile, “a pack of pit bulls has been killing and eating wild cattle.” According to the article, “the conflicts have become a local crisis not just because of the wild cattle and dogs, but also because the number of visitors and hikers in the Mojave Preserve and Sand to Snow National Monument has increased dramatically since it received federal designation in 2016, up from 90,000 to 148,000 last year.” The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, “which co-manage the monument’s 101,000 acres as wilderness, said they plan in March to dispatch a team of federal land managers, biologists and representatives of the nearby Morongo Band of Mission Indians reservation to come up with a strategy and funds to eliminate the unbranded cattle and collarless dogs.” Additional coverage was provided by Newsweek (3/3, Delzo). Joshua Tree Cries Foul As Trump Targets California Desert For Energy. FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000092 The Palm Springs (CA) Desert Sun (3/2, Roth) reports that nearly 200 people attended a public meeting in the town of Joshua Tree on the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan last Thursday. Trump Administration officials “say they’re looking for ways to open more...lands not only to renewable energy projects, but also to mining, grazing, off-roading and broadband internet infrastructure to serve rural communities.” According to the article, “most of the people who attended Thursday’s meeting are adamantly opposed to any changes to the desert plan — at least under the Trump administration.” Gianforte Proposes To Release Montana Wilderness Study Areas. The AP (3/4) reports that Rep. Greg Gianforte has “drafted two bills proposing to release almost 690,000 acres (279,000 hectares) of wilderness study areas in Montana.” One bill “proposes to release 449,500 acres (182,000 hectares) of wilderness study areas all on national forest lands.” The other would “release an additional 240,000 acres (97,000 hectares) of Bureau of Land Management wilderness.” Also reporting are the Helena (MT) Independent Record (3/3, French), and the Missoula Current (MT) (3/2, Kidston). Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management Trump Drilling Plan Faces Backlash. The Hill (3/4, Cama) reports, “The oil industry has been put on the defensive in the fight over the Trump administration’s plan to expand offshore drilling.” According to the Hill, “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s decision to consider oil and natural gas drilling nearly everywhere along the nation’s coasts” is facing a “fierce and bipartisan” backlash. However, “the oil industry has also been active, drawing upon military veterans, grass￾roots efforts and web advertising to push the drilling expansion.” The American Petroleum Institute has been actively “meeting with decisionmakers and using its existing grass-roots campaigns like Energy Nation and Energy Citizens.” API Upstream director Erik Milito said, “If we’re going to truly try to embrace American energy security, it’s essential for us to keep as many options on the table as possible, so we can at least find out what kind of resources might be out there. That’s all we’re talking about at this point.” According to the Hill, “Milito said much of the conversation from API centers on the argument that it’s in the country’s best interest to produce more oil and gas domestically instead of relying on imports.” Brunswick (GA) News (3/3, Wolfe) reported on a BOEM public hearing for Georgians on offshore drilling was attended by both environmentalists and “a number of industry advocates,” including Georgia Energy Council executive director Hunter Hopkins – who “said he spent around an hour and a half between the stations and talking with BOEM staff and attendees, and said he felt the people from BOEM knew of what they spoke.” Bureau Of Reclamation FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000093 AZ Water Managers Disagree On Ways To Avoid Colorado River Shortage. The Arizona Republic (3/2, Loomis) reports that “Arizona officials are calling for new conservation measures on the Colorado River that would protect water levels in Lake Mead from the effects of a relentless drought across the Southwest.” Gov. Doug Ducey’s administration “wants legislative authority to allow water users to skip delivery of some of their allocation this year to prevent shortages in future years.” However, the Central Arizona Project has “opposed the idea, preferring to stick with existing programs.” Fish And Wildlife Service Groups, US Reach Settlement On Predator-Killing Poisons. The AP (3/2, Ridler) reports that federal officials have “agreed to complete a study on how two predator-killing poisons could be affecting federally protected species as part of the settlement of a lawsuit filed by environmental and animal-welfare groups.” The agreement filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Montana “requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete consultations with the Environmental Protection Agency by the end of 2021 on the two poisons used by federal workers on rural Western lands to protect livestock.” According to the article, “the Center for Biological Diversity and the other groups in the lawsuit filed last year in Montana say Fish and Wildlife is violating the Endangered Species Act by not analyzing with the EPA how sodium cyanide and Compound 1080 could harm federally protected species including grizzly bears and Canada lynx.” Judge Gives Group 90 Days To Save Historic Arkansas Bridge. The AP (3/4) reports that “an Arkansas judge has given supporters of the old White River bridge in Clarendon 90 days to find a way to prevent the 87-year-old span from being demolished.” Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza “says he will dismiss a lawsuit to block the bridge’s destruction if there is no deal to keep the bridge intact.” The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (3/4, Lynch) reports that “the old bridge and its replacement are both in the wildlife sanctuaries on the White and Cache rivers that are overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.” National Park Service U.S. National Parks Still Aren’t Sure How To Deal With Overtourism. Skift (3/2, Peltier) reports that “many U.S. National Park Service officials have publicly pointed to the negative impact of overtourism during the past year, and they are considering reservation systems for some parks and other measures to address visitor growth.” However, such systems “aren’t imminent, said Donny Leadbetter, tourism program manager for the U.S. National Park Service.” Leadbetter said, “The reservation systems are FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000094 probably not happening this year, they’re at least a year or more away. We have online portals where we collect comments on plans and have community meetings. There are macro constraints that are out of the control of the travel industry.” DC Gun Control March Bumped From Site For Talent Show. The AP (3/2) reports that “a DC gun control rally later this month can’t be held at the National Mall because the space was already reserved for a talent show.” National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst said the “March For Our Lives” organizers “applied for a space that was already taken, forcing them to search for another site.” The Huffington Post (3/2, Papenfuss) reports that organizers are “now seeking a permit to use Pennsylvania Avenue on a route that would take them from the Capitol to Trump International Hotel.” Peak Bloom For DC’s Famed Cherry Trees Is Coming Early. The AP (3/2) reports that the National Park Service announced Thursday the projected peak date for Washington’s cherry blossoms will be March 17 to March 20. Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst “says April 4 is the historical average date for peak bloom, which is the day when 70 percent of the blossoms are open in trees around the Tidal Basin.” This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival will run from March 20 to April 15. No Food, Lodging At Glacier’s Sperry Complex This Summer. The Missoulian (MT) (3/4, Byron) reports that “dead and dying trees from the 2017 Sprague fire in Glacier National Park need to be cleared out” before the Sperry Chalet area can be opened to the public. Lauren Alley, a spokesperson for Glacier National Park, “said they’ll start clearing trees from the 6-mile trail to the Sperry Chalet complex as soon as the snow melts.” Alley said, “Snyder and Sperry backcountry campgrounds are targeted for opening in August. Lincoln backcountry campground may open in September. Rehabilitation is needed at those campgrounds following the fire.” Off-road Vehicle Access Expands In Glen Canyon Under New Proposal. The Arizona Daily Sun (3/3, Cowan) reports that “off-road vehicle users would have more legal access to areas around Lake Powell but could also be required to purchase a permit and abide by new seasonal beach closures under a set of regulations being considered at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.” According to Glen Canyon superintendent William Shott, “the changes could mean new permit costs for off-road vehicle, or ORV, users and an increase in ORV traffic and tourism opportunities in the national recreation area.” Shott said, “We’re seeing a trend at Glen Canyon to where boating activity has flatlined and actually declined by 10 percent but visitation is booming and the majority of visitor FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000095 use is land-based. This is giving more folks more opportunities that are managed by specific purpose.” Additional coverage was provided by the St. George (UT) News (3/3). Rocky Mountain National Park Will Open 2-mile Stretch Of Lakeside Trail To Mountain Bikes. The Denver Post (3/2, Blevins) reports that Rocky Mountain National Park will “allow mountain bikes on a 2-mile stretch of lakeside trail in Grand County.” The move is “about 18 years in the making.” Cycling advocates are “heralding the first embrace of mountain biking in Rocky Mountain National Park — and a rare approval for mountain biking in any national park — as a step toward acknowledging the importance of all forms of cycling.” Yellowstone National Park Preparing Roads For Spring. The AP (3/3) reports that crews in Yellowstone National Park are “planning to close roads to oversnow travel as they prepare for the spring.” Park officials “say the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris will be the first to close Sunday, and the remaining roads will close to oversnow travel by March 15.” NPS Will Close River Road To Protect Breeding Amphibians. The Hawley (PA) News Eagle (3/1) reports that “motorists can expect River Road within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to be closed on several evenings over the next few weeks to protect breeding amphibians.” Each year, the National Park Service “take steps to protect migrating amphibians by closing River Road in Middle Smithfield Township between park headquarters and Hialeah Picnic Area on several mild, rainy nights from March to mid-April.” This “allows vulnerable amphibians to crawl or hop from distances of a few hundred feet to sometimes more than a quarter mile, to moist breeding pools without the risk of being crushed by vehicle tires.” NPS To Hold Meeting On Climbing Regulations. The Beckley (WV) Register-Herald (3/4, Jackson) reports that “after two years of meetings and planning, the National Park Service will put into motion a change to its climbing rules and regulations in the New River Gorge area.” The NPS will host a public education session on March 26. Insular And International Affairs President Trump OKs Disaster Declaration In American Samoa. The AP (3/3) reports President Trump on Friday approved a disaster declaration for American Samoa, freeing up federal assistance to the US territory “in the wake of damage caused by tropical storm Gita last month.” The AP says the funds “can go toward grants for temporary housing, home FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000096 repairs, low-cost loans for property losses and other programs.” US Geological Survey 1.5M ‘Rare Penguins’ Discovered In Antarctica. Fox News (3/2) reports that “a thriving ‘hotspot’ of 1.5 million Adelie penguins, a species fast declining in parts of the world, has been discovered on remote islands off the Antarctic Peninsula.” Scientists found “that the first bird census of the Danger Islands unearthed over 750,000 Adelie breeding pairs, more than the rest of the area combined, the team reported in the journal Scientific Reports.” The article notes that “evidence of the previously-unknown penguin colony first emerged in data from the Landsat Earth-monitoring satellites run by NASA and the US Geological Survey.” Opinion Pieces Sec. Zinke Putting Our Special Places At Risk. In an op-ed for the Bozeman (MT) Daily Chronicle (3/3, Adams), Stephanie Adams, the Yellowstone program manager for National Parks Conservation Association, acknowledges “a few bright spots” from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s first year in office, including support “for protecting Yellowstone and the Paradise Valley from two encroaching large-scale gold mines” and a focus on “the growing maintenance backlog at our national parks.” However, Adams writes, these “have largely been overshadowed by actions from his department, and the Trump administration, that can be summed up as a war on our national parks and public lands.” Adams urges Zinke to “draw inspiration” from President Theodore Roosevelt “in year two of his public service.” Desert Lands Mark Zinke Anniversary With Plenty Of Uncertainty. In an op-ed for the Palm Springs (CA) Desert Sun (3/4, Lamfrom), David Lamfrom, the California Desert Director for National Parks Conservation Association, claims that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s “first year of actions would undermine over 40 years of progress and have placed over 6 million acres of desert lands in harm’s way.” Lamfrom takes issue with the inclusion of Mojave Trails and Sand to Snow National Monuments in Zinke’s review of national monuments, the Cadiz Inc. water proposal, fee hikes at national parks, and possible changes to the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. He argues that “Zinke’s policies are out of step with realities on the ground and undercut genuine partnerships between communities and some of the local staff at National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.” What The Most Endangered Grizzlies In The Lower 48 Don’t Need: A National Hiking Trail Through Their Territory. In an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times (3/4, Bass), Rick Bass, an author FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000097 and a founding board member of the Yaak Valley Forest Council, raises concerns with a proposed hiking path through the Yaak Valley, in northwestern Montana. The Pacific Northwest Trail would pass “dead￾center through the heart of the territory occupied by the Yaak’s remnant population of grizzlies.” Bass hopes “to sit down with scientists and agency officials...and find a solution.” Our Opinion: Offshore Drilling Not Worth The Risk. The Greensboro (NC) News & Record (3/3) picked up an editorial in which the Winston-Salem (NC) Journal (3/1) argued that BOEM representatives, who held the department’s “only public meeting in the state for commenting on the Trump administration’s plan to open our coast to offshore drilling” this week, were still greeted by “hundreds of environmentalists,” despite restrictions on public comments. The Journal reported the North Carolina Petroleum Council’s David McGowan said, “Gov. Cooper and other outspoken opponents of offshore energy development have said ‘not off our coast’ or essentially ‘not in my backyard.’ This is not a productive, responsible state energy strategy.” However, according to the Journal, “actually it is. What’s irresponsible is risking such a unique treasure as our coast for temporary financial gain from a relatively limited resource.” The Journal concludes that the “proposal has drawn opposition from 14 coastal-state governors, Democrats and Republicans alike, including Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who has been promised an exemption from the drilling plan... These people know what they’ve got and they know what we know — it’s not worth the risk.” Where’s The Outrage Over Cutting Oil And Gas Royalty Rates. New Orleans Times-Picayune (3/4, Marshall) columnist Bob Marshall asserts, “next time a Louisiana politician – or anyone else working for the oil industry – says they support expanded offshore oil development because the royalties help pay for our coastal restoration projects, feel free to stick a big Pinocchio nose on them.” He questions why politicians who use royalties to justify their support for “President Donald Trump’s Drill￾Everywhere-Now-Baby! Policy” have not expressed outrage at the Interior Department’s recent recommendation to lower royalty payments for offshore oil and gas drilling. Marshall warns, “You don’t need an Ivy League degree like Trump’s to understand increasing the number of wells, but reducing the royalties will end up being a big win for the oil companies, but likely a big zero for the coast. But it also will mean increased pollution and higher risk of a catastrophic disaster like the Deepwater Horizon.” Additional Reading. • Harmful Public Lands Bills In Congress. Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel (3/4, Neckels). • Editorial: A Toxic Solution To Westlands Lawsuit. San Francisco FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000098 Chronicle (3/4). • Tap Fund For Coal Country Land, WaterRestoration. Scranton (PA) Times Tribune (3/4, HUGHES). • Guest Opinion: Paonia ReservoirDramatic Example OfWidespreadWater Infrastructure Needs. Glenwood Springs (CO) Post Independent (3/3, Holm). • Viewpoint: National Parks May Face Drastic Cuts. Mount Desert (ME) Islander (3/2, Steele). • GuyW. Farmer: BLM Should HeadWest. Nevada Appeal (3/3, Farmer). • Zimmerman: The Bureau OfLand Management Is Promoting A “Bad Neighbor”Policy ForPublic Lands. Casper (WY) Star-Tribune (3/2, Zimmerman). • Making, Not Breaking, Sage-grouse Recovery. Durango (CO) Herald (3/3, Laszlo). • Despite Progress, WaterProblem Is Still Here. Kingman (AZ) Daily Miner (3/4). • The Importance OfRoadless Areas. Santa Fe New Mexican (3/3, Allison). • A Bit OfMissed News. Idaho State Journal (3/4, Maughan). • Guest View: The Conservative Argument For The CSKTCompact. Montana Standard (3/4, Swanson). • A Cabinet Full OfCorruption. Boston Globe (3/2, Cohen). • White House & Trump Administration: Officials Spend Public Money. National Review (3/2, Charen). Top National News Media Analyses: Despite Outcry, Administration To Proceed On Tariffs. With trade advisor Peter Navarro and Commerce Secretary Ross making the rounds on the Sunday shows, most media reports remark on their forcefulness in defending the President’s decision to levy tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Trump also reiterated his position on Twitter last night, writing, “We are on the losing side of almost all trade deals. Our friends and enemies have taken advantage of the US for many years. Our Steel and Aluminum industries are dead. Sorry, it’s time for a change! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Media analyses also reflected what the AP (3/4, Freking, Miller) termed the blurred “lines of partisanship” on the trade issue, with “labor unions and liberal Democrats...in the unusual position of applauding Trump...while Republicans and an array of business groups are warning of dire economic and political consequences if he goes ahead with the tariffs.” The Los Angeles Times (3/4, King) reports that yesterday, “officials signaled...that...Trump is determined to impose punishing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, brushing aside an outcry from foreign allies, US manufacturers, Republican lawmakers and other presidential advisors.” FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000099 The AP (3/4, Freking, Miller) also says the Administration “appears unbowed by broad domestic and international criticism,” and Bloomberg News (3/4, Weiss, Niquette, Miller) that it “shows scant sign of watering down its plan to impose stiff tariffs,” and the Wall Street Journal (3/4, Leubsdorf, Ballhaus) runs a similar analysis. The CBS Weekend News (3/4, story 2, 1:15, Jiang), meanwhile, showed Ross saying, “The President has announced that this will happen this week. I have no reason to think otherwise.” However, the Washington Post (3/4, Gearan, Demirjian) finds Ross and Navarro “sent mixed signals” and left “room for an unpredictable president to change his mind.” To the Post, “Ross said that although he does not expect Trump to change his mind, he does not rule it out.” On NBC’s Meet the Press, Ross said of Trump, “Whatever his final decision is, is what will happen. ... What he has said he has said; if he says something different, it’ll be something different.” The New York Times (3/4, Swanson), in a story titled “Trump Advisers Fervently Defend Tariffs (Unless They Change, That Is),” takes a similar lines, reporting that “the White House continued to sow uncertainty...about the stiff tariffs.” NBC Nightly News (3/4, lead story, 2:45, Snow) also reported that Ross said he had “not seen any signs the President would back away or carve out certain exceptions for friendly nations, but he also cautioned that it’s up to the President, and that the decision could come this week.” The Los Angeles Times (3/4, King) reports Navarro and Ross “each suggested that Trump was unlikely to exempt allied countries from the tariffs, despite national-security concerns raised by some of his own advisors about the move.” On ABC’s This Week (3/4), for example, Ross defended the President’s plan, saying that “economic security is national security,” and said in regard to concerns from US allies, “We have unilaterally given away all kinds of concessions since the end of World War II. ... Concessions that were reasonable to make to Germany in 1945 or China in 1945 don’t make sense any more” as “those are now very mature, big, strong economies.” Moreover, USA Today (3/4, Korte, Jackson) reports, the officials “downplayed the impact of the president’s planned steel and aluminum tariffs on American consumers Sunday, saying they amount to ‘a fraction of a penny on a can of beer.’” USA Today Ross told NBC’s Meet the Press, “Retaliation isn’t going to change the price of a can of beer. It isn’t going to change the price of a car. It’s just not going to. It can’t.” Ross also told NBC’s Meet the Press (3/4, Todd) that “we have a big trade deficit with the rest of the world” as “our cumulative deficit equals the cumulative surplus of the rest of the world. ... They, therefore, have much more at risk in a trade war than we do.” The Washington Examiner (3/4, Feldscher) notes “Ross said he thinks the 25 percent tariff on steel imports and 10 percent tax on aluminum imports will push other countries to the negotiating table for better trade deals.” Said Ross, “They have a lot more to lose than we do because those hundreds of billions [of dollars] are in FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000100 their pockets, not ours.” Reuters (3/4, Chiacu, Volcovici) also reports that Navarro “said countries will not be excluded from the tariffs because that would become a slippery slope, but there will be a mechanism for corporate exemptions in some cases.” Bloomberg News (3/4, Weiss, Niquette, Miller) notes Navarro told Fox News Sunday, “As soon as he starts exempting countries, he has to raise the tariff on everybody else. ... As soon as he exempts one country, his phone starts ringing with the heads of state of other countries.” Breitbart (3/4, Key) quotes Navarro as saying, “Difference between exemptions and country exclusions. They’ll be an exemption procedure for particular cases where we need to have exemptions so that business can move forward, but at this point in time, the no country exclusions.” Politico (3/4, Palmer, Warmbrodt) says “Trump is imposing the tariffs as a result of a nine-month investigation that found that current volumes of steel and aluminum imports are a threat to national security because they undermine the long-term viability of both industries.” However, “most other nations see that as a thinly disguised excuse to take protectionist measures.” Navarro told CBS’ Face The Nation (3/4, Brennan) that he is “surprised anyone was surprised by this” as “this goes back to April when the president directed the Secretary of Commerce to investigate what is severe just threat to our aluminum and steel industry.” Navarro also told Fox News Sunday (3/4, Wallace) that “Trump wants to...fulfill his campaign promises to the American people and the American workers,” and “is doing this because if he doesn’t...we will lose” the aluminum industry “very quickly and our steel industry very quickly thereafter. ... We’re down to five smelters.” Navarro said in regards to estimates of the tariffs’ effect on US consumers, “When you’re talking about these massive costs or whatever is in fact, it’s not” because “there are no downstream price effects on our industries that are significant.” Ross: Cohn “Certainly Not Going To Walk Out”Over Tariffs. Politico (3/4, Warmbrodt) reports Ross also told ABC’s “This Week” that “top White House economic adviser Gary Cohn is not leaving the administration after failing to stop...Trump from imposing” the tariffs. Said Ross, “The president likes to hear every side of every argument. ... That way he’s sure he’s gotten all points of view. We’ve had lively discussion, but Gary Cohn, as far as I know, is certainly not going to walk out.” Navarro Denies Reports Of“Guerrilla Warfare”Leading Up To Trump’s Decision. The Washington Examiner (3/4, Lim) reports that on Fox News Sunday, Navarro “ripped reports Sunday that senior Trump administration officials were complaining that he used ‘guerrilla warfare’ tactics in the West Wing to unduly influence...Trump’s economic policy, including lobbying for Trump’s hastily announced tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.” Said Navarro, “I would say that sitting here on a Sunday with you, that’s a bit of a cheap shot, that there’s no facts and evidence to support that. ... And if I’ve learned anything in the 14 months here in FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000101 Washington in the White House is that there’s all sorts of malicious leaks that go in that try to hurt us.” Navarro, notes the New York Post (3/4, Schultz), also “accused the media...of hyping up a trade war and got a swift scolding from the show’s anchor.” Navarro said on Fox News, “It would be helpful if the media didn’t have all these crazy headlines about trade wars.” Anchor Chris Wallace “shot back in a heated interview that the media were just reporting on Trump’s own tweet Friday.” White House Meeting: Trump Called Cohn A “Globalist”; Cohn Thought Navarro And Ross Were “Lying.” Axios (3/4, Swan) describes a contentious White House meeting on the tariffs, in which “Cohn and [former aide Rob] Porter argued on one side, and Navarro and Ross fought on the other.” Cohn “tried to argue that these tariffs would ruin Trump’s record-setting stock market streak and wipe away benefits of tax reform. But Trump kept saying Cohn was a ‘globalist’ while he himself was an economic nationalist.” Cohn “later told associates he believed Navarro and Ross were lying to the president.” Politico adds, “Asked about this, a Commerce spokesman retorted: ‘The facts that form the basis for this decision are laid out in the two 232 reports that Secretary Ross submitted to the President. No one has refuted the facts in those reports.’” Brady, Graham, Kasich Among Critics OfTrump Decision. NBC Nightly News (3/4, lead story, 2:45, Snow) reported in its lead story that “heated responses is not just coming from overseas, but members of the President’s own party are saying it’s a risky move going against the globalism that Republicans advocated for decades and could actually cost more jobs than it creates.” The CBS Weekend News (3/4, story 2, 1:15, Jiang) also said “Republicans are pleading with the President to pivot.” Reuters (3/4, Wroughton, Ljunggren) noted, for example, that reacting to Ross’ comments, “Kevin Brady, chairman of the US House Ways and Means Committee, said on Sunday all fairly traded steel and aluminum, especially from Canada and Mexico, should be excluded from...Trump’s proposed tariffs.” Brady “was speaking on the sidelines of the latest round of NAFTA talks between the United States, Canada and Mexico where he said there had been progress in renegotiating the 24-year￾old trade deal.” The Washington Times (3/4, Sherfinski) reports Sen. Lindsey Graham “said...Trump’s recent move to impose new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports lets China ‘off the hook.’” Graham told CBS’ Face the Nation, “China wins when we fight with Europe. China wins when the American consumer has higher prices because of tariffs that don’t affect Chinese behavior.” Gov. John Kasich, on CNN’s State Of The Union (3/4, Tapper), expressed his disagreement with Trump’s announcement, “First of all, I don’t want to disrupt the bulk of things and have lots of people...having high prices or other people losing their job.” He added that what Trump “ought to do, working with the Congress and outside group, we ought to FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000102 modernize the way in which we determine whether the trade agreements are being violated” but “just to turn around one day” and impose tariffs, “which the Department of Defense doesn’t even agree to, doesn’t make much sense.” In an editorial this morning, the Wall Street Journal (3/4) roundly dismisses the notion that Trump’s tariffs will revive a steel industry which, according to the Journal, no longer exists as a significant segment of the US economy. Ross, on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures (3/4, Bartiromo), was pressed on criticism of the President’s plans from the Wall Street Journal editorial page. Said Ross, “Well, let’s go through the points that they made. ... Europe has announced some retaliations in its own some $3 billion worth of product” which “is a tiny fraction of 1%, so while it may be painful for those particular companies in the overall scheme of things, it doesn’t mean very much of anything.” Also, “in terms of the inflationary impact we’re talking about a total of $9 billion of tariffs” which is “about one-half of 1% of the economy, so this business that ‘the sky is falling’ is just silly.” Michael Bender of the Wall Street Journal said on CNN Inside Politics (3/4), “We saw Trump’s announcement was rejected by the markets,” which “took a turn down after he made that announcement and the point there is that it’s not the specifics of what the Secretary of Commerce is talking about, but the larger picture here. It’s the further dismantling of the global compact that’s been in place in recent decades and another indication that the US is more interested in dismantling it than helping put that back together.” Mary Katherine Ham of The Federalist, also on CNN Inside Politics (3/4), said, “Let’s talk about something the President actually cares about which is on the tax bill, the numbers on that have gone up 20 plus points because reality is on the side of the Republican argument, people are seeing this in their paychecks.” Trump “is in danger of undercutting every single thing that he achieved with that one legislative victory with what is essentially a tax on a bunch of employers on a bunch of American workers.” WSJournal Analysis: Tariffs Could Hurt Infrastructure Push. The Wall Street Journal (3/4, Harrison) reports that Trump’s declaration that he will impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports could undermine his push to rebuild US infrastructure because the tariffs could increase the cost of the projects. Politico Analysis: Republicans Worry Tariffs Will Hurt Them In Midterms. Politico (3/4, Bade, Everett) reports “Trump’s threatened trade war has opened a rift within the Republican Party that some lawmakers and strategists believe could undermine their effort to keep their majorities in Congress.” While “Republicans plan to brag about the economy in midterm campaigns in hopes of countering Trump’s unpopularity,” the President’s “suggestion...that he might slap penalties on European cars, in addition to the tariffs on aluminum and steel he already promised, could upend that FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000103 strategy completely, Republicans say.” To Politico, “what might be good politics for Trump personally might not work for the entire party,” particularly as the move is “allowing Democrats to hug Trump just when Republicans have been trying to position the opposing party as detrimental to Trump’s economy. Vulnerable Democratic incumbents from the Rust Belt have rushed to praise Trump for taking action that could help industries in their states.” Media Analyses: Chinese Reaction Could Hurt US Exporters, Upend Policy Toward North Korea. NBC Nightly News (3/4, story 2, 1:00, Frayer) reported “China warned they do not want a trade war, but also said it will not ignore impact of ...Trump’s tariffs could have on its economy.” A “senior official...said China would take necessary measures, which could mean trouble for US exporters in China – from soybeans to Boeing products to anything Apple manufactures. Also at risk, China’s pressure to maintain North Korea,” which “could wane if the US rhetoric becomes policy this week.” British PM Expresses “Deep Concern”In Conversation With Trump. Bloomberg News (3/4, Hutton) reports that the British government said yesterday Prime Minister Theresa May told Trump “the UK has ‘deep concern’ about the US plan to slap tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, and negotiated accords are better.” The two “spoke Sunday by telephone, with May saying ‘multilateral action was the only way to resolve the problem of global overcapacity in all parties’ interests,’ according to a spokesman for the prime minister.” The New York Post (3/4, Schultz) notes “Downing Street released a readout of the call between the two leaders, but the White House has yet to provide its version of the conversation.” The Washington Examiner (3/4, Barron-Lopez) and The Hill (3/4, Sanchez), among other news outlets, run similar reports this morning. Europeans Fear“Glut”OfCheap SteelImports Following US Move. Under the headline “Europe Fears Return Of Steel Glut As US Imposes Tariffs,” the Wall Street Journal (3/4, Turner) reports Europeans fear the US decision to impose tariffs could lead to a glut of cheap steel imports flooding their markets. Hans Jürgen Kerkhoff, president of the German Steel Federation, is quoted as saying, “Diverted trade flows threaten Europe with a new steel glut when as things are the EU market is far from tackling (its own) import crisis. ... If the EU doesn’t act, our steel industry is going to be left footing the bill for American protectionism.” NBC Nightly News (3/4, story 3, 0:40, Arouzi) reported that “France and Germany are rattled and loudly warning they will not sit idly by if import taxes are enacted.” Trump “threatened a 25 percent tax on European cars if there’s a retaliation,” which “would be a big blow to German brands like Mercedes and BMW.” Trump Threatens To Impose Tax On European Cars If EU Retaliates Over Steel, Aluminum Tariffs. President Trump on Saturday threatened to tax European automakers if FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000104 the EU retaliates against the US for imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum. Media coverage, which includes nearly six minutes on the network newscasts, was also heavy in print and online. Reporting is generally negative toward Trump’s remarks, which were characterized as escalating tensions and raising the likelihood of a trade war. The Washington Post (3/3, Paletta, Dawsey) reports the President in a series of tweets “threatened to hammer European automotive companies with steep tariffs as his global trade war snowballed into a third day” after European leaders warned Friday that “his promised tariffs on aluminum and steel would trigger retaliation from numerous major U.S. trading partners.” The Wall Street Journal (3/3, Mauldin, Ballhaus) reports Trump said, “If the E.U. wants to further increase their already massive tariffs and barriers on U.S. companies doing business there, we will simply apply a Tax on their Cars which freely pour into the U.S. They make it impossible for our cars (and more) to sell there. Big trade imbalance!” He separately tweeted, “The United States has an $800 Billion Dollar Yearly Trade Deficit because of our ‘very stupid’ trade deals and policies. Our jobs and wealth are being given to other countries that have taken advantage of us for years. They laugh at what fools our leaders have been. No more!” According to the New York Times (3/3, Cochrane), the tweets represent “the latest indication that Mr. Trump, despite pressure from foreign allies and American business leaders, is standing by his decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports from all countries.” USA Today (3/3, Stanglin) describes the tweets as “the first rumblings of a potential trade war” while Reuters (3/3, Shepardson, Stone) similarly says the President’s tweet “suggested he is refusing to yield to U.S. business interests and foreign trading partners alarmed at the prospect of a trade war that rattled financial markets this week.” Reuters adds that Trump also “criticized Europe in remarks at a fundraiser, according to video posted online Saturday, and suggested they would not increase tariffs.” Reuters quotes Trump as stating: “The European Union: brutal. They’ve been brutal to us. ... They’ve banded together in order to beat the United States in trade.” NBC Nightly News (3/3, story 6, 1:00, Diaz-Balart) correspondent Jeff Bennett said “language like that is little comfort to those in the President’s own Administration and Republican leaders on Capitol Hill, who we’re told are privately urging the President to reconsider given the potential blow to the economy.” When asked “earlier this evening if he’s concerned about launching a trade war,” Bennett said, Trump “didn’t respond.” Those close to the President, however, “tell us he thinks the announcement is a political winner and he gets to make good on a key campaign promise.” In a front-page article, the Washington Post (3/3, A1, Mufson, Paletta) reports that while Trump “aimed his harshest rhetoric at an unlikely target – the closest U.S. allies,” trade experts “say the president has exaggerated and oversimplified the trade issues with Europe.” FOIA001:01404983 ·~--- EXT-18-2336-E-000105 EU, Canada Threaten To Retaliate Against Trump’s Tariff Proposals. ABC World News Tonight ’s (3/3, story 6, 0:35, Vega) David Wright reported after President Trump “first proposed a new tariff on imported steel and aluminum, the EU and Canada said that they might have to respond with new tariffs of their own.” NBC Nightly News (3/3, story 5, 1:55, Diaz￾Balart) said the “message from overseas is clear: European nations are not going to quietly accept it.” The backlash is “raising questions about the unintended consequences of the move,” with Europe threatening to impose tariffs “on iconic American products like bourbon and blue jeans.” Former USTR Michael Froman said European leaders are retaliating “against what they determine to be potentially sensitive sectors of the United States.” The CBS Weekend News (3/3, story 5, 2:10, Ninan) broadcast Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also warning, “We are impressing upon the American Administration the unacceptable nature of these proposals that are going to hurt them every bit as much as they will hurt us.” Correspondent Weijia Jiang said Trump’s proposal has also “sparked fears of a trade showdown with China.” When asked what will prevent China and other US trading partners “from taking their business” outside the US, Alliance for American Manufacturing president Scott Paul responded: “There will be an adjustment as we rebalance this, but I think every other nation knows that they’ve been getting a good deal – in fact, I would call it a gift – from the United States, and now we expect reciprocity.” Domestically, Jiang added, “A growing list of congressional Republicans are also publicly slamming the proposal.” China Warns Tariffs Could Have “Huge Impact” On Global Trade. The New York Times (3/3, Bradsher) reports the President’s tariff proposal “has drawn condemnation from the European Union, Canada and Brazil,” but “the intended target of Mr. Trump’s action, China, has been fairly cautious,” in contrast. The Times says that while “China’s commerce and foreign ministries have publicly criticized the decision, and the Commerce Ministry raised the possibility on Friday that China might retaliate,” the country’s remarks were “carefully calibrated to say that any retaliation would be based on the direct effects of the United States’ actions on China’s own interests.” The AP (3/3, McDonald) reports Wang Hejun, the head of the Commerce Ministry’s trade remedy and investigation bureau, said the tariffs would “seriously damage multilateral trade mechanisms represented by the World Trade Organization and will surely have huge impact on normal international trade order.” Wang added, “If the final measures of the United States hurt Chinese interests, China will work with other affected countries in taking measures to safeguard its own rights and interests.” NAFTA Negotiators Ignore Trump’s Tariff Threats, Focus On Current Policy. Reuters (3/3, Graham, Garcia) reports that while “negotiations between the United States, Canada and Mexico to redraw the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) were clouded this week by Trump’s plan to slap 25 percent tariffs on steel imports and claims that FOIA001:01404983 ---- ■ EXT-18-2336-E-000106 trade wars are good,” several participants in the talks “privately expressed frustration” with his remarks, but “said that Canadian, Mexican and the technical staff of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer have remained focused on the task of overhauling the accord.” A source close to the talks told Reuters that their approach is to “stick with the official positions of the government, and above all with our direct counterparts, USTR, the Commerce Department, and take serious decisions on that basis.” Trump’s Base, Republican Party Divided Over TariffProposal. In a front￾page article, the New York Times (3/3, A1, Kitroeff, Swanson) reports that the President’s plans “to impose steep tariffs on imported steel and aluminum delighted some blue-collar industries he had championed,” but “behemoth steel buyers like Boeing and General Motors weren’t as pleased” and “the most obvious aluminum dependents – the brewing giants Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors – warned about the risk of job losses.” The Times adds that “as industrial America sorts out the tariffs’ prospective impact, one thing is clear: The divide between the metal producers and their customers slices directly through Mr. Trump’s blue￾collar constituency.” The Wall Street Journal (3/3, Maher) reports the President’s tariff proposal is popular with steel workers and labor leaders in Braddock, Pennsylvania, but the Los Angeles Times (3/3, Cosgrove) says “California steel manufacturers are concerned that tariffs...will drive up the price of their products, threatening their ability to compete with foreign and eastern U.S. steel makers and forcing them to cut local jobs.” The Times highlights that “on the West Coast, steel manufacturers largely depend on imported steel from Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia” because “the cost of bringing those slabs from the eastern United States to the West Coast is five times more expensive than bringing them from other countries.” Ann Wilson, a senior executive at the US Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), also told Reuters (3/3, Wroughton) on Friday that the organization’s members are “very concerned” with Trump’s tariff threats and said, “our industry was really pleased with what we accomplished with tax reform and the improvement in the economy, and a lot of that enthusiasm could all be for naught if we do something like this.” Wilson added, “The smaller suppliers are the ones at risk because they can’t pivot and they can’t move their businesses. ... They may not be able to absorb this kind of cost. It’s not as simple as saying we’ll just make that specialty steel here.” Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal (3/3, Mauldin) reports US farmers are worried the tariffs could prompt China and other countries to retaliate against US exports of sorghum and other crops and livestock. The Journal states that Agriculture Secretary Perdue on Wednesday acknowledged, “There’s reason for anxiety, there’s reason to understand that we need to have efforts that make sure that agriculture’s not harmed in a way that FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000107 would be hurtful in any kind of tariff negotiations or whatever we do on steel, aluminum or intellectual property.” The AP (3/3, Mascaro) also concedes the tariff proposal “pits Trump’s populist promises to his voters against” the Republican Party’s “free trade orthodoxy.” According to the AP, Trump’s ability to take executive action on trade policy has “intensifie[d] the pressure on Republican lawmakers to change [the President’s] mind before he gives his final approval for the penalties as early as this coming week.” Icahn Reduced Stake In Crane Manufacturer By Nearly 1 Million Shares In February. The AP (3/3) reports Carl Icahn, a billionaire investor who served as an unpaid adviser to the President last year, sold “nearly 1 million shares” of crane manufacturer Manitowoc Co. last month for $31.3 million. Bloomberg News (3/2, Deveau) said that while “Icahn remains Manitowoc’s fifth-largest holder with about 4.8 percent of the company’s common shares,” according to a recent regulatory filing, the stock “fell as much as 7 percent in New York trading Friday.” Krugman, Ip Warn Trade War To Hurt US Economy, Agenda. In his New York Times (3/3, Krugman) column, Paul Krugman examines “what would happen if Trump really did try to close the trade gap – it’s actually $500 billion, not $800 billion, but who’s counting – by imposing tariffs.” Krugman predicts the Federal Reserve “would raise rates sharply to head off inflationary pressures,” which “would squeeze interest-sensitive sectors: Trump’s friends in real estate would become very, very unhappy, as would anyone who is highly leveraged (hello, Jared [Kushner])” and “drive up the dollar, inflicting severe harm on U.S. export sectors. Greetings, farmers of Iowa!” Krugman concludes “add in the fact that other countries would retaliate – they’re already drawing up their target lists – and the fact that we’d be alienating key allies, and you have a truly terrible, dumb policy idea. Which makes it quite likely, as I see it, that Trump will indeed follow through.” Wall Street Journal (3/2, Ip) chief economics commentator Greg Ip said that while tariffs on steel and aluminum are likely to have only a limited direct macroeconomic effect, the President’s proposal endangers his agenda and could make it more difficult to enact future pro-business policies. Trump Asserts Trade Wars Are “Good” And Insists They Are “Easy To Win.” President Trump took to Twitter on Friday to defend his decision to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel in response to the mostly unfavorable media coverage of his announcement on Thursday. Reporting, which included just under two and a half minutes combined on the network newscasts, cast Trump as defiant amid criticism for a decision that was characterized as fulfilling a promise to his base and a defeat to the pro-trade leaders in his own party. The New York Times (3/2, Swanson) reports the President “doubled FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000108 down” on his decision to approve “stiff tariffs on steel and aluminum imports” and Reuters (3/2, Heavey) says “Trump struck a defiant tone...after his plan to put tariffs on steel and aluminum imports triggered threats of retaliation from trading partners and a slide in stock markets.” AFP (3/2, Gillison) similarly states that the President “remain[ed] defiant in the face of the global uproar sparked by his sudden announcement of steel and aluminum tariffs” while ABC World News Tonight (3/2, story 6, 0:20, Muir) said Trump is “not backing down on tariffs,” even though the stock market is “reacting with high anxiety and despite criticism that America’s trading partners could retaliate and do the same to us.” The Wall Street Journal (3/2, Schlesinger) reports Trump tweeted, “When a country (USA) is losing many billions of dollars on trade with virtually every country it does business with, trade wars are good, and easy to win. Example, when we are down $100 billion with a certain country and they get cute, don’t trade anymore-we win big. It’s easy!” The President later continued, “We must protect our country and our workers. Our steel industry is in bad shape. IF YOU DON’T HAVE STEEL, YOU DON’T HAVE A COUNTRY!” He added, “When a country Taxes our products coming in at, say, 50%, and we Tax the same product coming into our country at ZERO, not fair or smart. We will soon be starting RECIPROCAL TAXES so that we will charge the same thing as they charge us. $800 Billion Trade Deficit-have no choice!” The Washington Post (3/2, Paletta) contends Trump’s “threats...looked to escalate his new protectionist policies,” as the President “vowed to impose trade restrictions on any country that he felt had an unfair trade relationship with the United States, following through on nationalist threats that many aides had spent more than one year trying to contain.” Meanwhile, the Washington Times (3/2, Miller) reports Trump is scheduled to “hold a campaign rally March 10 in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, visiting the heart of steel country after announcing plans for big tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.” Michael S. Glassner, CEO of the Trump re-election campaign, said the President “is really looking forward to visiting the Pittsburgh area to highlight the benefits that his historic tax cuts are providing hardworking families across Pennsylvania and to celebrate our booming economy now that America is once again open for business.” However, an AP (3/2, Boak, Woodward) “Fact Check” declares that “in agitating for a trade war,” Trump’s “spoiling-for-a-fight” tweets ignore Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman’s adage that “war is hell,” which the AP asserts is an “observation can be apt for trade wars,” as they “may create conditions for a shooting war.” According to the AP, “history suggests that trade wars are not easy” and while levying tariffs “may help certain domestic manufacturers, [they] can come at a broad cost.” In a front-page article, the Washington Post (3/2, A1, Lynch) asserts “Ashtabula is the kind of place that...Trump, and his chief trade adviser FOIA001:01404983 ---------'■ EXT-18-2336-E-000109 Robert E. Lighthizer, who grew up here, aim to help with” the tariffs, but while these communities “show why protectionism may be a political winner for the president, blocks of dilapidated clapboard houses signal broader economic woes that the administration’s proposed trade measures do not address.” The Post adds that Ashtabula and similar cities are unlikely to benefit from the tariffs and the New York Times (3/2, A1, Tankersley) warns in a front-page article that if a trade war occurs, “it will crimp economic growth, undermining the stimulative effects of Mr. Trump’s deregulation push and his signature $1.5 trillion tax cut.” The New York Times (3/2, A1, Swanson) in another front-page article cautions that “retaliation could hit hardest in many of the rural communities that were strongholds for Mr. Trump.” Darci Vetter, a former chief agricultural negotiator for the US Trade representative, highlighted that “Canada and Mexico were America’s No. 1 and No. 3 largest agricultural markets in 2016, and South Korea is a major market for beef, corn, pork and fresh fruit, Ms. Vetter said. The United States exports cotton to Turkey and wheat and dairy to Brazil, other major suppliers of steel.” NBC Nightly News (3/2, story 6, 2:05, Holt) chief White House correspondent Hallie Jackson reported Trump had allegedly decided to make the announcement on the tariffs on Thursday after he “became ‘unglued’ this week, in the words of one source, by a series of events including Hope Hicks’ testimony to lawmakers on Russia. That’s according to two officials familiar with the matter. Seething and spoiling for a fight, the President picked one on trade, throwing the markets and his West Wing into turmoil with a single sentence.” Ross, Navarro: Tariffs To Have Minimal Impact On Cost Of Products In US. Reuters (3/2, Heavey) reports Commerce Secretary Ross told CNBC on Friday said the President “seemed” to imply that the proposed tariffs would apply to all countries. Ross said Trump announced “a very broad concept of 25 percent on all steel and 10 percent on all aluminum.” Ross added, “We’ll have to see the intricate details, but that certainly is the broad outline and therefore it will have a fairly broad effect.” Fox News’ Special Report (3/2, 6:41 p.m. EDT, Baier) broadcast Ross as stating on CNBC, “You’ve got to look at the job creation and the impact on American employees. American employees have borne the brunt of all the imported steel and aluminum that’s been coming in. So corporate America may complain; the President is taking up the banner of Mr. and Mrs. America.” CNBC (3/2, Hirsch) reports Ross also insisted the tariffs will be “no big deal” and he cited the cost of a can of Campbell’s Soup, but in a statement, a company spokesperson warned that “any new broad-based tariffs on imported tin plate steel – an insufficient amount of which is produced in the U.S. – will result in higher prices on one of the safest and more affordable parts of the food supply.” Meanwhile, Bloomberg News (3/2, Mayeda) reports that in an interview with Bloomberg TV, Ross acknowledged the Administration will FOIA001:01404983 -------'■ EXT-18-2336-E-000110 “have to deal with a global problem on a global basis” to stop the “recurring phenomenon” of countries trying to evade the new tariffs. In addition, Fox Business (3/2, Limitone) reports White House National Trade Council Director Navarro said on “Mornings with Maria” on Friday that the price effects of the new tariffs will be limited. Navarro asserted the “whole idea that there’s a big downstream effect – it’s just part of the fake news that’s going to be put out to oppose these tariffs.” Navarro added, “A penny for a six pack of beer – that’s worth it to put Americans back to work in two industries that we need.” The Wall Street Journal (3/2, A1, Schlesinger) in a front-page article reports an unnamed White House official also told reporters that the tariffs could not include exceptions because then many other countries would want them. Sanders: Trump “Pretty Committed”To Imposing New Tariffs, Says Cohn NotLikely To Resign. The Washington Times (3/2, Persons, Boyer) reports White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday told reporters, “Never say never, but I think [Trump’s] pretty committed to moving this forward.” She continued, “This is something he’s wanted to do for awhile.” Sanders added the President was not concerned by the stock market declines on Thursday following the announcement and insisted that he remains “focused on long-term economic fundamentals. ... He is incredibly focused on the American worker. It’s something that we have to have and something we need to have.” Meanwhile, Reuters (3/2, Holland, Gibson) reports “White House aides scrambled to downplay the prospect of a resignation by free trade advocate Gary Cohn, the top White House economic adviser, over the matter.” Sanders told reporters that she spoke with National Economic Council Director Cohn “several times” on Thursday and said she does not “have any reason to think” he plans to resign over the tariffs despite what Reuters says was “speculation that Cohn, who told Trump the markets would slump on a tariffs threat, might step down as a result of Trump’s decision.” GOP Lawmakers Criticize Tariffs, As Some Democrats Praise Plan. In an article titled “Trump’s Steel-Tariffs Plan Rattles GOP Lawmakers,” the Wall Street Journal (3/2, Mauldin) highlights Republican opposition to the President’s trade policies in Congress, which includes Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady. The AP (3/2, Thomas, Wiseman) reports that following Trump’s tweet, Sen. Ben Sasse “echoed a sentiment of many U.S. lawmakers when he issued a statement in response: ‘Kooky 18th century protectionism will jack up prices on American families.’” Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts warned, “Every time you do this, you get a retaliation and agriculture is the No. 1 target.” Reuters (3/2, Chiacu) reports Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in a statement on Friday “also urged...Trump to reconsider” the tariffs, which he warned would endanger FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000111 “good-paying, family-supporting jobs in America.” In the lead story for Fox News’ Special Report (3/2, 6:00 p.m. EDT, Baier), correspondent Bret Baier said many of President Trump’s supporters and “almost all of his critics are expressing serious concerns” about his plans “to levy new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.” Another Fox News’ Special Report (3/2, 6:37 p.m. EDT, Baier) segment provided similar coverage. However, Reuters (3/2, Cornwell) reports “some Democrats, mainly from Rust Belt states, but from other areas too, hailed” the proposed tariffs, including Sens. Sherrod Brown, Bob Casey, and Ron Wyden as well as Reps. Tim Ryan and Bill Pascrell. According to Reuters, the Democratic support “clashed with a generalized strong worry among most Republicans, long-time free trade champions, that Trump’s move could trigger an international trade war.” Reuters adds that a spokesman for House Speaker Ryan “urged Trump to reconsider his plan and its potential unintended consequences.” Steel Makers Praise Tariff Plan, As Other Corporate Leaders Unite In Opposition. In an article headlined “Steel, Aluminum Makers Are Among Few To Praise Tariff Plans,” the Wall Street Journal (3/2, Cameron, McGroarty) reports Nucor Corp., US Steel Corp., and Century Aluminum Co. embraced the President’s proposal to impose tariffs, although Alcoa Corp. and California Steel Industries Inc. did not. In another article, the Wall Street Journal (3/2, Trentmann) says German steel trader Klöckner & Co. forecast benefits from the tariffs and both German steel company Thyssenkrupp AG and Austrian steel producer Voestalpine Stahl GmbH projected that the measures will have only a limited impact on their operations. In addition, Russian steelmaker PAO Severstal said it intends to redirect shipments to other countries in response while a spokesman for Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal said the company is still assessing the impact of the proposed tariffs. According to the AP (3/2, Wiseman), the tariffs are “meant to protect an industry that employs about 140,000 Americans,” but they “stand to hurt a far larger group of U.S. workers: the 6.5 million who work in industries that buy steel – from automakers to aircraft manufacturers to suppliers of building materials.” Bloomberg News (3/2, Kaplan) reports “a broad swath of corporate America strongly disagrees” with the tariffs, “saying the levies will boost prices on everything from cars to beer and force companies to cut jobs.” Bloomberg adds that “the policy would hit the auto and aerospace industries hardest, [but] it would also have ramifications for a wide range of businesses – and products that Americans purchase daily.” Reuters (3/2, Carey) reports that according to data from Statista, the US auto industry “accounted for 26 percent of U.S. steel demand in 2017, behind the construction industry’s 40 percent.” Reuters (3/2, Shepardson) reports Ford Motor Co in a statement on Friday cautioned the tariffs could harm the “competitiveness of American manufacturers” even though it FOIA001:01404983 ------ ■ -----■ EXT-18-2336-E-000112 already buys “the vast majority of its steel and aluminum for U.S. production in the U.S.” The Wall Street Journal (3/2, Kostov) reports a number of beer and beverage companies have also expressed opposition to the tariffs over concerns they will lead to price hikes for aluminum cans. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times (3/2, Mohan) says agricultural economists are warning food prices could be among the “casualties” of a trade war. The Times adds “no state has more at stake than California, which leads the country in agricultural revenue.” On CNN’s Situation Room (3/2, 6:24 p.m. EDT, Blitzer), The Atlantic senior editor Ron Brownstein said the reaction to the tariff proposal “is revealing of how much of the President’s economic agenda is build on restoration, trying to restore the economic order” of “the mid-20th century.” Brownstein added, “obviously, many more Americans” working in manufacturing industries “could be hurt” if higher aluminum and steel prices reduce “our ability to export to other countries. This is really about trying to protect and preserve one slice of the economy that has been shrinking, really at the expense of the components of the economy that are growing.” On CNN’s Situation Room (3/2, 5:31 p.m. EDT, Blitzer), political senior writer Juana Summers asserted “people are scared” Trump’s tariffs will trigger a trade war and she added many economists disagree with Trump’s belief that such an outcome would be “a good thing.” Meanwhile, Politics editor-at-large Chris Cillizza said nations impacted by such tariffs would also disagree with Trump’s calculation and he predicted “they will retaliate.” US Allies Denounce Tariff Plan, As Many Countries Threaten To Retaliate. On the lead story for CNN’s Situation Room (3/2, 5:02 p.m. EDT, Blitzer), chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta declared that the tariffs are “almost certain to start a trade war” and Bret Baer said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/2, 6:05 p.m. EDT, Baier) that the international response “has been almost universally negative.” The Wall Street Journal (3/2, Barnes, Jun, Turner) and Bloomberg News (3/2, Curran) reports the tariffs infuriated US allies more than they have China or Russia. Bloomberg says the tariffs, like Trump’s previous trade proposals, are “hurting his allies more than his rivals.” The New York Times (3/2, Eddy, Bray) reports European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pledged the EU “will hit back at the heart of the United States, slapping tariffs on products like Harley-Davidsons, Kentucky bourbon and bluejeans, if President Trump goes ahead with a plan to place tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.” Reuters (3/2, Shalal) reports Juncker said, “If the Americans impose tariffs on steel and aluminum, then we must treat American products the same way,” Juncker continued, “We must show that we can also take measures. This cannot be a unilateral transatlantic action by the Americans,” He added, “I’m not saying we have to shoot back, but we must take action.” FOIA001:01404983 -----■ --------'■ EXT-18-2336-E-000113 Bloomberg News (3/2, Jennen, Hermse) reports Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also called on the EU to take “a united response to...Trump’s pledge to impose a tariff on steel imports, which may hit the Netherlands and Germany the hardest.” In addition, the Washington Post (3/2, Noack) says that “officials in Germany, which exports more steel to the United States than any other European country, were among the most vocal critics,” but German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told a local newspaper, “We must do everything we can to avoid an international trade conflict.” EU sources told Reuters (3/2, Blenkinsop) that the bloc “is considering applying 25 percent tariffs on around $3.5 billion of imports from the United States if...Trump carries out his plan to apply global duties to steel and aluminum.” Bloomberg News (3/2, Deaux, Mayeda, Olorunnipa, Wasson) reports Juncker specifically “said the bloc is prepared to respond forcefully by targeting imports of Harley-Davidson Inc. motorbikes, Levi Strauss & Co. jeans and bourbon whiskey from the U.S.” Reuters (3/2, Blenkinsop) reports the EU will also “join other countries in challenging the measures” at the World Trade Organization. The AP (3/2, Keaten, Rising) reports WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo “said the agency was ‘clearly concerned’ at the U.S. plans and warned that ‘a trade war is in no one’s interests.’” He added that “the potential for escalation is real as we have seen from the initial responses” and vowed that the WTO “will be watching the situation very closely.” Reuters (3/2, Miles) says Azevedo’s comments mark “an extremely rare intervention into a WTO member’s trade policy.” Reuters (3/2, Wroughton) also reports the International Monetary Fund warned on Friday that the tariffs “would likely cause economic damage to the United States and its trading partners, and urged countries to resolve trade disputes without resorting to retaliatory measures.” In a “terse statement,” the IMF warned the tariffs “are likely to cause damage not only outside the U.S., but also to the U.S. economy itself, including to its manufacturing and construction sectors, which are major users of aluminum and steel.” An IMF spokesman added, “We are concerned that the measures proposed by the U.S. will, de facto, expand the circumstances where countries use the national-security rationale to justify broad-based import restrictions.” In addition, Reuters (3/2, Schnurr) reports Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “said on Friday any U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports would be ‘absolutely unacceptable’ and said his government would continue to engage with U.S. officials on the issue.” In a separate article, Reuters (3/2, Ljunggren, Schnurr) reports Canadian officials have been “bombarding U.S. counterparts with calls to secure an exemption on potential steel and aluminum tariffs and threatening retaliation, but Ottawa has limited leverage to counter the plan, industry insiders and analysts said on Friday.” A Canadian source “said officials are making the point that the steel and aluminum industries are so integrated that an exemption for FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000114 Canada, the largest supplier of both steel and aluminum to the United States, is obvious but admitted leveraging person-to-person contacts may not matter in the end” as Trump is the “one guy who is going to decide at the end.” Reuters (3/2, Angulo) reports Mexico’s chief NAFTA trade negotiator Kenneth Smith told reporters on Friday that the tariffs should exclude Mexico and Canada because of the trilateral trade agreement “and because we are strategic allies of the United States...and we are going to maintain that position.” Reuters (3/2, Boadle) reports the Brazilian government also “expressed ‘enormous concern’ about the proposed U.S. tariffs and said Brazil may take ‘multilateral or bilateral’ action to protect its interests.” Milton Rego, president of the Brazilian Aluminum Association, acknowledged that Brazil is not a big exporter of aluminum to the US, but he told Reuters, “Brazil has to watch out. This is a fight between elephants in a small room and, at the first move, someone else is going to get thrown out of the window.” Reuters notes “Brazil is the second-largest source of steel imports into the United States after Canada, accounting for 13 percent of volume in 2017, and its steel industry risks significant damage from U.S. tariffs.” Reuters (3/2, Boadle) says that the country’s main industry lobby, CNI, in a statement on Friday said the tariffs “violate World Trade Organization rules and called on the Brazilian government to fight them and retaliate if possible.” Reuters (3/2, Chung, Westbrook) reports Australian Trade Minister Steven Ciobo warned a tariff “will do nothing other than distort trade and ultimately, we believe, will lead to a loss of jobs.” Japanese Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko called for additional “clarification” from the Administration and said,”I don’t think exports of steel and aluminum from Japan, which is a U.S. ally, damages U.S. national security in any way, and we would like to explain that to the U.S.” Reuters adds that “South Korea, the third-largest steel exporter to the United States after Canada and Brazil, said it will keep talking to U.S. officials until Washington’s plans for tariffs are finalised.” India’s Steel Secretary Aruna Sharma told Reuters, “We have only 2 percent of our exports to U.S. so no immediate dent, but validity of Section 232 is stretched to be used as a tariff barrier.” However, the AP (3/2, Boak) reports that in contrast to many US allies, “China – the world’s largest steel producer and Trump’s primary target – stayed quiet about how it would respond” to tariffs. The Washington Post (3/2, Denyer) says China “reacted with cautious criticism Friday to President Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, urging the United States to abide by multilateral trade rules and do nothing to damage the fragile global economic recovery.” Although the Chinese Commerce Ministry expressed “grave concern” about the US attempting to pressure the government, the AP (3/2) acknowledges that the ministry “had no immediate response to President FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000115 Donald Trump’s plan to hike tariffs on steel and aluminum.” In another article, the AP (3/3, McDonald) reports Wang Hejun, head of the Chinese Commerce Ministry’s trade remedy and investigation bureau, vowed, “If the final measures of the United States hurt Chinese interests, China will work with other affected countries in taking measures to safeguard its own rights and interests.” The Wall Street Journal (3/2, Wei) highlights that the tariffs follow an unsuccessful month of intense lobbying by Chinese officials to convince the President not to pursue the protectionist trade policy. Meanwhile, Reuters (3/2, Ivanova) reports “Russian metals and mining companies face relatively little harm from any introduction of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, analysts and company representatives said on Friday.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian government shares the concerns of European officials and asserted the Kremlin is “carefully analyzing the situation which is forming in trade relations after this statement.” Reuters (3/2, Golubkova) cites Interfax in reporting that Russian Deputy Prime-Minister Arkady Dvorkovich predicted “some damage to Russia” from the tariffs, but he forecast “the damage to Russia would be less than to the European Union or China.” S&P 500 Gains On Friday But Posts Weekly Losses OverFears OfTrade War. Reuters (3/2, Valetkevitch) reports that on Friday, the “major indexes posted their worst week of losses since early February,” as the tariff “rattled investors.” The Wall Street Journal (3/2, Gold, Erheriene) says the losses extended to foreign indexes, with the New York Times (3/2, Bray, Phillips) reporting that “the Nikkei 225 in Japan fell 2.5 percent, and the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong closed down 1.5 percent” while “the CAC 40 in France and the Xetra Dax 30 in Germany declined by more than 2 percent.” However, CNBC (3/2, Imbert, Gibbs) reports “U.S. stocks closed well off session lows on Friday, helped by a sharp rise in health care shares.” CNBC says the S&P 500 “ended 0.5 percent higher at 2,691.25 after falling more than 1 percent,” the Nasdaq composite “rose 1.1 percent to 7,257.87 [after falling] as much as 1.3 percent,” and the Dow Jones Industrial Average “closed 70.92 points lower at 24,538.06 after falling as much as 391 points.” Meanwhile, Bloomberg News (3/2, Tomesco) reports Michael Sabia, the head of Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec, Canada’s second￾biggest pension fund manager, warned that the tariffs “would add to a ‘cocktail of uncertainty’ that threatens to slow business investment, stoke inflation and derail global growth, said the head of Canada’s second￾biggest pension fund manager.” Experts Warn TariffLikely To Backfire On Economy. Despite Trump’s assertion on Twitter that “trade wars are good, and easy to win,” the New York Times (3/2, Tankersley) reports “many economists say the opposite: that even the prospect of a trade war will hurt the economic expansion that is underway and that Mr. Trump loves to take credit for.” FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000116 Writing in the New York Times (3/2, Irwin) “The Upshot” blog, Neil Irwin characterizes the Wall Street and corporate concerns over the tariff as “a signal about the willingness of the president to ignore his most sober￾minded advisers and put the global economy at risk to achieve his goal of better terms for American trade.” Irwin adds that “Trump not only overruled his more pro-trade advisers, but he also did so in an impromptu way, seemingly setting policy before the details had been worked out and without buy-in from across his own administration. And by invoking national security concerns as the rationale for the action, the president was setting a precedent that could give other countries more wiggle room to use security as a reason for imposing tariffs on American goods.” In addition, according to Reuters (3/2, Leong), “should China, Japan and other nations, which have recycled their trade dollars through their Treasuries holdings, suddenly decide to whittle them down” in response to the tariffs, “markets could be in for a rough ride.” Reuters adds that “such a retaliatory move, in the wake of Trump’s first big protectionist action, comes at a time when foreign demand for U.S. debt is seen critical to offset an expected surge in federal borrowing needs, analysts and investors said on Friday.” Meanwhile, Reuters (3/2, Schneider, Saphir) reports the tariff proposal, when coupled with the new tax law and infrastructure plan, “could saddle the U.S. central bank with the worst of both worlds – rising inflation and a slowing global economy.” Reuters adds “the combination of fiscal stimulus, which Fed officials viewed as hardly a game-changer for monetary policy, and a brewing trade war is a recipe for the sort of no-win situation central bankers faced in the 1970s when they had to stomach high inflation or run the risk that interest rate increases would trigger a recession.” In a separate article, Reuters (3/2, Graham, Ljunggren) says the President’s remarks about the tariff has also “blunted efforts to renegotiate the 1990s-era North American Free Trade Agreement, which had already been disrupted by the early departure of a U.S. official handling one of the most divisive subjects, content rules for autos.” Bloomberg News (3/2, Wingrove, Martin) similarly reports “Trump’s latest trade salvo...landed squarely in the middle of Nafta talks, overshadowing efforts by his own negotiators and those from his biggest export markets to update America’s most important free-trade agreement.” Editorials Uniformly Critical OfTrump’s TariffProposal. In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/2) warns “President Trump’s improvised announcement of stiff tariffs on steel and aluminum imports” threatens to undermine the “commitments forged among men and women, over decades, across the Atlantic and the Pacific, determined to learn the lessons of the 20th century so as to prevent a repeat of its horrors.” While “the saving grace of Mr. Trump’s chaotic leadership style is that it sometimes leaves room for backtracking” and “there might still be time for damage control,” the Post concedes “any refinement of Mr. Trump’s tariff FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000117 plan would be a distant second-best solution.” However, the Post concludes “even that is unachievable unless Mr. Trump compromises on the ideological objective that motivated his outburst in the first place.” The New York Times (3/2) editorializes “Trump has been spoiling for a trade war since before his election,” but as he takes “the first meaningful step” in that direction, the President shows he has “little understanding” of the consequences of his actions. The Times contends “if Mr. Trump were truly interested in getting China to reduce its excess production, he would have worked with the European Union, Canada, Japan, South Korea and other countries to put pressure on Beijing,” but instead the President “angered American allies with this move.” The Times concludes that while “the steel and aluminum tariffs might, on their own, have only a small impact on the economy,” many experts are worried “Trump is just getting started and will impose new tariffs on a host of other imports, sending the United States into a much broader trade war, the likes of which the world hasn’t seen since the Great Depression. That would have a large and devastating economic impact, in the United States and around the globe.” In an scathing editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/2) denounces the proposed tariffs as potentially one of the biggest mistakes of Trump’s presidency. The Journal also dismisses Trump’s defense of the policy on Twitter as ignorant of the realities of international trade and economics. In an editorial, the Los Angeles Times (3/2) similarly contends “neither Trump nor some of his key advisors are being realistic about the consequences of a trade war.” The Times says that while “you can’t fault Trump for wanting to help the workers whose lives have been disrupted” by changing global trade patterns, “they would be well served by far better U.S. efforts to enforce global trade rules and to retrain workers for new careers.” The Times warns Trump’s proposal “won’t provide the relief he’s promising. Instead, it’s bound to make things worse for everyone.” The Times concludes “trade wars, like shooting wars, are waged to inflict casualties. And like shooting wars, they tend to escalate. So the best approach is not to start one.” After Meeting With NRA, White House Says Trump Is Not Yet Decided On What Gun Control Measures He Supports. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday said President Trump has not yet decided what gun control measures his Administration will support, an announcement that a handful of media outlets highlighted follows a private meeting with officials from the National Rifle Association on Thursday night. While reporting was limited, coverage characterized her remarks as suggesting the President is backing away from his comments on Wednesday expressing support for several proposals opposed by the NRA and GOP leaders. The Washington Post (3/2, Nakamura), for example, says “the White House appeared to soften its tone on gun-control measures” after Trump’s private meeting with NRA officials. The Post reports Sanders “said Trump FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000118 still supports raising the age limit to buy assault rifles from 18 to 21 but added that he understands there is ‘not a lot of broad support’ for such a proposal.” She added, “I think he thinks it would probably have more potential in the states than it would at the federal level.” She also said that when it comes to background checks, “Trump does not necessarily support universal background checks ‘but certainly improving the background check system. He wants to see what that legislation, the final piece of it looks like. ‘Universal’ means something different to a lot of people.’” The Washington Times (3/2, Boyer, Persons) reports she said Trump “will not support the so-called Toomey-Manchin gun bill on background checks until lawmakers finalize the details.” However, the Wall Street Journal (3/2, Andrews, Radnofsky, Peterson) reports Sanders continued, “In terms of what legislation, as of right now he supports the Cornyn legislation.” The Washington Times (3/2, Sherfinski) reports Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn on Friday told reporters that Trump called him on Thursday evening to confirm his support for the bipartisan legislation, which would “incentivize states and federal agencies to share more of their records with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).” The AP (3/2, Lucey) reports Sanders also stated that Trump supports “a bill that would provide new federal grant funding to stem school violence.” Meanwhile, ABC World News Tonight ’s (3/2, story 5, 2:55, Muir) Mary Bruce reported “the about-face is what Democrats had feared and predicted.” While Bruce added that Democrats on Friday “blast[ed] the President for changing his tune,” Reuters (3/2, Chiacu) says Senate Minority Leader Schumer urged Trump to “go with his instincts, not the clarion and destructive call of the NRA.” Schumer added the President “knows instinctively that this is the right thing to do both substantively, because it will save tens of thousands of lives, and politically, because over three quarters of the American people support it.” The Washington Times (3/2, Persons) reports “Sen. Chris Murphy, a noted critic of President Trump,” on Friday tweeted, “Trump may not end up leading Congressional Republicans to water on guns, but his willingness to buck the gun lobby in public, rule out the NRA agenda, and talk up background checks, has changed this debate nationally.” DeVos Awards $1 Million Grant To Aid Parkland School District. The Washington Times (3/2, Richardson) reports Education Secretary DeVos on Friday announced the Department of Education will award a Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) grant “to the Broward County Public Schools in Florida in the aftermath of last month’s deadly shooting, starting with a $1 million grant.” In a statement, DeVos said, “My heart is broken for the students, teachers and families who have had to endure this unthinkable tragedy.” DeVos added, “I am committed to helping identify solutions to prevent another tragedy like this one from happening again.” Lawmakers In At Least 24 States Considering “Red Flag” Bills. The Wall FOIA001:01404983 -----■ EXT-18-2336-E-000119 Street Journal (3/2, Kamp, Mahtani) reports lawmakers in at least 24 states are promoting legislation to allow courts to temporarily take the guns from people considered to be imminently dangerous. However, Bloomberg News (3/2, Olorunnipa, Edgerton, Stohr) reports Trump “hit a nerve with gun-rights enthusiasts this week after suggesting firearms should be confiscated from potentially dangerous people without a court’s approval, remarks that raised concerns among conservatives about his respect for the concept of due process.” According to Bloomberg, “his remarks cut to a visceral fear of the most ardent supporters of gun rights: the government seizing weapons from law-abiding citizens.” Bloomberg says the comments “also revealed an exceedingly rare divide between Trump and Vice President Mike Pence,” who said during the meeting that it is important to “allow due process, so that no one’s rights are trampled.” Bloomberg adds Pence said the proper steps is “to go to court, obtain an order, and then collect not only the firearms, but any weapons in the possession of that individual,” but Trump argued that law enforcement officials should instead “take the guns first, go through due process second.” The Hill (3/2, Bowden) reports Fox News anchor Shepard Smith on Friday “denounced” Trump’s proposal “as un-American as imaginable.” Smith asked, “Is there anyone there who is able to discern what has happened and why these things keep coming out in these ways that really end up usually walked back and are bordering on nonsensical?” Local Officials Embrace “Novel Efforts”To Improve School Security, But Experts Warn That Florida Proposals May Be Ineffective. The AP (3/2, Yonker, Melia) reports that “in the jittery aftermath of the shooting in Parkland, Florida, novel efforts to ramp up school security are flying fast as districts across the United States respond to heightened fears as well as threats and rumors of violence that have only seemed to multiply since the latest tragedy.” In a front-page article, the New York Times (3/2, A1, Bosman) similarly reports many communities are increasingly “navigating a fine, sometimes blurred, line between vigilance and overreaction.” According to the Times, “attentive school administrators are facing a daily dilemma: Take every possible threat seriously and risk a needless disruption to the school day, a noisy police response and a crush of worried parents. Or, ignore what could be a real threat and risk the nightmare of your school becoming the next Parkland.” However, Politico (3/2, Glorioso) reports “experts say” that proposals in Florida to increase funding for the state’s mental health programs by up to $138 million “would do little to stop the next Nikolas Cruz” and “would create a parallel ‘shadow mental health system’ in which schools, instead of the state’s already underfunded system, are duplicating services and trying to handle kids like Cruz with general mental health provisions that would be woefully inadequate.” In addition, Politico states that “even in the current system, there’s no uniform assessment tool that can reliably FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000120 predict who’s just an angry young man and who’s a budding mass shooter – a task that becomes even more complicated in a state awash in firearms and a patchwork of ad hoc mental health services that the state doesn’t fully fund or closely track in some cases.” Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal (3/2, Hughes, Campo-Flores) reports that by endorsing several gun control measures, Florida Gov. Rick Scott may have derailed his expected bid for the Senate later this year. OutdoorRetailers to Stop Sales OfGun MakerWith NRA Ties. The New York Times (3/2, Creswell) reports outdoor retail cooperatives Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) and Mountain Equipment Co-Op on Thursday said “they were suspending orders for popular items like Bell bicycle helmets and CamelBak water bottles from the company that owns the brands, Vista Outdoor, because Vista also makes assault-style rifles,” and according to the Washington Post (3/2, Flynn), because Vista “has a strong connection to the National Rifle Association.” The Wall Street Journal (3/2, Nassauer) reports Vista had spent more than $1 billion to buy several consumer brands to help diversify its business away from guns, but Bloomberg News (3/2, Bhasin, Mosendz) says the backlash against the company comes “as part of a growing public revulsion to the Florida high school massacre and the gun lobby’s defensive response.” Bloomberg highlights that “even some of Vista’s own brands are trying to distance themselves from their parent company.” L.L. Bean Joins Kroger, Walmart In Raising Minimum Age For Gun Sales. Reuters (3/2, Cavale) reports L.L. Bean on Thursday announced that it will join Kroger Co, Walmart Inc., and Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. in raising the minimum age for buying guns and ammunition from 18 to 21, but “said it sold firearms only at its flagship store in Maine and those guns only focused on hunting.” The company on Friday highlighted that “it does not sell assault-style firearms, high-capacity firearms, bump stocks or handguns.” However, the New York Times (3/2, Hsu) concedes that whether changes like this “will actually have a meaningful effect on gun sales is difficult – if not impossible – to know.” The Times highlights that “in an era when the toy industry can pinpoint the overall value of all dolls sold domestically each year and the federal government tracks the number of trucks sold in any given month, data on gun sales is obscured by foggy reporting standards and loopholes.” The Times adds “there is no nationwide registry that tracks gun ownership while firearms are available to purchase from a decentralized network of retailers, shows and individuals that operate publicly, privately, online and offline.” WSJournal A1: BlackRock Publicizes Concerns With Gun Industry. In a front-page article, the Wall Street Journal (3/2, A1, Krouse) reports BlackRock Inc., the largest money manager by assets in the world, posted on its website a list of questions for gun makers and sellers. According to Reuters (3/2, Kerber), BlackRock also disclosed that “it is studying the creation of new index-based portfolios of stocks that would exclude FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000121 gunmakers and retailers,” which amounts to “the most detailed critical stance by a big financial firm after last month’s deadly high school shooting in Florida.” Reuters states that “were it to launch the new portfolios, the step in theory might reduce demand for industry stocks given the firm’s leading stakes in companies like American Outdoor Brands Corp and Sturm Ruger & Co..” Delta Swears OffDiscounts To All“Politically Divisive”Groups Following Backlash For Cutting NRA Ties. The Washington Post (3/2, Lac, Eltagouri) reports Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, “caught in a maelstrom over his company’s decision to cut ties with the National Rifle Association,” on Friday announced the company will end all discounts “for any group of a politically divisive nature.” The New York Times (3/2, Hsu) reports Bastian in a memo to employees asserted, “Our people and our customers have a wide range of views on how to increase safety in our schools and public places, and we are not taking sides.” He added: “Our decision was not made for economic gain and our values are not for sale.” Reuters (3/2, Wise) reports Bastian also insisted “Delta’s intent was to remain neutral,” even though “some elected officials in Georgia” had demanded the airline reinstate the NRA discount in exchange for a tax break on jet fuel. The Washington Times (3/2, Richardson) reports Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed the legislation “that eliminated a lucrative tax break” for the airline on Friday, but Delta “insisted that there are no hard feelings.” In a statement, Bastian said, “I have tremendous respect and admiration for Governor Nathan Deal, and thank him for the work he has done on the jet fuel tax exemption.” Bastian added, “He is a great friend to Delta. I know this action by the state legislature troubled him as it does all of us.” According to the AP (3/3, Nadler, Rico), the decision by lawmakers in Georgia “to punish Delta Air Lines for publicly distancing itself from the National Rifle Association was an extraordinary act of political revenge” that could backfire on the state. The AP adds that “by killing a proposed tax break on jet fuel, pro-gun Republicans won a political victory that could pay off in the short term, but other companies won’t soon forget that Georgia allied itself with the NRA over one of its largest private employers, with 33,000 workers statewide.” Meanwhile, the CBS Evening News (3/2, story 10, 0:20, Glor) and USA Today (3/2, Jansen) report that only 13 passengers had ever used the NRA discount. NRA Membership, Influence Is Unlikely To Decline Despite Corporate Boycotts, Analysts Predict. The Washington Post (3/2, Fisher) reports that while “the National Rifle Association is, like AAA or AARP, a bundle of bargains, a smorgasbord of savings on insurance policies, motel rooms, bottles of wine and prescription drugs,” the NRA differs from these interest groups because it “unabashedly embraces controversy, lunging into battle with fiery rhetoric and no-holds-barred political attacks.” The Post says that while businesses “that have cut ties with the NRA include big brand FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000122 names such as car-rental giant Enterprise, Delta Air Lines, MetLife insurance and the bank behind an NRA Visa credit card,” the group “is unlikely to lose a significant number of members or see its influence diminished, according to those who have studied the organization.” The Post adds “supporters and critics say the NRA is cushioned against this kind of pushback because its members sign up not for financial gain but for a chance to be part of a cultural vanguard.” DNC Enlists Parkland Survivor In 2018 Voter Drive. The Washington Times (3/2, Richardson) reports “the Democratic National Committee has enlisted at least one shooting survivor to campaign on its behalf,” as the DNC on Friday “issued a get-out-the-vote email...signed by Sara Imam, who wrote a first-person plea urging people to join the Democratic Party’s #IWillVote campaign in order to commit to ‘ending gun violence.’” Everytown For Gun Safety Pledges $2.5 Million ForMarches To End School Shootings. Reuters (3/2, Allen) reports Everytown for Gun Safety “said on Friday it will donate up to $2.5 million to support marches around the United States on March 24, the date of a planned March For Our Lives in Washington to demand an end to school shootings.” Poll: 75 PercentWant Stricter Gun Laws; 59 Percent Oppose Arming Teachers. NPR (3/2, Khalid) reports a new NPR/Ipsos poll of 1,005 adults nationwide, conducted Feb. 27-28, found 75 percent of respondents “said gun laws should be stricter than they are today,” up from the October 2017 NPR poll “conducted...in the wake of the Las Vegas shooting,” when “68 percent said gun laws should be stricter than they were.” NPR adds, “The poll also found widespread bipartisan support for a range of gun-control policies, including: requiring background checks for all gun buyers (94 percent), adding people with mental illnesses to the federal gun background check system (92 percent), raising the legal age to purchase guns from 18 to 21 (82 percent), banning bump stocks (81 percent), banning high-capacity ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds (73 percent) and banning assault-style weapons (72 percent).” Meanwhile, 59 percent said they oppose “training teachers to carry guns in schools,” which is “frequently touted by President Trump.” Studies Show Many Gun Control Policies Ineffective, RAND Analysis Finds. The Daily Caller (3/2, Hagstrom) reports an analysis by the RAND Corporation of thousands of gun control studies found “just 63 of those studies found connections between more stringent gun control laws violent crime and suicide reductions.” However, the Caller says the analysis “found some evidence that laws aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of small children had some effect on rates of suicide and accidental gun injuries.” Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “Donald Trump Sure Has A Problem With Democracy.”A New York Times (3/4) editorial says Trump’s “craven reaction” to President Xi Jinping FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000123 decision to extend his own rule until death is not only “in line” with his “consistent support and even admiration for men ruling with increasing brutal and autocratic methods,” but also a reinforcement of how he “just doesn’t get” America’s “proud history” of protecting against such despotic moves. Unlike past presidents who “have combined efforts to deepen relations with China with advocacy for expanding human rights there,” the Times says, Trump “clearly sees no national interest or responsibility in trying to promote democracy.” Since Trump “has also proven ignorant of and impatient with checks on presidential power” in the US, the Times says, it is ultimately up to American voters “to fulfill Washington’s hopes for the resilience of the American system.” Washington Post. “Gratuitous Cruelty By Homeland Security: Separating A 7-Year-Old From Her Mother.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/4) says the “cruel practice” of “separating parents from their children as a means of deterring other families, most of them Central American, from undertaking the perilous trip necessary to reach the United States and seek asylum,” has become “increasingly common, immigrant advocacy groups say.” The Post highlights the case of a 7-year-old Congolese girl who was forcibly separated from her mother and questions if this is the “kind of protection Americans want from their Department of Homeland Security.” “The UN Human Rights Commissioner Says Shame Is In Retreat. He’s Right.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/4) praises Zeid Raad al￾Hussein, whose term as UN high commissioner for human rights will soon end, for saying, “Today...oppression is fashionable again, the security state is back, and fundamental freedoms are in retreat in every region of the world. Shame is also in retreat. Xenophobes and racists in Europe are casting off any sense of embarrassment.” Quoting Zeid as saying, “it is the accumulating human rights violations such as these, and not a lack of GDP growth, which will spark the conflicts that can break the world. .... Why are we doing so little to stop them,” the Post says there is “no more relevant question” today. “Democracy Is Dying In Cambodia. Facebook Should Make Sure ItDoesn’t Help KillIt.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/4) says Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, “who has been relentlessly crushing democratic forces and grinding down civil society,” has “9.5 million ‘likes’ on his Facebook page, nearly twice the number of Facebook users in Cambodia.” Opposition leader Sam Rainsy “has filed suit in California federal district court, demanding information about Hun Sen’s transactions with Facebook, insisting the prime minister’s popularity is not authentic.” The Post says “the manipulation of Facebook by autocrats raises worrisome questions,” adding that while it “says it is committed to fighting the fake ‘likes’ and the ‘bad actors.’” what will it do “if the bad actor is the leader of a nation? It ought not to neglect this challenge, however vexing.” In Cambodia, the Post argues, “Democracy is dying in Cambodia at the hands of a despot, FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000124 and it would be a double tragedy if Facebook helped, however unwittingly.” Wall Street Journal. “The Qualcomm Question.”The Wall Street Journal (3/4) argues in an editorial Broadcom Ltd.’s Hostile bid to buy Qualcomm Inc. deserves scrutiny by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US regardless of Broadcom CEO Hock Tan’s promise to President Trump that he would move Broadcom’s headquarters from Singapore to the US. “Steel Tariffs WithoutJobs.”In an editorial this morning, the Wall Street Journal (3/4) roundly dismisses the notion that President Trump’s tariffs will revive a steel industry which, according to the Journal, no longer exists as a significant segment of the economy. “The Italian Indecision.”The Wall Street Journal (3/4) editorializes that the outcome of Sunday’s election in Italy, while not surprising, is unlikely to bring a close to the economic crisis that has embroiled Italy for roughly seven years. The Journal says the results clearly indicate that immigration was a key issue among Italian voters, but those voters should not expect the resulting government to provide the economic answers that they desperately need. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: Trump Administration Beats Back Warnings On Tariffs Europe’s Fragile Center Takes New Blows How China’s Geely Turned A Disassembled Mercedes Into A Global Car Company Uber Battles Ride-Sharing Startups In SoftBank ‘Family’ New York Times: School Officer: A Job With Many Roles And One Big Responsibility Divided Voters Weigh What It Means to Be a Democrat Election in Italy Gives Big Lift to Far Right and Populists Ben Carson On His Vexing Reign At HUD: Brain Surgery Was Easier Than This Roger Bannister, First Athlete to Break the 4-Minute Mile, Dies The Shift: Here Come The Fake Videos, Too Washington Post: The Jobs US-Born Workers Won’t Take ‘I Wonder: Am I Wanted?’ Banking Rules Set To Loosen In Senate For Mayor, Problems Mount, Not Challengers Financial Times: Italians Head To Polls After Divisive Campaign FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000125 ‘No Exemptions’ For Donald Trump’s US Steel Tariffs Merkel Wins Backing For Grand Coalition Washington Times: Anti-Trump Bureaucrats Accused Of Weaponizing Security Clearance Process FBI Lacked Corroboration For Page Wiretap; Discredited Dossier Writer Steele ID’d As Yahoo Source China Opens Door To EU Influence Through Belt And Road’s Divisive Investments CDC Tackles Crisis Worse Than HIV/AIDS: Opioid Overdoses Trump Boosts Dreamer Approvals As DACA Deadline Passes Trump Won’t Back Down On Tariffs Despite Widespread Fears Of Trade War Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: Preempted by Academy Awards. CBS: ISIS-Niger Attack; Tariff Policy; Gun Control Bill; Severe Weather; WV-Teachers Strike; Academy Awards-Me Too Movement; Track Athlete Dies; Syrian Civil War; Alzheimer-Archivist; Women For Congress; Film Prop Sale. NBC: Tariff Policy; Tariff Policy-Asia; Tariff Policy-Europe; ISIS-Niger Attack; Italy Elections; WV-Teachers Strike; Florida-Gun Bill; Severe Weather-Power Outages; Weather Forecast; Colorado Wildfire; Academy Awards-Me Too Movement; Track Athlete Dies; TV Actor Dies; Academy Awards Ceremony; CDC Missing Employee; Alabama-Civil Rights Commemoration; Ice Cream CEO Arrested; Girl Scouts. Network TVAt A Glance: Tariff Policy – 5 minutes, 40 seconds Academy Awards-Me Too Movement – 4 minutes WV-Teachers Strike – 3 minutes, 55 seconds ISIS-Niger Attack – 2 minutes, 55 seconds Severe Weather – 2 minutes, 45 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Academy Awards; Severe Weather; Historical Film. CBS: Academy Awards; Severe Weather; WV-Teachers Strike; Tariff Policy. FOX: Academy Awards; Tariff Policy; Papua New Guinea Earthquake. NPR: Syrian Civil War; Italy Elections; Academy Awards. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — Meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu; meets with US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — No public schedule announced. FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000126 US Senate: 3:00 PM Senate votes on district judges nominees – Senate convenes and proceeds to executive session to resume consideration of the nominations of Karen Gren Scholer to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, Tilman Eugene Self III to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, and Terry Doughty to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, with agenda including votes on the nominations * Motions to invoke cloture on the nominations passed (by 96-1 for Scholar, 85-12 for Self, and 94-2 for Doughty) last week Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.senate.gov/ US House: 11:30 AM Bipartisan House members call on OMB to withdraw plan ‘putting 9/1 health program at risk’ – 9/11 Health Program beneficiaries and advocates call on Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney to withdraw his ‘ill-thought out proposal to separate the World Trade Center Health Program from National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) direction’. Participants include Democratic Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, Republican Rep. Peter King, comedian Jon Stewart, UFA Local 94 IAFF President Gerard Fitzgerald, UFOA Local 854 IAFF President Jake Lemonda, AFL-CIO Health and Safety Officer Peg Seminario, Northwell Health Queens WTC Program Director Dr Jackie Moline, former Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Terence Opiola, and former FDNY Emergency Medical Technician Salvatore Turturici Location: House Triangle, Washington, DC maloney.house.gov https://twitter.com/RepMaloney 2:00 PM House of Representatives meets for legislative business Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.house.gov/ 5:00 PM House Rules Committee hearing – Hearing on ‘H.R. 1917 – Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2017’ and ‘H.R. 1119 – Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act’ Location: U.S. Capitol, H-313, Washington, DC http://www.rules.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/RulesReps Other: 9:00 AM World Bank President Jim Yong Kim speaks at ‘Managing Risks for Peace and Stability’ discussion – World Bank President Jim Yong Kim delivers opening remarks at the Fragility Forum strategic discussion on ‘Managing Risks for Peace and Stability’ Location: The World Bank, 1818 H St NW, Washington, DC www.worldbank.org https://twitter.com/WorldBank HHS Secretary Azar addresses Federation of American Hospitals – Federation of American Hospitals Public Policy Conference and Business Exposition. Day two speakers include Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, Democrats Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, Republicans Sen. Todd Young and Rep. Peter Roskam, and Domestic Policy Council Director Andrew Bremberg Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC http://fah.org/ https://twitter.com/FedAmerHospital AIPAC Policy Conference continues – American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference – ‘preeminent annual gathering of the pro￾FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000127 Israel community’ – continues. Speakers during conference include Vice President Mike Pence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Education Minister and Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett, and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Amb. Nikki Haley, USAID Administrator Mark Green, House Chief Deputy Majority Whip Patrick McHenry, Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin, bipartisan Reps. Anthony Brown, Ted Deutch, Eliot Engel, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Trent Kelly, Brian Mast, Seth Moulton, Stephanie Murphy, Jimmy Panetta, Robert Pittenger, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ed Royce, Adam Schiff, Brad Sherman, Scott Taylor, and Lee Zeldin, Estonian Foreign Affairs Minister Sven Mikser, Albanian PM Edi Rama, Togolese Foreign Affairs Minister Robert Dussey, Chief Archivist of the United States David Ferriero, Arizona State Rep. Daniel Hernandez Jr., and Let America Vote founder Jason Kander Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC www.policyconference.org https://twitter.com/AIPAC #AIPAC2018 Secretaries Chao and Shulkin address National Association of Counties Legislative Conference – National Association of Counties Legislative Conference. Day three speakers include Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, U.S. Acting Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Scott Ticknor, and International Trade Administration Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee Director Patrick Kirwan Location: Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC www.naco.org https://twitter.com/NACoTweets #NACoLeg Secretary Carson speaks at National Council of State Housing Agencies Legislative Conference – National Council of State Housing Agencies Legislative Conference, with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson delivering remarks today, sharing ‘his thoughts about HUD’s affordable housing initiatives and the challenges and opportunities facing HUD and HFAs’. Speakers today also include Democratic Reps. David Price and Emanuel Cleaver, and Republican Rep. Randy Hultgren Location: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC www.ncsha.org https://twitter.com/HomeEverything Barack Obama keynotes CRT Conference – CRT (Cardiovascular Research Technologies) Conference continues, with a keynote speech from former President Barack Obama Location: Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC http://www.crtonline.org/ https://twitter.com/CRT_meeting Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. John Oliver: “We begin with the Trump Administration, which is like a circus in that nothing about it is funny and I badly want it to end. This week, even by current White House standards, was such a mess we don’t even have time to get into Mueller’s investigation heating up or Trump flip￾flopping on gun reform or the President’s ongoing spat with his attorney FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000128 general.” John Oliver: [Referring to President Trump’s comment on proposed tariffs] “Yes, trade wars are good and easy to win, which is weird, because if that was true, everyone would always win them, in which case they’d actually be hard to win, because everyone else would already have won them.” John Oliver: “Our main story tonight concerns the NRA, a group that feels about guns the way the rest of us feel about Nutella. A little is good, more is better. And you can tell me it’s bad for me all you like, but you have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:01404983 EXT-18-2336-E-000129 To: Aaron Thiele[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; David Bernhardt[ Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Renner[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Leila Getto[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; Luke Bullock[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; Mike Argo[michael_argo@ios.doi.gov]; Ryan Zinke[cdr06@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov] Cc: ryanzinke[ From: Boulton, Caroline Sent: 2018-03-05T15:41:55-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Electronic Briefing Book: 3.6.18 Received: 2018-03-05T15:42:33-05:00 RKZ Daily Schedule 3.6.18.docx NFWF Agenda.pdf NFWF Reception Event Memo.docx All, Attached and below are tomorrow's schedule and briefing materials. Best, Caroline Daily Schedule 11:55am CST- Flight from IAH to DCA 3:59pm EST Flight: United 3560 Staff: Magallanes, Rigas, DeVito 4:10pm Depart DCA en route DOI 5:00pm National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Board ofDirectors Reception Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Hommel, Willens, Larrabee, Sheehan 6:00pm NFWF Board ofDirectors Lincoln Tour Location: Lincoln Memorial Staff: Hommel, Willens, Larrabee, Sheehan 7:30pm NFWF Board ofDirectors Dinner Location: Occidental Grill & Seafood RON Washington, D.C. NOTE: staffwill be setting up the Secretary's office for the reception at 4PM. -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00075356 EXT-18-2336-E-000130 1 NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA March 5-7, 2018 NFWF DC Office 1133 15th Street, NW, 11th Floor Washington, DC 20005 Monday, March 5 11:30 a.m. Buffet Lunch in NFWF Board Room Foyer 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Development Committee Meeting (Pintail) (Sydney McNiff Johnson, Trina Overlock, JohnTomke) 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Government Affairs Committee Meeting (Coho) (Don McGrath, Sydney McNiff Johnson, Eaddo Kiernan) 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Audit Committee Meeting (Pintail) (JJHealy, BlasFonalledas, Jen MullNeuhaus, VickiTschinkel) 1:45 p.m – 2:30 p.m. Human Resources Committee Meeting (Coho) (Don McGrath, John Faraci, Sydney McNiff Johnson, Reuben Mark, John Tomke) 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Governance Committee Meeting (Pintail) (John Tomke, BlasFonalledas, Reuben Mark, Don McGrath, Trina Overlock) 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Investment and Finance Committee Meeting (Sea Turtle Room) (MaxChapman, RodRodrigeuz,, PaulTudorJones, Don McGrath, Jen MullNeuhaus) 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting (Sea Turtle Room) (RodRodriguez, MaxChapman, John Faraci, JJHealy, Sydney McNiff Johnson, Paul TudorJones, Reuben Mark, Don McGrath, John Tomke) 5:00 p.m. Meet in Lobby ofNFWF or St. Regis Hotel Lobby. Board buses for Congressional Reception. One bus will depart from each location. 5:30 p.m. Arrive at U. S. Capitol Building 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Congressional Reception for Board ofDirectors U. S. Capitol, Mike Mansfield Room Attire: Business 7:30 p.m. Board Coaches to Return to St. Regis Hotel or NFWF FOIA001:00075348 EXT-18-2336-E-000131 2 Tuesday, March 6 7:00 a.m. Breakfast – St. Regis Hotel – George Washington Room 923 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 7:45 a.m. Meet in Lobby ofSt. Regis Hotel 8:00 a.m. Board Buses and Depart for Eisenhower Executive Office Building Visitors Entrance 17th & State Streets, NW Washington, DC 8:10 a.m. Arrive at EEOB Proceed through security Proceed to Room 350 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Opening Remarks – RodRodriguez 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. NFWF Overview Briefing – Jeff Trandahl 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Presentation to Vice President Pence 10:00 a.m. Board Buses for NFWF 10:30 a.m. NFWF Board Meeting 1133 15th Street, NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC 10:30 a.m. Welcome and Review ofAgenda RodRodriguez 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. General State of the Foundation Jeff Trandahl, Lila Helms, &TKFalayi 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Conservation & Science Update Holly Bamford 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Federal Agency Updates:  Greg Sheehan, ActingDirector, U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service  RDML Tim Gallaudet. Acting UnderSecretary of Commerce forOceans and Atmosphere 12:15 p.m. Buffet Lunch set up in Board Room Foyer – Take lunch to subcommittee meetings 12:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Subcommittee Meetings FOIA001:00075348 EXT-18-2336-E-000132 3  Birds and Wildlife (Board Room)  Aquatic Conservation (Sea Turtle Room) 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Subcommittee Meetings  GulfCommittee Meeting (Main Conference Room)  Engaging People in Conservation Meeting (Board Room) 4:45 p.m. Meet in Lobby ofNFWF or St. Regis Hotel Lobby. Board buses for DOI Reception. 1 bus will depart from each location. 5:00 p.m. Reception with Secretary Zinke Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC Attire: Business 5:45 p.m. Board Buses for Lincoln Memorial 6:00 p.m. Arrive Lincoln Memorial & Tour Catacombs 7:15 p.m. Board Buses for Occidental Grill & Seafood 1475 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004 7:30 p.m. NFWF Board ofDirectors Dinner Occidental Grill & Seafood – President’s Room 9:15 p.m. Buses Return to St. Regis Hotel and NFWF Wednesday, March 7 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Board and StaffBreakfast – NFWF Cafe 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Executive Session (Board Members Only) 9:30 a.m. BEGIN OFFICIAL BOARD MEETING Finance Committee Report – MaxChapman Investment Committee Report– RodRodriguez Audit Committee Report – JJHealy Governance Committee Report – John Tomke Human Resources Committee Report – Don McGrath Development Committee Report – Sydney McNiff Johnson FOIA001:00075348 EXT-18-2336-E-000133 4 Government Affairs Committee Report – Don McGrath GulfCommittee Report & Grant Slate Approval – John Faraci . Subcommittee Reports & Grant Slate Approvals:  Aquatic Conservation Overview – ChadPike/SteveWilliams  Birds & Wildlife Overview – Trina Overlock/John Tomke  Engaging People in Conservation – Eaddo Kiernan/SteveWilliams 11:00 a.m. Additional Items 11:30 a.m. Adjourn FOIA001:00075348 EXT-18-2336-E-000134 THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Board Reception Tuesday, March 7, 2018 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Department of the Interior Action Officer: (Elinor Renner – Elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov – 202-706-9242) I. PURPOSE Meet and greet with the Board of Directors for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. II. BACKGROUND The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is dedicated to sustaining, restoring, and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. III. PARTIPANTS Internal Secretary Ryan Zinke Scott Hommel Todd Willens Jason Larrabee Greg Sheehan External NFWF Staff & other guests 1. Jeff Trandahl 2. Lila Helms 3. Holly Bamford 4. Amanda Bassow 5. Jonathan Birdsong 6. Tony Chatwin 7. Beth Christ Smith 8. Stephanie Tom Coupe 9. Ian Davidson 10. Julia DeBuchananne 11. Tim DiCintio 12. Tokunbo Falayi 13. Dave Gagner 14. Todd Hogrefe 15. Jay Jensen 16. Tanner Johnson 17. Christina Kakoyannis 18. Tom Kelsch 19. Greg Knadle 20. John Lamoreux 21. Nancy Olkewicz 22. Eric Schwaab 23. Mike Sharp FOIA001:00075354 EXT-18-2336-E-000135 24. Dan Strodel 25. Chris West 26. Lindsey Kraatz (NOAA staff) 27. Chi Kim (Consultant) 28. Jeff Tenenbaum (Consultant) Board Members & Spouses 1. Max Chapman 2. Donna Chapman 3. Michael Cline 4. John Dane 5. John Faraci 6. Blas Fonalledas 7. Diana Pérez – spouse of Blas Fonalledas 8. RDML Tim Gallaudet - NOAA 9. JJ Healy 10. Sydney McNiff Johnson 11. Jay Johnson 12. Roger Kelley – for Harold Hamm 13. Eaddo Kiernan 14. Ryan Lance 15. Reuben Mark 16. Don McGrath 17. King Milling 18. Jen Mull Neuhaus 19. David Neuhaus 20. Chad Pike 21. Rod Rodriguez 22. Elizabeth Rodriguez 23. Greg Sheehan 24. John Tomke 25. Vicki Tschinkel 26. Steve Williams 27. Beth Williams IV. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Set up 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM NWFW Board of Directors arrive for a brief reception in the Office of the Secretary 5:45 PM – 6:00 PM Board of Directors board buses. Depart the Depart of the Interior for the Lincoln Memorial. 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM Tour of the Lincoln Memorial basement 7:15 PM – 7:30 PM Board of Directors board buses for Occidental Grill & Seafood 7:30 PM – 9:15 PM Dinner at the Occidental Grill & Seafood FOIA001:00075354 EXT-18-2336-E-000136 9:15 PM Depart the Occidental Grill & Seafood V. PRESS PLAN N/A VI. REMARKS N/A. Confirmed with NFWF and Communications VII. ATTACHMENTS 1. National Fish and Wilflife Foundation Board of Directors Meeting Agenda FOIA001:00075354 EXT-18-2336-E-000137 TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018 1 | P a g e Daily Schedule 11:55am CST- Flight from IAH to DCA 3:59pm EST Flight: United 3560 Staff: Magallanes, Rigas, DeVito 4:10pm Depart DCA en route DOI 5:00pm National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Board of Directors Reception Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Principals Only 6:00pm NFWF Board of Directors Lincoln Tour Location: Lincoln Memorial 7:00pm NFWF Board of Directors Dinner Location: Occidental Hotel Staff: Swift RON Washington, D.C. FOIA001:00075346 EXT-18-2336-E-000138 To: Boulton, Caroline[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Aaron Thiele[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; David Bernhard ; Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Renner[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Leila Getto[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; Luke Bullock[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; Ryan Zinke[cdr06@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov]; From: Michael Argo Sent: 2018-03-05T16:25:54-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Electronic Briefing Book: 3.6.18 Received: 2018-03-05T16:26:01-05:00 Thanks Caroline for getting this out early! Good job! Sent from my iPhone On Mar 5, 2018, at 3:41 PM, Boulton, Caroline wrote: All, Attached and below are tomorrow's schedule and briefing materials. Best, Caroline Daily Schedule 11:55am CST- Flight from IAH to DCA 3:59pm EST Flight: United 3560 Staff: Magallanes, Rigas, DeVito 4:10pm Depart DCA en route DOI 5:00pm National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Board ofDirectors Reception Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Hommel, Willens, Larrabee, Sheehan 6:00pm NFWF Board ofDirectors Lincoln Tour Location: Lincoln Memorial Staff: Hommel, Willens, Larrabee, Sheehan 7:30pm NFWF Board ofDirectors Dinner Location: Occidental Grill & Seafood RON Washington, D.C. NOTE: staffwill be setting up the Secretary's office for the reception at 4PM. -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00075385 EXT-18-2336-E-000139 Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 FOIA001:00075385 EXT-18-2336-E-000140 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-06T07:08:00-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Tuesday, March 6, 2018 Received: 2018-03-06T07:08:08-05:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 6, 2018 at 4:59:55 AM CST To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Tuesday, March 6, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018 6:00 AM EST Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Washington Examiner: Ryan Zinke Postpones Oil And Gas Lease Sale Near Yellowstone After Local Opposition. • Washington Post: The Next Wildfire Season Starts Soon. The Government Wants To Use Drones To Fight It. • NextGov: Interior Wants To Know How To Manage Its Huge Social Media Presence. • Washington Examiner: Alaska Senator Says Opening Of Arctic Refuge Could Start Next Year. • Associated Press: Plan To Name Utah Highway After Trump Clears Hurdle. • Federal News Radio (DC): POGO Outlines Results Of Interior Department Investigation. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • Indian Tribes Push Ahead On Plans For Connecticut Casino. Bureau Of Land Management • Associated Press: Judge Rules Against Tribes In Oregon Burial-Site Case. • Associated Press: Columbian Mammoth Tracks Found At Fossil Lake. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management • Plan To Open Drilling Off Pacific Northwest Draws Opposition. • Protesters Rally Against Trump’s Oil Drilling Plans. • Fishermen, Environmentalists To Blast Offshore Drilling Plan. • Offshore Drilling Forum Draws The Governor And Big Crowd. • No Onshore Access? No Problem. Bureau Of Reclamation (b)(6) FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000141 • Supreme Court Rules US Has Role In Texas-New Mexico Water Dispute. • Judge Shoots Down Delta Tunnels Foes’ Request To Halt Key Hearing. Fish And Wildlife Service • The Hill: Trump To Consider Elephant Trophy Imports On ‘Case-By-Case’ Basis. National Park Service • Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Flight 93 Memorial Seeks 400 Volunteers To Plant Trees. • Associated Press: No Food, Lodging Expected At Sperry Complex This Summer. • USA Today: New Historical Marker To Tell Truth Of Nathan Bedford Forrest, Slave Trade In Memphis. • Fort Collins (CO) Coloradoan: Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Plans Entry Fee Increase. Insular And International Affairs • White House Announces Major Disaster Declaration. • Guam DOE Prepares For Furloughs, Worst-case Scenario. • With Cruise Ship Arrivals To USVI Down 20 To 30 Percent, Mapp, Tourism Officials Head To Seatrade In Florida ‹. • Israeli Startup To Lead Marshall Islands Cryptocurrency ICO. • Bill To Help Spokane’s Marshallese Population Passes Washington Legislature. • Local Students Debate Politics At The Junior Statesmen Winter Congress Convention. US Geological Survey • E&E Publishing: Nominee Returns To Earth For USGS Job. Opinion Pieces • Ryan Zinke Spent His First Year In Office Selling Off Our Public Lands. • Guest Opinion: Zinke Aims To Desecrate National Monuments. • EDITORIAL Interior Secretary Makes An Odd Visit. • Dan Haar: Tribes Start East Windsor Demolition But Casino Could Be Eight Years Away. • Trump Energy Plan Is A Climate Changer. • Additonal Reading. Top National News • Washington Post: Trump: Canada, Mexico To Face New Tariffs Unless NAFTA Deal Is Reached. • USA Today: Trump: Obama Launched Russia Investigation To Aid Hillary Clinton. • Fox News: Tillerson: “We Have More To Do” To Address Russian Disinformation. • Washington Post: With Trump Now A Candidate, Federal Employees Face Political Restrictions. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “Donald Trump’s Tunnel Vision.” - “Demagogues Win As Europe’s Populist Tide Sweeps Italy.” • Washington Post. FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000142 - “Dodd-Frank Might Just Survive Republicans. Good.” - “It’s Up to Merkel And Macron To Rescue Democracy In Europe.” - “Larry Hogan Leads A Breakthrough For Metro.” • Wall Street Journal. - “Warren Democrats For Wall Street.” - “Treasury’s Qualcomm Reversal.” - “Professor Ross’s Soup Can Economics.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Ryan Zinke Postpones Oil And Gas Lease Sale Near Yellowstone After Local Opposition. The Washington Examiner (3/5, Siegel) reports that amid protests from locals, Interior Secretary Zinke said Monday that “he will delay an oil and gas lease sale planned this month in Montana near Yellowstone National Park.” Zinke tweeted, “After talking with residents and local, state and federal officials, we have decided to defer the oil and gas sale around Livingston #Montana.” This marks “the second time Zinke in recent days has postponed an oil and gas lease sale after locals expressed opposition to the plans.” On Friday, he “postponed an oil and gas lease sale near Chaco Canyon in northern New Mexico until the agency can review the impact on cultural artifacts in the area.” The Washington Post (3/5, Grandoni, Eilperin) reports that while Zinke withdrew 26 parcels from consideration, Interior next Monday will proceed “with the auction of the remaining 83 parcels, which encompass nearly 46,200 acres.” Also reporting are the AP (3/5), Reuters (3/5, Volcovici), Natural Gas Intelligence (3/5, Nemec), and the Missoula Current (MT) (3/5, Devlin). The Next Wildfire Season Starts Soon. The Government Wants To Use Drones To Fight It. The Washington Post (3/5, Grandoni) reports that last year, the Interior Department, “which leads interagency efforts on unmanned aircrafts outside the Pentagon, flew 707 drone missions on 71 wildfires.” Currently, “the federal government just uses small drones to surveil fires and aid firefighters on the ground.” But the goal is “to deploy retardant-dumping helicopters capable of being flown either manned and unmanned, so firefighting efforts can continue around the clock.” Interior Wants To Know How To Manage Its Huge Social Media FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000143 Presence. NextGov (3/5, Boyd) reports that the Interior Department, which “has more than 1,500 social media accounts,” is seeking “to be able to manage them all through one central portal.” Interior “released a notice of sources sought Monday seeking information on tactics for managing social accounts enterprisewide, as well as companies who have experience in this area.” Specifically, the department is “looking for a single platform – either a tool or ‘suite of tools’ – to manage social accounts across platforms.” Alaska Senator Says Opening Of Arctic Refuge Could Start Next Year. The Washington Examiner (3/5, Siegel) reports Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan yesterday “said he hopes that the Interior Department could begin opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in 2019, ahead of the timeline expected by Congress.” During a CERAWeek panel discussion, Sullivan said, “It is my hope, and this is a very aggressive timeline, that we would have the first [oil and natural gas] lease sale to be sometime in 2019.” According to Sullivan, officials with the Interior Department are visiting ANWR “this week to scope opportunities for energy exploration.” The Hill (3/5, Cama) reports Sullivan “encouraged oil industry officials there to bid in the lease sales.” The Seattle Post-Intelligencer (3/6, Connelly) also provides coverage. Plan To Name Utah Highway After Trump Clears Hurdle. The AP (3/5, Whitehurst) reports that “a plan to name a Utah highway after President Donald Trump to recognize his contentious decision to shrink two sprawling national monuments got a nod of approval from a panel of state lawmakers on Monday.” The proposal, backed by Rep. Mike Noel, “would rename National Parks Highway, which overlaps several roads connecting well-known parks like Zion, Arches and Bryce.” Noel said, “President Trump cares about the public lands. President Trump’s family cares about the public lands and he cares about Utah and what we’re thinking.” Also reporting are the Deseret (UT) News (3/5, O'Donoghue) and KSL￾TV Salt Lake City Salt Lake City (3/5, O'Donoghue). POGO Outlines Results Of Interior Department Investigation. Federal News Radio (DC) (3/5) reports that “an investigation by the Project On Government Oversight suggests the Interior Department is losing out on billions of potential dollars” from its offshore drilling plan “thanks to a flawed bidding process that undervalues certain tracts.” David Hilzenrath, POGO’s Chief Investigative Reporter, “joined Eric White on Federal Drive with Tom Temin to talk more about the investigation.” Bureau Of Indian Affairs Indian Tribes Push Ahead On Plans For Connecticut Casino. FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000144 The AP (3/5, Haigh) reports that leaders of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes staged a demolition ceremony at the proposed site of a “200,000-square foot gambling and entertainment venue” in East Windsor, Connecticut, as a sign that “they still intend to build a jointly owned casino near the border with Massachusetts despite delays in federal approvals.” Mohegan Tribal Chairman Kevin Brown said, “We’ve been through too much already together to give up. And we’re not going to.” Both Brown and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Chairman Rodney Butler said they hope the casino will be open “inside of two years.” The New London (CT) Day (3/5, Hallenbeck) reports that Brown added, “The federal government has no control over our ability to proceed,” and Butler asserted, “There’s nothing to stop construction.” Several speakers at the ceremony “took aim at MGM Resorts’ efforts to stop the East Windsor project.” State Sen. Cathy Osten called MGM’s “lobbying tactics ‘disrespectful’” and “said ‘not one thing was right’ about MGM’s efforts to block the East Windsor casino while proposing to pursue an alternative project in Bridgeport.” Osten added, “They’ve been here before and they’ve lied to Connecticut residents,” referring to a previous licensing agreement between MGM and Foxwoods. The Springfield (MA) Republican (3/5, Kinney) reports that at the ceremony, East Windsor First Selectman Robert Maynard said, “Maybe we should thank MGM. ... Without them coming to Springfield, maybe the tribes would not be building here. And this is a great site.” If the East Windsor casino is built, it “would be smaller than MGM Springfield, only 100,000 square feet versus 759,000 square feet of space.” Brown said that demolishing an old movie theater at the site “is expected to take six weeks.” Bureau Of Land Management Judge Rules Against Tribes In Oregon Burial-Site Case. The AP (3/5) reports Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You ruled the Yakama Nation and Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde failed to show that the Federal Highway Administration violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act when it widened Highway 26, near Oregon’s Mount Hood, east of Portland. The AP says the judge “handed a defeat” to the tribes, which “failed to show that the project substantially burdened their right to practice religion.” The tribes said the FHWA “could have widened the road without bulldozing a site that included a stone altar and medicinal plants.” The Oregonian (3/5, Bernstein) reports that Oregon tribal leaders said Monday they will challenge the judge’s ruling. Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde member Carol Logan called the ruling “heartbreaking.” Columbian Mammoth Tracks Found At Fossil Lake. The AP (3/5, Liedtke) reports that fossilized tracks by Columbian mammoths have been found “in an area of Lake County popular among fossil hunters that has earned the moniker Fossil Lake.” The site “features remnants of the ancient animal’s footprint trails, called trackways, and FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000145 imprints of ancient soil, known as paleosols.” The study was “led by Greg Retallack, a University of Oregon professor from the university’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, along with several students in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management and University of Louisiana￾Lafayette.” Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management Plan To Open Drilling Off Pacific Northwest Draws Opposition. The AP (3/5) reports on protests to a Trump Administration proposal to expand offshore drilling off the Pacific Northwest coast, saying “the governors of Washington and Oregon and other top officials have slammed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s plan to open 90 percent of the nation’s offshore reserves to development by private companies.” Opponents organized a hearing in Olympia Monday “ahead of an event hosted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to take public comment.” Zinke had touted the economic benefits of the plan, saying those funds would help fund conservation efforts. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer (3/5, Connelly) reports that “a cross￾country group of 227 legislators, representing 17 coastal states,” wrote to US Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Monday in opposition to the plan. However, they also “applauded Zinke for removing Florida’s coasts from the program, which would allow drilling in more than 90 percent of America’s Outer Continental Shelf waters.” The bipartisan group of lawmakers cited concern over recent environmental disasters caused by offshore drilling. Protesters Rally Against Trump’s Oil Drilling Plans. The AP (3/5, Casey, Ramer) reports, “Dozens of protesters rallied in New Hampshire on Monday against” the proposal, “saying it poses a grave threat to the state’s marine ecosystem and economy.” Protesters carried signs “outside a Concord hotel that was hosting an information session by federal officials to explain the process that could lead to drilling for oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf in the North Atlantic” – “one of 23 the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is holding on drilling plans including one in Maine on Wednesday.” BOEM Office of Strategic Resources Chief Renee Orr said, “There are a lot of passions around oil and gas drilling. People understand that it is a potentially risky activity,” adding, “It’s a proposal, a draft proposal. It’s important for people to know that the process we are talking about is 10 to 15 years from where we are now to when there might be exploration happening offshore.” New Hampshire Public Radio (3/5, Ropeik) reports online that inside the meeting, “BOEM staff talked to residents about the science of their work, and how climate change will factor in.” Orr said “she wants people to understand how Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke will finalize his drilling plan.” Orr said that then “their comments then can be much more impactful than ‘I hate oil and gas’ or ‘I love oil and gas.’ That’s really not informative to the FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000146 decisions that he has to make and the balancing he has to do.” The comments BOEM receives “in New Hampshire and nationwide are part of a ‘winnowing process’ for Zinke’s final proposal,” which is due in December, and which “may eliminate some areas from consideration,” according to Orr. Fishermen, Environmentalists To Blast Offshore Drilling Plan. The AP (3/4, Whittle, Villeneuve) reports opponents to the Trump administration’s offshore drilling plan, including “fishing groups, environmentalists, politicians and tourism advocates,” are preparing “to use a pair of public hearings this week to oppose the Trump administration’s proposal to expand offshore drilling in the Atlantic and other ocean waters.” Representatives of the Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will hold hearings in Maine and New Hampshire this week on the proposed drilling plan. In Maine, a coalition of various advocacy groups “will assemble before the Wednesday meeting to oppose drilling.” The “motley group” has “some organizations that normally have competing interests, such as environmentalists and fishermen,” but all share concerns over the impact of offshore drilling on the state’s economy and natural resources. The AP (3/5) reports the BOEM will host meetings on the Trump administration’s proposed offshore drilling plan on Monday in New Hampshire and on Wednesday in Maine. Offshore Drilling Forum Draws The Governor And Big Crowd. WVEC-TV Hampton Roads, VA (3/6, Her) reports online on an offshore drilling forum at ODU in Norfolk, Virginia, where Gov. Ralph Northam (D￾VA) “stood behind those against offshore drilling.” Northam said, “We need to stop putting carbon into our atmosphere so we need to wean ourselves away from fossil fuel so the last thing we need to be doing right now is drilling off of our coast.” No Onshore Access? No Problem. E&E Publishing (3/5, King) summarizes how “state officials in California and Washington have vowed to wield their power against the build-out of new pipelines, cables and other coastal infrastructure to deliver crude ashore,” while “New Jersey lawmakers are working on their own legislative measure to block state permits that would support offshore extraction.” However, National Ocean Industries Association director Tim Charters said “the most promising new waters are close to existing transport options,” meaning the “industry has the ability to do floating production.” The eastern Gulf of Mexico is “the only swath of the third coast that remains off limits to drilling,” and as a result offshore firms see “the most potential” in the Norphlet play, according to US Chamber of Commerce executive Christopher Guith. Bureau Of Reclamation FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000147 Supreme Court Rules US Has Role In Texas-New Mexico Water Dispute. The AP (3/5) reports that the Supreme Court ruled on Monday that a lawsuit “pitting Texas against New Mexico and Colorado over access to water from the Rio Grande must be sent back to an arbitrator, also known as a special master, to resolve the dispute.” Justice Neil Gorsuch “noted the federal government has an interest in ensuring water commitments are kept involving one of North America’s longest rivers, citing an international agreement with Mexico and the decades-old Rio Grande Compact.” The AP adds that “the federal government has said it may pursue claims for compact violations involving the dispute. ‘A breach of the compact could jeopardize the federal government’s ability to satisfy its treaty obligations to Mexico,’ Gorsuch wrote.” Reuters (3/6, Grzincic) reports that “the unanimous high court rejected a February 2017 recommendation by the special master it had appointed to handle the case, who had said that the Rio Grande Compact was a contract between the three states and did not give the United States any right to enforce it.” The Albuquerque (NM) Journal (3/5, Coleman) reports that Gorsuch’s opinion “said the federal government must be allowed to meet its water obligations – including an international agreement with Mexico – and a breach of the decades-old Rio Grande Compact would hinder that duty.” Texas “claims that New Mexico farmers and pecan growers illegally pump groundwater from below Elephant Butte Dam,” while New Mexico “claims that its water obligations to Texas are measured at the dam.” New Mexico “had filed a motion to dismiss Texas’ lawsuit, but in July a so-called special master appointed by the Supreme Court to analyze the case recommended the court reject that motion and allow the case to proceed.” The Supreme Court’s ruling “means that, in the words of the Court ‘the case is remanded to the Special Master for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.’” Judge Shoots Down Delta Tunnels Foes’ Request To Halt Key Hearing. The Sacramento (CA) Bee (3/5, Sabalow) reports that “a Sacramento County judge on Monday declined to temporarily stop the hearings that will decide the fate of Gov. Jerry Brown’s Delta tunnels project after its opponents sued alleging the process had been tainted by secret meetings.” In rejecting the request for a restraining order, Judge James P. Arguelles “said during a hearing in Sacramento that project opponents didn’t provide enough evidence to show that he needed to halt the water-rights hearings before the State Water Resources Control Board.” Tunnels opponents, “including the Sacramento County, Stockton, several Delta water agencies and a group of environmental organizations, sued last month, alleging the board met privately and illegally as far back as 2015 with representatives of the California Department of Water Resources and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the lead agencies planning the tunnels.” FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000148 Fish And Wildlife Service Trump To Consider Elephant Trophy Imports On ‘Case-By-Case’ Basis. The Hill (3/5, Green) reports that the Fish and Wildlife Service “announced last week that it will now consider all permits for importing elephant trophies from African nations on a ‘case-by-case basis,’ breaking from President Trump’s earlier promises to maintain an Obama-era ban on the practice.” In a formal memorandum issued on Thursday, the FWS “said it will withdraw its 2017 Endangered Species Act (ESA) findings for trophies of African elephants from Zimbabwe and Zambia, ‘effective immediately.’” The memo said “the findings are no longer effective for making individual permit determinations for imports of sport-hunted African elephant trophies.” In its place, agency will instead “grant or deny permits to import a sport-hunted trophy on a case-by-case basis.” National Park Service Flight 93 Memorial Seeks 400 Volunteers To Plant Trees. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (3/5, Erdley) reports that “spokesmen for the Friends of the Flight 93 National Memorial and the National Park Service and Park Service Foundation put out a call Monday for 400 volunteers to register for a workday at the memorial on April 27 and 28.” The volunteers will “join an ongoing effort to plant 150,000 trees to reforest the site that had been ravaged by surface mining prior to Sept. 11, 2011.” John Bernstiel, volunteer coordinate at the memorial, said, “This event is mostly conducted by volunteers and highlights what this memorial is all about — people coming together to make a difference, building a living memorial to honor the 40 crew members and passengers of Flight 93, and healing this piece of land as we continue to heal as a country.” No Food, Lodging Expected At Sperry Complex This Summer. The AP (3/5) reports that “even though the Sperry Chalet dining hall was only lightly damaged in a wildfire that gutted the Sperry dormitory in Glacier National Park, park officials don’t expect to have any concessions at the hall this summer due to trail and other needed rehab.” Crews are “not expected to finish clearing dead and downed trees along trails burned by the fire until late summer or early fall.” Kevin Warrington, the concessionaire for both the Sperry and Granite Park chalets, “says he doesn’t see any feasible way to provide concessions at the Sperry complex dining hall this season.” New Historical Marker To Tell Truth Of Nathan Bedford Forrest, Slave Trade In Memphis. USA Today (3/5, Waters) reports that “a new downtown Memphis historical FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000149 marker will ‘tell the whole story’ about Nathan Bedford Forrest and the antebellum slave trade in Memphis.” The new marker, “sponsored by Calvary Episcopal Church, Rhodes College and the National Park Service, will be unveiled and dedicated April 4.” Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Plans Entry Fee Increase. Fort Collins (CO) Coloradoan (3/5, Marmaduke) reports that the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will “increase its entry fees this spring to fund infrastructure upgrades, park officials announced Monday.” Park officials sought public input on the proposed fee hike in June 2017. According to a news release from the park, “new people submitted comments, and most of them favored a fee increase.” Insular And International Affairs White House Announces Major Disaster Declaration. The Talanei (ASM) (3/2) reports that President Trump has “declared that a major disaster exists in the territory of American Samoa and ordered federal assistance to supplement recovery efforts in the territory due to Tropical Storm Gita from February 7 to February 12, 2018.” The Talanei (ASM) (3/2) reports that Governor Lolo M. Moliga welcomed the announcement. He said, “I would be remiss if I fail to express my profound gratitude and appreciation to President Donald Trump for accepting my earnest request for a major disaster declaration to ensure that the needs of Americans of Samoan ancestry and businesses victimized by Tropical Storm Gita are comprehensively addressed thus restoring hope for our people.” Guam DOE Prepares For Furloughs, Worst-case Scenario. The Pacific (GUM) Daily News (3/1, Eugenio) reports that “the Guam Department of Education on Thursday said it is preparing for possible furloughs, but hopes the Legislature and Adelup will find a way to spare them from further financial cuts.” The Guam Education Board “can vote on a furlough during its March 13 special meeting.” According to Superintendent Jon Fernandez, “prior to that, Guam DOE will be ‘status quo.’” With Cruise Ship Arrivals To USVI Down 20 To 30 Percent, Mapp, Tourism Officials Head To Seatrade In Florida ‹. The Virgin Islands Consortium (VIR) (3/2) reports that the U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp will “depart the territory Saturday to meet with cruise industry leaders ahead of the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conference.”to discuss most aspects of cruising in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter will serve as acting governor until Mapp’s return to on Monday. During Mapp’s visit, “he will meet with the FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000150 leadership of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, top executives of several cruise lines, and Virgin Islanders in the South Florida area who he will debrief on the territory’s recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.” Israeli Startup To Lead Marshall Islands Cryptocurrency ICO. Globes (3/1) reports that “Israeli fintech startup Neema is working with the Marshall Islands in order to issue one of the world’s first legal cryptocurrency tenders – the SOV.” David Paul, minister-in-assistance to the president of the Marshall Islands said “The Marshall Islands is the first nation to adopt a transparent crypto monetary system, and we are proud of it. We are making our economy more resilient and payments more transparent.” Additional coverage was provided by the AP. Bill To Help Spokane’s Marshallese Population Passes Washington Legislature. Spokane Public Radio (WA) (3/1, Nadvornick) reports that “the Washington House has given approval to a bill that would provide members of Spokane’s Marshallese population with subsidized health care.” Rep. Marcus Riccelli, “one of the co-sponsors of the bill, argued there’s a moral obligation to help the Marshallese.” Rep. Sharon Santos “argued that, beyond the moral question, there’s also a public health benefit.” However, opponents, such as Rep. Joe Schmick, “say the responsibility is not the state’s.” Local Students Debate Politics At The Junior Statesmen Winter Congress Convention. The Virgin Islands Daily News (3/5) reports that “a delegation of eight Virgin Islands high school students recently attended the Junior State of America’s ‘MidSoHio’ (Midwest, Southeast and Ohio River Valley) Winter Congress Convention in Washington.” The students “spent five days in the nation’s capital, where they debated dozens of student-drafted bills during a mock-legislative session, visited cultural landmarks, and met with leaders including Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, Congressman and civil rights pioneer John Lewis, and Douglas Domenech, Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas at the Interior Department.” US Geological Survey Nominee Returns To Earth For USGS Job. E&E Publishing (3/5, Doyle) reports that former astronaut James Reilly II on Tuesday will face lawmakers on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for a confirmation hearing to serve as director of the U.S. Geological Survey. Reilly’s “confirmation does not appear to face any serious turbulence, though the job he’s aiming for will surely test him.” The hearing will give Reilly “a chance to map out his vision for leading FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000151 approximately 8,200 full-time USGS employees,” and “it will also give lawmakers a chance to press the political novice on how he would defend an agency that sometimes feels unloved.” Additional coverage was provided by the Colorado Springs (CO) Gazette (3/5, Bunch). Opinion Pieces Ryan Zinke Spent His First Year In Office Selling Off Our Public Lands. Vox (3/5, Katz) reports that “from his recent proposal to open almost all of America’s coast to offshore drilling to rolling back federal protections on national monuments,” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has “taken extraordinary steps to put public lands in private hands in service of fossil fuel companies and other industries.” Meanwhile, Zinke has “caught the attention of government watchdog groups that are already calling for ethics investigations into his activities.” According to the article, “allegations of political favoritism and loyalty to industry are recurring themes in five of Zinke’s biggest decisions to date, which affect the lives of millions of Americans.” Guest Opinion: Zinke Aims To Desecrate National Monuments. In an op-ed for the Billings (MT) Gazette (3/5, Jarnevic), Michael Jarnevic, a retired U.S, Army sergeant major, claims that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s proposals “to shrivel multiple national monuments is nothing more than caving to the nefarious interests of the extractive resource industry – an industry that has been a consistent foe of wildlife and wildlands.” Jarnevic urges Zinke, “who gazes in the mirror and perceives himself as a latter-day Teddy Roosevelt,” to “understand that his behavior is the antithesis of the mind and soul of Teddy.” In Jarnevic’s view, “if alive today, Roosevelt would be aghast, angry, and merciless in his condemnation of Zinke as a tarnished utensil of the Trump administration.” EDITORIAL Interior Secretary Makes An Odd Visit. The Greene County (PA) Observer-Reporter (3/6) editorializes that “much about” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s “trip to East Bethlehem fire hall...was baffling – to local residents, the media and, likely, those who planned his appearance.” The paper observes that “the event had the feel of a hastily arranged news conference/town hall meeting/political opportunity.” It questions whether “this withholding of information have been intentional, to prevent protesters from descending on Fredericktown?” Dan Haar: Tribes Start East Windsor Demolition But Casino Could Be Eight Years Away. Columnist Dan Haar asserts in the Stamford (CT) Advocate (3/5, Haar) FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000152 that actually opening a proposed casino in East Windsor “could take eight years” because of “two federal lawsuits, financing and actual construction.” Haar also opines that a bill in the Connecticut state legislature that would open up Connecticut’s casino industry to bidding “has a low chance of passing as long as it revokes the East Windsor casino license.” Haar concludes that the two-year timeline announced by the tribes is “a wildly optimistic schedule from the partnership that took two years to pick a town.” Trump Energy Plan Is A Climate Changer. L. Todd Wood writes in a Washington Times (3/5, Wood) analysis that President Trump’s energy policy is “rightfully” centered on the idea that “energy independence is a national security priority.” Wood praises “Mr. Trump’s embrace of clean coal and associated technologies, to the delight of coal miners in West Virginia and elsewhere,” and “the revolutionary technology that goes along with the coal.” According to Wood, “Carbon capture provides the Trump administration the ability to achieve two of its stated policy goals at the same time. While enabling the resurgence of American coal to support energy independence, the development of such technologies also ensures Washington will lead the world in both the adoption and promotion of clean coal.” Wood concludes that “The policy of using carbon capture tax credits to spur technological advancement in the private sector for burning clean coal will stimulate the market and help scale up the effort to achieve the end goal of Trump energy policy – not just energy independence, but energy dominance, all the while adding to the Trump economic boom.” Additonal Reading. • Interior Secretary Zinke Moves To Protect Big-Game Migration Routes. Pew Charitable Trusts (3/5, Rait, Skroch). • WhatWould A Democratic House Do To Protect Our Environment?. Pacific Standard (3/5, Perry) . • WhatWe Need Besides Lawsuits To Protect National Monuments From Trump. Hawaii Tribune-Herald (3/6, Frank). Top National News Trump: Canada, Mexico To Face New Tariffs Unless NAFTA Deal Is Reached. Media reports shed a mostly unfavorable light on what they see as an attempt by the President to use the threat of steel and aluminum tariffs to gain leverage in the ongoing NAFTA talks. The Washington Post (3/5, Paletta), for example, says Trump “further expanded his personal trade war,” the Los Angeles Times (3/5, Lee) that he is “using” the tariffs “as a bargaining chip in the bogged-down talks,” and CNN Money (3/5, Gillespie) that they are his “latest negotiating tactic to make Mexico and Canada FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000153 accept his demands.” To Politico (3/5, Nelson), Trump “lashed out...against two of America’s top international trading partners.” Politico goes on to bemoan the President’s “harsh” rhetoric toward Mexico, citing “his speech kicking off his 2016 campaign, in which Trump said Mexico was sending drugs and rapists into the US.” Under the headline “Mexico Had Great Night At The Oscars. President Trump Still Tweeted Smear,” meanwhile, USA Today (3/5, Puente) reports that “Mexico, America’s southern neighbor regularly slammed by America’s president, nevertheless got some love from Oscar Sunday night.” Then “early Monday...Trump issued a negative tweet against Mexico. Again.” Trump said on Twitter, “We have large trade deficits with Mexico and Canada. NAFTA, which is under renegotiation right now, has been a bad deal for U.S.A. Massive relocation of companies & jobs. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum will only come off if new & fair NAFTA agreement is signed. Also, Canada must... treat our farmers much better. Highly restrictive. Mexico must do much more on stopping drugs from pouring into the US. They have not done what needs to be done. Millions of people addicted and dying.” Trump also tweeted, “To protect our Country we must protect American Steel! #AMERICA FIRST”. Later in the day, the AP (3/5, Thomas, Miller) reports, the President “opened the door to exempting” both Canada and Mexico “from the planned tariffs, telling reporters, ‘that would be, I would imagine, one of the points that we’ll negotiate.’” However, he added, “If they aren’t going to make a fair NAFTA deal, we’re just going to leave it this way.” In fact, the Los Angeles Times (3/5, Lee) reports, despite loud opposition from Republicans and business groups Trump “seemed only to stiffen his resolve on the metals tariffs” yesterday. Reuters (3/5, Cornwell, Brice) notes that “without elaborating,” the President told reporters, “We’re not backing down,” and “I don’t think you’re going to have a trade war.” ABC World News Tonight (3/5, story 4, 2:05, Muir) similarly reported that the tariffs “roiled the financial markets and outraged American allies and Republican leaders,” but “the President told us...he’s not backing down.” Trump was shown saying, “People have to understand: Our country, on trade, has been ripped off by virtually every country in the world, whether it’s friend or enemy. Everybody.” The Wall Street Journal (3/5, Mauldin) and The Hill (3/5, Shelbourne), among other news outlets, run similar reports on Trump’s trade gambit, while Reuters (3/5, Cornwell, Brice) says he “was expected to finalize the planned tariffs later in the week, posing a tough challenge for US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo.” The three “were meeting in Mexico City on Monday to wrap up the latest round of discussions on revamping” NAFTA. Guajardo said on Twitter, “Mexico shouldn’t be included in steel & aluminum tariffs. It’s the wrong way to incentivize the creation of a new & modern NAFTA.” Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau, meanwhile, “said the country was negotiating on FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000154 NAFTA with a partner that has ‘changed the terms of the discussion.’” CNN Money (3/5, Gillespie) notes that Freeland also weighed in, “Should restrictions be imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum products, Canada will take responsive measures to defend its trade interests and workers.” The Washington Post (3/5, Paletta) indicates Trump’s tariffs “are expected to hit Canada particularly hard,” as “it is the top exporter to US markets of both steel and aluminum.” The New York Times (3/5, Swanson) reports that Jennifer Hillman, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, cautioned that “opening up exceptions for countries like Canada and Mexico for other factors like Nafta could also invite more challenges at the World Trade Organization.” Added Hillman, “Unequivocally, I think there will be cases filed at the WTO, and there is plenty of ground to challenge this.” The New York Times (3/5, Tankersley) also reports that Trump’s “fixation with America’s widening trade deficit is fueling his decision to impose stiff tariffs on steel and aluminum imports,” but “only a small group of experts share Mr. Trump’s fixation, and few see tariffs as an effective tool to narrow the so-called trade gap.” Anti-Tariff White House Officials Mount “Last-Ditch Effort” To Convince Trump. Politico (3/5, Restuccia, White, Cook) reports “economic adviser Gary Cohn and other free-trade advocates inside the White House and the Treasury Department are mounting a last-ditch effort to blunt the impact of Trump’s head-turning decision, even as the president insisted Monday that he wasn’t going to be convinced out of it.” Cohn “and like-minded officials in the administration are hoping the parade of senior GOP lawmakers, donors, lobbyists and business groups loudly opposing the pending decision will convince Trump” to reverse himself. Politico adds that “one person close to the effort to change Trump’s mind said over the weekend that he’s confident the final proposal will be more nuanced than the one the president announced last week.” Said “the person,” “I’d bet my life that’s not where it winds up.” “Official” Says Trump “Somewhat Open” To Narrowing Tariffs’“Scope And Effects.”The New York Times (3/5, Swanson, Landler, Haberman) reports the White House is “devising ways to potentially soften the impact of the measures on major trading partners.” In fact, “the intense maneuvering, which began before Mr. Trump’s unexpected announcement of the tariffs last Thursday, is likely to delay any formal rollout of the measures until next week, according to several officials who have been briefed on the deliberations.” The Times cites “one White House official” who said “Trump has heard all sides’ arguments, but his view has remained steadfast.” Even so, adds the “official,” Trump “is mindful enough of the arguments against potentially tanking the stock market that he has been somewhat open to a move to narrow the scope and effects of the tariffs while avoiding the perception that he was relenting.” Brit Hume said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/5), “My guess is he will go through with the tariffs that he’s announced. He may soften the FOIA001:02716013 ~ ~---- EXT-18-2336-E-000155 effect on some of our allies as President George W. Bush did. I think these tariffs on steel and aluminum are going to happen. The question then really becomes whether they in themselves will cause as much havoc as some are predicting. I very much doubt that. The worry is what happens after that. Whether in fact the retaliation meets with retaliation again from him and pretty soon we have a trade war. There isn’t anybody I know of that thinks a trade war is a good idea. ... My guess is the President will pull back from that and this will be another example of the President...blustering talk and threats and so on and it ends up being less than meets the eye. But we will see.” Tom Bevan of Real Clear Politics was asked on Fox News’ Special Report (3/5) if Trump will moderate the tariffs in any way. Bevan said, “It is Trump, so who knows? We don’t know exactly what he is going to do and even people around him don’t necessarily know what he is going to do. I think he might, a little bit. This is a campaign promise. In fact, this is something that Trump talked about for decades about America getting ripped off and needing to have the kind of good deals put in place and to have fair trade. I think by and large he looks like he won’t back off. I expect he won’t. He may moderate on the margins, maybe on the numbers. This is a first real break he’s had with his party on economic issues. ... He’s got almost no support in his party for this. But I think that doesn’t matter to him. I think he is still going to push forward with them.” Ryan Urges Trump To Reconsider As GOP Lawmakers, Allies Mount Effort To Stop Tariffs. The Hill (3/5, Fabian) reports the President “is facing mounting pressure from Republicans in Congress and business groups to go back on his decision,” and Politico (3/5, Bade, Palmer) that “Republicans are frantically lobbying” the President “to reconsider.” The CBS Evening News (3/5, story 2, 2:50, Garrett), which referred to “a rare public split” between the Trump and Speaker Ryan, noted a Ryan spokeswoman said the Wisconsin lawmaker “is ‘urging the White House to not advance with this plan. The new tax reform law has boosted the economy, and we certainly don’t want to jeopardize those gains.’” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was asked to comment, and told reporters, “We have a great relationship with Speaker Ryan. We’re going to continue to have one. But that doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything. The President has been committed and talked about this for many years.” The Los Angeles Times (3/5, Decker), National Review (3/5, Crowe), US News & World Report (3/5, Levy), Wall Street Journal (3/5, Hughes) and Axios (3/5, Swan), among other news outlets, run similar accounts of Ryan’s criticism, while, The Hill (3/5, Zanona) notes Ryan’s office also “blasted out an email earlier Monday highlighting a news article that attributed a drop in the stock markets to Trump’s tariffs announcement.” The Washington Times (3/5, Miller) says “the White House...played down the rift,” and The Hill (3/5, Fabian) that Sanders “scoffed” at Republicans who claim to be surprised about Trump’s trade views. Said Sanders, “I FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000156 think they should have been well-aware. This is, again, something the president hasn’t been shy about.” The Washington Post (3/5, Werner) says “congressional Republicans are maneuvering to stop...Trump from levying harsh tariffs on steel and aluminum imports,” with “members of the House Ways and Means Committee...circulating a letter arguing against the tariffs” and “high￾ranking Senate Republicans” voicing “their opposition.” The Post adds that “it’s unclear whether the GOP pushback will have any effect on Trump,” and remarks on the fact that “for all of the controversies Trump has faced, the tariffs decision marks one of few times he has taken a step that runs directly counter to Republicans’ legislative and economic goals.” The Washington Examiner (3/5, Lawler) reports “House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady said Monday that he and other House Republicans will ask...Trump to exempt some countries from promised steel and aluminum tariffs, but stopped short of suggesting that Congress could pursue a legislative response.” Pressed on the latter option, Brady said, “My view is we stay focused on helping the president tailor these tariffs to the maximum effect.” Roll Call (3/5, McPherson) reports, meanwhile, that “Congress is unlikely to act before the president’s plan takes effect,” but “congressional Republicans are considering actions they might be able to take down the line to subvert the administration’s trade policy.” Potential actions “include explore possible changes to the provision of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 – known as Section 232 – that allows the president to impose unlimited tariffs if a federal investigations determines it poses a threat to national security.” Also yesterday, Bloomberg News (3/5, Edgerton) reports, Sen. Mike Lee “tweeted about his bill to limit the president’s ability to impose tariffs without approval from Congress,” writing, “In a government system with checks and balances, the President should not have the power to unilaterally levy or alter tariffs.” Rep. Jackie Walorski said on CNBC’s Closing Bell (3/5), “My district is in danger right now of losing bonuses from tax reform that they were given because the economy is booming. We all know we’re on this track that’s very positive: regulation reform, tax reform, companies expanding, but in my district...when the President started talking 25 percent here and 10 percent there, in the RV industry, the recreational vehicle, boating, trailer manufacturing – we have one of the largest manufacturing districts – employees right now aren’t looking at bonuses, they’re looking at jobs hung up, jobs potentially leaving, orders in the queue, expansion plans downsized. There’s a cost to this. All I’m saying is let’s be balanced.” Townhall (3/5, Pavlich) reports “it isn’t just politicians expressing concern. Conservative, grassroots organizations are as well,” and USA Today (3/5, Jackson) that “many Republican allies of Trump oppose the tariff plan.” Said David McIntosh, president of the “anti-regulation” Club for Growth, “For every steel worker job that might be saved because of a FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000157 tariff, our country will lose even more American jobs in auto plants, construction, and so many other industries.” McIntosh also said that “tariffs will also harm the pro-growth effects of the tax cuts, stall the economy, incite a trade war, and help hand the (2018 congressional) election to the Democrats.” Max Boot, in a Washington Post (3/5) column titled “Imposing Tariffs Is Stupid Policy,” bemoans the fact that “Trump has loudly and repeatedly signaled his intention to abandon more than 70 years of America’s commitment to free trade” and that “welcomes a trade war – he says that ‘trade wars are good, and easy to win’ – but no serious economist would agree. Neither does Wall Street.” Stocks Finish Higher. The New York Times (3/5, Swanson, Landler, Haberman) reports that one of Trump’s “all-important barometers – the stock market – rebounded on Monday after falling sharply immediately after the announcement of the tariffs last week as the Republican dissent fueled optimism that Mr. Trump would ultimately reverse course.” The Times adds that “a person close to the White House said that the president was itching to impose tariffs, and that Monday’s stock market rebound had reassured Mr. Trump that he was in the right.” CNBC reported “stocks rose on Monday, erasing earlier losses, as worries about a potential trade war waned.” The Dow “closed 336.70 points higher at 24,874.76” and the S&P 500 “rose 1.1 percent to 2,720.94 after briefly trading lower.” Harley-Davidson, “a closely watched stock amid the tariff news, rose 2.4 percent.” The Nasdaq “advanced 1 percent to close at 7,330.70.” Noting Trump’s comments on NAFTA, CNBC added that he “appeared to be opening the door for negotiations on tariffs,” while Ryan expressed his opposition to the President’s plans. The Wall Street Journal (3/5, Wursthorn, Kantchev) runs a similar story under the headline “US Stocks Higher As Trade-War Fears Ease,” though Bloomberg News (3/4, Potter, Haigh) says investors “continued fretting about the potential for a full-fledged trade war.” Europe Could Retaliate Against Harley-Davidson, Kentucky Bourbon, Levi’s. The Washington Post (3/5, McAuley) reports European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has already spoken of “potential consequences” for Trump’s move, including “tariffs on a number of American products that included Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Kentucky bourbon and Levi’s blue jeans.” Said Juncker, “We can also do stupid.” A “European official speaking on the condition of anonymity” tells the Post, “Those were just examples. ... The list has been in preparation for some time, and of course more products are potentially to be targeted. Basically, it’s more or less one-third agricultural products, one-third steel- and aluminum-related products, and one-third other products.” As ABC World News Tonight (3/5, story 4, 2:05, Muir) put it, that would be “bourbon from Senate Leader Mitch McConnell’s home state of Kentucky. Harley-Davidson motorcycles, made in...Ryan’s home state of Wisconsin, and jeans from Levi-Strauss, which just happens to be FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000158 headquartered in Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco district.” Hill Analysis: Tariffs Could Boost Trump In Rustbelt In 2020. The Hill (3/5, Stanage) reports “Trump’s proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports horrify Republican leaders in Congress – but they could yet pay political dividends” for him, as the move “has significant appeal in the Rust Belt states that were pivotal to his shock 2016 election win.” In fact, “some Democrats in the region worry that senior figures in their party, especially those whose bases are in affluent coastal cities, are underestimating the political potency of Trump’s announcement.” Already, “some prominent Democrats from industrial states have backed Trump on the tariffs, including Sen. Bob Casey (Pa.) and Reps. Tim Ryan and Marci Kaptur, both of Ohio.” Moreover, “the nation’s largest federation of unions, the AFL-CIO, also welcomed Trump’s proposal.” Examiner’s Wegmann: Navarro “A Democrat” And “A Political Opportunist.”Philip Wegmann writes in the Washington Examiner (3/5, Wegmann) that Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro “is a smart man, at least on paper,” as well as “a Democrat” who “ran for office in San Diego, Calif., three times on a Democratic ticket, losing each race.” Wegmann adds that “liberal ideas animate his thinking,” and “more than anything” he is “is a political opportunist,” having gone “from liberal, anti-trade Democrat to...Trump’s chief trade advisor.” To Wegmann, “So far, the economy has been this president’s saving grace. The tariffs will put an end to that.” Yesterday morning, Navarro said on Fox News’ Fox & Friends (3/5), “The mission here is to save our aluminum and steel industries for the purposes of the preserving our national security and out economic security. That’s what all of this is about. We have imports coming in across the globe threatening those two industries. As the President said, we can’t have a country without an aluminum steel industry.” WSJournal, ABC News Highlight Study Finding Tariffs Will Kill 146,000 US Jobs. In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/5) criticizes Commerce Secretary Ross’ statements indicating tariffs on steel and aluminum imports will have little effect on US consumers. The Journal quotes Ross as saying, “I just bought a can of Campbell’s soup today at the 7-Eleven. It was $1.99 for the can. There’s about 10 cents worth of tin plate steel in this can. So if it goes up 25%, that’s a tiny fraction of one penny. That’s not a noticeable thing.” The Journal, however, goes on to note a study by Joseph Francois and Laura Baughman released by the Washington-based Trade Partnership, which found the new tariffs will lead to a net loss of 179,000 US jobs. ABC World News Tonight (3/5, story 4, 2:05, Muir) also remarked on the “new analysis...by the non-partisan Trade Partnership,” which “projects the Trump tariffs on steel and aluminum would result in a net loss of 146,000 American jobs in a single year.” Trump: Obama Launched Russia Investigation To Aid Hillary Clinton. FOIA001:02716013 •~---- EXT-18-2336-E-000159 USA Today (3/5, Jackson) reports that in a tweet Monday, President Trump argued that former President Obama and his team launched the Russia investigation to aid Hillary Clinton’s campaign, “describing it as a scandal bigger than Watergate.” Trump tweeted, “Why did the Obama Administration start an investigation into the Trump Campaign (with zero proof of wrongdoing) long before the Election in November? ... Wanted to discredit so Crooked H would win. ... Unprecedented. Bigger than Watergate! Plus, Obama did NOTHING about Russian meddling.” Former CIA Director Brennan replied in a tweet, telling Trump that his claim is “a great example of your paranoia, constant misrepresentation of the facts, and increased anxiety and panic (rightly so) about the Mueller investigation. ... When will those in Congress and the 30 percent of Americans who still support you realize you are a charlatan?” Politico (3/5, Nelson) says Trump “has made a habit of lashing out at Obama and of complaining about the ongoing investigations,” which he has labeled as a “witch hunt.” His tweet Monday runs “counter to public reporting that Obama’s Justice Department was in the midst of investigating the Russian connections of Trump campaign advisers Carter Page and George Papadopoulos as the 2016 campaign was ongoing.” The AP (3/5, Tucker, Woodward) says Trump “has given a problematic account of how the Russia investigation began.” The AP says that despite Trump’s “conspiratorial tone, it’s not unusual for investigations to start without proof. They tend to start with suspicions.” Moreover, there has been “no evidence” that Obama “used this matter to try to help Clinton in the election.” Australian Diplomat Who Prompted FBI’s Russia Investigation Has Ties To Clinton. The Hill (3/5, Solomon, Spann) reports that former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, “whose tip in 2016 prompted the Russia-Trump investigation, previously arranged one of the largest foreign donations to Bill and Hillary Clinton’s charitable efforts, documents show.” Downer’s “role in securing $25 million in aid from his country to help the Clinton Foundation fight AIDS is chronicled in decade-old government memos archived on the Australian foreign ministry’s website.” Downer who now serves as Australia’s ambassador to London, “provided the account of a conversation with Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos at a London bar in 2016 that became the official reason the FBI opened the Russia counterintelligence probe.” Sean Hannity said on Fox News’ Hannity (3/5), “You start connecting the dots and you can begin to see Clinton has her hands in everything here. All of the evidence that was used to start and further the Russia investigation all came from cronies and associates – whether people that were being paid by the Clintons or knew the Clintons.” Judicial Watch Sues DOJ For Records Regarding Bruce Ohr. The Daily Caller (3/5, Ross) reports that Judicial Watch “is suing the Department of Justice for records regarding Bruce Ohr, the recently-demoted DOJ official who met with dossier author Christopher Steele prior to the 2016 election.” FOIA001:02716013 -----■ EXT-18-2336-E-000160 The conservative watchdog is seeking “records of Ohr’s contacts with Steele as well as with employees of Fusion GPS, the opposition research firm that commissioned the dossier.” In addition, Judicial Watch wants “Ohr’s calendar entries and all communications between the attorney general’s office and Fusion GPS and Nellie Ohr.” House Republicans Back Away From Plans To Hold Bannon In Contempt. The Washington Post (3/5, Demirjian) reports that people from both parties with knowledge of the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election say House Republicans “are backing away from plans to potentially hold former White House strategist Stephen K. Bannon in contempt of Congress for refusing to fully comply with” a panel subpoena. According to people familiar with the matter, there has been “zero urgency to pursue further action against Bannon or even discuss the matter with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), whose buy￾in is critical to issuing such a citation.” With “committee Republicans pushing for a fast close to the Russia probe, many panel members doubt that Ryan and [Rep. K. Michael] Conaway [the top Republican in the investigation] will actually deliver on a contempt citation for Bannon.” Tillerson: “We Have More To Do” To Address Russian Disinformation. Rich Edson reported on Fox News’ Special Report (3/5) that Congress allocated $120 million to the State Department to “counter foreign efforts to interfere in American politics. The Department has spent none of that money...according to the New York Times.” The Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC) “only last week secured $40 million of that dedicated funding.” A senior State Department official says the GEC has started assigning that $40 million to projects, and “has, in the meantime, used other funding to counter misinformation.” Meanwhile, Edson noted that the Times also reported that “none” of the GEC’s 23 analysts speak Russian. A “senior State Department official counters that the acting coordinator and deputy coordinator speak Russian, and the chief of staff is an expert on Russia.” While meeting with foreign ministers from three Baltic states, Secretary of State Tillerson “acknowledged his department must better address Russia’s disinformation campaign.” Fox showed Tillerson stating, “We have more to do.” Putin: Russia Will Never Extradite Those Indicted For Election Meddling. Fox News’ Special Report (3/5) reported Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country “will never extradite” the 13 Russians indicted by the US for meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. In a TV interview, Putin said he has no idea what those individuals did, and claimed they don’t represent Russia. Woman Jailed In Thailand Seeks US Asylum, Claims To Have Evidence Of Russian Interference. CNN’s Situation Room (3/5) reported Anastasia Vashukevich, a woman from Belarus currently imprisoned in Bangkok, is seeking US asylum, claiming to have evidence of Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Correspondent Ivan Watson spoke to Vashukevich, reporting FOIA001:02716013 ----~· EXT-18-2336-E-000161 that “she says that she witnessed meetings between the Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska and at least three Americans, who she refused to name. She says they discussed plans to affect the US elections, but she wouldn’t give any further information because she fears she could be deported back to Russia.” The New York Times (3/5, Paddock) reports that Vashukevich said Monday that she has “more than 16 hours of audio recordings that could help shed light on Russian meddling in United States elections.” WTimes Analysis: Fear About Integrity OfNation’s Election System AtAn All-Time High. The Washington Times (3/5, Boylan) reports that “fear and confusion over the integrity of the nation’s election systems are running at an all-time high.” While Democrats “say the Trump administration has not taken the threat seriously enough,” Republicans blame the Obama Administration “for failing to act in 2016.” Meanwhile, technology experts “fault the Department of Homeland Security and social media companies for failing to get a handle on the threat.” With Trump Now A Candidate, Federal Employees Face Political Restrictions. The Washington Post (3/5, Yoder) reports that the Office of Special Counsel, “a federal agency that enforces the Hatch Act limits on allowable political activities by federal employees, said Monday that additional restrictions now apply because President Trump is officially running for reelection in 2020. For Hatch Act purposes, that occurred last week with the appointment of Brad Parscale...to manage the president’s reelection bid. The OSC had said earlier that Trump’s filing of campaign paperwork a year ago with the Federal Election Commission had not met that threshold.” The “additional restrictions apply to most employees only when they are on duty and/or in a federal workplace: They may not engage in political activity directed at the success or failure of such a party, candidate or group.” Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “Donald Trump’s Tunnel Vision.”In an editorial, the New York Times (3/5) decries President Trump’s decision to urge House Speaker Ryan “to scrap start-up money for an additional rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey, a project essential to the economic health not only of those two states but of the entire country.” Citing its own reporting and that of the Washington Post, the Times says Trump “did it to spite the Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of New York, whose sin is failure to fall in lock step with Mr. Trump on a variety of issues. This is foolishness.” The Times adds that this is “but one instance among many of the president showing zero concern for the region and the city that created his wealth and his reputation.” “Demagogues Win As Europe’s Populist Tide Sweeps Italy.”A New York Times (3/5) editorial says Italy’s elections were “the latest powerful wave FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000162 in a tidal turn of anti-immigrant, anti-European Union and antidemocratic fervor that has ravaged European politics.” The Italian election, it adds, “was a stinging rejection of traditional parties, and of national leadership that has been frustrated by a flood of migrants from Africa and the Middle East and stymied by years of stagnation.” Washington Post. “Dodd-Frank Might Just Survive Republicans. Good.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/5) says that while President Trump said early in his Administration that he intended to do “a big number on Dodd-Frank,” Republicans can change the law “only to the extent consistent with attracting sufficient Democratic votes.” The Post adds that the “lowest common denominator may be” a bill “moving through the Senate with bipartisan support,” to “grant regulatory relief to small banks while letting some big ones, but not the biggest, go along for the ride.” The Post questions the wisdom and the necessity of the measure, and expresses concern that it “sets a precedent for the biggest institutions to demand lower capital requirements the next time Congress takes up the issue.” However, for now, the bill “could represent the high-water mark of this Republican deregulatory wave,” and albeit “weakened, the basic Dodd￾Frank regulatory framework might just survive two years of Republican control of the presidency and Congress, which certainly beats the alternative.” “It’s Up to Merkel And Macron To Rescue Democracy In Europe.”A Washington Post (3/5) editorial says Italy’s election “delivered another body blow to Europe’s already-wobbly democratic center.” The “good news of the weekend was that a new coalition government” led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel “was finally approved by members of her partner Social Democratic Party.” The Post argues that “it now falls to Ms. Merkel to seek with [French President Emmanuel] Macron reforms that will promote growth in struggling EU countries such as Italy, while continuing to defend liberal democratic principles.” “Larry Hogan Leads A Breakthrough For Metro.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/5) says that after appearing to “regard subways and buses as white elephants sponging up cash better used to build roads” during his campaign, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan “has made a break with his past and can credibly claim to have been the decisive factor in turning the regional tide in favor of a workable bailout for Metro, the national capital area’s ailing transit system.” The Post says the burden now rests with “Republicans in Richmond, whose 66-seat majority in Virginia’s House of Delegates was cut to 51 seats in last fall’s elections.” They “would be wise to take a cue from Mr. Hogan’s leadership.” Wall Street Journal. “Warren Democrats For Wall Street.”A Wall Street Journal (3/5) editorial says Senate progressives, led by Sens. Elizabeth Warren and FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000163 Sherrod Brown say a Senate bill to grant regulatory relief to small banks is a gift to Wall Street. However, citing the bill’s 12 Democratic co-sponsors, the Journal calls it progress that some Democrats are breaking with Warren. “Treasury’s Qualcomm Reversal.”The Wall Street Journal (3/5) editorializes that Cfius’ decision on Broadcom’s proposed acquisition of Qualcomm was correct and marks a reversal of the Treasury Department’s position of last week that it would not postpone the shareholder vote. The Journal argues that if Broadcom wants to obtain Cfius approval, it must show that its bid for Qualcomm will not threaten US national security. “Professor Ross’s Soup Can Economics.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/5) criticizes Commerce Secretary Ross’ statements indicating tariffs on steel and aluminum imports will have little effect on US consumers. The Journal quotes Ross as saying, “I just bought a can of Campbell’s soup today at the 7-Eleven. It was $1.99 for the can. There’s about 10 cents worth of tin plate steel in this can. So if it goes up 25%, that’s a tiny fraction of one penny. That’s not a noticeable thing.” The Journal, however, goes on to note a study by Joseph Francois and Laura Baughman released by the Washington-based Trade Partnership, which found the new tariffs will lead to a net loss of 179,000 US jobs. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: Trump Tariffs Spark GOP Rift US Government Intervenes In Broadcom’s Bid For Qualcomm Can a Onetime Nader-Supporting “Bomb Thrower” Win Arizona’s Senate Seat? Democrats Hope So Next Up for Amazon: Checking Accounts New York Times: Trump Reaffirms Commitment to Tariffs but Opens Door to Compromise Trump’s Hopes of Being the “Neutral Guy” in the Mideast Seem Long Gone Behind Public Persona, the Real Xi Jinping Is a Guarded Secret Trying Again, de Blasio Names a New Schools Chancellor Washington Post: Trump’s Tariffs Face GOP Pushback Mayor Knew Of Transfer, Says Ex-DC Schools Chief Israel’s “Dreamers” In Limbo Abortion Bills Make Down Syndrome A Focus Of Fight Populist Wins Tip Europe Into “Uncharted Territory” Ex-Trump Aide Vows To Defy Mueller Financial Times: Italy On Course For Clash With EU As Voters Boost Populists Parties FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000164 US Offers UK Airlines Worse Deal After Brexit As Ownership Clouds Open Skies Washington Times: Obama Policies To End ‘Schoolhouse-To-Jailhouse Pipeline’ Helped Keep Nikolas Cruz Off Police Radar Fear, Confusion Over Integrity Of U.S. Election Systems At All-Time High Ahead Of Midterms Democrats Fielding — And Funding — Serious Challengers In GOP Strongholds China’s Economic Lifeline For Greece Tangles Political Relations With EU Judge Rules Trump’s DACA Phaseout Legal Sam Nunberg, Ex-Trump Aide, Walks Back Refusal To Cooperate With Mueller Subpoena Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: Russia Investigation-Nunberg; Nor’easter; Weather Forecast; Tariff Policy-Reactions; Trump-Gridiron Dinner; WV-Teachers Strike; Florida￾Teacher Controversy; UK-Former Russian Spy Hospitalized; Oscars Award Stolen; SkyWest Mid-Flight Incident; NYC-Deadly Crash; Brooklyn￾Apartment Fire. CBS: Russian Investigation-Nunberg; Tariff Policy-Reactions; SkyWest Mid￾Flight Incident; Weather Forecast; UK-Former Russian Spy Hospitalized; WV-Teachers Strike; Syria Conflict; FTC-Scam Risk; Oscars Award Stolen. NBC: Nor’easter; Weather Forecast; WV Teachers Strike; Russia Investigation-Nunberg; Washington-Avalanche Warning; UK-Former Russian Spy Hospitalized; Florida-Teacher Controversy; Hackers Target CPA Firms; China-Airport Roof Collapse; Oscars Award Stolen. Network TVAt A Glance: Russia Investigation-Nunberg – 8 minutes, 45 seconds Nor’easter/Weather Forecast – 7 minutes, 50 seconds Tariff Policy – 4 minutes, 55 seconds WV-Teachers – 4 minutes 15 seconds Oscars Award Stolen – 4 minutes UK-Former Russian Spy Hospitalized – 4 minutes Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Russia Investigation-Nunberg; Nor’easter; Florida-Gun Legislation; Oregon-Gun Sales Legislation. CBS: Nor’easter; Florida-Gun Control Legislation; Russia Investigation￾Nunberg; Tariff Policy-Reactions; Wall Street. FOX: Florida-Gun Control Legislation; Florida School Shooting Investigation; WV-Teachers Strike; DC-DACA Protests; Tariff Policy-Trump; Senator Cochran Announces Retirement; Bill Cosby Case; Organ Donations Increase. FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000165 NPR: Tariff Policy-Trump; Senator Cochran Announces Retirement; UK￾Former Russian Spy Hospitalized; Florida-Gun Control Legislation; Sherman Alexi-Sexual Harassment Allegations; Wall Street. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — President Trump meets Swedish PM Lofven at the White House. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — No public schedule announced. US Senate: 9:30 AM Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on worldwide threats – Hearing on ‘Worldwide Threats’, with testimony from Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats; and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley Jr. Location: Hart Senate Office Building, Rm 216, Washington, DC http://armed-services.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Senate Finance Committee hearing on protecting e￾commerce consumers from counterfeits – Hearing on ‘Protecting E￾commerce Consumers from Counterfeits’, with testimony from Government Accountability Office Director of International Affairs and Trade Kimberly Gianopoulos; Customs and Border Protection Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith; Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Import Surveillance Director Jim Joholske; and UL Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial and Legal Officer Terrence Brady. Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 215, Washington, DC http://finance.senate.gov 10:00 AM Nominations hearing considers Dr. James Reilly II to be U.S. Geological Survey Director. Location: Rm 366, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC www.energy.senate.gov. 2:00 PM House / Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees hear legislative presentation from vets groups – House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs joint hearing on ‘Legislative Presentations of Multiple VSOs’, with testimony from Paralyzed Veterans of America National President David Zurfluh; American Veterans National Commander Marion Polk; Vietnam Veterans of America National President John Rowan; American Ex-Prisoners of War National Commander Charles Susino Jr.; Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Chief Policy Officer Melissa Bryant; Association of the United States Navy National Executive Director Rear Adm. (Ret.) Christopher Cole; Wounded Warrior Project Senior Vice President for Government and Community Relations Rene Bardorf; National Guard Association of the United States President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Roy Robinson; and Non Commissioned Officers Association President and National Commander Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (Ret.) Vincent Patton III. Location: Rm G50, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs 2:30 PM Senate Intelligence CLOSED hearing – FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000166 https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/hearings/closed-briefing-intelligence￾matters-210. Location: 219 Hart Senate Office Building. 2:30 PM Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation programs – Seapower Subcommittee hearing on ‘Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Programs’, with testimony from Naval Air Systems Commander Vice Adm. Paul Grosklags; U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lt. Gen. Steven Rudder; and Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Director of Air Warfare (OPNAV N98) Rear Adm. Scott Conn. Location: Russell Senate Office Building, Rm 232A, Washington, DC http://armed-services.senate.gov/ US House: 10:00 AM Labor Secretary Acosta testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee on budget – Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Department of Labor’, with testimony from Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. Location: Rm 2358-C, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM Treasury Secretary Mnuchin testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee on budget – Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Department of Treasury’, with testimony from Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2359, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM House Natural Resources subcommittee oversight hearing on reducing the DOI maintenance backlog – Federal Lands Subcommittee oversight hearing on ‘Exploring Innovative Solutions to Reduce the Department of the Interior’s Maintenance Backlog.’ Location: Longworth House Office Building, Rm 1324, Washington, DC http://naturalresources.house.gov https://twitter.com/NatResources 10:00 AM House Armed Services Committee hearing on national security challenges and U.S. military activities in Africa – Hearing on ‘National Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in Africa’, with testimony from U.S. Africa Command Commander Gen. Thomas Waldhauser. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 10:00 AM House Small Business subcommittees joint hearing on rural broadband – Health and Technology Subcommittee and Agriculture, Energy, and Trade Subcommittee joint hearing on ‘Disconnected: Rural Broadband and the Business Case for Small Carriers’, with testimony from Womble Bond Dickinson associate Erin Fitzgerald (on behalf of Rural Wireless Association); Competitive Carriers Association Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Tim Donovan; Bloosurf co-founder Paul Carliner (on behalf of Blooston Rural Carriers); and Western Telecommunications Alliance Vice President of Government Affairs Derrick Owens. Location: Rm 2360, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000167 http://smallbusiness.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/SmallBizGOP 10:00 AM House Science subcommittee hearing on future of U.S. fusion energy research – Energy Subcommittee hearing on ‘The Future of U.S. Fusion Energy Research’, with testimony from ITER Organization Director-General Dr. Bernard Bigot; Department of Energy Office of Science Acting Associate Director of Fusion Energy Sciences Dr. James Van Dam; General Atomics Magnetic Fusion Energy Division Director of Advanced Fusion Systems Dr. Mickey Wade; and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory National Ignition Facility Director Dr. Mark Herrmann. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2318, Washington, DC http://science.house.gov https://twitter.com/HouseScience 10:00 AM Interior, Energy, and Environment Subcommittee hearing on ‘Examining the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2154, Washington, DC http://oversight.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/GOPoversight 10:00 AM House Commerce subcommittee hearing on the NTIA – Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on ‘Oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’, with testimony from Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information David Redl. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2123, Washington, DC http://energycommerce.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseCommerce 10:00 AM House Workforce subcommittee hearing on ‘Strengthening Welfare to Work With Child Care’ – Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee hearing on ‘Strengthening Welfare to Work With Child Care’, with testimony from Alliance for Early Success Deputy Director Helene Stebbins; Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Director of Education and Workforce Development Brigitte Nieland; Campagna Center President and CEO Tammy Mann; and Mississippi Governor’s Education and Workforce Development Policy Advisor Dr. Laurie Smith. Location: Rm 2175, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://edworkforce.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/EdWorkforce 10:00 AM House Financial Services Committee marks up its views and estimates letter – Markup hearing on ‘Views and Estimates of the Committee on Financial Services on Matters to be Set Forth in the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2019’. Location: Rm 2128, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://financialservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/FinancialCmte 10:00 AM House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on class-action lawsuits against ICF/IID – Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice hearing on ‘Examining Class Action Lawsuits Against Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID)’, with testimony from parents Martha Bryant, Caroline Lahrmann, and Peter Kinzler; and Center for Public Representation Director of Advocacy Alison Barkoff. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2141, Washington, FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000168 DC http://judiciary.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseJudiciary 10:00 AM Transportation Secretary Chao testifies to House committee on administration’s infrastructure proposal – Hearing on ‘Examining the Administration’s Infrastructure Proposal’, with testimony from Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2167, Washington, DC http://transportation.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/Transport 11:00 AM House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer regular pen-and-pad briefing. Location: H-144, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC www.democraticwhip.gov/ https://twitter.com/WhipHoyer 12:00 PM House debates Comprehensive Regulatory Review Act – House of Representatives meets for legislative business, with agenda including ‘H.R. 4607 – Comprehensive Regulatory Review Act’, plus consideration of ‘H.R. 2226 – Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act’, as amended, ‘H.R. 4725 – Community Bank Reporting Relief Act’, ‘H.R. 4768 – National Strategy for Combating the Financing of Transnational Criminal Organizations Act’, as amended, ‘H.R. 4986 – RAY BAUM’S Act of 2018’, as amended, ‘H.R. 1132 – Political Appointee Burrowing Prevention Act’, as amended, ‘H.R. 4043 – Whistleblower Protection Extension Act of 2017’, as amended, ‘S. 188 – EGO Act’, as amended, and ‘H.R. 3737 – Social Media Use in Clearance Investigations Act of 2017’ under suspension of the rules. Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.house.gov/. 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business 2:00 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on U.S. Navy budget request for seapower and projection forces – Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee hearing on ‘Department of the Navy FY 2019 Budget Request for Seapower and Projection Forces’, with testimony from Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition James Geurts; Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems Vice Adm. William Merz; and Marine Corps Combat Development Command Commanding General Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 2:00 PM House / Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees hear legislative presentation from vets groups – House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs joint hearing on ‘Legislative Presentations of Multiple VSOs’, with testimony from Paralyzed Veterans of America National President David Zurfluh; American Veterans National Commander Marion Polk; Vietnam Veterans of America National President John Rowan; American Ex-Prisoners of War National Commander Charles Susino Jr.; Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Chief Policy Officer Melissa Bryant; Association of the United States Navy National Executive Director Rear Adm. (Ret.) Christopher Cole; Wounded Warrior Project Senior Vice President for Government and Community Relations Rene Bardorf; National Guard Association of the United States President Brig. FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000169 Gen. (Ret.) Roy Robinson; and Non Commissioned Officers Association President and National Commander Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (Ret.) Vincent Patton III. Location: Rm G50, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs 2:00 PM House Oversight subcommittee holds roundtable with Jerusalem mayor – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform National Security Subcommittee holds roundtable with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2247, Washington, DC http://oversight.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/GOPoversight 3:30 PM EESI co-hosts briefing on ‘Building Climate Resilience in the Real Estate Sector’ – ‘Building Climate Resilience in the Real Estate Sector’ Citizens Climate Lobby / Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) briefing, on ‘the ways the public and private sectors can collaborate to develop the policy tools necessary to safeguard America’s buildings and homes from future natural disasters’. Congressional speakers and co-hosts are bipartisan Reps. Charlie Crist and Lee Zeldin, with panel featuring realtor and St. Petersburg, FL, Council Member Brandi Gabbard, National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Vice President Ryan Colker, and New Jersey Association of Floodplain Management Legislative Chair John Miller. Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, HVC-201, Washington, DC www.eesi.org/ https://twitter.com/eesionline #eesitalk 3:30 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on ‘Marine Corps Readiness Posture’ – Readiness Subcommittee hearing on ‘Marine Corps Readiness Posture’, with testimony from U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations Lt. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, and Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics Lt. Gen. Michael Dana; and Marine Forces Reserve Commander and Marine Forces North Commander Lt. Gen. Rex McMillian. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2212, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans Other: AIPAC Policy Conference concludes – American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference – ‘preeminent annual gathering of the pro￾Israel community’ – concludes. Speakers during conference include Vice President Mike Pence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Education Minister and Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett, and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Amb. Nikki Haley, USAID Administrator Mark Green, House Chief Deputy Majority Whip Patrick McHenry, Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin, bipartisan Reps. Anthony Brown, Ted Deutch, Eliot Engel, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Trent Kelly, Brian Mast, Seth Moulton, Stephanie Murphy, Jimmy Panetta, Robert Pittenger, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ed Royce, Adam Schiff, Brad Sherman, Scott Taylor, and Lee Zeldin, Estonian Foreign Affairs Minister Sven Mikser, Albanian PM Edi Rama, Togolese Foreign Affairs Minister Robert Dussey, Chief Archivist of the United States David Ferriero, Arizona FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000170 State Rep. Daniel Hernandez Jr., and Let America Vote founder Jason Kander. Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC www.policyconference.org https://twitter.com/AIPAC #AIPAC2018 9:00 AM ‘Preventing Conflict to Create Pathways for Peace’ U.N. and World Bank Group report launch at USIP – ‘Preventing Conflict to Create Pathways for Peace’ United Nations and World Bank Group report launch, hosted by the U.S. Institute of Peace. Report identifies ‘significant policy lessons to drive future conflict operations and to help recognize opportunities for defense, diplomacy, and development to contribute to mutual success’. Speakers include United Nations Assistant Secretary￾General for Peacebuilding Support Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, World Bank Fragility, Conflict & Violence Senior Director Franck Bousquet and Chief Technical Specialist Alexandre Marc, USAID Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance Kate Somvongsiri, Somali Women and Human Rights Development Minister Deqa Yasin, U.N./WB Partnership on Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations Advisor Jago Salmon, and USIP President Nancy Lindborg. Location: U.S. Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC www.usip.org https://twitter.com/USIP 10:00 AM VA Secretary Shulkin and AMVETS leaders announce new vet health care plan – Department of Veterans Affairs and American Veterans senior leadership hold press conference to present ‘a bold new plan that will address gaps in veteran mental healthcare, the responsible expansion of VA care in the community, improving the VA polytrauma/traumatic brain injury system of care, implementation of President Donald Trump’s executive order, and drastically reducing veteran suicide in the U.S.’. Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, Veterans Health Administration Executive in Charge Carolyn Clancy, and AMVETS National Commander Marion Polk, National Executive Director Joseph Chenelly, and Chief Medical Executive Lana McKenzie speak. Location: National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC http://www.va.gov/ https://twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs. 12:30 PM USIP discussion on ‘Black Leadership in Advancing International Peace and Security’ – ‘Black Leadership in Advancing International Peace and Security’ U.S. Institute of Peace discussion on how African Americans have impacted the fields of conflict resolution and peacebuilding, featuring former U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, South Africa, the United Nations, and Australia Amb. Edward Perkins and former U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Location: U.S. Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC www.usip.org https://twitter.com/USIP Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Stephen Colbert: “Robert Mueller issued a subpoena to [former Trump aide Sam] Nunberg to get him to testify about the Russia investigation and not FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000171 only did Nunberg say he won’t show up, he said ‘he was planning to go on Bloomberg TV and tear up the subpoena.’ No, no, no, no – smart thinking. Do it on Bloomberg. No witnesses!” Stephen Colbert: “But that was just the beginning. Nunberg took over cable news like a car chase. He was on MSNBC at 2:45, CNN at 3:30, CNN again at 4:00. I believe at 5:00 he called into HGTV to incriminate himself on ‘Flip or Flop’. I’m pretty sure, after Mueller gets through with him, it’s going to be flip.” Jimmy Fallon: “Last night’s Oscars broadcast was over three-and-a-half hours long. Wow. To put that in perspective, that’s longer than most jobs last in the White House.” Jimmy Fallon: “The news out of Washington, I read that President Trump is on a diet and has been trying to eat more salad. When he first ordered one at the White House, the kitchen was excited because they thought the Obamas were back.” Seth Meyers: “According to the New York Times,…China’s President Xi Jinping is now President for life. President Trump jokingly told donors this weekend, ‘Maybe we’ll give that a shot someday.’ That’s great, but first, why not try being President for a full week?” Seth Meyers: “According to sources, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly is frustrated with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, and questions what they do during the day. I’m going to say nothing and homework?” Seth Meyers: “President Trump said today that he’s not backing down on his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, adding that the US has been ripped off by virtually every country in the world. For example, Wakanda. Turns out they’ve been hoarding vibranium for years.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. 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FOIA001:02716013 EXT-18-2336-E-000173 To: Aaron Thiele[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; David Bernhardt ; Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Renner[elinor_werner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Leila Getto[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; Luke Bullock[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; Mike Argo[michael_argo@ios.doi.gov]; Ryan Zinke[cdr06@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov] Cc: ryanzinke From: Boulton, Caroline Sent: 2018-03-06T17:06:53-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Electronic Briefing Book: 3.7.18 Received: 2018-03-06T17:13:10-05:00 Assistant Secretary PMB Monthly Meeting 3-7-18.docx BGCA Native One-Pager.docx BGCA NativeAdaptations_BGCACurriculum_2017.pdf Briefing Memo for Secretary March 7 and 12 Budget Preparation Meetings.docx Event Memo UK Defra Minister 030218.docx Meeting Memo FirstEnergy.docx Mtg Memo Boys & Girls Club of America.docx OLE Overview wildlife trafficking 03-06-2018 .docx 3-5-18 National Park Infrastructure Event-Sen Alexander (1).docx RKZ Daily Schedule 3.7.18.docx Draft Trip_ 3.08-3.10 Montana.pdf All, Attached and below are tomorrow's schedule and briefing materials. The draft itinerary for the upcoming Montana visit is also attached. Best, Caroline Daily Schedule 9:00am Daily Scheduling & Communications Meeting Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary, Magallanes, Argo, Rigas, Hommel 9:30am Meeting with the Deputy Secretary Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary 10:00am Depart DOI en route Capitol 10:30am National Parks Infrastructure Event with Sen. Alexander Location: 428 Dirksen SOB Staff: Chambers, Swift 11:00am Depart Capitol en route DOI 11:45am Meeting with FirstEnergy Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: DeVito 12:45pm Lunch (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00075814 EXT-18-2336-E-000174 1:00pm Meeting with U.K. Secretary ofState for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Domenech, Sheehan, Senhadji 2:00pm Potential Call with Governor Cuomo (NY) Location: Secretary’s Office 2:30pm Meeting with Boys and Girls Club Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Cassidy 3:00pm Monthly Meeting with ASPMB Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Cameron, Magallanes, Hommel 4:00pm Budget Prep Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Magallanes, Cameron, Tanner, Chambers, Ferriter, Flanagan, Salotti, Moss -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 FOIA001:00075814 EXT-18-2336-E-000175 United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 ASSISTANT SECRETARY MONTHLY MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY DATE: March 7, 2018 TIME: 3:00 pm FROM: Scott Cameron, Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting DOI Staff Participating: David Bernhardt, Scott Hommel, Jim Cason, Downey Magallanes I. How shall we achieve Congressional acceptance/acquiescence to the new unified regional boundaries? The options seem to be: a. ISSUE BACKGROUND The unified regions idea has been exhaustively socialized with Congress, governors, and other stakeholders. The original map, which was formally submitted to Congress on February 12 along with the budget, met some resistance, but the later version seems to enjoy general if not universal acceptance. b. ACTIONS TAKEN BY HALLWAY PMB has supported Susan Combs in her effort as the reorganization lead. c. RECOMMENDATION BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY d. ACTION ITEM FOR SECRETARY (if applicable) Decision needed. II. Why are DOI helicopter safety standards in the Gulf of Mexico different than commercial FAA safety standards? DOI aviation standards are designed for missions that are higher risk than conventional commercial aviation, which is subject to FAA standards. DOI aircraft, and commercial aircraft under DOI contract, often operate in mountainous conditions, in a wildfire zone, or need to be able to safely land in unusual locations not frequented by commercial aircraft. As a result, DOI safety standards exceed or are different than FAA safety standards in some areas. FAA has approved those enhancements. a. ISSUE BACKGROUND BSEE Director Scott Angelle recently observed that DOI employees in the Gulf of Mexico are required to use helicopters that meet DOI safety standards, which sometimes may be inconvenient if another helicopter is readily available. (b)(5) (b)(5) FOIA001:00075777 EXT-18-2336-E-000176 2 However, DOI standard compliant helicopters have had no accidents in 42 years, whereas non-compliant helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico average 7 crashes per year, for 139 fatalities over 26 years. b. ACTIONS TAKEN BY HALLWAY Received a briefing form the PMB Office of Aviation Services on why helicopters servicing DOI employees may be held to standards that exceed regular FAA standards. c. RECOMMENDATION BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY Unknown. d. ACTION ITEM FOR SECRETARY (if applicable) Not being sought. III. DOI needs to be prepared to respond to Congressional inquiries about our land acquisition priority list, even though few funds were requested for federal land acquisition in the FY 2019 President’s Budget. a. ISSUE BACKGROUND Congress exercises the discretion to appropriate funds for land acquisition in NPS, FWS, and BLM. Congress routinely asks DOI to indicate what our land acquisition priorities might be for those bureaus, regardless of whether we actually requesting any new land acquisition funding in our budget. We will probably be asked to send the Appropriations Committee our FY 2019 priority list sometime in April. b. ACTIONS TAKEN BY HALLWAY PMB is working with NPS, FWS, and BLM to ensure that lists generated by those bureaus reflect the Secretary’s programmatic priorities, such as improving recreational access, protecting wildlife corridors, simplifying the bureau’s land management activities, and making management more cost-efficient. Bureau tentative lists will be reviewed and approved by the assistant secretaries before coming to PMB. PMB will arrange detailed briefings for the Deputy Secretary on the priority lists. OCL and Intergovernmental and External Relations will be included in those detailed Deputy Secretary briefings, so we can assess the level and nature of state government and Congressional interest in particular land acquisition possibilities. Once approved by the Deputy Secretary, a final list will be sent to OMB for clearance, and then on to Congress. c. RECOMMENDATION BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY He looks forward to reviewing the preliminary bureau lists for policy compatibility. d. ACTION ITEM FOR SECRETARY (if applicable) None requested. FOIA001:00075777 EXT-18-2336-E-000177 3 IV. DOI needs to send the Appropriations committees an emergency supplemental “operating plan”, which will describe how our bureaus will spend the FY 2018 disaster supplemental funding. a. ISSUE BACKGROUND Congress appropriated $517M to Interior for the disasters. This included $208M to the NPS for construction and $50M for State Historic Preservation projects, $211M to FWS, $42M to USGS, and $3M to International and Insular Affairs in response to the hurricanes in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico this past fall. The DOI Inspector General was also provided $3M in extra funding. The Deputy Secretary will review draft bureau operating plans after bureaus submit them to PMB on March 12. We are asking the bureaus for more detail on their proposed projects than we will provide to OMB and Congress, so as to ensure we can hold the bureaus accountable for spending their money appropriately, while avoiding having DOI’s flexibility unnecessarily limited by the level of detail provided to OMB and Congress. DOI will need to report monthly to OMB and Congress on the progress being made with the emergency funding that has been provided. The general guidance from the Deputy Secretary to the bureaus has been that they should:  Spend the money promptly, with appropriate financial safeguards.  Avoid charging unnecessary overhead to projects, so as to get the maximum amount of money to the ground  Disclose how each bureau proposes to handle overhead costs.  List rehabilitation/restoration projects in priority order  Do not attempt to reconstruct facilities that will inevitably be destroyed by the next hurricane that passes through the area  Rebuild structures so they are hardened, and likely to more successfully resist the next hurricane  Do not use outdated materials that are subpar by modern standards just to achieve historical accuracy b. ACTIONS TAKEN BY HALLWAY PMB will elaborate on the Deputy Secretary’s guidance to the bureaus as necessary, paying particular attention to the approach the bureaus take to overhead. In the past, some bureaus have charged overhead rates in the vicinity of 20-40%, greatly diminishing the money that actually gets to the ground. PMB will manage the clearance of the final operating plans through OMB, and ultimately explain and defend them with the Appropriations Committees. PMB will also use the DOI enterprise financial management system, FBMS, to track expenditures of funding on projects or groups of projects, once the operating plans are approved. c. RECOMMENDATION BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY He will review and make decisions on the appropriateness of draft bureau operating plans, and regularly monitor progress on operating plan FOIA001:00075777 EXT-18-2336-E-000178 4 implementation. d. ACTION ITEM FOR SECRETARY (if applicable) None requested. V. Issue regulations and revise Departmental Manual with respect to DOI grants and cooperative agreements. a. ISSUE BACKGROUND DOI has been working for more than a year to ensure we get the most value out of money spent on grants and cooperative agreements. In addition to the routine review of awards, Steve Howke is working up front with the bureaus to shape eligibility and scoring criteria for financial assistance. We also have an opportunity to leverage an OMB requirement as a tool to put a number of our financial assistance reforms into the Code of Federal Regulations. In 2013, OMB published its Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. This document provided government-wide, streamlined administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for grants and cooperative agreements. Federal agencies were directed to promulgate regulations implementing the policies and procedures, and to identify any exceptions or unique agency conditions. DOI issued a memoranda in 2014 announcing its intention to publish a supplemental regulation, but never completed the task. The supplemental regulation will address the unique needs of DOI's financial assistance programs, for example, by clarifying conflict of interest rules and competitive procedures, and enhancing reporting requirements for land purchased through financial assistance agreements. b. ACTIONS TAKEN BY HALLWAY PMB/Steve Howke will work with PMB offices to start the process of drafting a proposed rule to be published later in FY2018, to become a final rule early in FY 2019. Conforming changes to the Departmental Manual will follow. c. RECOMMENDATION BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY Not known. d. ACTION ITEM FOR SECRETARY (if applicable) None requested. FOIA001:00075777 EXT-18-2336-E-000179 1 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY DATE: March, 5, 2018 THROUGH: Scott Cameron Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget FROM: Olivia B. Ferriter Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget, Finance, Performance and Acquisition SUBJECT: Preparation for FY 2019 Budget Hearings March 13th and 15th I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This memorandum outlines preparations for two hearings on the FY 2019 budget on March 13 and 15, before Senate Energy and Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, respectively. Along with OCL, we are scheduled to meet with you on Wednesday, March 7, and Monday, March 12, to discuss likely issues for these hearings. Hearings before the House and Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittees have also been scheduled for April 11 and May 9, respectively. We will schedule a separate preparation meeting for the Appropriations hearings, closer to those dates. II. BACKGROUND At the hearings, you will be joined at the witness table by Olivia Ferriter along with Denise Flanagan, the Department’s Budget Director. Micah Chambers from OCL will attend and sit behind you at the hearings. All of the budget hearings are open to the media and the public. OCL has the lead for the March 13 and 15 Authorizing Committee (Senate Energy and Natural Resources/House Natural Resources) hearings. PMB has the lead for the later Appropriations Committee hearings. At the preparation meetings we will review your draft oral statement, which draws from the statement you used at the budget press conference. We will also go through a list of“Hot Topics” likely to be raised at all ofyour hearings with suggested short answers. Similar to last year’s hearing preparation we will have an expanded set ofbudget Qs and As for your reference, and will discuss likely Member issues for each hearing. III. DISCUSSION Your first budget hearings are with the Senate and House Authorizing Committees. The Appropriations Committees are working now to finalize their FY 2018 appropriations bills to meet the March 23 expiration date for the current Continuing Resolution. This is why your hearings before the Appropriations Committees on the FY 2019 budget are scheduled later. FOIA001:00075789 EXT-18-2336-E-000180 2 The Senate and House authorizing hearings are opportunities to discuss the Public Lands Infrastructure Fund proposal and your reorganization efforts. Although these are budget hearings, similar to last year’s hearings, most ofthe questions will focus on pending policy issues. The hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, 2018, from 10am to 1pm. This is an opportunity to discuss provisions in the budget relating to Alaska that are a priority to Chairman Murkowski, such as support for NPR-A oil and gas activities and the path forward for the 1002 area. You can expect the following issues to come up: reorganization, infrastructure, the Venting and Flaring Rule, recent Royalty Policy Committee actions, the 2019-2024 five year OCS plan, sage grouse, budgetary impacts on Indian country, and internal management issues including the grants reviews. The hearing before the House Natural Resources Committee is scheduled for Thursday, March 15, 2018, from 10:00am to 1:00pm. This is an opportunity to discuss the reorganization effort, in particular the newly revised unified regional boundaries and efforts to reduce the regulatory burden. You can expect questions on energy, sage grouse, program funding levels in general, and internal management issues including the recent resignation of USGS’s Murray Hitzman, and grants reviews. FOIA001:00075789 EXT-18-2336-E-000181 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018 1 | P a g e Daily Schedule 9:00am Daily Scheduling & Communications Meeting Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary, Magallanes, Argo, Rigas, Hommel 9:30am Meeting with the Deputy Secretary Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary 10:00am Depart DOI en route Capitol 10:30am National Parks Infrastructure Event with Sen. Alexander Location: 428 Dirksen SOB Staff: Chambers, Swift 11:00am Depart Capitol en route DOI 11:45am Meeting with FirstEnergy Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: DeVito 12:45pm Lunch 1:00pm Meeting with U.K. Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: 2:00pm Potential Call with Governor Cuomo (NY) Location: Secretary’s Office 2:30pm Meeting with Boys and Girls Club Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Cassidy 3:00pm Monthly Meeting with ASPMB Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Cameron, Magallanes, Hommel 4:00pm Budget Prep Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Magallanes, Cameron, Tanner, Chambers, Ferriter, Flanagan, Salotti, Moss RON Washington, D.C. FOIA001:00075805 EXT-18-2336-E-000182 Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) along with the Native Services Unit (NSU) have worked diligently to tailor materials and resources that are relevant to Native Boys & Girls Clubs and their communities. Curricula have been adapted through special initiatives and partnerships to make content more reflective of Native culture and traditions so that youth are immersed in meaningful Club programming. Select curriculum listed below are available online for download, free of charge. Visit NAClubs.org to stay up to date on the resources available for your organization! My.Future My.Future Essentials is an online curriculum created by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to give youth the technology skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world. Through personalized and engaging hands - on experiences, My.Future teaches youth valuable digital skills and helps them understand their media world, identify and develop digital interests and earn certifications as they make progress. Through a partnership between BGCA’s Native Services Unit and Verizon, the curriculum was reviewed to provide Native Clubs with an adaptation that is more reflective of Native culture. The adaptation was designed to give local Clubs the ability to create their own supplemental activities and to encourage students to explore their own cultural heritage while at the same time increasing their digital literacy. SMART Moves: Adapted for Indian Country Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) prevention/education program addresses problems such as drug and alcohol use and premature sexual activity. SMART Kids was published in March 2003 through a partnership of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Center of Substance Abuse Prevention, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Native American Programs. An advisory group reviewed the program and identified adaptations to make the curriculum more reflective of Native American culture. Due to the flexible nature of SMART Moves, each Tribal community can establish culturally appropriate activities based on their own teachings, stories, history, traditions, ceremonies, and spirituality to accompany and complement the SMART Moves curriculum. On the T.R.A.I.L. to Diabetes Prevention In 2003, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Indian Health Service, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), and Nike, Inc., initiated a prevention program aimed at reducing the onset of type 2 diabetes among Native youth. The program On the T.R.A.I.L. (Together Raising Awareness for Indian Life) to Diabetes Prevention is an innovative combination of physical, educational, and nutritional activities. Club members draw from Native traditions and history to learn about nutrition, food choices, media influences and the impact of type 2 diabetes. The program also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and community service. Participants apply decision-making and goal setting skills in the Physical Activity Challenges, and engage in service projects to improve healthy lifestyles in their families and communities. Adapted Curriculum to Suppo rt Culture T.R.A.I.L. Diabetes Prevention On the to FOIA001:00075788 MNATIVE: rsERVICES BOYS & GIRLS cwns OPJ\Ml!RlC'A ~ MYiFUTURE EXT-18-2336-E-000183 Project Learn Project Learn reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge that young people learn at school while they are in the Club. This comprehensive program strategy is based on Dr. Reginald Clark’s research showing that students do much better in school when they spend their non-school hours engaged in fun, but academically beneficial, activities. Through Project Learn, Club staff use all the areas and programs in the Club to create opportunities for high-yield learning activities to develop young people’s cognitive skills. Activities include reading, writing, storytelling, traditional language, discussions with adults and/or elders, helping others, homework help, tutoring, and games like Scrabble. The Native Adaptation was created in recognition of the unique educational and culturally-related academic needs of Native youth. DIY STEM Do It Yourself (DIY) STEM is an activity-based program for 9-12 year olds to help them make connections between scientific principles and real-world applications. This program uses common items that Clubs may have on hand, or can procure easily to introduce youth to STEM concepts. The DIY STEM program can be implemented in its entirety or as separate units. Every unit details alignment to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and provides step-by-step instructions, facilitation tips and extension questions to ensure fun and learning. Additionally, this DIY STEM Native adaptation features history, achievements and current news related to STEM in Native culture to increase youth interest in activities and future career aspirations. Year of the Teen Year of the Teen Native Adaptation shares event ideas that attract teens and their families to the Club. This great list of ideas can help your team create wonderful experiences for your youth. By hosting events centered around social activities, sporting events in the community, college and career readiness, service, and other topics that really matter to teens, you can establish the Club as a perfect place to learn, grow, and have fun. This resource also shares ideas for how to market your events for maximum impact. Workforce Development Assessment Tool The Workforce Development Assessment Tool Native Adaptation helps Clubs assess their ability to integrate the Workforce Development program into their Club. The program prepares teens to enter the workforce while engaging local employers as they are preparing for the next generation of workers. The assessment tool provides step by step procedures that will prepare Club staff to facilitate the programming. Each section acknowledges unique workforce opportunities for Native youth such as becoming Tribal department employees. FOIA001:00075788 DIY STEM a.o Tl-IE SCffNCE OF EVERY DAY fA.CILITATOR'S QU1DE EXT-18-2336-E-000184 United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 MEETING MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY DATE: March 6th TIME: March 7th 2:30PM - 3:00PM FROM: Benjamin Cassidy, Senior Deputy Director for External and Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of the Secretary SUBJECT: Meeting with Boys and Girls Clubs of America I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Meeting to discuss the work and future plans of Boys and Girls Clubs (BGCA) in Indian Country. II. PARTICIPANTS Internal: Secretary Ryan Zinke, Benjamin Cassidy External Jim Clark, CEO of BGCA; Sage Learn, Senior Director of Government Relations III. BACKGROUND BGCA requested the meeting to share their work and plans in Indian Country as well as to hear the Secretary’s priorities and learn how they can be a better partner. IV. DISCUSSION V. TALKING POINTS/REMARKS VI. ATTACHMENTS BGCA Native One-Pager BCCA Adapted Curriculum FOIA001:00075796 EXT-18-2336-E-000185 EVENT MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY MEETING WITH UNITED KINGDOM SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS MICHAEL GOVE FROM: Karen Senhadji, David Downes, Ryan Close, Office of International Affairs THROUGH: Doug Domenech, Assistant Secretary, Insular and International Affairs I. PURPOSE The United Kingdom Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove will be in Washington, DC March 6-8 and is seeking a meeting with Secretary Zinke in order to discuss efforts to combat illegal trade in wildlife. This meeting will be an opportunity to underscore DOI’s commitment to a strong bilateral relationship with an important U.S. ally and our strong interest in joint efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. II. PARTICIPANTS United Kingdom Secretarial and embassy officials and staff TBD DOI DOI/FWS officials and staff TBD III. RECOMMENDED TALKING POINTS  The United States considers illegal trade in wildlife to be a serious crime that threatens wildlife and national and global security. Wildlife trafficking fuels corruption, insecurity, and instability, and undermines the rule of law.  Given that both the U.S. and UK have committed significant resources to combating wildlife trafficking, I welcome opportunities to improve bilateral coordination and collaboration in our efforts, so that we may increase our impact and speed our collective progress on this issue.  [If raised] The 2018 London Conference on the Illegal Trade in Wildlife will be an important event. U.S. representation at the event will be led and coordinated by the State Department. IV. KEY FACTS/HOT TOPICS  The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra1 ) is the ministerial￾level agency responsible for environmental protection – including wildlife and habitat conservation – food development and standards, fisheries, agriculture, protection of rural communities, and protection against flooding and other natural hazards. 1 This acronym is rendered in the UK as ‘Defra’, as opposed to ‘DEFRA’, and is pronounced with a short ‘e’ (DEAF-ruh). FOIA001:00075792 EXT-18-2336-E-000186 2  It is quite likely that Secretary Gove will invite you to the 2018 London Conference on the Illegal Trade in Wildlife, to be held October 10-11. The inaugural London Conference, hosted by the UK Government in 2014, aimed to bring together international leadership to secure political commitments to end the illegal trade in wildlife. That conference resulted in 46 countries (including the U.S.) and 11 international organizations signing the London Declaration, calling for strengthened law enforcement and legal frameworks, reduced demand for illegal wildlife and wildlife parts and support for sustainable livelihoods. The London Conference was followed by conferences in Kasane, Botswana in 2015 and Hanoi, Vietnam in 2016. Statements from these subsequent meetings reported on progress against the original London Declaration actions.  The U.S. State Department is the lead agency on the London Conference. The State Department Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) has led a small U.S. delegation to each meeting, which has included representation from DOI/FWS. While none of the actions in the Declaration or Statements is binding, these meetings have helped to elevate the issue politically. DOI will coordinate closely with DOS to ensure proper engagement in and representation at the 2018 Conference.  Senior members of the UK cabinet are known as Secretaries of State, a position that is more senior than UK ministers. A British Secretary of State holds responsibilities – and resides at a level of protocol stature – directly comparable to U.S. cabinet members. V. BACKGROUND The United Kingdom is one of the staunchest, oldest, and most important ofAmerica’s allies. Recently the UK government has courted the U.S. government in order to bolster efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade. In addition to DOI, UK officials are also engaging the State Department and the Justice Department. Wildlife Trafficking. Countering the illegal trade in wildlife is a priority for the UK government and the Royal Family. Since 2012, the UK government has committed approximately USD $36M to combating wildlife trafficking worldwide. These funds support projects through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund. Additionally, The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry created United for Wildlife, an organization which is committed to fighting the illegal wildlife trade. In October 2017, the UK announced a ban on ivory sales to protect elephants by removing opportunities to trade illegally poached ivory. The proposed ban would end the legal sale of ivory items of any age, with narrow exemptions for musical instruments, items with a small proportion of ivory, items of significant history, artistic, or cultural value, and sales to and between museums. The comment period for the proposed ban closed in December 2017 and the ban is expected to be in place within the year. The UK’s ivory ban is similar to the near total ban on commercial trade in African elephant ivory that went into effect in the U.S. in 2016. FOIA001:00075792 EXT-18-2336-E-000187 3 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cooperates closely with Defra (the CITES Management Authority for the UK) and other UK authorities and institutions in the effort to combat wildlife trafficking, an international problem that is often linked to international criminal or terrorist networks. FWS often works closely with UK CITES authorities on issues of shared interest. FWS recently participated in a round table discussion held in London to discuss UK efforts to impose an elephant ivory trade ban. FWS provided its information on the US effort to strengthen ivory trade controls, which the UK appears to be using as a model for its efforts. Other DOI-UK Cooperation. The United Kingdom has one ofthe world’s leading scientific communities, and the government and other institutions in the UK play a significant global role in areas beyond trafficking that are important for DOI. Consequently, a number of DOI bureaus and offices cooperate regularly with UK counterparts, both bilaterally and in multilateral settings, with Defra and others. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement regularly have exchanges with UK counterparts to share information and experiences regarding the management of offshore energy development, including both oil and gas (where the UK is a longstanding leader through its experience in the North Sea) and wind (where the UK is an emerging leader in planning, deploying and managing innovative offshore technologies). The U.S. Geological Survey has a long-standing association with the British Geological Survey; areas of particular interest are 3D geologic modeling and LIDAR applications. Various areas of cooperation have been discussed with Defra, including remote sensing applications, streamflow measurements, flood inundation mapping and geomatics. USGS has a keen interest in exploring deeper collaboration in the areas ofdata sharing, technologies, and applied science. The National Park Service has worked with UK colleagues through staff exchanges and sister park arrangements to commemorate and protect heritage sites. VI. ATTACHMENTS Bio for Michael Gove FOIA001:00075792 EXT-18-2336-E-000188 4 ATTACHMENT: Bio for Michael Gove The Rt. Honorable Michael Gove MP Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Current Tenure: Gove was named Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on June 11, 2017. Professional Background: Michael Gove began his career as an MP in 2005, first serving as Shadow Minister for Housing and then Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families from 2007 to 2010. He also served as Secretary of State for Education (2010-2014); Government Chief Whip and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (2014-2015); and Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (2015-2016). He took a prominent role in the successful campaign to leave the European Union, serving as Co-Convener of the Vote to Leave campaign committee. After briefing leaving government in 2016, Michael helped found Change Britain, an advocacy group for the implantation of Brexit, and served as Vice Chair of the Select Committee on Exiting the European Union. Prior to public life, Michael worked as a journalist for local and national newspapers, radio, and TV, reporting on issues such as EU corruption, threats to small businesses, and advocating for victims of crime. He also served as Assistant Editor of The Times and former Chairman of Policy Exchange, a UK center-right think-tank. In addition, Michael appeared in the 1995 feature film, A Feast at Midnight, playing the school chaplain. Educational Background: Michael was educated at Robert Gordon’s College, Aberdeen and Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. Personal Details: He is married to a columnist at The Daily Mail and has a teenage daughter and son. FOIA001:00075792 EXT-18-2336-E-000189 United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 MEETING MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY DATE: 3/7/2018 TIME: 11:45-12:45 FROM: Tucker Davis SUBJECT: Meeting with FirstEnergy I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE II. PARTICIPANTS Internal Vincent DeVito External Chuck Jones, President and CEO III. BACKGROUND FirstEnergy’s 10 regulated distribution companies form one ofthe nation’s largest electric systems, based on serving 6 million customers in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Stretching from the Ohio-Indiana border to the New Jersey shore, the companies operate a vast infrastructure of more than 269,000 miles of distribution lines. IV. DISCUSSION ESA, regulatory certainty V. TALKING POINTS/REMARKS  Over 90% ofFirstEnergy’s electricity is generated from West Virginia coal.  We have worked closely with WV Coal Association and the State of WV to ensure that regulatory burdens on Appalachian coal are being removed in order to keep electricity costs low.  ESA: We have taken steps toward ensuring that the Fish and Wildlife Service doesn’t overstep their bounds in acting as a regulatory agency on coal production. VI. NEXT STEPS FOIA001:00075794 EXT-18-2336-E-000190 At Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), we believe every kid in America deserves a great future. However, each kid experiences drastically different circumstances. Many youth, especially those from underserved communities, have limited opportunities to engage in programs that focus on achieving academic success, developing leadership skills and fostering resiliency skills critical to staying on track to graduate high school with a plan for the future. In Indian Country,1 a history of systemic racism and poverty make these challenges especially acute for Native youth — they face disproportionate odds of experiencing alcoholism, obesity and Type I diabetes, as well as low educational attainment and high suicide rates. While Native youth may endure more risk factors than their peers nationwide, they also have many assets within themselves and their communities that can support their success. By investing in Native youth and strengthening their sense of place and tradition in the community, we can ensure that Native communities will have bright and capable future leaders. Over the past 25 years, BGCA has partnered with tribal nations, supporting their efforts to create opportunities for Native youth to succeed. Native youth draw strength from their culture, and Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country support deepening Native youth’s cultural identity through programming that promotes positive youth development. Today, as the nation’s largest service provider to Native youth, BGCA operates a network of nearly 200 Native Clubs serving approximately 90,000 youth in 27 states, representing some 100 different American Indian, Alaska Native, American Samoan and Hawaiian communities. Native-Led Expertise: BGCA’s Native Services Unit The majority of Clubs serving Native youth operate on tribal lands, and many are managed and staffed by tribal citizens. In 2013, BGCA created the Native Services Unit, a department within our organization — intentionally led by people of Native heritage — to provide direction and strategy for Native Clubs. The Native Services Unit assists in capacity building at Native Clubs, including developing leaders at all levels of our 1 Indian Country refers to the many self-governing Native American communities throughout the United States. There are 567 federally-recognized tribes, each with their own culture, traditions and language. Empowering Native Youth to Strengthen their Communities FOIA001:00075785 ................................................. <<< -C:<<< ..a:::<<<+>>> ~ >>> ~ >>> ~ ~ ~>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>~: UO,S~ QUBS ~>l NAJJ VE SERv'I CES <<< .....:::: <<< ....:::: <<<+>>> ~ >>> ~ >>> CELEBRATING 25YEARS EXT-18-2336-E-000191 Native organizations. Rooted in the cultural and historical context of Native communities, the Native Services Unit enhances our ability to:  Build and sustain collaborations with tribal leaders and stakeholders;  Provide professional development and networking specifically for Native Clubs; and  Strengthen Native youth’s cultural identity through customized programming. Building on Boys & Girls Clubs’ proven youth development model, the Native Services Unit partners with Native communities to address challenges and issues unique to Native lands, including providing learning opportunities that are culturally relevant and meaningful. Additionally, our Native Advisory Committee provides leadership and insights into Native history, traditions and values, ensuring Native youth gain the best possible benefits from Club services. Providing Opportunity for More Native Youth BGCA continues to advance its efforts to support and reach more Native youth. Our goal is to increase the number of Native youth we serve to 100,000 in 200 Clubs across Indian Country by 2020, providing training for 400 youth development professionals and strengthening Club CEO and board leadership. Through partnerships with tribal leaders and key stakeholders, BGCA will expand opportunities and deepen impact for Native youth. To meet the overwhelming need for quality youth services throughout Indian Country, BGCA will: 1. Provide culturally-relevant professional development to ensure staff at all levels are providing youth with the highest-quality Club Experience; 2. Partner with Clubs in Indian Country to ensure fidelity in program delivery and the utilization of a common set of youth metrics and outcomes to foster continuous quality improvement; 3. Increase availability and usage of culturally-relevant tools and resources for youth development professionals; 4. Continue to adapt BGCA programs for Native youth to increase positive outcomes in academic success, health and wellness, and resiliency; and 5. Provide local capacity building and technical assistance to Native Clubs, ensuring the sustainability and expansion of services to Native youth. By achieving these objectives, BGCA will drive greater outcomes for youth in our three priority outcome areas: Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles. Native youth are resilient and ready to realize their full potential. It is time for us to do our part. FOIA001:00075785 ~ ~>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>~ EXT-18-2336-E-000192 United States Department of the Interior Official Travel Schedule of the Secretary Montana March 8-10, 2018 1 FOIA001:00075809 EXT-18-2336-E-000193 TRIP SUMMARY THE TRIP OF THE SECRETARY TO Montana March 8-March 10, 2018 Weather: Whitefish (RON) Rain/Snow, High: 36ºF, Low: 25ºF / Precipitation: 60% Browning (Friday) Partly Cloudy, High: 34ºF, Low: 23ºF / Precipitation: 20% Glacier (Saturday) Snow Showers, High: 18ºF, Low: 9ºF / Precipitation: 60% Time Zone: Montana Mountain Standard Time (-2 hours from DC) Advance (Glacier/Missoula): Cell Phone: Security Advance Advance Aaron Thiele Traveling Staff: Agent in Charge Press Secretary Heather Swift Principal Deputy A/S ASIA John Tahsuda Advisor FWP Marshall Critchfield Deputy ChiefofStaff Mike Argo Deputy Director NPS Dan Smith Attire: Montana Formal (Jeans and Blazer) / Cold Weather Gear 2 (b)(6), (b)(7)(c), (b)(7)(f) (b)(6), (b)(7)(c), (b)(7)(f) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00075809 EXT-18-2336-E-000194 Thursday, March 8, 2018 Washington, DC → Whitefish, MT 3:15-3:30pm EST: Depart Department of the Interior en route National Airport 4:40pm EST￾7:27pm MST: Wheels up Washington, DC (DCA) en route Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) Flight: Delta 939 Flight time: 4 hours 47 minutes RZ Seat: 22C AiC: Staff: Mike Argo, Heather Swift, Marshall Critchfield NOTE: TIME ZONE CHANGE EST to MST (-2 hour change) 7:27-10:10pm MST: Layover in Salt Lake City, UT // 2 hours 30 minutes minute layover 10:10pm MST￾11:57pm MST: Wheels up Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) en route Kalispell, MT (FCA) Flight: Delta 2748 Flight time: 1 hours, 47 minutes RZ Seat: 16F AiC: Staff: Mike Argo, Heather Swift, Marshall Critchfield 11:57pm MST: Wheels down Glacier Park International Airport Location: 4170 US-2 Kalispell, MT 59901 12:00-12:15am MST: Depart Airport en route Residence Location: Vehicle Manifest: Sec. Vehicle: RZ Staff Vehicle: Aaron Thiele Heather Swift John Tahsuda Marshall Critchfield Drive Time: ~20 minutes without traffic 12:15am MST: RON Friday, March 9, 2018 Whitefish, MT → Browning, MT → Whitefish, MT 7:00-8:45am MST: Depart RON en route to Blackfeet Nation Location: All Chiefs Square Browning, MT Vehicle Manifest: Sec. Vehicle: RZ John Tahsuda Mike Argo 3 (b)(6), (b)(7)(c), (... (b)(6), (b)(7)(c), (b)(7)(f) (b)(6), (b)(7)(c), (b)(7... FOIA001:00075809 - - EXT-18-2336-E-000195 Staff: Vehicle Aaron Thiele Heather Swift Note: Blackfeet Law Enforcement will escort from city limits to community building. 8:45am MST: Welcome and Greet Chairman Barnes Location: Blackfeet Tribe Conference Room Browning, MT Participants: RZ John Tahsuda Alan Mikkelson Mike Argo Chairman Barnes Note: Refreshments will be available 9:00am MST: Blackfeet Tribe Water Settlement Signing Ceremony Location: Blackfeet Tribe Conference Room Participants: RZ John Tahsuda Alan Mikkelson Mike Argo Press: Open Agenda: 9:00am - Opening Prayer and Posting ofColor Guards 9:15am - Welcome Remarks by Chairman Barnes 9:20am - Chairman Barnes Introduces Secretary Zinke 9:25am - Remarks by Secretary Zinke 9:40am - Signing for Release ofFunds by Secretary Zinke 9:45am - Official Photos at signing table 9:50am - Honor Song (Rawhide Singers) & Gifting (BTBC) 9:55am - Closing Remarks by Chairman Barnes 10:00am MST: Depart Browning en route Heart Butte Location: 12 Wild Gun Dr., Heart Butte, MT Vehicle Manifest: Secretary’s Vehicle: RZ John Tahsuda Mike Argo StaffVehicle: Aaron Thiele Heather Swift Drive Time: ~ 30 Minutes 10:30am MST: Driving Tour ofHeart Butte Location: 12 Wild Gun Dr., Heart Butte, MT Vehicle Manifest: Sec. Vehicle: RZ John Tahsuda Mike Argo Chairman Barnes (Tentative) Staff: Vehicle Aaron Thiele Heather Swift 10:30am - 1:00pm MST: Depart Heart Butte en route Residence 4 FOIA001:00075809 EXT-18-2336-E-000196 Vehicle Manifest: Sec. Vehicle: RZ John Tahsuda Mike Argo Staff: Vehicle Aaron Thiele Heather Swift 4:00pm - 4:25pm MST: Depart en route Kalispell, MT Location: 727 E Idaho St, Kalispell, MT 59901 Vehicle Manifest: Sec. Vehicle: RZ Heather Swift Mike Argo Staff: Vehicle Aaron Thiele 4:30pm MST: Interview with Frank Miele, Editor ofDaily Inter Lake Location: 727 E Idaho St, Kalispell, MT 59901 Participants: RZ Heather Swift Frank Miele 5:30pm MST: Depart Daily Inter Lake en route Residence Vehicle Manifest: Sec. Vehicle: RZ Heather Swift Mike Argo Staff: Vehicle Aaron Thiele Saturday, March 10, 2018 Whitefish, MT 9:30-9:50am MST: Depart RON en route Glacier National Park Conservancy Location: 402 9th Street West Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Vehicle Manifest: Secretary’s Vehicle: RZ Marshall Critchfield Dan Smith StaffVehicle: Aaron Thiele Heather Swift Mike Argo Drive Time: ~20 min without traffic 10:00am MST: Meeting with Glacier NPS Leadership and Glacier National Park Conservancy Location: 402 9th Street West Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Participants: RZ Marshall Critchfield Mike Argo Heather Swift 5 FOIA001:00075809 EXT-18-2336-E-000197 Dan Smith JeffMow, Superintendent, Glacier National Park Eric Smith, Dep. Super. Glacier National Park Doug Smith, Executive Director Format: Press: Closed 11:00am MST: Press Gaggle with NPS and Glacier National Park Conservancy Location: 402 9th Street West Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Participants: RZ Heather Swift Marshall Critchfield Danny Smith JeffMow, Superintendent, Glacier National Park Eric Smith, Dep. Super. Glacier National Park Doug Smith, Executive Director Format: 11:30am MST: Depart en route Residence 6 FOIA001:00075809 EXT-18-2336-E-000198 THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON National Park Restoration Act/Public Lands Infrastructure Fund 3/7/18 10-11:30 am Dirksen 428 Action Officer: Micah Chambers – micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov – 202.208.5348 I. PURPOSE: Sec. Zinke will attend a press event with Sen. Alexander and cosponsors of the National Park Restoration Act to unveil the legislation and its contents. II. BACKGROUND: The Public Lands Infrastructure Fund is a DOI proposal that was in both the President’s FY19 Budget proposal and his infrastructure proposal. Most importantly, we are looking at a new proposal to raise funds for this purpose by dedicating a portion of Federal energy revenues to address this problem. The proposed Public Lands Infrastructure Fund (Fund) outlined in the President’s 2019 budget would address repairs and improvement in national parks, national wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. The Administration’s proposal would set aside for infrastructure needs a portion of unallocated Federal energy revenues exceeding FY 20198 Budget baseline projections for infrastructure needs. These receipts would be derived from all sources of Federal energy revenues, including mineral leasing, e.g., oil, gas and coal, under the Mineral Leasing Act and Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as well as solar, wind, and geothermal development. While the budget estimate assumes this initiative would result in $6.8 billion in expenditures from the Fund over 10 years, the proposal allows for as much as $18 billion to be available through this legislation if energy revenues exceed budget projections. Funds would be distributed using a merit-based process that includes consideration of asset condition and mission criticality, and progress would be measured and reported through an agency-wide performance measure. This bold investment would significantly improve the Nation’s most visible and visited public facilities that support a multibillion dollar outdoor recreation economy. Sen. Alexander and Rep. Simpson will be introducing language that follows the President’s and Secretary’s budget blueprint; however, the Senator’s bill is specific to NPS only. We support the bill as the largest portion of the backlog is with NPS and the Secretary specifically cited the NPS backlog as one of his top priorities in his confirmation process. However, we will continue to ask for amendments throughout the legislative process to plug in FWS and BIE to keep it consistent with the President’s budget. III. PARTICIPANTS Internal  Secretary Zinke  Chris Lehnertz, Grand Canyon Superintendent  Kevin Schneider, Acadia Superintendent  Cassius Cash, Smokies Superintendent  Karen Cucurullo or Brandon Bies, National Mall External  Senator Alexander  Rep. Simpson  Senator Daines FOIA001:00075802 EXT-18-2336-E-000199  Senator Gardner  Senator Tillis  Senator Capito IV. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS 10:30 Start Cosponsors & Secretary Speak (3 minute speeches, 15-18 minutes total) Speaking Order:  Sen. Alexander  Secretary Zinke  Sen. Daines  Sen. Gardner  Sen. Tillis  Sen. Capito  Rep. Simpson Q&A (10 minutes) 11:00 Depart V. PRESS PLAN The event will be OPEN PRESS. Upon completion of the event, Secretary Zinke will participate in a press gaggle with reporters. There will also be 3 National Park employees who will be able to address the press for specifics on park infrastructure needs. VI. REMARKS (3 Minutes) – *STILL IN DRAFT*  Rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure: top priority  Parks being loved to death  Senator Alexander’s “Nat’l Park Restoration Act” emphasizes commitment to parks o Bipartisan solution: Glad to have Senator King here  Traveled with Senator Alexander to Smokies for the Parks’ 101st birthday  Public Lands Infrastructure Fund: part ofthe President’s budget  To address the backlog, we need to work with Congress VII. ATTACHMENTS: Photos Coming FOIA001:00075802 EXT-18-2336-E-000200 EVENT MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY MEETING WITH UNITED KINGDOM SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS MICHAEL GOVE THROUGH: Greg Sheehan, Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FROM: Edward J. Grace, Acting Assistant Director, Office of Law Enforcement BACKGROUND: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) works to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Its leadership in combating wildlife trafficking is founded it more than 40 years of experience in ensuring that international wildlife trade is legal and sustainable for both the survival of species and of local economies through implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and domestic wildlife laws, including the Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking Act, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Lacey Act. Its Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) and International Affairs Program (IA) lead these efforts by working together and independently to support shared goals to combat wildlife trafficking. The work is critical to conservation in this country and around the world as wildlife and plant populations and their habitats face the uncertainties of such continuing threats as domestic and global wildlife trafficking. A 2013 Executive Order on combating wildlife trafficking was the basis for an interagency task force that coordinates efforts to strengthen global enforcement, reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products, and expand international commitment across a range of multilateral, regional and bilateral forums. Principal Deputy Director Sheehan for the Service co-leads this task force along with counterparts from the Department of Justice, State, and the Agency for International Development. The agencies also coordinate their work to implement the END Wildlife Trafficking Act, signed into law in October 2016. KEY FACTS Office of Law Enforcement: OLE is a small, but highly effective law enforcement agency. In fiscal year 2017, OLE pursued over 10,500 wildlife crime investigations, which resulted in over $2 million in fines, over $3.7 million in civil penalties, and over 25 years in prison; inspected 187,127 shipments of wildlife and wildlife products (valued at over $4 billion) entering or leaving the United States; examined 3,064 pieces of evidence; educated and informed thousands of students and the general public about wildlife trafficking, what they can do to recognize it, and how not contribute to it; and trained hundreds of other federal, state, tribal, and international conservation law enforcement professionals. OLE Special Agents and Wildlife Inspectors are highly trained in recognizing and detecting these wildlife items and their parts and products, as well as in sophisticated investigative techniques to apprehend violators, and are recognized in the U.S. and internationally as subject matter experts in counter-wildlife trafficking investigations (which OLE has been conducting since the early 1970’s after the passage ofthe Endangered Species Act and CITES). OLE has several specialized units that not only support our domestic investigations, but also work with federal and international counterparts to fight global wildlife trafficking. These specialized units include the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory (the world’s only full-service crime laboratory devoted exclusively to supporting wildlife law enforcement), the Digital Evidence Recovery and Technical Support Unit (specializes in highly technical functions related to digital forensics and technical surveillance equipment), the Wildlife Intelligence Unit (specializes in identifying and addressing the need for modernizing our informational infrastructure and informational gaps), the International Operations Unit (seven senior special agent attachés stationed at the following U.S. embassies: Bangkok, Thailand; Beijing, China; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Gaborone, Botswana; Libreville, Gabon, Lima, Peru; and Mexico City, Mexico), the Special Investigations Unit, (OLE’s major crimes unit. It employs both overt and covert investigative methods with a focus on criminal organizations that have the greatest negative impact on wildlife resources), and the Branch of Training and Inspection (provides training to OLE staff and partner organizations, both domestically and internationally and to conduct and coordinate programmatic inspections). FOIA001:00075800 EXT-18-2336-E-000201 International Affairs and CITES Support: The United States is one ofthe world’s largest importers and exporters of wildlife and wildlife products, and plays a significant role in the global legal wildlife trade, currently valued in billions of dollars annually. To facilitate legal and sustainable trade and ensure international trade does not threaten the survival of animals and plants in the wild, the Service is responsible for implementation of CITES in the United States. Each Party to the agreement designates Management and Scientific Authorities to issue permits, make legal and scientific findings, and monitor trade. For the United States, these authorities reside in the Service’s International Affairs Program. International Affairs Financial Assistance Summary: The Service’s support to on-the-ground projects includes financial and technical support to assist in the conservation of a suite of iconic species throughout the world. Through its financial assistance programs, the Service provides financial and technical assistance to the wildlife custodians that have jurisdiction over priority wildlife populations. These carefully managed funds must be used for activities that directly contribute to wildlife survival and reduction of wildlife crime, including essential operations to prevent poaching, protect habitat, implement sustainable offtake programs where applicable, minimize and mitigate conflict with people, and improve interdiction and prosecution of wildlife crimes. Projects are selected by a panel of experts through a competitive application procedure. To be selected, the projects must have the approval ofthe country’s wildlife authority and must reflect the country’s priorities as well as the priorities of the Department of the Interior, the Service, and the specific acts of law that authorize the programs. WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Operation Crash is a complex, multi-year, and multi-agency investigation into the black-market world of wildlife trafficking. This Service-led law enforcement initiative, prosecuted by DOJ, was created to detect, deter, and prosecute those engaged in the illegal killing and trafficking of endangered rhinoceros and their horns, as well as elephants and ivory. Crash was started in 2011 after a taxidermist contacted Service special agents concerning Irishmen who were looking to buy illegal rhino horns and mounts and then smuggle the mounts to the United Kingdom in furniture shipments. Federal agents met with Europol counterparts and discovered the Irish smugglers were part ofan Irish cartel called, “the Rathkeale Rovers,” which are a segment ofan Irish-clan network called, “the Irish Travellers”. To date, 50 criminals have been charged and 33 sentenced. Charges filed against defendants include violations of the Endangered Species Act, the Lacey Act, conspiracy, smuggling, money laundering, international money laundering, mail fraud, tax evasion, bribery, and false documents. Operation Broken Glass is an on-going Service OLE-led investigation focusing on the illegal take of juvenile American eels (“glass eels”) to supply the demand in Asian countries for this food delicacy and has documented multiple U.S. subjects involved in the illegal trafficking of eels cumulatively valued at over $3 million USD. Live juvenile American eels can fetch more than $2,000 per pound at the dock. Sophisticated criminal networks within the U.S. have reaped significant profits by exploiting enforcement deficiencies and illegally harvesting eels in closed waters (in one case, seven defendants were convicted of trafficking American eels valued at over $1.9 million dollars). This illegal trafficking undercuts legitimate operators who fish legally (as well as eel farming operations) and impacts conservation efforts. During a two-year period, one of the case defendants trafficked approximately $189,374 worth of illegally harvested eels. The ongoing dismantling of this transnational organized crime syndicate has resulted so far in 15 felony convictions for violations of the Lacey Act and sentences are pending. FOIA001:00075800 EXT-18-2336-E-000202 To: Aaron Thiele[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; David Bernhardt Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Renner[elinor_werner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Leila Getto[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; Luke Bullock[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; Mike Argo[michael_argo@ios.doi.gov]; Ryan Zinke[cdr06@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov] Cc: ryanzinke[ ] From: Boulton, Caroline Sent: 2018-03-06T17:11:05-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Electronic Briefing Book: 3.7.18 Received: 2018-03-06T17:11:42-05:00 3-6-18 National Park Restoration Act Questions and Answers.docx Adding additional Q&A talking points for tomorrow morning's parks event supplied by OCL. Best, Caroline On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 5:06 PM, Boulton, Caroline wrote: All, Attached and below are tomorrow's schedule and briefing materials. The draft itinerary for the upcoming Montana visit is also attached. Best, Caroline Daily Schedule 9:00am Daily Scheduling & Communications Meeting Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary, Magallanes, Argo, Rigas, Hommel 9:30am Meeting with the Deputy Secretary Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary 10:00am Depart DOI en route Capitol 10:30am National Parks Infrastructure Event with Sen. Alexander Location: 428 Dirksen SOB Staff: Chambers, Swift 11:00am Depart Capitol en route DOI 11:45am Meeting with FirstEnergy Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: DeVito 12:45pm Lunch 1:00pm Meeting with U.K. Secretary ofState for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00075751 EXT-18-2336-E-000203 Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Domenech, Sheehan, Senhadji 2:00pm Potential Call with Governor Cuomo (NY) Location: Secretary’s Office 2:30pm Meeting with Boys and Girls Club Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Cassidy 3:00pm Monthly Meeting with ASPMB Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Cameron, Magallanes, Hommel 4:00pm Budget Prep Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Magallanes, Cameron, Tanner, Chambers, Ferriter, Flanagan, Salotti, Moss -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 FOIA001:00075751 EXT-18-2336-E-000204 1 National Park Restoration Act Questions Topline The Bill Won’t Provide Any Money  The bill provides 50% of onshore and offshore revenues from ALL sorts of energy production on federal lands over 2018 projections that are not already allocated to other purposes.  The Administration estimates this proposal will generate $7 billion over ten years.  The bill will help provide real money to the national park maintenance backlog in a fiscally responsible way.  The bill won’t take any money until the federal government receives everything from energy production on federal land that they already expected. Half of any revenues over that expected amount, that are not already allocated to other purposes like payments to GOMESA states and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, will go to help rebuild our national parks.  In FY 2017 the National Park Service’s deferred maintenance needs were $11.6 billion (that’s equivalent to the entire DOI budget request) – that same fiscal year, the National Park Service received $2.9 billion in annual appropriations for their total budget.  Any additional funding we can provide to our national parks is greatly needed to help reduce the backlog. The Bill Incentivizes More Oil and Gas Drilling  Nothing in the text of the legislation requires or incentives the Administration to increase oil and gas exploration on Federal lands.  The legislation includes revenues from all energy production on federal lands – oil, gas, coal, and renewables. o For context, Legacy Act and LWCF rely only on offshore oil and gas revenues. This proposal is actually more stable because it relies on all federal energy sources that provide revenue.  What we are doing today is something we have been doing for over 50 years – taking money from an environmental burden and using it for an environmental benefit.  We started this with the Land and Water Conservation Fund over 50 years and are building on this idea by providing funding to address the $11 billion maintenance backlog in our National Parks. FOIA001:00075750 EXT-18-2336-E-000205 2 The Bill Only Includes the National Park Service and Not Fish and Wildlife Service or Bureau of Indian Education (Or Other Land Management Agencies)  Our national parks are also our most popular public lands. In 2017, nearly 331 million people visited our national parks across the country.  The budget support NPS, FWS and BIE, but the NPS has the largest, most notable need. If we included all three in the initial bill, it would have three committees of jurisdiction. Will work with Congress through the legislative process on FWS and BIE  The maintenance backlog at our national parks is over $11 billion. It is by far the largest maintenance backlog of any of our federal land management agencies.  According to the Congressional Research Service, in FY 2016, the national park maintenance backlog accounted for nearly 60% of the deferred maintenance needs on all our federal lands. The next largest maintenance backlog, the U.S. Forest Service, is less than half of the National Park Service maintenance backlog. The National Park Service Legacy Act Is Already Introduced  There is a backlog of maintenance needs at our national parks that is over $11 billion. The more people we have talking about this problem, the better.  What DOI was able to do was to get OMB to agree that using revenues from energy production on federal lands to help address our national park maintenance backlog is a good idea. That’s a big deal.  Worked with Sen. Alexander to introduce this legislation and was excited to do so. Had a great conversation with him when we visited Smokies together for the 101st Birthday of the NPS  For any legislation to become law, the president has to sign it. So having the administration on board – the president included this proposal in both his FY 2019 budget and his infrastructure plan – is an important part of the process. FOIA001:00075750 EXT-18-2336-E-000206 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-07T07:06:15-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Wednesday, March 7, 2018 Received: 2018-03-07T07:06:19-05:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 7, 2018 at 5:58:54 AM EST To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Wednesday, March 7, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018 6:00 AM EST Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Associated Press: Zinke Says Interior Should Be A Partner With Oil Companies. • Bloomberg News: U.S. To Allow Elephant Trophy Imports Despite Trump’s Condemnation. • Great Falls (MT) Tribune: Congressional Delegation Seeks Disaster Designation For Blackfeet Reservation. • Wisconsin Gazette: Local Elected Officials Demand Paul Ryan Move To Protect Public Lands. • KUCB-FM Unalaska (AK): Aleutians East Borough Votes To Join Feds In Battle Over King Cove Road. • Public News Service: Campaign Urges Interior To Honor Sage Grouse Deal. • Government Computer News: Interior Seeks Social Media Management Tool. Bureau Of Land Management • Associated Press: New Mexico Official Threatens To Erect Fence To Block Border Patrol Operations. • Casper (WY) Star-Tribune: About 100,000 Public Comments Supporting Sage Grouse Plans Missing In Federal Report, Some Say. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management • Hundreds Of State Lawmakers Ask For 5-year Plan Exemptions. Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement • Coast Guard Responders Harmed By Chemicals Used To Clean Up BP Oil Spill, Research Shows. Fish And Wildlife Service (b)(6) FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000207 • Associated Press: South Carolina Residents Criticize Osprey Nest Removal. • Associated Press: States To Begin Surveys For Lesser-Prairie Chicken. • KYUK-TV Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (AK): Public Hearing Scheduled On Proposed Kuskokwim King Salmon Restrictions. National Park Service • Associated Press: 2 Arrested At Yellowstone Park’s Bison Corral. • Associated Press: New Marker Notes Confederate General’s Role In Slave Trade. Insular And International Affairs • DOI Issues $5M Authorization To Proceed With CUC Projects. • Breast Cancer Care In U.S. Territories Lags Behind Care In States. US Geological Survey • Durango (CO) Herald: Former Astronaut From Colorado Vows To Shield U.S. Geological Survey From Politics. • Additional Reading. Opinion Pieces • Zinke’s U-Turn Puts Oil And Gas Industry On Edge. • Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Fighting For Us. • St. John Needs A New Public School. • Additional Coverage. Top National News • Bloomberg News: Amid GOP Opposition, Trump Reiterates He Will Levy Tariffs On Steel, Aluminum Imports. • ABC: Cohn Resigns White House Post After Losing Internal Debate Over Tariffs. • CBS: Trump Takes Credit For Apparent North Korea’s Willingness To Negotiate Giving Up Nukes. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “Gary Cohn’s Exit Won’t Make This Administration Any Better.” - “Famine Stalks South Sudan.” - “North Korea Has Put The Ball In Trump’s Court.” • Washington Post. - “Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ On North Korea Is Working. Now What?” - “The Public Has Spoken On Gun Control. Don’t Wait For The White House.” - “Who Knew About The Improper Transfer Of The DC School Chancellor’s Daughter?” • Wall Street Journal. - “North Korea’s Negotiation Play.” - “The Cohn Departure.” - “California’s Water Hole.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000208 Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Zinke Says Interior Should Be A Partner With Oil Companies. The AP (3/6, Koenig) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “says his agency should be a partner with oil and gas companies that seek to drill on public land and that long regulatory reviews with an uncertain outcome are ‘un-American.’” Speaking at a major energy-industry conference on Tuesday, Zinke talked about the Trump Administration’s “efforts to increase offshore drilling, reduce regulations, and streamline inspections of oil and gas operators.” Zinke said, “Interior should not be in the business of being an adversary. We should be in the business of being a partner.” Courthouse News (3/6, Renda) reports that “Zinke’s latest overture to the oil and gas industry prompted more rage from environmentalists who say the Trump administration and the Department of Interior are far too cozy with an industry many see as responsible for the exacerbation of climate change and pollution.” Lena Moffitt of the Sierra Club said in a statement Tuesday, “The Department of the Interior is tasked with protecting our public lands and waters for the public good, not easing the way for corporate polluters to drill, frack, and mine them for their own profits.” Additional coverage was provided by Platts (3/6, Scheid) and Law360 (3/6, Casady). Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Says Natural Gas Flaring Is ‘Wasteful’. The Houston Chronicle (3/6, Osborne) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Tuesday said “oil and gas operations on federal lands could soon be offered a financial incentive to stop flaring natural gas from oil wells.” Zinke “described the practice as ‘wasteful’ and raised the possibility of reducing the royalties collected by the federal government and speeding up permitting times for pipelines and other infrastructure needed to get gas to market.” He said, “I don’t know what the future is, just that flaring is a waste.” Ryan Zinke SaidWind PowerLeads To GlobalWarming. TIME (3/6, Worland) reports that “in a speech before oil and gas industry executives, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke argued that the production and transportation of wind turbines contributes to global warming, but he overstated the factual case, especially when compared with other forms of energy.” In his comments, Zinke “acknowledged that fossil fuels generate carbon dioxide emissions to argue that ‘every type of energy has a consequence,’ though he did not expand on that concern.” His remarks “came as part of call for an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy in which oil and gas continue to play a significant role.” U.S. To Allow Elephant Trophy Imports Despite Trump’s Condemnation. FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000209 Bloomberg News (3/6, Dlouhy) reports that the US is “opening the door to allowing elephant hunters to bring tusks and other animal parts into the country as trophies,” despite President Trump’s condemnation of the practice as a “horror show.” The Interior Department says it is “revising the way it reviews applications to import hunted animal parts in response to a federal court opinion and withdrawing broad conclusions that applied to African elephants killed in Zimbabwe.” The policy move, outlined in a March 1 memo, “means that some African elephants taken in Zimbabwe could be imported,” according to Bloomberg. ABC World News Tonight (3/6, story 9, 0:30, Muir) briefly reported that the US Fish and Wildlife Service will now “issue permits to import hunting trophies on a case by case basis. The President is not hunter, but his sons are, and they have made the argument that the money hunters spend on safari supports conservation and local economies.” The Hill (3/6, Green) reports that “wildlife conservation and animal rights groups are slamming the Trump administration’s move to permit some imports of African elephant trophies, fearing the new system will allow decisions to be made in secret.” The Interior Department “said the FWS had no choice but to change its policy after a D.C. Circuit Court ruling in December struck down an Obama-era policy that banned importing elephant hunting trophies from Zimbabwe.” However, “animal conservation groups are calling the policy change an obvious workaround to the federal court’s ruling, which said the FWS should go through an extensive public notice and comment process when proposing a regulation on the trophy imports.” Also reporting are the Washington Post (3/6, Rosenberg), U.S. News & World Report (3/6, Biesecker), USA Today (3/7, Cerbin, Today), CNN (3/6, Wallace), NBC News (3/6, Clark), NPR (3/6, Dwyer), the Huffington Post (3/6, Visser, D'Angelo), and Voice of America (3/6). Congressional Delegation Seeks Disaster Designation For Blackfeet Reservation. The Great Falls (MT) Tribune (3/6, Puckett) reports that “Montana’s congressional delegation on Tuesday asked Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to designate the Blackfeet Reservation a disaster area due to the harsh winter.” The letter by Sen. Steve Daines, Sen. Jon Tester and Rep. Greg Gianforte stated, “We write to echo the urgent request from Chairman Barnes of Montana’s Blackfeet Tribe to apply a U.S. Department of Agriculture secretarial disaster designation to the Blackfeet Reservation, as well as provide any additional emergency assistance available within each of your departments as expeditiously as possible given the crippling snowfall that has hit the tribe.” Local Elected Officials Demand Paul Ryan Move To Protect Public Lands. The Wisconsin Gazette (3/6) reports that “more than 300 elected officials FOIA001:02284899 ----~· EXT-18-2336-E-000210 in Wisconsin have signed a letter calling on House Speaker Paul Ryan, R￾Wis., to protect public lands – in his home state and across the country.” President Trump’s “newest budget proposes a 90 percent reduction in the Land and Water Conservation Fund – a fund that Wisconsin relies heavily upon to maintain its public lands, according to a news release from the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.” Kerry Schumann, executive director, stated in the release, “Eliminating the LWCF would be a direct attack on local communities throughout Wisconsin and the state’s outdoor recreation industry. Local elected officials understand the value of healthy parks and public lands. Speaker Paul Ryan must stand up against these attacks and work for Wisconsinites – not special interests.” Aleutians East Borough Votes To Join Feds In Battle Over King Cove Road. KUCB-FM Unalaska, AK (3/6, Sobel) reports that “the Aleutians East Borough plans to join the legal battle over a land exchange that would allow construction of a controversial road between King Cove and Cold Bay.” Assembly members “voted unanimously last week to intervene on the side of the federal government in the lawsuit environmental groups brought against the Interior Department to stop the road.” The Borough also “approved spending $61,875 to hire a law firm to help them join the case.” Campaign Urges Interior To Honor Sage Grouse Deal. Public News Service (3/7, Galatas) reports that “a new television and online campaign is calling on the U.S. Department of the Interior to honor a deal made by the federal government to preserve critical sage-grouse habitat.” Hunter and conservationist Walt Gasson “stars in the ad.” Gasson “said if Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke truly believes that decisions are best made by people affected on the ground, hunters, ranchers and conservationists need a seat at the table.” The campaign, “produced by the National Wildlife Federation, will run in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Nevada and Washington, D.C.” Interior Seeks Social Media Management Tool. Government Computer News (3/6, Friedman) reports that “to better manage more than 1,500 social media accounts for Department of Interior components – including the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Fish and Wildlife Service and other bureaus – Interior officials want information on enterprisewide social media management tools.” The department is “looking for tools that can manage over 1,000 users that post on third-party social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.” Bureau Of Land Management New Mexico Official Threatens To Erect Fence To Block Border Patrol FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000211 Operations. The AP (3/6) reports that New Mexico Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn, a candidate for US Senate, posted signs along the US-Mexico border Tuesday “aimed at blocking border patrol operations on a one-mile stretch of state trust land over concerns that the federal government is not compensating the state for using the land.” Dunn, a Libertarian, told the AP “that if his office can’t reach an agreement over an easement with the federal government, he will install a fence to block access to the property.” Dunn “said a survey by the Bureau of Land Management and other records show the state owns the entire parcel and that the federal government never received permission from the state to build the border barrier that has existed there for years, or to use the roads in the area.” About 100,000 Public Comments Supporting Sage Grouse Plans Missing In Federal Report, Some Say. The Casper (WY) Star-Tribune (3/6, Richards) reports that the Bureau of Land Management “quietly released the initial report Friday which details responses to potential changes to federal management plans” for the sage grouse. However, “conservation advocates say the summary leaves out about 100,000 comments in support of existing protections.” More than 20 conservation groups “say the letters were sent to the appropriate Bureau of Land Management emails and have asked that the agency redo the report to include their comments.” Don Smurthwaite, a spokesman from the national office, said, “We’re aware of the concern and are checking to ensure that all comments and issues are represented in the final scoping report.” Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management Hundreds Of State Lawmakers Ask For 5-year Plan Exemptions. E&E Publishing (3/6) continues coverage of lawmakers’ Monday letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke seeking exclusion of “their shores from the department’s draft five-year plan for offshore energy development.” BOEM officials say Florida “remains a part of the agency’s analysis but that Zinke’s preferences will be influential in the drafting of the proposed and final versions of the five-year plan.” Interior spokesman Alex Hinson said in response, “Creating a Five Year Program is a very open and public process, and Secretary Zinke looks forward to meeting with more Governors and other coastal representatives who want to discuss the draft program. Aside from those important meetings, there is continued outreach by the Department.” E&E adds, “BOEM has scheduled 23 meetings, largely in the capitals of coastal states, to solicit public input.” In a separate Monday letter, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and other “senators requested to extend the comment period on the draft plan.” Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000212 Coast Guard Responders Harmed By Chemicals Used To Clean Up BP Oil Spill, Research Shows. The New Orleans Times-Picayune (3/5, Baurick) reports that for the members of the Coast Guard “who responded to the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, the dangers were clear – an oil platform in flames and then a hole in the seafloor spewing millions of gallons of oil. But what made many Coast Guard members truly afraid was what came after.” As the responders “worked to contain the spill, airplanes swooped in low, spraying a mysterious concoction of chemicals. These oil dispersants, BP hoped, would quickly cleanup its monumental mess.” A study released by the Uniformed Services University “indicates their fears were well￾founded.” The research found “the nearly 2,000 Coast Guard members who reported exposure to oil dispersants suffered a range of illnesses – lung irritation, skin rash, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea – at higher rates than members who were not exposed to the chemicals or were exposed to oil alone.” Fish And Wildlife Service South Carolina Residents Criticize Osprey Nest Removal. The AP (3/6) reports that US wildlife officials are “investigating after South Carolina residents complained that a utility removed an osprey’s nest from a utility pole.” The nest was removed by a South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. crew last week. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “a federal investigation is underway.” States To Begin Surveys For Lesser-Prairie Chicken. The AP (3/7) reports that “wildlife managers in several states will begin surveys later this month to track the population of a grouse that has been the focus of an ongoing legal battle over whether it warrants federal protection.” According to officials, “aerial surveys for the lesser-prairie chicken in New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas will start March 16 and run through mid-May.” Public Hearing Scheduled On Proposed Kuskokwim King Salmon Restrictions. KYUK-TV Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, AK (3/6, MacArthur) reports that “biologists are expecting another low king salmon run on the Kuskokwim River this summer, and to conserve these stocks, federal managers want to restrict fishing in the same ways as in recent years.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting certain restrictions from the Federal Subsistence Board. The restrictions have “been applied to the federal waters of the Kuskokwim drainage since 2014.” The Federal Subsistence Board will hold a hearing on the proposed restrictions on March 14. National Park Service FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000213 2 Arrested At Yellowstone Park’s Bison Corral. The AP (3/6) reports that Yellowstone National Park rangers “arrested two people who were trying to chain themselves to a corral where wild bison are held,” according to officials. Park spokeswoman Vicki Regula “declined to identify them or say whether they were being detained or charged.” The AP cites the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, which “reported the people arrested are affiliated with an advocacy group called Wild Buffalo Defense and seek to draw attention to the slaughter of bison.” New Marker Notes Confederate General’s Role In Slave Trade. The AP (3/6) reports that “a new historical marker in Memphis will point out that a famed Confederate general was a prosperous slave trader before the Civil War.” According to the article, “the marker near the site of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s early home will be unveiled April 4 on the property of Calvary Episcopal Church, which is sponsoring it along with Rhodes College and the National Park Service.” The new marker “says Forrest operated a slave trading business at the site.” Insular And International Affairs DOI Issues $5M Authorization To Proceed With CUC Projects. The Saipan (MNP) Tribune (3/7, De La Torre) reports that the Office of Insular Affairs has “issued an authorization to proceed in the amount of $5 million for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s Engineering and Environmental Management Company construction management, the CUC pipeline smart pigging, waste management, and facility drainage projects.” OIA grants manager Krystina B. Alfano “notified CNMI Capital Improvement Projects administrator Elizabeth S. Balajadia on Monday of OIA’s approval of the authorization to proceed with the projects.” Also, the Marianas Variety (3/7, Manabat) reports that Deputy Attorney General Lillian A. Tenorio “notified the federal court that the CNMI has received the authorization to proceed or ATP from Interior-OIA.” Breast Cancer Care In U.S. Territories Lags Behind Care In States. Yale University (CT) (3/5, Kashef) reports that “older women residing in the U.S territories are less likely to receive recommended or timely care for breast cancer compared with similar women residing in the continental United States, according to Yale researchers.” The findings, published in the March issue of Health Affairs, said that “compared to women living in the continental United States (defined as 48 contiguous states, Alaska, and the District of Columbia), women in these territories who had surgical treatment for breast cancer were significantly less likely to receive other recommended care, the researchers said.” Cary Gross, M.D., professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine and senior author of the study, said, “Inferior breast cancer care in U.S. territories is particularly concerning, given that our study focused on a time period prior to Hurricane Maria. Our FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000214 findings suggest that efforts to address the devastating impact of the hurricane on the citizens and healthcare infrastructure of the Caribbean territories need to focus on making the system better than it was.” US Geological Survey Former Astronaut From Colorado Vows To Shield U.S. Geological Survey From Politics. The Durango (CO) Herald (3/6, Eversden) reports, “Senators pressed former astronaut James Reilly of Colorado Springs on his commitment to scientific facts Tuesday at his confirmation hearing to lead the U.S. Geological Survey.” Reilly “said throughout his appearance before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources he would maintain the integrity of the agency and refuse to bow to political pressure.” Reilly said after the hearing, “Science really depends on integrity. If you don’t have the integrity in the data, you can’t generate good policy.” A Mother Jones (3/6, Jula) report focused on questions surrounding the resignation of USGS scientists “last year after political leadership at the Interior Department requested early access to data on oil and gas deposits in Alaska.” Sen. Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, “asked Reilly about the controversy.” Reilly responded “that he didn’t know the details surrounding the departures” of the scientists, “but he suggested that it might sometimes be appropriate for USGS scientists to share sensitive data with officials leading the Interior Department.” He said, “In my other occupations up to this point, I always felt like I had a responsibility to deliver information to my leadership, particularly if it had an impact on how the leadership is supposed to respond to it.” He added that “if someone within USGS was uncomfortable with such a request in the future, that person would be able to come to him to discuss those concerns.” Reilly also said “that if he was ever faced with political pressure to alter scientific findings, he would ‘politely decline.’” Additional coverage was provided by Science Magazine (3/6, Doyle) and the Alaska Public Radio Network (3/6, Ruskin). Additional Reading. • A Theory OfA “Mega-Tsunami”ThatWipes Out The East CoastWas Widely Debunked. Yet It Persists. Hampton Roads (VA) Virginian-Pilot (3/6, Tolliver). Opinion Pieces Zinke’s U-Turn Puts Oil And Gas Industry On Edge. A Washington Post (3/6, Grandoni) “Energy 202” analysis of the Bureau of Land Management’s Monday decision to remove “about 17,300 acres of land in central Montana from an upcoming oil and natural gas lease FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000215 auction, just a week before the scheduled sale” suggests the move represents “the latest whipsaw in Interior’s oil and gas policy as officials push to auction off a slew of leases near protected areas in the West.” According to the Post, “Environmentalists derided the changes of heart as made for reality TV” even as oil and gas industry representatives “worry about having the certainty they need to pursue projects on public lands at a time when the Trump administration wants to rev up fossil-fuel development as part of its ‘energy dominance’ agenda.” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Fighting For Us. AmmoLand (3/6) reports that the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action marked Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s one year anniversary as Secretary of the Interior and applauded “his numerous accomplishments.” Chris W. Cox, NRA- ILA executive director, said, “On day one Secretary Zinke hit the ground running by lifting the last administration’s ban on traditional ammunition – and he hasn’t slowed down since. He’s expanded hunting and fishing opportunities on federal lands, forged new efforts to encourage veteran hunting and fishing, and recently announced the department’s prioritization of big game corridors to improve wildlife habitat. Secretary Zinke is fighting for us – America’s hunters – each and every day.” St. John Needs A New Public School. In an op-ed for the Virgin Islands Daily News (3/6, Ellis), Catherine Ellis writes that Hurricane Irma “caused horrendous damage to St. John’s buildings,” including Sprauve School. Ellis argues that recovery money from the federal government should go toward a new school for St. John. Additional Coverage. • Killing For Sport. Washington Post (3/6, Telnaes). • WhatWesterners Take For Granted. High Country (CO) News (3/6, Couch). • North Carolina’s RedWolfIs Again On The Verge OfDisappearing From The Wild. Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times (3/6, Hunt). Top National News Amid GOP Opposition, Trump Reiterates He Will Levy Tariffs On Steel, Aluminum Imports. In a White House press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, the President yesterday reiterated his intention to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum. The media coverage highlights the strong and vocal opposition to the move on the part of Republican leaders in Congress. Also getting media play is Trump’s stated rationale for his decision. Bloomberg News (3/6, Mohsin, Jacobs, Edgerton) reports the President dismissed FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000216 “concerns about a global trade war” and said “the US has suffered from poor trading conditions with other nations, including those in the European Union.” Said Trump, “When we’re behind every single country, trade wars aren’t so bad. ... The trade war hurts them, not us.” The AP (3/6, Thomas, Mascaro) quotes Trump as saying, “We’re doing tariffs on steel. We cannot lose our steel industry. It’s a fraction of what it once was. And we can’t lose our aluminum industry.” The Wall Street Journal (3/6, Ballhaus, Radnofsky) reports the President went on to say, “If a country doesn’t have steel, it doesn’t have a country. ... This is more than just pure economics. This is about defense. This is about the country itself.” Breitbart (3/6, Key) notes, meanwhile, that Trump also “said his tariffs on steel and aluminum would be implemented in a ‘very loving way.’” Bloomberg News (3/6, Mohsin, Jacobs, Edgerton) reports Trump “spoke just hours after his Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, sought to offer assurances during congressional testimony that the US didn’t want to start a trade war.” The AP (3/6, Thomas, Mascaro) notes Mnuchin “told lawmakers Trump was trying to balance protections for beleaguered steel and aluminum producers while ‘making sure that we don’t do undue harm to the economy.’” The Wall Street Journal (3/6, Davidson) quotes Mnuchin as saying, “We are not looking to get into trade wars. ... We are looking to make sure US companies can compete fairly around the world.” Reuters (3/6, Cornwell, Gomez) reports GOP lawmakers “stepped up calls on Tuesday for... Trump to pull back from proposed tariffs,” as Senate Majority Leader McConnell “added to an avalanche of criticism” and Speaker Ryan “returned to the attack on Tuesday, saying the proposed duties of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum were too broad.” Ryan, “whose home state of Wisconsin could be hit by proposed counter￾tariffs from the European Union, has consistently opposed the tariffs and called for ‘more surgical and more targeted measures.’” Roll Call (3/6, McPherson) quotes Ryan as saying, “There is clearly abuse occurring; clearly there is overcapacity, dumping and transshipping of steel and aluminum by some countries, particularly China. ... But I think the smarter way to go is to make it more surgical and more targeted.” The Los Angeles Times (3/6, Decker), meanwhile, notes that McConnell, “who has repeatedly talked to the president since his surprise declaration last week, said that Republican senators are worried ‘about interfering with what appears to be an economy taking off.’” Said the Kentucky senator, “We are urging caution that this [not] develop into something much more dramatic that could send the economy in the wrong direction.” The dispute with Trump, the Washington Examiner (3/6, Ferrechio) reports, “has some Republicans so worried that they’re considering legislation to curtail the power of the president to control trade policy.” Sen. Mike Lee “introduced a bill in June that would shift the power to impose trade regulations back to Congress after decades of control by the executive branch.” The measure “would require congressional approval of FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000217 all executive branch trade actions, including tariffs.” Now, “in the face of Trump’s tariff threat, Lee’s bill is suddenly being discussed, and Lee hinted Monday it could be up for discussion.” Sen. Ron Johnson said yesterday, “I would certainly support it.” GOP leaders, however, said “it’s too soon to threaten legislative action.” Said Sen. Roy Blunt, “I don’t think we are at a point where we need to consider that bill yet.” Dana Milbank, in a Washington Post (3/6) column titled “Finally, Trump Does Something Republicans Can’t Stomach,” accuses Republicans of standing by Trump “through all manner of outrage,” and looked “the other way when presented with Trump’s alleged sexual misconduct, racial provocations, conflicts of interest, cowboy diplomacy and assaults on the rule of law. But slapping a tariff on foreign metals? That crosses the line.” The New York Times (3/6, Russell) reports in an analysis that while China “was mentioned only in broad terms when President Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports,” it was “a major driver behind the action.” Although China “makes large amounts of steel and aluminum, flooding the global market with cheap products,” targeting it alone “wouldn’t work” because it “sends only a tiny fraction of its output to the United States. Chinese steel makers serve mostly Asian markets.” Thus, the Administration “must go much broader with its tariffs.” The Times says that by “taking aim at China’s steel makers with broad tariffs, the United States could hurt its trusted allies.” USA Today (3/6) editorializes that “perhaps Trump was absent from high school history class for the discussion of the infamous Smoot-Hawley Act, signed by Herbert Hoover in 1930 in a disastrous bid to ‘protect’ the US economy” but which actually made “the Great Depression...even more severe.” USA Today adds that “more recently, President George W. Bush imposed steel tariffs as high as 30% in 2002,” but they “were gone by the end of 2003.” David B. Burritt, president and CEO of US Steel, responds in USA Today (3/6), arguing that “those opposing...Trump’s decision...dangerously ignore the Commerce Department’s detailed findings that steel imports threaten our national and economic security.” Megan McArdle writes in the Washington Post (3/6, McArdle) that “steel and aluminum tariffs are not going to devastate household budgets. Nor, as some of the more emotional social media coverage suggested, are they harbingers of economic apocalypse. No, the real risk is to exactly the thing Trump is promising to save: American jobs.” Trump: IfEU Removes “Horrible Barriers”To US Products, “We Can Start Talking”About Tariffs. Politico (3/6, Lima) notes it was Trump’s “first joint public appearance with the leader of a European Union member since announcing his plan for tariffs on aluminum and steel imports last week.” Trump singled out the EU for its trade practices toward the US, stating, “The European Union has been particularly tough on the United States. ... They make it almost impossible for us to do business with them.” The Wall Street Journal (3/6, Ballhaus, Radnofsky) reports the President appeared to suggest his Administration could consider excluding the EU from the FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000218 tariffs if its trade policies were altered. Said Trump, “If the European Union takes off some of the horrible barriers that make it impossible for our products to go into there, then we can start talking.” The Hill (3/6, Easley), meanwhile, says “Löfven offered opposition to Trump’s face,” and said, “I’m convinced that increased tariffs will hurt us all in the long run. ... As a Swede I support the efforts of the European Union to achieve trade with fewer obstacles, as few as possible.” Fox News’ Special Report (3/6) showed Löfven saying, “I fully understand and respect the president’s view that we have to look after his own country. ... That’s my task as well. But for me, leading a small country, depending on open trade, the best way for us is to do that with others.” Mnuchin: Tariffs May Not Apply To NAFTA Nations If Treaty Is Redrafted. The Wall Street Journal (3/6, Davidson) indicates that Mnuchin – echoing comments from the President the day before – addressed the effect of the tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Fox News’ Special Report (3/6) showed Mnuchin saying, “To the extent that we’re successful in renegotiating NAFTA, those tariffs won’t apply to Mexico and Canada.” Breitbart (3/6, Carney), meanwhile, reports “Mexico’s top trade official threatened Tuesday to retaliate against the US if the Trump administration moves ahead with plans to put tariffs that include Mexico.” Said economic minister Ildefonso Guajardo, “There’s a list that we are analyzing internally, but we won’t make it public, we’re going to wait.” AP Analysis: Steel Industry “Actually Faring Pretty Well.”The AP (3/6, Wiseman) reports that “the Trump administration has chosen an odd time to offer special protection to the US steel industry,” which is “actually faring pretty well: The US steel industry last year earned more than $2.8 billion, up from $714 million in 2016 and a loss in 2015, according to the Commerce Department.” Moreover, “the industry added more than 8,000 jobs between January 2017 and January 2018.” The AP adds that “even before Trump mentioned the tariff last Thursday, the price of the benchmark US-made hot-rolled steel had reached the highest level since May 2011, according to S&P Global Platts. The price surged even higher on the tariff news.” Stocks Finish Higher. Reuters (3/6, Carew) reports “US stocks eked out a small gain on Tuesday after a choppy session as investors worried about the prospects of a trade war due to mixed signals from Washington on whether...Trump would follow through with proposed tariffs.” The Dow “rose 9.36 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 24,884.12, the S&P 500 gained 7.18 points, or 0.26 percent, to 2,728.12 and the Nasdaq Composite added 41.30 points, or 0.56 percent, to 7,372.01.” Cohn Resigns White House Post After Losing Internal Debate Over Tariffs. Media analyses cast reports that Gary Cohn had decided to leave his job with the Administration as further evidence of a White House in disarray. The coverage indicated, moreover, that Cohn’s resignation follows a FOIA001:02284899 •·----- EXT-18-2336-E-000219 bruising internal debate over trade, in which he ended up on the losing side. ABC World News Tonight (3/6, story 4, 1:40, Karl) said “Cohn is, or I should say, was, the most widely respected member of the White House staff. He was the one who could stand up and tell the President when he was wrong. His departure...will have repercussions far beyond economic policy here at the White House.” The CBS Evening News (3/6, lead story, 2:00, Cordes) reported that “this is a blow” for the White House, and added that “as recently as last Friday, the White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was insisting to reporters that Cohn would not be stepping down over the President’s surprise move on tariffs.” NBC Nightly News (3/6, story 3, 2:25, Welker), meanwhile, referred to Cohn as “the latest in a long line of high-profile departures.” The New York Times (3/6, Kelly) was first with the story, reporting that Cohn is “expected to leave in the coming weeks,” and that “White House officials said” he “was leaving on cordial terms with the president and that they planned to continue discussing policy even after his departure.” Trump said in a statement to the Times, “Gary has been my chief economic adviser and did a superb job in driving our agenda, helping to deliver historic tax cuts and reforms and unleashing the American economy once again.” The Times also reports that “the departure of Mr. Cohn, a free-trade oriented Democrat who fended off a number of nationalist-minded policies during his year in the Trump administration, could have a ripple effect on the president’s economic decisions and on the financial sector.” The Washington Post (3/6, Paletta, Rucker) says “in many ways, Cohn’s NEC was one of the most stable parts of the White House, avoiding the scandals and revolving-door image that the National Security Council and other offices endured.” Jim Acosta said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/6), “It has been a chaotic week after chaotic week at this White House. The only thing that stands out is when there is not chaos here at the White House because it happens so rarely. I think when you have the top economic adviser resigning from the White House because the President is about to slap tariffs on US allies like Great Britain and so on, I don’t think it is any surprise that Gary Cohn is doing this.” Gloria Borger said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/6) that “a lot of people saw Gary Cohn as one of the people left in the White House who actually understood economic policy and knows how to manage.” The Washington Post (3/6, Paletta, Dawsey) reports that “establishment figures in Washington,” including “national security leaders, top lawmakers, the former president of Goldman Sachs,” have “suddenly found themselves in a losing battle with a small posse of Trump advisers who have nurtured the president’s long-running skepticism of foreign trade.” Their “last-ditch efforts to get Trump to scale back, if not reverse, the tariffs came after a power struggle within the White House where Cohn,” Defense Secretary Mattis, “and others routinely tried to dissuade Trump from launching what many fear will be a trade war that could rattle FOIA001:02284899 •----- '------- '---- EXT-18-2336-E-000220 the world’s largest economies.” The New York Times (3/6, Baker) reports that while Cohn “is a Democrat...his resignation...actually underscored the fundamental divide between President Trump and his fellow Republicans as the president seeks to raise barriers to foreign trade.” At the White House, he “in effect served as a proxy for the business wing of the Republican Party as it fought what may be a losing battle against new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.” Now “his departure deprives free trade proponents of perhaps their strongest voice inside Mr. Trump’s inner circle.” John Roberts said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/6), “So much for all of the talk that Gary Cohn was going to replace John Kelly as the chief of staff here at the White House. There was also some thought among some people at the White House that as soon as there was a cabinet vacancy, that Gary Cohn could be tapped to replace that person. We are told that Gary Cohn was so well-thought-of here at the White House that he could have filled out a number of different cabinet positions.” USA Today (3/6, Korte, Jackson) reports Chief of Staff Kelly said Cohn “served with great distinction,” and he added, “I will miss having him as a partner in the White House, but he departs having made a real impact in the lives of the American people.” Cohn, for his part, “said it was an honor to help ‘enact pro-growth economic policies to benefit the American people’ and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.” He added, “I am grateful to the President for giving me this opportunity and wish him and the Administration great success in the future.” Axios (3/6, Swan) says, however, that Cohn “disagreed with Trump on just about every issue besides tax cuts,” and “was, and is, a Democrat.” The AP (3/6) also reports “Trump praised Cohn despite” their “disagreement” on trade, and the Washington Post (3/6, Paletta, Rucker) reports that “Cohn spent months trying to steer Trump away from tariffs and trade wars,” but was “eventually being outmaneuvered by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, trade advisor Peter Navarro, and ultimately Trump himself.” NPR (3/6, Horsley) reported that it was “not the first time Cohn has come close to quitting.” He “nearly resigned last summer, when the president appeared to defend those who marched alongside neo-Nazis and Klansmen in Charlottesville.” Moreover, “as a leader of the ‘globalist’ wing in the White House, Cohn was also overruled when the president announced plans to withdraw the US from the Paris climate accord.” Reuters (3/6), the Washington Examiner (3/6, Correll), the New York Post (3/6, Fredericks), Townhall (3/6, Pavlich), and the Wall Street Journal (3/6, Ballhaus, Hoffman), among other news outlets, also report the news. Bloomberg News (3/6, Sink, Campbell, Pettypiece) says “the dollar slid and an exchange-traded fund linked to US stocks tumbled in after-hours trading on the resignation news. The greenback fell 0.4 percent against the yen, often a haven in turmoil, to 105.66 as of 7:48 a.m. in Tokyo trading. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF trust, linked to the S&P 500 Index of stocks, was down 1.2 percent.” NBC Nightly News (3/6, story 3, 2:25, Welker) FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000221 showed Eason Javers of CNBC saying, “Short term, this could be a bad news for the stock market. Traders in Wall Street like Gary Cohn. They’ve got a lot of confidence in him. Long term, this removes one of the architects of Donald Trump’s economic success from this Administration. Where they go from here is a real open question.” Eli Lake of Bloomberg View said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/6), “Gary Cohn comes from Goldman Sachs. That is something that is in some ways both left and right and neither left nor right. It represents the center of American politics. This is a significant blow. In some ways, I think it does show a kind of fracture of American politics in a deep way. The fact that so many Republicans in Congress and a lot of Democrats in Congress are really uncomfortable with the tariff policy, and we’ll see how far it can go. But the President has a lot of authority here.” In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/6) bemoans Cohn’s departure, arguing the controversy over tariffs has cost the President an essential adviser. The New York Times (3/6) similarly editorializes that “[i]n an administration filled with people with dubious ideas, limited experience and loads of ethical baggage,” Cohn “was supposed to be among the sensible adults in the room. Now, he is leaving after failing repeatedly to be the stabilizing influence that the Trump administration sorely needed.” Rep. Charlie Dent said on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 (3/6), “There has certainly been, in my view, a lot of dysfunction in the White House. I have used the term ‘chaos’ to describe the activity in the White House for some time. There has been unusually high turnover, as has been pointed out in many occasions. Now with Gary Cohn leaving, who I think in many respects has been a very constructive force in the White House on tax policy and on trade policy, I think it is a big loss for the White House. Yes, I don’t think ‘chaos’ is too strong a word.” Sen. Chris Coons said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/6), “The idea that Gary Cohn is departing largely over the timing and the deliberation, or the lack thereof, behind the President’s abrupt announcement of large tariffs that will distance us from the key trading partners and close allies is just a reminder that his love of conflict has real consequences. Dow futures for tomorrow are already down 300 points. The President loves to take credit when the Dow goes up. I wonder if he will take any of the responsibility with the Dow likely going down with Gary Cohn’s abrupt departure.” Axios’Swan: Trump Canceled Meeting Called By Cohn To Press Him On Tariffs Decision. Business Insider (3/6, Bryan) reports Cohn “attempted to set up a last-ditch effort to get Trump to soften the tariffs by arranging a meeting with business executives who would be hurt by the new tariffs, which function as a tax on imports.” Axios’ Jonathan Swan, however, wrote on Twitter that he was “told Trump had cancelled the last-ditch meeting Gary had arranged on Thursday with the downstream steel and aluminum companies.” FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000222 Trump Wants To Consider Kudlow To Replace Cohn. The Washington Post (3/6, Paletta, Rucker) reports Trump “could cast a wide net in searching for a replacement” for Cohn, “though he has told advisers that he wants to consider Larry Kudlow, a media personality and 2016 campaign adviser, according to several people briefed on Trump’s discussions.” Earlier Yesterday, Trump Touted “Tremendous Energy” At White House, Predicted More Departures. The AP (3/6, Miller, Lemire) reports that ahead of Cohn’s announcement, the President “denied Tuesday that his White House is chaotic, but predicted more staff will leave, as allies and observers worry about West Wing brain drain.” Trump “maintained that his White House has ‘tremendous energy,’ but multiple White House officials said Trump has been pushing anxious aides to stay.” Trump “acknowledged that he is a tough boss to work for, saying he enjoys watching his closest aides fight over policy.” ABC World News Tonight (3/6, story 3, 1:45, Karl) showed Trump saying, “I like conflict. I like having two people with different points of view. And I certainly have that. And then I make a decision. But I like watching it. I like seeing it and I think it is the best way to go.” Of his staff, Trump also said, “They all want to be in the White House. So many people want to come in. I have a choice of anybody. I can take any position in the White House, and I’ll have a choice of the ten top people having to do with that position.” The President also tweeted, “The new Fake News narrative is that there is CHAOS in the White House. Wrong! People will always come & go, and I want strong dialogue before making a final decision. I still have some people that I want to change (always seeking perfection). There is no Chaos, only great Energy!” The New York Times (3/6, Sullivan) reports that the tweet “was an odd defense for a man who has thrived on chaos and has used it as a way to both organize people and manage them.” Politico (3/6, Nelson) points out that Trump “even joked about the chaos at Saturday’s annual Gridiron Club dinner, joking: ‘So many people have been leaving the White House. It’s invigorating, since you want turnover. I like chaos. It really is good. Who’s going to be the next to leave?’” Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/6),” I think that the chaos is part of the strategy. It’s not a bug in the system. It is the system. This is where the President feels the most comfortable, being in a situation where it looks as if there is no order, and he seems to be the most comfortable in that. But a lot of people, that’s not how they like to work, and it is also a very difficult way to push strategy.” Trump Takes Credit For Apparent North Korea’s Willingness To Negotiate Giving Up Nukes. Media reports cast President Trump as cautiously optimistic amid reports from Seoul on Tuesday that North Korea is willing to halt its nuclear and missile tests and engage in disarmament talks with the US. The President pointed to tough, new international sanctions imposed on Pyongyang, as FOIA001:02284899 Ill ____ _ EXT-18-2336-E-000223 well as his hard line toward North Korea, as the reason for its change of heart. Calling it a “major development,” the CBS Evening News (3/6, story 2, 3:30, Glor) reported Trump “expressed cautious optimism about North Korea’s apparent willingness to negotiate,” saying, “We’re going to see. They seem to be acting positively. I think that their statement and the statements coming out of South Korea and North Korea have been very positive. That would be a great thing for the world, great thing for the world. So we’ll see how it all comes about.” Asked later at a press conference why eh thought Kim Jong-Un “may have had a change of heart,” Trump said, “I think that they are sincere, but I think they’re sincere, also, because the sanctions and what we’re doing with respect to North Korea, including the great help that we’ve been given from China, and they can do more. But the sanctions have been have, very strong and very biting.” Bloomberg News (3/6, Kong, Lee, Syeed) reports Trump told reporters that “his tough stance was responsible for Kim’s willingness to talk, joking the overture should be credited to ‘me.’” The Daily Caller (3/6, Enjeti) also reports the President’s “me” comment, and NBC Nightly News (3/6, story 4, 2:20, Holt) said the President is “crediting his hard￾line against North Korea for the conditions that led to the successful Olympics.” Trump was shown saying: “We had a lot to do with that, if not, everything, we had a lot to do with it. ... Let’s see if we can carry it over.” Politico (3/6, Lima) likewise says Trump credited tough new sanctions, while Breitbart (3/6, Spiering) says he also recalled that South Korean President Moon Jae-in “gave him credit for the successful talks between North and South Korea.” The Washington Times (3/6, Miller) says Trump “welcomed the turn of events with a note of caution,” and the AP (3/6, Superville, Pennington) that a “cautious...Trump spoke of possible progress,” but warned it could also be “false hope.” Early Tuesday, Trump tweeted, “Possible progress being made in talks with North Korea. For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned. The World is watching and waiting! May be false hope, but the US is ready to go hard in either direction!” USA Today (3/6, Onyanga-Omara, Michaels) reports that in “another tweet Tuesday accompanying a link to a Drudge Report article that Kim was hosting the delegation from Seoul,” Trump wrote: “We will see what happens!” The New York Times (3/6, Choe, Landler) reports Trump reacted early Tuesday morning on Twitter “with guarded optimism to the news,” but “expounded on his reaction later to reporters during an Oval Office meeting with Prime Minister Stefan Lofven of Sweden,” saying, “We have come certainly a long way, at least rhetorically, with North Korea. The statements coming out of South Korea and North Korea have been very positive. That would be a great thing for the world.” Asked if he would meet with Kim, Trump said, “We’ll see what happens.” Reuters (3/5, FOIA001:02284899 _ Ill EXT-18-2336-E-000224 Mason, Kim) reports Trump “declined to say whether he had any preconditions for talks with Pyongyang,” but a senior Administration official said, “We are open minded, we look forward to hearing more. But...the North Koreans have earned our skepticism, so we’re a bit guarded in our optimism.” USA Today (3/6, Korte, Jackson) reports Trump “declined to say whether he would establish preconditions for talks with North Korea,” and the Wall Street Journal (3/6, Cheng, Bender, Jeong) says Administration officials stopped short of committing to talks with Pyongyang. The Hill (3/6, Fabian) reports Vice President Pence, however, said in a statement Tuesday that “all options are on the table and our posture toward the regime will not change until we see credible, verifiable, and concrete steps toward denuclearization.” ABC World News Tonight (3/6, story 7, 1:40, Muir) said the “major development...came after a very rare meeting between Kim Jong-Un and South Korean officials” in Pyongyang. Afterwards, Seoul said the North “offered to stop testing weapons if the US agrees to talks.” While the President appeared to be somewhat optimistic, the US intelligence community “weighed in on this today, basically saying they are deeply skeptical, noting that North Korea has a 60-year long track record of breaking promises.” Margaret Brennan similarly said on the CBS Evening News (3/6, story 3, 1:20, Glor) that while “this is the clearest diplomatic outreach we have seen so far...the Administration remains skeptical, not only because the North has a pattern of breaking past agreements, but also because they question whether US ally South Korea may be overeager for the US to begin these talks.” The AP (3/6, Kim, Burns) reports that a “senior South Korean presidential adviser” said Tuesday that Kim had agreed to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in “at a border village in late April.” The Washington Post (3/6, Fifield), however, reports that North Korea “did not confirm South Korea’s version of events,” saying simply that the two sides “made a satisfactory agreement” during the meeting. Reuters (3/6, Lambert) reports the State Department said Tuesday that the US and South Korea “are discussing holding a meeting later this week about potential denuclearization talks with North Korea.” According to the Los Angeles Times (3/6, Parsons), Kim’s “apparent offer stunned many regional security experts and analysts in Washington.” A New York Times (3/6, Landler) analysis says a breakthrough is unlikely, noting that “diplomacy between the United States and North Korea has gone through familiar cycles of long stagnation, followed by brief bursts of hope and then inevitable disappointment, typically after North Korea reneged.” A second New York Times (3/6, Landler, Sanger) analysis says that while Trump “has vowed not to repeat what he regarded as the cardinal error of his predecessors in dealing with North Korea,” he now faces “a prospect uncannily similar to that confronted by Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.” FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000225 A Wall Street Journal (3/6) editorial is skeptical that North Korea is prepared to make any real concessions, and urges that any deal with Pyongyang must be structured so that it is rewarded only after it denuclearizes and allows unlimited inspections. WPost: Trump’s “Maximum Pressure”On North Korea “Is Working.”A Washington Post (3/6) editorial says that if confirmed by Pyongyang, “the shift of position would mark a success for the Trump administration’s policy of applying ‘maximum pressure’ to North Korea and open the possibility of a needed reduction of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.” The question, it says, “is whether President Trump is prepared to capitalize on the opportunity.” According to the Post, it is “not clear whether the Trump administration is ready for this diplomatic challenge,” but a “good first step in response to Tuesday’s developments would be for Mr. Trump to fill” the empty positions at the State Department in the region “with seasoned experts,” and then “set them to work devising a serious and pragmatic strategy for engaging with the Kim regime — without sacrificing, for now, ‘maximum pressure.’” The New York Times (3/6) similarly editorializes that the Administration “has been loath to enter into negotiations that would have a similar fate” as its predecessors, and “there is no evidence of the United States having any mechanism to implement a strategy for talks. There is no American ambassador in Seoul, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has so eviscerated the State Department that he may not be capable of effectively moving forward. Joseph Yun, the chief American envoy to North Korea and the one senior person who actually knows the portfolio and has met with North Koreans, retired last week, a decision that can only be interpreted as a further sign of the administration’s inept handing of the issue.” US Sanctions North Korea Over Use OfNerve Agent In Assassination. The New York Times (3/6, Gladstone) reports the State Department said Tuesday that the US has imposed new sanctions on North Korea for ordering the assassination last year of leader Kim Jong-Un’s estranged half brother with a banned nerve agent. Kim Jong-nam was killed Feb. 13, 2017, with VX, “a deadly nerve agent used in prohibited chemical weapons of mass destruction that North Korea is known to have stockpiled.” The State Department said that the US had formally determined that “North Korea was responsible and that the sanctions took effect on Monday.” NYTimes Analysis: Trump’s Trade Plan Threatens To Derail Korean Talks. The New York Times (3/6, Swanson) reports that President Trump’s plan to impose stiff steel tariffs would “severely punish South Korea...at a moment when America is embarking on a series of high-stakes negotiations to defuse tensions on the Korean Peninsula.” If talks materialize, the US “will need the close partnership of South Korea,” but the Times says the Administration in recent months has “alienated the South’s leaders by initiating a series of tough trade measures that seek to penalize the country for exporting more goods to the United States than it imports.” FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000226 Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “Gary Cohn’s Exit Won’t Make This Administration Any Better.”The New York Times (3/6) editorializes that “in an administration filled with people with dubious ideas, limited experience and loads of ethical baggage,” Gary Cohn “was supposed to be among the sensible adults in the room. Now, he is leaving after failing repeatedly to be the stabilizing influence that the Trump administration sorely needed.” “Famine Stalks South Sudan.”The New York Times (3/6) editorializes that the United States should press the UN Security Council for an arms embargo for South Sudan, particularly given the “special responsibility” the US bears for the country’s dreadful state. The editors also argue that European donors and the African Union should join US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley in letting the leaders of the two sides in South Sudan’s current conflict “know that they are far too big a part of the problem to ever become part of the solution.” “North Korea Has Put The BallIn Trump’s Court.”The New York Times (3/6) editorializes that the Administration “has been loath to enter into negotiations that would have a similar fate” as its predecessors, and “there is no evidence of the United States having any mechanism to implement a strategy for talks. There is no American ambassador in Seoul, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has so eviscerated the State Department that he may not be capable of effectively moving forward. Joseph Yun, the chief American envoy to North Korea and the one senior person who actually knows the portfolio and has met with North Koreans, retired last week, a decision that can only be interpreted as a further sign of the administration’s inept handing of the issue.” Washington Post. “Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’On North Korea Is Working. Now What?”A Washington Post (3/6) editorial says that if confirmed by Pyongyang, North Korea’s “shift of position would mark a success for the Trump administration’s policy of applying ‘maximum pressure’ to North Korea and open the possibility of a needed reduction of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.” The question, it says, “is whether President Trump is prepared to capitalize on the opportunity.” According to the Post, it is “not clear whether the Trump administration is ready for this diplomatic challenge,” but a “good first step in response to Tuesday’s developments would be for Mr. Trump to fill” the empty positions at the State Department in the region “with seasoned experts,” and then “set them to work devising a serious and pragmatic strategy for engaging with the Kim regime — without sacrificing, for now, ‘maximum pressure.’” “The Public Has Spoken On Gun Control. Don’tWait For The White House.”The Washington Post (3/6) says in an editorial that instead of “trying to decipher signals from a president who changes his mind by the FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000227 hour, lawmakers should listen to the public they are elected to represent.” The public’s message “has been clear: It’s time to end the decades-long stalemate on gun control and enact laws to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands.” The Post cites a Politico-Morning Consult poll which “showed that 88 percent of Americans now support universal background checks, 81 percent think a person should be at least 21 to buy a gun, 70 percent favor a ban on high-capacity magazines and 68 percent think assault-style weapons should be banned,” and argues that if lawmakers “ignore the public’s clamor for reasonable gun-control legislation, voters should use the upcoming midterm elections to reiterate the message.” “Who Knew About The Improper Transfer OfThe DC School Chancellor’s Daughter?”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/6) calls it “striking” that former DC Public Schools chancellor Antwan Wilson claims “that he did nothing wrong when his daughter bypassed the system’s competitive lottery to transfer to one of the city’s most desirable high schools – even though the transfer violated a rule that Mr. Wilson himself had promulgated only months before.” The Post adds that Wilson’s claim that DC Mayor Muriel Bowser “knew and had no objections to plans to transfer his daughter from Duke Ellington School for the Arts, where she was unhappy, must be investigated.” Noting that Bowser denies the claim, the Post says her “credibility [is] under challenge in an election year,” and urges DC Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas, who investigating the matter, to give it “top priority” and “report to the public as expeditiously as possible.” Wall Street Journal. “North Korea’s Negotiation Play.”A Wall Street Journal (3/6) editorial is skeptical that North Korea is prepared to make any real concessions, and urges that any deal with Pyongyang must be structured so that it is rewarded only after it denuclearizes and allows unlimited inspections. “The Cohn Departure.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/6) bemoans Gary Cohn’s departure from the White House, arguing the controversy over tariffs has cost the President an essential adviser. “California’s Water Hole.”The Wall Street Journal (3/6) criticizes the California Water Commission for trying to avoid providing the necessary funding for several approved water conservation projects, including projects to expand storage and improve flood control. The Journal says the reluctance is being driven by environmentalists who oppose dams on principle, and that storms hitting the state will cause large amounts of wasted water without the projects. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: Gary Cohn Resigns As White House Economic Adviser After Losing Tariffs Fight FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000228 Trump Administration Praises North Korean Overture, But Remains Wary The New ID Theft: Millions Of Credit Applicants Who Don’t Exist CVS Bets Big With $40 Billion Bond Sale New York Times: Raising Hopes, North Korea Offers To Talk On Nuclear Arsenal Gary Cohn, Top Economic Aide, To Resign Amid Tariff Dispute US-China Rivalry Is, More Than Ever, A Fight Over Tech Adviser To Emirates Is Cooperating With Special Counsel In Russian Ex-Spy’s Poisoning, An Echo Of The Cold War Washington Post: N. Korean Overture Is “Sincere,” Trump Says Leaving Their Hearts Behind In Puerto Rico Spy Drama In Britain Has Eyes Turning Toward Russia Crackdown On Truancy Imperils Graduations Justice Dept. Sues California On “Sanctuary” Laws Foe Of Tariffs To Quit Post Financial Times: CVS Jumbo Bond Attracts Record $121bn In Book Orders North Korea Says It Is “Open To Ending Nuclear Programme” Poroshenko Fends Off IMF Demands For Anti-Corruption Court US Security Committee Warns On Broadcom Takeover Of Qualcomm Washington Times: Trump Takes Credit For Kim Jong-Un’s Sudden Shift On Talks Justice Department Suing California Over Sanctuary Laws Victory ‘Is Not Possible’ — Pakistani Official Implores U.S. To End War With Afghan Taliban ER Visits For Opioid Overdoses Up 30 Percent In One Year Christopher Steele Knew Democrats Funding Trump Dossier Before FBI Sought FISA Warrant Betsy DeVos Pressed To Toss Obama’s Lenient School-Discipline Directive Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: Severe Weather; Weather Forecast; Gary Cohn Resignation; WH￾Russia Meddling; Pittsburgh Train Crash; UK-Ex-Russian Spy; North-South Korea Relations; USA Gymnastics Sex Abuse; Big Game Trophies Ban; Nashville Mayor Resignation; Dayton-Traffic Accident; WV-Teachers Strike; Asteroid Flyby; Child Portrait; Sunken WWII Warship. CBS: Gary Cohn Resignation; WH-North-South Korea Relations; North￾South Korea Relations; Severe Weather; Weather Forecast; Opioid Crisis; Congo-Child Labor; WV-Teachers Strike; Nashville Mayor Resignation; Flying Car; Presidential History. NBC: Severe Weather; Weather Forecast; Gary Cohn Resignation; North￾FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000229 South Korea Relations; Nashville Mayor Resignation; WV-Teachers Strike; Plastic Ocean Pollution; Vaping Safety Warning; Child Portrait; McDonald’s Fresh Meat; Message Bottle; Children Show Streaming. Network TVAt A Glance: Severe Weather – 9 minutes, 30 seconds North-South Korea Relations – 8 minutes, 50 seconds Gary Cohn Resignation – 6 minutes, 10 seconds Nashville Mayor Resignation – 3 minutes, 55 seconds WV-Teachers Strike – 2 minutes, 40 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Gary Cohn Resignation; Stormy Daniels-Trump Relationship; DOJ￾Sanctuary Cities; Severe Weather; Playboy Mension; Wall Street News. CBS: DOJ-Sanctuary Cities; Gary Cohn Resignation; Stormy Daniels-Trump Relationship; Opioid Epidemic; Severe Weather; Wall Street News. FOX: Gary Cohn Resignation; WH-Tariff Policy; Stormy Daniels-Trump Relationship. NPR: Gary Cohn Resignation; DOJ-Sanctuary Cities; WH-North-South Korea Relations; Severe Weather; Wall Street News. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — Delivers remarks at the Latino Coalition Legislative Summit. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — Attends America First Policies event on the tax bill. US Senate: 9:30 AM Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on security clearance reform – Hearing on ‘Security Clearance Reform’, with testimony from ManTech President and CEO Kevin Phillips; Raytheon Vice President for Intelligence, Information, and Services Jane Chappell; Government Accountability Office’s Brenda Farrell; Professional Services Council President David Berteau; National Background Investigation Bureau Director Charlie Phalen; National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) Assistant Director for Security Brian Dunbar; Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Director for Defense Intelligence and Security Garry Reid; and Defense Security Service Director Dan Payne * Last month, the White House discontinued all interim Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information-level security clearances for individuals whose investigations or adjudications have been pending since 1 Jun or before, including President Donald Trump’s Senior Adviser and son￾in-law Jared Kushner Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 106, Washington, DC http://intelligence.senate.gov 10:00 AM House / Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees hear legislative presentation from vets group – House Committee on Veterans FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000230 Affairs and Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs joint hearing on ‘Legislative Presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States’, with testimony from VFW National Commander in Chief Keith Harman, National Veterans Service Director Ryan Gallucci, Washington Office Executive Director Bob Wallace, National Legislative Service Director Carlos Fuentes, and National Legislative Committee Chairman Richard Morrison Location: Rm G50, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs 10:00 AM Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing – Nominations hearing considers John Nalbandian to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit; Kari Dooley to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Connecticut; Dominic Lanza to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Arizona; Jill Aiko Otake to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Hawaii; and Joseph Hunt to be Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Location: Rm 226, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://judiciary.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Business Meeting continues – Business Meeting continues, with agenda including consideration of nomination of Michael Atkinson to be Intelligence Community Inspector General, as well as ‘H.R. 2825, Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act’ * Hearing began 28 Feb Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 342, Washington, DC http://hsgac.senate.gov/ https://twitter.com/SenateHSGAC 10:30 AM Interior Secretary Zinke and GOP senators discuss the National Park Restoration Act – Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Republican Sens. Lamar Alexander, Steve Daines, and Cory Gardner discuss the introduction of the ‘National Park Restoration Act’, via press conference * The bill is designed to help restore and rebuild national parks by using revenues from energy production on federal lands to help pay for the $11 billion National Park maintenance backlog, including roads, buildings, campgrounds, trails, and water systems Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 430, Washington, DC alexander.senate.gov https://twitter.com/SenAlexander 10:30 AM Senate Budget Committee hearing on DoD audit and business operations reform – Hearing on ‘Department of Defense Audit and Business Operations Reform at the Pentagon’, with testimony from Under Secretary of Defense and DoD Comptroller and CFO David Norquist; and DoD Chief Management Officer John Gibson II Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 608, Washington, DC http://budget.senate.gov/ https://twitter.com/SenateBudget 1:00 PM Senate Aging Committee hearing on scams – Hearing on ‘Stopping Senior Scams’, with testimony from scam victims Stephen and Rita Shiman; AARP Washington State Director Doug Shadel; AARP Pennsylvania Consumer Issues Task Force Chair Mary Bach; and Stop Senior Scams Acting Program founder Adrienne Omansky Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 562, Washington, DC http://aging.senate.gov/ FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000231 2:00 PM Hearing on ‘The Economic Report of the President’, with testimony from Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett Location: Hart Senate Office Building, Rm 216, Washington, DC www.jec.senate.gov https://twitter.com/JointEconCmte 2:30 PM Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on small business bankruptcy – Oversight, Agency Action, Federal Rights and Federal Courts Subcommittee hearing on ‘Small Business Bankruptcy: Assessing the System’, with testimony from Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson Co-Chair Robert Keach; Brooklyn Law School Professor Edward Janger; and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr partner Craig Goldblatt Location: Rm 226, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://judiciary.senate.gov/ 2:30 PM Senate Foreign Relations Committee nominations hearing – Nominations hearing considers Joseph Macmanus to be U.S. Ambassador to Colombia; Marie Royce to be Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs; Robin Bernstein to be U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic; and Edward Charles Prado to be U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 419, Washington, DC http://foreign.senate.gov/ 4:00 PM Senate Democrats hearing on protecting children from gun violence – ‘America Speaks Out: Protecting Our Children from Gun Violence’ Senate Democrats hearing, co-hosted by Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Bill Nelson, with testimony from survivors of gun violence and family members who want Congress to take swift action to strengthen the nation’s gun laws, including 17-year old Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student David Hogg; Fredd Guttenberg – the father of 14-year-old Jaime Guttenberg, who was killed at Stoneman Douglas; Francine Wheeler – the mother of six-year-old Ben Wheeler, who was killed at Sandy Hook; Lori Haas – the mother of a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting; Kim Bose – the mother of 20-year-old Joseph Bose, killed by gun violence in 2015; Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank Stawinski; high school student and gun violence prevention activist Eva Jones; teacher Katrina Kickbush; and Democratic Sens. Stabenow, Nelson, Dick Durbin, Amy Klobuchar, Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden, Tim Kaine, Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen, Catherine Cortez-Masto, and Patty Murray Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, SVC-203, Washington, DC dpcc.senate.gov HELP Committee Executive Session – Executive Session, with agenda including nominations of John Ring to be a National Labor Relations Board member; Frank Brogan to be Assistant Secretary of Education for Elementary and Secondary Education; Dr Mark Schneider to be Institute of Education Science Director; and Marco Rajkovich to be a Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission member Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://help.senate.gov/ IACLEA Capitol Hill Day – International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Capitol Hill Day, meeting Members of Congress to discuss issues of public safety at higher education institutions Location: Washington, DC www.iaclea.org FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000232 US House: 10:00 AM House Financial Services subcommittee hearing on the State Insurance Regulation Preservation Act – Housing and Insurance Subcommittee hearing on ‘Legislative Review of H.R. 5059, the State Insurance Regulation Preservation Act’, with testimony from Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Chief Strategist and Risk Officer Michael Mahaffey; COUNTRY Financial CEO Kurt Bock (on behalf of Property Casualty Insurers Association of America); and University of Minnesota Law School Professor Daniel Schwarcz Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2128, Washington, DC http://financialservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/FinancialCmte 10:00 AM House Commerce subcommittee hearing on retail and emerging tech – Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on ‘Review of Emerging Tech’s Impact on Retail Operations and Logistics’, with testimony from Hel’s Kitchen founder David Borris; Medici Ventures President Jonathan Johnson; Casestack founder, President, and CEO Dan Sanker; and Convey Logistics CEO Rob Taylor Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2123, Washington, DC http://energycommerce.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseCommerce 10:00 AM House / Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees hear legislative presentation from vets group – House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs joint hearing on ‘Legislative Presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States’, with testimony from VFW National Commander in Chief Keith Harman, National Veterans Service Director Ryan Gallucci, Washington Office Executive Director Bob Wallace, National Legislative Service Director Carlos Fuentes, and National Legislative Committee Chairman Richard Morrison Location: Rm G50, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs 10:00 AM CFTC Chairman Giancarlo testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on budget – Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Commodity Futures Trading Commission’, with testimony from CFTC Chairman Chris Giancarlo Location: Rm 2362-A, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM House Appropriations Committee hearing on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps budget – Defense Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Navy and Marine Corps’, with testimony from Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer; U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller; and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson Location: U.S. Capitol, H￾140, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM House Armed Services Committee hearing on defense acquisition reform – Hearing on ‘Assessing Military Service Acquisition Reform’, with testimony from Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Dr Bruce Jette; Assistant Secretary FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000233 of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition James Geurts; and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Dr William Roper Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 10:00 AM Social Security Subcommittee hearing on ‘Lacking a Leader: Challenges Facing the SSA After Over 5 Years of Acting Commissioners’ Location: Rm 1100, Longworth House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://waysandmeans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/WaysandMeansGOP 10:00 AM House Space subcommittee hearing on FY’19 NASA budget – Space Subcommittee hearing on ‘An Overview of the NASA Budget for Fiscal Year 2019’, with testimony from NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot Jr. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2318, Washington, DC http://science.house.gov https://twitter.com/HouseScience 10:00 AM House Transportation subcommittee hearing on long-term funding for highways and transit programs – Highways and Transit Subcommittee hearing on ‘Building a 21st Century Infrastructure for America: Long-Term Funding for Highways and Transit Programs’, with testimony from Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer (on behalf of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials); Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Michael Lewis (on behalf of Western Road Use Charge Consortium); American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear; U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Ed Mortimer; and Economic Policy Institute President Thea Lee Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2167, Washington, DC http://transportation.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/Transport 10:00 AM Markup hearing on ‘H.R. 2152, the Citizens’ Right to Know Act of 2017’ Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2141, Washington, DC http://judiciary.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseJudiciary 10:15 AM House Natural Resources Committee markup hearing – Markup hearing on ‘H.R. 520, National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act’, ‘H.R. 4731, To extend the retained use estate for the Caneel Bay resort in St. John, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes’, and ‘H.R. 5133, Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization of 2018’ Location: Longworth House Office Building, Rm 1324, Washington, DC http://naturalresources.house.gov https://twitter.com/NatResources 10:15 AM Environment Subcommittee hearing on ‘The Future of Transportation Fuels and Vehicles’ Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2322, Washington, DC http://energycommerce.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseCommerce 10:30 AM House Budget Committee continues series of hearings on oversight of the CBO – Hearing on ‘CBO Oversight: Member Day’, with FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000234 testimony from Members of Congress * Continues a series of five hearings on the CBO Location: Longworth House Office Building, Rm 1334, Washington, DC http://budget.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/housebudgetgop 10:30 AM House Homeland Security Committee markup hearing – Markup hearing on ‘H.R. 4176, the Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2017’, ‘H.R. 4227, the Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Act of 2017’, ‘H.R. 4467, the Strengthening Aviation Security Act of 2017’, ‘H.R. 4627, the Shielding Public Spaces from Vehicular Terrorism Act’, ‘H.R. 5074, the DHS Cyber Incident Response Teams Act’, ‘H.R. 5079, the DHS Field Engagement Accountability Act’, ‘H.R. 5081, the Surface Transportation Security and Technology Accountability Act of 2018’, ‘H.R. 5089, the Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2018’, ‘H.R. 5094, the Enhancing Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative Act’, ‘H.R. 5099, the Enhancing DHS’ Fusion Center Technical Assistance Program’, and ‘H.R. 5131, the Surface Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2018’ Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, HVC-210, Washington, DC homeland.house.gov https://twitter.com/HouseHomeland 11:00 AM House Small Business Committee hearing on regulatory reform – Hearing on ‘Regulatory Reform and Rollback: The Effects on Small Businesses’, with testimony from NFIB Small Business Legal Center Executive Director Karen Harned; National Association of Manufacturers Vice President for Labor, Legal & Regulatory Policy Patrick Hedren; National Association of Home Builders Chairman Randy Noel; and Georgetown Law Professor Lisa Heinzerling Location: Rm 2360, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://smallbusiness.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/SmallBizGOP 12:00 PM House debates BRICK Act – House of Representatives meets for legislative business, with agenda including ‘H.R. 1917 – Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2017’ Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.house.gov/ 1:00 PM House Administration Committee Business Meeting – Business Meeting, with agenda including ‘Committee Resolution 115-9: A Committee Resolution to allocate funds from the reserve fund’ Location: Longworth House Office Building, Rm 1310, Washington, DC http://cha.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAdmnGOP 2:00 PM House Homeland Security subcommittees joint hearing on DHS cybersecurity workforce – Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee and Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee joint hearing on ‘Examining DHS’ Efforts to Strengthen its Cybersecurity Workforce’ Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, HVC-210, Washington, DC homeland.house.gov https://twitter.com/HouseHomeland 2:00 PM House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on China in Africa – Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee hearing on ‘China in Africa: The New Colonialism?’, with testimony from ‘The Coming Collapse of China’ author FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000235 Gordon Chang; Heritage Foundation Senior Policy Analyst for Africa and the Middle East Joshua Meservey; Center for Global Development Senior Fellow Scott Morris; and Howard University Department of African Studies Assistant Professor Dr Anita Plummer Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2172, Washington, DC http://www.hcfa.house.gov https://twitter.com/HFACrepublicans 2:00 PM House Transportation subcommittee hearing on implementation of USCG programs – Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing on ‘Implementation of Coast Guard Programs’, with testimony from U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations, Policy, and Capabilities Rear Adm. Linda Fagan; and Government Accountability Office Acting Director of Homeland Security and Justice Nathan Anderson Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2167, Washington, DC http://transportation.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/Transport 2:00 PM Hearing on ‘The Economic Report of the President’, with testimony from Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett Location: Hart Senate Office Building, Rm 216, Washington, DC www.jec.senate.gov https://twitter.com/JointEconCmte 2:00 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program – Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee hearing on ‘The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Lightning II Program’, with testimony from F-35 Joint Program Office Program Executive Officer Vice Adm. Mathias Winter; U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lt. Gen. Steven Rudder; U.S. Navy Director of Air Warfare (OPNAV N98) Rear Adm. Scott Conn; and U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Programs, and Requirements Lt. Gen. Jerry Harris Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2212, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 2:00 PM House Oversight subcommittee latest hearing on AI – Information Technology Subcommittee hearing on ‘Game Changers: Artificial Intelligence Part II, Artificial Intelligence and the Federal Government’, with testimony from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Information Innovation Office Deputy Director Dr John Everett; General Services Administration Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Information Technology Category Acquisition Management Keith Nakasone; National Science Foundation Assistant Director of Computer Science and Information Science and Engineering Dr James Kurose; and Homeland Security Advanced Research Project Agency Cybersecurity Division Director Dr Douglas Maughan Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2154, Washington, DC http://oversight.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/GOPoversight 2:00 PM House Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee legislative hearing – Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee legislative hearing on ‘H.R. 3497’, ‘H.R. 4245’, a draft bill on purchase card misuse, and a draft bill on the Medical Surgical Prime Vendor program, with testimony from FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000236 Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Management Director of Corporate Travel John Adams, Office of Information and Technology Health Portfolio Director Katrina Tuisamatatele, and Electronic Health Record Modernization Program Program Executive Office Director of Program Control Fred Mingo; Veterans Health Administration Acting Deputy Chief Procurement Officer Ricky Lemmon; The American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division Director Louis Celli Jr.; and National Veterans Small Business Coalition Executive Director Scott Denniston Location: Cannon House Office Building, Rm 334, Washington, DC http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs 2:00 PM House Financial Services subcommittee hearing on the current data security and breach notification regulatory regime – Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee hearing on ‘Legislative Proposals to Reform the Current Data Security and Breach Notification Regulatory Regime’, with testimony from Massachusetts Assistant Attorney General Sara Cable; Consumer Data Industry Association President and CEO Francis Creighton; Information Technology Industry Council Vice President for Global Policy and Law John Miller; and Financial Services Roundtable Vice President Jason Kratovil Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2128, Washington, DC http://financialservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/FinancialCmte 3:30 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on FY’19 strategic forces budget – Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on ‘U.S. Strategic Forces Posture and the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request’, with testimony from U.S. Strategic Command Commander Gen. John Hyten; and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans IACLEA Capitol Hill Day – International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Capitol Hill Day, meeting Members of Congress to discuss issues of public safety at higher education institutions Location: Washington, DC www.iaclea.org Other: 8:00 AM Ripon Society discussion on ‘The Future of NAFTA’ – ‘The Future of NAFTA’ Ripon Society discussion, on the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the debate over modernizing the agreement in a way that keeps the economies of all three countries – the U.S., Canada, and Mexico – strong. Speakers include Republicans Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Will Hurd, Mexico Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. Geronimo Gutierrez, and Canada Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. David MacNaughton Location: Capitol Hill Club, 300 1st St SE, Washington, DC www.riponsociety.org https://twitter.com/RiponSociety 8:15 AM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Economic Club of Washington, DC Location: Washington, DC www.economicclub.org https://twitter.com/TheEconomicClub 9:00 AM Dem Rep. Rick Larsen keynotes discussion on U.S.-China relations at Brookings – ‘The end of U.S. engagement with China?’ FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000237 Brookings Institution John L. Thornton China Center event assessing prospects for U.S.-China relations, with keynote from Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen. Other speakers include National Endowment for Democracy International Forum for Democratic Studies Director Shanthi Kalathil, George Washington University Elliot School of International Affairs Professor David Shambaugh, University of California Hastings College of Law Professor and Committee of 100 Chairman Frank Wu, Ford Foundation China Director Elizabeth Kump, and National Committee on United States￾China Relations President Stephen Orlins Location: The Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.brookings.edu https://twitter.com/BrookingsInst #USChinaTies 9:30 AM Dem Rep. Nancy Pelosi donates items to National Museum of American History – National Museum of American History holds special donation ceremony to receive three objects from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi representing her election as the first woman House Speaker – a lacquered-maple gavel, the burgundy pantsuit she wore to her swearing￾in, and the original speech she gave on the morning of 4 Jan 2007. Attendees include House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Smithsonian Regent Democratic Rep. Doris Matsui, Smithsonian Institution Secretary David Skorton, and National Museum of American History Director John Gray and curator Lisa Kathleen Graddy Location: Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC http://americanhistory.si.edu https://twitter.com/amhistorymuseum 1:30 PM USDA press call on efforts to help rural communities address the opioid crisis – Secretary of Agriculture’s Assistant for Rural Development Anne Hazlett discusses the role that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is playing to help address the opioid crisis, via national press call, including the announcement of a series of state-based opioid roundtables designed to share best local practices and tools rural communities are using to address opioid misuse and treatment Location: TBD www.usda.gov https://twitter.com/USDA 6:30 PM DNC IWillVote Gala – Democratic National Committee IWillVote Gala, with DNC Chair Tom Perez and Democratic Sens. Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Doug Jones and Elizabeth Warren Location: Andrew W Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.democrats.org/ https://twitter.com/TheDemocrats 7:00 PM Dem Reps. Don Beyer and Ted Deutch town hall on gun and school safety – Democratic Reps. Don Beyer and Ted Deutch speak at town hall conversation on gun safety and the safety of U.S. schools, following the 14 Feb shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. Participants include students from Alexandria City Public Schools and Fred Guttenberg – the father of 14-year-old Jaime, who was killed in Parkland Location: T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus, Alexandria, VA beyer.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/RepDonBeyer National Council of State Housing Agencies Legislative Conference FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000238 concludes – National Council of State Housing Agencies Legislative Conference concludes, with speakers today including Democratic Sen. Christopher Coons and ‘The Cook Political Report’ Editor and Publisher Charlie Cook Location: Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC www.ncsha.org https://twitter.com/HomeEverything Vice President Mike Pence campaigns in Kentucky for Republican Rep. Any Barr, who is running for re-election Location: TBD andybarrforcongress.com https://twitter.com/barrforcongress Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Jimmy Kimmel: “So two hours after [President Trump] was saying everybody wants to work at the White House, his top economic adviser Gary Cohn, resigned. He doesn’t want to work at the White House. It is almost a miracle to behold. If Donald Trump says it is a sunny day, expect rain.” Stephen Colbert: “It’s good to be alive and to stay that way, because we just found out that North Korea is willing to talk to the US about giving up their nuclear weapons. And not the usual way they talk about giving up their nuclear weapons, by dropping them on Seattle.” James Corden: “Trump said there’s still people in the White House he’d like to replace. Yeah, we’d all like to replace someone in the White House.” James Corden: “On Capitol Hill, a group of House Democrats are trying to change the rules so members of Congress can’t sleep in their offices overnight. Apparently, a lot of members of Congress do this to save money on rent. They sleep in their office. Is it just me or, anyone else concerned that the people running the country are living like alcoholic private detectives from the 1940s? Speaker of the House Paul Ryan defended sleeping in the office, explaining he wakes up early to work out, proving that, no matter where you work, there’s always that one guy bragging he was in the gym at 5:00 a.m.” Trevor Noah: “Speaking of the Trump Administration, today there was yet another resignation. I know, shocking, shocking. Chief Economic Adviser Gary Cohn quit today. So I think at this point, the White House staff is just John Kelly and a fax machine Jared isn’t allowed to use.” Trevor Noah: “If you never heard of Sam Nunberg, he was an early aide to FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000239 Donald Trump who was hired, fired, and fired again, this time for using the n-word on Facebook, which is shocking someone got fired from the Trump campaign for being racist. I thought they hired people based on that.” Jimmy Fallon: “Now some big news out of Washington. Kellyanne Conway has been accused of violating federal ethics laws during TV appearances in 2017. If found guilty, she could be forced to leave her job, or even worse, stay.” Jimmy Fallon: “Robert Mueller is now investigating one of President Trump’s personal lawyers. You know it’s bad when even your lawyer is like, ‘Do you know any good lawyers?’” Jimmy Fallon: “Lego just revealed that they’ve made too many bricks over the years, and have unsold stockpiles in warehouses. So I think President Trump just found a solution for his border wall.” Seth Meyers: “According to the National Journal, former President George W. Bush frequently jokes about the Trump Administration, saying, quote, ‘Makes me look pretty good, doesn’t it?’ Okay, but I wouldn’t be too excited that this is what it takes to make you look good.” Seth Meyers: “In an interview with the Washington Post, former Trump aide Sam Nunberg said that he has been subpoenaed by special counsel Robert Mueller, but is refusing to go, saying, quote, ‘Let him arrest me.’ And then in an interview with everybody, Nunberg said, and I quote, ‘Trump may very well have done something during the election. Carter Page colluded with the Russians. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is a joke, and nobody hates Donald Trump more than me.’ Wow! Apparently, he believes the first step in Trump’s infrastructure plan is to burn all the bridges.” Seth Meyers: “New York City is bracing for a nor’easter tomorrow that could bring up to 10 inches of snow. So just a heads-up, it may disrupt subway service starting around two years ago.” Conan O’Brien: “Today, [President Trump] promised that his tariffs on steel and aluminum would be applied in ‘a loving way.’ Congratulations, President Trump. You can even make tariffs creepy.” FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000240 Conan O’Brien: “In an interview, President Trump warned there may be more people leaving the White House soon. After hearing this, prosecutor Robert Mueller said, ‘Funny, I was just about to say the same thing.’” Jordan Klepper: “Ladies and gentlemen, the swamp continues to drain. Trump’s lead economic adviser, Gary Cohn, resigned this evening because he disagreed with the President’s decision on steel tariffs. That’s two birds with one tariff. Another Trump promise kept, getting all the Goldman Sachs people out of government, even the ones he brought into the government.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02284899 EXT-18-2336-E-000241 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-03-07T17:58:02-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: I will be in DC next week...... Received: 2018-03-07T18:56:19-05:00 Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Hans Walsh Date: 03/07/2018 12:59 (GMT-05:00) To: 'Ryan Zinke' < Subject: I will be in DC next week...... …arriving late afternoon on the 14th and departing the morning ofthe 17th (St. Paddy’s). Ifyou will be in town and have the time I would love to link up. Hope all is going good and that you are surviving the swamp and the associated 360 degree assaults. Stay low and don’t bunch up. Hans Hans Walsh Bernzott Capital Advisors (805) 389-9445 Ext 213 Fax: (805) 389-9456 hans@bernzott.com (b)(6) FOIA001:02716034 EXT-18-2336-E-000242 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-08T06:56:14-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Thursday, March 8, 2018 Received: 2018-03-08T06:56:22-05:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 8, 2018 at 6:00:52 AM EST To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Thursday, March 8, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 6:00 AM EST Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • The Hill: Lawmakers Propose Boosting Park Funding With Oil Money. • The Hill: WH: Trump Still Opposed To Elephant Trophies Despite New Policy. • McClatchy: Interior Secretary Starts Backing Off Drilling Plan Amidst GOP Resistance. • Offshore Magazine: Zinke Introduces Offshore Safety Initiatives. • Washington Examiner: Oil, Gas Groups Tell Trump To Back Off Tariffs. • Politico: Climate Change Skeptics Run The Trump Administration. • New York Times: Keeping With Tradition, Trump Awards Jobs To Campaign Workers And Allies. • Law360: Dems Urge Electioneering Probe Of Interior Secretary. • Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Arkansas Congressman Floats Land-Fund Overhaul. • New York Times: In Utah, It’s The Donald J. Trump Highway Vs. The ‘Stormy Daniels Rampway’. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • New Documentary Highlights Mismanagement Of Native Trust Money By Feds. Bureau Of Land Management • Casper (WY) Star-Tribune: Federal Court In Wyoming To Revisit Methane Rule Compliance, Following California Court Decision. • Moab (UT) Times-Independent: BLM Gives Go Ahead To Uranium Mine Near Shash Jaa National Monument. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management • Dems Ask For Longer Comment Period On Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan. (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000243 • Oceana Releases Economic Data Prior To Oil Drilling Deadline. • Maine Critics Throw Cold Water On Trump Administration’s Offshore Drilling Plan. • San Diego Passes Resolution Against Offshore Drilling. • If Trump Wants To Drill For Oil In San Diego Waters, He’ll Have To Get Through His Navy. • Offshore Drilling Seeing State And Local Opposition. • Trump Off-Shore Drilling Initiative Gets Cool Response From NH Protesters. • Feds Told Offshore Drilling Is Not An Option For Long Island. • With Drilling Comment Period Closing Soon, Regan Visits Onslow Coast. • Virginia Offshore Drilling Forum Brings Gov. Northam And Big Crowd. Fish And Wildlife Service • Associated Press: Cleanup To Remove Buried Drums At Wildlife Refuge Site. • KSDK-TV St. Louis: 47,000 Asian Carp Removed From Creve Coeur Lake. National Park Service • Los Angeles Times: The Most Popular National Parks In 2017? This May Surprise You. • Pensacola (FL) News Journal: National Park Service Completes Fort Pickens Preservation Project. • Associated Press: 3 Bison Activists Charged In Yellowstone National Park. • Jackson Hole (WY) News & Guide: Grand Teton Axes Body Cameras. • The Hill: Under Contract. Insular And International Affairs • Chinese Firms Will Pay $14 Million Back Wages In Saipan Case. • EU Tax Haven Blacklist Set To Shrink Further, Causing Outcry. • Schools For Environmental Conservation. US Geological Survey • Scientific American: Nominee To Lead USGS Is Hard To Read. • Additional Reading. Opinion Pieces • Secretary Of Interior Ryan Zinke Attacks America’s Wilderness. • Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan Is Simply A Terrible Idea. • Deadline Nears For Public Comment On Offshore Oil Drilling. • Utah Lawmakers Might Want To Wait Before Naming A Highway After Donald Trump. • Additional Reading. Top National News • CBS: Trump To Announce Tariffs With Possible Exemptions For Mexico, Canada. • WICD-TV Champaign (IL): Citing Trump Tariffs, US Steel Says It Will Restart Illinois Plant. • Associated Press: GOP Lawmakers In State Of “Alarm” Over Potential Cohn Replacements. • New York Times: Head Of Forest Services Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations. FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000244 • Washington Times: Democrats Offer Infrastructure Plan Paid For By Rolling Back Tax Cuts. • USA Today: ADP Report: “Red Hot” Job Market Growth Exceeding Expectations. • The Hill: Court Rejects Trump Administration’s Plea To End Kids’ Climate Lawsuit. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “The Race-Based Mortgage Penalty.” - “Gary Cohn Joins The Exodus.” • Washington Post. - “Trump Finally Say He’ll Protect Elections. We’ll Believe It When We See It.” - “A Muckraking Journalist Is Murdered In Slovakia.” - “Why the Chesapeake Bay Is The Best In The World.” • Wall Street Journal. - “Big Bank Custody Fight.” - “Russia’s Trail Of Poison.” - “How A Trade War Escalates.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Lawmakers Propose Boosting Park Funding With Oil Money. The Hill (3/7, Cama) reports that “a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill Wednesday to increase funding for national park infrastructure, using money from energy produced both offshore and on federal land.” The National Park Restoration Act, backed by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, is “meant in part to implement the Trump administration’s proposal last month for a new National Park Service (NPS) infrastructure fund paid for with money from oil drilling, wind, solar and other federal energy sources.” The legislation “would take half of the money that the federal government gets from energy production that is above 2018 forecasts and not dedicated for another use.” The Washington Examiner (3/7, Siegel) reports that “the fund, which would hold up to $18 billion, would be paid for by new leases for energy development on onshore and offshore federal lands. It also would finance schools under the Bureau of Indian Education.” Zinke said, “Infrastructure is an investment, not merely an expense. And every dollar we put in to rebuilding our parks will help bolster the gateway communities that rely on park visitation for economic vitality. Since the early days of my confirmation, I’ve been talking with members of the House and Senate about how we can use energy revenue to rebuild and revitalize our parks FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000245 and communities. This bill is the largest investment in national parks in our nation’s history. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. This is an American issue, and I think that the bipartisan body of lawmakers who put this bill forward is proof.” E&E Publishing (3/7, Hotakainen) reports that appearing with senators at a Capitol Hill news conference, “Zinke called the plan ‘unprecedented in scale’ and predicted that it will win backing from Democrats and Republicans alike in Congress.” Zinke said, “Americans deserve to have a park system that’s well-funded, that’s well-operated, and the visitor experience in our parks should remain sacred. ... Our parks are red, white and blue.” Also reporting are the Billings (MT) Gazette (3/7, Chaney), the Daily Inter Lake (MT) (3/7, Reilly), the Helena (MT) Independent Record (3/7, Chaney), the Maryville (TN) Daily Times (3/8, Totten), the Knoxville (TN) News Sentinel (3/7, Whetstone), the Sevierville (TN) Mountain Press (3/8, Farrell), the Chattanooga (TN) Times Free Press (3/7, Pace), the Durango (CO) Herald (3/7, Ramstack), the Dearborn (MI) Press and Guide (3/7, Kessler), the Wyoming Business Report (3/7), Montana Public Radio (3/7, O'BRIEN), SNEWS (3/7, Arvesen), KTVZ-TV Bend (OR) Bend, OR (3/7), WBIR-TV Knoxville (TN) Knoxville, TN (3/8), and KGVO-FM Missoula (MT) Missoula, MT (3/7, Christian). WH: Trump Still Opposed To Elephant Trophies Despite New Policy. The Hill (3/7, Fabian, Cama) reports that President Trump “remains opposed to elephant trophy hunting despite his administration’s decision to allow some trophy imports on a ‘case-by-case basis,’ the White House said on Wednesday.” White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy was “a response to a court decision impacting how trophy import applications are reviewed.” However, “conservationists say that Trump’s previous statements amount to a promise to completely ban trophy imports from some countries, and that the new policy falls far short of that.” ABC News (3/7, Ebbs) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “defended the administration’s reversal of the elephant trophy ban during a press conference on Capitol Hill on Wednesday morning.” Zinke told reporters, “Let me make it absolutely clear: We are 100 percent aligned with the president’s policy. The court itself said that we had to change our process, but the policy remains the same. We are 100 percent aligned with the president’s policy.” Also reporting are AP (3/7, MILLER, BIESECKER), the New York Times (3/7, Nuwer), CBS News (3/7, Guild), the New York Post (3/7, Steinbuch), Business Insider (3/7, Berke), Newsweek (3/7, Silva), CNBC (3/7, Cerbin), Smithsonian (3/7, Katz), and Vox (3/7, Resnick). Interior Secretary Starts Backing Off Drilling Plan Amidst GOP Resistance. FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000246 The McClatchy (3/7, Dumain) reports that “facing mounting pressure from fellow Republicans who see little consistuent support for drilling off the Atlantic coast, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke could be backpedaling on the Trump administration’s initial plans to expand the program,” according to GOP lawmakers. The article says that “in a meeting with affected coastal GOP representatives last week, Zinke reaffirmed an exemption from the drilling for Florida, hinted to New Jersey officials their state was likely to be spared and left a Virginia congressman optimistic the policy would be overturned for his state, too.” Also, “Zinke said he’d travel to South Carolina to get a better sense of their concerns as well.” Zinke Introduces Offshore Safety Initiatives. Offshore Magazine (3/7) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has “presented a series of six initiatives to strengthen the federal offshore oil and gas inspection program.” At the 2018 CERAWEEK conference, Zinke “highlighted a risk-based inspection element and an increase in the amount of time allotted for physical inspection of offshore facilities as two of six initiatives that the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) will institute before mid-2018.” The four other initiatives include: “increasing BSEE’s engagement with industry, identifying the best available and safest technology requirements for critical offshore equipment, identifying gaps between advancing technologies and regulations, and researching the potential for third-party certification of BSEE’s inspection program by the International Standards Organization.” Zinke said, “One of the pillars to responsible energy development is ensuring it’s done safely. As part of the Trump administration’s push for safety in energy development, we are working hard to do our job smarter and ensure industry is exploring and producing safely.” BSEE Director Scott Angelle said: “The six initiatives we are announcing today are an important set of steps that will keep pace with the increased offshore oil gas and production, ensure safety, and protect the environment. They will also help BSEE become a more efficient agency, something the American taxpayers expect and deserve.” Oil, Gas Groups Tell Trump To Back Off Tariffs. The Washington Examiner (3/7, Siciliano, Siegel) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Tuesday defended President Trump’s tariff plan. Zinke said during an appearance at CERAWeek, “Long-term tariffs generally disrupt free markets and raise costs, but it is also incumbent on the American steel companies themselves – they have to re-fit and rebuild, just like these guys did.” Zinke was “referring to the oil and gas industry’s moves to lower their costs after prices declined.” Climate Change Skeptics Run The Trump Administration. Politico (3/7, Holden) reports that the President is filling high ranking positions in his Administration “with appointees who share his disbelief in FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000247 the scientific evidence for climate change – giving them an opportunity to impose their views on policies ranging from disaster planning to national security to housing standards.” A Politico review of Trump appointees’ past statements on climate science found that he “has chosen at least 20 like￾minded people to serve as agency leaders and advisers,” and they are “already having an impact in abandoning former President Barack Obama’s attempt to help unite the world against the threat of rising sea levels, worsening storms and spreading droughts.” For example, “at the Interior Department, decisions about Pacific island territories threatened by rising seas are in the hands of an assistant secretary who has criticized ‘climate alarmists’ for ‘once again predicting the end of the world as we know it.’” Additional coverage was provided by Politico (3/6, Holden, Lin). Trump Official Said Scientists Went ‘Outside TheirWheelhouse’By Writing Climate Change ‘Dramatically’Shrunk Montana Glaciers. The Washington Post (3/7, Grandoni, Eilperin) reports that records released under the Freedom of Information Act show that Interior Department officials were critical of “a US Geological Survey study documenting how climate change has ‘dramatically reduced’ glaciers in Montana” and “questioned federal scientists’ description of the decline.” Reacting to a USGS headline which read, “The warming climate has dramatically reduced the size of 39 glaciers in Montana since 1966, some by as much as 85 percent,” Doug Domenech, assistant secretary of insular areas at Interior, wrote in a May 10 email to three other Department officials, “This is a perfect example of them going outside their wheelhouse.” Keeping With Tradition, Trump Awards Jobs To Campaign Workers And Allies. The New York Times (3/7, Lipton, Ivory) reports that “nearly 260 or so former Trump campaign and inauguration workers...have gotten jobs reserved for political appointees in the administration, according to public records compiled by ProPublica.” In total, over “2,475 political appointees have joined the federal government since President Trump took office, including at least 187 former lobbyists and also 125 people with ties to conservative think tanks.” The Times notes that “the conservative appointees are spread across the government.” For example, “at the Interior Department, Ryan Nichols is an adviser in the Office of Water and Science, after coordinating the Heritage Foundation’s work with a group of climate change skeptics called the ‘Cooler Heads Coalition.’” Dems Urge Electioneering Probe Of Interior Secretary. Law360 (3/7, Goldberg) reports that “top Democrats on the House Committee on Natural Resources on Wednesday urged the U.S. Office of Special Counsel to investigate whether Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke used a coal mine cleanup funding announcement to campaign for a congressional candidate, potentially violating the Hatch Act.” Ranking minority member Raul Grijalva, and Donald McEachin, the ranking minority FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000248 member of the committee’s oversight and investigations subcommittee, “want Special Counsel Henry Kerner to launch a probe into Zinke’s Feb. 24 appearance at a volunteer firehouse.” in Fredericktown, Pennsylvania. Arkansas Congressman Floats Land-Fund Overhaul. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette (3/7, Lockwood) reports that “more of the money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund should be spent on maintenance, less on property acquisition,” according to Rep. Bruce Westerman. The Federal Lands Investing Partnership Act, introduced on Monday, “would overhaul the way the money, which comes from offshore oil and gas leasing, is allocated, increasing the percentage that goes to states and the amount earmarked for ‘deferred maintenance, critical infrastructure, visitor services, and clean-up efforts’ on federal land or water controlled by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.” Westerman said, “I don’t think we need to be purchasing more land. I think we need to take care of the land and the assets we’ve got.” In Utah, It’s The Donald J. Trump Highway Vs. The ‘Stormy Daniels Rampway’. The New York Times (3/7, Turkewitz) reports, “Families visiting America’s iconic national parks this summer might be surprised to find a new attraction” along the way: “the Donald J. Trump Utah National Parks Highway.” State Rep. Michael Noel (R-UT) “has introduced a bill that would rename the state’s most scenic route in honor of” Trump, “calling the move a show of gratitude to Mr. Trump for the president’s December decision to slash the size of two contentious national monuments in the state.” State Sen. Jim Dabakis (D-UT), who opposes the measure, “has said he would fight it by adding the name of” Stormy Daniels, “who is reported to have had an affair with the president.” The Times quotes Dabakis as tweeting, “If it gets to the Senate. will present an amendment that the frontage road be designated as the Stormy Daniels rampway.” The AP (3/8) reports that the president of the Navajo Nation described the porposal as “insulting.” Navajo President Russell Begaye “says honoring Trump would be like pouring salt on an open wound.” Bureau Of Indian Affairs New Documentary Highlights Mismanagement Of Native Trust Money By Feds. The Alaska Public Radio Network (3/7, Townsend) reports that “the long running lawsuit for Native people who were denied billions of dollars in trust fund money after decades of federal mismanagement is the subject of a new film.” 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice is “the story of Blackfeet tribal member, the late Eloise Cobell,” who “took on the Interior department over missing funds in trust accounts that were supposed to be paid to Native landowners for oil and gas, grazing and timber lease FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000249 payments.” Bureau Of Land Management Federal Court In Wyoming To Revisit Methane Rule Compliance, Following California Court Decision. The Casper (WY) Star-Tribune (3/7, Richards) reports that “a Wyoming federal court will reopen the case into the Bureau of Land Management’s methane rule, a set of requirements cutting emissions from the oil and gas sector that industry and politicians have repeatedly tried to get rid of.” According to the article, “compliance on aspects of the Bureau of Land Management Methane Waste Reduction rule began in January of last year, after a failed attempt in the Wyoming courts to stay the rules implementation given a dispute over whether the federal agency was allowed to regulate natural gas emissions.” Since then, “the rule has been on and off the books.” BLM Gives Go Ahead To Uranium Mine Near Shash Jaa National Monument. The Moab (UT) Times-Independent (3/7, Egelhoff) reports that the Bureau of Land Management has “released a decision allowing the expansion of Daneros Mine near Shash Jaa National Monument and the former Bears Ears National Monument.” Energy Fuels Resources, Inc., which owns the mine, “says that with the price of uranium low, they have no immediate plans to develop Daneros mine — but it is important to have those permits in place so when the price of uranium goes up, miners can get right to work.” Mike Neumann, “a senior project manager for Energy Fuels, said that the BLM performed the required analyses before approving the mine expansion.” Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management Dems Ask For Longer Comment Period On Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan. The Hill (3/6, Cama) reports that 22 Senate Democrats including top Energy and Natural Resources Committee member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) sent a letter Monday to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke requesting an extension to the public comment period for the Trump Administration’s proposed offshore drilling plan. Friday will mark the end of a 60-day comment period for the plan, released in January. The letter reads, “Given the large scope of the Draft Proposed Program, we believe a 60-day extension of the deadline for comments is necessary to allow for more public hearings in coastal areas and to give the public sufficient time to submit comments on offshore drilling.” Oceana Releases Economic Data Prior To Oil Drilling Deadline. South Strand News (SC) (3/7, Stairs) reports that ahead of the March 9 FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000250 deadline for public comments on offshore drilling, “Oceana has released a new study about the economic effects of the proposal.” The report “states that oil drilling would be a “bad deal” for coastal states since the Atlantic coast, the Pacific coast and Gulf coast of Florida, which are all being considered for oil drilling, support more than 2.6 million American jobs and roughly $180 billion in Gross Domestic Product.” Diane Hoskins, campaign director at Oceana, said, “From ocean views scattered with drilling platforms, to the industrialization of our coastal communities, to the unacceptable risk of more BP Deepwater Horizon-like disasters, expanding offshore drilling to new areas threatens thriving coastal economies and booming industries like tourism, recreation and fishing that rely on oil-free beaches and healthy oceans.” Additional coverage was provided by UPI (3/7, Howard) and the Daily Mail (3/7). Maine Critics Throw Cold Water On Trump Administration’s Offshore Drilling Plan. Central Maine (3/7, Miller) reports that “fishermen, environmentalists and lawmakers from Maine’s coast called on the Trump administration Wednesday to exclude the North Atlantic from a plan to potentially reopen much of the nation’s coastline to oil and gas exploration.” Representatives with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management were in Augusta for “an open house-style event to field questions about President Trump’s controversial offshore energy proposal.” According to the article, “the mere prospect of oil drilling in the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank – and the accompanying environmental risks – was enough to draw more than 60 people to a pre-emptive event held before the bureau’s open house.” Additional coverage was provided by the AP (3/7), the Portland (ME) Press Herald (3/7, Miller), WMEA-FM Portland, ME (3/7, Leary), and WABI￾TV Bangor, ME (3/7, Doyen). San Diego Passes Resolution Against Offshore Drilling. KFMB-TV San Diego (3/6, Griego) reports that on Tuesday the San Diego City Council voted 7-1 in favor of “a resolution opposing oil and gas drilling off the California coast.” Several members of the council expressed concerns that offshore “drilling would harm tourism, the San Diego economy and the marine environment.” The article notes that the sole “no” vote was Councilman Scott Sherman, who “said he’s not a fan of resolutions ‘as they end up in a circular file in a bureaucrat’s desk,” and he noted that San Diego “pays lobbyists to relay San Diego’s message to Washington, D.C.” If Trump Wants To Drill For Oil In San Diego Waters, He’ll Have To Get Through His Navy. The Voice Of San Diego (3/5, Rivard) reports the Trump Administration’s plans to allow drilling off the San Diego coast face another obstacle: the FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000251 Department of Defense. According to Voice of San Diego, “Offshore drilling could flummox training and operations and, in turn, endanger national security.” The Department of the Interior estimates that there are about a billion barrels of “technically recoverable” oil in the Oceanside-Capistrano basin, which is close to coastal San Diego County and Orange County. The Navy said it wants to “find compatible solutions, where possible, that support the development of domestic energy resources in concert with enabling military operations, testing, and training.” The Marine Corps said it agreed with the Navy. Offshore Drilling Seeing State And Local Opposition. KXRO-AM Aberdeen, WA (3/6) reports that the Federal offshore drilling proposal “is drawing vocal opposition locally and in Olympia.” On Monday, Washington State opponents of offshore drilling spoke at “their own organized hearing in Olympia ahead of an event hosted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to take public comment.” Attorney General Bob Ferguson told attendees he plans to sue if the offshore plan is approved. The cities of Westport and Ocean Shores have issued resolutions opposing offshore drilling. Oregon Public Broadcasting (3/6, Wang) reports opponents of the Trump administration’s offshore drilling plan, led by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, rallied at a “People’s Hearing” in Olympia, Washington on Monday. Commissioner of Public Lands Hillary Franz said, “We have collectively, all of us, worked far too long to protect those shorelines, not only for the natural resources and the environment but also for the local economies that depend on it.” Franz promised that “the state would deny permits for any drilling operations that cross into state waters, which run three miles out from shore.” The North Coast (WA) News (3/6, Bruscas) reports that at the local opposition event ahead of the BOEM public hearing Monday, Ocean Shores, WA Mayor Crystal Dingler spoke out against offshore drilling. She stated, “Our beach town’s economy is 100 percent dependent on tourism, recreation, and fishing, and we will do everything we can to protect our jobs and beautiful beaches from being put at risk from an oil spill. We’ve gone through that before, and have vowed to fight this offshore drilling plan tooth and nail.” Trump Off-Shore Drilling Initiative Gets Cool Response From NH Protesters. The New Hampshire Union Leader (3/6, Solomon) reports that on Monday New Hampshire opponents of the Federal offshore drilling plan “lined the sidewalk in front of the Concord Holiday Inn” while Federal officials hosted “an information session on the proposal” inside. During that information session, opponents also spoke to the 18 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management employees visiting Concord for a public hearing. FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000252 Feds Told Offshore Drilling Is Not An Option For Long Island. The Sag Harbor (NY) Express (3/6, Kotz) reports that Friday during a hearing with Federal officials at Brookhaven Town Hall in New York, “dozens of elected officials, environmentalists and everyday citizens” spoke out against offshore drilling. The hearing, “chaired by Kate MacGregor, one of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s deputies,” saw “several hundred very vocal opponents” turn up. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), an opponent of offshore drilling, arranged the hearing. The hearing lasted for six hours, the Express notes. With Drilling Comment Period Closing Soon, Regan Visits Onslow Coast. The Jacksonville (NC) Daily News (3/6, Wagner) reports that in comments to Onslow County, NC officials on Tuesday, Michael Regan, secretary for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality spoke against the Federal offshore drilling plan. Regan said, “A danger to our economy is more important or just as important in terms of national security than the few benefits that oil might produce.” The Daily News notes that over the past few weeks, Regan has visited coastal communities across the state to spread “the message that he, Gov. Roy Cooper (R-NC) and Attorney General Josh Stein are staunchly opposed to the Trump Administration’s plan to open the North Carolina coast to offshore drilling in its 2019-2024 plan.” Virginia Offshore Drilling Forum Brings Gov. Northam And Big Crowd. The Delmarva (MD) Daily Times (3/6, Her) reports that there was an offshore drilling forum Monday at Old Dominion University to discuss how the Federal offshore drilling plan might effect Virginia. During the forum, Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) said, “It is important to this country as well and the east coast and that is to do everything we can to prevent offshore drilling.” Fish And Wildlife Service Cleanup To Remove Buried Drums At Wildlife Refuge Site. The AP (3/7) reports that “a cleanup effort will remove buried drums found near the construction site for the new Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge visitor center and headquarters in southeastern Michigan.” Work is slate to begin “Monday and Tuesday in Trenton and is expected to be completed around mid-May.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “says the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is leading the work on the former automotive parts factory site.” 47,000 Asian Carp Removed From Creve Coeur Lake. KSDK-TV St. Louis (3/7) reports that “after an intensive three-week purge, 85 percent of the Asian carp in Creve Coeur Lake are gone.” According to FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000253 the article, “the experimental removal project was conducted by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and St. Louis County Parks last month.” In all, “biologists took out around 47,000, or about 119 tons, of the unwanted invasive fish from the lake.” National Park Service The Most Popular National Parks In 2017? This May Surprise You. The Los Angeles Times (3/7, Forgione) reports that “national parks received 330,882,751 visitors in 2017, a little less than the record-setting number in 2016, the National Park Service’s centennial year.” Great Smoky Mountains National Park “tops the list with more than 11 million visitors, almost twice as many as the second-most-visited park,” the Grand Canyon with “a milestone 6-million-plus visitors.” National Park Service Completes Fort Pickens Preservation Project. The Pensacola (FL) News Journal (3/7, Gabriel) reports that the National Park Service has “finished a big preservation project at Fort Pickens.” According to the article, “the $269,000 project shored up some areas of the fort that were threatened by encroaching vegetation and water runoff.” 3 Bison Activists Charged In Yellowstone National Park. The AP (3/7) reports that “a judge has ordered three bison activists arrested in Yellowstone National Park to be detained until at least Monday.” U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Carman “granted a federal prosecutor’s request to delay court proceedings until Monday and to detain the three defendants until then.” The defendants, Thomas Brown of Hardwick, Vermont; Cody J. Cyson of Minnetonka, Minnesota; and Hanna Ponder of Donnelly, Idaho, are “affiliated with an advocacy group called Wild Buffalo Defense that seeks to draw attention to the slaughter of bison.” Grand Teton Axes Body Cameras. The Jackson Hole (WY) News & Guide (3/7, Mieure) reports that rangers at Grand Teton National Park are “no longer recording their interactions on body and dash cameras.” According to the article, “after wearing them for over a decade the park’s body camera program has been discontinued until officials can figure out a more ‘sustainable’ strategy.” The park’s public affairs officer, Denise Germann cited “issues of storage and the time it takes to download video each day.” Under Contract. The Hill (3/7) reports that the National Park Service is “paying $166,800 to ‘refurbish bronze doors’ at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial in Ohio.” Milestone Management Group won the contract. Insular And International Affairs FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000254 Chinese Firms Will Pay $14 Million Back Wages In Saipan Case. The AP (3/5, Yan) reports that “four Chinese construction firms will pay nearly $14 million in back wages and damages to thousands of Chinese workers for construction of a casino in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.” Investigators discovered “the contractors paid employees less than what was required by law, according to a U.S. Department of Labor statement released Monday.” The settlement will affect more than 2,400 employees. EU Tax Haven Blacklist Set To Shrink Further, Causing Outcry. Reuters (3/6, Guarascio) reports that “European Union states are set to remove Bahrain, the Marshall Islands and Saint Lucia from a list of tax havens next week, leaving only six jurisdictions on it, an EU document shows.” The decision by the EU Code of Conduct Group “drew criticism from an anti-corruption watchdog on Tuesday.” The move is “also likely to bring more disapproval from lawmakers and activists who had strongly criticized a first delisting in January that cut the number of jurisdictions named to nine from 17.” Schools For Environmental Conservation. Marianas Variety (3/8) reports that “Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance hosted a coral reef conservation workshop this past weekend for teachers and students from various high schools and middle schools on island as part of their ‘Schools for Environmental Conservation’ or SFEC program.” Activities for the “one day educational workshop” were “completely funded by MINA with support from the Coral Reef Initiative/Natural Resources Program in the Office of Insular Affairs.” US Geological Survey Nominee To Lead USGS Is Hard To Read. Scientific American (3/7, Patterson) reports that James Reilly II, the nominee to lead the U.S. Geological Survey, “sidestepped a question yesterday about whether climate change is a core mission” of the agency. Speaking with reporters after a hearing with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Reilly “said he ‘couldn’t address’ whether the office’s climate research fits into its traditional mandate.” He said, “One of the things I will be looking at very closely, though, is how do the main mission areas, how do they tie in. A good understanding of the ecosystems is obviously a requirement that we have to have here as a national priority. That’s going to be something we’re going to obviously focus on as part of the charter of the USGS and one of the prime mission areas.” Reilly also “sidestepped other questions about the agency’s mission, not just those on climate, and said he would wait to be confirmed before commenting on specific issues under the banner of USGS.” Also reporting are Eos (3/7, Showstack) and KTOO-FM Juneau (AK) FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000255 Juneau, AK (3/7, Ruskin). Additional Reading. • FirstRising Tides, NowSinking Shores: Study Finds New Trouble ForBay Area. San Francisco Chronicle (3/8, Alexander). • Climate Change Tightens Grip On US West CoastDespite Progressive Aspirations. The Guardian (UK) (3/7, Milman). • Sea Level Rise In The SFBay Area Just Got A LotMore Dire. Wired (3/7, Simon). Opinion Pieces Secretary Of Interior Ryan Zinke Attacks America’s Wilderness. In an op-ed for the Missoulian (MT) (3/7, Proescholdt), Kevin Proescholdt, the conservation director for Wilderness Watch, writes that “in just the first year of the Trump administration, America’s wilderness, public lands and wildlife legacy have been under constant attack.” In particular, Proescholdt takes issue with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s “anti-wilderness actions.” In Proescholdt’s view, “far from being a conservationist like Teddy Roosevelt, as he likes to pretend in public, Ryan Zinke is actually more modeling President Reagan’s notorious Secretary of Interior James Watt, or Warren Harding’s Interior Secretary Albert Hall of the Teapot Dome scandal.” Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan Is Simply A Terrible Idea. In an op-ed in The Hill (3/6, Safina) Carl Safina, a MacArthur Fellow who holds the endowed chairman for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University, notes the pending Friday deadline for public comment on the Federal offshore drilling proposal. He calls the proposal “a gift to the oil industry, a dismissal of the American public, and a retreat from addressing the challenge of climate change.” He also warns of the risks involved in offshore drilling, pointing to the Deepwater Horizon spill as well as the risks of Arctic Ocean drilling. Deadline Nears For Public Comment On Offshore Oil Drilling. In an op-ed in the Cape (DE) Gazette (3/6, Flood) former newspaper editor Don Flood calls the proposed offshore drilling plan “bad news,” but says that there is “good news,” because “the federal government is seeking comments from the public before it begins selling leases for offshore drilling.” Still, Flood concludes that “for long-term protection of our precious coastline, we need to kick politicians like Trump out of office.” Utah Lawmakers Might Want To Wait Before Naming A Highway After Donald Trump. The Ogden (UT) Standard-Examiner (3/7) editorializes that Rep. Mike Noel FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000256 has “sponsored a bill to change the name of the Utah National Parks Highway to the Donald J. Trump Utah National Parks Highway — just his little way of thanking the president for slashing nearly 2 million acres from the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, opening them for oil, gas, coal and uranium development.” But the paper cautions Noel and Republican lawmakers “to see how Stormy Daniels’ lawsuit turns out before they decide to name a highway after the 45th president.” Additional Reading. • Congress Must Act To Protect Forests From Worsening Fires. The Hill (3/7, Imbergamo, O'Mara). • Loan To Jared KushnerRaises Questions About California WaterProject. Los Angeles Times (3/7, Hiltzik). • Westlands Water-U.S. Drainage Settlement Is Fair And Equitable. San Francisco Chronicle (3/7, Amaral). • Future OfOur Coast Is In Your Hands. Sumter (SC) The Item (3/7, Howell). • Opinion: As Comment Period Ends, Drilling Still Makes No Sense. Outer Banks (NC) Voice (3/7, Walker). • Commentary: No Listening At Hearing On Offshore Drilling Plan. Tideland News (NC) (3/7, Tursi). • OPINION SHAPER: Cons Outweigh The Pros OfOffshore Drilling. Berkeley (SC) Independent (3/7, Bragg). • US Changes Its Mind On Trophy Hunting Again. Johannesburg Times (ZAF) (3/8, Cruise). • The InteriorDepartment Is Putting The Fossil FuelIndustry First And Americans Last. Washington Monthly (3/7, Clement). Top National News Trump To Announce Tariffs With Possible Exemptions For Mexico, Canada. President Trump’s plans to levy tariffs on steel and aluminum imports continued to generate extensive – and mainly unfavorable – media coverage, which highlights the concerns of GOP lawmakers and business leaders. The coverage also highlights that the President may have budged in his initial opposition to exempt certain countries from the tariffs. The CBS Evening News (3/7, story 7, 1:25, Glor) reported that “congressional Republicans are making a lasting-ditch attempt to change Trump’s mind,” and “it appears the White House is listening, because today for the first time...they said that countries like Mexico and Canada, US allies essentially, might be exempt.” The AP (3/7, Thomas) says the move “could soften the blow amid threats of retaliation by trading partners and dire economic warnings from lawmakers and business groups.” Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters the exemptions “would be made on FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000257 a ‘case by case’ and ‘country by country’ basis.” The Washington Post (3/7, Lynch, Paletta) indicates, meanwhile, that “the announcement came after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made a last-minute appeal for flexibility, saying that overly broad tariffs could damage relationships with US allies.” Breitbart (3/7, Carney) cites a “source” that “said that NAFTA trade negotiators think imposing the sanctions while the negotiations are ongoing would be ‘unhelpful,’” but “if the NAFTA negotiations fail, the exemption from the tariffs would be lifted.” This “is seen as giving Mexico and Canada greater incentives to cooperate with US demands.” Bloomberg News (3/7, Talev, Olorunnipa) notes that earlier Wednesday, Commerce Secretary Ross had also “signaled that the administration is open to exempting countries besides Mexico and Canada, though he didn’t mention national security as a criteria that would be used.” Said Ross, “The president indicated that if we can work something out with Canada and Mexico, they will be exempted. It’s not inconceivable that others could be exempted on a similar basis.” The New York Times (3/7, Swanson) also points out Trump “and other administration officials have also indicated that Canada, Mexico or other close allies could be exempted through renegotiated trade deals or other measures.” The New York Times (3/7, Swanson) reports the tariffs “would not go into effect immediately, however, with a two-week implementation period required under the statute that gives the president authority to impose the measures.” That” could give countries or companies a chance to submit input and try to sway the administration’s plan, according to the people familiar with the deliberations.” Bloomberg News (3/7, Mohsin) reports that in a phone interview, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin “said he recognizes the risk of retaliation against the US...but still believes the move will benefit American workers.” Said Mnuchin, “If you want to negotiate things that are good for us, you have to be prepared for the consequences. ... Our objective is not to create a trade war. Our objective is to make sure US companies and workers are treated fairly.” The Hill (3/7, Fabian), meanwhile, notes Ross also “said on Wednesday that the Trump administration was not looking to start a trade war,” telling CNBC, “We’re not trying to blow up the world. ... We want to balance our needs to fix the trade deficit with the needs of the economy, and the needs of the global economy itself.” The New York Times (3/7, Swanson), citing “people familiar with the deliberations,” says the President “is expected to formally sign off on” the “stiff tariffs...at noon on Thursday,” while Bloomberg News (3/7, Mayeda, Mohsin) cites a “White Hose official” who says the orders will be signed “at 3:30 p.m.” and the Washington Examiner (3/7, Higgns) notes Ross told Fox Business, “I don’t want to get ahead of the president, but I believe that we will live up to his promise that it will be this week, not including Saturday.” Mnuchin, asked on Bloomberg TV (3/7) if the announcement could FOIA001:02716041 '------ EXT-18-2336-E-000258 come this week, said, “That is the plan, yes. ... It could be as early as tomorrow. It could be Friday. We are working to get the finishing documents on this.” Reuters (3/7, Holland), meanwhile, notes “a White House official said Trump hoped to sign the presidential proclamation on Thursday afternoon but it could slide to Friday so that documents could be cleared through a legal process.” The Wall Street Journal (3/7, Bender, Timiraos) similarly reports Trump aims to finalize the tariffs this week, and the Washington Times (3/7, Miller) that he “is scheduled to hold a campaign rally Saturday in southwest Pennsylvania, deep in steel country,” though he is “not expected to sign the order at the rally.” USA Today (3/7, Jackson) reports that “late Wednesday, the White House was pulling together details of a formal ceremony as aides suggested some countries might be exempted from the tariffs, including Mexico and Canada.” However, “adding to the confusion, Wednesday night when the White House released its schedule for Thursday, no signing ceremony was listed.” Ed Henry said on Fox News @ Night (3/7) the “event now looks like it is not on the schedule...because the lawyers at the White House we were told, are literally still trying to put all of the details to together.” Tariff Opponents Disappointed Pence Maintained “Studiously Neutral Position.”Politico (3/7, Nussbaum, Johnson) reports that Vice President Pence “has been among the legions of top administration officials pushing...Trump to back off the sweeping protectionist plan he put forward during a March 1 meeting with industry executives.” According to “more than a half-dozen White House and Capitol Hill aides,” Pence “has been quietly delivering messages to the president from Republicans on the Hill, who have publicly opposed the tariffs plan set to be announced as early as Thursday – though he’s made sure to maintain a studiously neutral position, to the frustration of some who had hoped he would do more to exert influence over Trump.” USA Today adds that “a political adviser to one right-leaning outside group called his lack of engagement on tariffs a ‘big time’ disappointment, and said the feeling was shared among free￾market Republicans.” Freedom Caucus Joins Chorus Of Those Wanting Trump To Reconsider Tariffs. The Washington Post (3/7, Costa, Dawsey) reports “a growing group of Republican lawmakers are making a last-ditch effort to convince...Trump to reverse course or at-- least temper his positions – on economic tariffs, according to people familiar with the conversations.” The Post adds that “in recent days, the House Freedom Caucus...has been privately urging Trump to back off his proposed tariffs,” with Rep. Mark Meadows, the group’s chairman and “one of Trump’s most trusted allies in Congress,” speaking “with the president multiple times” and relaying “the group’s staunch opposition to” his plans. Yesterday, Caucus members and other GOP lawmakers “were trying to organize a meeting with Trump later this week to go over their concerns,” but a “senior White House official” said “that meeting is unlikely to happen.” FOIA001:02716041 •·---- EXT-18-2336-E-000259 House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady said on Fox News’ Fox & Friends (3/7) that Trump is “going after the bad actors, the people who cheat on steel and aluminum and cost us American jobs. We are all with him on that. The problem is the approach also captures the good actors. In fact, countries that buy a ton of American made steel aluminum and a lot of other things that America makes. Where we are at and a lot of Republican in the House is Mr. President, go after the bad actors. We are with you. Protect the good ones because that protects our jobs. So we are going to keep having that discussion with him.” Cruz: Tariffs “A Mistake.”Sen. Ted Cruz said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe (3/7), “I think the tariffs on steel and aluminum are a mistake. I think there are a lot more jobs in this country that are dependent on steel and aluminum as inputs and we are going to end up costing more jobs because of the tariffs than will be saved. And that doesn’t even factor into account the retaliatory tariffs that we may see Europe and China or other trading partners do which could hurt farmers, manufacturers.” EU Signals It Could Retaliate Against US Cranberries, Orange Juice, Peanut Butter. The Washington Post (3/7, Birnbaum, Ariès) reports the EU’s “top trade official mentioned cranberries, orange juice and peanut butter as possible targets on Wednesday as the bloc prepares to strike back if President Trump follows through with tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum.” EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström also ,”took aim at Trump’s assertion that US national security justified plans to slap tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum,” arguing that “the US measures ‘would mainly impact traditional allies of the United States.’” The New York Times (3/7, Schreuer) says “the overall size of the business affected is relatively small, worth about 2.8 billion euros, or $3.5 billion, in imports, paling in comparison with the nearly €250 billion of goods the 28- nation bloc bought from the United States in 2016.” In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/7) says EU retaliation will predominantly hit GOP-led states, and expresses fear that Trump will respond by upping the ante even more. The Journal concludes by urging the President to negotiate with the EU, and seek a broad trade agreement with the bloc. In an analysis piece, meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal (3/7, Ip) says Trump’s move threatens to alienate key allies whose support may be essential to US moves to curb predatory Chinese trade behavior. Sen. Chris Murphy said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe (3/7), “Tariffs can be a really important tool to try to make sure that other countries know that they can’t manipulate our economy. Let’s be honest, that’s what China has been doing. They have been dumping steel below the cost of raw material and that hurts our own industry. But when you announce tariffs without talking to our allies about it, allies that aren’t dumping that product in the United States, you set off a series of consequences that are both economic and strategic. And that’s what I worry about with respect to this announcement. You have a potential fissure between the US and Europe FOIA001:02716041 ■ ----- EXT-18-2336-E-000260 that comes at the worst time. That’s what the Russians are rooting for a breakup of the transatlantic alliance.” WPost Analysis Ties Trump’s Trade Stance To Childhood “Resentment That Others Didn’t Respect Him.”In an analysis piece, the Washington Post (3/7, Fisher) reports that Trump “has always looked askance at people whose decisions derive from ideology,” but “there’s one issue on which the president has been rock-solid consistent for four decades: his fiery demands that the United States punish countries that take advantage of American workers.” The Post goes on to say that “the issue spoke to him personally: Driven since childhood by his resentment that others didn’t respect him or take him seriously, he believed his country was similarly being taken advantage of.” Samuelson: Tariffs About Trump’s Ego. Under the headline “Trump’s Tariffs Are A Triumph Of Pride Over Policy,” Robert J. Samuelson, meanwhile, writes in the Washington Post (3/7) that “the controversy...is less about economics than ego – Trump’s ego.” Samuelson adds that “frustrated by special counsel Robert S. Mueller’s III investigation and the reported chaos in the White House, the president, it seems, had to show who’s boss and who’s driving events. Hence, his broadside attack against many traditional US allies, including Canada, Japan and Mexico.” Koch Criticizes Tariffs. Charles Koch, chairman of the board and chief executive of Koch Industries, lauds the state of the US economy in the Washington Post (3/7) and argues “history is filled with examples of administrations that have implemented trade restrictions with devastating results.” Tariffs “will not add thousands of American jobs. Instead, the research shows that, while they preserve some jobs that would otherwise disappear, they reduce many other higher productivity jobs. The net effect will be not more jobs, but lower overall productivity.” Breitbart: Harley-Davidson Criticizes Proposed Tariffs, Lays Off Workers. Breitbart (3/7, Binder) reports, citing the New York Post, that Harley￾Davidson “released a statement” this week on President Trump’s proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, “saying the motorcycle would be hit, as far as sales, if the tariffs were enacted.” Breitbart adds that “at the same time, Harley-Davidson has been most recently laying off American manufacturing workers.” Citing Trump Tariffs, US Steel Says It Will Restart Illinois Plant. US Steel’s announcement that it will restart a plant in Granite City, IL generated extensive regional coverage, including local TV and print reports. The coverage universally noted that the company credited President Trump’s trade policies for enabling it to reopen production in Granite City. WICD-TV Champaign, IL (3/7, 6:07 p.m. CST) reported “company officials say the expect demand to rise after...Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on steel imports,” WGEM-TV Quincy, IL (3/7, 6:07 p.m. CST) that the move comes “after...Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on steel imports,” and WGN-TV Chicago (3/7, 5:27 p.m. CST) that FOIA001:02716041 •·-- •--- EXT-18-2336-E-000261 “Trump’s promise to create new tariffs on steel and aluminum” is “good news for Granite City, IL.” KHQA-TV Quincy, IL (3/7, 5:06 p.m. CST), meanwhile, referred to “big economic news,” and also reported “the company is anticipating increased demand based on...Trump’s promise to announce new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.” The Belleville (IL) News-Democrat (3/7, Bustos, Johnson, Landis) reports the “steel mill got the final boost it needed to rehire laid-off workers after President Donald Trump called for tariffs on imported steel.” Said Dan Simmons, president of the United Steelworkers Local 1889, “It was just the icing on the cake. ... It was a shot in the arm that was badly needed and long overdue,” and “the word around here is ecstatic.” US Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt also “lauded the president’s actions, saying the Granite City region has ‘suffered too long from the unending waves of unfairly traded steel products that have flooded US markets.’” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (3/7, Feldt, Barker) quotes Simmons as saying of idled workers, “Immediately, I’ve seen some of the biggest smiles on their faces. ... It’s just so much relief for them and their families.” The Post-Dispatch also quotes Burritt, “The President’s strong leadership is needed to begin to level the playing field so companies like ours can compete, win and create jobs that support our employees and the communities in which we operate as well as strengthen our national and economic security.” USA Today (3/7, Madhani) notes Burritt’s statement in a brief report, as does Politico (3/7, Behsudi). The AP (3/7) reports the company “said Wednesday that it anticipates calling about 500 Granite City Works employees back to work in March,” and that “the change comes due to anticipated demand for more US steel in response to Trump’s tariff announcement last week.” The AP adds “about 2,000 workers were laid off when US Steel idled the St. Louis￾area plant in late 2015.” The Times of Northwest Indiana (3/7, Pete) reports “US Steel said it will need the additional steelmaking capacity to meet an expected increase in demand for its steel.” The American Iron and Steel Institute “estimates that about 26 percent of the steel consumed in the United States this year was made abroad, but tariffs would make the imports 25 percent more expensive.” The Duluth (MN) News Tribune (3/7, Myers) says the move also “could increase demand for taconite iron ore from the company’s Minnesota mines.” US Steel’s “Keetac operation in Keewatin had previously been supplying Granite City, and Keetac shut down in May 2015 as the steel furnaces slowed production.” Keetac “reopened in early 2017, even with Granite City furnaces still idled, with the company saying it was selling the extra taconite pellets to foreign buyers.” CNN Money emerging markets editor John Defterios said on CNN International (3/7), “I thought it was fascinating to see so quickly” US Steel added “500 jobs immediately because of the tariffs action. We saw an FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000262 aluminum producer out of the state of Kentucky doing the same. We have to take a step back here. Nobody can really criticize the Trump Administration with the methodology that’s being used here to apply tariffs. ... I think what disrupted everybody else was the fact that it was shouted from the rooftops and he said we could win the trade war. It also brings into question the strategy of the Republican Party going forward. ... As you know they are ardent free traders.” Zekelman CEO Offers Bonus To All Employees, Expects To Pick Up Production. The CBS Evening News (3/7, story 8, 2:30, Glor) said Trump “did narrowly win the battleground state of Pennsylvania in 2016, partly on his promise to revive the steel industry,” and went on to report from “steel country to get tariff plan reaction.” CBS (Miller) added, “Wheatland, PA is home to one of the largest steel pipe makers in North America,” Zekelman Industries. Barry Zekelman, CEO of Zekelman Industries, “told us he expects to add hundreds of jobs in Wheatland alone and pick up production if Trump’s 25 percent tariff on foreign steel becomes reality.” Zekelman is “so fired up about the President’s trade plan, he’s pledged to give $1,000 to each of his 2,000 employees every year the tariff stands.” GOP Lawmakers In State Of “Alarm” Over Potential Cohn Replacements. Media reports indicate that concerns about President Trump’s trade policies have become more acute after the news broke yesterday that economic adviser Gary Cohn would be leaving his White House post, setting off, as the AP (3/7, Thomas) puts it, “anxiety among business leaders,” GOP lawmakers “and investors worried about a potential trade war.” Politico (3/7, Everett, Bade) similarly says “GOP alarm is reaching new heights with...Cohn’s departure from the White House,” and the New York Times (3/7, Swanson, Tankersley) that with Cohn out of the picture “few of” Trump’s “top economic policy aides share the traditional Republican views” on trade. The news, says USA Today (3/7, Shell, Jansen), “has rattled financial markets and raised questions among nervous CEOs about whether his replacement will be an advocate of free trade or favor more populist and nationalist economic policies.” USA Today (3/7, Shell, Jansen) lists several candidates to replace Cohn: Peter Navarro, “an opponent of the trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Trump withdrew from,” as well as “a vocal critic of China and trade deficits” who “backs Trump on the steel and aluminum tariffs.” Larry Kudlow, “a senior contributor on economics for CNBC and a former official in the Reagan Administration,” has “criticized Trump’s tariff proposal and supported the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which Trump has criticized.” Shahira Knight “was Cohn’s deputy at the National Economic Council, as deputy assistant to the president for economic policy.” Kevin Warsh, meanwhile, “was a member of the board of governors for the Federal Reserve from 2006 to 2011” who “earlier worked for the National Economic Council as a special assistant to FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000263 the president. Previously, he worked in the mergers and acquisitions department at Morgan Stanley & Co., becoming vice president and executive director.” Another USA Today (3/7, Jackson) story says that “at the White House these days, the ‘nationalists’ are winning. At least for now,” because Kudlow has criticized the tariffs. In its report on potential Cohn replacements, Bloomberg News (3/7, Jacobs, Cirilli) also mentions Goldman Sachs Group Inc. executive Jim Donovan, Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett, Mick Mulvaney, head of the White House Office of Management and Budget; Chris Liddell, assistant to the president for strategic initiatives; economist Stephen Moore; Vice President Mike Pence’s chief economist Mark Calabria; and Bob Steel, former under￾secretary for domestic finance at Treasury under President George W. Bush. A Reuters (3/7, Chance, Rampton) analysis, meanwhile, describes Navarro as “an economist who believes that Chinese goods are literally poisoning Americans, advocates ending Washington’s ‘One China’ policy and says trade deals have weakened the United States economically with the connivance of US business.” Navarro, “sidelined under Cohn,” has “emerged as the big winner from renewed turmoil in the White House.” While he says “he is not in the running to replace...Cohn,” he “will be a big winner from the departure of a person seen as a bulwark against economic protectionism.” NBC Nightly News (3/7, story 3, 2:05, Welker) said “Cohn is the latest member of the President’s inner circle to head for the door. In all, 43 percent left Trump’s White House, a higher turnover than Trump’s four most predecessors each had in their first two years.” Politico (3/7, Everett, Bade) reports GOP lawmakers have found Cohn to be “one of Hill Republicans’ most accessible conduits to the White House,” working “closely with them on tax reform, banking deregulation and, most critically, pushing back against new tariffs – an argument that Cohn clearly lost.” RSC Chairman Mark Walker, among other GOP lawmakers, said, “We need an advocate in ‘the circle,’ because it seems like the people who are influencing Trump right now are more pro-tariff, like Peter Navarro,” Rep. Peter King, meanwhile, “tried to list a few potential replacements for Cohn but seemed to be unsatisfied with his own answers other than Larry Kudlow.” Said King, “I would have said [Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared] Kushner, but I don’t know. ... Mnuchin? He seems to be going out of his way to talk about NAFTA, how they could change the tariffs for Canada and Mexico. He might be more sympathetic. I don’t know. I’m trying to think. Mick Mulvaney?” The New York Times (3/7, Swanson, Tankersley) says “Cohn’s departure comes amid the ascendance of advisers who have urged the president to take tougher action on trade” Peter Navarro, “a trade skeptic who had been sidelined by Mr. Cohn, has been promised a promotion and made the rounds on Sunday talk shows to promote Mr. Trump’s trade FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000264 policy,” while “Ross, who oversaw an investigation that led to the tariffs, succeeded in moving up the announcement even as Mr. Cohn sought to delay it.” Lighthizer has also “become a trusted adviser to the president.” The Hill (3/7, Needham) quotes Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn also weighing in, “I’m concerned who the president will turn to for advice. ... I think Mr. Cohn was an outstanding public servant and somebody who had the credentials and experience to help the president decide what the policies of the government should be.” Sarah Sanders, later yesterday, “said that Cornyn shouldn’t be concerned about Cohn’s departure.” Said Sanders, “The president’s got a number of very accomplished, smart, capable people around him and he is going to continue to lean on a lot of those people.” The Wall Street Journal (3/7, Peterson, Hughes) notes similar statements praising Cohn from GOP lawmakers including Sens. Jeff Flake and Rob Portman. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady said on Fox News’ Fox & Friends (3/7) that Cohn “was invaluable in tax reform. He was at the table trying to find a way forward.” Asked who he would recommend to replace Cohn, Brady said, “I looked at a long list that came out today. There is some good names on there. People I have worked with before like Larry Kudlow, Mick Mulvaney, others. I think the President is going to have a really good list to choose from. It’s a very important position. ... The President, he will make a good choice.” Stephens: Cohn’s Departure “Demolishes”Theories “Cherished”By Trump “Apologists.”Bret Stephens writes in the New York Times (3/7) that “like a lot of guys, I’ve watched ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ more times than I can count,” and “when I heard the news that...Cohn had resigned...I thought of Red’s (Morgan Freeman’s) somber line: ‘Every man has his breaking point.’” Whether Cohn “quit out of horror of the president’s protectionist turn, or merely out of the pique of losing a policy argument, is an open question,” but “whatever the case, Cohn couldn’t take it,” and “his departure demolishes three theories, cherished by administration apologists, as to why the Trump presidency will be a success (or at the least not a disaster) despite the temperament of the man at the top.” These three theories, now in doubt, are: “Theory No. 1: The grown-ups are in charge. ... Theory No. 2: Trump doesn’t believe his own crazy rhetoric. ... Theory No. 3: Serious Republicans will contain Trump’s follies.” Head Of Forest Services Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations. The New York Times (3/7, Baumgaertner) reports that Tony Tooke, head of the US Forest Service, has resigned “amid an investigation into sexual harassment accusations against him, a spokesman for the Agriculture Department said.” Tooke’s resignation comes in the wake of “PBS NewsHour” report which said that “the Agriculture Department was investigating sexual misconduct complaints against him, including that Mr. Tooke had relationships with subordinates before his appointment to the FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000265 top role.” Democrats Offer Infrastructure Plan Paid For By Rolling Back Tax Cuts. The Washington Times (3/7, Sherfinski) reports that Senate Democrats on Wednesday offered a “$1 trillion infrastructure plan that aims to address the nation’s crumbling roads and bridges, saying it should be paid for by rolling back several key features of the GOP’s $1.5 trillion tax-cut law.” While Democrats say the President’s infrastructure proposal “isn’t nearly enough to seriously address the country’s needs,” the Times points out that “any plan involving changes to the tax law as a pay-for is likely to be a nonstarter with the GOP.” Budd Makes Case Against Funding For New York-New Jersey Rail Tunnel. In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal (3/7), Rep. Ted Budd of North Carolina, argues against federal funding for the Gateway Program which would construct a rail upgrade between new York City and New Jersey. ADP Report: “Red Hot” Job Market Growth Exceeding Expectations. USA Today (3/7, Davidson) reports “businesses added 235,000 jobs in February, payroll processor ADP said Wednesday, more than the 200,000 gains economists had expected.” That “could possibly signal that a key employment report from the government will reveal more signs of strong hiring later this week.” Mark Zandi, “chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, which helps ADP compile the report,” said yesterday, “The job market is red hot and threatens to overheat. ... With government spending increases and tax cuts, growth is set to accelerate.” Bloomberg News (3/7, Dmitrieva) sees the data as “underscoring continued strengthening in the labor market,” and the AP (3/7, Rugaber) and the AP says that “with unemployment already so low, strong hiring should force employers to offer much higher pay to find the workers they need.” US News & World Report (3/7, Sorgel) reported “February represents the third consecutive month that job gains totaled at least 230,000, based on ADP’s statistics.” It is also “the fourth straight month that employment gains hit at least 200,000 – a feat that hadn’t been seen since the tail end of 2014.” CNBC (3/7, Cox), the Wall Street Journal (3/7, Hufford), and Breitbart (3/7, Carney), among other news outlets, run similar stories on the jobs date, while HousingWire (3/7, Ramirez) cautions that “because ADP often revises its numbers significantly, its reported job growth should be taken as a general direction of the market, but not a specific forecast of the number of jobs added on any given month.” Fed Sees Wages Rising. Bloomberg News (3/7, Condon) reports the Fed’s Beige Book found “a tight US labor market was helping lift wages across most of the country through late February and contributing to ‘moderate inflation’ in most areas.” Reuters (3/7) reports the Fed also said that “overall, US economic activity expanded at a ‘modest to moderate’ pace in January and February and price gains were moderate.” The Wall FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000266 Street Journal (3/7, Nunn, Chaney) also notes the Beige Book’s findings. Court Rejects Trump Administration’s Plea To End Kids’ Climate Lawsuit. The Hill (3/7, Cama) reports the Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit yesterday “rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a group of kids who want to force the government to do more to fight climate change.” The court “ruled that it would be premature to dismiss the case based on how burdensome the Trump administration believes the process of searching for documents and questioning people will be, a process called discovery.” In their decision the three-judge panel wrote, “The defendants’ argument fails because the district court has not issued a single discovery order, nor have the plaintiffs filed a single motion seeking to compel discovery. Rather, the parties have employed the usual meet-and-confer process of resolving discovery disputes.” Reuters (3/7, Stempel) reports the court “said the administration had not met the ‘high bar’ under federal law to dismiss the Oregon lawsuit, which was originally brought in 2015 against the administration of President Barack Obama.” The possibly “far-reaching case is one of a handful seeking to have courts address global warming and its causes.” The Washington Post (3/7, Mooney) reports lead attorney and Our Children’s Trust chief counsel Julia Olson said, “We’re looking forward to putting the federal government on trial on climate science and its dangerous fossil fuel policies.” The Department of Justice didn’t “immediately respond to a request for comment on the court’s ruling.” The Washington Examiner (3/7, Siegel) reports Our Children’s Trust “claims the government, by propping up fossil fuels, has failed to address climate change on behalf of future generations, endangering their health and prosperity.” The Examiner adds that “both the Trump and Obama administration argued the case threatens the separation of powers, contending that courts cannot rule on broad and speculative issues such as the impact of government policy on climate change.” Bloomberg News (3/7, Mehrotra) also provides coverage of this story. Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “The Race-Based Mortgage Penalty.”In an editorial, the New York Times (3/7) laments the finding in a new study by the Center for Investigative Reporting that African-Americans and Latinos “were far more likely to be denied conventional mortgages than whites.” The Times argues that these practices have perpetuated discrimination by not allowing lower income blacks and minorities to escape poverty, for which banks then punish them by not extending loans, and that “a destructive bill pending in the Senate would deepen this problem by exempting 85 percent of banks from reporting mortgage data that allows regulators and fair housing groups to ensure that home loans are being issued in a nondiscriminatory FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000267 way.” The Times also asserts that “a bill pending in the Senate would open the door for the mortgage industry to use an alternative credit-scoring system, which would be one step in the right direction.” “Gary Cohn Joins The Exodus.”The New York Times (3/6) editorializes that “[i]n an administration filled with people with dubious ideas, limited experience and loads of ethical baggage,” Cohn “was supposed to be among the sensible adults in the room. Now, he is leaving after failing repeatedly to be the stabilizing influence that the Trump administration sorely needed.” Washington Post. “Trump Finally Say He’ll Protect Elections. We’ll Believe It When We See It.” In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/7) expresses skepticism that President Trump will make good on his vow this week “to ‘counteract’” any foreign meddling in US elections. The Post says Trump’s “words are meaningless unless backed by actions, which, by many accounts, are still lacking.” “A Muckraking Journalist Is Murdered In Slovakia.”The Washington Post (3/7) writes in an editorial about Slovakia’s “combative” Prime Minister Robert Fico, who “has a track record of belittling rivals and critics” and who appears to be behind the murder last month of journalist Jan Kuciak, who “had been investigating ties between the Italian mafia and top officials” in Fico’s government. The article describes the “outraged” reaction by Slovaks to the murder and the increasing challenges Fico is creating for himself as he calls for investigations of businessmen and state officials, including the country’s president. “Why the Chesapeake Bay Is The Best In The World.”The Washington Post (3/7) editorializes about the “rebounding” of the Chesapeake Bay thanks to federal government conservation efforts over the last decade. The Post asserts that “sustained federal commitment is essential” to dealing with continued challenges in the Bay, including “significant oxygen￾depleted dead zones, excessive nitrogen runoff, and other problems,” as well as “farm pollution from fertilizer and manure.” Although President Trump “has repeatedly insisted that he wants ‘crystal clear water,’” he also “zeroed out the program in his budget,” but, write the editors: “thankfully, Congress appears poised to maintain funding.” Wall Street Journal. “Big Bank Custody Fight.” The Wall Street Journal (3/7) editorializes that certain provisions in the Senate’s bill to relax Dodd-Frank banking regulations may will make the financial system more vulnerable during a panic. The bill encourages banks to acquire municipal debt, which has historically been illiquid when investors panic. Moreover, the regulations would make banks and government more co-dependent by making it cheaper for states and cities to borrow. Finally, the bill proposes to alter the leverage ratio for custodial banks, but not in such a way that would FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000268 safely encourage the risk-taking the economy needs. “Russia’s Trail OfPoison.”A Wall Street Journal (3/7) editorial says Russia is a natural suspect in the poisoning attack on former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripa and his daughter, and serves as further evidence of Moscow’s brutal nature. “How A Trade WarEscalates.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/7) says EU retaliation for President Trump’s steel and aluminum will predominantly hit GOP-led states, and expresses fear that Trump will respond by upping the ante even more. The Journal concludes by urging the President to negotiate with the EU, and seek a broad trade agreement with the bloc. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: GOP Lawmakers Sign Letter Objecting To New Tariffs Iran’s Oil Boom Is A No-show Ex-Russian Spy Poisoned By Nerve Agent, UK Police Say The Secretive Company That Pours America’s Coffee Washington Post: Trump’s Hard Line On Trade Goes Back Decades Trump To Offer Tariffs Break Fla. Lawmakers Pass Gun-Control Bill Mueller Probing Seychelles Meeting In The Ozarks, A Town Offers ‘Hispanics 101’ Course Financial Times: Economy And Defence Top Agenda For Saudi Crown Prince’s UK Visit European Stocks Send Early Warning Signal On Growth Temasek And GIC In Talks To Buy Chunk Of Salt Bae Steakhouse Coca-Cola To Launch Alcoholic Drink In Japan Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: Severe Weather; Severe Weather-Travel; Weather Forecast; WH￾Staff Turmoil; Trump-Porn Star; Alabama School Shooting; Florida School Shooting Aftermath; UK-Former Russian Spy Poisoned; Bomb Scare; Missouri Police Shooting; Chicago Traffic Accident; NBA Player-Florida School Visit. CBS: Severe Weather; Severe Weather-Flooding; Weather Forecast; Trump-Porn Star; DOJ-Sanctuary Cities; Alabama School Shooting; WH￾Tariff Policy; Tariff Policy-Public Reaction; UK-Former Russian Spy Poisoned; Florida School Shooting Aftermath; NBA Player-Florida School Visit; Amazon Alexa-Creepy Laugh; Football Players Charity. NBC: Severe Weather; Trump-Porn Star; WH-Staff Turmoil; VA Hospital Controversy; Missouri Police Shooting; DOJ-Sanctuary Cities; Denver￾FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000269 Construction Fire; UK-Former Russian Spy Poisoned; Lottery Winner; NBA Player-Florida School Visit; Amazon Alexa-Creepy Laugh; Veteran￾Paralympics. Network TVAt A Glance: Severe Weather – 13 minutes, 35 seconds Trump-Porn Star – 8 minutes, 25 seconds UK-Former Russian Spy Poisoned – 4 minutes, 50 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Alabama School Shooting; Florida School Shooting Aftermath; WH￾Tariff Policy; Severe Weather; Wall Street News. CBS: Severe Weather; Florida School Shooting Aftermath; Alabama School Shooting; WH-Tariff Policy; Wall Street News. FOX: Florida School Shooting Aftermath; Alabama School Shooting; Rep Reelection Reconsideration; NBA Sex Abuse Investigation. NPR: DOJ-Sanctuary Cities; Climate Change Lawsuit; WH-Security Clearance; Wall Street News. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — Holds a Cabinet meeting; hosts a roundtable with members of Congress and video game industry leaders. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — No public schedule announced. US Senate: 9:30 AM Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on EUCOM – Hearing on ‘United States European Command’, with testimony from U.S. European Command Commander / NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm G50, Washington, DC http://armed-services.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Maryland and Oregon governors testify to Senate HELP Committee hearing on the opioid crisis – Hearing on ‘The Opioid Crisis: Leadership and Innovation in the States’, with testimony from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan; and Oregon Governor Kate Brown Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 430, Washington, DC http://help.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Senate Environment and Public Works subcommittee legislative hearing – Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight Subcommittee legislative hearing on ‘S. 2421, the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method Act’, with testimony from Mortenson Ranch owner and operator Todd Mortenson; Delmarva Poultry Industry Executive Director Bill Satterfield; and Floyd County, IA, Supervisor Mark Kuhn Location: Rm 406, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://epw.senate.gov/public/ 10:00 AM Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Business Meeting, to consider pending legislation Location: Rm 366, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC www.energy.senate.gov FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000270 2:00 PM Closed Briefing: Intelligence Matters Location: Rm 219, Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://intelligence.senate.gov 2:15 PM Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on domestic violence and child abuse – Personnel Subcommittee hearing on ‘Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in the Military’, with testimony from Adrian Perry; Merci McKinley; Doorways for Women and Families’ Iris Vega; Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness’ Senior Policy Advisor Stephanie Barna; Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post￾Traumatic Stress Disorder Principal Investigator Dr Casey Taft; Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Professor Dr Jacquelyn Campbell; and Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy Professor Dr Kenneth Dodge Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm G50, Washington, DC http://armed-services.senate.gov/ Dem Sen. Elizabeth Warren holds latest chamber floor speech on ‘Senate’s effort to deregulate big banks’ – Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren holds latest in a series of speeches on the chamber floor this week against ‘the Senate’s effort to deregulate big banks 10 years after the financial crisis’, today discussing ‘repeating history of deregulating Wall Street and precipitating another financial crisis’ * The chamber is this week debating the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act – legislation which would roll back some of the regulations brought in by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.warren.senate.gov/ https://twitter.com/SenWarren New Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform meets for the first time – Newly-formed Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform meets for the first time * Committee was created by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, and tasked with identifying and recommending reforms to the budget and appropriations process. Co-chairs are House Committee on the Budget Chairman Steve Womack and House Committee on Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey, with 16 members (eight from each party, eight from each chamber) – Republican Reps. Womack, Pete Sessions, Rob Woodall, and Jodey Arrington, Democratic Reps. Lowey, John Yarmuth, Lucille Roybal-Allard, and Derek Kilmer, Republican Sens. Roy Blunt, David Perdue, James Lankford, and Joni Ernst, and Democratic Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, Brian Schatz, Michael Bennet, and Mazie Hirono Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://budget.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/housebudgetgop US House: 9:00 AM House Armed Services subcommittees joint hearing on ‘Mobility and Transportation Command Posture’ – Readiness Subcommittee and Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee joint hearing on ‘Mobility and Transportation Command Posture’, with testimony from U.S. Transportation Command Commander Gen. Darren McDew; and Maritime Administration Administrator Mark Buzby Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000271 www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 9:00 AM House expected to vote on Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act – House of Representatives meets for legislative business, with agenda expected to include completion of consideration of ‘H.R. 1119 – Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act’ Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.house.gov/ 10:00 AM FDA and CDC heads testify to House Commerce subcommittee on seasonal influenza preparedness and response – Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on ‘Examining U.S. Public Health Preparedness for and Response Efforts to Seasonal Influenza’, with testimony from Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb; CDC Acting Director Dr Anne Schuchat; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Preparedness and Response and Biomedical Advances Research and Development Authority Director Dr Rick Bright; and NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr Anthony Fauci Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2123, Washington, DC http://energycommerce.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseCommerce 10:00 AM American Kidney Fund Congressional breakfast briefing ‘Women and Kidney Disease’ – American Kidney Fund Congressional breakfast briefing ‘Women and Kidney Disease’ – held to honor World Kidney Day and International Women’s Day – with speakers including Congressional Kidney Caucus co-chair / Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues member Democratic Rep. Suzan DelBene, a nephrologist, women who had kidney disease during pregnancy, a wife who donated her kidney to her husband, and a multi-generational family dealing with kidney failure and dialysis Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, DC www.kidneyfund.org https://twitter.com/KidneyFund 10:30 AM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on Arlington National Cemetery – Military Personnel Subcommittee hearing on ‘Arlington National Cemetery – Preserving the Promise’, with testimony from Military Officers Association of America Associate Director of Government Relations Forrest Allen; The American Legion Deputy Director of Medical/Physical Evaluation Boards & Department of Defense Gerardo Avila; Veterans of Foreign Wars National Legislative Service Deputy Director John Towles; Air Force Association Senior Director of Government Relations Col. (Ret.) Keith Zuegel; Department of the Army Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries Karen Durham-Aguilera; and Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent Kate Kelley Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2212, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 10:30 AM Congressional Progressive Caucus lead press conference marking Minimum Wage Workers’ Equal Pay Day – Congressional Progressive Caucus, Center for American Progress Action Fund, and Good Jobs Nation recognize Minimum Wage Workers’ Equal Pay Day (1 Mar) via FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000272 press conference, calling on Congress to ‘increase the minimum wage for the first time in nearly a decade and reject President Donald Trump’s heartless cuts to nutrition programs and other investments that minimum wage workers need just to make ends meet’. Speakers include Caucus members Democratic Reps. Raul Grijalva, Mark Pocan, James McGovern, Donald Norcross, and Tulsi Gabbard, CAP Poverty to Prosperity Program Vice President Rebecca Vallas, VoteVets Director of Government Relations Will Fischer, federal contract worker Cynthia Murphy, other Members of Congress, and other minimum wage workers Location: House Triangle, Washington, DC cpc.grijalva.house.gov https://twitter.com/USProgressives New Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform meets for the first time – Newly-formed Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform meets for the first time * Committee was created by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, and tasked with identifying and recommending reforms to the budget and appropriations process. Co-chairs are House Committee on the Budget Chairman Steve Womack and House Committee on Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey, with 16 members (eight from each party, eight from each chamber) – Republican Reps. Womack, Pete Sessions, Rob Woodall, and Jodey Arrington, Democratic Reps. Lowey, John Yarmuth, Lucille Roybal-Allard, and Derek Kilmer, Republican Sens. Roy Blunt, David Perdue, James Lankford, and Joni Ernst, and Democratic Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, Brian Schatz, Michael Bennet, and Mazie Hirono Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://budget.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/housebudgetgop Other: 12:00 PM CAP discussion on ‘Upholding Women’s Rights in the Resistance of President Trump’s Global Gag Rule’ – ‘Upholding Women’s Rights in the Resistance of President Trump’s Global Gag Rule’ Center for American Progress discussion, on ‘the impact of President Donald Trump’s Global Gag Rule roughly one year after its implementation’. Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen keynotes, with panelists including Champions of Global Reproductive Rights President and CEO Suzanne Ehlers, WaterAid America Director of Policy and Advocacy Lisa Schechtman, and Embassy of Sweden Counselor for Development Emma Nilsson Location: Center for American Progress, 1333 H St NW, Washington, DC www.americanprogress.org https://twitter.com/amprog DoJ Conference on opioids – Department of Justice conference, addressing the national opioid crisis and assessing the Bureau of Justice Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC www.justice.gov https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting – Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting, featuring caucus, council, and committee meetings, and training sessions. Speakers include Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Charlotte, NC Mayor Vi Lyles, Framingham, MA Mayor Yvonne Spicer, Stockton, CA Mayor Michael Tubbs, FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000273 and DC Attorney General Karl Racine, among other local representatives Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park, Washington, DC http://www.democrats.org/ https://twitter.com/TheDemocrats Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Jimmy Kimmel: “The other storm ravaging the East Coast – specifically Washington, DC – is Stormy Daniels, the adult film star now suing the President.” James Corden: “Adult film star Stormy Daniels is back, and this time she is suing Trump, claiming that a 2016 hush agreement preventing her from discussing their affair is invalid because – get this – Trump never signed it. This is amazing, mostly because it’s the first time Trump has ever not put his name on something.” James Corden: “Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner was sent to Mexico today to head up the United States delegation to meet with the Mexican President. When they heard Kushner was going to visit, Mexico announced that they are going to go ahead and put that wall up themselves.” Trevor Noah: “Literally, just a few hours after [President Trump] declared Tuesday no-chaos, great-energy day, news broke that the counsel to the President – and evil Disney stepmom – Kellyanne Conway had apparently broken the law. ... I always thought Kellyanne Conway being on TV was a crime. “ Jimmy Fallon: “Last night, Trump’s top economic adviser, Gary Cohn, announced he’s resigning. At this point, so many staffers have quit that when you call the White House, Trump answers the phone himself. He’s like, ‘Hello, please hold, I’ll connect you. The President speaking.’” Jimmy Fallon: “Here’s another story out of Washington that just came out. That in his agreement with adult film star Stormy Daniels, Trump actually used a fake name for himself: David Dennison. Trump is denying this. And referred all questions to his spokesman, David Dennison.” Seth Meyers: “President Trump’s chief economic adviser, Gary Cohn, announced his resignation yesterday, which means Trump is now down to FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000274 just one adviser.” Seth Meyers: “A British trade official said today that the British government is very disappointed in President Trump’s proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. And ‘very disappointed’ is a strong language for the British. In fact, it’s their highest level on the terror alert system.” Seth Meyers: “In a new interview, Vladimir Putin said that he has no disappointment in President Trump. Putin even said he would happily vote for Trump again.” Conan O’Brien: “Big story in the news. The porn star that claims she had an affair with the President is now suing him. Yeah. It is so weird, it’s almost as if we did elect a Clinton.” Conan O’Brien: “The new Florida weapons bill would allow librarians to arm themselves. Now, in a related story, talking in Florida libraries is down 99 percent.” Jordan Klepper: “Stormy Daniels is alleging Donald Trump paid her hush money. Lie number one – Trump doesn’t pay hush money; Donald Trump pays loud thunder money. Also, this lawsuit wants us to believe that President Donald Trump didn’t sign the agreement. Lie number two – Trump loves signing things. Executive orders, bills, Eric, see?” Samantha Bee: “Guns don’t kill political careers, the NRA does. And lawmakers are scared stiff of attack ads. ... The NRA is like a religion, specifically the best religion, Scientology. Now, look, I am not saying that Scientology and gun culture are exactly the same. For one, Scientology’s got way better songs.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000275 BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02716041 EXT-18-2336-E-000276 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-09T07:47:28-05:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Friday, March 9, 2018 Received: 2018-03-09T07:47:36-05:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 9, 2018 at 6:00:48 AM EST To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Friday, March 9, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 6:00 AM EST Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Associated Press: Interior Spending $139K To Fix Doors In Sec. Zinke’s Office. • KTOO-FM Juneau (AK): Trump Official Says Interior Aims To Move ‘Pretty Quickly’ On Arctic Refuge Oil Development. • Washington Examiner: Religious Leaders Call On Trump Administration To Stop Offshore Drilling Plans. • Wahkiakum County (WA) Eagle: Congresswoman Herrera Beutler Asks Interior To Analyze Murrelet Strategy. • Alaska Public Radio Network: Sweeney Interior Nomination In Limbo. • Huffington Post: Another Trump Administration Official Has An Ethics Problem. • KUER-FM Salt Lake City: This Is No Reality Show: Federal Employees Reassigned In The Politically Charged Trump Era. • FEDweek: GAO Calls For Better Scrutiny Of Heavy Equipment Purchases. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • Legislation Would Promote Stronger Tribal Self-Governance. • Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Submits Fourth Land Into Trust Application To Restore Full Reservation Status. • Cop’s Death Prompts Debate Over Justice On Tribal Lands. Bureau Of Land Management • Durango (CO) Herald: Sen. Cory Gardner, Rep. Scott Tipton Push Bills To Move BLM Headquarters Out West. • Associated Press: Bundy Leader Of Standoffs Says He’ll Run For Nevada Governor. Bureau Of Reclamation (b)(6) FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000277 • Full Water Supply Expected According To First Bureau Of Reclamation Forecast. Fish And Wildlife Service • The Hill: Elephant Trophy Decision Faces Pushback From Some Trump Allies. • Associated Press: Lawsuit Filed After US Fails To List Walruses As Threatened. • Courthouse News: Wildlife Groups Sue US Agency Over Carnivore Killing Plan. • Salem (OR) Capital Press: Streaked Horned Lark Lawsuit Targets Oregon Farm Exemptions. • KATC-TV Lafayette (LA): Whooping Cranes In Florida May Have New Home In Louisiana. • Associated Press: California Salmon Will Have Places To Chill With Dam Removal. National Park Service • Auburn (NY) Citizen: Tubman National Park In Auburn: Parties Near Agreement On Managing South Street Site. • Powell (WY) Tribune: Bighorn Canyon Eyes Free Admission. • Pensacola (FL) News Journal: NPS Finishes 2nd Year Of Asphalt Removal Effort At Gulf Islands National Seashore. • Associated Press: Grand Teton Rangers Halt Aging Bodycam Program. • Associated Press: Invasive Species Worries Leads Yellowstone To Ban Felt Soles. • Associated Press: National Park In Virginia Remains Closed After Wind Damage. • Oroville (CA) Mercury-Register: Comments Open On Lassen Park’s Bumpass Hell Access Alternatives. • Associated Press: Yellowstone Fee Proposal Passes Wyoming Legislature. US Geological Survey • Pacific Standard: The USGS Director’s Newest Job Description: Maintaining ‘Scientific Integrity’. • Associated Press: Trump Plan Ends Research On Uranium Mining Near Grand Canyon. • Additional Reading. Opinion Pieces • Commentary: One Of Trump’s Biggest Scandals Is Happening In Utah. • Editorial: Game Changer On Trophy Hunting. • BLM Bigwigs Need To Move Out West. • Additional Reading. Top National News • Washington Post: Trump Hails “Great Progress” With North Korea, Will Hold Talks With Kim. • WSYM-TV Lansing (MI): Trump Announces Tariffs To GOP Criticism, Praise From AFL-CIO. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “What Happened To Trump’s Red Line On Chemical Weapons?” - “Donald Trump’s Empty Words On Trade.” - “The Trump Administration’s Backward Attitude Toward Birth Control.” FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000278 • Washington Post. - “Trump’s Belittling Of Allies Is Unworthy Of A US President.” - “Is Putin’s Poison Squad Back In Britain?” - “A Rarity For The NRA: Defeat.” • Wall Street Journal. - “Trump’s Hoover Temptation.” - “Xi Jinping’s Military Might.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Interior Spending $139K To Fix Doors In Sec. Zinke’s Office. The AP (3/8, Biesecker) reports that the Interior Department is “spending nearly $139,000 to upgrade three sets of double doors in the office of Secretary Ryan Zinke.” According to spokeswoman Heather Swift, “Zinke was not aware of the contract for the work prior to a request about it from The Associated Press.” The work was “planned by career facilities and security officials as part of the decade-long modernization of the historic building erected in 1936 a few blocks from the White House, she said.” Swift said Thursday in an emailed statement, “The secretary was not aware of this contract but agrees that this is a lot of money for demo, install, materials and labor. Between regulations that require historic preservation and outdated government procurement rules, the costs for everything from pencils to printing to doors is astronomical. This is a perfect example of why the secretary believes we need to reform procurement processes.” CNN (3/8, Ganim, Wallace, Tatum) reports that “the new doors will be made of fiberglass.” The article adds that “the previous sets of doors have been damaged for years, according to an Interior official, to the point where wind and water come into the office during inclement weather, which in turn damaged the historic hardwood floors.” According to the official, “damage has caused bottom panels to fall out and be ‘replaced with cardboard and duct tape.’” The Hill (3/8, Carter) reports that the Sierra Club “issued a statement Thursday slamming Zinke over the report, calling him a ‘walking scandal.’” Sierra Club president Ethan Manuel said in the statement, “Now we know that Ryan Zinke isn’t using just any door when he shuts the American people out. Like Scott Pruitt, Zinke is a walking scandal who believes he can live the life of luxury on the American taxpayer’s dime, and it’s time Trump puts a stop to it. We only hope that this $139,000 door doesn’t hit Zinke on his way out.” Additional coverage was provided by Politico (3/8, Adragna), ABC FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000279 News (3/8, Ebbs), Fox News (3/8), Reuters (3/9, Staff), the Huffington Post (3/8, D'Angelo), MarketWatch (3/8, Murphy), New Republic (3/8, Atkin), WJBD-AM Salem (IL) Salem, IL (3/8), KIVI-TV Boise (ID) Boise, ID (3/8, Jones, Ware), and KSJR-FM Collegeville (MN) Collegeville, MN (3/8). Trump Official Says Interior Aims To Move ‘Pretty Quickly’ On Arctic Refuge Oil Development. KTOO-FM Juneau, AK (3/8, Harball) reports that Interior Deputy Secretary David Bernhardt and Assistant Secretary Joe Balash spoke at an industry gathering in Anchorage “after spending several days in North Slope communities.” Bernhardt “said the Trump Administration is working to speed along the process leading to oil development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.” He “said in the next few weeks the Interior Department will kick off the regulatory process required before it can hold an oil lease sale in the refuge.” ANWR Development Protesters Gather As InteriorDepartment Officials Visit Fairbanks. The Fairbanks (AK) News-Miner (3/8, Granger) reports that “a group of more than 50 protesters gathered in front of the Noel Wien Public Library Tuesday afternoon to speak out against the continued movement to develop the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil.” The rally was held shortly “after members of the activist group Defend the Sacred learned that Department of Interior officials Deputy Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and Assistant Secretary of the Interior Joe Balash would be visiting Fairbanks to speak with local DOI employees about lease sales in ANWR.” Jessica Girard, a spokesperson for Defend the Sacred, said, “There have been really not a lot of notifications from the Department of Interior about their arrival in Alaska. It seems that there will be a big announcement this week about the ANWR and so we’re going to stand in solidarity with the Gwich’in people who were not informed of these meetings at all to show that we do not agree with this development and or the expeditious nature of working to get leasing sales before 2020.” The Fairbanks (AK) News-Miner (3/8, Granger) reports that the Interior Department “disputes the claims made by protesters that a Fairbanks meeting between department leaders and employees was a secret meeting about plans to proceed with opening the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling.” Steve Wackowski, senior Interior Department adviser for Alaska Affairs, said, “It wasn’t some secret ANWR planning meeting with employees. The topic was ‘Meet your department secretary and ask him questions.’ We had National Park Service, Office of Aviation Management; folks who had nothing to do with ANWR were in that meeting.” Religious Leaders Call On Trump Administration To Stop Offshore Drilling Plans. The Washington Examiner (3/8, Justice) reports that “hundreds of religious FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000280 leaders penned a letter Thursday to President Trump and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke asking them to end plans to expand offshore drilling and seismic testing in public waters citing ‘unacceptable risks to God’s oceans and coastal communities.’” The group, part of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, “voiced their opposition to the administration’s offshore drilling plans due to environmental safety concerns.” The letter stated, “God created the oceans with an abundance of life and, as stewards of God’s earth, we should work to preserve and protect God’s marine creation. As people of faith, we also uphold our duty to love our neighbors. Oceans provide food sources and livelihoods for millions in the U.S. and globally.” They “instead proposed the administration focus on renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar and to work on maximizing energy efficiency.” Congresswoman Herrera Beutler Asks Interior To Analyze Murrelet Strategy. The Wahkiakum County (WA) Eagle (3/8) reports that Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler in a letter last week urged Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “to make sure the habitat conservation plan (HCP) for marbled murrelets is based on science and not politically motivated.” According to Herrera Beutler, “under the bird’s long term conservation strategy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is requiring rural counties like Pacific and Wahkiakum to set aside state-managed trust timber land from possible harvests to protect the species, thereby jeopardizing the counties’ ability to harvest timber and generate revenue to provide basic services to their residents.” In her letter, she wrote, “Secretary Zinke, I am asking you to step in on behalf of these counties and to work toward a conservation solution for the marbled murrelet that is both just and scientifically sound. The voice of our rural residents has been drowned out by those who attack their way of life, but I’ll continue to speak on their behalf. I hope you will join me.” Sweeney Interior Nomination In Limbo. The Alaska Public Radio Network (3/8, Ruskin) reports the nomination of Tara Sweeney, President Trump’s choice to be the next assistant Interior secretary for Indian Affairs, “has been held up for months at the Office of Government Ethics.” Sweeney is an executive vice president of Arctic Slope Regional Corp and “also one of the 13,000 shareholders in ASRC.” Sen. Lisa Murkowski “says that stock seems to have stumped the government ethics office.” According to the article, “normally, if nominees hold stock in an industry regulated by the agency where they’re hoping to serve, they can resolve that potential conflict by selling the stock.” But “Murkowski says that’s not appropriate for shareholders of Alaska Native Corporations, whose stock is issued to eligible Native residents or inherited.” Murkowski said, “No Native person should be asked to sell off, or give up their birthright in order to serve in the administration.” FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000281 Another Trump Administration Official Has An Ethics Problem. The Huffington Post (3/8, D'Angelo) reports that “a political appointee at the Interior Department attended two private events hosted by her longtime former employer, the right wing Heritage Foundation, which appears to be a violation of federal ethics rules.” Lori Mashburn worked as an associate director for the Heritage Foundation from October 2011 to January 2017, according to her financial disclosure form. In May 2017 she was hired as the Interior Department’s White House liaison. On Sept. 29, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “gave a speech at Heritage” and “Zinke’s personal calendar shows that Mashburn was among several Interior Department officials in attendance at the event.” According to the article, “a detailed schedule the department released as part of a public records request shows that after the public event, Mashburn joined Zinke and other agency officials for a private luncheon with several high-ranking Heritage Foundation employees.” The article notes that “Mashburn also joined Zinke at a private Heritage affair on Oct. 16 at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, a government building that primarily houses White House staff.” This Is No Reality Show: Federal Employees Reassigned In The Politically Charged Trump Era. KUER-FM Salt Lake City (3/8, Fahys) reports that “Matthew Allen used to lead the communications team at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Washington headquarters,” but he was demoted “two days after another embarrassing leak from the Interior Department.” The Washington Post had “published a map that showed drastic cuts that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke was proposing for the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in southern Utah.” Allen “suspects he lost his job because of that leak.” He said in an interview, “My belief is that they suspected me of leaking a series of sensitive documents to the press. They’re trying to make an example of this is what happens when you can’t be trusted or when you’re not ‘loyal to the flag,’ as the secretary likes to say.” Allen was moved to the Bureau of Environmental Safety and Enforcement. He said, “I’m making approximately $160,000 a year, with nobody to supervise, with no clear job duties or responsibilities. That doesn’t feel like a good use of taxpayer dollars.” GAO Calls For Better Scrutiny Of Heavy Equipment Purchases. FEDweek (3/8) reports that “federal agencies spend some $7.4 billion a year to purchase heavy equipment but are not fully considering whether some of that could have been leased instead, GAO has said.” GAO “looked in-depth at the Air Force, Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service, which together spent about $360 million in purchases over 2012- 2016, compared with only $5 million in lease expenses over that time.” It found that officials “did not consistently conduct or document lease-versus￾purchase analyses.” Interior “concurred with recommendations that they should clarify the circumstances in which lease-versus-purchases analyses FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000282 for heavy equipment acquisitions are to be conducted and documented.” Bureau Of Indian Affairs Legislation Would Promote Stronger Tribal Self-Governance. The Minot (ND) Daily News (3/9) reports that Sens. John Hoeven and Tom Udall, chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, respectively, “on Wednesday introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and promote stronger tribal self-governance.” The Practical Reforms and Other Goals to Reinforce the Effectiveness of Self-Governance and Self￾Determination (PROGRESS) for Indian Tribes Act “would streamline the Department of the Interior’s self-governance process and provide Indian tribes with greater flexibility to efficiently tailor, consolidate and administer federal programs for their communities.” Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Submits Fourth Land Into Trust Application To Restore Full Reservation Status. Potsdam (NY) North Country Now (3/8) reports that “the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe recently submitted its fourth Land into Trust application with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.” The application, “which would restore full reservation status and tribal authority over lands illegally taken by the State of New York, is part of a comprehensive plan surrounding settlement of the tribe’s decades-old land claim case.” The tribe has “filed four applications for a total of six parcels.” Cop’s Death Prompts Debate Over Justice On Tribal Lands. The Taos (NM) News (3/8, Oxford) reports that federal prosecutors seek “the death penalty for Kirby Cleveland, a Navajo man accused of killing a tribal police officer in 2017.” The case could “signal that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions will take a more aggressive approach with the death penalty in Indian Country, though most tribes, including the Navajo Nation, are opposed to capital punishment.” According to the article, “regardless of how it plays out, Cleveland’s case is likely to revive a debate on race, sovereignty and just who can deliver justice on reservations across New Mexico – and the country.” Bureau Of Land Management Sen. Cory Gardner, Rep. Scott Tipton Push Bills To Move BLM Headquarters Out West. The Durango (CO) Herald (3/8, Eversden) reports that Sen. Cory Gardner and Rep. Scott Tipton are “ramping up their calls to move the Bureau of Land Management headquarters from Washington, D.C., to the West.” The legislators have “introduced similar legislation in the House and Senate, called the Bureau of Land Management Headquarters Relocation Act, which directs the Department of Interior to create a strategy.” Gardner said in an FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000283 interview Thursday, “I spoke to Secretary Zinke (Wednesday) again about the idea and I said, ‘Hey, you got to move this. I think that they are looking very favorably with the reorganization moving (BLM) to the West.” Bundy Leader Of Standoffs Says He’ll Run For Nevada Governor. The AP (3/8) reports, “A leader of two high-profile armed standoffs with US agents whose Bundy ranching family has decried federal ownership of public land says he’ll mount an independent” bid to succeed term-limited Gov. Brian Sandoval (R-NV) this fall. Ryan Bundy “said Thursday that he doesn’t think other candidates” in the race “would properly protect states’ rights. The 45-year-old son of Cliven Bundy says he intends to file candidacy papers next Wednesday in Las Vegas and embark on a statewide speaking tour.” The Reno (NV) Gazette-Journal (3/8, DeHaven) reports that Bundy’s bid “would count as an unwelcome development for Republicans, since” he “will likely siphon off general election votes that might’ve otherwise gone to the” GOP nominee. The Bundys “rose to prominence in 2014, amid a” standoff “with federal agents at the family’s Southern Nevada ranch” over “a decades-old dispute over unpaid federal grazing fees on the Bundy’s Southern Nevada ranch.” Over “a dozen participants [were] arrested and indicted on federal felony charges. The case against the Bundys was dismissed...in January. Ryan Bundy added to his national profile in January 2016, when he helped lead another well-armed clash with federal authorities at the seized headquarters of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, near Burns, Ore.” Bureau Of Reclamation Full Water Supply Expected According To First Bureau Of Reclamation Forecast. The Yakima (WA) Herald-Republic (3/8, Hoang) reports that “there should be full water supply for both junior and senior water rights holders this year, according to the Bureau of Reclamation’s monthly water supply forecast released Thursday.” According to the article, “temperatures are expected to be around normal and precipitation is expected to be at above average levels in the coming months, which should contribute to full water supply for water rights holders.” Chris Lynch, hydrologist with the Bureau of Reclamation, said, “Everything is looking good.” Fish And Wildlife Service Elephant Trophy Decision Faces Pushback From Some Trump Allies. The Hill (3/8, Green) reports that the Trump Administration’s “decision to reverse course on an Obama-era ban on African elephant trophy imports is facing pushback from some allies of President Trump.” According to the article, “while hunting advocacy groups and members of Congress who back them are cheering the decision from the Department of Interior’s Fish FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000284 and Wildlife Service (FWS) to allow imports on a case-by-case basis, others are knocking the move.” The article notes that “two conservative media hosts who pushed Trump in November to put a pause on a decision to overturn an established trophy import ban are among those urging him to hold up the Obama-era order.” Fox News host Laura Ingraham “tweeted a plea to Trump on Wednesday asking him to change the new policy and warning him what could happen to supporters if he did not.” Also, conservative radio host Michael Savage has “spoken out against the FWS policy this week, writing in a blog post Wednesday that he ‘felt betrayed’ by the administration’s secret decision after having previously spoken in person with Trump on the issue.” E&E Publishing (3/8, Doyle) reports that if “Trump has spent his last round on an issue that threatened to alienate his allies in the hunting and gun-rights communities, the next steps will unfold more quietly.” The article notes that “the Fish and Wildlife Service’s March 1 memo explaining the new case-by-case policy was filed with U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., where a federal judge under the dictates of a Dec. 22, 2017, appellate court ruling will be sending a follow-up order to the agency.” Greg Sheehan, principal deputy director of FWS, said in an email, “We are awaiting the District Court’s remand back to the Service before implementing this approach.” Google, Facebook Join Global Fight To Stop Online Wildlife Trafficking. ABC News (3/8, Allen) reports that “Google and Facebook joined more than a dozen major tech firms in the fight against illegal trophy hunting, part of a larger effort aimed at stopping poachers from selling banned products like ivory, rhino horns and tiger cubs online.” The World Wildlife Fund said in a statement Wednesday, “Advances in technology and connectivity across the world, combined with rising buying power and demand for illegal wildlife products, have increased the ease of exchange from poacher to consumer. As a result, an unregulated online market allows criminals to sell illegally obtained wildlife products across the globe. Purchasing elephant ivory, tiger cubs, and pangolin scales is as easy as click, pay, ship.” Twenty-one tech firm “from around the globe, including eBay and Microsoft, have agreed to join the WWF’s new Global Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online, according to the fund, which said it plans to reduce wildlife trafficking 80 percent by 2020.” Lawsuit Filed After US Fails To List Walruses As Threatened. The AP (3/8, Joling) reports that an environmental group sued the Trump Administration Thursday over its failure to list Pacific walruses “as threatened because of diminished sea ice – their primary habitat – brought on by climate warming.” In October, “facing a court-ordered deadline for a final decision,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “said it could not conclude with certainty that walruses would be affected by ice loss because they have shown an ability to forage from shoreline resting areas.” Emily Jeffers, an attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, said, “We’re FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000285 confident the court will see this reckless finding as a politically driven decision that completely ignores the agency’s legal obligations to protect imperiled wildlife.” Additional coverage was provided by The Hill (3/8, Cama) and Courthouse News (3/8, LOUIS). Wildlife Groups Sue US Agency Over Carnivore Killing Plan. Courthouse News (3/8, Pampuro) reports that “environmental groups are calling out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for agreeing to fund a state’s carnivore kill experiment.” Last December, the FWS “agreed to fund 75 percent of a multi-million dollar project proposed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife aimed to boost local mule deer populations, but according to a petition filed in the state Supreme Court Wednesday, the agency failed to adequately analyze the project’s environmental impact.” The petition asks the court to “give the public a more meaningful opportunity to analyze the environmental effects of and submit comments.” Streaked Horned Lark Lawsuit Targets Oregon Farm Exemptions. The Salem (OR) Capital Press (3/8, Perkowski) reports that “exemptions for common farming practices in Oregon’s Willamette Valley are targeted in an environmentalist lawsuit over federal protections for the threatened streaked horned lark.” An environmental organization is “challenging the federal government’s decision to exempt common farm activities from the prohibition against ‘taking’ streaked horned larks.” According to the lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, “the government failed to explain why the exemption would help conserve the species when its population had declined while these “routine” activities were occurring.” Whooping Cranes In Florida May Have New Home In Louisiana. KATC-TV Lafayette, LA (3/8) reports that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’ Whooping Crane Recovery Team is “proposing to move 14 whooping cranes that live at Kissimmee Prairie in central Florida to a larger and more robust population of cranes in Vermilion Parish.” The Tampa Bay (FL) Times (3/8, Behrendt, Pittman) reports that according to the FWS, the Kissimmee whoopers have “experienced a high rate of mortality and low reproductive success related to habitat conditions, predation, and power line strikes.” The article adds that “unless they’re moved to join a flock in Louisiana that now numbers about 60, experts say those Florida cranes would likely just die out.” California Salmon Will Have Places To Chill With Dam Removal. The AP (3/8, Knickmeyer) reports that “a $100 million project removing dams and helping fish route around others is returning a badly endangered salmon to spring-fed waters in northernmost California, giving cold-loving native fish a life-saving place to chill as scientists say climate change, drought and human diversions warm the waters.” State and federal FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000286 officials, “in a years-long project with dam-owner Pacific Gas & Electric Co., plan to release 200,000 young, endangered winter-run Chinook salmon over the next two months into the north fork of Battle Creek, where melted snow percolating through volcanic rock provides ideal habitat for native salmon and steelhead that thrive in cold mountain water.” Additional coverage was provided by the San Francisco Chronicle (3/9, Fimrite) and the Chico (CA) Enterprise-Record (3/8, Schoonover). National Park Service Tubman National Park In Auburn: Parties Near Agreement On Managing South Street Site. The Auburn (NY) Citizen (3/8, Harding) reports that “Harriet Tubman Home, Inc., and the National Park Service are close to finalizing an agreement that will detail how the entities will manage the main sites associated with the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn.” Frank Barrows, superintendent of Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome and project lead for the Tubman park, “said Wednesday that the implementation agreement is under National Park Service internal legal reviews.” An executed agreement is expected by Sept. 30. Bighorn Canyon Eyes Free Admission. The Powell (WY) Tribune (3/8, Davis) reports that Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area “may soon be more, or less, affordable to visit.” According to the article, “a recent cost benefit analysis shows the National Park Service property actually spends about three times more on expenses and labor to collect fees than they bring in.” Park officials have “sent a fee adjustment request to the regional office.” Christy Fleming, chief of interpretation for the park, said, “We’re not sure where it stands right now. By summer, we may not have a fee program. However, if the Washington office denies [the proposal] and says we need to continue to collect fees, it could go up. We would have to do $15 per day.” NPS Finishes 2nd Year Of Asphalt Removal Effort At Gulf Islands National Seashore. The Pensacola (FL) News Journal (3/8, Gabriel) reports that the National Park Service “this month completed the second year of its five-year project to clean weathered asphalt from miles of beach stretching from Navarre in the east to Perdido Key in the west” at Gulf Islands National Seashore. The project is “being funded through $10.85 million in restitution money paid by oil giant BP in the aftermath of the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill.” According to Kelly Irick, the park service biologist overseeing the project, “using mechanical sifters and handheld rakes, a crew of about 40 workers cleaned about 200 acres of Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Santa Rosa Area from September through the end of February.” Grand Teton Rangers Halt Aging Bodycam Program. FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000287 The AP (3/8) reports that “Grand Teton National Park officials say rangers have stopped recording interactions on body cameras and dashcams, citing an aging and costly camera system.” The program has “been in operation at the western Wyoming park for over a decade, but it was suspended indefinitely in January while officials search for an alternative.” Chief Ranger Michael Nash “says the park’s camera system was becoming outdated with body cameras breaking and batteries losing charge.” Park public affairs officer Denise Germann “says storage for the camera footage was also an issue, and downloading that footage was time-consuming for rangers.” Invasive Species Worries Leads Yellowstone To Ban Felt Soles. The AP (3/8) reports that “concerns over aquatic invasive species have led Yellowstone National Park officials to ban the use of felt sole boots or waders and to set a boating season during which watercraft inspections will be available.” Park officials “say rubber sole boots will be allowed because they trap fewer organisms and can be cleaned with water and a scrub brush.” The boating season will run from May 26 through Nov. 4. National Park In Virginia Remains Closed After Wind Damage. The AP (3/9) reports that Prince William Forest Park “remains closed a week after heavy winds damaged hundreds of trees and created dangerous conditions there.” According to the article, “crews have cleared more than 600 fallen and hazardous trees...following last week’s wind storm.” Officials expect the park “to remain closed for another two or three weeks.” Comments Open On Lassen Park’s Bumpass Hell Access Alternatives. The Oroville (CA) Mercury-Register (3/8, Schoonover) reports that “three alternatives have been developed to revamp access to Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and a 30-day comment period has opened on the environmental assessment of the three options.” The preferred option will “maintain the current boardwalk configuration in the basin, and make improvements to the trail from the main park road.” Yellowstone Fee Proposal Passes Wyoming Legislature. The AP (3/8) reports that “the Wyoming Legislature has passed a proposal to collect a fee at Yellowstone National Park to fund wildlife conservation efforts in the states surrounding the park.” The measure, “which also involves neighboring Grand Teton National Park, was approved Thursday and now goes to Gov. Matt Mead for his consideration.” The article notes that “since only the federal government can impose fees in national parks, the resolution seeks to start a conversation between the three states and federal officials.” US Geological Survey FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000288 The USGS Director’s Newest Job Description: Maintaining ‘Scientific Integrity’. The Pacific Standard (3/8, Diep) reports that “during Tuesday’s confirmation hearing with the Committee on Energy & Natural Resources for James Reilly, President Donald Trump’s nominee for USGS director, congresspeople emphasized that Reilly would have to protect the scientists in his agency and maintain a sort of firewall between their scientific work and any political agendas.” Sen. Lisa Murkowski, the committee chair, said, “My hope, my ask, is that you maintain that integrity within the agency.” The article notes that “the new emphasis on safeguarding science also comes after a series of Trump nominees who have worried advocates because of their conflicts of interest.” Trump Plan Ends Research On Uranium Mining Near Grand Canyon. The AP (3/8, Fonseca) reports that “U.S. scientists studying the effects of uranium mining around the Grand Canyon say they are lacking information on whether the radioactive element is hurting plants, animals and a water source for more than 30 million people.” Moreover, “they would not get to fully gather it if President Donald Trump’s 2019 budget proposal is approved.” The U.S. Geological Survey is “leading a 15-year study meant to determine whether a 1 million-acre area surrounding the national park needs protection from new uranium mining claims well into the future.” The USGS “says it’s received far less for its study than what’s needed so far and would be left with nothing under Trump’s plan, which eliminates the money in favor of other priorities.” Additional Reading. • Lake Pontchartrain Basin Being Monitored For Spillway Environmental Effects. New Orleans Times-Picayune (3/8, Schleifstein). Opinion Pieces Commentary: One Of Trump’s Biggest Scandals Is Happening In Utah. In an op-ed for the Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (3/8, Erickson), Peter Erickson, a senior scientist in the Seattle office of the Stockholm Environment Institute, writes that a new study in the research journal Climatic Change “shows the scale of how public lands are still used to worsen the climate catastrophe.” Researchers “found that about one-quarter of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions arise from burning fossil fuels pulled from public soil.” But more importantly, Erickson writes, “we found that these fossil fuels aren’t needed.” According to Erickson, “were the federal government to stop issuing new leases, whether at Bureau of Land Management offices in the west or Bureau of Ocean Energy Management offices in Washington, federal fossil fuel production – and emissions thereof – would gradually decline, lessening our culpability for climate change, and aiding the FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000289 transition to plentiful, renewable energy.” Editorial: Game Changer On Trophy Hunting. In an editorial, the San Francisco Chronicle (3/9) criticizes the move by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to lift restrictions “on big-game trophies from several African countries.” According to the paper, “while supporters of big￾game hunting argue that the substantial fees paid by hunters help fund conservation of vulnerable species such as African elephants, the overturned prohibitions targeted countries where the fees hadn’t been shown to consistently further protection of animals.” BLM Bigwigs Need To Move Out West. In an editorial, the Ontario (OR) Argus Observer (3/8) supports moving the headquarters for the Bureau of Land Management to the West. The paper says “the logic of this idea isn’t hard for people in the West to understand.” That is, the BLM’s “decisions impact the livelihoods of people who populate rural communities, but those decisions are made far from the forests, grasslands and high deserts they call home.” Additional Reading. • Should The US Ban Hunters From Importing Elephant Trophies?. NJ News (3/8) . • Mining Reform America And Arizona NeedWould Protect The Environment. Arizona Capitol Times (3/8, Krill). • Drill, Donnie, Drill! San Luis Obispo (CA) New Times (3/8). • US Doesn’t Need Orange County’s Coast To Achieve Energy Independence. Orange County (CA) Register (3/8, Dunn, Brown). • FOIA Requests Will Be Fewer IfInformation Is More Accessible. St. George (UT) Spectrum (3/8). Top National News Trump Hails “Great Progress” With North Korea, Will Hold Talks With Kim. Media reports of Thursday’s announcement of talks between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un hail the development as historic, noting that no US president has ever met with a North Korean leader. A number of media analyses are crediting the President for bringing about a significant diplomatic accomplishment. Under the headline “Trump’s Bellicosity Secures A Diplomatic Coup – For Now,” for example, the Washington Post (3/8, A1, DeYoung) reports on its front page that “for the moment, at least, it appears to be a clear-cut victory – the biggest foreign policy win of his young administration. ... Even pessimists acknowledged that Trump’s hard line against Pyongyang, after decades of less forceful US effort, played a significant role in moving one of the FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000290 world’s most vexing and threatening problems in a potentially positive direction.” The New York Times (3/8, Landler) says the President “expressed his optimism about the meeting,” tweeting Thursday evening, “Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached. Meeting being planned!” The Times says that for Trump, a meeting with Kim “is a breathtaking gamble,” but both leaders “share a penchant for bold, dramatic moves, and their personal participation in a negotiation could take it in unexpected directions.” The Washington Examiner (3/8, Westwood, Correll) reports that a “senior Administration official” pointed to “North Korea’s ‘commitment to denuclearize’ and the regime’s promise to stop testing weapons as reasons why Trump decided to accept Kim’s invitation.” Sean Hannity said on Fox News’ Hannity (3/8), “President Trump scoring big win and possibly averting a major global nuclear crisis tonight with North Korea.” To Politico (3/8, Bender, Toosi, Cook), the talks “could be the biggest breakthrough in the tense nuclear saber-rattling that has defined the president’s stance since taking office,” while Axios (3/8, Britzky) says it is a “stunning announcement...given just a few months ago the leaders were exchanging threats of nuclear destruction.” The Los Angeles Times (3/8, Bennett) calls it “an extraordinary invitation,” and says “any face-to-face meeting, if it takes place, would be historic.” Reuters (3/7, Mason, Spetalnick) says the possibility of talks between the two leaders “a potentially dramatic breakthrough in the North Korea nuclear standoff,” and according to Bloomberg News (3/8, Olorunnipa, Kong), Trump’s “decision to meet soon with Kim is supported by his Vice President Mike Pence.” In what ABC World News Tonight (3/8, story 2, 0:40, Muir) called “something very rare,” President Trump went into the White House briefing room Thursday evening and told reporters “cryptically” that an importation announcement on North Korea would be made soon. The CBS Evening News (3/8, story 3, 0:40, Glor) likewise said the President “surprised a lot of folks by popping into the briefing room.” NBC Nightly News (3/8, lead story, 2:35, Welker) also reported on the President’s appearance in the briefing room. Shortly afterwards, USA Today (3/8, Korte, Jackson) reports, South Korean national security adviser Chung Eui-yong told reporters outside the White House Trump will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for nuclear talks “by May.” A South Korean delegation led by Chung was in Washington on Thursday to brief Administration officials on their talks earlier this week with Kim. Chung told reporters, “I explained to President Trump that his leadership, and his maximum pressure policy, along with international solidarity, brought us to this juncture.” The Washington Post (3/8, Fifield) reports White House Press FOIA001:02716064 ■, ___ _ ■ Ill ■ EXT-18-2336-E-000291 Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement, “President Trump greatly appreciates the nice words of the South Korean delegation and President Moon. He will accept the invitation to meet with Kim Jong Un at a place and time to be determined.” Chung, the Post notes, “credited Trump for bringing the North Korean leader to the table, continuing Seoul’s deliberate efforts to flatter the American president.” Chung, the AP (3/9, Pennington) reports, said he had told Trump that Kim says he is committed to “denuclearization” and “has pledged that North Korea will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests – providing a rare diplomatic opening after a year of escalating tensions over the North’s tests.” The Wall Street Journal (3/8, A1, Gordon, Cheng) notes Kim made a similar pledge to South Korean President Moon Jae-in last week. The Washington Times (3/8, Boyer) reports the delegation led by Chung briefed Trump in the Oval Office Thursday on their talks this week with Kim, along with National Security Adviser McMaster, Defense Secretary Mattis, Chief of Staff Kelly and “other US officials.” State Dept. Scrambling To Assemble Team For Talks. The Washington Post (3/8, Sonne, Hudson) says Trump’s “high-wire gambit to accept a meeting with...Kim Jong Un sets off a scramble among US officials to assemble a team capable of supporting a historic summit of longtime adversaries and determine a viable engagement strategy.” State Department officials, including Secretary of State Tillerson, were “playing down the immediacy of talks in the hours before” the “surprise announcement.” The Post says the “apparent lack of coordination marked a pattern of mixed messaging that has characterized the Trump administration’s North Korea diplomacy.” Bloomberg Politics (3/8, Wadhams) too says Tillerson “played down hopes for a breakthrough on North Korea’s nuclear program,” saying the US is a “long way” from negotiations with Pyongyang. Speaking to reporters in Addis Ababa, Tillerson said, “We’re a long way from negotiations, we just need to be very clear-eyed and realistic about it.” Graham: Talks Present“Best Hope In Decades.”The New York Post (3/8, Tacopino) reports Sen. Lindsey Graham said Thursday that he hoped for peace on the Korean Peninsula, but warned Kim Jong Un that “it will be the end” of him and his regime if the tried to take advantage of President Trump. Graham said the talks presented the “best hope in decades” to peacefully resolve the threat of nuclear conflict, but added “that if the past is an indications of the future, North Korea will be all talk and no action.” Kristof: “A Dangerous Gamble And A Bad Idea.”In his New York Times (3/8) column, Nicholas Kristof calls the development “stunning,” but adds, “it’s also, I think, a dangerous gamble and a bad idea. I can’t believe I’m saying that. For many years, over several trips to North Korea, I’ve argued for direct talks between the United States and North Korea, and it’s certainly better to be engaging the North than bombing it. ... But the proper way to hold a summit is with careful preparation.” Kim and Trump, FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000292 Kristof cautions, “are both showmen with a flair for the dramatic and unexpected. That would make a summit thrilling – but creates great risks if everything turns out wrong.” CBS News: South Korea Using Pop Culture As Propaganda Against North. Meanwhile, the CBS Evening News (3/8, story 10, 2:25, Glor) reported, “How do you deal with a belligerent neighbor that constantly parades its tanks and fires off missiles? If you’re South Korea, you crank up the music.” South Korea’s military “blasts” K-Pop music across the border “to let North Koreans know what they’re missing.” Meanwhile, with South Korea TV programs and the Internet prohibited in North Korea, one “aid group puts flash drives containing soap operas and movies inside bottles of much-needed rice and floats them towards the North.” Trump Announces Tariffs To GOP Criticism, Praise From AFL-CIO. President Trump’s announcement on steel and aluminum tariffs received extensive, including reports on all three major network newscasts and extensive local TV coverage throughout the Rust Belt. Illustrating how the trade debate is defying the usual partisan battle lines, the decision by Trump generated strong criticism from his own party and from business groups – even as it received praise from the steel and aluminum industries, organized labor and several red-state Democrats up for reelection in the fall. Local TV reports in the Midwest were mostly sympathetic to Trump’s actions. WSYM-TV Lansing, MI (3/8, 5:42 p.m. EST), for example, reported that Trump “made steel tariffs one of the cornerstones of his campaign, promising he would make sure American companies are getting a fair shake.” Yesterday, “he followed through, signing a proclamation to implement them.” WLWT-TV Cincinnati (3/8, 5:37 p.m. EST) reported that “the move does have the support of union leaders and Democratic lawmakers from Rust Belt states eager to revive industries hurting from excess production by China.” NBC News (3/8, Rafferty) similarly reported on its website that Trump’s move “found support in some unlikely allies – red state Democrats,” in particular “vulnerable Democrats up for re-election in November like Pennsylvania’s Bob Casey, West Virginia’s Joe Manchin and Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin,” who “represent states where Trump’s message on manufacturing and trade resonated in 2016.” The CBS Evening News (3/8, story 2, 2:00, Reid) showed Manchin saying, “I’m encouraged. I really am. And I think it gives us a chance, basically, to reboot, get jobs back to West Virginia, back to America. I’m excited about that.” Breitbart (3/8, Boyle) also notes Manchin’s comments. Moreover, Politico (3/8, Restuccia, Behsudi) reports that “the president’s decision...brought cheers from the steel industry and organized labor.” Said the AFL-CIO’s Richard Trumka, “Wall Street’s hair is on fire over these tariffs because wealthy investors enrich themselves by closing mills and factories in the United States and moving them overseas. ... FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000293 Using tariffs isn’t going to start a trade war. There’s been a war on working people for decades, and we have been getting our butts kicked. Just look at southwestern Pennsylvania if you want proof.” Trumka also tweeted, “People may not like how Pres Trump rolled these out, but I applaud him for trying.” In fact, Trumka’s rhetoric was at minimum reminiscent of Trump’s. NBC Nightly News (3/8, lead story, 2:35, Welker), which remarked on “opposition from many top Republicans who warn” the tariffs “could spark a trade war,” showed Trump saying, “The workers who poured their souls into building this great nation were betrayed. But that betrayal is now over. I’m delivering on a promise I made during the campaign, and I’ve been making it for a good part of my life.” WJAC-TV Johnstown, PA (3/8, 6:11 p.m. EST) reported that Trump “was flanked by steel and aluminum workers as he claimed that trade practices by other nations have been what he’s calling an assault on America.” WJAC added, “With heavy blowback from Congressional Republicans, the president defended the move, arguing a healthy metals industry is vital to national security.” Trump was shown saying, “A strong steel and aluminum industry are vital to our national security. Absolutely vital. Steel is steel. You don’t have steel you don’t have a country.” WTAE-TV Pittsburgh (3/8, 6:13 p.m. EST) reported on “the implications now for workers...in western Pennsylvania.” WTAE showed Lane Steel President Paul Gedeon saying, “The tariffs will help if they are done the right way, if it’s fair. Like, Canada should be excluded.” WTAE added that Gedeon “says there is some foreign steel America needs and putting tariffs on all would hurt the US too.” Gedeon: “A concern with that is it’s like a cancer drug that kills good cells and bad cells.” The Detroit News (3/8, Laing) reports that Trump said yesterday, “This is not merely an economic disaster, but it’s a security disaster. ... We want to build our ships, we want to build our planes, we want to build our military equipment with steel, with aluminum from our country. And now we’re finally taking action to correct this long overdue problem. It’s a travesty.” Writing for National Review (3/8), Jack Crowe said the President’s “emphasis on national security – Trump invoked the term numerous times during his speech – has prompted speculation that the administration is angling to avoid World Trade Organization sanctions, which punish members for implementing tariffs for reasons other than national security.” Along those lines, Commerce Secretary Ross argues in the Wall Street Journal (3/8) this morning that the tariffs are necessary to protect US security and to protect the well-being of US workers. Bret Baier said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/8), “Politically, the image of the President with those steelworkers telling their stories about companies that are slowing down, shutting down, losing work, that politically works for this President.” Joan Walsh of The Nation said on CNN’s The Lead (3/8), “This really looked like a campaign rally. ... He talked about loving the workers. He talked about the farmers. He talked FOIA001:02716064 •------- EXT-18-2336-E-000294 about how good he is going to be to all these people. It was political theater and nothing more.” GOP opposition to Trump’s move was a major theme in the coverage. The AP (3/8, Thomas), for example, casts the President as “unswayed by Republican warnings of a trade war” and The Hill (3/8, Fabian, Needham) as “defying his own party and delivering on a campaign promise,” while the Washington Post (3/8, Rucker, Werner) says he “bucked his party allies to pursue his long-held goal of rewriting what he views as rigged rules of international trade.” However, where he “sees an opportunity to protect US manufacturing and blue-collar workers, his fellow Republicans – joined by some Democrats, business leaders and many economists – fear he’s embarking on an impractical negotiating process that could escalate into a global trade war.” At any rate, “few fellow Republicans appeared to have much appetite to challenge the move legislatively.” Business Insider (3/8, Perticone) similarly indicates that Republicans “have been distraught over...Trump’s proposal to slap tariffs on aluminum and steel,” but they “are at a loss over what they can do about it other than plead for mercy from the White House.” Some appear intent on trying. USA Today (3/8, Gaudiano, Shesgreen) reports “at least one Republican senator said Congress would try to overturn” the tariffs. Said Sen. Jeff Flake, “Some of us are just waiting to see what he does, and then we’ll draft legislation quickly to nullify it. ... That’s what I’m going to do.” Reuters (3/8) and Politico (3/8, Everett, Schor) also report on Flake’s statement. ABC World News Tonight (3/8, lead story, 3:25, Karl) reported “the tariffs, 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum, will be imposed on all imported steel except from Canada and Mexico, which are exempt, but only for now.” As the AP (3/8, Thomas) reports, Trump explained Canada and Mexico are “exempted ‘to see if we can make the deal.’” Townhall (3/8, O'Brien) noted that Trump said, “I have a feeling we’re going to make a deal on NAFTA. ... If we do, there won’t be any tariffs on Canada and there won’t be any tariffs on Mexico.” Commerce Secretary Ross said on CNBC’s Closing Bell (3/8), “I think there’s no question that the action the President took today is a further motivation to both Canada and Mexico to make a fair arrangement with the United States. It’s pretty clear that is the case. This is not being done though just as a negotiating ploy. We are deadly serious about solving the problem in steel, aluminum, and as the weeks and months go by, other industries. The important thing is solving the problem. The less important thing is the exact mechanism for doing it, but we have to get it done.” The Detroit Free Press (3/8, Spangler, Howard) notes that “other countries, and presumably industries, could negotiate with the Trump administration for exclusions as well.” CNBC (3/8, Cox) cited an “Administration official” who said “determining further exceptions will depend on whether countries can convince Trump that there’s a ‘satisfactory alternative means’ for resolving trade inequities.” Trump, for FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000295 his part, said yesterday, “We’re going to show great flexibility.” The Wall Street Journal (3/8, Schlesinger, Bender, Nicholas) runs a similar analysis. The Washington Examiner (3/8, Westwood) reports Trump “encouraged foreign steel and aluminum producers to move their plants to the US to make their metals if they wish to avoid his tariffs, noting the recent tax legislation he signed would also benefit their business if they invested in the US.” Reuters (3/8, Lawder, Mason) quotes Trump as saying, “If you don’t want to pay tax, bring your plant to the USA.” As he said that, he was “flanked by steel and aluminum workers.” USA Today (3/8, Jackson) also recounts that “during the signing ceremony, Trump invited some of the steel workers, hard hats in hands, to speak about how their town have been hurt by the decline of the industry.” The Washington Times (3/8, Boyer) point out that “seemingly referring to other possible trade actions, Mr. Trump warned, ‘This is only the first stop.’” The President also “said the US could use the tariffs against nations that are not paying their fair share of security alliances.” Said Trump, “We’re going to see who’s treating us fairly, who’s not treating us fairly – who’s paying the bills, who’s not paying the bills.” Bloomberg News (3/8, Mayeda, Epstein) also noted Trump “warned there would be more tariffs coming, saying he planned to proceed with what he has called ‘reciprocal taxes’ on imports from countries that charge higher duties on US goods than the US now charges on their products.” Trump said, “We’re going to be doing a lot of that.” The New York Times (3/8, Baker, Swanson) reports the US “is the largest steel importer in the world and the order could hit South Korea, China, Japan, Germany, Turkey and Brazil the hardest.” Trump “said his tariff orders were tailored to give him the authority to raise or lower levies on a country-by-country basis and add or take countries off the list as he deemed appropriate.” Eswar Prasad, a professor of international trade at Cornell University, tells the Times, “This has certainly put the fear of God in America’s trading partners. ... The day has actually come when real trade sanctions are on the board.” In a story on the tariffs’ rollout, the Washington Post (3/8, Johnson, Kim, Dawsey) reports “the frantic lobbying went late into the night and on into the morning, as business executives, lawmakers and foreign diplomats tried to stop...Trump from implementing steel and aluminum tariffs.” While “the idea of imposing tariffs on some imports was cheered at Trump’s campaign rallies, Republican lawmakers and members of his administration have argued that instituting penalties on steel and aluminum could prompt other countries to impose retaliatory tariffs that hurt American farmers, producers and manufacturers, including in states that were key to the president’s unexpected win in 2016.” Breitbart (3/8, Spiering) headlined its very favorable report “Promises Kept,” and the Daily Caller (3/8, Enjeti) noted a “senior administration official lambasted critics of the President’s tariffs saying, ‘Nobody inside the beltway should express any sort of surprise. These have been well FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000296 discussed and one of the most well signaled actions in the history of trade actions. ... This has been extremely well vetted and analyzed.’” Commerce Secretary Ross said on CNBC’s Closing Bell (3/8), “I don’t think what we’re doing is going to have such harmful economic consequences. The total tariff, assuming all that the steel and all the aluminum still comes in, which will not happen, some will be restricted because they won’t pay the tariff, they’ll ship it elsewhere, but if it all came through, you’re talking $9 billion a year. In an $18 or $19 trillion economy, that’s a half of one percent. So, please spare me the idea this is going to be massively destructive to our economy.” Humorous Exchange Between Trump, Local Union Leader Recounted. Politico (3/8, Lima) reports the President “turned over the mic to several workers from the industry who were invited to the meeting in the West Wing.” Scott Sauritch, “leader of the Steelworkers 2227 local union in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, told the president and assembled reporters that his father, Herman, a former worker in the steel industry, once lost his job due to increased imports.” Trump replied, “Your father, Herman, he’s looking down, and he’s very proud of you right now.” After Sauritch responded, “Oh, he’s still alive,” the room “burst into laughter,” and Trump quipped, “Then he’s even more proud of you.” Stocks Closed Higher. The Detroit Free Press (3/8, Spangler, Howard) reports that “the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which plummeted nearly 500 points initially a week ago when Trump first said he would impose the tariffs, appeared to take Thursday’s news in stride, up just over 90 points to 24,895 in afternoon trading.” Reuters (3/8, Carew) indicates “the three major US stock indexes closed higher...after...Trump appeared to soften his stance on trade tariffs, easing trade war fears that had had the market on edge for a week.” The S&P “gained 12.17 points, or 0.45 percent, to 2,738.97 and the Nasdaq Composite added 31.30 points, or 0.42 percent, to 7,427.95.” Tribune Analysis: “Hope Coming Back To Granite City.”The Chicago Tribune (3/9, Bomkamp) reports “there’s hope coming back to Granite City,” the “small Illinois steel town outside St. Louis” that “felt the bedrock shift in 2015 when one of its biggest and best-paying employers, US Steel, said it would idle its Granite City plant and cut 2,000 jobs.” This Wednesday, “the company said it will restart one of two blast furnaces — where the steelmaking process begins — next month.” Media Analyses, Industry Groups, GOP Lawmakers: Trump Tariffs Will Hurt US Economy. Most mainstream media reports echoed GOP criticism of Trump’s trade moves as unsound economic policy. The CBS Evening News (3/8, story 2, 2:00, Reid), for example, reported that “here are about 140,000 American steelworkers who could benefit from the tariffs,” but “there are 6.5 million workers in US industries that buy steel that could be harmed.” The CBS Evening News (3/8, story 4, 1:05, Schlesinger) also said US “consumers are looking at potentially higher prices,” and added that if “there are those retaliatory measures, that’s not good for FOIA001:02716064 •~-- EXT-18-2336-E-000297 growth for the economy” and “may not be very good for the stock market, which could put your 401(k) or IRA at risk.” In a report from the Oskar Blues Brewery in Langmont, CO, meanwhile, NBC Nightly News (3/8, story 2, 2:00, Almaguer) said prices are “expected to rise for products like soda cans, electronics, even cars,” and at “plants like this one, where they’re processing steel today, the impact of new tariffs is unclear, but the uncertainty could lead to downsizing, even layoffs in the near future.” PBS NewsHour (3/8, Blush), which reported “the proposal was met with near-universal opposition from economists, academics, business leaders and even some top officials in the Trump administration,” went on to offer criticism of the plan from a number of “trade experts,” who similarly argued the tariffs will lead to job losses for the overall economy. The Los Angeles Times (3/8, Lee) echoed those themes in its analysis, and went on to bemoan “the sloppy rollout, lack of details and uncertain process that lay ahead,” which “could mean that the tariff plan – like so many other Trump programs – finds itself tied up in legal challenges or congressional roadblocks.” In the lead story for the first hour of CNN’s Situation Room (3/8), Wolf Blitzer said Trump “may have just started a trade war” in a move that has “infuriated allies.” Fox News’ Special Report (3/8) showed French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian saying that the EU will “introduce countermeasures to...Trump’s very inappropriate initiative, which might prove advantageous for the United States right away, but which in the long run will harm the United States’ influence in the world.” Meanwhile, China “suggested this might be the first shot in a trade war.” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was shown saying, “In the event of a trade war, China will make a justified and necessary response.” The Columbus (OH) Dispatch (3/8, Torry) also reports that Trump’s decision “should provide a boost to Ohio’s steel industry, but is likely to lead to higher prices for trucks, cars, and machinery.” Moreover, “if the new tariffs spark a major trade war, Ohio manufacturing and agricultural exports could be hurt.” The Detroit News (3/8, Laing) reports that “in a Ford Motor Co. statement released after Thursday’s announcement, the company said, ‘Despite the fact that Ford buys the vast majority of its steel and aluminum for US production in the US, this action could result in an increase in domestic commodity prices – harming the competitiveness of American manufacturers.’” John Bozzella, CEO of the Association of Global Automakers that “represents foreign-based manufacturers, added: ‘Exemptions will not address the fundamental problems tariffs will create for US car and truck manufacturing. Increased costs will make our industry less competitive and harm American workers, consumers, and our economy.’” USA Today (3/8, Davidson) reports “Electrolux, Europe’s largest home appliance maker, has shelved a $250 million expansion of a plant in Tennessee. American automakers are forecasting rising prices,” and “the FOIA001:02716064 •------ ·~---- EXT-18-2336-E-000298 maker of Jack Daniels is warning analysts of a potential hit to earnings.” The Washington Examiner (3/8, Higgins) reports “the beer lobby on Thursday asked...Trump to include an exception for brewers when his 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports is implemented and argued that it will unnecessarily harm its industry.” Said Jim McGreevy, president of the Beer Institute, “This tariff on aluminum will hurt American breweries and beer importers that are employing Americans and producing beer, America’s most popular alcohol beverage. ... This tariff will raise costs and slow the innovation that has made our nation’s beer industry more vibrant than at any point in history.” The Albany (NY) Business Review (3/8, Diana) notes that according to a report from Deutsche Bank analyst John Inch, “General Electric Co. could be hit hard as steel and aluminum prices rise” because of the tariffs. Lynch said GE “faces two major risks, higher costs and lost business caused by trade retaliation from other countries.” In fact, the Washington Examiner (3/8, Siegel) reports, “energy industry representatives said Thursday they would be interested in applying for an exemption from...Trump’s order imposing steel and aluminum tariffs.” The Examiner adds that “before Trump made the tariffs official Thursday, a coalition of oil, natural gas and pipeline groups urged the president to allow exemptions for when businesses need steel products from overseas for energy production, processing, refining, transportation, and distribution.” Reuters (3/8) reports Speaker Ryan “said on Thursday the United States should initiate ‘surgical; actions against China to stop it from dumping steel and aluminum instead of...Trump’s broader tariff plan.” Speaking to employees of Home Depot in Atlanta, Ryan said, “I really think the best policy is to be surgical and specific. ... I’m just not a fan of broad￾based, across-the-board tariffs because I think you’ll have a lot of unintended consequences. You’ll have a lot of collateral damage.” Reuters (3/8) also reports that Senate Majority Leader McConnell “said on Thursday he was concerned about the scope” of the tariffs. Said the Kentucky senator, “Members of the Senate, myself included, are concerned about the scope of the proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum and their impact on American citizens and businesses.” Breitbart (3/8, Hanchett) reports that on CNN’s “New Day,” Sen. Ron Johnson also “stated that he opposes a general tariff, which ‘would actually harm allies, harm American consumers, by the way, harm American workers that use steel in production,’ and that no one wins trade wars.” The Washington Post (3/8, Zakaria) that “having transformed the party’s views on issues as diverse as immigration, fiscal discipline, foreign policy and law enforcement, if Trump wins the battle over trade with his party, he will have won the war” and the GOP “will be history. And given his long-demonstrated preferences in this regard, who knows — he will probably want to rename it the Trump Party.” Katie Pavlich of Townhall.com said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/8), “For Republicans who have criticized this, it’s not just that they on FOIA001:02716064 ~------ EXT-18-2336-E-000299 principle oppose these tariffs, which they do based on the history of how tariffs affect of the economy in this country. They are also doing this politically because if the tariffs do take away all of the gains from tax reform that Republicans have been able to go back to their districts and election year and tout, they can say that they were against it from the beginning, and it’s not necessarily their fault because they had that distance from the President on the issue.” Charles Lane of the Washington Post said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/8), “Economically, this is kind of an unsquareable circle. This thing can either have its effect and save those steel jobs...or it can be acceptable to our allies. It can’t really be both. What I think the President has set up here is this funny kind of lobby-o-rama in Washington where everybody and their paid hired guns in Washington are going to suddenly bombard the bureaucracy – Bob Lighthizer in particular – with their plea for some kind of a carve out in this thing.” WKBN-TV Youngstown, OH (3/8, 6:00 p.m. EST) showed Sen. Sherrod Brown saying, “I would’ve aimed at China rather than Canada. And I would’ve made the tariff higher against china – 50% more or less rather than the 25% to everybody because I think that China has been the main part of this problem.” WPost Analysis: US Allies, And Particularly Japan, FeelInsulted By Tariffs. Under the headline “US Allies See Trump’s Steel Tariffs As An Insult,” the Washington Post (3/8, Fifield, Birnbaum) highlights the effect of Trump’s announcement on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who “has cultivated a close personal relationship with his American counterpart” and “has been an enthusiastic supporter of almost everything Trump has said, especially when it comes to putting ‘maximum pressure’ on North Korea.” In addition to being “likely to be slapped with tariffs on its steel exports to the United States,” Trump added “insult to injury” by arguing the move “is rooted in national security.” The Post adds that “bewilderment, along with anger and frustration, has rippled across the capitals of US allies.” WSJournal Analysis: Navarro’s Trade Policies Are Being Realized. The Wall Street Journal (3/8, Davis) writes that President Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro, who supports Trump’s proclaimed steel and aluminum tariffs, could replace recently resigned National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn. The Journal also says Trump’s next trade moves may include sanctions on China for intellectual-property violations, which Navarro has also been pushing. The Journal provides background on Navarro’s trade policies and the resignation of Cohn. WSJournal, NYTimes, WPost, Krugman All Oppose Trump Tariffs. In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/8) denounces the tariffs as reminiscent of 1930s protectionism, which it says aggravated the Great Depression. The Journal also warns Trump that yesterday’s decision threatens to undo much of the success he has encountered on the economic front in his first year as president. FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000300 The New York Times (3/8) editorializes that “the tariffs will have little impact on China.” Rather, their “primary victims...will be American allies like the European Union and South Korea.” Trump’s “approach should worry everyone concerned about a trade war or the health of the steel and aluminum industries.” Paul Krugman, in his New York Times (3/8) column, says “trade (like racism) is an issue on which Trump has been utterly consistent over the years.” His “steel and aluminum tariffs, justified with an obviously bogus appeal to national security, clearly don’t pass” that test, “so Trump is in effect both violating US law and throwing the world trading system under the bus. And if this escalates into a full-scale trade war, we’ll be back to the bad old days.” The Washington Post (3/8) editorializes, “What’s ugliest here is Mr. Trump’s relentless and indiscriminate assault on long-standing allies, many of which, he said, ‘treat us the worst.’” While “Canada’s dependence on the US market is such that it’s possible Mr. Trump’s squeeze will have its purported intended effect of forcing Canada to give ground in the NAFTA talks,” the move will demonstrate “to the world the risks of befriending America, and of dealing openly and honestly with us, Mr. Trump’s pressure tactics could have unintended negative consequences for years to come.” Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “What Happened To Trump’s Red Line On Chemical Weapons?” The New York Times (3/8) editorializes that despite President Trump’s early action against Syria for its chemical weapons use, it has failed to deter the Assad regime from using them. In the 11 months since Trump ordered missile attacks on Syria, “there have been many such attacks, including at least six this year,” but “Trump seems less sure-footed about responding to atrocities.” Amid the most recent attacks, the Times says, “Trump remains silent.” “Donald Trump’s EmptyWords On Trade.”The New York Times (3/8) editorializes that President Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs “will have little impact on China.” Rather, their “primary victims...will be American allies like the European Union and South Korea.” Trump’s “approach should worry everyone concerned about a trade war or the health of the steel and aluminum industries.” “The Trump Administration’s Backward Attitude Toward Birth Control.” The New York Times (3/8) editorializes that the Trump Administration’s recent announcement about funding for Title X, “a major family planning program,” will “thwart” women’s progress in America. The Times cites data showing a strong correlation between wage gains and access to birth control for women, and criticize the government’s announcement that it “wants to fund ‘innovative’ services and emphasizes ‘fertility awareness’ approaches,” rather than funding “reliable” contraceptive methods such as the intrauterine device (IUD). The Times calls the Administration’s FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000301 priorities “backward and unscientific,” and argues that such decisions “will harm the health and self-determination of women, particularly the most vulnerable among them.” Washington Post. “Trump’s Belittling Of Allies Is Unworthy Of A US President.” The Washington Post (3/8) editorializes, “What’s ugliest here is Mr. Trump’s relentless and indiscriminate assault on long-standing allies, many of which, he said, ‘treat us the worst.’” While “Canada’s dependence on the US market is such that it’s possible Mr. Trump’s squeeze will have its purported intended effect of forcing Canada to give ground in the NAFTA talks,” the move will demonstrate “to the world the risks of befriending America, and of dealing openly and honestly with us, Mr. Trump’s pressure tactics could have unintended negative consequences for years to come.” “Is Putin’s Poison Squad Back In Britain?”A Washington Post (3/8) editorial says the attack on Sergei Skripal “could be a revenge assassination attempt, similar to those carried out in the past by Russia. If so, it would be another brazen crime by President Vladimir Putin that cannot be ignored.” “A Rarity For The NRA: Defeat.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/8) cites Florida lawmakers’ passage of a gun and school safety bill as proof that the “fearless student survivors of the Parkland, Fla., mass shooting are changing the debate about gun control. Proof lies in the Florida legislature’s vote for new firearms regulations and other gun￾violence prevention measures.” The Post calls their “victory over the National Rifle Association in a state that has long done the gun-rights group’s bidding...nothing short of stunning” and expresses hope that “it will embolden efforts in other states – not to mention in Congress – for stricter gun-control laws that will help protect public safety.” Wall Street Journal. “Trump’s Hoover Temptation.” In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/8) denounces President Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs as reminiscent of 1930s protectionism, which it says aggravated the Great Depression. The Journal also warns Trump that yesterday’s decision threatens to undo much of the success he has encountered on the economic front in his first year as president. “Xi Jinping’s Military Might.”The Wall Street Journal (3/8) criticizes developments in China under President Xi Jinping, including a military buildup and the stoking of nationalist sentiment, as well as his recent constitutional changes to remain president for life. The Journal describes the trends, and argues that Xi’s actions may be inviting international conflict. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000302 Wall Street Journal: Trump Agrees To Meet North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Trump Signs Metals Tariffs Sparing Some Allies Mortgage Rates At A Four-Year High Threaten To Roil Housing After Addiction Comes Families’ Second Blow: The Crushing Cost Of Rehab New York Times: Kim Offers Nuclear Talks; Trump Accepts Russia’s Greatest Problem In Syria: Its Ally, President Assad GOP Is Spending Millions To Win A Vanishing Seat Trump Signs Tariff Orders, Ignoring Allies And His Party Washington Post: From US allies, Confusion, Anger And Frustration Pushback Begins As Tariffs Are Enacted Iranian Women Daring To Doff Their Headscarves From Scorn To Payday: Dominion’s Big Play President’s Bellicosity Secures A Diplomatic Coup – For Now Financial Times: Tillerson Tells Africa That China Finance Imperils Their Sovereignty Trump Adopts Steel Tariffs But Opens Door To Exemptions Geneva Glitz Cannot Hide Angst Over Electric Cars ECB Drops Pledge To Buy More Bonds If Needed Washington Times: Trump Agrees To Meet With North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un In May Trump Spares NAFTA Partners From Tariffs On Steel, Aluminum States Rush Past Idling Congress To Enact Stricter Gun Laws Hollywood Condemns NRA While Dramatically Increasing Gun Violence In Entertainment Slovakian Journalists Pledge To Finish Slain Colleague’s Story About Political Corruption Unlikely Leader Pulls Right-Wing Fringe Party To Italy’s Political Power Center Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: Trump-Tariff Announcement; Trump-North Korea; North Carolina Police Beating; Severe Weather; Weather Forecast; Russia Probe; Florida School Shooting Investigation; UK-Poisoned Former Russian Spy; Arizona Police Collision; Missouri Police Shooting; Missing Girl Search; Mexico￾Travel Alert; Viral Penguin Video. CBS: Florida School Shooting Investigation; Trump-Tariff Announcement; Trump-North Korea; Tariff Announcement-Expert Comment; Severe Weather; Video Game-Violence; Mexico-Travel Alert; Teen Police Impostors; Spain Women’s Strike; Star Wars Celeb; South Korea-DMZ K￾FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000303 Pop. NBC: Trump-Tariff Announcement; Tariff Announcement-Public Opinions; North Carolina Police Beating; Severe Weather; Cleveland Fertility Clinic Mismanagement; Florida School Shooting Investigation; Women For Congress; Equifax Security Breach Aftermath; Mexico-Travel Alert; Flying Car For Sale; Elderly Friends; Viral Penguin Video; Hospital Patient Couple. Network TVAt A Glance: Tariff Announcement – 11 minutes, 5 seconds Florida School Shooting Investigation – 6 minutes, 45 seconds Severe Weather – 5 minutes, 50 seconds Mexico-Travel Alert – 3 minutes, 30 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Trump-North Korea Invitation; Trump-Tariff Announcement; Russian Probe; Toys R Us Liquidation; Wall Street News. CBS: Trump-North Korea Invitation; Trump-Tariff Announcement; Florida School Shooting Investigation; Severe Weather; Wall Street News. FOX: Trump-North Korea Invitation; Trump-Tariff Announcement. NPR: Trump-North Korea Invitation; Trump-Tariff Announcement; Severe Weather; Wall Street News. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — No public event scheduled. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — Delivers keynote remarks at an America First Policies “Tax Cuts to Put America First” event; participates in a campaign event for Congressman Steve Stivers of Ohio. US Senate: 12:00 PM EESI co-hosts ‘2018 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook’ briefing – ‘2018 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook’ briefing hosted by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy in coordination with the House and Senate Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucuses. Executives from BCSE member companies and analysts from Bloomberg New Energy Finance discuss questions including ‘What is the cost of energy for consumers and businesses, and how has this evolved?’, ‘Which energy technologies are the most competitive?’, ‘Are the recent changes in the U.S. energy mix structural, or temporary?’, ‘How is energy efficiency impacting U.S. economic competitiveness?’, ‘How are utilities and other companies investing in the future of U.S. energy infrastructure?’, and ‘How does the U.S. rank globally in terms of clean energy investment?’ Location: Rm 2168, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC www.eesi.org/ https://twitter.com/eesionline #eesitalk US House: 12:00 PM EESI co-hosts ‘2018 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook’ briefing – ‘2018 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook’ briefing FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000304 hosted by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy in coordination with the House and Senate Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucuses. Executives from BCSE member companies and analysts from Bloomberg New Energy Finance discuss questions including ‘What is the cost of energy for consumers and businesses, and how has this evolved?’, ‘Which energy technologies are the most competitive?’, ‘Are the recent changes in the U.S. energy mix structural, or temporary?’, ‘How is energy efficiency impacting U.S. economic competitiveness?’, ‘How are utilities and other companies investing in the future of U.S. energy infrastructure?’, and ‘How does the U.S. rank globally in terms of clean energy investment?’ Location: Rm 2168, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC www.eesi.org/ https://twitter.com/eesionline #eesitalk 12:00 PM Congressional Internet Caucus Academy event on EU General Data Protection Regulation – Congressional Internet Caucus Academy hosts ‘EU Privacy Countdown: What the GDPR Regulations Mean For Your Constituents’ event, featuring Venable partner Kelly DeMarchis Bastide, Future of Privacy Forum Communications Director Melanie Bates, Delegation of the European Union to the United States Counsellor Aymeric Dupont, R Street Institute Director of Innovation Policy Mike Godwin, and Center for Democracy & Technology Policy Counsel Joe Jerome Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2237, Washington, DC www.netcaucus.org https://twitter.com/NetCaucusAC #CICAGDPR 12:30 PM House Armed Services Committee informational session for media on the NDAA – House Armed Services Committee ‘NDAA 101’ off-the￾record informational session, designed to educate reporters about the National Defense Authorization Act, including information and tools to aid the press corps in covering the NDAA process, including an overview of how it is constructed and the process the Committee follows to pass it Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans No votes scheduled in the House of Representatives. Other: Vice President Mike Pence campaigns in Ohio for Republican Rep. Steve Stivers, who is running for re-election Location: Cleveland www.stevestivers.com https://twitter.com/stevestivers Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Jimmy Kimmel: “South Korea officials delivered a letter from Kim Jong-Un, leader of North Korea, to promise to meet with Donald Trump to halt his missile test. So the North Korea leader extended an olive branch, which is all they have to eat there.” Jimmy Kimmel: “ President Trump appreciated the briefing and said he would meet Kim Jong-Un by May. By May? He’s not still going to be FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000305 President by May. This needs to happen by Wednesday. Imagine Kim Jong￾Un meeting Donald Trump, the two worst haircuts in the world together.” Stephen Colbert: “Today, Donald Trump made good on his promise and slapped import tariffs on steel and aluminum. Our allies have already begun threatening to retaliate. The EU says they’ll respond with tariffs on whiskey and peanut butter, which means it could get a lot pricier for Europeans to enjoy a PB&Jack.” James Corden: “There’s more news out of the Russia investigation, for months the FBI has been questioning witnesses about possible collusion between the Trump Administration and Russia. And according to a new report Donald Trump has been asking the witnesses what questions came up in the interview. Trump’s basically that kid without didn’t study for a test and he’s like, ‘What did you get for number two? Same, same.’” Trevor Noah: “The point is Trump is not a fan of video games, partly because the controllers are too big and also because he believes they inspire real world violence. ... The truth is many countries around the world have figured this out. The most effective and realistic way to limit gun violence is to regulate who has access to guns. While the President is talking about video games, interestingly enough, lawmakers in Florida have sided to take action.” Seth Meyers: “The President of the United States got a restraining order against a porn star, which means we have to say goodbye to the old lowest point in American history. Goodbye, Garth Brooks’s rock and roll alter ego Chris Gaines!” Seth Meyers: “Apparently Mueller is now homing in on Erik Prince, founder of the mercenary company Blackwater and an advisor to Trump’s transition team. Specifically, Mueller is now looking at a secret meeting Prince held with a Kremlin emissary on a remote island shortly after the election. ... Wait. You’re telling me a secret meeting on a remote island in the Indian Ocean between a mercenary and an agent of the Kremlin turned out to be suspicious? Where was the meeting? Inside a volcano the shape of a skull?” Conan O’Brien: “There’s an attempt to silence porn star Stormy Daniels by President Trump’s lawyer. kind of sad that, in that sentence, the most FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000306 degrading job mentioned was President Trump’s lawyer.” Conan O’Brien: “President Trump is planning on meeting about violence with the heads of the video game industry. However, some people worry that it’s just a trap so that Trump can deport the Mario brothers.” Jordan Klepper: “Not obstruction for Trump to ask if the people investigating him were nice. He probably wanted to see if he should send Mueller a thank you gift like flowers or veiled threats or a pink slip. This wasn’t witness tampering. It’s just office small talk. Not Trump’s fault that the FBI wants to interrogate everyone who works for him. He’s just chatting.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02716064 EXT-18-2336-E-000307 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-12T07:45:52-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Monday, March 12, 2018 Received: 2018-03-12T07:46:01-04:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 12, 2018 at 6:00:25 AM EDT To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Monday, March 12, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2018 6:00 AM EDT Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Associated Press: Zinke Signs Historic Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement. • Missoulian (MT): Zinke Seeks Quick Restoration Of Sperry Chalet. • CNN: White House Scolds Cabinet Officials After Embarrassing Ethics Reports. • New York Times: In Decline, Offshore Drillers Find A Champion In The Trump Administration. • Reuters: New York Governor Requests To Exclude State From Offshore Drilling Program. • E&E Publishing: Research Lacking On Fair Return From Reduced Royalty Rate. • Reuters: U.S. Miners Seek Reversal Of Uranium Mining Ban Near Grand Canyon. • Reno (NV) Gazette-Journal: Trump Administration Opens Millions Of Acres Of California Desert To Mining. • The Guardian (UK): Trump Official Under Fire After Granting Broad Access To Mining And Oil Firms. • Huffington Post: Interior Officials Are Citing Coal Execs And Crank Bloggers To Defend Climate Stances. • Western Journal: Gov’t Worker Stole 35 Sick Days Using Horrible Excuse, Then Feds Refuse To Prosecute. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School Project Behind Schedule: New High School To Be Ready By 2018-19 School Year. • Ponca Tribe Advances Casino Plans Amid Legal Dispute. • 100 Years Documentary On Elouise Cobell Coming To PBS. (b)(6) FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000308 Bureau Of Land Management • Washington Post: Almost 100,000 Comments Missing From Federal Sage Grouse Conservation Report. • Denver Post: Federal Plan To Auction Mineral Rights Near Great Sands Dunes National Park Opposed. • Nevada Independent: As Feds Withhold Money For Prison-based Program, Nevada BLM Looking To More Expensive Options For Sagebrush Restoration. • Associated Press: Nails Removed From Popular E. Idaho Off-Road Recreation Area. • Taos (NM) News: Taos BLM Office Gets 2-Month Leader. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management • Offshore Drilling Worth $590 Billion In Economic Boom, Oil Industry Says. • Outlook Mixed As Federal Government Prepares For Gulf Offshore Oil Auction, Billed As Largest In History. • Oil Drilling Could Hurt Florida Economy, Environmental Report Says. Bureau Of Reclamation • BuRec Competition Targets Water Pipeline Performance Improvement. • Klamath Basin Bracing For Drought. • Concerns About High Water Releases From Yellowtail Dam Into Bighorn River Prompt Meeting. Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement • Interior Department-funded Study Calls For Standards For Offshore Drilling Equipment. • Burial Of Subsea Well Led To Oil Spill. Fish And Wildlife Service • Panama City (FL) News Herald: Dunn Pushes To Not List PC Crayfish. • Miami Herald: Florida And U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service Resolve Stand-off Over Everglades Refuge. • North Jersey (NJ) Media Group: Feds Seek Compensation For Impact Of DuPont Pollution In Pompton Lakes. • Associated Press: Montana Mining Companies Work To Avoid Another Geese Die￾Off. • USA Today: Bitter Florida Cold Contributes To 166 Manatee Deaths This Year, A Record Pace. National Park Service • Bangor (ME) Daily News: Conservation Group On Trump National Parks Fix Plan: Show Us The Money. • New York Daily News: Advocacy Group Requests Details On ‘Talent Show’ Pushing Florida Shooting Survivors’ Rally Out Of National Mall. • CNBC: A Look Inside St. Louis Gateway Arch’s $380 Million Makeover. • Peoria (IL) Journal Star: Morton Business Building Chimes For Flight 93 Memorial Tower. • Associated Press: More Than 550 Yellowstone Bison Removed So Far This Winter. FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000309 • Associated Press: National Park Service Sets Meeting On Climbing Rules. • Daily Inter Lake (MT): Glacier Park Superintendent Honored By Public Lands Alliance. • Associated Press: Preservation Group Acquires Chacoan-Era Site In New Mexico. Insular And International Affairs • Interior Announces $460,900 For Prior Service Trust Fund. • High Schools, Middle Schools Learn Conservation. • EU Set To Add Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands To Tax Haven Blacklist. Opinion Pieces • Get The New U.S. Policy On Elephant Trophies Exactly Right. • Gasson: Interior Sec. Zinke Should Honor The Deal On Sage Grouse. • Americans Won’t Stand For Attacks On Public Lands. • Additional Reading. Top National News • CBS: Administration: No Concessions To North Korea In Exchange For Talks. • Reuters: White House Says US Is Seeking “Concrete Actions” From North Korea Before Trump-Kim Summit. • New York Times: Trump Stumps For Saccone In Pennsylvania. • Reuters: Five Cabinet Secretaries To Testify Before Senate Committee To Promote Infrastructure Plan. • Wall Street Journal: Labor Department: US Added 313,000 Jobs In February. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “‘Never Again’ Holocaust Museum Tells Burmese Leader.” • Washington Post. - “The US Separates A Mother And Daughter Fleeing Violence In Congo.” - “There’s A Smart Way To Pay For Infrastructure. Trump Can Tell Congress How.” - “Erodgan Is Transforming Turkey Into A Totalitarian Prison.” • Wall Street Journal. - “Cures Welcome At FDA.” - “A Not So Liddell Problem.” - “A Political Speech Crackdown.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Zinke Signs Historic Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement. The AP (3/9) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has “transferred FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000310 the first $800,000 of what is expected to be $470 million agreement for water-related projects on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.” The funds are “part of a compact that quantifies the tribe’s water rights and confirms its jurisdiction over those rights on the reservation.” Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Chairman Harry Barnes “told Zinke that the compact will have a tremendous impact on the Blackfeet people for years to come.” The Missoulian (MT) (3/9, Byron) reports that “Zinke noted that Friday’s signing was the culmination of many years of work.” He said, “We started this even before I was a state senator. Then, they were battling in the halls of Congress, and now, as Secretary of the Interior, it is nice to see progress being done.” Zinke added, “There are treaty obligations Interior will honor, and this represents that great beginning.” Additional coverage was provided by KTVH-TV Helena, MT (3/9). Local TV coverage was provided by KBZK-TV Butte, MT (3/9). Zinke Seeks Quick Restoration Of Sperry Chalet. The Missoulian (MT) (3/10, Byron) reports that “rebuilding Sperry Chalet ‘as expeditiously as they can,’ under budget and ahead of schedule, is a commitment made by Secretary of State Ryan Zinke Saturday after a meeting with Glacier Superintendent Jeff Mow and Doug Mitchell, executive director of Glacier National Park Conservancy.” During a press conference Saturday, “Zinke said public comments overwhelmingly support rebuilding the popular backcountry chalet’s dormitory, burned in last summer’s Sprague Fire, as close as possible to its original state while making some upgrades.” Zinke “proposes using a mix of public and private dollars to complete the work, adding that he is prepared to commit “whatever it takes” in federal funding to restore the structure.” The Daily Inter Lake (MT) (3/10, Reilly) reports that Zinke said that “all of us are committed to rebuild her better than what it was before, and we’re going to do it under budget, ahead of schedule.” Local TV coverage was provided by KECI-TV Missoula, MT (3/10). White House Scolds Cabinet Officials After Embarrassing Ethics Reports. The White House last month held private meetings with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt “to scold them for embarrassing stories about questionable ethical behavior at their respective agencies, sources familiar with the sessions tell” CNN (3/9, Alesci), which reports “the meetings, held at chief of staff John Kelly’s request, were intended to provide ‘a clear message that optics matter,’ the sources said.” Spokespeople for the agencies either denied the report or refused to comment. Additional coverage was provided by the Washington Examiner (3/10, Quinn). FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000311 Democrat Mocks Zinke’s $139K Doors By Asking For Game Of Thrones Office Remodel. The Hill (3/9, Bowden) reports that Rep. Ted Lieu “mocked Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke late Thursday night over reports that the Trump Cabinet secretary spent $139,000 of taxpayer money upgrading the doors to his office.” In a tweet, Lieu asked House Speaker Paul Ryan “for his own ‘Game of Thrones’-style office upgrades, before remarking that he was joking as Lieu is not a member of Trump’s Cabinet.” NBC Nightly News (3/9, story 6, 2:05, Holt) reported a spokesperson insists the doors are “part of the decade-long modernization” of the office, and “was requested by career facilities and security officials.” Also reporting are USA Today (3/9, Jansen), USA Today (3/9), Business Insider (3/9, Weiss), CNBC (3/9, Jansen), Newsweek (3/9, Lanktree), and Vice (3/9, Lubben). Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Accused Of Mixing Politics With Government Business. USA Today (3/11, Collins) reports that government watchdog groups and two congressional Democrats say Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s recent visit to “a small Pennsylvania town bearing a huge ceremonial check and the promise of millions of dollars to clean up abandoned coal mine lands” seemed “designed to benefit the GOP candidate in a special congressional election that Republicans are in danger of losing on Tuesday.” The trip, critics say, “appears to be part of a pattern in which Zinke mixes politics with his official business as a cabinet secretary.” Democratic Reps. Raul Grijalva and Donald McEachin have written “to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and asked for an investigation into whether Zinke’s trip was a violation of the Hatch Act.” In Decline, Offshore Drillers Find A Champion In The Trump Administration. In a more than 4,500-word front-page article, the New York Times (3/10, A1, Lipton) concedes “attention has been focused on President Trump’s disputed decision in January to reverse drilling restrictions in nearly all United States coastal waters,” but the Administration is also seeking to reverse “Obama-era regulations in the Gulf.” According to the Times, “those rules include safety measures put in place after the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon rig in 2010, a disaster that killed 11 people and resulted in the largest marine oil spill in drilling history.” The Times adds that Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Director Scott Angelle has been an “enthusiastic ally” to “smaller oil and gas companies, many backed by Wall Street and private equity firms,” which are lobbying for the changes. An analysis of federal inspection data revealed several of them “had been cited for workplace safety violations in recent years at a rate much higher than the industry average.” Oil Industry Falls Out Of Love With Trump. Politico (3/10, Lefebvre, Wolff) reports “the administration’s 25 percent steel tariff, hostility toward NAFTA and fumbled efforts to lift restrictions on drilling are worrying [energy] executives, who have praised the president’s war on regulations FOIA001:02716072 ---- ■ EXT-18-2336-E-000312 but loathe uncertainty and nationalistic trade policies.” According to Politico, the tariff “was a source of angst at a major energy industry conference this week in Houston,” so Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke visited the conference in a bid “to calm the sector’s nerves” as they “reiterated the administration’s support for higher oil and gas production.” However, Politico says Perry “roiled the energy world late last year with a now-jettisoned plan to prop up struggling coal￾fired and nuclear power plants” while “Zinke’s shifting plans on opening federal waters for drilling, controversial moves to shrink the size of national monuments and attempts to ease restrictions on land use in Western states have drawn sharp legal challenges – making companies wary of venturing into new areas.” New York Governor Requests To Exclude State From Offshore Drilling Program. Reuters (3/9, Nair, Kumar, Kearney) reports New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Friday that he has asked the Department of the Interior to exclude New York from the agency’s Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, citing concerns over environmental impact and the need to move towards cleaner energy sources. Cuomo stated that New York, “as the number three ocean economy in the nation...stands to lose nearly 320,000 jobs and billions of dollars generated through tourism and fishing industries should the exclusion not be granted.” The Hill (3/9, Green) reports Cuomo stated, “Offshore drilling is a really really dumb idea. That’s my professional comment. ... Now instead of protecting our waters from another oil spill like the one that devastated the Gulf, this new federal plan only increases the chances of another disaster taking place.” He “said the plan would move the country ‘backwards’ in only negative ways.” The Washington Examiner (3/9, Siegel) reports New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said, “The Trump administration’s plan to turn over New York’s coast to Big Oil threatens our environment and our economy, and I stand ready to use the full power of my office to fight back if the administration won’t listen to New Yorkers’ opposition. ... The Trump administration must follow the law and eliminate New York’s coastal waters from its senseless and dangerous drilling plan. If the administration refuses, I will act to ensure our state’s economy, environment, and natural resources are protected.” The AP (3/9) reports former Vice President Al Gore was present at the event where Cuomo made the announcement. Additional coverage was provided by Crain’s New York Business (3/9, Bredderman). Research Lacking On Fair Return From Reduced Royalty Rate. E&E Publishing (3/8, King) reports the Interior Department’s royalty committee that recently recommended lowering royalty rates for FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000313 deepwater tracts “leaned heavily on research produced close to a decade ago.” The committee referenced “three studies in its defense of a reduction. Two were published during the Obama administration and one was released in January.” BOEM acting Director Walter Cruickshank said, “From what I’ve seen from the Royalty Policy Committee, their recommendations were not the result of that kind of rigorous analysis.” The oldest report was published in 2009 and “investigated the ‘offsetting’ effect of raising and lowering royalty rates.” The most recent report, published by Wood Mackenzie and referenced by the committee, said, “What is still especially relevant to move projects forward in deepwater [Gulf of Mexico] are potential policy incentives specific to these ultra-high￾pressure developments.” The report’s author, William Turner, suggested “he had recommended targeted stimulus – not blanket incentives for operations across the Gulf.” Turner said, “When I saw that I was a little shocked.” U.S. Miners Seek Reversal Of Uranium Mining Ban Near Grand Canyon. Reuters (3/10, Gardner) reports that the National Mining Association (NMA) and the American Exploration and Mining Association filed petitions with the Supreme Court last Friday “asking the court to reverse the Obama administration’s 2012 ban on new uranium mining claims on more than 1 million acres of public land adjacent to the canyon.” NMA Spokesman Luke Popovich is quoted saying, “There is scant evidence that uranium mining outside the park boundaries poses any threat to either the environment or visitor experience.” Additional coverage was provided by the AP (3/9) and The Guardian (UK) (3/10, Walters, Agencies). Trump Administration Opens Millions Of Acres Of California Desert To Mining. The Reno (NV) Gazette-Journal (3/11, Roth) reports that the Interior Department said last week “it would allow mining on 1.3 million acres, or more than 2,000 square miles, across the California desert, reversing an Obama-era effort to protect those lands.” The decision follows the an announcement “that it would reconsider an Obama-era plan to protect millions of acres of public land in the California desert.” Conservationists see Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s “decision to allow mining on some of those lands as a sign the Trump administration may unwind the entire desert plan, throwing the future of the region’s treasured landscapes and fragile ecosystems into doubt.” Additional coverage was provided by KQED-FM San Francisco (3/10, Guerin). Trump Official Under Fire After Granting Broad Access To Mining And Oil Firms. FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000314 The Guardian (UK) (3/9, Tobias) reports that “a key Trump administration official scheduled roughly twice as many meetings with mining and fossil￾fuel representatives as with environmental groups, public records requests have revealed.” Furthermore, “some of the firms she met later benefited directly from administration decisions that weakened wilderness and wildlife protections.” According to the article, “the official work calendar” of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s senior adviser Kathleen Benedetto “indicates the remarkable access that the extractive industries have to the Trump administration.” Interior Officials Are Citing Coal Execs And Crank Bloggers To Defend Climate Stances. The Huffington Post (3/9, Kaufman, D'Angelo) reports that top officials at the Interior Department “cited former coal executives and crank bloggers to challenge the overwhelming evidence of the threat posed by man-made climate change, according to department emails released through a Freedom of Information Act request by former Interior scientist Joel Clement.” On Sept. 26, Indur Goklany, a science and technology policy analyst at the Interior Department, “cited a study briefing from a group called CO2Science, highlighting a selective finding that some plankton communities may benefit from increased levels of carbon dioxide, which causes the oceans to acidify.” CO2Science is “the shortened nickname for the Arizona-based Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change, an oil-funded think tank run by former Peabody Energy executive Craig Idso.” Additional coverage was provided by The Hill (3/10, Thomsen) and the Washington Post (3/9, Eilperin, Grandoni). Gov’t Worker Stole 35 Sick Days Using Horrible Excuse, Then Feds Refuse To Prosecute. The Western Journal (3/11, Bastasch) reports that “an Interior Department employee lied about having cancer and used forged doctors’ notes to get 256 hours of sick leave, according to an inspector general report.” The Interior Department’s Office of Inspector General “confirmed the employee ‘lied about her cancer diagnosis, forged medical records, falsified documents, and abused her own sick leave and leave donated by coworkers.’” According to the article, “the unnamed female employee, who worked in the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (OST), left the Interior Department before investigators could issue a report.” Bureau Of Indian Affairs Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School Project Behind Schedule: New High School To Be Ready By 2018-19 School Year. The Bemidji (MN) Pioneer (3/9, Bowen) reports that “Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig school and the Bureau of Indian Affairs were on track to replace a shoddy, subpar high school building with a new one built in sections by Arizona￾FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000315 based Modular Solutions, which started the project last spring.” That plan had a planned completion date “in late fall or early winter 2017.” However, “that construction is now months behind schedule, according to interviews with school and bureau staffers.” Superintendent Mary Trapp said, “When we have the completion date from BIA, then we will know for sure when we can start transferring staff and furniture into the building. We expect students will enter in September into the new building and have classes that first week in the new building.” Ponca Tribe Advances Casino Plans Amid Legal Dispute. The AP (3/10, Hendee) reports that “the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska continues to edge toward plans to open a casino in Carter Lake, despite a legal challenge from the City of Council Bluffs.” Larry Wright Jr., chairman of the tribe, “said tribal leaders are working behind the scenes to keep tribal members informed of proposed casino details.” According to the article, “after a decade of lawsuits, appeals and legal reviews, the National Indian Gaming Commission said in November that the tribe can put a casino on 5 acres of land it owns in Carter Lake.” However, “in December, Council Bluffs City Attorney Richard Wade filed a complaint in U.S. District Court seeking a ruling that the tribe does not qualify to use its Carter Lake property for a casino.” 100 Years Documentary On Elouise Cobell Coming To PBS. Indian Country (3/10, Schilling) reports that “the award-winning documentary 100 Years is coming to PBS’: America Reframed on March 13th.” The documentary is “based on the story of Elouise Cobell (Blackfeet) who fought a 30-year battle against the U.S. Government for its gross mismanagement of funds impacting more than 300,000 Native individuals.” Bureau Of Land Management Almost 100,000 Comments Missing From Federal Sage Grouse Conservation Report. The Washington Post (3/9, Grandoni) reports that environmentalists say that “roughly 267,000 individuals submitted comments to the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management at the behest of about 20 environmental groups” on proposed changes to the conservation plan to protect the greater sage grouse. However, the Bureau of Land Management “tallied far fewer comments received for its ‘scoping’ report: About 170,000 individuals submitted comments, according to a memorandum by David Bernhardt, the No. 2 top official at the department, sent to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.” The discrepancy left green groups “scrambling to figure out why their comments did not show up in the public record.” Phil Hanceford, conservation director of the Wilderness Society, called the missing comments “a glaring reminder that BLM has some pretty serious transparency issues.” FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000316 The Casper (WY) Star-Tribune (3/11, Richards) reports that “the Bureau of Land Management confirmed claims from environmental groups that many of their public comments were not included in a recent report on federal plans to revise sage grouse management in the West.” The BLM “couldn’t confirm the number of missing submissions, but said it was looking into the source of the mistake.” Don Smurthwaite, spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management, said, “Apparently, they were never received by BLM and that’s why they did not show up in the final scoping report. Just how many we’re missing is unknown. You can’t count what you didn’t receive.” Federal Plan To Auction Mineral Rights Near Great Sands Dunes National Park Opposed. The Denver Post (3/9, Osher) reports that environmentalists are opposing the Bureau of Land Management’s plans “to auction off mineral rights on 18,000 acres near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to oil and gas drillers.” They claim “drilling on those parcels will disrupt fragile ecosystems, harm tourism and put wildlife species at risk.” The BLM on March 22 will release an environmental assessment of the proposal and a 15-day public comment period will then open. As Feds Withhold Money For Prison-based Program, Nevada BLM Looking To More Expensive Options For Sagebrush Restoration. The Nevada Independent (3/11, Rindels) reports that “Nevada BLM offices expect to scale back their plans to replant sagebrush in fire-damaged land as federal funding to grow seedlings in prisons is held up without clear explanation.” A BLM Nevada spokesman “said Thursday that the Carson, Winnemucca and Elko districts had projects lined up in expectation of receiving 300,000 plants this fall from the Sagebrush in Prisons program, run by the Oregon-based Institute for Applied Ecology.” However, “the $250,000 the program was expecting from the federal government to has not been released, forcing the institute to scramble for private donations and grant funding.” Nails Removed From Popular E. Idaho Off-Road Recreation Area. The AP (3/10) reports that “more than 60 pounds of nails have been removed from a popular off-road recreation area in eastern Idaho.” According to Bureau of Land Management Recreation Planner Ben Cisna, “the thousands of nails came from pallet burning and other illegal activities at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes.” Taos BLM Office Gets 2-Month Leader. The Taos (NM) News (3/9, Hooks) reports that Pamela Mathis has been “given a 60-day assignment” as the acting field manager of the Taos Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management Mathis is “part of a team to make the BLM’s internal database of the most up-to-date policies and FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000317 procedures more user-friendly and searchable.” Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management Offshore Drilling Worth $590 Billion In Economic Boom, Oil Industry Says. The Washington Examiner (3/9, Siegel) reports that “the oil and natural gas industry on Friday urged Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to maintain his offshore drilling plan and open up federal waters from coast to coast, saying it would bring in almost $600 billion for the economy.” The American Petroleum Institute “released four studies commissioned by the oil industry that found the offshore drilling proposal could contribute up to $590 billion to the U.S. economy within two decades.” Erik Milito, API’s director of upstream and industry operations, said, “Our offshore is the backbone of oil and gas production. For us to maintain that, we need to explore and develop resources from new areas.” Outlook Mixed As Federal Government Prepares For Gulf Offshore Oil Auction, Billed As Largest In History. The Baton Rouge (LA) Advocate (3/10, Stole) reports large “swaths of the Gulf of Mexico will go on the auction block for offshore oil and gas drilling in less than two weeks,” but “the 77-million-acre sale,” called “the largest in the country’s history, may not shake off the offshore oil industry’s three￾year slump.” Oil industry analysts believe that “with oil prices hanging below the $65-per-barrel mark and plenty of appealing prospects in the shale fields of Texas and the Dakotas...interest in this round of lease sales won’t differ dramatically from a similar auction in August that yielded disappointing results.” The Advocate adds that in an attempt to “juice interest from oil companies in new offshore drilling ventures, the Trump administration cut the royalty rate the federal government will charge on some of the shallow-water tracts to 12.5 percent for both the August and upcoming March 21 sales.” Oil Drilling Could Hurt Florida Economy, Environmental Report Says. Florida Today (3/8, Waymer) reports that an economic analysis from the nonprofit Oceana claims that “oil drilling along Florida’s coast could put at risk almost 610,000 jobs and $37.4 billion in economic activity.” The report was countered by industry officials like American Petroleum Institute spokeswoman Cornelia Horner, who said, “It’s important for economic studies to be peer-reviewed and based on science and factual data.” Horner said that energy exploration and development has co-existed alongside commercial fishing, seafood processors, tourism, and military activities for decades in the Gulf of Mexico, and that “in many cases energy development has stimulated and bolstered investments, increased higher￾paying jobs, and supported retail and tourism in coastal towns along the Gulf.” Based on historical data, Horner concluded more drilling would likely “encourage economic growth, spur manufacturing and investment, create FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000318 thousands of additional U.S. jobs, and strengthen our national security.” Bureau Of Reclamation BuRec Competition Targets Water Pipeline Performance Improvement. The Concrete Products (3/9) reports that “with a purse up to $75,000 divided among five finalists, the Bureau of Reclamation has launched a two￾stage competition seeking innovative methods to detect leaks and flaws in buried pipelines – primarily 48-in. and larger prestressed concrete cylinder or steel pipe – that convey water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses.” The competition will “consist of a theoretical challenge requiring a written proposal, followed by proof-of-concept in a laboratory-scale demonstration.” Klamath Basin Bracing For Drought. KOBI-TV Medford, OR (3/9, Ahrens) reports that “over 150 irrigators met at the Klamath County Fairgrounds Friday afternoon to hear from federal officials about the upcoming water year.” Rep. Greg Walden “announced at a separate meeting that he’s seeking disaster assistance as part of a short term solution.” He said, “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get funding and new authority in place to help for both groundwater pumping, and for other measures to get us through this drought.” Additional coverage was provided by the Klamath Falls (OR) Herald And News (3/11, Dillemuth) and the Klamath Falls (OR) Herald And News (3/9, Dillemuth). Concerns About High Water Releases From Yellowtail Dam Into Bighorn River Prompt Meeting. The Helena (MT) Independent Record (3/9, French) reports that “concerns about high water releases from Yellowtail Dam into the Bighorn River has prompted the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission to hold a teleconference meeting on Monday, March 12, at 1 p.m.” Commissioner Shane Colton “called for the meeting to ask the group to endorse a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the dam, asking officials to make adjustments to water releases now to avoid larger, damaging flows later that scour the banks and displace fish at an important trout fishing destination.” Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement Interior Department-funded Study Calls For Standards For Offshore Drilling Equipment. The Washington Examiner (3/9, Siciliano) reports an Interior Department￾funded report “is recommending that the agency work closely with the oil industry to establish standards to prevent spills from bolt failures on undersea safety equipment used in deepwater drilling.” The report, which FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000319 was issued on Friday by the National Academies of Sciences, “rais[es] concerns about the potential for oil spills that could result from bolt failures on such equipment as blowout preventers.” A summary of the report said, “No major oil spills have resulted from the failure of a bolt or fastener, but there have been minor oil releases and near misses caused by unexpected bolt failures.” Additional coverage was provided by Marine Link (3/10, Fonseca). Burial Of Subsea Well Led To Oil Spill. Maritime Executive (3/9) reported the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement “released its final report on the 2016 leak at Shell’s Glider field in the Gulf of Mexico” and concluded that the spill “resulted from a fracture in a load limiting joint on the field’s well #4 jumper.” The fracture was caused by “forces resulting from the burial of the jumper, which added stresses that were not accounted for in its original design.” In the future, the BSEE recommended “that operator training should be improved, and that regulators should be notified of environmental changes that affect subsea production systems (for example, when jumpers are buried by drilling activity).” The BSEE also “called for technical research into improved methods of subsea leak detection.” Fish And Wildlife Service Dunn Pushes To Not List PC Crayfish. The Panama City (FL) News Herald (3/11, Landeck) reports that “claiming the the threat to the Panama City crayfish has been ‘grossly overstated,’ Congressman Neal Dunn has added his voice to those opposing listing the crustacean under the Endangered Species Act.” In a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on March 1, “Dunn asked him to prevent the crayfish – which is found only in Bay County – from being listed.” Dunn “questioned the supporting science used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.” He wrote, “Working under threat of further litigation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) hastily proposed a rule that erroneously used survey data on the presence of crayfish at a particular location as a substitute for scientific assessment of population size.” Florida And U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service Resolve Stand-off Over Everglades Refuge. The Miami Herald (3/9, Staletovich) reports that “over the last month, the South Florida Water Management District and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, frequently at odds over protecting endangered species and water management, solved two thorny problems: a land swap the district needed to expand a marsh to clean water and and standoff over the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.” On Thursday, the district “agreed to renew a 20- year refuge lease after finalizing the land swap, ending the two-year old dispute.” The article notes that “the refuge lease hinges on the Service’s efforts to control the fern and other invasive plants rather than FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000320 performance measures included in the former lease.” It adds that “for every year the Service spends above a minimum $1.25 million, the lease gets extended a year.” However, “if spending falls short, a year is subtracted, meaning the lease could end after 10 years.” Feds Seek Compensation For Impact Of DuPont Pollution In Pompton Lakes. The North Jersey (NJ) Media Group (3/9, O'Neill) reports that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is “trying to put a financial price tag on the damage DuPont pollution has caused to fish, birds, animals and plants in Pompton Lakes, an effort that began three years ago to determine how badly those natural resources have been affected.” Melissa Foster, a Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, said, “We’ve mostly been taking biological samples of fish, birds and invertebrates, looking mostly at organisms living in or adjacent to the water.” Once the FWS “finishes analyzing the data it has collected, it will develop an assessment plan that outlines the agency’s next steps, including any studies to answer specific questions about the damage, Foster said.” Montana Mining Companies Work To Avoid Another Geese Die-Off. The AP (3/11) reports that “mining companies hope to prevent another massive die-off of geese in the polluted waters of an old open-pit copper mine in Montana.” Bird experts are concerned “that with the annual northward migration of geese underway, birds might again be tempted to rest in the water in Berkeley Pit in Butte.” The article notes that “in November 2016, an estimated 3,000 snow geese died when they landed in the acidic, metal-laden water.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “determined they were killed by severe internal tissue damage that appeared to have been caused by a corrosive substance.” Bitter Florida Cold Contributes To 166 Manatee Deaths This Year, A Record Pace. USA Today (3/10, Waymer, Today) reports that “Florida is on pace for another cold, harsh record year for manatee deaths, according to an environmental watchdog group.” According to state data through March 2, “already, 166 manatees have died statewide.” Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility Executive Director Jeff Ruch said, “Florida’s manatees are one big freeze away from an ecological disaster and need more, not less, protection.” National Park Service Conservation Group On Trump National Parks Fix Plan: Show Us The Money. The Bangor (ME) Daily News (3/11, Sambides) reports that the National Parks Conservation Association “wants to know where the money that a FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000321 bipartisan U.S. Senate coalition, including Maine Sen. Angus King, proposes to use to eliminate an $11.93 billion National Park Service maintenance deficit will originate.” The organization is “waiting for details on how the initiative unveiled last week will generate as much as $18 billion to eliminate the maintenance backlog at national parks, spokeswoman Emily Douce said.” According to Douce, “the association is concerned that Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s pledge to increase energy production on federal lands will bleed into the revenue created for the restoration fund.” Advocacy Group Requests Details On ‘Talent Show’ Pushing Florida Shooting Survivors’ Rally Out Of National Mall. The New York Daily News (3/9, Slattery) reports that “advocates want the National Parks Service to cough up more information on the mysterious ‘talent show’ forcing a planned rally against mass shootings to relocate.” The non-profit group Public Citizen has “filed a Freedom of Information Act request asking for details about the group blocking the student-led effort from the National Mall.” The New York Daily News (3/9, Cerullo) reports that “Public Citizen requested the complete, unredacted permit application for the student ‘talent show’ that is set to take place on the National Mall on March 25, with a rain date of March 24 – the same day as the march.” The group “also requests correspondence between the National Park Service and the mystery group concerning the conflicting event.” A Look Inside St. Louis Gateway Arch’s $380 Million Makeover. CNBC (3/8, Baskas) reports that “on July 3, the new museum at St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch will open.” According to the article, “after $380 million worth of upgrades, the park land around the monument and the underground museum below it are being readied for visitors.” City officials foresee a significant increase in attendance at Gateway Arch National Park “once the museum and visitor center re-open.” Morton Business Building Chimes For Flight 93 Memorial Tower. The Peoria (IL) Journal Star (3/11, Stein) reports that a company is manufacturing 40 wind chimes for the Tower of Voices monument, which “will tower over the entrance to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County, Pa.” Steve Clark, superintendent of the Flight 93 memorial, said, “There are no other chime structures like (the Tower of Voices) in the world.” The 40 wind chimes Fugate Inc. is “building represent the 40 passengers and crew members who fought with terrorists who hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, with the intention of crashing the plane into the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.” More Than 550 Yellowstone Bison Removed So Far This Winter. The AP (3/11) reports that “wildlife officials say more than 550 Yellowstone National Park bison have been removed so far this winter in the annual FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000322 program to limit the herd size.” As of Sunday, “328 animals have been shipped to slaughter and hunters have killed 234.” According to the article, “this year’s goal is to remove 600 to 900 bison.” Additional coverage was provided by the Bozeman (MT) Daily Chronicle (3/11, Wright). National Park Service Sets Meeting On Climbing Rules. The AP (3/12) reports that the National Park Service has set a meeting for Friday “on rules for climbing activities at New River Gorge National River and Gauley River National Recreation Area.” Glacier Park Superintendent Honored By Public Lands Alliance. The Daily Inter Lake (MT) (3/11) reports that Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow has “received an award for outstanding stewardship of public lands.” The Public Lands Alliance’s Agency Leadership Award “recognizes a public land management agency employee for outstanding accomplishments in championing, cultivating and leading partnerships.” In a press release, the Glacier National Park Conservancy commended Mow for placing “an emphasis on the importance of community and nonprofit partner collaboration in the face of increasing park visitation, invasive species, dwindling budgets and climate change.” Preservation Group Acquires Chacoan-Era Site In New Mexico. The AP (3/11) reports that “a national nonprofit that focuses on the preservation of archaeological sites is ensuring that property in northwestern New Mexico is believed to be part of the system that once linked Chaco Canyon’s ancient civilization remains intact.” The site, “located above Aztec Ruins National Monument, was donated to the Archaeological Conservancy by Charley and Kim Dein and has been named the Dein Ruin.” The Archaeological Conservancy “in the past has donated preserves to be incorporated into National Park Service properties, including into Chaco Culture National Historical Park.” However, Archaeological Conservancy Southwest Regional Director Jim Walker “said there are no plans to donate the Dein Ruin to Aztec Ruins National Monument.” Insular And International Affairs Interior Announces $460,900 For Prior Service Trust Fund. Marianas Variety (3/12) reports that Interior Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs Doug Domenech has “authorized a payment of $460,900 in FY 2018 funding for the Prior Service Trust Fund or PSTF Administration which distributes benefits to former employees of the post￾World War II, U.S.-administered, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands or TTPI in the Western Pacific.” Domenech said, “The United States continues to meet its commitment to 894 former employees for their prior service FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000323 under U.S. administration in the larger Micronesia region. People in the Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau rely on these payments for themselves and their families to meet every-day, practical needs.” Additional coverage was provided by the Saipan (MNP) Tribune (3/12). High Schools, Middle Schools Learn Conservation. The Saipan (MNP) Tribune (3/12) reports that the Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance “hosted a coral reef conservation workshop this past weekend for teachers and students from various high schools and middle schools on island as part of their ‘Schools for Environmental Conservation’ program.” Participants attended workshops and “were treated to a field trip to Managaha Island to join a CNMI Snorkels event, a hands-on opportunity where they learned about the marine ecosystem while enjoying the island’s pristine waters.” The article notes that “all these activities are completely funded by MINA with support from the Coral Reef Initiative/Natural Resources Program in the Office of Insular Affairs.” EU Set To Add Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands To Tax Haven Blacklist. According to a March 8 document prepared by European Union officials and reviewed by Reuters (3/9, Guarascio), the EU is poised to add the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, and Saint Kitts and Nevis to its tax haven blacklist, bringing the total number of nations on the list to nine. EU finance ministers are expected to endorse the move on Tuesday during a regular monthly meeting. According to the document, the ministers “are also expected to delist Bahrain, the Marshall Islands and Saint Lucia,” and add the “British Virgin Islands, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda to a so￾called grey list of jurisdictions which do not respect EU anti-tax avoidance standards but have committed to change their practices.” Reuters says that “Panama’s delisting caused a particular outcry,” and EU experts’ proposed delisting of Bahrain, the Marshall Islands, and Saint Lucia “attracted criticism from anti-corruption activists who called for disclosure of the commitments made by the delisted jurisdictions.” Opinion Pieces Get The New U.S. Policy On Elephant Trophies Exactly Right. In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/9) questions “the Interior Department’s sudden re-reversal on importing elephant trophies.” A new policy of evaluating trophy hunting on a case-by-case basis “could make sense: Hunters interested in importing a trophy should have to document that they got it from a reputable reserve, no matter where it was located.” However, the Trump Administration “offered unsettlingly few details about how case-by-case decisions would be made, and it has earned no trust on conservation” Additional commentary on trophy hunting appeared in the Chicago FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000324 Tribune (3/7) and the New York Daily News (3/9, Winders). Gasson: Interior Sec. Zinke Should Honor The Deal On Sage Grouse. In an op-ed for the Casper (WY) Star-Tribune (3/10, Gasson), wildlife conservationist Walt Gasson lauds the sage grouse conservation plan as a “compromise” that was “responsible stewardship of our public lands that allowed for energy development while also taking into account the importance of wildlife and wildlife habitat.” But now, “a bunch of folks who weren’t involved in the hard work of coming up with the deal want to revisit it.” Gasson decries “the heavy hand of big government” that is “blocking the path forward” for sage grouse, “while continuing hunting, grazing and drilling on sagebrush lands.” Americans Won’t Stand For Attacks On Public Lands. In an op-ed for the Las Vegas Sun (3/11, Douglas), Fawn Douglas, a Paiute artist and Native American activist, writes that indigenous people are standing up to defend public lands from “constant” attacks. Douglas asserts that “any elected official who claims to value indigenous people must listen and respect what we are asking for: for these special places to be preserved.” Additional Reading. • Secretary OfInterior Zinke Attacks America’s Wilderness. Juneau (AK) Empire (3/9, Proescholdt). • Secretary Zinke, What About Us? Santa Rosa (CA) Press Democrat (3/10). • Finding Common Ground: Lessons OfThe Roan. Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel (3/11, Bloodworth). • Editorial-drilling-ban-trump-Florida. Pensacola (FL) News Journal (3/10). • Panhandle AtRisk For BP-style Blowout: Guestview. Pensacola (FL) News Journal (3/11, Graham, Beinecke). • Offshore Oil Drilling Threatens Our Coastal Economies And Military Operations. The Voice Of San Diego (3/9, West) • Moving BLM OutWest A Good Idea. Coos Bay (OR) World (3/9). • Commentary: The Freedom OfInformation Act Is The Speedometer On Your Car; Not The Cop Writing Tickets. Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (3/11). • Editorial: Public Records, Meetings Laws Protect Us All. Medford (OR) Mail Tribune (3/11). • Chaco Landscape A Powerful Union OfLand And Sky, Zinke Defers Leases But Threats Remains. Durango (CO) Herald (3/9). • Progress On Access. Montrose (CO) Press (3/11, Davis). • Nicolas Loris: RECLAIM ActWill Do Little For Coal Communities. Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch (3/11, Loris). • Don’tLet The Federal GovernmentRegulate Village EFF Crews Out Of Existence. Fairbanks (AK) News-Miner (3/12, Simon). FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000325 • Time For Hawaii’s People To Act Locally. Kaua’i (HI) Garden Island News (3/11, Kulik). Top National News Administration: No Concessions To North Korea In Exchange For Talks. In its lead story Sunday night, the CBS Weekend News (3/11, lead story, 2:10, Quijano) reported President Trump “had a lot to say this weekend in a steady flow of tweets and a Saturday night speech, nearly 75 minutes long, most notably...about his surprise summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.” The President was shown saying: “I think they want to do something. I think they want to make peace. I think it’s time.” CBS (Barnett) added White House Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah “says this Administration’s stance has had an effect.” Shah was shown saying: “Our policy is pressure, pressure from partners and allies around the world. These have had an impact, it impacted Kim Jong-un’s behavior. It impacted his conduct.” The Wall Street Journal (3/11, Mann, Lubold) reports that both CIA Director Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin also suggested Sunday that the Administration’s tough sanctions on Pyongyang are responsible for the talks. The Washington Post (3/11, Kim) reports Administration officials said Sunday that the US “had made no concessions to the North Korean regime in exchange for what would be a historic meeting” between Trump and Kim, but the White House “also left open the possibility that the talks...could ultimately not occur — particularly if the North Koreans conduct nuclear or missile tests in coming weeks.” Said Shah, “There’s the possibility. If it does, it’s the North Koreans’ fault. They have not lived up to the promises that they made.” Shah, the AP (3/11, Sherman, Burns) reports, also said there will be no more conditions imposed on North Korea before the talks. Said Shah on ABC’s This Week , “This potential meeting has been agreed to, there are no additional conditions being stipulated, but, again they — they cannot engage in missile testing, they cannot engage in nuclear testing and they can’t publicly object to the US-South Korea planned military exercises.” Bloomberg News (3/11, Capaccio, Dmitrieva) reports that “some experts have said [the talks] could become a stalling tactic by Kim to avoid additional economic sanctions while continuing to develop weaponry,” a notion Shah did not rule out. Politico (3/11, Griffiths) reports Shah also suggested that “a discussion of human rights is currently not a required component of talks.” Said the spokesman, “It is an important issue, but our policy is to ensure maximum pressure to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.” The New York Post (3/11, Moore) similarly reports Shah’s comments. In addition to Shah, NBC Nightly News (3/11, story 3, 1:45, FOIA001:02716072 ----■ L__----- ---==========------' · ------~ EXT-18-2336-E-000326 O'Donnell) reported several Administration officials on Sunday also discussed the upcoming talks. Defense Secretary Mattis “said those talks means his military planning roles take a backseat.” Mattis: “For those who question me about whether it was diplomatically-led, I rest my case with exhibit A.” CBS (O’Donnell) said, “Officials say North Korea agreed to cease missile testing, and anything more is on the table.” CIA Director Pompeo: “The denuclearization complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization is a topic for discussion.” O’Donnell: “Treasury Secretary Mnuchin responds to criticism that the plan, face-to-face, would enhance Kim’s stature.” Mnuchin: “This isn’t about elevating anybody, but this is about the President being clear that he wants to do everything possible to protect America and its allies.” Mattis, the Washington Post (3/11, Lamothe) reports, “said he does not want to talk about the Korean Peninsula ‘at all’ at this time, underscoring the sensitivity with which he believes Washington must handle a potential meeting” between Trump and Kim. Mattis “said media questions about North Korea are ‘very valid,’ but he will leave it to the State Department and senior members of the White House to address questions about the meeting.” The Los Angeles Times (3/11, King) reported several “senior administration officials expressed confidence Sunday that President Trump would not be taken advantage of by North Korea’s Kim Jong Un prior to and during any direct talks.” While “some foreign policy observers have attributed the president’s abrupt move at least in part to his fondness for grand gestures,” Pompeo said Trump “isn’t doing this for theater.” On Fox News Sunday , Pompeo said, “He’s going to solve a problem,” while Mnuchin “also sought to deflect any suggestion that the president would soften the US stance toward North Korea in advance of the talks.” Mnuchin said on NBC’s Meet the Press (3/11, Todd), “We’re not removing the maximum-pressure campaign,” adding that “the sanctions are staying on” and the US would proceed with military exercises in the region as scheduled. Trump, he said, simply planned to “sit down and see if he can cut a deal.” Reuters (3/11, Chiacu) also reports Mnuchin’s comments to NBC. On the CBS Weekend News (3/11, story 3, 2:05, Quijano), Holly Williams said that “after a spate of North Korean missile tests last year...and months of insults between President Trump and Kim Jung-Un, this is an extraordinary turn of events.” President Trump, she added, “prides himself on being a deal maker, but a meeting with North Korea’s leader is a high-risk strategy.” The Hill (3/11, Shelbourne) reports that “lawmakers on Sunday grappled with possible ramifications” of the talks, with “several Republicans” urging the Administration to approach the them “cautiously while keeping the pressure on North Korea to denuclearize, and some Democrats are raising concerns that a hollowed out State Department cannot back up Trump’s promises of a diplomatic solution.” FOIA001:02716072 ----~· EXT-18-2336-E-000327 Reuters (3/11, Chiacu, Schroeder) reports that “many Democrats, as well as Trump’s fellow Republicans, said the United States should have demanded concessions before granting North Korea a meeting.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren said on NBC’s Meet the Press , “Before they get that kind of prize, we should insist that they make some real changes, verifiable changes to their programs,” adding that she was worried the North would “take advantage” of Trump. Warren also appeared on CNN’s State Of The Union (3/11, Acosta), where she said, “I am very glad to see this Administration move toward a diplomatic approach to North Korea and the principle reason for that is there is no military only solution to the problems presented by North Korea.” On Fox News Sunday (3/11, Roberts), Warren said, “I’m worried about going into these negotiations without a strategy and without a strong, full State Department to back them up.” Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) told NBC’s Meet the Press (3/11, Todd), “What I want to see – I think what all of us want to see – is the prep work done for this kind of meeting.” Flake said, “I can tell you, you don’t want to sit down with the leader of North Korea and give him that kind of victory unless you put the groundwork in, unless your diplomats have negotiated things.” The Washington Times (3/11, Richardson) reports Senate Homeland Security Committee chairman Ron Johnson “warned Sunday about being ‘snookered again’ by North Korea,” citing previous deals that saw the United States give up more than it got. Johnson said on CNN’s State Of The Union (3/11, Acosta), “President Trump has been engaged in the maximum pressure campaign and I joined in signing a letter, with five other of my Republican Senate colleagues, encouraging President Trump to make sure to maintain that maximum pressure until we see complete verifiable and irreversible denuclearization within North Korea.” Sen. Cory Gardner (R) said on CBS’ Face The Nation (3/11, Brennan), “We have found ourselves in this position because of the maximum pressure doctrine, turning away from the failed doctrine of strategic patience, and now really crippling what is left of the North Korean economy. But what we have to hear more of is how we are going to get to those concrete verifiable steps toward denuclearization before this meeting occurs.” A USA Today (3/11) editorial says that the prospect of talks “comes as a relief to an anxious world,” but now “comes the hard part.” The pathway forward, it says, “is fraught, and the White House has already stumbled. Nine times during a news briefing Friday, spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders asserted that there were preconditions to a summit,” but on Sunday, her deputy, Rajiv Shah said, “There are no conditions being stipulated.” In addition, Trump’s “advance team is a skeleton crew...and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson appeared out of the loop when Trump seized on the summit.” The world, it adds, “can exhale for now,” bit “if and when their meeting occurs, however, expect to hear the sound of deep breaths being drawn.” FOIA001:02716072 ---- ·• EXT-18-2336-E-000328 Eliana Johnson of Politico said on CNN Inside Politics (3/11), “The President hit the nail on the head, when he said who knows what’s going to happen. I don’t think anybody knows what’s going to happen in this meeting. It’s important to stress that none of the President’s North Korea experts at the State Department, at the Department of Defense had any idea that he was going to agree to this meeting and two months – it seems like a long period of time now – but the President said he wants this meet to go happen by May. It’s an extremely short period of time for which to plan a meeting between two heads of state and there’s a lot of skepticism this is actually going to come off in that period of time or come off at all.” CNN’s Nia Malika Henderson said on CNN Inside Politics (3/11), “Who knows what’s going to happen. A lot of people say he gave away so much early on. This is a platform for the North Korean leader that would legitimize him in many ways. That’s what he has wanted. That’s what his father had wanted before him. And so he kind of gave away the store in some peoples’ eyes before he even got anything.” Julie Hirschfield Davis of the New York Times said on CNN Inside Politics (3/11) that “people are happy to not hear talking the President about ‘fire and fury.’ ... To the degree that he is now talking about diplomacy, that I think is inspiring to people. This is vintage Trump. He makes a statement that’s all the way out there...and then almost instantly thereafter the White House starts to inch it back.” Fox News’ Gillian Turner said on Fox News MediaBuzz (3/11), “The Administration has gone from at every available opportunity reminding the North they have a bigger nuclear button, more military capabilities. And now, President Trump is acting like the triangulator-in-chief, going back and forth between China and the South Koreans. The media’s response to that has been fairly dramatic. That is because there is a dramatic change in tone. I think it is realistic. It is a reflection of reality in this instance.” South Korean Official: Talks To Take Place At DMZ. ABC World News Tonight (3/11, story 2, 0:20, Llamas) reported briefly that “an official from South Korea” said the possible meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un “could take place at the DMZ. Neither country has confirmed any arrangements.” Bloomberg News (3/11, Capaccio, Dmitrieva) reports White House Deputy Press Secretary Rajiv Shah told ABC’s This Week that “holding the meeting in Pyongyang is not highly likely, but nothing has been ruled out for a location.” USA Today (3/11, Michaels) reports that a location “hasn’t been decided yet and could be a source of friction, even potentially scuttling the summit. The location is critical for the signal it sends. For example, if Trump travels to North Korea to meet with Kim, that would appear to give the North Koreans an upper hand. Shah told ABC it was unlikely that Trump would travel to Pyongyang, but he didn’t rule anything out.” The Washington Times (3/11, Taylor), meanwhile, reports that according to “high-level US sources, including two with experience in direct talks with Pyongyang...huge doubts remain over the veracity of North FOIA001:02716072 -~• EXT-18-2336-E-000329 Korea’s reported offer to discuss abandoning its nuclear arsenal and to halt all weapons tests while such discussions play out.” Former US special envoy Joseph DeTrani told the Times, “There’s a great deal of uncertainty and skepticism right now,” noting that the North Korean leader has not yet commented on the talks publicly. NYTimes Analysis: Trump’s Handling OfIran Deal Complicates North Korea Talks. A New York Times (3/11, Sanger) analysis says the Iranian and North Korean nuclear programs, “drastically different but often spoken of in the same breath, are now being thrust together, as President Trump’s determination to kill the landmark 2015 accord limiting Tehran’s capabilities is colliding with his scramble to reach a far more complex deal with Pyongyang.” The North, says the Times, “will be watching especially closely in May, when Mr. Trump will face another deadline on deciding whether to abandon the Iran deal.” Also in May, “if all goes as Mr. Trump plans, he will head into a face-to-face negotiation with North Korea’s dictator, Kim Jong-un.” Robert S. Litwak of the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars said, “The man who wrote ‘The Art of the Deal’ has staked out a position that the Iran deal was the worst one in history. And now he has to show that he can do much better, with a far harder case.” White House Says US Is Seeking “Concrete Actions” From North Korea Before Trump-Kim Summit. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday said President Trump will not meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “until we see concrete actions that match the words and the rhetoric of North Korea.” Media coverage, which included over 10 minutes on the network newscasts, cast her remarks as an attempt to deflect criticism of Trump for agreeing to meet with Kim without preconditions. However, other reporting was more positive toward the President, particularly regarding Trump’s call with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the talks as well as remarks by Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Tillerson. Reuters (3/7, Mason, Brunnstrom) reports Sanders said Trump “will not have the meeting without seeing concrete steps and concrete actions take place by North Korea, so the president will actually be getting something.” Reuters says that although Sanders “did not specify what actions North Korea needed to take,” her remarks served as “a sign that an end to a standoff between the two countries over North Korea’s nuclear weapon program is not imminent.” However, the CBS Evening News ’ (3/9, story 3, 0:45, Glor) Chip Reid insisted “there’s no guarantee this will be any more than a photo-op and the President gets nothing.” According to the AP (3/10, Superville, Klug), Sanders’ comments seemed to be an attempt “to swat away criticism Friday that the U.S. is getting nothing in exchange for agreeing to a historic face-to-face summit between” Trump and Kim. While Sanders may have been “simply trying to fight back against critics’ arguments that this was a giveaway to the North Korean regime – that it was a foolhardy granting of the Kim regime’s FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000330 decades-long wish to secure an audience with a U.S. president, with little in return,” a Washington Post (3/9, Blake) analysis says her remarks could give the White House “a ready-made excuse to pull out off the whole thing.” However, Bloomberg News (3/9, Sink, Talev) highlights that an Administration official, in response to Sanders’ remarks, “said the White House expects Kim to stick to promises – conveyed through South Korean envoys – that he would cease weapons tests before the summit and that he’s open to discussing denuclearization.” The Washington Post (3/9, Morello) reports a senior State Department official also “said the planned talks between Trump and Kim would amount to just that: talks. Subsequently, if the conditions were ripe, they would evolve into formal negotiations, the official said.” Kristen Welker said on NBC Nightly News (3/9, story 2, 2:30, Holt) that “instead of clarity,” her remarks resulted in “confusion.” Welker added the “mixed messaging” is “raising questions about whether the process was rushed, especially after the President made a decision so quickly he caught some of his own top officials at the White House and Pentagon off guard.” Kaitlan Collins of CNN’s Situation Room (3/9, 5:37 p.m. EDT, Blitzer) stressed Sanders interpretation contradicts “what the South Korean national security adviser said when he was on the North Lawn of the White House, he actually said they were committed to denuclearization overall – not that it was a precondition for those talks.” AFP (3/10) reports the President on Friday tweeted, “The deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined.” Reuters (3/9, Chiacu) reports the White House also said that Trump in a call with Xi “welcomed the prospect of dialogue with North Korea in a telephone call.” In a statement, the White House said, “The two leaders welcomed the prospect of dialogue between the United States and North Korea, and committed to maintain pressure and sanctions until North Korea takes tangible steps toward complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization.” In an article titled “China Cautiously Welcomes Trump￾Kim Summit,” the Wall Street Journal (3/9, Page) reports that while China has long lobbied for direct talks between the US and North Korea, Xi’s remarks expressing support for the summit appeared to be muted. Reuters (3/9, Heavey, Brunnstrom) reports Pence in a statement separately declared the Administration has made “zero concessions” and “consistently increased the pressure” on Kim’s regime. The Vice President added North Korea’s invitation to hold direct talks “is evidence that...Trump’s strategy to isolate the Kim regime is working.” In addition, Bloomberg News (3/9, Wadhams) reports Tillerson on Friday told reporters in Djibouti that Trump had been considering meeting with Kim “for quite some time” Reuters (3/9, Fick) reports Tillerson at another news conference in Kenya added, “As we’ve seen in the last 24 hours, the policy we’ve put in place [on North Korea] and executed by the FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000331 State Department has succeeded.” Bloomberg News (3/8, Sink, Olorunnipa, Talev, Faries) reports Tillerson also “said the tenor of the message Kim sent through the South Korean delegation persuaded Trump the time was ripe to engage, ‘a decision the president took himself.’” Tillerson added, “This was the most forward-leaning report that we’ve had in terms of Kim Jong Un’s not just willingness but his strong desire for talks. ... So I think really what changed was his posture in a fairly dramatic way in all honesty that came as a little bit of a surprise to us.” However, the AP (3/9, Lederman) reports the Secretary of State “drew a distinction Friday between ‘talks’ with North Korea and ‘negotiations,’” but he “did not define the precise difference between talks and negotiations, and it was unclear what there was for the two countries – still technically at war – would have to discuss if not a deal to address concerns about the North’s nuclear weapons program.” According to the AP, Trump and Kim “ostensibly...could hold preliminary conversations to see if there’s enough common ground and good will to proceed to formal negotiations.” Meanwhile, in a profile of Susan Thornton, assistant secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, USA Today (3/9, Dorell) says the “tough talking, 27-year veteran of East Asian diplomacy” is responsible for mediating “between the combative President Trump and bombastic North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at their upcoming meeting.” USA Today highlights that the State Department’s Special Representative for North Korea Joseph Yun retired March 2, so Stephen Goldstein, undersecretary of State for public diplomacy, said Thornton is leading the department’s preparations for the meeting, while “Director for Korea Policy Mark Lambert and Marc Knapper, the chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in South Korea, are helping Thornton shape U.S. strategy toward the North,” according to State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert. CNN’s Situation Room (3/9, 6:38 p.m. EDT, Blitzer) Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr said there is “no telling at all” how such talks will unfold, but on Friday, US military officials maintained that “nothing has changed for them,” and North Korea is “still very much a threat.” The overarching situation elicits a “critical question” as to “why President Trump agreed to meet with the world’s most isolated leader” at a time when Kim is “feeling the bite of sanctions.” Kim does, however, come “to the table in the strongest military position North Korea has ever had.” Kim “has always wanted to be acknowledged as a world power, and now, he has a recently-improved arsenal in hand before he sits down with Donald Trump.” The most immediate threat, US intelligence analysts believe, is the possibility that North Korea will affix “a warhead on a missile capable of attacking the US” before the year’s end. The “high-level diplomatic encounter [is] so risky and seemingly far￾fetched that some of Mr. Trump’s aides believe it will never happen,” the New York Times (3/9, A1, Landler) reports in a front-page article, and FOIA001:02716072 ---------'■ EXT-18-2336-E-000332 several US officials “said Friday that the United States still needed to establish direct contact with North Korea to verify the message from Mr. Kim that was conveyed by South Korean envoys to Mr. Trump” and “warned that Mr. Kim could change his mind or break the promises he made about halting nuclear and missile tests during talks.” In the lead story for CNN’s Situation Room (3/9, 5:01 p.m. EDT, Blitzer), senior correspondent Jeff Zeleny similarly said with Sanders’ remarks on Friday, “one day after the President stunned the world by accepting” Kim’s invitation, “it became clear how complicated and confusing arranging [the meeting] will be.” The White House is now “scrambling to follow through with what could be the biggest diplomatic gamble in generations.” Zeleny also said questions remain about where such talks would take place and who would attend and acknowledged Trump’s quick acceptance raised questions about whether the President has “given up too much here by agreeing to go in advance,” or if he will ultimately be “the first US president to ever have this type of meeting.” The CBS Evening News (3/9, story 4, 1:40, Glor) senior foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan said Trump “has long said that under the right circumstances, he would be willing to meet with Kim Jong￾un,” but on Thursday, “he surprised his own national security team by quickly deciding that the time was ripe based on Kim Jong-un’s pledge to hold off on testing his nuclear and missile programs.” Brennan added Trump acceptance and public announcement “caught some officials off guard, as they had expected to be able to mull over options and figure out exactly what a presidential encounter would even look like.” In a front￾page article, the Wall Street Journal (3/9, A1, Gordon, Bender, Schwartz) reports the Administration will face challenges in preparing for the meeting between Trump and Kim due to the lack of prior notice. ABC World News Tonight (3/9, story 2, 3:40, Muir) chief White House correspondent Jonathan Karl reported that “Kim’s invitation included a promise to pause nuclear and missile tests and to accept that US troops will continue joint military exercises with the South.” Karl added that the White House seemingly accepted “the offer with no strings attached, saying simply the president ‘will accept the invitation to meet with Kim Jong-un at a place and time to be determined.’” In a front-page article, the Washington Post (3/9, A1, Nakamura, Gearan) says “Trump’s personal involvement in the White House’s deliberations over the world’s most serious and vexing security situation has placed a president who considers himself a master dealmaker into the most fraught faceoff of his 71 years.” According to the Post, “A breakthrough that would reduce Pyongyang’s nuclear threat would be a legacy-defining achievement. A stalemate that gives Kim a photo op for nothing in return could fracture U.S. alliances and be seen as a devastating embarrassment.” However, the Post contends that “what the whirlwind evening at the White House also illustrated was that in his unorthodox presidency, which centers so singularly on his force of personality, Trump FOIA001:02716072 ■ ■ ■ EXT-18-2336-E-000333 has little worry about a dearth of qualified staff because he considers himself to be his own diplomat, negotiator and strategist.” In a front-page article, the New York Times (3/9, A1, Sanger) says that if Trump does meet with Kim, “the challenge of verifying that North Korea is on the way to disarmament will be far, far greater than it was nearly two decades ago.” The Times adds that “without freedom to roam the country, looking for evidence of a second uranium enrichment facility that the C.I.A. believes exists but cannot prove, or for hidden mobile missile launchers, any agreement runs the risk of falling apart – as previous ones have.” The New York Times (3/9) editorializes in favor of the meeting and argues the Administration “should make the most of this opportunity.” However, the Times acknowledges “the precipitous way in which Mr. Trump agreed to the invitation, and the fact that this mercurial president, ill informed and ill prepared on complex national security issues, will be across the table from Mr. Kim is worrisome.” The Times concedes that the “unorthodox summit meeting between two leaders with a flair for the dramatic [may] be hugely successful,” but warns “it could also collapse in failure, making it a very high-stakes gamble for Mr. Trump.” In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/9) declares the President “is right to pursue negotiations with North Korea,” but warns “his sudden decision to accept an unprecedented summit with Kim Jong Un compounds the already high probability of failure.” The Post cautions “the evidence suggests that the Korea summit, like Mr. Trump’s recent decision on trade tariffs, was embraced by the president without much thought,” which “raises the question: Does the president have a strategy for using the meeting to U.S. advantage?” The Post adds “the risk is that the regime will follow its well-established pattern: capture the world’s attention with provocative acts; then agree to negotiations to extract economic and political concessions; then break any commitments it has made.” The Post concludes Trump “should not...walk blindly into an encounter with a dictator who, we can be sure, will be well-prepared to take advantage of this president’s well-known weaknesses – starting with his penchant for impulsive decisions.” In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/9) expresses misgivings about the summit between Trump and Kim. According to the Journal, the meeting will confer legitimacy upon the North Korean regime that could serve to weaken the alliance between the US and South Korea, particularly if the talks fail. A Bloomberg View (3/9) editorial credits the Administration “for marshaling a stringent global sanctions regime that’s taking a real toll on North Korea” and concedes that Trump’s “intemperate threats have pushed Chinese leaders into adopting harsher sanctions than they might otherwise have done.” However, Bloomberg recommends that for the summit to succeed, “that will require Trump to be less like Trump.” Bloomberg asserts the President “shouldn’t assume his adversary has been cowed” and “would FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000334 also be wise to tamp down his inexplicable confidence that he possesses singular deal-making abilities.” Lawmakers “Cautiously Optimistic”On Trump-Kim Talks, But Republicans “Wary”And Democrats “Skeptical.”White House correspondent John Roberts said in the lead story for Fox News’ Special Report (3/9, 6:00 p.m. EDT, Baier) that the overall reaction “to the announcement was almost all universally positive,” and critics who were once “angry over President Trump’s get-tough approach to North Korea” are now “saying, well, maybe he was right.” A Washington Post (3/9, Phillips) analysis says that “on one of Trump’s most consequential and risky dealmaking endeavors yet, direct talks with the nuclear-armed pariah state of North Korea, Congress seems to be cautiously optimistic that Trump can handle it.” According to the Post, Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker and other “hawkish...are extremely wary of such talks, urging Trump to keep the stick of sanctions heavy as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un certainly will try to negotiate those down,” while “Democrats who have long favored diplomacy over military solutions with North Korea even applauded the fact talks were happening, though they warned Trump to be very careful.” USA Today (3/9, Wolf) similarly says “reactions from Democrats were cautiously optimistic but tempered with skepticism. ‘Risk’ was the word repeated most often.” The Washington Times (3/9, McLaughlin) reports Sen. Cory Gardner on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Friday warned, “If the result of this meeting is not verifiable concrete steps to denuclearization, than it will be a failure, and then the president is going to be under tremendous pressure because that new red line has been set to act.” Gardner additionally “said the only way these talks are going to succeed is if China is involved ‘in a way that they have never done before.’” The Washington Times (3/9, McLaughlin) reports Sen. Richard Blumenthal “said Friday President Trump’s plan to sit down with North Korea dictator Kim Jong-un should be considered a ‘meeting’ and not a ‘negotiation’ over its nuclear program.” Blumenthal added, “There is a lot of reasons for skepticism. ... As a member of the Armed Service Committee, there is no sign that we’ve seen that North Korea is going to simply walk away from its nuclear program or abandon its missiles or nuclear warheads.” Politico Magazine (3/9, Rubin) contributing editor James Rubin, a former assistant secretary of state in the Clinton Administration, concedes the White House will promote the narrative of “Trump as Grand Negotiator,” which is why when it comes to his meeting with Kim, it “behooves observers to focus on the substance rather than getting lost in the atmospherics.” Rubin adds the President will have to answer “hard questions about the rationale for America’s military presence in South Korea and the necessity of U.S. military might in Asia as a counter to the growing political, military and economic power of China,” given “there FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000335 seems little doubt that Kim will be probing Mr. Trump to try to undermine the U.S. commitment to South Korea’s defense and to see what it will take to achieve a U.S. troop withdrawal.” The Washington Post (3/9, Sonne) reports former Defense Secretary William Perry “described the move as ‘very encouraging’ and ‘a major improvement over diplomacy that consisted of shouting insults at each other,’” as did other former diplomats. The Post adds that “many” Trump supporters also “presented the meeting as a breakthrough and reveled in the tempered praise of Democrats who have long advocated for direct talks with North Korea and an approach to the country that doesn’t involve a preemptive strike.” However, in a piece examining the response to the President’s announcement, Politico (3/9, Nelson) reports that “Susan Rice, who served as national security adviser and U.S. ambassador to the U.N. under President Barack Obama, expressed skepticism that Trump could successfully pull off the high-wire act of meeting with Kim, which she said would require significant preparation and input from experts who she said had fled government service.” Politico adds “Rice warned that, handled poorly, a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Kim could increase the risk of armed conflict between the U.S. and North Korea.” Former US Ambassador to South Korea Chris Hill told NBC Nightly News (3/9, story 3, 1:30, Mitchell), “They are really rolling the dice here, and I, for one, and I think many people want them to succeed.” Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman likewise stated, “This is an incredibly difficult negotiation for the President, for anyone, for that matter, and he will need a very seasoned team that understands all the technical issues here.” On CNN’s Situation Room (3/9, 5:23 p.m. EDT, Blitzer), Evans Revere, a former US diplomat to South Korea, said the arrangement “has been somewhat haphazardly prepared, and very, very quickly concerned, and I’m very concerned about this.” Reuters (3/9, Holland, Mason) reports Jim Steinberg, who served as deputy secretary of state under former President Clinton, said, “It’s hard to know whether this is just his supreme confidence that he can get a deal done with his own business experience, or whether he is calculating that he wins either way.” Ned Price, a former national security council spokesman for former President Obama, added, “We have to be clear-eyed that if this meeting is done in isolation, absent from a broader strategy that advances American interests, it will be a propaganda coup for Kim.” Bill Richardson, Clinton’s US ambassador to the UN, “called the Trump-Kim summit a gamble” and said, “I worry that he might be falling into a trap.” In his New York Times (3/9, Kristof) column, Nicholas Kristof asserts “it’s infinitely better that North Korea and the United States exchange words rather than missiles,” but he cautions that Trump’s plans to meet with Kim “strikes me as a dangerous gamble and a bad idea. I’m afraid that North Korea may be playing Trump, and that in turn Trump may be FOIA001:02716072 ■ EXT-18-2336-E-000336 playing us.” Kristof adds that “direct talks should be conducted by seasoned diplomats, offering an eventual summit meeting only as a carrot at the end of the process – and only if the summit serves some purpose higher than changing the headlines in the U.S. and legitimizing Kim’s regime abroad. A face-to-face should advance the interests of two countries, not just two leaders.” In his Washington Post (3/9, Hewitt) column, conservative radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt reflected on past summits between former President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev as well as former President Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong to provide advice for Trump. According to Hewitt, “If Kim gets a dose of something he has never gotten before – an ultimatum of denuclearization vs. destruction – it could work.” CNN’s Situation Room (3/9, 6:44 p.m. EDT, Blitzer) national security analyst Sam Vinograd said the “good news” is that the development brings with it “a short term de-escalation in the region,” although Trump’s acceptance of Kim’s invitation “puts all that at risk and gives Kim Jong-un a ‘get-out-of-jail-free card.” Vinograd said news of such a meeting “should have stayed private,” but the White House instead, “for some reason, had to announce this publicly last night before the pre￾conditions were there.” Therefore, Vinograd said, if the White House imposes such pre-conditions on the talks, Kim could backtrack on his offer on grounds that the “terms have changed.” Rebecca Berg of CNN’s Situation Room (3/9, 6:50 p.m. EDT, Blitzer) pointed to Trump’s moves on tariffs as an example of how the President “is very stubborn” and, once committed to something, “he likes to follow through” and “won’t listen to critics.” That, Berg said, is “one reason” why the meeting may in fact take place. The Washington Examiner’s Tom Rogan told Fox News’ Special Report (3/9, 6:39 p.m. EDT, Baier) that whether or not the meeting is successful, “it is progress in the sense that finally North Korea has put itself in a position to at least talk about the potential suspension of these programs.” He added, “I don’t think there is anything to lose here if – if – the President meets with Kim Jong-un as soon as possible, and when they do meet, about 72 hours after, they get the inspectors in.” On Fox News’ Special Report (3/9, 6:44 p.m. EDT, Baier), Charles Hurt of the Washington Times said despite the meeting, “you don’t want to minimize the part about some of the bellicose remarks.” Trump himself “has warned against false hopes,” Hurt added, but “I would rather have this happening right now than something else.” Ultimately, Hurt said, “20 years of strategic patience” has not yielded results, “and so maybe jangling some chains and some movement is not a bad thing.” In what the Washington Post (3/9, Wang) calls “another bizarre twist in modern politics,” Dennis Rodman hailed Trump for deciding to meet with Kim. In a statement, the former NBA player said that Trump is “on the way to a historical meeting no U.S. president has ever done. I’m looking forward to bringing more basketball diplomacy to North Korea in the FOIA001:02716072 -----■ EXT-18-2336-E-000337 upcoming months.” According to the Post, “Rodman is one of only two people to have met both Trump and Kim. The other is South Korean national security adviser Chung Eui-yong, who extended the invitation from Kim to Trump during a visit to Washington this week.” World Leaders Welcome Talks Between Trump And Kim As Switzerland, Sweden, And Mongolia Offer To HostMeeting. Reuters (3/9, Nichols) reports UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “is encouraged by the planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his spokesman said on Friday.” Reuters (3/9, Martin) reports German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, “Regarding North and South Korea and also the possibility of a meeting with the president of the United States, you can see that a cohesive international position, including sanctions, can lead to glimmers of hope.” She added, “It would be wonderful if we could experience a detente.” Reuters (3/9, Maasho) reports Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the planned summit “a step in the right direction,” but said, “It should not just be a meeting, it should open up a way to resuming a fully fledged diplomatic process to find a solution to the North Korean nuclear issue on the basis of principles agreed during the six-party talks and the U.N. Security Council.” Reuters (3/9, Shields, Nebehay) reports the Swiss Foreign Ministry in a statement on Friday offered to host the meeting between Trump and Kim. The Washington Post (3/9, Taylor) acknowledges that “as a real estate tycoon like Trump should know, location can be a key factor in negotiations.” According to the Post, “Sweden and Switzerland have issued statements offering to help facilitate the meeting, while former Mongolian president Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj suggested that his country was the most ‘suitable, neutral territory.’” The Post adds that “the issue raises a number of symbolic points that both sides will need to grapple with, as well as some major practical concerns: Though he was raised partially in Switzerland, since he took power in North Korea in late 2011, Kim has not set foot outside the country.” Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal (3/9, Cheng, Gale) says that by accepting the meeting with Kim, Trump is also benefiting South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the expense of other regional allies including Japan. The New York Times (3/9, Sang-Hun) declares that “Trump’s head￾spinning decision to accept an invitation to meet with Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s leader, amounts to a remarkable diplomatic coup for Mr. Moon, who engineered the rapprochement in a whirlwind of diplomacy that began at the Winter Olympics last month and gained momentum faster than perhaps even he had anticipated.” The Times highlights that “Moon went out of his way to credit Mr. Trump with each breakthrough” and states that Moon not only “steered two headstrong, erratic adversaries away from a military conflict that could have been devastating for his nation, he has maneuvered the Trump administration into pursuing negotiations that it has long resisted – but that he and his allies on South Korea’s political left FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000338 have long pressed for.” However, Reuters (3/9, Sieg, Kubo) warns Trump’s decision to meet with Kim “looked likely to fan Japanese angst over being sidelined, although Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday there was no diplomatic daylight between Tokyo and Washington.” Bloomberg News (3/8, Nohara) reported Abe also “said he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in April, and the two nations agreed that it’s important to keep economic and military pressure on North Korea ahead of Trump’s meeting with Kim Jong Un by the end of May.” Following a call with Trump, Abe told reporters, “Japan and the U.S. have cooperated firmly and put pressure along with South Korea and the international community. ... We will keep up our utmost pressure until North Korea takes concrete steps in order to abandon its nuclear missiles in a transparent and irreversible way.” US And South Korea To Stage Routine JointMilitary Exercises. The Washington Post (3/9, Lamothe) reports “South Korean national security adviser Chung Eui-yong announced Thursday at the White House that in addition to President Trump agreeing to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by May, Kim pledged that North Korea will refrain from additional nuclear or missile tests and ‘understands that the routine joint military exercises between the Republic of Korea and the United States must continue.’” According to the Post, “The latter acknowledgment marked a significant shift for the Kim regime,” which “has typically reacted angrily” to the annual “military exercises known as Foal Eagle and Key Resolve.” Japanese Trial OfShipwrecked North Korean Fisherman Showcases Impact OfSanctions. The Wall Street Journal (3/9, Tsuneoka, Gale) discusses how the Japanese trial of a North Korean fisherman puts a spotlight the how international sanctions may be having an increased impact on the Kim regime. North Korean Military Acquiring Chinese-Made Drones. The family of “shadowy” Chinese businessman Wang Dewen told AFP (3/9, McMorrow) that he is “definitely not working in North Korea,” but UN experts believe he “is one of several Chinese traders who may have helped Pyongyang build a fleet of around 300 military drones.” AFP adds “the network is believed to form a crucial part of the logistics chain that has allowed the North to fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that have snooped on a new US missile defence system in the South and taken pictures of Seoul’s presidential palace.” However, China’s foreign ministry in a statement insisted that “the country has ‘always comprehensively and strictly carried out UN Security Council resolutions’ and actions violating UN resolutions ‘will be handled according to the law and regulations.’” Trump Stumps For Saccone In Pennsylvania. President Trump held a rally on Saturday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on behalf of state Rep. Rick Saccone, the Republican candidate for Congress in Tuesday’s special election. While the NBC Nightly News was the sole FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000339 network newscast to provide broadcast about the President’s trip, reporting was heavy in print and online. Media coverage characterized the speech as reminiscent of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and many articles highlighted that the President quipped his 2020 campaign slogan will be “Keep America Great!” Typical of the tone of the reporting was the New York Times (3/10, Cochrane, Haberman), which says the speech was “ostensibly an effort to help Republicans stave off a deflating defeat in a western Pennsylvania congressional district that...Trump won by 20 points,” but “for almost all of his 75-minute performance in front of a raucous crowd packed into a hangar, it was in-his-element Trump, vintage 2016: rambling and fiery, boastful and jocular – the part of being president that he loves perhaps the most.” The Times adds that the President “showed the kind of free-flowing attitude that his aides have said they expect to see throughout this year” as he “ticked off what he said were his achievements – some coming just in recent days – on a laundry list of issues like North Korea, trade and the economy, and attacked his predecessors for their failures on the same.” Reuters (3/10, Holland) similarly reports that “while he heartily endorsed Saccone as a ‘really good person,’ Trump spent a lot of time talking about his own fortunes in a ‘Make America Great Again’ rally in an airport hangar at the Pittsburgh International Airport.” The Hill (3/10, Seipel) says the President was “in full campaign mode” at the rally, as does Politico (3/10, Schneider, Griffiths), which says Trump returned “to top campaign form” as he “made fun of Washington and congratulated himself for maintaining his iconoclastic style in office, despite critics who have called for him to take his job more seriously.” However, Politico concedes “Trump got business out of the way quickly Saturday night – urging voters to elect...Saccone, who’s locked in an unexpectedly tough special election battle in Pennsylvania – before turning to the main subject of the night: himself.” KDKA-TV Pittsburgh (3/10) reports on its website that “a thunderous crowd of at least 5,000 supporters greeted” the President, as he called on them “Get out on Tuesday, vote for Rick Saccone and we can leave right now.” KDKA adds Trump “lost little time embracing his favorite candidate for Congress in next Tuesday’s special election.” The President said, “Go out, vote for Rick. He’ll never, ever disappoint you. He’s a winner.” Trump added, “He’s never gonna disappoint you. Just go out. Vote with your hearts. Vote with your brains. This is an extraordinary man.” The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (3/10, Venteicher) reports the President “whip[ped] up a partisan crowd to support...Saccone” and “touched on the national attention the race has received, with polls showing a few percentage points between the two candidates despite Trump’s winning the district – which includes parts of Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland and Greene counties – by 19 percentage points in 2016.” The WGAL-TV Lancaster, PA (3/10) website notes “the 18th district was vacated when Republican Tim Murphy resigned after an affair FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000340 with a staffer became public.” The AP (3/11, Barrow, Colvin) reports Trump “unabashedly fram[ed] the race as a tune-up for the GOP’s efforts to maintain its control of Capitol Hill,” but he warned, “we can only do that if we elect people who are going to back our agenda.” Trump said, “The people of Pittsburgh cannot be conned by” Conor Lamb, who the AP describes as “a 33-year-old Marine veteran and former prosecutor [who] has positioned himself as” a moderate Democrat as well as “more representative of the district than Saccone, a 60-year-old state lawmaker.” Trump added that Lamb is “never going to vote for us. He can say, ‘I love President Trump.’ ... I don’t want to meet him. I might like him.” The Harrisburg (PA) Patriot-News (3/10, Wardle) reports Trump continued, “I hate to put this pressure on you, Rick, but the world is watching, because I won this district.” Roll Call (DC) (3/10, Bowman) reports “Trump mentioned Saccone a half-dozen times in a speech that lasted more than an hour, and brought the candidate onstage toward the end,” but the President spent the remainder of the time a dressing “a myriad of subjects, including his recent tariff announcement, news that he could meet with the leader of North Korea, the economy, his 2016 presidential win, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Todd of NBC News, illegal immigration and imposing the death penalty on drug dealers.” The Wall Street Journal (3/10, Jamerson) similarly reports that Trump discussed a number of topics, as does Business Insider (3/10, Mark), which highlights that in his “raucous speech,” Trump “lashed out at some of his favorite targets, one by one.” CNN (3/10, Bradner) reports online that “after immediately endorsing Saccone when he hit the stage, Trump pivoted to a 75-minute torrent of policy musings, political attacks and presidential campaign previews.” CNN says the President “opened his whirlwind speech by touting his administration’s new tariffs – 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports.” Bloomberg News (3/10, Epstein) reports “minutes into his speech,” Trump declared, “We’re saving the steel, and a lot of steel mills are opening up” and “later said the countries of the European Union had banded together ‘to screw the U.S. on trade,’ and repeated a recent threat to slap tariffs on German luxury cars.” According to Bloomberg, the tariffs “are popular in the district in the heart of steel country.” The Washington Post (3/10, Kim, Johnson, Rucker) reports Trump then “veered off into a list of other topics, including North Korea, his distaste for the news media and his own election victory 16 months ago,” and “said that allowing prosecutors to seek the death penalty for drug dealers – an idea he said he got from Chinese President Xi Jinping – is ‘a discussion we have to start thinking about. I don’t know if this country’s ready for it.’” Trump said, “Do you think the drug dealers who kill thousands of people during their lifetime, do you think they care who’s on a blue-ribbon committee?. ... The only way to solve the drug problem is through toughness. When you catch a drug dealer, you’ve got to put him away for a long time.” According to the Daily Caller (3/10, Randall), Trump FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000341 also “called on Congress to immediately stop funding sanctuary cities,” which he said are “aiding and abetting criminals.” USA Today (3/10, Jackson) reports Trump additionally “talked about his own 2020 re-election bid during a meandering speech that lasted more than an hour.” USA Today says the President “bragged about his prospective meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and berated predecessors Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton for not stopping that nation’s nuclear weapons program.” USA Today reports Trump then “attacked some of his potential challengers in the 2020 presidential election,” including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Oprah Winfrey, “as well as the media.” Fox News (3/10, Dedaj) reports on its website that the President also “took a swipe at NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd” and “took the opportunity to slam CNN for its coverage over his decision to meet with” Kim while the Daily Caller (3/10, Randall) reports Trump “criticized California Rep. Maxine Waters for having a ‘low IQ.’” White House Preparing Transition Into 2018 Campaign Mode. The Hill (3/10, Easley) reports the White House “is gearing up for a fall blitz, with aides saying [Trump] plans to hit the campaign trail for Republican candidates four, five or even six days a week starting around Labor Day.” According to The Hill, “the White House says it’s been inundated with candidates seeking the president’s endorsement and aides are eager to get Trump on the stump. The White House is open to the possibility of backing candidates in some GOP primaries, as well.” In an interview, White House political director Bill Stepien said, “There’s a desire by these candidates to have the president out on the trail. ... He takes that responsibility very seriously as the leader of the party and, most importantly, to help elect the people who will advance his agenda.” In her Washington Post (3/9, Parker) column, Kathleen Parker conceded that “whether November will produce a blue wave crashing down on a crimson tide – or an estrogen rout of the testosterone swamp – remains to be seen,” but she asserted “early signs suggest that Republicans will have to scratch and fight to keep their dwindling majorities (41 have left or aren’t seeking reelection) in the House and Senate.” According to Parker, “any Republican loss now would give Democrats a lift and create momentum for races to come.” Trump’s Tariffs Expected To Play Key Role In Pennsylvania Special Election. NBC Nightly News (3/10, story 5, 2:40, Diaz-Balart) reported Trump’s new steel and aluminum tariffs “could play a mayor role” in the special election. Correspondent Geoff Bennett said Saccone is “embracing the Trump agenda” in his bid against Lamb, but “polling shows the special election is neck and neck, and Lamb supporters hope a win will put Washington on notice.” Bennett added that with so much riding on the race, “it’s thought that the President even timed the rollout of those tough new steel tariffs to give Saccone a boost with the district’s blue collar voters.” The Washington Post (3/10, A1, Weigel) on its front page asserts the tariffs have “universal support” in Moon Township, Pennsylvania and FOIA001:02716072 ---- ~ EXT-18-2336-E-000342 both Saccone and Lamb “agree that the Republican president’s tariffs are good for jobs and the country.” However, the New York Times (3/10, Davey, Cohen) says that for farmers in the Midwest, “the prospect of steel and aluminum tariffs was adding to the list of worries and uncertainties that come with every corn and soybean season.” According to the Times, the Midwest “accounts for roughly half the nation’s agricultural output, a prime target in any tit-for￾tat response to the tariffs.” The Times adds that “unlike the rest of the economy, farms deliver a trade surplus for the United States, [so] a trade war could put barriers around lucrative markets.” Meanwhile, Washington Post (3/9) senior congressional correspondent Paul Kane highlights that “Republicans and their outside allies have thrown almost everything at Conor Lamb,” but he says that their messaging has not “done the damage Republicans had been hoping for – Lamb and Saccone are running neck and neck.” Saccone Campaign Defends Candidate’s Diplomatic Work. The Hill (3/10, Sanchez) reports Saccone “is facing questions over his description of working as a diplomat in North Korea” as the American representative for the Korea Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) from December 2000 to December 2001. The Hill says that while a spokesman asserted Saccone “interacted daily with the North Koreans regarding the implementation of the agreed framework” and “served in a diplomatic capacity for KEDO,” Kim Joong-keun, a South Korean representative at the same time as Saccone, told The Guardian that Saccone “did not meet with any important North Koreans” and said, “Of all the Americans I worked with, I would rank Saccone at the bottom.” Lamb Spends Saturday Canvassing Neighborhoods. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (3/10, Aupperlee) reports “Lamb spent Saturday wrapping up his campaign for Congress one voter at a time” as he “knocked on doors in Jefferson Hills, reminding people to vote Tuesday and asking them to vote for him.” According to the Tribune-Review, “Lamb said knocking on doors helps cut through the advertisements flooding television.” In contrast, the AP (3/11, Peoples) says “there is no sign of...Saccone on Sherwood Drive” even though his campaign “told some residents that he might be knocking on doors that morning.” The AP reports that while Trump may favor Saccone, “he’s leaning seemingly exclusively on that and struggling with the basics of modern-day politics.” The AP adds Saccone “has little organization of his own” compared with Lamb, and “Saccone indirectly admitted as much Saturday ahead of the president’s arrival.” Five Cabinet Secretaries To Testify Before Senate Committee To Promote Infrastructure Plan. Reuters (3/9, Shepardson) reports five members of the Trump cabinet – the secretaries of Transportation, Commerce, Labor, Agriculture, and Labor – will testify before the Senate Commerce Committee this Wednesday, March 14, in order to promote the plan to unleash $1.5 trillion in public and FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000343 private infrastructure investments using $200 billion in direct federal spending. While House Speaker Ryan has said Congress probably will pass a set of infrastructure bills instead of one grand bill, the Democrats have offered their own counter proposal to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure and pay for it by repealing some of the tax cuts from last December. There is also the issue of raising the gas tax, which has received mixed support from Congress and the White House. Labor Department: US Added 313,000 Jobs In February. In a front-page article, the Wall Street Journal (3/9, Morath, Nunn) reports the Labor Department on Friday announced US nonfarm payrolls increased by a seasonally adjusted 313,000 in February, which represented the largest monthly gain since July 2016. The Journal adds that for the fifth consecutive month, the unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent. In a brief report, NBC Nightly News (3/9, story 5, 0:15, Holt) stated that the report “blows away economists’ expectations,” as does the Washington Post (3/9, Paquette), which says the Bureau of Labor Statistics figures “smash[ed] analysts’ expectations.” In a statement, Labor Secretary Acosta said, “President Trump’s tax reform continues to boost economic confidence with more than 400 companies handing out bonuses, raises, or other benefits to more than 4 million Americans.” The New York Times (3/9, Cohen) acknowledges “a winning combination of hefty job creation and a swelling work force signaled the economy’s fundamental strength. At the same time, modest wage growth defused concerns that competition for workers was driving up salaries and igniting inflation.” The Times adds that in a tweet, the President “relayed the news in capital letters: ‘JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!’” Washington Post (3/9, Bump) national correspondent Philip Bump says that “analysts had expected to find that the economy added about 200,000 jobs last month, but the tally topped 313,000, the highest number since President Trump was inaugurated.” The Washington Times (3/9, Miller) reports Vice President Pence on Friday tweeted, “GREAT NEWS! 313,000 new JOBS created in February and nearly 3 million jobs added since @POTUS was elected. A year of ACTION, a year of RESULTS!” The Times adds Pence also “singled out the boost in construction jobs,” which grew to an 11-year high by 61,000 last month. In a brief report, ABC World News Tonight (3/9, story 8, 0:25, Muir) also emphasized that “800,000 Americans joined the labor force. That’s the biggest one-month increase since 1982.” In the second CBS Evening News (3/9, story 2, 1:55, Glor) segment, Jim Axelrod reported “the economy’s nine-year expansion is now the third longest on record.” The segment broadcast Treasury Secretary Mnuchin saying on CNBC: “The President’s number one objective is to create economic growth, three percent sustained GDP we have now had two quarters of three percent or higher. So we’re well on our way.” Axelrod asserted “Mnuchin’s optimism is spurred on by unemployment, unchanged FOIA001:02716072 ----·· ---- ·• EXT-18-2336-E-000344 at 4.1 percent, which suggests more people looking for jobs and keeping a lid on inflation fears, as well as the effects of a corporate tax cut, and regulation rollbacks.” Writing in the New York Times (3/9, Irwin) “The Upshot” blog, Neil Irwin says the 39-page Labor Department report “can be summed up in four words: The economy is humming.” The Wall Street Journal (3/9, Timiraos) reports the jobs data likely keeps the Federal Reserve on track to continue to raise interest rates. Stock Market Surges Following Release OfJobs Report. The New York Times (3/9, Phillips) reports “investors welcomed Friday’s unemployment and jobs data from the government, which showed a near-perfect combination of surprisingly strong job growth and little indication of rising wages that could prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates faster.” According to the Times, “the Standard & Poor’s 500-stock, the Dow Jones industrial average and the Nasdaq composite index all closed more than 1.7 percent higher, driven by gains across a range of sectors.” The Wall Street Journal (3/9, Gold, Craymer) says the stock markets extended the week’s gains while Bloomberg News (3/9, Ponczek) reports “the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied to a fresh record Friday, capping an 11 percent gain since its Feb. 8 low as investors poured back into the nine￾year old bull market’s biggest winners.” However, Bloomberg acknowledges “indexes for every other corner of the market, from mega￾caps to small-caps to the S&P 500 have yet to reclaim the same milestone.” WSJournal Celebrates Jobs Report, ButWarns Tariffs Could Endanger Economy. In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/9) lauds the strong February jobs report and the positive stock market response, but warns the newly announced tariffs could reverse this progress. Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “‘Never Again’Holocaust Museum Tells Burmese Leader.”A New York Times (3/11) editorial says the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s decision to rescind the Elie Wiesel Award it granted five years ago Burmese leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is “sad,” and yet “proper,” in light of her silence on “the horrific persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority in her country.” The Times says “there is little to suggest” Suu Kyi was coerced into silence by the Burmese military, as the museum had acknowledged, and “far more evidence that she shares the Buddhist nationalism that is behind the military repression of the Rohingya.” The Times concludes in saying that the museum’s decision “is a sorrowful witness to the fall of a hero, but also to the real face of the enemy the Rohingya face in their land.” As such, the Times says, the United Nations and world leaders must “urgently add to the pressure” on those “accused of crimes against the Rohingya.” FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000345 Washington Post. “The US Separates A Mother And Daughter Fleeing Violence In Congo.” The Washington Post (3/11) editorializes that last year, then DHS Secretary John Kelly “said publicly that his department might separate children from parents caught crossing the border, including those fleeing violence and seeking asylum, as a punitive means of deterring others who might follow.” Now, “as immigration advocates document such cases occurring nationwide...DHS officials profess outrage at suggestions that they would do such a thing ‘for reasons other than to protect the child.’” The Post goes on to cite the case of a 39-year-old mother and her 7-year￾old daughter, “asylum seekers who fled Congo, fearing violence,” who were separated from one another and calls on Secretary Nielsen to reunite them. “There’s A SmartWay To Pay For Infrastructure. Trump Can Tell Congress How.”The Washington Post (3/11) argues for “a modest boost in the gas levy, which has been stuck at 18.4 cents per gallon since 1993” to pay for improvements to the nation’s infrastructure. The “politics of raising the gas tax are nearly impossible,” which is “why [President] Trump’s intervention is crucial.” Trump is “popular with the GOP base” and “could give cover to Republicans who understand the virtues of raising the gas tax but fear the political repercussions.” “Erodgan Is Transforming Turkey Into A Totalitarian Prison.”A Washington Post (3/11) editorial says in Turkey, “a troubled democracy is being turned into a dictatorship. Gradually but inexorably, a nation that once aspired to be an exemplar of enlightened moderation is being transformed by [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan into a dreary totalitarian prison.” The Post argues that “Erdogan’s dictatorship must be called out for what it is. Even if he covers his ears, the United States and other nations must protest, and loudly.” Wall Street Journal. “Cures Welcome At FDA.”A Wall Street Journal (3/11) editorial praises the FDA for welcoming innovation on Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions, and revamping its review process. , and few diseases have so eluded drug companies and researchers looking for a cure. The Journal says that while the real test will occur when the agency faces data on a drug that will require it to take a risk, the changes could mean that the drug approval process will be in a position to act quickly when a breakthrough Alzheimer’s drug is developed. “A Not So Liddell Problem.”A Wall Street Journal (3/11) editorial criticizes the views of Christopher Liddell, who is said to be the leading contender to replace Gary Cohn as head of the National Economic Council. The Journal says Liddell is likely to do little to counter the growing influence of antitrade forces in the Administration and argues that the best thing that can be said about him is that he would be better than White House economic policy coordinator than Peter Navarro. “A Political Speech Crackdown.”A Wall Street Journal (3/11) takes FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000346 issue with the Honest Ads Act, legislation by Sens. Mark Warner, Amy Klobuchar, and John McCain that would impose disclaimer and reporting requirements on Internet platforms that allow paid political advertising, and impose penalties on the platforms if advertising from prohibited parties is run. The Journal says the legislation is potentially unconstitutional and argues that the appropriate response to foreign efforts to influence US elections is to focus on the foreign bad actors instead of infringing on the free speech rights of Americans. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: US Trading Partners Seek Guidance On Tariffs Pennsylvania House Race Seen As A Test For Both Parties Are You Underpaid? US Firms Reveal How Much They Pay Workers Insurers Game Medicare System To Boost Federal Bonus Payments New York Times: Saudis Said To Use Coercion And Abuse To Seize Billions Five Are Dead After Copter Plunges Into River Off Manhattan My Union Or My President? Dueling Loyalties Mark Pennsylvania Race As Trump Seeks One Nuclear Deal, He Could Kill Another Washington Post: His American Dream Died. His Town Got Over It. Trump Retreats On Age For Guns A Daughter’s Balancing Act In A Roiling White House For China’s Catholics, Trying Times Fertility Clinic Failures Put Many Hopes At Risk Financial Times: Multinationals Pay Lower Taxes Than A Decade Ago China Votes To Allow Xi Jinping To Rule For Life Brazil Gets Tough In War On Crime In Rio’s Slums Saudi Aramco IPO Delayed Until 2019, UK Officials Told Washington Times: Trump’s Plan To Combat School Shootings Includes Federal Commission, Review Of FBI Tip Line ‘Holy Cow’: Democrats’ Leaks On Russia Dossier Investigation Outrageous To Republicans No Word From North Korea On Kim’s Proposed Meeting With Trump Pennsylvania Democrat Avoids Mentioning Trump In Union District That Supports Him Trump Travel Question Only Adds To Drama For Summit Of The Americas In Peru FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000347 D.C. Republicans Work Quietly On Comeback In Democrat Stronghold Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: Trump-Pennsylvania Special Election; WH-North Korea; Severe Weather; Fertility Clinic Compromised; Florida-Human Remains; California￾Veterans’ Home Shooting; OJ Simpson Interview; Pennsylvania Missing High Schooler; Hiker Rescue; Cold Case Breakthrough; Pentagon￾Declassified UFO Video; Building Demolition; Video Game Recovery. CBS: WH-North Korea; Pennsylvania Special Election; North Korea￾Strategy; China-Constitutional Amendment; Severe Weather; Texas￾Mexico Border Human Smuggling; California-Homeless Eviction; Box Office News; Commuter Van Service; Opioid Epidemic; Anti-Intolerance Musician. NBC: Students-School Safety; WH-North Korea; China-Constitutional Amendment; Severe Weather-South; Severe Weather-East; Fertility Clinic Compromised; Tariff Policy-Public Reaction; UK-Former Russian Spy Poisoning; Tiger Woods; Elon Musk-Mars Comment; Rescue Dog; Disabled Veteran Athlete. Network TVAt A Glance: WH-North Korea – 6 minutes, 20 seconds Pennsylvania Special Election – 5 minutes Severe Weather – 3 minutes, 15 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: NYC-Helicopter Crash; WH-School Safety; Severe Weather. CBS: WH-North Korea; WH-School Safety; NYC-Helicopter Crash; Severe Weather; Elon Musk-Mars Comment; Wall Street News. FOX: WH-School Safety; NYC-Helicopter Crash; WH-North Korea. NPR: NYC-Helicopter Crash; WH-School Safety; WH-North Korea; UK￾Former Russian Spy Poisoning. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — Hosts the 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros; has lunch with the Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — Participates in a Great America Committee, Protect the House roundtable and lunch; participates in a Great America Committee, Protect the House dinner. US Senate: 4:00 PM Senate resumes debate on Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act – Senate convenes and resumes consideration of ‘S.2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act’ * The bill would roll back some of the regulations brought in by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.senate.gov/ FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000348 5:45 PM Senate HELP Committee Executive Session – Executive Session, with agenda including nominations of John Ring to be a National Labor Relations Board member; Frank Brogan to be Assistant Secretary of Education for Elementary and Secondary Education; Dr Mark Schneider to be Institute of Education Science Director; and Marco Rajkovich to be a Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission member * Rescheduled from last week Location: U.S. Capitol, S-216, Washington, DC http://help.senate.gov/ US House: 9:30 AM House Oversight subcommittee field hearing on impacts of the 2017 hurricane season on the U.S. Virgin Islands – Interior, Energy, and Environment Subcommittee hearing on ‘The Historic 2017 Hurricane Season: Impacts on the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Location: Legislature of the Virgin Islands Capitol Building, St. Thomas http://oversight.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/GOPoversight 10:00 AM House Veterans Affairs subcommittee field hearing on VA healthcare in Puerto Rico – Health Subcommittee field hearing on ‘VA Healthcare: Maximizing Resources in Puerto Rico’, with testimony from Puerto Rico State Director of Veterans’ Affairs Agustin Montanez-Allman, and Secretary of Health Dr Rafael Rodriguez; Puerto Rico College of Physicians and Surgeons’ Dr Victor Ramos; Veterans Health Administration VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) Director Dr Miguel LaPuz, and VA Caribbean Healthcare System Acting Director Dr Antonio Sanchez; and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Emergency Management & Resilience Lewis Ratchford Jr. + written statements from Paralyzed Veterans of America Puerto Rico Chapter; and Lift A Vet Location: Puerto Rico Capitol Building, San Juan http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs No votes scheduled in the House of Representatives. Other: 8:15 AM FMA National Convention and Management Training Seminar – Federal Managers Association National Convention and Management Training Seminar, themed ‘Federal Managers – Leading from the Front’. Includes opening day keynote from Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly Location: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA www.fedmanagers.org 9:30 AM SNAP Task Force release recommendations at Bipartisan Policy Center – ‘Leading with Nutrition: Leveraging SNAP for Better Health’ Bipartisan Policy Center event, to release the recommendations of the bipartisan SNAP Task Force — led by former Senate Majority Leader Dr Bill Frist and former agriculture secretaries Dan Glickman and Ann Veneman – and discuss our proposals to improve nutrition in America. Includes keynote from Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta, remarks from Frist, Glickman and Veneman, and panel discussion with National Commission on Hunger Co-chair Mariana Chilton, former National Governors Association Executive Director Dan Crippen, Delaware Secretary of Health and Human Services Kara Odom Walker and former Indiana Secretary of Family and Social Services Administration John Wernert Location: Bipartisan Policy FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000349 Center, 1225 I St NW, Washington, DC www.bipartisanpolicy.org https://twitter.com/BPC_Bipartisan Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. John Oliver: “Just time for a quick recap of the week. And we begin with the Trump White House where every morning Jared Kushner slams a door and yells, ‘Oh yeah? Well, you don’t have clearance to hear my secrets!’” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02716072 EXT-18-2336-E-000350 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-13T07:00:35-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Received: 2018-03-13T07:00:40-04:00 Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department ofthe Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 13, 2018 at 6:01:22 AM EDT To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018 6:00 AM EDT Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Associated Press: Interior Department Announces Civil Rights Grants. • The Hill: Energy, Interior Chiefs To Defend Trump Budget. • Reuters: U.S. States Slow Trump Offshore Oil Drilling Expansion Plan. • Platts: US Interior Department To Begin ANWR Leasing Preparations. • Huffington Post: Months Before Winning $300 Million Puerto Rico Contract, Whitefish Energy Was On Shaky Financial Grounds. • USA Today: Wildfire Risk Rises With 43 Million U.S. Homes Near Land Susceptible To Blazes. • Associated Press: Trump Jr., Donor Have Longtime Undisclosed Ties. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • DOI Recognizes Nooksack Council Following Tribal Election. Bureau Of Land Management • Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel: City Leaders Like Odds For BLM Move. • Deseret (UT) News: BLM Sets Meetings On New Monument Management Plans. • Great Falls (MT) Tribune: Disputed Montana Oil Lease To Be Heard In D.C. District Court. (b)(6) FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000351 • Las Cruces (NM) Sun-News: BLM To Work On Access Road To Picacho Peak Recreation Area. Bureau Of Reclamation • Fish And Wildlife Commission Joins Call To Hold Bureau Of Reclamation Accountable For High Flows On Bighorn River. Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement • Investigation Report Into Subsea Jumper Leak. Fish And Wildlife Service • Winona (MN) Daily News: Refuge Proposes New Rules For Commercial Users On Upper Mississippi. • Medford (OR) Mail Tribune: Groups Seek Protection For Rare Mountain Salamander. • Oregonian: Oregon Refuge Occupier Joseph O’Shaughnessy Next To Face Sentencing. National Park Service • Washington Post: Cooler Temperatures Push Back Peak Bloom Date About A Week, Park Service Says. • Auburn (NY) Citizen: Senate Committee OKs Gillibrand Bill To Study Designating Finger Lakes As National Heritage Area. • Associated Press: Bison Protesters Banned From Yellowstone For 5 Years. • St. George (UT) News: This Is The History Of The Zion Shuttle And Why It Was Remarkable For National Parks. • Kaweah (CA) Commonwealth: Sequoia Seeks Input On Public Corrals Access. US Geological Survey • Forbes: Starving Science: A Shortsighted National Strategy. Opinion Pieces • Commentary: What Lawmakers Have Done To Our Public Lands Is Monstrous. • Don’t Allow Beauty Of Our Pristine Lands To Be Stripped Away. • Duncan: We Should Embrace Offshore Drilling. • Additional Reading. Top National News • Reuters: Media Analyses: Trump Caves In To Gun Lobby. • New York Times: Trump To Visit Border Wall Prototypes In California Today. • CBS: Daniels Offers To Return $130K Payment To End Non-Disclosure Agreement. • Associated Press: Court: Administration Broke Law In Failing To Comply With Smog Rule Deadline. • Washington Examiner: National Academies Endorse Climate Change Report. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “Wage Theft In Restaurants.” - “Vladimir Putin’s Toxic Reach.” - “Democrats Can’t Win If They Don’t Run.” FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000352 • Washington Post. - “Who’s Afraid Of The NRA? Trump.” - “Come To America, Mohammed Bin Salman. But Free These Activists First.” - “Kellyanne Conway Broke The Law. The White House Shrugs.” • Wall Street Journal. - “The National Security Tariff Ruse.” - “All Of Putin’s Poisons.” - “You RIN Some, You Lose Some.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Interior Department Announces Civil Rights Grants. The AP (3/12) reports that Interior Department announced “about $12.6 million in African American Civil Rights Grants will go to 51 projects in 24 states.” The article notes that four states in the Deep South are “getting nearly $6 million to preserve sites and highlight stories related to the African-American struggle for equality in the 20th century.” The Interior Department “says Alabama is getting $2.3 million for nine projects, Mississippi is getting $1.3 million for four projects, and Louisiana and Georgia will each get about $1 million for four projects.” The AP (3/12) reports that “Chicago will receive $445,000 from the federal government to preserve a church on the city’s West Side where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. frequently preached.” In a statement, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke says the grants will help offer a “more complete narrative of the African American experience in the pursuit of civil rights.” Additional coverage was provided by Alabama Live (3/12, Beahm), the Bossier (LA) Press-Tribune (3/12), and WGNO-TV New Orleans (3/12). Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Renovation Underway. Alabama Live (3/12, Garrison) reports that “Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, the site of a 1963 bombing that killed four girls, has been undergoing renovation thanks to a federal grant.” The National Park Service “last year announced that the church was the recipient of a $500,000 grant for preservation of the historic site, a National Historic Landmark.” Energy, Interior Chiefs To Defend Trump Budget. The Hill (3/12, Green) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Energy Secretary Rick Perry will head “to Capitol Hill in the coming week to defend President Trump’s fiscal 2019 budget request.” Zinke and Perry “can expect tough questions from lawmakers on the sharp cuts proposed in FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000353 the fiscal blueprint when they testify on Tuesday and Thursday.” Perry will go “before a House Appropriations subcommittee Thursday while Zinke will face lawmakers on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday and at the House Natural Resources Committee on Thursday.” E&E Daily (3/12) reports that “lawmakers, especially Democrats, will have no shortage of questions for Zinke, who in the last year has been extremely productive or destructive, depending on one’s perspective.” According to the article, “Zinke can expect a grilling from Republicans and Democrats over his proposal to open more than 90 percent of federal waters to potential oil and gas drilling, as well as questions over the cost of a reorganization that still hasn’t been fully fleshed out.” Zinke is also “likely to face inquiries over some department expenses, as well, including travel costs and $139,000 worth of upgrades to doors in the secretarial suite.” U.S. States Slow Trump Offshore Oil Drilling Expansion Plan. Reuters (3/12, Resnick-Ault) reports the Trump Administration’s plan to expand offshore drilling in the US “is moving slowly due to opposition from coastal states and indifference from oil companies that have turned their focus to other opportunities.” According to the article, “governors from across the West Coast and much of the East Coast are meeting with the Interior and objecting to areas off their states for drilling.” Discussions with states “could last through year end.” Politico (3/12, Muoio, French) reports that “in case efforts to exempt their states are unsuccessful, lawmakers in California, New York and New Jersey are pushing legislation that would make new offshore drilling in federal waters as difficult as possible.” The article adds that “if or when the federal government ever gets to the point of issuing lease sales, states will have another opportunity to act against any planned offshore drilling.” According to the article, “the federal Coastal Zone Management Act gives states joint authority over activities in coastal waters and there’s a mechanism for them to object to federal actions, including oil and gas leases, that conflict with coastal management plans developed by the state.” US Interior Department To Begin ANWR Leasing Preparations. Platts (3/12, Mower) reports that the Interior Department “has begun preparations for oil and gas leasing in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and will use a new, streamlined procedure for its environmental review, a top Interior official said Monday.” Joe Balash, DOI’s assistant secretary for land and water management, said, “We expect to publish a Notice of Intent to begin an Environmental Impact Statement very soon. That will kick off a 60-day series of ‘scoping’ meetings, after which we begin preparation of the draft EIS.” E&E Publishing (3/12) reports that three months after Congress “used a controversial Republican tax reform plan to allow energy development on ANWR’s northern plain, Interior Deputy Secretary David Bernhardt outlined FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000354 the road map regulators will use to comply with myriad environmental laws governing oil development in Alaska.” Last week, Bernhardt “said the Bureau of Land Management is poised to begin the initial scoping process for leasing in ANWR and plans to hold public meetings and open a 60-day comment period on the scoping proposal.” Months Before Winning $300 Million Puerto Rico Contract, Whitefish Energy Was On Shaky Financial Grounds. The Huffington Post (3/12, Vardi) reports that “just over six months before winning a $300 million contract to fix part of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid, Whitefish Energy Holdings’ finances were not strong, according to emails HuffPost received through an open records request.” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has “denied any involvement.” However, Zinke’s did “come up during the discussions about the transformer plant proposal.” Heather Swift, Department of Interior’s spokeswoman, reiterated that that Zinke did not have any involvement: “This is completely fake news. To suggest that the Congressman in any way advocated for or was involved in the project is absurd and flat out wrong. However, I expect nothing less from the fake news Huffington Post.” Wildfire Risk Rises With 43 Million U.S. Homes Near Land Susceptible To Blazes. USA Today (3/12, Rice) reports that “Americans are choosing to live in areas that are increasingly prone to devastating wildfires, a new study suggests.” In all, “as of 2010, some 43 million homes were located in what scientists call the ‘wildland-urban interface,’ defined as the area where residential homes are built on or near wildland vegetation, such as trees and shrubs.” The article says that “when combined with the threat of global warming, Americans choosing to live near forests is expected to lead to more severe wildfire seasons.” Trump Jr., Donor Have Longtime Undisclosed Ties. The AP (3/12, Pearson) reports records show Donald Trump Jr. “has a previously undisclosed business relationship with a longtime hunting buddy who helped raise millions of dollars for his father’s 2016 presidential campaign and has had special access to top government officials since the election.” The records show Trump Jr. “and Texas hedge fund manager Gentry Beach have been involved in business deals together dating back to the mid-2000s and recently formed a company, Future Venture LLC, despite past claims by both men that they were just friends.” The AP says Beach in 2017 “met with top National Security Council officials to push a plan that would curb US sanctions in Venezuela and open up business for” American firms there. The AP says that “seven months after the Venezuela meetings, Beach attended a private lunch in Dallas between Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Republican donors, including businessmen with petroleum interests, according to a copy of Zinke’s schedule.” The AP adds, FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000355 “Ethics experts said their financial entanglements raised questions about whether Beach’s access to government officials and advocacy for policy changes were made possible by” Trump Jr.’s “influence – and could also benefit the Trump family’s bottom line.” Bureau Of Indian Affairs DOI Recognizes Nooksack Council Following Tribal Election. Law360 (3/12, Powell) reports that “the Nooksack Indian Tribe on Friday announced that the U.S. Department of the Interior has reinstated recognition of its leadership in the wake of a December special tribal election.” In a letter, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs John Tahsuda “recognized the validity of the Nooksack tribal council, which is comprised of four members who were elected in the December vote and four who were elected in 2014.” Bureau Of Land Management City Leaders Like Odds For BLM Move. The Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel (3/12, Harmon) reports that Mesa County commissioners want the “support from the state’s congressional delegation” to bring the headquarters of the Bureau of Land Management to the Grand Valley. Commissioner Rose Pugliese said, “We need our delegation as much as ever to advocate for us.” Pugliese and Commissioner John Justman “recently attended a White House conference for Colorado county commissioners, learning that the prospect of moving the land-management agency to Grand Junction has support from within the state.” BLM Sets Meetings On New Monument Management Plans. The Deseret (UT) News (3/12, O'Donoghue) reports that the Bureau of Land Management will “host four meetings to give the public a chance to weigh in on new management plans being crafted for the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments.” In all, “the process involves developing six land use plans and two associated environmental impact statements that cover 2.1 million acres of federal land in San Juan, Garfield and Kane counties.” Additional coverage was provided by the St. George (UT) News (3/12). Disputed Montana Oil Lease To Be Heard In D.C. District Court. The Great Falls (MT) Tribune (3/12, Puckett) reports that “a disputed oil lease in the Badger-Two Medicine area of Montana will be the focus of a court hearing in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.” In March 2016, the federal government “canceled the lease held by Solonex LLC of Louisiana, citing the area’s cultural and religious significance to the Blackfeet Tribe and lack of consultation with tribal officials on potential impacts prior to the FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000356 issuance of the lease.” Solonex is “suing the government arguing the lease cancellation was illegal.” BLM To Work On Access Road To Picacho Peak Recreation Area. The Las Cruces (NM) Sun-News (3/12) reports that the Bureau of Land Management this week will start “work to repair and improve the 1.5-mile unpaved road to the Picacho Peak Recreation Area.” The BLM “announced in a news release that public access to the site may be restricted at times.” However, the agency “said it plans to provide access throughout most of the project, which may take up to six weeks to complete.” Bureau Of Reclamation Fish And Wildlife Commission Joins Call To Hold Bureau Of Reclamation Accountable For High Flows On Bighorn River. The Billings (MT) Gazette (3/12, French) reports that the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has “added its voice to the chorus of Montana anglers calling for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to make adjustments to reduce high flows from Yellowtail Dam into the Bighorn River.” The commission on Monday “voted 3-0 to support a draft letter asking that ‘the Bureau of Reclamation ... recognize the harm being caused to river users, businesses and landowners as a result of its management procedures and ask it to take immediate corrective action.’” Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement Investigation Report Into Subsea Jumper Leak. Marine Technology (3/12, Fonseca) reports that the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has released “the panel investigation report on the May 11, 2016 subsea jumper leak on a platform operated by Shell Offshore, Inc.” The leak from Green Canyon Block 248 resulted “in an estimated release of 1,926 barrels of oil.” The BSEE investigation panel “concluded that the loss of containment in the Glider subsea system was caused by the ductile tensile overload fracture of the Load Limiting Joint of the Glider #4 jumper.” World Oil (3/12) also reports. Fish And Wildlife Service Refuge Proposes New Rules For Commercial Users On Upper Mississippi. The Winona (MN) Daily News (3/12, Hubbuch) reports that “federal wildlife officials are proposing a revised set of rules for guides and others who make a living on the Upper Mississippi River.” Draft rules released Friday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would “impose new fee schedules but limit the amount of money collected from fishing floats and commercial hunting, fishing and wildlife guides.” FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000357 Groups Seek Protection For Rare Mountain Salamander. The Medford (OR) Mail Tribune (3/12, Freeman) reports that “conservation groups Monday petitioned the government to list the rare Siskiyou Mountains salamander under the federal Endangered Species Act, claiming federal land managers’ apparent reneging on old ‘look before you log’ provisions in potential future logging sales imperil the rare forest amphibian.” Groups “formally asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the pockets of known populations of the salamander in Southern Oregon and Northern California as either threatened or endangered.” However, the Bureau of Land Management “maintains that its new resource plan guiding management of its Western Oregon lands still focuses on salamander protections at high-profile areas as it has for more than a decade.” Oregon Refuge Occupier Joseph O’Shaughnessy Next To Face Sentencing. The Oregonian (3/12, Bernstein) reports that Joseph O’Shaughnessy is “expected to be sentenced Thursday to time served with supervised release for his role in the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.” O’Shaughnessy “pleaded guilty in the 2016 refuge case and then awaited trial in the 2014 standoff near Nevada cattleman Cliven Bundy’s ranch before he was released in December.” According to the article, “he spent a total of year and nine months in custody for both cases.” O’Shaughnessy’s attorney and federal prosecutors will “jointly recommend the time served as his punishment in the Malheur case.” National Park Service Cooler Temperatures Push Back Peak Bloom Date About A Week, Park Service Says. The Washington Post (3/12, Chiu) reports that Washington DC’s “cherry blossoms are expected to reach peak bloom between March 27 and March 31, about a week later than initially predicted, the National Park Service announced Monday.” According to Mike Litterst, a spokesman for the Park Service, “cooler temperatures have kept the cherry blossoms from progressing out of the green bud phase, the first of six phases leading to peak bloom.” The initial forecast was “announced March 1 and predicted that the peak bloom date would fall between March 17 and March 20.” Also reporting are the AP (3/13), the Washington Post (3/12, Samenow), Washingtonian Magazine (DC) (3/12, Freed), WUSA-TV Washington Washington (3/12), and WRC-TV Washington Washington (3/12, Swalec, Jones). Senate Committee OKs Gillibrand Bill To Study Designating Finger Lakes As National Heritage Area. The Auburn (NY) Citizen (3/12, Harding) reports that Sen. Kirsten FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000358 Gillibrand’s “bill to study designating the Finger Lakes region as a national heritage area has cleared its first legislative hurdle.” The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the measure “to conduct a feasibility study in Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca and 11 other counties in the Finger Lakes region.” The study would “determine whether the Finger Lakes region should be designated as a national heritage area.” Additional coverage was provided by the Ithaca (NY) Times (3/12, Reynolds). Bison Protesters Banned From Yellowstone For 5 Years. The AP (3/12) reports that “three people who were arrested while protesting the slaughter of bison near Yellowstone National Park have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and are banned from the park for 5 years.” Hannah Ponder, Cody Cyson, and Thomas Brown “appeared in U.S. District Court in Mammoth Hot Springs on Monday.” All three are members of an advocacy group called Wild Buffalo Defense and “had been jailed since their arrest last Tuesday near the park’s Stephens Creek Capture Facility.” Additional coverage was provided by the Bozeman (MT) Daily Chronicle (3/12, Wright). This Is The History Of The Zion Shuttle And Why It Was Remarkable For National Parks. Today It’s Overburdened. The St. George (UT) News (3/11, Wadsworth) provided an overview of the history of the Zion National Park transportation system, which debuted on May 26, 2000. According to the article, “when the shuttle started, it was a lifesaver and nearly universally applauded – a way to protect the park’s resources as well as to improve the visitor experience.” Today, “it sadly is inadequate, but the park would be chaos without it.” Sequoia Seeks Input On Public Corrals Access. The Kaweah (CA) Commonwealth (3/9, Elliott) reports that the National Park Service is “proposing the conversion of two existing corrals to visitor stock-use facilities at Wolverton and Mineral King in Sequoia National Park.” The projects are intended to “increase overnight front-country stock facilities to accommodate equestrian access to park trails and wilderness.” Sequoia National Park is seeking the public comments on the proposal. US Geological Survey Starving Science: A Shortsighted National Strategy. Forbes (3/12, Salzberg) reports that “for reasons that are at best mysterious,” the U.S. Geological Survey is “planning to eliminate the Biological Survey Unit.” The unit, which manages “one of the most extensive collections of animal specimens in the world,” has “a very small FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000359 budget, a mere $1.6 million out of the USGS’s budget of $1.1 billion, and an even tinier fraction of the country’s $4.4 trillion budget.” According to the article, “shutting down the Biological Survey Unit won’t save enough money in the vast government budget to even be noticed, but the loss of its precious collections will reverberate through the decades.” Opinion Pieces Commentary: What Lawmakers Have Done To Our Public Lands Is Monstrous. In an op-ed for the Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (3/10, Ghorbani), Shireen Ghorbani, a Democrat running for U.S. Congress in Utah’s 2nd District, writes that protections for public lands are “being stripped away by those who will profit the most.” Ghorbani is running “to unseat Rep. Chris Stewart, one of the architects of destruction of our national monuments, including Grand Staircase Escalante, which is situated fully inside this congressional district.” Contrasting herself with Stewart, Ghorbani asserts that she does “not stand to gain financially from the sell-off of our lands,” and stresses that she does “not believe that our shared American heritage of these public and wild spaces should be sold off to serve the interests of the few.” Don’t Allow Beauty Of Our Pristine Lands To Be Stripped Away. In an op-ed for the Great Falls (MT) Tribune (3/12, Stevenson), actress, author and conservationist Karen Aspevig Stevenson warns that the Terry Badlands and Natural Bridges is “now in jeopardy of being open to industrial development and expanded motorized use.” According to Stevenson, “without holding one public meeting to discuss his proposal, Congressman Greg Gianforte introduced a bill on March 2 that strips protection from the Terry Badlands and 23 other wilderness study areas totaling nearly 370,000 acres.” Gianforte “also introduced a companion bill to Sen. Steve Daines’ S.2206, which would strip protection from the Big Snowies, Middle Fork Judith, West Pioneers, Blue Joint, and Sapphires Wilderness Study Areas – nearly a half million acres in all.” Stevenson notes that “taken together, these two bills Rep. Gianforte introduced would represent the largest rollback of protected public land in Montana’s history.” Duncan: We Should Embrace Offshore Drilling. In an op-ed for the Spartanburg (SC) Herald-Journal (3/13, Duncan), Rep. Jeff Duncan supports the Trump Administration’s five-year offshore energy leasing plan. Duncan argues the plan “puts the U.S. on the track toward greater energy independence, high-paying jobs, lower energy prices and substantial economic growth.” Furthermore, he writes that “safety is a top priority for the U.S. natural gas and oil industry, which works constantly to improve safety in the workplace through ongoing research, standards development, training and information sharing.” FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000360 Additional Reading. • Should Some Species Be Allowed To Die Out? New York Times (3/13, Kahn). • We Can Stop The Poaching Of Big Cats. Here’s How. New York Times (3/12, Launay, Scanlon). • Our View: We Won’t Let Animal Cruelty Get Brushed Under The Rug. Moscow-Pullman (ID) Daily News (3/13, Boston). • Yellowstone Specialists Monitor, Preserve Hydrothermal Features. Helena (MT) Independent Record (3/12, Hosseini, Hungerford). • Guest View: Gianforte Backs Bill That Endangers Monuments. Montana Standard (3/12, Burglund, Miller). • Why Trump’s California Visit Should Include SLO County. San Luis Obispo (CA) Tribune (3/12). • Move BLM Leadership To The West? Good Idea, Let’s Move Ahead With It. Klamath Falls (OR) Herald And News (3/13). Top National News Media Analyses: Trump Caves In To Gun Lobby. Media analyses were not kind to the President’s gun and school safety proposals, and cast them as evidence of him caving in to NRA pressure. In particular, reports bemoan the fact that Trump is not calling for raising the minimum age for gun purchases – a course of action which, Reuters (3/12, Rampton, Chiacu) reports, “he had supported after the latest US school shooting.” ABC World News Tonight (3/12, story 5, 2:35, Muir), for example, said last night that “the President seems to have caved entirely to the gun lobby,” NBC Nightly News (3/12, story 4, 1:50, Holt) that he “appears to be bending to the NRA,” the AP (3/12, Lucey, Lemire) that he “backpedaled from his earlier demands for sweeping reforms and bowed to Washington reality,” AFP (3/12, Handley) that he “stood accused...of caving in to the US gun lobby,” and CNN (3/12, Fox) that he “has finally outlined exactly what he wants to see from Congress on guns, and it’s not much.” Politico (3/12, Nelson) points out that “before conceding on raising the age limit for the purchase of certain guns, Trump had publicly chided members of his own party, telling GOP lawmakers at a White House meeting that they were ‘afraid of the NRA.’” But to the New York Times (3/12, Shear, Stolberg), “Trump has abandoned his live-on-television promise” and is “instead bowing” to the NRA “and embracing its agenda.” The Times later adds that “from Capitol Hill to the White House, the NRA still calls the shots.” USA Today (3/12, King) says “Trump’s decision to hold off on proposing an increase in the minimum age to buy any gun from 18 to 21 – after initially voicing his strong support – shouldn’t come as a shock from someone prone to public zigzagging,” and the Baltimore Sun (3/12) similarly asks in an editorial, “Is anyone surprised by...Trump’s FOIA001:02257041 '-------­ '------- EXT-18-2336-E-000361 turnabout? Probably not. ... The president’s gun control advocacy was fake news all along.” Chris Cillizza, meanwhile, wrote a piece for CNN (3/12) titled “Know Who’s Afraid Of The NRA? Donald Trump.” The Washington Post (3/12, Board) uses almost the identical headline in its editorial, “Who’s Afraid Of The NRA? Trump.” the Post says “once again Mr. Trump’s brave words prove to be meaningless,” and argues the President “seems not to understand that gun violence is not limited to schools, nor that mass shootings are but one part of a problem that also includes too many lives lost to domestic killings, suicides and unintentional shootings.” Trump defended his proposals on Twitter, and the AP (3/12, Lucey, Lemire) describes him as “seemingly on the defensive after his about￾face.” Trump wrote, “Very strong improvement and strengthening of background checks will be fully backed by White House. Legislation moving forward. Bump Stocks will soon be out. Highly trained expert teachers will be allowed to conceal carry, subject to State Law. Armed guards OK, deterrent!” Trump added, “On 18 to 21 Age Limits, watching court cases and rulings before acting. States are making this decision. Things are moving rapidly on this, but not much political support (to put it mildly).” He also reiterated that “if schools are mandated to be gun free zones, violence and danger are given an open invitation to enter. Almost all school shootings are in gun free zones. Cowards will only go where there is no deterrent!” As CNN (3/12, Diamond, Malloy) reported, the White House “insisted” Monday that “Trump hasn’t entirely abandoned the idea of raising the minimum age for purchasing guns,” with Press Secretary Sarah Sanders saying “‘the door isn’t closed’ on a White House push for raising the age of gun purchases to 21 at the federal level.” NBC Nightly News (3/12, story 4, 1:50, Holt) showed Sanders saying, “He hasn’t backed away from these things at all. They’re still outlined in the plan, but he can’t make them happen with a broad stroke of the pen.” The Hill (3/12, Easley) notes Sanders “made the case that Trump is focusing first on proposals that have ‘broad bipartisan support’ or that could be accomplished ‘immediately’ through the regulatory process or federal action,” and “insisted that the president still supports raising age limits on gun purchases and expanding background checks.” To the Washington Post (3/12, Borchers), “Sanders did her best on Monday to argue that...Trump is not backing down but rather prioritizing on gun control.” In an editorial, the Kansas City (MO) Star (3/12) refers to “a disappointing plan,” and the Hartford (CT) Courant (3/12, Blair) reports that “Sen. Chris Murphy is an author of ‘Fix NICS,’ the legislation to close gaps in the gun background check system that the White House offered support for, but like others he criticized the administration’s move toward arming teachers.” Tweeted Murphy, “If more guns = less gun deaths, America would have the lowest gun violence rate in the world. Guess what? That not how it works.” Murphy later added, “My day: First, Trump and Republicans handed over the keys to the school violence debate to the gun FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000362 industry. Second, my 6 yr old was locked in a tiny bathroom w his 24 classmates for their active shooter drill. ‘I didn’t like it, Daddy’ he said. Sleep well tonight, colleagues.” ABC World News Tonight (3/12, story 5, 2:35, Muir) reported that Sen. Dianne Feinstein, “who sat right next to the President” during his White House listening session on school violence “and seemed pleased with what he said back then, looks at this new proposal and calls it ‘a shameful abdication of President’s responsibility to lead,’ adding, ‘shame on you, Mr. President.’” The Washington Times (3/12, Boyer) reports “gun-control groups” are also “criticizing the president’s plan as weak, and say it shows that Mr. Trump didn’t want to anger the NRA.” Said Avery Gardiner, co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, “Americans expecting real leadership to prevent gun violence will be disappointed and troubled by...Trump’s dangerous retreat from his promise to break the Washington gridlock around gun violence and to stand up to the NRA.” John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, called the plan “a complete failure of leadership.” In an editorial, USA Today (3/12) says Trump’s plan “is chock-a-block with ideas, some worthwhile (strengthening background checks and restraining orders) and some half-baked (arming teachers).” But “most conspicuously absent is any call for banning semiautomatic assault weapons,” and “another” is “freeing scientists to explore the causes of, and uncover the solutions for, a shooting epidemic that kills 35,000 Americans every year.” Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, responds in USA Today (3/12) that “the NRA fully supports research, both private and public, which examines the root causes of violence in our communities. What we do not support is using tax dollars to promote gun control.” Adds Cox, “The problem is not funding restriction, but researchers who are unable to drop their anti-gun bias long enough to examine this issue objectively.” DeVos Defends Administration Plans On Morning TV Shows. Education Secretary DeVos, asked on Fox News’ Fox & Friends (3/12) if the ultimate goal is to “harden the schools,” said, “That’s one of the opportunities we have and one of the responsibilities we have, frankly. We have many other venues in our country that are kept safe and schools have to be a part of that equation as well. And, every state and every community is going to do this slightly differently, but we are going to advance ways in which schools can be made safer for students and which works for each community and for each state.” DeVos added that “there are pieces of legislation before Congress today that can take significant steps in the right direction. Background checks, the Stop Violence Act. They have broad bipartisan support. And the President wants to see Congress act now, take these steps today and then let’s look at what we can do as next steps beyond that.” Asked on NBC’s Today Show (3/12) why the school safety proposal FOIA001:02257041 •~---- EXT-18-2336-E-000363 does not include raising the age to by “assault-style” weapons from 18 to 21 since the President specifically said he supported it, DeVos said, “The plan is a first step in a more lengthy process. And the proposals that the President has put forward really encompass a lot of things that are supported on a broad bipartisan basis.” Asked again why it is not included int he proposal given the President professed support, DeVos said, “Everything is on the table. And the commission that is being formed that I will lead, is looking at this issue, along with a number of other issues. The point being that we have to get much broader than just talking about guns and a gun issue, where camps go into their corners.” DeVos was asked on NBC’s Today Show (3/12) about the idea of arming teachers. Asked, “What percentage of teachers at schools would need to be armed in your mind to be effective,” DeVos said, “I don’t have a percentage. It should be those who are capable and qualified and only in place where’s it’s appropriate.” Asked if there would be an armed teacher in every classroom, DeVos said, “I don’t think that would be appropriate. And I don’t think anybody would agree that would be.” DeVos added, “This is an issue that is best decided by local communities and by states. It is not going to be appropriate in every location. But it is going to be appropriate in some places, like Texas has determined and Polk County, Florida has determined.” Trump Commission Will Weigh Repealing Obama School Discipline Rules. The Washington Times (3/12, Boyer) reports that “Trump’s new federal commission on school safety will consider repealing an Obama administration policy that discourages expelling or suspending unruly students due to concerns that such disciplinary actions unfairly target minorities.” The Obama-era directive “advised school districts that disciplinary policies could constitute ‘unlawful discrimination’ under federal civil rights law if they resulted in a ‘disproportionate and unjustified effect on students of a particular race.’” DOJ Also Unveils School Safety Proposals. USA Today (3/13, Icsman) reports DOJ “announced Monday its plans to prioritize giving grants to local and state law enforcement agencies that plan to hire more officers in an attempt to improve school safety.” Attorney General Sessions said in a statement, “No child should have to fear going to school or walking the streets of their neighborhood. ... Today, I am directing the Department of Justice to take a number of new steps that will help make schools and the American people safer from the threat of gun violence.” Sessions “will also encourage each state to make sure local law enforcement is reporting to state-run databases that the FBI accesses during background checks. Right now, reporting that information is voluntary on the part of states.” The Washington Times (3/12, Mordock) says Sessions’ “proposals include holding federal agencies accountable for failing to update the National Instant Criminal Background Check System; ordering the FBI to identify states that are not reporting arrests to state databases and more aggressive prosecution of individuals who lie on gun applications.” Said FOIA001:02257041 ---- EXT-18-2336-E-000364 Sessions, in a letter to FBI Director Wray, “It is essential that relevant mental health determinations by state and local officers are accessible to the NICS system. ... We cannot allow an individual who is prohibited from possessing firearms to pass a background check simply because the information was not made available to you.” Sessions also “sent a letter to US Attorneys across the country demanding ‘swift and aggressive’ prosecution of people who lie on their firearm applications.” Politico (3/12, Gerstein) reports DOJ is also “offering up to $1 million in emergency grant funding to Broward County and other jurisdictions that responded to the shooting at the high school in Parkland, Florida, last month.” The Washington Examiner (3/13, Cohen) reports DOJ also” reiterated that it has submitted a proposed regulation to the Office of Management and Budget that would ‘effectively ban the manufacture, sale or possession’ of bump stocks – an announcement made Saturday.” However, says the Washington Post (3/12, Horwitz), “neither the Justice Department initiatives nor Trump’s plan contain significant proposals to change gun laws. Instead, Sessions’s actions enhance existing programs and call for more aggressively enforcing current law.” Breitbart: White House Backs “California-Style Firearm Confiscation Orders.” Breitbart (3/12, Hawkins) reports “the Trump White House released policy papers Monday declaring full support for California-style firearm confiscation orders.” Breitbart News “has a copy of the release and it urges states to adopt Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). Such orders allow firearms to be confiscated with a judge’s approval.” The White House “suggests that ERPOs ‘allow law enforcement, with approval from a court, to remove firearms from individuals who are a demonstrated threat to themselves or others and temporarily to prevent individuals from purchasing new firearms.’” They “stressed that the orders ‘should be carefully tailored to ensure the due process rights of law-abiding citizens are protected.’” WPost Analysis Examines Armed StaffIn Ohio Schools. The Washington Post (3/12, Heim) reports from Riverside, OH that 32 safes were installed last summer “spread out among the four elementary schools, the two middle schools, the high school and the administration building of the Mad River Local Schools district...on the outskirts of Dayton,” and on August 14, “the first day of school for the district’s 3,900 students, each safe contained the centerpiece of the district’s new security plan: a semiautomatic pistol and a removable magazine loaded with bullets.” The weapons, “paid for with money from the district’s operating budget, are for teachers and staffers who have volunteered and trained to be part of the school’s response team if a shooter enters a building.” The Post adds that “in 10 states, schools allow teachers and staff members to be armed, with administrators’ permission,” and that “after the shooting that took 17 lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida last month, pressure is increasing to expand that approach.” FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000365 AuthorWarns OfLink Between MentalIllness And Violence. In an opinion piece in the Washington Post (3/12), author DJ Jaffe writes that the US mental health “system often prevents relatives from getting help for loved ones who have serious mental illness until after they have become a danger to themselves or others.” All “too often this means after someone – often a family member – is injured or killed.” Jaffe makes a list of six suggestions “to save lives and help families get their...loved ones” with mental illness “the treatment they need.” Jaffe concludes that “denial of the association between serious mental illness and violence may be politically correct and well-intended,” but “too often, it ends in tragedies such as the Parkland shooting – and another scramble for answers we already have.” SculptorDenounces NRA After His Work Appears In Video. Washington Post (3/12, Kennicott) art critic Philip Kennicott writes that after his piece Cloud Gate briefly appeared in an NRA video, sculptor Anish Kapoor “condemned ‘the NRA’s nightmarish, intolerant, divisive vision’ that ‘perverts everything that Cloud Gate – and America – stands for.’” Kapoor, who “holds copyright over the commercial use of images of Cloud Gate,” has “fought and failed to force” the NRA to remove it from the video. Trump To Visit Border Wall Prototypes In California Today. The New York Times (3/12, Nagourney, Arango) reports that President Trump will pay a brief visit Tuesday morning to California, a state “the White House presumably views as enemy territory.” In San Diego, Trump will view prototypes for the border wall, “before speaking to troops at a nearby military base” and then “heading to Beverly Hills for a high-roller Republican fund-raiser before flying back to Washington on Wednesday morning.” Trump has no plans to meet with California leaders, “or tour any part of the state outside that stretch along the border.” The Times says California “now looms as prime territory for Democrats seeking to retake Congress next year,” with at least seven GOP seats seen “as vulnerable, many of them located right near where Mr. Trump will be touching down.” Republican strategists have advised candidates “to distance themselves from the president; a key question on Tuesday will be which, if any, Republican members of Congress will appear in public with the president.” Reuters (3/12) cites “[a] party official” who said Trump will raise about $5 million for his reelection campaign and the RNC at Tuesday’s fundraiser. The Washington Post (3/12, Wagner) says Trump’s visit “invited scorn Monday from leading Democrats here who have sought through legislation and lawsuits to fight an array of Trump policies, ranging from immigration to offshore drilling to health-care access.” California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León, said, “This visit is a political stunt to rally his base around a stupid boondoggle.” The Los Angeles Times (3/12, Winton) says “law enforcement will be ratcheting up in preparation for potential protests.” A “protest is planned in the Beverly Hills area between 4 and 8 p.m. Tuesday by a Facebook group, FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000366 Trump Not Welcome in LA. The LAPD is preparing for many more protests of various sizes on the Westside.” The New York Times (3/12, Williamson) highlights some of the proposals that were not chosen to construct a prototype. AP: Migrant Workers Still Flowing Into California From Mexico. The AP (3/12, Spagat) says that while Trump “made ‘a big, beautiful wall’ a centerpiece of his campaign and said Mexico would pay for it,” border barriers “extend the same 654 miles (1,046 kilometers) they did under President Barack Obama and so far Trump hasn’t gotten Mexico or Congress to pay for a new wall.” Trump’s “tough talk on border and immigration policy...hasn’t stopped the daily migration of hundreds of Mexican workers into California’s Imperial Valley. Farmers there say the workers are vital to the region’s vegetable harvest.” CIS Analysis: Wall Could Pay For Itself With Savings From Welfare Payments. The Daily Caller (3/12, Racke) says the wall “could end up paying for itself by saving the US treasury billions in welfare payments.” According to Steven Camarota, the research director at the Center for Immigration Studies, with costs estimates for the wall ranging “from $18 to $25 billion,” if the wall “cut an expected 1.7 million illegal crossings by 200,000 – about 12 percent – over a decade, it would pay for itself in fiscal savings from welfare, public education, tax credits and other benefits available to low-income, illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central America.” If the wall “stopped 50 percent of those expected crossings in the next 10 years, it would save $64 billion – nearly four times the cost of the wall – in welfare and social spending alone.” Daniels Offers To Return $130K Payment To End Non-Disclosure Agreement. On the CBS Evening News (3/12, story 6, 2:05), Jeff Glor reported, “The adult film actress who claims she had an affair with President Trump wants to make a deal.” Stormy Daniels, whose given name is Stephanie Clifford, is “offering to give up the money she got paid the keep quiet so she can tell her story.” CBS’ Julianna Goldman added that Daniels has “made an offer to Mr. Trump – she’ll pay him $130,000, the same amount she received in 2016 from his personal attorney Michael Cohen, in exchange for being allowed to speak openly and freely about their relationship. She also wants the ability to publish any text messages, photos, and/or videos relating to the President she may have, all without fear of legal action.” On ABC World News Tonight (3/12, story 7, 1:55, Muir), Tom Llamas reported that Daniels attorney Michael Avenatti “says the President has until noon [Tuesday] to accept the offer. This latest move, another attempt by Daniels to prove the President, who has denied the affair, is trying to shut her up. Daniels’ lawyer has already argued the agreement signed 11 days before the election is null and void, because then-candidate Trump didn’t sign it.” Avenatti was shown saying in an interview that Daniels is “not trying to sell her story. It’s important to her because the FOIA001:02257041 ----■ EXT-18-2336-E-000367 amount of misinformation that has been put out in the press and the media, especially over the last six weeks. And Mr. Cohen and others associated with Mr. Cohen are directly responsible for that misinformation. And she wants to set the record straight.” In a brief segment, NBC Nightly News (3/12, story 5, 0:20, Holt) reported that “the White House is not commenting on” the offer. The New York Times (3/12, Rutenberg) reports that in a Monday letter to Cohen, Avenatti “wrote that Ms. Clifford would wire the money into an account of Mr. Trump’s choosing by Friday. Mr. Avenatti set a deadline of noon Tuesday for Mr. Cohen to answer the offer.” The Times adds, “Under the terms of the deal detailed in the letter...the contract ensuring Ms. Clifford’s silence would be ‘deemed null and void’ once she returned the sum called for in her original contract.” Politico (3/12, Woellert) reported that in the letter, “Daniels also offered to drop a lawsuit filed March 6 in which she claims the agreement is invalid because Trump never signed it.” Politico quoted Avenatti as writing in the letter, “In the event this offer is not accepted in a writing delivered to me on or before that date and time, the offer shall automatically be deemed withdrawn in its entirety and shall be null and void.” The Wall Street Journal (3/12, Rothfeld, Palazzolo) also reports on Daniels’ offer. USA Today Analysis: Possible “Legal Risk” To Trump, Cohen Over Payment. Meanwhile, in a report focusing on the $130,000 payment to Daniels, USA Today (3/12, Schouten) offers “a look at the some of the potential areas of legal risk for Trump and...Cohen.” For example, USA Today says, “Under federal law, an individual could not donate more than $2,700 directly to Trump’s primary or general election campaign in 2016. A $130,000 payment would far exceed that limit.” However, “investigators would have to weigh whether the payment” made by Cohen “was, indeed, about influencing the election. In her lawsuit, Daniels says it was.” Court: Administration Broke Law In Failing To Comply With Smog Rule Deadline. The AP (3/12) reports “a federal judge says the Trump administration violated federal law when it failed to meet a deadline to identify all parts of the US with dangerous smog levels.” US District Judge Haywood Gilliam yesterday ordered the EPA “to complete the designations by the end of April.” The Daily Caller (3/12, Bastasch) calls the ruling “a setback for the Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda but probably only a small one.” National Academies Endorse Climate Change Report. The Washington Examiner (3/12, Siciliano) reports the National Academies of Sciences yesterday “gave a thumbs up to a congressionally mandated report on climate change, which scientists had feared would be suppressed by the Trump administration.” The National Academies’ “committee that reviewed the draft of the Fourth National Climate Assessment said it was FOIA001:02257041 ----■ EXT-18-2336-E-000368 ‘impressed by the accuracy of information and thorough discussion of the predominant aspects of climate change and impacts presented in the draft,’ according to a summary of the committee’s findings.” The Washington Post (3/12, Mooney) casts the development as “suggesting that another key government document could soon emerge that contradicts President Trump’s skepticism about climate change and humans’ role in driving it.” To the Post, “the process highlights how despite the changing political context – and even hints that the Trump administration may try to subject federal climate science to additional, adversarial reviews – technical government studies of climate science continue.” The report “says US temperatures will rise markedly in coming decades, accompanied by many other attendant effects,” and “predicts that Northeastern fisheries will be stressed by warmer ocean waters, that the Southeast will suffer from worsening water shortages, that worse extreme￾weather events will tax water and other types of infrastructure, and far more.” Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “Wage Theft In Restaurants.”The New York Times (3/12) says in an editorial that New York should become the eighth state to end “the unjust policy of letting employers pay waiters, bartenders and other tipped workers less than the minimum wage.” In much of the US, the Times writes, “tipped workers live in a parallel universe as far as labor law is concerned,” with employers permitted to pay them “as little as $2.13 per hour – a rate that has not changed since 1991 – as long as their hourly wages plus tips add up to $7.25 an hour. This discrepancy hurts workers by putting them at greater risk of wage theft, sexual harassment and other workplace exploitation – bosses can easily withhold or steal tips, especially from workers they don’t like or who refuse their propositions.” “VladimirPutin’s Toxic Reach.”The New York Times (3/12) editorializes that unlike the 2006 murder of Alexander Litvinenko, in the attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter, “the blame has been made clearer...and this attack on a NATO ally needs a powerful response both from that organization and, perhaps more important, by the United States.” While British Prime Minister Theresa May said her government “was drawing up a full range of retaliatory options” that could range from “expelling some Russian diplomats...to stronger sanctions,” the Times says Russia “probably doesn’t much worry about diplomatic expulsions, and British sanctions would add little to the broad range of Western sanctions already in place over the annexation of Crimea.” “Democrats Can’tWin IfThey Don’tRun.”In an editorial, the New York Times (3/12) says that no matter the outcome of today’s contest in PA-18, Conor Lamb “has already accomplished something impressive by showing that his party ought to contest every election — no matter how daunting the odds.” The Times says the Democratic Party “did not bother fielding FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000369 candidates during the 2016 and 2014 elections” in the PA18, where “recent polls show Mr. Lamb could narrowly win.” The Times adds, “For many years, Democrats seemed to narrow their vision and ambitions, losing hundreds of legislative seats, governorships and other political races. Mr. Lamb’s campaign shows that the party can and must expand its horizons.” Washington Post. “Who’s Afraid Of The NRA? Trump.” The Washington Post (3/12, Board) says in an editorial that “once again Mr. Trump’s brave words prove to be meaningless,” and argues the President “seems not to understand that gun violence is not limited to schools, nor that mass shootings are but one part of a problem that also includes too many lives lost to domestic killings, suicides and unintentional shootings.” “Come To America, Mohammed Bin Salman. But Free These Activists First.”The Washington Post (3/12) editorializes that before the Crown Prince visits Washington next week, Saudi Arabia should release “some of the dozens of political prisoners who were jailed for advocating some of the very reforms he is attempting to advance.” “Kellyanne Conway Broke The Law. The White House Shrugs.”The Washington Post (3/12) editorializes that “Kellyanne Conway ran afoul of ethics rules when she urged the president’s supporters to buy products under his daughter’s brand.” While “the White House said she was being provided with additional ethics training and recurrence was ‘highly unlikely,’” critics “thought stronger disciplinary action should have been taken.” The Post adds that “unfortunately, it’s not clear the training did much good, as the Office of Special Counsel made clear recently in finding Ms. Conway in violation of federal law barring the mixing of partisan politics with official government business.” And “more troubling than the latest violation was the White House’s refusal to do anything about it or even acknowledge it.” Wall Street Journal. “The National Security Tariff Ruse.” The Wall Street Journal (3/12) says in an editorial that the Trump Administration is wrong to cite national security to justify its new tariffs on steel and aluminum, writing that even Pentagon officials seem unconvinced. The Journal says the White House invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 because it gives a president power to act unilaterally, but that the Administration has not made its case. “All OfPutin’s Poisons.”The Wall Street Journal (3/12) editorializes that if Britain takes action against Russia for the chemical attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter, the rest of the world should follow. “You RIN Some, You Lose Some.”The Wall Street Journal (3/12) says in an editorial that the federal government should never have distorted the energy market by introducing subsidies and mandates to support biofuels, but since it has done so, it should at least offer relief for independent FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000370 refiners that lack the means to blend fuel and are therefore forced to purchase compliance credits. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: Trump Blocks Chip Deal By Broadcom On Security Concerns Republicans On House Panel Find No Collusion Between Russia And Trump Campaign Goldman Pushes Past Trading Roots With Executive Shift UK’s May: Moscow “Highly Likely” Behind Skripal Poisoning New York Times: Helicopter’s Safety Harnesses Became Deathtrap In Crash Citing Security Risk, Trump Blocks Biggest Tech Deal In History Bowing To NRA, Trump Abandons Gun Control Promise Republicans In House Say No Collusion, But Mueller’s Case Grows James Levine’s Final Act At The Met Ends In Disgrace Banker, Part-Time DJ And Next Up To Run Goldman Sachs Washington Post: Britain Links Russia To Attack Republicans In House Find “No Evidence Of Collusion” “Buy American”? For This Company, It’s Complicated. Security Plan In Ohio Schools: Teachers And Guns Tex. Police: Exploding Packages Connected Trump Blocks Asian Firm’s $117 Billion Qualcomm Bid Financial Times: Solomon Wins Power Struggle To Emerge As Goldman Heir Hubert De Givenchy, Fashion Designer, 1927-2018 Russia Accused By May Over “Reckless” Nerve Agent Attack In Britain Hedge Funds Amass Big Bets Against World’s Leading Advertisers Washington Times: Cory Booker Uses Senate Judiciary Platform To Highlight ‘Implicit Racial Bias’ In Justice System House Intel Committee Finds No Evidence Of Collusion Between Trump Campaign, Russia Climate Activists Pick Taxpayer Pockets To Take Down Big Oil Global Warming Skeptic Keeps His Cool Amid Hysteria Feds Prosecuting Illegal Immigrants For Enticing Relatives To U.S. Sinai Swap In Rumored U.S.-Mideast Peace Plan Poses Problems For Egypt’s President Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000371 ABC: Texas-Serial Bomber; NYC Helicopter Crash; Severe Weather; Weather Forecast; WH-School Safety; Russia Probe; Trump-Adult Film Star; UK-Former Russian Spy Poisoning; Nursing Student Murder; OJ Simpson Interview; Country Singer Dehydration; Ocean Documentary. CBS: Texas-Serial Bomber; Severe Weather; NYC Helicopter Crash; UK￾Former Russian Spy Poisoning; Russia Probe; Trump-Adult Film Star; DeVos-Interview Aftermath; Sanctuary Cities-Public Opinion; Fertility Clinics Failure; Mexico Ferry Boat Explosion Investigation; Lottery Winner; Gumball Machine Thief; Waffle House Charity. NBC: Texas-Serial Bomber; NYC Helicopter Crash; Severe Weather; WH￾School Safety; Trump-Adult Film Star; Fertility Clinics Failure, OJ Simpson Interview; UK-Former Russian Spy Poisoning; Lottery Winner; Fashion Designer Dies; Community Policing. Network TVAt A Glance: Texas-Serial Bomber – 8 minutes, 25 seconds NYC Helicopter Crash – 7 minutes, 45 seconds Severe Weather – 5 minutes UK-Former Russian Spy Poisoning – 5 minutes Trump-Adult Film Star – 4 minutes, 20 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Russia Probe; Texas-Serial Bomber; WH-School Safety; Wall Street News. CBS: Russia Probe; Texas-Serial Bomber; Border Wall Public Opinion; Sanctuary Cities-Public Opinion; Pennsylvania Special Elections; Severe Weather; Wall Street News. FOX: Texas-Serial Bomber; Russia Probe; Severe Weather. NPR: WH-School Safety; Severe Weather; Texas-Serial Bomber; Russia Probe; Wall Street News. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — Reviews Border Wall Prototypes; delivers remarks to members of the military; participates in a roundtable with Republican National Committee supporters. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — No public schedule announced. US Senate: 8:30 AM Arts Advocacy Day Congressional Arts Kickoff – Arts Advocacy Day Congressional Arts Kickoff, with arts advocates from across the nation networking and learning how to make the case for the arts and arts education to their Members of Congress. Effort led by Americans for the Arts and the Congressional Arts Caucus Location: Russell Senate Office Building, Kennedy Caucus Rm, Washington, DC http://www.artsusa.org/ https://twitter.com/Americans4Arts 9:30 AM Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on CENTCOM FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000372 and AFRICOM – Hearing on ‘United States Central Command and United States Africa Command’, with testimony from U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Joseph Votel; and U.S. Africa Command Commander Gen. Thomas Waldhauser Location: Rm 216, Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://armed-services.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on FY’19 DOI budget request – Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing ‘To Examine the President’s Budget Request for the Department of the Interior for Fiscal Year 2019’, with testimony from Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 366, Washington, DC http://energy.senate.gov/public/ 10:00 AM Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on administration’s infrastructure plan – Communications, Technology Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee hearing on ‘Rebuilding Infrastructure in America: Investing in Next Generation Broadband’, with testimony from Wilton Manors, FL, Mayor Gary Resnick; Competitive Carriers Association CEO Steve Berry; TDS Telecom Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Bob DeBroux; CTIA – The Wireless Association Executive Vice President Brad Gillen; and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association Senior Vice President for Policy Mike Romano Location: Russell Senate Office Building, Rm 253, Washington, DC http://commerce.senate.gov https://twitter.com/SenateCommerce 10:15 AM Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the FOIA – Hearing on ‘The Freedom of Information Act: Examining the Administration’s Progress on Reforms and Looking Ahead’, with testimony from Department of Justice Office of Information Policy Director Melanie Ann Pustay; National Archives and Records Administration Office of Government Information Services Director Alina Semo; and Government Accountability Office Director of Information Technology Management Issues David Powner Location: Rm 226, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://judiciary.senate.gov/ 2:30 PM Senate Transportation subcommittee hearing on administration’s infrastructure plan – Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on ‘Rebuilding Infrastructure in America: State and Local Transportation Needs’, with testimony from Nebraska Department of Transportation Director Kyle Schneweis; National League of Cities member Dan Gilmartin; C.H. Robinson TMC Division President of Managed Services Jordan Kass; and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association Senior Vice President for Safety and Regulatory Policy Jo Strang Location: Russell Senate Office Building, Rm 253, Washington, DC http://commerce.senate.gov https://twitter.com/SenateCommerce 2:30 PM Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on cyber posture – Cybersecurity Subcommittee hearing on ‘Cyber Posture of the Services’, with testimony from U.S. Fleet Cyber Command Commander Vice Adm. Michael Gilday; U.S. Army Cyber Command Commanding FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000373 General Lt. Gen. Paul Nakasone; Marine Forces Cyberspace Command Commander Maj. Gen. Loretta Reynolds; and Air Forces Cyber Commander Maj. Gen. Christopher Weggeman Location: Rm 222, Russell Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://armed-services.senate.gov/ 2:30 PM Former UK PM testifies to Senate Foreign Relations Committee on ‘State Fragility, Growth, and Development’ – Hearing on ‘State Fragility, Growth, and Development: Designing Policy Approaches That Work’, with testimony from Commission on State Fragility, Growth and Development (UK) Chairman (and former UK Prime Minister) David Cameron Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 419, Washington, DC http://foreign.senate.gov/ 2:30 PM Closed Briefing: Intelligence Matters Location: Rm 219, Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://intelligence.senate.gov 3:00 PM Helsinki Commission workshop on the Global Magnitsky sanctions process – Helsinki Commission holds workshop on ‘How to Get Human Rights Abusers and Kleptocrats Sanctioned Under the Global Magnitsky Act’, to provide human rights organizations, transparency advocates, and Congressional staff with the tools they need to effectively petition the U.S. Govt to review and potentially designate individuals and organizations for sanctions under the Act. Speakers include Human Rights First Senior Vice President (and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State) Rob Berschinski, The Sentry Managing Director Brad Brooks-Rubin and Director of Policy and Analysis Josh White, Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign founder and Director Bill Browder, Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher partner Adam Smith Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, SVC 212-210, Washington, DC http://www.csce.gov 5:00 PM Dem Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse delivers 200th weekly ‘Time to Wake Up’ climate speech – Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse delivers his 200th weekly speech ‘imploring the Senate to wake up to the threat of climate change’ – a series he began in April 2012, discussing the science of manmade climate change, its effects felt throughout the nation and around the world, and ‘the corrupt political forces that impede climate action in Congress’ – on the chamber floor. He, Senate Minority Leader Check Schumer, and fellow Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin, Dick Durbin, Tom Carper, Bill Nelson, Brian Schatz, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Coons, Sherrod Brown, Bob Casey, Tom Udall, Ed Markey, Jack Reed, Tammy Baldwin, Mazie Hirono, and Jeff Merkley, and Independent Sen. Angus King discuss ‘the threat climate change poses and the urgent need for a solution’ Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC whitehouse.senate.gov https://twitter.com/SenWhitehouse US House: 11:00 AM House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer regular pen-and￾pad briefing Location: H-144, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC www.democraticwhip.gov/ https://twitter.com/WhipHoyer 2:00 PM House meets for legislative business – House of Representatives meets for legislative business, with agenda including FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000374 consideration of ‘H.R. 4465 – Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2017’, ‘H.R. 1800 – To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer certain Federal land to facilitate scientific research supporting Federal space and defense programs’, as amended, ‘H.R. 3469 – To designate the bridge located in Blount County, Tennessee, on the Foothills Parkway (commonly known as Bridge 2) as the ‘Dean Stone Bridge’, ‘H.R. 4266 – Acadia National Park Boundary Clarification Act’, as amended, ‘H.R. 1350 – To modify the boundary of Voyageurs National Park in the State of Minnesota, and for other purposes’, and ‘S. 324 – State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2017’ under suspension of the rules Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.house.gov/ 2:00 PM Bipartisan Reps. Yvette Clarke and Darrell Issa launch Congressional Smart Cities Caucus – Bipartisan Reps. Yvette Clarke and Darrell Issa launch Congressional Smart Cities Caucus – an informal group dedicated to ‘issues related to the transformation of our communities to smart cities, how it will bring about innovation and technological change, and the role that Congress can play in this transformation’ Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2247, Washington, DC clarke.house.gov https://twitter.com/RepYvetteClarke 3:00 PM Helsinki Commission workshop on the Global Magnitsky sanctions process – Helsinki Commission holds workshop on ‘How to Get Human Rights Abusers and Kleptocrats Sanctioned Under the Global Magnitsky Act’, to provide human rights organizations, transparency advocates, and Congressional staff with the tools they need to effectively petition the U.S. Govt to review and potentially designate individuals and organizations for sanctions under the Act. Speakers include Human Rights First Senior Vice President (and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State) Rob Berschinski, The Sentry Managing Director Brad Brooks-Rubin and Director of Policy and Analysis Josh White, Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign founder and Director Bill Browder, Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher partner Adam Smith Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, SVC 212-210, Washington, DC http://www.csce.gov 5:00 PM House Rules Committee hearing – Hearing on ‘H.R. 1116 – TAILOR Act of 2017’, ‘H.R. 4263, the Regulation At Improvement Act of 2017’, and ‘H.R. 4545, the Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act’ Location: U.S. Capitol, H-313, Washington, DC http://www.rules.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/RulesReps Other: 7:30 AM NLC Congressional City Conference continues – National League of Cities Congressional City Conference continues, with speakers today including Democrats Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, Republicans Sen. Tim Scott and Rep. Randy Hultgren, Former Girl Scouts of the U.S. CEO Anna Marie Chavez, National Association of Home Builders Executive Vice President and Chief Lobbyist James Tobin, Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, Tom Sawyer Company President/CEO Carolyn Sawyer, Verizon Public Safety Policy Vice President FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000375 Donald Brittingham, FirstNet Director of Government Affairs Edward Parkinson, International Association of Fire Chiefs Government Relations Manager James Goldstein, Huntington, WV Mayor Steve Williams, and Population Association of America Director of Government Affairs Mary Jo Hoeksema Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC ccc.nlg.org https://twitter.com/leagueofcities 2:00 PM GOP Sen. Mike Lee speaks at AEI on the opioid crisis – ‘Interpreting ‘The Numbers Behind the Opioid Crisis’ American Enterprise Institute discussion on a recent report that suggests ‘a focus on economic sources of despair is unlikely to be productive and that social disrepair is the stronger force’. Includes keynote from Republican Sen. Mike Lee, with panelists including Sally Satel (AEI) and Yuval Levin (National Affairs), and Scott Winship (Joint Economic Committee) Location: American Enterprise Institute, 1789 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.aei.org/ https://twitter.com/AEI 4:00 PM Irish PM Varadkar speaks at Brookings – Brookings Institution Alan and Jane Batkin International Leaders Forum with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar, who gives an address on ‘Ireland in Europe and the world’, including ‘the challenge Brexit poses to the Good Friday Agreement and peace in Northern Ireland, the future of the European Union, and relations between the United States and Europe’ Location: The Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.brookings.edu https://twitter.com/BrookingsInst 5:00 PM Dem Sen. Chris Van Hollen speaks at CoCAT discussion on gun violence and school safety – Panel discussion and conversation on gun violence and school safety, as part of the Conference of the Contemporary Teenager, with Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen, The Washington Post’s Nick Anderson, school psychologist Dr Eric Rossen, free speech activist Mary Beth Tinker, school safety specialist Edward Clarke, and Bethesda￾Chevy Chase High School students * Event is part of the CoCAT pop-up exhibit created by BCC students that showcases teens’ viewpoints on issues ranging from gun violence to gender to depression to race Location: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St NW, Washington, DC www.mocatpopup.org https://twitter.com/mocatpopup 7:00 PM Dem Rep. Nydia Velazquez honored with NALEO award – National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Edward R. Roybal Legacy Gala, honoring Democratic Rep. Nydia Velazquez with the ‘Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service’. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, and fellow Democratic Rep. Sean Duffy deliver tribute remarks Location: JW Marriott Washington, DC, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC www.naleo.org https://twitter.com/NALEO Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000376 Jimmy Kimmel: “Donald Trump loves running for President. He just doesn’t like being the President. He can’t wait to get back on that campaign trail. He encourages supporters in the crowd to, quote, ‘Vote like crazy,’ which is really the only way you can vote for Donald Trump.” Jimmy Kimmel: “In fairness to Betsy DeVos, if it seems like she has no idea what she’s doing, it’s only because she has no idea what she’s doing.” Stephen Colbert: “Stormy recently sat down with Anderson Cooper for a 60 Minutes interview. Rumor is it’s going to be on this Sunday, but now Trump’s lawyers are considering a challenge to stop 60 Minutes from airing it. Hmm, why would Donald Trump be scared of a show whose logo is a ticking clock, slowly counting down the seconds until the time is up?” Stephen Colbert: “Earlier today, we learned that Stormy wants out of her non-disclosure agreement so badly that she’s offered to return the $130,000 payment to end the deal for her silence. [Donald Trump] might take it because Trump’s going to need the cash for his divorce lawyer.” Stephen Colbert: [Referring to a possible meeting between President Trump and Kim Jung-Un] “But with two impulsive leaders and so many logistics, the meeting is starting to appear ‘so risky and seemingly far-fetched that some of Mr. Trump’s aides believe it will never happen and that the chances were less than 50 percent.’ Yeah, but as we learned in 2016, Trump doesn’t need 50 percent.” James Corden: “It is the start of daylight savings, so we all have to set our clocks forward one hour. Now I know it sucks to lose an hour of sleep. It really does. But on the bright side, look at it this way, we are now one hour closer to the end of Trump’s presidency!” Trevor Noah: [Referring to President Trump’s rally for Pennsylvania Republican candidate Rick Saccone] “In theory, Trump was meant to be there campaigning for the Republican candidate, but in reality, just there to enjoy himself.” Trevor Noah: “This is the cutest story I’ve heard about Trump in a long time. He was so excited Kim Jong-Un wanted to meet him that he was running around the White House telling everyone.” FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000377 Trevor Noah: “The experts have been trying to solve North Korea for 20 years, and it’s only gotten worse. So if the smart people can’t do it, why not try Trump? Right? ... What if he gets it right? What if he goes to North Korea, doesn’t say anything racist, even bonds with Kim because they go to the same SuperCuts. And then they reach an historic agreement to get rid of North Korea’s nukes. That would be amazing. We would celebrate. Until President Trump gets home, and we realize he forgot to sign the last page.” Jimmy Fallon: “I guess on Saturday, Trump spoke at a big campaign rally in Pennsylvania. At one point, he said that he really can’t wait for 2020, while the rest of America was, like, ‘Neither can we.’” Seth Meyers: “North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on Thursday invited President Trump to meet for negotiations over the country’s nuclear program. Now, Trump thinks it’s because Kim Jong-Un respects him, but I think it’s more like when you’re having a high-stakes poker game and your friend goes, ‘Oh, I love poker, but I’m not very good at it.’ And then you go, ‘Oh, you should definitely come. Bring your checkbook. You should definitely come.’” Seth Meyers: “If Trump somehow manages to fall backwards into a peaceful resolution with North Korea, then that is absolutely a good thing. And if that happens, I will be the first to admit, okay, he wasn’t Darth Vader, he was Mr. Bean.” Conan O’Brien: “The Trump Administration is about to unveil its Middle East peace plan. Yes, it involves giving everyone guns.” Jordan Klepper: “Just because Trump has publicly insulted ‘Little Rocket Man’ since the beginning of his presidency, doesn’t mean that now we should boo [Kim Jung-Un]. Sure, he threatened attacks on our territory, proliferated his nuclear arsenal, and violates countless human rights laws, but he also agreed to have a hang session with Trump, so he can’t be all bad.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000378 Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02257041 EXT-18-2336-E-000379 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-14T06:38:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Received: 2018-03-14T06:38:27-04:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 14, 2018 at 5:59:19 AM EDT To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018 6:00 AM EDT Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • E&E Publishing: Zinke Trades Barbs With Democrats In Heated Hearing. • Denver Post: $18 Million In Federal Oil And Gas Lease Dollars Headed To Western Colorado Counties After Years-long Battle. • Unmanned Aerial Online: The Interior Department Is Adding 50 New UAS To Its Fleet. • The Hill: Dems Push Zinke To Halt Trophy Hunting Imports. • U.S. News & World Report: Ball State Gets Federal Grant To Develop Civil Rights Museum. • Associated Press: Climate Science Whistleblower To Speak At Maine College. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • Harassment Pervades The Bureau Of Indian Affairs. • Ute Tribe Takes U.S. Government To Court Over ‘Theft’ Of Land And Water In Historic Uncompahgre. • Alaska Tribal Org Says Feds Can’t Duck Land Cleanup Row. Bureau Of Indian Education • Claims Of Better Tribal School Oversight Draw Lawmakers’ Skepticism. Bureau Of Land Management • Deseret (UT) News: BLM: Natural Gas Project Could Generate $1 Billion In State Royalties. • E&E Publishing: Critics Pounce On NEPA Streamlining Tool For Leasing. • Great Falls (MT) Tribune: Comments Needed On Bears Paw, Missouri Breaks Permit Renewals. (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000380 Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement • BSEE Launches Risk-Based Inspection Program. Fish And Wildlife Service • Associated Press: Judge: Yellowstone Grizzly Lawsuits To Proceed As Hunt Looms. • Associated Press: Groups Seek Protection For Unique Oregon Salamander. • Associated Press: Wildlife Refuge Christmas Tree Drop Wednesday. • Klamath Falls (OR) Herald And News: Fish & Wildlife Weighs Drawdown Of 10k Acre Feet From Lower Refuge. • Platts: Seismic Deniability In ANWR Debate: Fuel For Thought. National Park Service • Washington Post: March For Our Lives Gets Permits For Anti-Gun-Violence Rally Along D.C. • Associated Press: Feds Award $750K For Loop Trail On Detroit’s Belle Isle. • San Marcos Corridor News (TX): Historical Preservation Office Awarded Grant From National Park Service To Austin. • Missoula Current (MT): Glacier National Park Superintendent Wants Sperry Chalet Rebuilt In 2 Years. • Associated Press: Cougar Makes Rare Successful Crossing Of LA-Area Freeway. • WTOP-FM Washington: Other Parks Pitch In With Prince William Forest Park’s Windstorm Cleanup. • WTOP-FM Washington: Work On National Cemetery’s Arlington House Begins Next Week. • Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch: Outer Banks’ Shelly Island Is Gone, According To Experts; It’s Still There And Still His, According To The Mechanicsville Man Who Claimed It. • Maryville (TN) Daily Times: House Passes Bill To Honor Stone On Foothills Parkway. • Naples (FL) Daily News: Big Cypress Fire 50 Percent Contained; Campgrounds, Trails Still Closed. • Associated Press: First Grizzly Bears Emerge From Hibernation In Yellowstone. • Associated Press: Yellowstone Fee Proposal Receives Wyoming Governor’s OK. • Associated Press: Body Of Missing Snowshoer Found On Mount Rainier. • Pensacola (FL) News Journal: Single-Engine Plane Makes Emergency Landing In Gulf Islands National Seashore. Insular And International Affairs • During Two-Day Visit To USVI, Dept. Of Interior Assistant Secretary Provides $2.8 Million In Funding . • Close-Up Program Funds Guam’s Future Leaders. • Challenges Arise From Compact Of Free Association With The US In States And Territories. US Geological Survey FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000381 • Newsweek: When ‘The Big One’ Strikes, New Earthquake Warning System Could Reduce Deaths. • Additional Reading. Opinion Pieces • The 9 People Donald Trump Might Fire Next. • At Bears Ears, Trump And Zinke Ignored Everyone But Industry. • Fees Should Be Waived For Bighorn Canyon. • Additional Reading. Top National News • Associated Press: Trump Announces Pompeo Will Replace Tillerson At State. • KUSI-TV San Diego: Trump Stresses Need For Border Wall, Blasts California Policies. • Politico: Sources Say Trump Getting Ready For Crackdown On Trade With China. • Washington Post: Sources: Trump Considering Replacing Shulkin With Perry. • Philadelphia Inquirer: Lamb Holds 579-Vote Lead Over Saccone In PA18 Special Election. • Politico: Trump Voices Support For “Space Force,” Says US Will Go Mars “Very Soon.” Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “Having A Torturer Lead The CIA.” - “Trump May Make America Miss Rex Tillerson.” - “Deadly Corruption In Honduras.” - “America Has Failed Its Kids On Guns. It’s Time To Let Them Lead.” • Washington Post. - “Republicans Must Choose: Trump Or Trade?” - “At ICE, The Truth Is Malleable.” - “Trump Humiliates Rex Tillerson For The Last Time.” • Wall Street Journal. - “Pompeo’s Promise At State.” - “Hillary Clinton Leans Out.” - “Trump’s Broadcom Veto.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Zinke Trades Barbs With Democrats In Heated Hearing. E&E Publishing (3/13, Lunney) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Tuesday morning “defended his agency’s budget request before the FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000382 Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.” Zinke defended the Trump Administration’s budget, “saying that while the department will continue to emphasize energy development, the priorities this year revolve around ‘conservation, infrastructure and reorganization.’” Additional coverage was provided by the Spokane (WA) Spokesman￾Review (3/13, Stone) and Law360 (3/13, Goldberg). Zinke: Too Many People Enter National Parks For Free. In its “Blog Briefing Room” blog, The Hill (3/13, Gstalter) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “defended his plan to increase the entrance fees for national parks, saying they need to charge more because too many people get in for free, including veterans and the disabled.” Testifying before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, Zinke said, “When you give discounted or free passes to elderly, fourth graders, veterans, disabled, and you do it by the carload, there’s not a whole lot of people who actually pay at our front door. So, we’re looking at ways to make sure we have more revenue in the front door of our parks themselves.” The Washington Examiner (3/13, Siegel) reports that “Zinke also said too much of the visitor fees to national parks go to Washington and he would like to give individual parks more discretion on how to use the money.” He said, “Part of the value of entrance fees is we want to push more flexibility to the park itself. We want to make sure the parks remain of value and accessible for America. That is the promise we will make. I am aware an increase hurts some families, and our interest is not to hurt families.” Zinke Defends Plan To Raise Park Fees Amid Flap Over Travel. The AP (3/13, Biesecker, Daly) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, testifying before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday about his agency’s proposed 2019 budget, “bristled...under questioning by Democrats about his travel spending.” The AP says Zinke “flashed with anger” when Sen. Maria Cantwell “pressed him on whether he could justify increasing access fees for working Americans” to national parks “when he has been spending taxpayer money on chartered airplane flights.” Zinke said, “I resent the fact of your insults, I resent the fact they’re misleading, I resent the fact of the doors...And I’ll go through line by line. ... To allege that it’s a private jet is inappropriate, ma’am.” Reuters (3/13, Volcovici) reports that “Zinke said his Democratic predecessor, Sally Jewell, also racked up significant expenses traveling to remote parts of the country.” Zinke said, “She took private charter airplanes and took helicopters. As interior secretary she was out hiking and doing what she was supposed to be doing.” Also reporting are CNN (3/13, Ganim, Wallace), ABC News (3/13, Ebbs), USA Today (3/13, Jansen), Newsmax (3/13, Swanson), and the Missoula Current (MT) (3/13, Buchman). Zinke: Oil And Gas Exploration OffThe Pacific Coast Might Not Happen. The Washington Post (3/13, Fears) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000383 Zinke “expressed doubt Tuesday that oil and gas exploration will happen off the Pacific coast as part of the Trump administration’s proposal to dramatically expand offshore leasing, saying California, Oregon and Washington have ‘no known resources of any weight’ for energy companies to extract.” Commenting on the Atlantic coast while testifying before the Senate Energy Committee, Zinke “similarly described Maine as a state with little recoverable oil and gas.” However, “Zinke stopped short of saying that the three Pacific states would be exempted from the president’s plan to offer leases on 95 percent of the outer continental shelf.” Also reporting are the Huffington Post (3/13, Bendery), Oregon Public Broadcasting (3/13, Guevarra), and WMEA-FM Portland, ME (3/13, Leary). InteriorSecretary Zinke Continues To Confuse On Oil Drilling. The Tampa Bay (FL) Times (3/13, Leary) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “continues to arm critics with confusing statements about the administration’s plans for offshore oil drilling.” Appearing before a Senate committee on Tuesday, “Zinke again explained why he decided to exempt Florida from a five-year plan, outlining broad political opposition and the current federal moratorium on untapped areas of the Gulf of Mexico.” Zinke said, “Florida is different.” However, “moments later, Zinke said, ‘Florida is still in the process.’” Later, an agency spokeswoman clarified, “He was just referring to the process and was noting that BOEM will finish the legally￾required analysis of the planning areas, as is always done for all planning areas.” With Growing Number OfRetirement-Age Employees, Zinke Sees Chance To Replace, Relocate Jobs West. Federal News Radio (DC) (3/13, Ogrysko) reports that testifying on the Interior Department’s reorganization plan before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said that with the growing number of retirement-age employees, he sees chance to relocate jobs to the West. According to the article, “with 16 percent of Interior’s workforce at retirement-age today and 40 percent eligible in the next five years, the department sees an opportunity to fill those positions with young talent at lower-grade levels outside of the Washington metropolitan area.” Zinke said, “Looking at a replacement as people retire [and] looking at pushing more assets out west, it makes a difference if you’re a GS-5 [or] a GS-7 where you live. San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., are very expensive cities, and quite frankly, the quality of life if you’re a GS-7 [or] entry-level is difficult [for] a number of reasons. We are looking at smaller communities out west.” InteriorSecretary Promises Action On Rural Alaska Issues. The Anchorage (AK) Daily News (3/13, Martinson) reports that Sen. Lisa Murkowski “used her plum position atop the Senate’s energy committee Tuesday to advance rural Alaska issues with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.” Murkowski questioned “Zinke on permitting for the controversial Ambler Road project and land management concerns for miners in Interior Alaska.” Murkowski’s “efforts to secure favorable outcomes comes after a FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000384 string of ‘wins’ for the Alaska delegation with the department, including opening part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to potential oil drilling and beginning the process of building a road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.” $18 Million In Federal Oil And Gas Lease Dollars Headed To Western Colorado Counties After Years-long Battle. The Denver Post (3/13, Paul) reports that roughly $18 million “in federal oil and gas lease revenue is slated to be distributed among four Western Slope counties after it was set aside but never used for cleanup of the Anvil Points federal oil shale research site.” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, “in announcing his agency’s decision to distribute the funds, said a check is on its way to the state.” The Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel (3/13, Harmon) reports that “the money will be split among Garfield, Mesa, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties.” KXRM-TV Colorado Springs, CO (3/13, Asperin) reports that Zinke said, “The Anvil Points energy payments are now where they belong, with the people of Colorado. Rural counties across the west have a unique relationship with the federal government because their economic livelihood is tied to the federal lands that surround the towns. Communities rely on the revenue the local land produces for everything from firefighting to building roads and supporting schools. This is money that belongs to the communities, and I was happy that we could deliver on that promise today.” Additional coverage was provided by the Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel (3/14, Ashby), the Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel (3/14, Harmon), and the Glenwood Springs (CO) Post Independent (3/13). The Interior Department Is Adding 50 New UAS To Its Fleet. Unmanned Aerial Online (3/13, Lillian) reports that the Interior Department will “soon have the use of up to 50 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).” The department “awarded a contract to Birdseyeview Aerobotics of Andover, N.H., to produce the drones and train DOI personnel.” Mark Bathrick, director of the DOI’s Office of Aviation Services, said, “The extended range and endurance of these aircraft will provide our land managers, emergency managers, firefighters and scientists with expanded aviation capabilities that continue to reduce the risk and cost of carrying out missions. Adding VTOL fixed-wing UAS to our current fleet of rotary-wing UAS is timely as we work with our Federal Aviation Administration partners to extend the allowable range of UAS operations in remote locations or other areas where the terrain and other operational issues can restrict manned aircraft operations.” Also reporting are Military & Aerospace Electronics (3/13), sUAS News (UK) (3/13), and Investor Ideas (3/13). Dems Push Zinke To Halt Trophy Hunting Imports. FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000385 The Hill (3/13, Cama) reports that “dozens of House Democrats have asked Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to halt all trophy hunting import decisions for elephants and other species, expressing ‘deep concern’ over the Trump administration’s policy.” The 55 legislators, led by House Natural Resources Committee ranking member Rep. Raúl Grijalva, “complained in a Tuesday letter that Interior’s decision to consider trophy import licenses on a ‘case￾by-case’ basis reduces transparency and accountability and will allow more imports of animal parts into the country.” The Democrats said they have “deep concern about the continued misguided approach the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is taking regarding the trophy killing of elephants and lions in African countries and the negative implications it has for this imperiled wildlife.” Elephant Trophy Hunting: Over1.3 Million Urge U.S. Ivory Import Ban After Trump Reversal. Newsweek (3/13, Palmer) reports that “more than one million people have signed a petition urging a ban on ivory and tusks being imported into the U.S. after the Trump administration reversed an Obama-era block on bringing elephant sport hunting trophies into the country.” The petition on Change.org, “which is aimed at President Donald Trump and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, is gaining signatures rapidly since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will lift the ban and that requests will now be dealt with on a ‘case-by case-basis.’” At the time of publication, the petition had “attracted more than 1.3 million supporters.” Ball State Gets Federal Grant To Develop Civil Rights Museum. The U.S. News & World Report (3/13) reports that Ball State University is “receiving a nearly $50,000 federal grant to develop a virtual museum for engaging Indiana’s legacy in civil rights.” The Interior Department and the National Park Service “announced Monday that the university is receiving an African American Civil Rights Grant for the project.” Additional coverage of the grants was provided by the Alabama Today (3/13), the Memphis (TN) Flyer (3/13, Smith), the Shreveport (LA) Times (3/13), the Selma (AL) Times Journal (3/13, Deshazo), the Chicago Tribune (3/13), and the Pittsfield (MA) Berkshire Eagle (3/13, Bellow). Climate Science Whistleblower To Speak At Maine College. The AP (3/14) reports that “a climate scientist who filed a whistleblower complaint against President Donald Trump’s interior secretary and later resigned is speaking at a Maine college.” Joel Clement, a former Interior Department official, is “scheduled to speak at Bates College’s Olin Arts Center Concert Hall on Wednesday night.” The event is called “The Trump Administration’s War on Climate Policy: A View From a Whistleblower Who is Speaking Out.” Bureau Of Indian Affairs Harassment Pervades The Bureau Of Indian Affairs. FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000386 The High Country (CO) News (3/13, Smith) reports that “employees with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, an agency staffed mostly by American Indians, experience more harassment than other Interior agencies,” according to surveys. Moreover, “recent investigations show that little meaningful action has been taken to prevent such harassment, or address it when it is reported.” BIA spokesperson Nedra Darling said, “The Department of Interior is committed to ending harassment and takes allegations of sexual harassment seriously. Allegations of misconduct, such as sexual harassment, are investigated thoroughly.” Ute Tribe Takes U.S. Government To Court Over ‘Theft’ Of Land And Water In Historic Uncompahgre. The Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (3/13, Maffly) reports that “more than a century ago, the U.S. government made several promises to the Ute Indian Tribe when it evicted the Uncompahgre and White River bands from fertile homelands in Colorado in a largely failed effort to resettle tribal members to Utah’s Uinta Basin, though the arid land was ill-suited for farming.” However, “that ground under the historic 1.8 million-acre Uncompahgre Reservation near the Colorado-Utah border proved to be rich in minerals, and tribal officials now say they never were compensated for more than a century of mining and drilling on leased lands around the East Tavaputs Plateau.” In new lawsuits filed by late last week, the Ute tribe claimed “federal authorities should have managed the forage, gilsonite, oil and gas, water and other natural resources on those lands for the benefit of the tribe, but instead orchestrated their ‘theft.’” According to the article, “their litigation also aims to settle the long-disputed status of the lands west of the Colorado border, asking a federal judge to declare that they be ‘restored’ to trust status, citing a 1945 order issued by the Interior Department.” Alaska Tribal Org Says Feds Can’t Duck Land Cleanup Row. Law360 (3/13, Stanley) reports that “a health care nonprofit run by an Alaskan tribe slammed the federal government’s bid to escape a suit over its failure to clean up and transfer oil-contaminated land to the nonprofit, telling a D.C. federal judge Tuesday the government’s contention that the claims are time-barred runs contrary to case law.” Bureau Of Indian Education Claims Of Better Tribal School Oversight Draw Lawmakers’ Skepticism. The Navajo-Hopi Observer (AZ) (3/13, Schultz) reports that Bureau of Indian Education Director Tony Dearman “told lawmakers Feb. 14 that his agency is making strong improvements in the oversight of tribal schools, despite a long history of problems and proposed cuts to the bureau’s budget.” However, his testimony to a House Education and the Workforce subcommittee was “criticized as ‘pretty naïve’ by Rep. Raul Grijalva, D￾FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000387 Tucson, who said the system’s $1.3 billion backlog of repairs, poorly allocated resources and other problems will not be helped by cuts to school and social programs.” Other lawmakers “also had sharp questions about the BIE, which was put on the Government Accountability Office’s high risk list of poorly managed agencies last year.” Dearman said his agency has “been working on a restructuring plan that includes increasing consultation with tribal councils, improving teacher retention rate and hiring personnel to improve data collection.” Bureau Of Land Management BLM: Natural Gas Project Could Generate $1 Billion In State Royalties. The Deseret (UT) News (3/13, O'Donoghue) reports that “one of the most signficant oil and gas development proposals in Uintah County – expected to generate as much as $1 billion in state royalties – is open for public review with the release of an environmental impact statement.” In the Uinta Basin, the Greater Chapita Wells Natural Gas Infill Project is “planned on 43,071 acres.” The project would “add to 1,247 oil and gas wells already drilled in the area, with development of 2,808 oil and gas wells that would be drilled over 15 years under the proposed action.” Critics Pounce On NEPA Streamlining Tool For Leasing. E&E Publishing (3/13) reports that the Trump Administration’s “latest efforts to streamline oil and gas development have drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists who say the policies shortcut federal law.” At issue is the use of “determinations of NEPA adequacy” for oil and gas leasing. According to the article, “it’s not yet clear how much BLM may expand its use of DNAs or how courts would view the practice, but environmentalists are promising to keep the litigation pressure on.” Comments Needed On Bears Paw, Missouri Breaks Permit Renewals. The Great Falls (MT) Tribune (3/13) reports that the Bureau of Land Management North Central Montana District in “currently in the process of renewing grazing permits on 114 grazing allotments in the Bears Paw to Missouri River Breaks planning area.” The BLM is conducting an Environmental Analysis for the permit renewal. A 30-day public scoping comment period began March 12. Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement BSEE Launches Risk-Based Inspection Program. Marine Link (3/13, Fonseca) reports that the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement “this week announced the implementation of a new Risk-Based Inspection Program that employs a systematic framework to identify facilities and operations that exhibit a high-risk profile.” According to the article, “the new risk-based inspection protocol looks beyond compliance and assesses the integrity of critical safety systems on FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000388 facilities and operations, those that have had multiple incidents of noncompliance or events and may need more attention.” Jason Mathews, chief of BSEE’s Gulf of Mexico Region Safety Management Office, said, “We developed this program to address areas where trends in compliance and incident data suggest the potential for imminent safety concerns.” Fish And Wildlife Service Judge: Yellowstone Grizzly Lawsuits To Proceed As Hunt Looms. The AP (3/13) reports that “a federal judge says lawsuits from environmentalists and American Indians who want to restore protections for Yellowstone-area grizzly bears can move forward.” U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen on Tuesday rejected “a request by the Interior Department to put the lawsuits on hold.” Attorneys for the department “had argued they needed time to review last year’s decision to lift protections for the animals.” Additional coverage was provided by the Missoulian (MT) (3/13, Chaney). Groups Seek Protection For Unique Oregon Salamander. The AP (3/13) reports that “four conservation groups are seeking federal protection for a unique species of salamander that lives in the Klamath￾Siskiyou region of southern Oregon and northern California.” The petition filed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Monday claimed “increasing logging of old-growth forests is threatening the Siskiyou Mountains salamander.” The petition by Cascadia Wildlands, the Center for Biological Diversity, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center and Environmental Protection Information Center sought “immediate protection under the Endangered Species Act.” Wildlife Refuge Christmas Tree Drop Wednesday. The AP (3/13) reports that “more than 8,000 bundled Christmas trees are to be airdropped Wednesday into a wildlife refuge in New Orleans as a way to slow erosion.” The trees will “create breakwaters to slow wave and water movement, trap silt, and encourage the growth of marsh grasses in the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a news release Tuesday.” The article notes that “last year’s collection totaled more than 6,000 trees.” Fish & Wildlife Weighs Drawdown Of 10k Acre Feet From Lower Refuge. The Klamath Falls (OR) Herald And News (3/13, Dillemuth) reports that “over the next month, U.S. Fish and Wildlife will weigh whether to take an estimated 10,000 acre feet of water from the Lower Klamath Basin Refuge for use by Basin irrigators facing a devastating drought.” Paul Souza, regional director for Fish and Wildlife’s Pacific Southwest region, “said the FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000389 measure is one of a variety of ways the federal agency is trying to make things work for irrigators who are trying to plan for their crops this year.” Souza was “one of three panelists during a Bureau of Reclamation-hosted meeting Friday that drew at least 180 people to the Klamath County Fairgrounds.” Souza said he and Refuge Complex Manager Greg Austin will “make the final call on whether to go forward.” Seismic Deniability In ANWR Debate: Fuel For Thought. Platts (3/14) reports that Alaska officials “hope to jump-start exploration” in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge “with $10 million in ‘seed money’ toward the cost of a 3-D seismic program to gather new information on oil and gas prospects.” However, “some Alaska legislators question the state’s investment in seismic.” State Senator Peter Micciche said, “There is a risk that you could chill interest if the seismic results devalue certain prospects,” in the refuge’s coastal plain. National Park Service March For Our Lives Gets Permits For Anti-Gun-Violence Rally Along D.C. Streets, Parks. The Washington Post (3/13, Moyer) reports that “permit requests have been approved for an anti-gun-violence rally that could bring as many as 500,000 people to downtown Washington later this month.” The March For Our Lives rally, organized by “survivors of last month’s school shooting in Parkland, Fla., will be held March 24 along Pennsylvania Avenue beginning at noon.” National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst “said an application was approved that includes usage of sidewalks along Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Third and 12th streets; sidewalks along Constitution Avenue NW between First and Ninth streets; green space between Constitution Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue and Third Street NW; and John Marshall Park, the U.S. Navy Memorial and Freedom Plaza.” Additional coverage was provided by The Hill (3/13, Gstalter). Feds Award $750K For Loop Trail On Detroit’s Belle Isle. The AP (3/13) reports that “federal funds will help pay for a 6-mile, multi￾use loop trail around Belle Isle Park in Detroit.” Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters “say $750,000 is being provided by the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Program.” The funds will be matched by private investments for the Belle Isle trail. Also reporting are WDIV-TV Detroit Detroit (3/13, Kelly) and WXYZ￾TV Detroit Detroit (3/13). Historical Preservation Office Awarded Grant From National Park Service To Austin. FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000390 The San Marcos Corridor News (TX) (3/12) reports tat “the City of Austin’s Historic Preservation Office has been awarded an Underrepresented Communities Grant from the National Park Service.” According to the article, “the $43,200 grant is one of 13 grants awarded across the country to increase the inventory of historic properties associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register of Historic Places.” Glacier National Park Superintendent Wants Sperry Chalet Rebuilt In 2 Years. The Missoula Current (MT) (3/14, Devlin) reports that Glacier National Park “hopes to rebuild Sperry Chalet in two construction seasons, starting this summer, Superintendent Jeff Mow said Tuesday night.” Mow “joined architects from Andersen and Hallas and the staff of the Glacier National Park Conservancy for a public ‘scoping’ meeting conducted face-to-face with park visitors in Columbia Falls and online with 179 others via Facebook Live.” Cougar Makes Rare Successful Crossing Of LA-Area Freeway. The AP (3/13) reports that the National Park Service “says researchers have documented a rare case of a cougar from the Santa Monica Mountains successfully crossing U.S. Highway 101 to an area less hemmed in by Southern California sprawl.” The agency “said Tuesday it’s only the fifth known crossing of the major freeway in more than 15 years of study.” The mountain lion dubbed P-64 “went through an underground culvert near where officials are planning to build a wildlife bridge over the freeway.” Additional coverage was provided by KTLA-TV Los Angeles (3/13, Wenzke). Other Parks Pitch In With Prince William Forest Park’s Windstorm Cleanup. WTOP-FM Washington (3/13, Pointer) reports that “crews at Prince William Forest Park are getting help as they continue their cleanup after this month’s historic windstorm.” According to the article, “workers from 15 national parks are assisting with the hard work of clearing trees, repairing downed power lines and assessing damage to historic buildings.” The park remains closed, but “officials hope to reopen it in two weeks.” Additional coverage was provided by the Fredericksburg (VA) Free Lance-Star (3/13, Hedelt). Work On National Cemetery’s Arlington House Begins Next Week. WTOP-FM Washington (3/13, Hensley) reports that “a fixture of Arlington National Cemetery is closing next week so construction can begin on a multimillion-dollar rehabilitation project.” The Arlington House is “closing to the public beginning Monday, March 19, so it can undergo a monthslong rehabilitation project.” Park Superintendent Alexcy Romero said in a news release Tuesday, “While Arlington House serves as a memorial to Robert E. FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000391 Lee, it also stands alone in its capacity to tell the stories of our nation’s triumphs and struggles through the lens of those who called it home.” Outer Banks’ Shelly Island Is Gone, According To Experts; It’s Still There And Still His, According To The Mechanicsville Man Who Claimed It. The Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch (3/13, Lohmann) reports that “Shelly Island, a crescent-shaped strip of land that formed last year off the point of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, is no more, according to the National Park Service.” The park service said that “several severe weather events during the summer and fall of 2017 may have played a part in Shelly Island’s demise.” However, “the Mechanicsville man who laid claim to the island says it’s still there and it’s still his.” Ken Barlow asserted, “So the island off the point has merged with the point. My land is still there. The deed I recorded has GPS coordinates. My land is still there in the corner of the point.” House Passes Bill To Honor Stone On Foothills Parkway. The Maryville (TN) Daily Times (3/14) reports that the House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation, H.R. 3469, introduced by Rep. John J. Duncan Jr.,”that would name ‘Bridge 2’ of the new section of the Foothills Parkway as the Dean Stone Bridge.” Duncan said, “Dean Stone was one of the Park’s strongest advocates for many, many years, and there was no stronger supporter of completing the parkway than him.” According to the National Park Service, “this section of the Foothills Parkway, from Walland to Wears Valley, is expected to open later this year.” Big Cypress Fire 50 Percent Contained; Campgrounds, Trails Still Closed. The Naples (FL) Daily News (3/13, Riley) reports that “a 3,019-acre brush fire smoldering in Big Cypress National Preserve was 50 percent contained Tuesday, officials said.” The Anhinga Fire “sparked Thursday” and “has forced park officials to close parts of the 729,000-acre preserve, including campgrounds, roads and trails.” The cause of the fire is under investigation. First Grizzly Bears Emerge From Hibernation In Yellowstone. The AP (3/13) reports that “grizzly bears have started to emerge from hibernation in Yellowstone National Park.” According to the article, “park staff spotted an 11-year-old male grizzly bear wearing a radio collar in the west-central part of the park on March 6.” The following day, “park employees reported seeing a grizzly bear in the east-central part of the park.” Yellowstone Fee Proposal Receives Wyoming Governor’s OK. FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000392 The AP (3/13) reports that the state of Wyoming will “seek an agreement with U.S. Interior Department and National Park Service officials about collecting a fee at Yellowstone National Park to fund wildlife conservation efforts in the states surrounding the park.” Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead on Monday “signed a joint resolution passed the state Legislature earlier calling for discussions about the fees.” Body Of Missing Snowshoer Found On Mount Rainier. The AP (3/13) reports that “the body of a missing snowshoer has been recovered at Mount Rainier National Park.” Mount Rainier National Park officials “say the man’s body was located Tuesday morning at about the 4,500-foot level in the Nisqually drainage below Paradise.” Single-Engine Plane Makes Emergency Landing In Gulf Islands National Seashore. The Pensacola (FL) News Journal (3/13) reports that “a small, single￾engine Cessna-type aircraft made an emergency landing Tuesday afternoon on Gulf Boulevard in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, according to a National Park Service spokesman.” A park service ranger “responded to the incident.” According to the article, “an NPS investigation is underway, and the agency also requested an investigation from the Federal Aviation Administration.” Insular And International Affairs During Two-Day Visit To USVI, Dept. Of Interior Assistant Secretary Provides $2.8 Million In Funding . The Virgin Islands Consortium (VIR) (3/13) reports that Interior Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs Doug Domenech “on Monday met with U.S. Virgin Islands and FEMA officials in St. Croix to review hurricane rebuilding efforts.” Domenech announced “$2.8 million in federal grants for rebuilding infrastructure and utilities.” The money will “support upgrades at the local public schools, road rehabilitation in St. Croix, and meter reading for the Water and Power Authority (WAPA), Interior said.” Domenech said, “Hurricanes Irma and Maria greatly tested the resiliency of Virgin Islanders but they are stronger than ever. My team and I visited this week with public and private sector officials on a wide range of issues including how to provide abundant and affordable energy to consumers for the future. Secretary Zinke continues to be a strong advocate for VI needs at the highest levels of the Trump administration.” Additional coverage was provided by the Saipan (MNP) Tribune (3/14). Close-Up Program Funds Guam’s Future Leaders. KUAM-TV Dededo, GUM (3/14, Terlaje) reports that the Interior Department “authorized $900,000 to fund the Close-Up Insular Area FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000393 Program that allows Guam students and students from other U.S. territories to travel to Washington D.C. and participate in youth summits.” Challenges Arise From Compact Of Free Association With The US In States And Territories. Pasquines (PRI) (3/13, Aberastury) looks at the benefits to the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau and Northern Mariana islands of the Compact of Free Association with the United States. The article notes that “one of the key benefits is that COFA citizens are able to move freely throughout the United States and the territories with a legal non-immigrant status.” In addition, “the COFA requires the US to provide defense for the islands, allowing the local governments to free up funds for important resources of development.” However, “to the US, it has constrained already limited budgets.” Looking ahead, “if the COFA states were to sign an agreement with China, the US would lose regional power overall as well,” and “the potential of siding with China may lead them to a better negotiating table with the US.” US Geological Survey When ‘The Big One’ Strikes, New Earthquake Warning System Could Reduce Deaths. Newsweek (3/13, Bartels) reports that “a plan to alert the Pacific region about an imminent earthquake could give people precious seconds they need to escape death.” The USGS is focusing on ShakeAlert, which “uses a network of sensors that pinpoint the exact location of any seismic activity as soon as it begins.” However, “the project has lagged in part because it’s currently running on half its desired budget.” Additional Reading. • Fears That A Yellowstone Supereruption Is On The Way Are Growing. Daily Mail (3/13, Pinkstone). Opinion Pieces The 9 People Donald Trump Might Fire Next. On the website of CNN (3/13, Cillizza), Chris Cillizza speculates on who might be the next White House officials to leave the Trump Administration. In a ranking of “embattled Trump Cabinet members,” Cillizza places Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke fifth. Cillizza notes that Zinke was “on the receiving end of a slew of negative press last week when word leaked out that the department had paid $139,000 to replace doors in his office space.” Zinke is “also facing a series of questions about whether his travel expenditures push the limits of legality.” At Bears Ears, Trump And Zinke Ignored Everyone But Industry. FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000394 In a piece for the High Country (CO) News (3/13, Thompson), Jonathan Thompson writes that “documents recently released by the Department of Interior show that when drawing the new boundaries” of Bears Ears National Monument, President Trump and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “ignored not only the pleas of five Native American tribal nations, but also proposals from local county commissioners and the state of Utah.” However, “the voice of Energy Fuels, the most active uranium company in the Bears Ears region, appears to have been heard.” On the other hand, Thompson says that “Obama’s staffers were in constant contact with Utah congressional staffers and other officials for months prior to monument designation.” Fees Should Be Waived For Bighorn Canyon. In an editorial, the Powell (WY) Tribune (3/13, Baker) argues that fees should be waived at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. It notes that “the national recreation area spends $257,000 in labor and expenses to collect entrance fees, but last year, those fees only brought in $97,000.” According to the paper, “by waiving fees, both the Park Service and visitors would end up saving money and time.” Additional Reading. • Turning Back The Clock On Protecting Alaska’s Wild Lands. New York Times (3/13, Dombeck). • Ron Fink: Saving Western Snowy Plover At VAFB Seems Futile Effort. Santa Barbara (CA) Noozhawk (3/13, Fink). • OPINION: Help Shape Gateway’s Future. Brooklyn (NY) Daily Eagle (3/13, Zablocki, Cosgrove). Top National News Trump Announces Pompeo Will Replace Tillerson At State. Media coverage of the President’s decision to replace Secretary of State Tillerson with CIA Director Pompeo was extensive, including the lead stories on all three major network newscasts. Reports also noted Trump selected Gina Haspel as his choice to run the CIA. A number of stories describe Trump’s decision as further evidence of disarray in his Administration. The AP (3/13, Lederman, Lee), for example, calls Tillerson “the latest casualty of an unruly White House,” and the New York Times (3/13, Baker) remarks on “the never-ending reality-show drama of the Trump administration” as “characters come and go and sometimes come back again.” A majority of analyses, however, cast Tillerson’s tenure at State in a sharply unfavorable light, and highlight his strained relationship with his boss. Along those lines, USA Today (3/13, Locker, Jackson) says Tillerson often appeared “at odds with Trump or out of the loop altogether,” Bloomberg News (3/13, Wadhams, Epstein) that the decision follows “months of strained relations with...Trump,” the Los Angeles Times FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000395 (3/13, Wilkinson) that Tillerson “clashed with Trump on numerous issues,” Reuters (3/13) that the President “publicly undercut” his “diplomatic initiatives numerous times,” and the New York Times (3/13, Baker, Harris, Landler) that “veteran diplomats said they could not remember a time when a president so regularly undermined his secretary of state so brazenly.” Moreover, NBC Nightly News (3/13, lead story, 3:20, Holt) reported that “the President wanted his new secretary of state in place ahead of his planned North Korea talks.” David Ignatius writes in the Washington Post (3/13) that “a successful secretary of state needs to be able to speak for the president – something that Tillerson could never do and Pompeo will probably achieve from Day One.” On North Korea, “probably the most important foreign policy effort of his presidency,” Pompeo “will likely be” Trump’s “key adviser and perhaps emissary – prepping an inexperienced president for what’s ahead.” Trump announced the shakeup on Twitter, writing, “Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service!” Later Monday, ABC World News Tonight (3/13, lead story, 3:40, Muir) reported, Trump “explained he just didn’t see eye-to-eye with his Secretary of State.” Of Pompeo, he told reporters, “Tremendous energy, tremendous intellect. We’re always on the same wavelength.” ABC added that the “timing of the firing was a shock, but it’s no secret the President has clashed with his Secretary of State for months on the Iran nuclear deal, on the Paris Climate Agreement and, most dramatically, on North Korea.” The CBS Evening News (3/13, lead story, 2:50, Glor) also reported that the President “said they clashed over the Iran nuclear deal,” and that Trump “rejected Tillerson’s advice to stick with US commitments to the Paris climate change accord and an Asia Pacific free-trade deal. He also overruled Tillerson, and instead took Jared Kushner’s advice to relocate the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem this year.” Brit Hume said on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight (3/13) that Tillerson’s firing “show[s] you cannot disagree with the President on major foreign policy issues...and last forever.” The Washington Post (3/13, Parker, Rucker) reports “Trump told reporters Tuesday that he had been considering removing Tillerson for ‘a long time’ because they disagreed over US strategy in key areas of foreign policy, such as the Iran nuclear deal, the approach to North Korea and the tone of US diplomacy.” In its lead story, CNN’s Situation Room (3/13) showed Trump saying, “Rex and I have been talking about this for a long time. We got along quite well, but we disagreed on things. When you look at the Iran deal – I think it is terrible. I guess he thought it was okay. ... So we were not really thinking the same.” Jeff Zeleny said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/13), “The timing was definitely a surprise, but it was in many respects one of the most anticipated things in all of Washington. In fact, it has been talked about so much, people thought things had moved on. But clearly what the President FOIA001:02716091 •·---- •·----- EXT-18-2336-E-000396 was waiting for was the secretary of state to step aside, to resign. But he made clear repeatedly that he was going nowhere. He was going to force the issue and make the President fire him, and that’s in fact what happened.” Jeffery Toobin said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/13), “We are in completely uncharted waters. There has never been turnover like this in any kind of White House, much less a modern White House. ... This is a completely different situation than we’ve ever seen before, and remember, also, the White House chief of staff General Kelly, his job is hanging by a thread. General McMaster, the National Security Adviser, his job is hanging by a thread. We could be looking at a turnover of almost the entire Administration except for Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.” Reuters, WPost Analyses: Firing Signals New Trump Approach To Staff, Agenda. Reuters (3/13, Mason) reports that “almost 14 months into...Trump’s turbulent White House tenure, loyalists are in, dissenters are out and the president himself is acting on his own instincts more swiftly than ever to make decisions on policies from trade to North Korea.” According to “people close to Trump...his firing...of...Tillerson was the latest sign” of his “growing impatience with his initial set of hand-picked advisers who he viewed as slow-walking his favored policies.” Trump “will still encourage disagreement within his inner circle, these people said, but once he makes a decision, he wants it carried out swiftly.” Andrew Surabian, “a former White House strategist under Trump,” tells Reuters, “What has changed is that he is no longer willing to allow people to slow roll or stonewall his agenda. ... He wants people executing and getting things done.” The Washington Post (3/13, Nakamura, Paletta) reports that “for much of his tumultuous tenure,” Trump “has made impulsive, gut-level pronouncements – about dealing with Democrats on immigration, tearing up the Iran nuclear deal or supporting stricter gun control – only to be walked back by his more cautious staff.” But “those days, it appears, are over,” with Trump’s recent decisions alarming “a West Wing staff who fear the president has felt less restrained about acting on his whims amid the recent departures of several longtime aides.” The Post adds that “White House allies in Washington suggested that Trump has been liberated to manage his administration as he did his private business, making decisions that feel good in the moment because he believes in his ability to win – regardless of whether they are backed by rigorous analysis or supported by top advisers.” Spokesman Also Out After Dispute With White House Over How Tillerson Learned The News. Tillerson’s spokesman and the White House were at odds yesterday over how the news of his firing was delivered to Tillerson and how the Secretary’s dismissal came about. The Washington Post (3/13, Parker, Rucker) reports that the White House said that “as Tillerson traveled through Africa, White House chief of staff John F. Kelly called to wake him up in the wee hours there Saturday to alert him that he would FOIA001:02716091 ~- ----- EXT-18-2336-E-000397 soon be replaced and to return to Washington as soon as possible.” Tillerson then “cut his trip short Monday to fly home,” though “his spokesman said Tuesday that the secretary of state was ‘unaware of the reason’ for his firing and had not spoken directly with Trump.” The New York Times (3/13, Baker, Harris, Landler), meanwhile, reports that “according to a senior State Department official,” Tillerson “learned he had been fired on Tuesday morning when a top aide showed him” the “tweet from Mr. Trump announcing the change.” The Times adds that Tillerson “had gotten an oblique warning of what was coming...from...Kelly, who called to tell him to cut short a trip to Africa and advised him ‘you may get a tweet.’” The Wall Street Journal (3/13, Bender, Youssef) quotes Steve Goldstein, the undersecretary of public affairs at the State Department, as saying, “The secretary did not speak to the president this morning and is unaware of the reason. ... But he is grateful for the opportunity to serve, and still believes strongly that public service is a noble calling and not to be regretted.” The New York Post (3/13, Moore) notes Goldstein also said, “The Secretary had every intention of remaining because of the tangible progress made on critical national security issues. He established and enjoyed relationships with his counterparts.” The Washington Times (3/13, Sands) reports Goldstein “was fired after putting out” the “statement apparently contradicting the White House’s version.” Most media accounts, at any rate, are closer to the version of the Tillerson spokesman. The AP (3/13, Lederman, Lee), for example, says Tillerson was “unceremoniously dumped...by tweet,” and The Hill (3/13, Chalfant, Greenwood) reports that Trump “told reporters Tuesday morning that he made the decision ‘by myself,’ signaling he did not speak with Tillerson before firing him.” Also, Michelle Kosinski reported on CNN’s Situation Room (3/13) that Tillerson “truly did not know that he was losing his job until this morning,” and “I think you could see it” in Tillerson’s press conference. The Washington Times (3/13, Boyer, Taylor) reports that in his “somber post-firing news briefing at State Department headquarters in Foggy Bottom, Mr. Tillerson thanked the department’s rank and file ‘for the privilege of serving’ as America’s top diplomat.” The Washington Free Beacon (3/13, Kredo) cites “sources with knowledge of the matter,” meanwhile, who “said the White House informed Tillerson on Friday that Trump was seeking to make a change.” A “senior administration official” also told the Washington Examiner (3/13, Westwood) that Kelly “phoned Tillerson in Africa on Friday to inform him of his firing.” The Washington Post (3/13, Parker, Rucker, Dawsey, Leonnig), meanwhile, reports “the president was so eager to fire Tillerson that he wanted to do so in a tweet on Friday, but Kelly persuaded Trump to wait until his secretary of state was back in the United States from Africa, two people familiar with the conversation said.” In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/13) also criticizes the manner of Tillerson’s firing, but praises Pompeo’s selection to replace him. FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000398 The Washington Post (3/13) says in an editorial that Tillerson was “poorly cast as secretary of state,” but “none” of his “weaknesses...appear to explain why Mr. Tillerson was abruptly dismissed, via tweet.” USA Today (3/13), meanwhile, bemoans “Trump’s tacky dismissal of...Tillerson,” and adds that while it “was the right decision,” it was made “almost certainly for the wrong reasons and announced in the wrong way (by tweet).” Media Analyses Pan Tillerson’s Performance At State. Media reports cast a decidedly unfavorable light on Tillerson’s performance as Secretary of State. Politico (3/13, Toosi) reports “State Department employees had one main reaction to...Tillerson’s ouster as secretary of state on Tuesday: ‘Good riddance.’” The announcement “sent a wave of hope through a department battered by low morale under Tillerson, who dismissed the expertise of career diplomats and sought to downsize the department.” Politico adds that “multiple foreign and Civil Service officers struck a hopeful note about Tillerson’s chosen replacement,” as “many hope that Pompeo’s close relationship with Trump will mean that the State Department will gain more influence with a president who has often sidelined it.” In its analysis of Tillerson’s tenure at State, Politico Magazine (3/13, Glasser) says he “feuded with fellow Cabinet members, clashed with White House staff, and alienated many of the thousands of career officials at the State Department who initially welcomed him as a voice of establishment calm in an unsettling new administration only to watch as he slashed their budgets and devalued their work.” Tillerson “was barely on speaking terms with national security adviser H.R. McMaster, engaged in a bitter turf war with presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, disdained by key members of Congress who had once cheered for him, and almost comically out of the loop on key policy decisions.” The New York Times (3/13, Baker, Harris, Landler) reports “foreign diplomats – starting with the British and the French – said Mr. Tillerson neither returned phone calls nor, with much advance warning, set up meetings with his counterparts.” Moreover, “strategic dialogues with many nations, including nuclear weapons powers like Pakistan, were ended without explanation,” and “the State Department’s policymaking process devolved into conversations between Mr. Tillerson and a lone top aide, neither of whom had much experience or knowledge about many of the countries they discussed.” The Times adds that “Tillerson became so isolated that even top administration officials like Mr. Pompeo and allies like Condoleezza Rice...had trouble penetrating a phalanx of staff to speak to him directly.” On ABC World News Tonight (3/13, story 3, 1:20, Muir), Martha Raddatz described the State Department as “a ghost town. There is no confirmed assistant secretary for East Asia, no ambassador to South Korea, and no special representative from North Korea policy. He left just before the [North Korea] meeting was announced, so all of the key people at FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000399 State responsible for the region are in acting or interim positions. But maybe Mike Pompeo can change all of that.” Brian Todd reported on CNN’s Situation Room (3/13) that “former diplomats and national security veterans are warning there is chaos at the top of that team. ... Veteran diplomats say before a crucial summit, a top US envoy needs to meet with the North Koreans or even Kim himself, take their measure, figure out what they want out of the negotiations. But tonight, America has no envoy,” and “Pompeo’s confirmation isn’t scheduled until April, just weeks before the proposed summit.” On NBC Nightly News (3/13, story 2, 2:25, Holt), Andrea Mitchell said “Tillerson’s legacy” is “a hollowed-out State Department: 38 key ambassadors not appointed, 16 vacancies as assistant secretaries and all 6 undersecretaries will be vacant.” The Washington Post (3/13, Gearan, Morello), meanwhile, says Tillerson was “derided by many of his employees who blamed him for marginalizing their role and diplomacy itself,” but that “after months of denying he intended to resign, Tillerson was ousted...just as he seemed to be hitting his diplomatic stride.” Marc A. Thiessen writes in the Washington Post (3/13) that “there are many reasons...Tillerson’s tenure as secretary of state was a failure, from his notorious isolation from his subordinates to his failure to help quickly staff the political appointment positions at State with competent Republicans.” However, “it was his insubordination to the president that assured that he wouldn’t be long in his position.” Thiessen adds that “with a summit with North Korea in the works,” Trump’s decision “could not have come at a better moment.” The New York Times (3/13) editorializes that Tillerson “will be remembered as one of the country’s weakest and least effective secretaries of state.” His ouster “most likely hinges on the fact that Mr. Trump is facing his biggest foreign policy gamble, a decision to hold direct negotiations over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, starting with face-to-face talks with the country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, supposedly in May. Tough trade talks are also looming.” CNN’s Pleitgen: Russia Happy To See Tillerson Gone. Fred Pleitgen reported on CNN’s Situation Room (3/13) that “it’s safe to say the Russians are not unhappy” that Tillerson was fired. Pleitgen noted that Tillerson had some “very strong words almost immediately” after news that a former Russian spy was poisoned in the UK, while the White House “refused to name Russia as the probable culprit.” Pleitgen quoted an anchor of Russia’s version of “60 Minutes” as saying: “Yesterday, Tillerson supported Theresa May in her ‘highly likely’ Russian accusation. And Trump immediately fired him. Trump is ours!” WSJournal Analysis: Dinner Anecdote Exemplifies Awkward Trump￾Tillerson Relationship. In an analysis piece, the Wall Street Journal (3/13, Bender, Schwartz) reports that after years as a top business executive, Tillerson had trouble adjusting to not being the person in charge – and that FOIA001:02716091 •·----- EXT-18-2336-E-000400 affected his effectiveness as Secretary of State. Under the headline “‘Rex, Eat The Salad:’ Inside The Awkward Relationship Between Rex Tillerson And Donald Trump,” the Journal recounts that during a dinner with China’s president in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Trump and Tillerson were served plates of less-than-appetizing Caesar salad. With Tillerson seemingly avoiding his wilted salad, Trump grew concerned about a potential slight to his hosts, and told his Secretary of State, “Rex, eat the salad.” WPost, USA Today Analyses: Senate Will Confirm Pompeo And Haspel, But It Won’t Happen Fast. The Washington Post (3/13, Demirjian, Kim, Debonis) reports that the nominations are “likely to be hampered but not stymied by a mostly partisan backlash to their records in the administration.” The Post adds that “leaders of both parties predicted Tuesday that it could take a while to confirm” them, but “the backlash is not expected to upset their eventual chances of confirmation.” USA Today (3/13, Shesgreen, Kelly), in a similar report, notes that Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer “said he has not advised his fellow Democrats to oppose Pompeo or Haspel at this point, but both nominees face ‘lots of outstanding questions.’” A.B. Stoddard of Real Clear Politics, assessing Haspel’s nomination, said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/13), “Anything could happen,” but “at this point, I think it looks fine for her.” Eamon Javers said on CNBC’s Closing Bell (3/13) that during Pompeo’s confirmation hearing, “expect Democrats...to really hammer Pompeo on the issue of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, an issue that he has really straddled and tried to appease his boss, but also appease the intelligence community that Pompeo leads. So, a difficult balancing act there for Pompeo coming up in his confirmation hearing.” Media Analyses: Pompeo Likely Much More In Alignment With Trump’s Policy Goals. Reporting on Pompeo, meanwhile, sheds a favorable light on his competence and his performance at the CIA. Some analysts, however, worry that he may be too ideological and in synch with Trump’s priorities. The Wall Street Journal (3/13, Youssef) remarks on Pompeo’s strong rapport with the President, and Reuters (3/13, Spetalnick) reports Pompeo “may have developed personal chemistry with...Trump by delivering his crucial morning intelligence briefings, praising him publicly and embracing his hard-line views on issues ranging from North Korea to Iran.” However, “some US officials and analysts worry about what they see as the Republican former congressman’s habit of telling Trump what he wants to hear, especially as the administration prepares for an unprecedented summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.” NBC Nightly News (3/13, story 2, 2:25, Holt) reported that Pompeo “brings a hawkish approach to the business of diplomacy,” and showed former CIA Director John Brennan saying, “I am concerned about Mike Pompeo’s hard-line positions on a number of issues such as Iran, North FOIA001:02716091 ·~--- EXT-18-2336-E-000401 Korea. He needs, as a Secretary of the State, to stand up to the President.” The New York Times (3/13, Baker, Harris, Landler) describes Pompeo as a “former Tea Party congressman, who forged a close relationship with the president and is viewed as being more in sync with Mr. Trump’s America First credo.” Another New York Times (3/13, Gladstone) piece says his appointment raises “the prospects of what critics called a more hawkish and rightward turn in United States foreign policy.” A third New York Times (3/13, Shane) story says that at the CIA, he “sometimes displayed the aggressive partisanship he had developed as a Republican combatant in Congress, disturbing some colleagues with hawkish policy pronouncements and political spin that were jarring in his role as intelligence adviser.” Yet “the agency appreciated his clout at the White House.” Breitbart (3/13, Delingpole), on the other hand, calls Pompeo “a drastic improvement on his predecessor,” as “for a start, being a skeptic, Pompeo is far less likely to undermine his president’s position on energy and climate change.” The Washington Post (3/13, Mooney) also reports Pompeo’s “coming elevation to Secretary of State would put an official who has expressed doubts about climate science in charge of the department tasked with representing the United State at a crucial upcoming international climate summit.” If confirmed by the Senate, Pompeo would lead the Department “as it participates in a key international climate meeting in Katowice, Poland, in December.” The Post says environmental groups “have already begun to criticize the Pompeo appointment because of its climate change implications.” Michael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution writes in USA Today (3/13) that he is “encouraged that President Trump has chosen such a bright and promising new leader for Foggy Bottom, while also now planning to elevate a woman to the directorship of the CIA for the first time in our history.” Added O’Hanlon, “I remain a critic of President Trump in many ways, but fortunately for the country and the world, he continues to choose talented individuals to lead his foreign policy team.” Rep. Will Herd, a former CIA officer, said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/13) that Pompeo’s learning curve won’t be “steep” because he’s already “been dealing with these issues” as CIA director. Former Ambassador Samantha Power writes in the New York Times (3/13) that “Pompeo should start by putting forward nominations for dozens of open foreign ambassadorships (including key posts like Egypt, Jordan, South Korea, Turkey and South Africa). ... We also need to attract new Foreign Service officers. Hiring declined by more than a third from 2016 to 2017, and the number of young people seeking to take the Foreign Service exam has dropped significantly from the rates seen during the previous two administrations.” Media Analyses: Pompeo’s Ascension Could Signal End Of Iran Deal. Fox News’ Special Report (3/13) highlighted that Pompeo has a “long history of opposing the Iran deal.” Fox showed Pompeo in a recent FOIA001:02716091 ~ ----- EXT-18-2336-E-000402 interview being asked if there is “anything that is good” about the deal. He responded, “I can’t think of anything.” Bret Baier said that with Pompeo replacing Tillerson, it “seems like we are closer to getting out of the Iran deal today than we were a week ago.” The New York Times (3/13, Sanger) too says Pompeo was “among the harshest of critics of the 2015 nuclear agreement that world powers brokered with Iran,” and that “if confirmed, Mr. Pompeo would take over the State Department just as the president is weighing whether to ditch the deal altogether – even if it outrages European allies.” The Wall Street Journal (3/13, Gordon) runs a similar assessment. The Washington Free Beacon (3/13, Kredo), meanwhile, reports that “in the weeks leading up to Tillerson’s departure, he had been spearheading efforts to convince European allies to agree to a range of fixes to the nuclear deal that would address Iran’s ongoing ballistic missile program and continued nuclear research.” Haspel, Choice To Be CIA’s First Female Director, To Face Questions About Role At Black Sites. ABC World News Tonight (3/13, story 3, 1:20, Muir) reported that the choice to succeed Pompeo as CIA Director is Gina Haspel, who would be the first women to run the agency. Haspel “was in charge of one of the CIA black sites where they did so-called enhanced interrogation, including waterboarding of Al Qaeda operative Abu Zubaydah. She is no doubt going to be asked about that during confirmation hearings.” The CBS Evening News (3/13, story 2, 1:50, Glor) reported that Sen. John McCain “said she’ll have to explain her past involvement in torture,” but former Deputy CIA Director Michael Morell defended Haspel, telling CBS News, “Hundred of people were involved in the enhanced interrogation techniques program. All of those people operated under the President’s direction with the national security team’s approval, with the approval of the attorney general, who said this is legal. It wasn’t torture. And with the full briefing of the Congress. None of those people should be held to a higher standard today than they were held to at the time.” Morell said Haspel is “highly regarded” within the agency. He added that “given her career as an operations officer,” she will be a “natural” at penetrating Russia, North Korea, ISIS, and al Qaeda, which are some of the biggest challenges for the CIA. Jennifer Griffin reported on Fox News’ Special Report (3/13) that Haspel, who “oversaw covert action and ran the CIA black site in Thailand,” also “ordered the destruction of waterboarding tapes, according to her boss who wrote about it.” At any rate, the Washington Times (3/13, Taylor) reports, Haspel “was long ago cleared of wrongdoing.” A number of other print reports echo the same themes. Bloomberg News (3/13, Syeed) says she “would make history as the first female director of the intelligence agency, but first she’ll face questions about her past role in US interrogation programs overseas.” Reuters (3/13) reports that she “is supported by many in the US intelligence community,” and the FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000403 AP (3/13, Riechmann) says that “colleagues describe her as a seasoned veteran who would lead the CIA with integrity,” while “human rights advocates see her as someone who supervised torture at a secret prison.” The Washington Post (3/13, Miller, Harris), meanwhile, sees her as “a woman who spent multiple tours overseas and is respected by the workforce but is deeply tied to the agency’s use of brutal interrogation measures on terrorism suspects.” Jameel Jaffer, “formerly deputy legal director of the ACLU, said Tuesday on his Twitter feed that Haspel is ‘quite literally a war criminal.’” The New York Times (3/13, Goldman) says “Haspel’s time running the prison, code-named Cat’s Eye, began her deep involvement in the agency’s counterterrorism operations and showed her willingness to take part in the agency’s rendition, detention and interrogation program, which shaped her career.” She “was a rising star until that dark chapter in C.I.A. history began to emerge publicly,” but “under...Trump, her fortunes changed.” In an editorial, the New York Times (3/13) says “Haspel is reportedly respected by many CIA agents,” but “she effectively ran an illegal program, and her promotion to such a top administration position, unless she forcefully renounces the use of torture during her confirmation hearing, would send an undeniable signal to the agency, and the country, that Mr. Trump is indifferent to this brutality.” Politico (3/13, Lima) reports former CIA Director Brennan, “who tapped Haspel to serve as deputy director of operations in 2013, praised her ‘wealth of experience’ in responding to news of the selection on Tuesday, while acknowledging her role in carrying out controversial intelligence gathering practices.” Already, the Washington Times (3/13, Boyer, Dinan) reports, “one influential Democrat,” Sen. Ron Wyden, “announced Tuesday he’ll vote against...Haspel...saying her ‘background makes her unsuitable to serve.’” The Daily Caller (3/13, Johnson) reports “Mike Rogers, former Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said of Haspel in a statement: ‘I have had the privilege to work with Ms. Haspel during challenging and intense times for our nation’s security. She is an exceptional leader, patriot and consummate professional. She showed the savvy and grit needed in difficult situations that has garnered respect of colleagues and adversaries alike. Her commitment to the mission and rule of law are unparalleled.’” The Washington Times (3/13, Persons) reports Sen. Tom Cotton said Tuesday that Haspel “will likely face questions about her position on torture, but he said those questions should not hold her back.” Said Cotton, “I think the universal respect she commands within the CIA and the broader intelligence community, to include from some of the Obama intelligence officials, just goes to show what good hands the CIA will be in.” Trump Stresses Need For Border Wall, Blasts California Policies. President Trump’s trip to California receives fairly light media coverage, FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000404 with only one of the network news broadcasts reporting on the visit and relatively sparse print and online reporting. Generally, the coverage focuses on Trump’s tour of the prototypes for the wall along the US-Mexico border and his comments about the impact the wall will have in reducing the flow of drugs and undocumented immigrants across the border. To a lesser extent, the coverage highlights Trump’s criticism of California for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration officials, and Gov. Jerry Brown, who he said is doing a “terrible job.” KUSI-TV San Diego (3/13, 5:14 p.m. PDT) reported that Trump went to California “with a large agenda including meeting with our military and touring prototypes for his major campaign promise, the border wall.” Trump “spoke on the importance of the trip and the necessity of border security comparing today to decades ago when the US was without stable border protection.” Trump: “This is what it was in the 1990s. It was an open wound, frankly. It was really, really bad. People just pouring across. Drugs, everything else just pouring across. Now of course, you have a much bigger, worldwide drug problem. If we ever had nothing here – we have a lousy wall over here now – but at least it stops 90-95 percent. When we put up the real wall, we’re going to stop 99 percent, maybe more than that.” The San Diego Union-Tribune (3/13, Davis) reports that Trump “got a firsthand look...at the massive border wall prototypes,” and used the trip “to champion his plan for border security, insult the state for policies that are friendly to unauthorized immigrants and renew his call to Congress to fund a proposed $18 billion wall.” Trump also made “remarks to military personnel representing all five branches at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar,” where he “was welcomed with cheering and applause.” In his remarks, Trump “new military aircraft and pay raises, pledged to re-enter the space race...lauded the successful fight against the Islamic State and reiterated his call for border security.” Breitbart (3/13, Pollak) features photos of Trump’s inspection of the border wall prototypes and says he “told reporters that he preferred prototypes that had some ‘see-through capability’ so that Border Patrol agents could see what, and who, was on the other side.” Trump said, “You have to know what’s on the other side of the wall. … You could be two feet away from a cartel, and you don’t even know they’re there.” The Los Angeles Times (3/13, Parvini) reports that Trump “concluded his wall prototype tour” by saying, “We must enforce our laws and protect our people.” Trump told reporters, “Everyday, criminals and terrorists try to infiltrate our country. ... The border wall is truly our first line of defense.... It will save thousands and thousands of lives” and will save “hundreds of billions of dollars.” In a brief report, the CBS Evening News (3/13, story 8, 0:30, Glor) reported that Trump “says that existing fences aren’t tall enough to keep undocumented immigrants out.” Trump: “Getting over the top is easy. These are, like, professional mountain climbers. They’re incredible climbers. They can’t climb some of these walls. Some of them FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000405 they can. Those are the walls we’re not using.” KNBC-TV Los Angeles (3/13, 5:14 p.m. PDT) reported that it “did some fact checking” of Trump’s claim that “once the wall is beefed up, then drugs will stop pouring through and the wall will pay for itself.” KNBC added that Trump said the wall “will stop illegal drugs from coming into the US,” but the DEA “found in its own study, one of the main ways illegal drugs get across the border is by smugglers driving them through US ports of entry. Dealers are using tunnels, drones and where there is a wall, catapults.” KNBC added that Trump “says the $18 billion wall will pay for itself, citing a study which estimates if illegal border crossers can’t get through, that will lead to future savings.” The Cato Institute “counters that fact. The wall will have to stop 134 to 171% border crossers that are even estimated to come over the next 10 years, that’s to break even with the cost to build and maintain the wall. And that, the Institute says, is mathematically impossible.” The AP (3/14, Watson, Colvin) reports that Trump “accused California of putting ‘the entire nation at risk’ by refusing to take tough action against illegal immigration.” Trump used the visit “to denounce the liberal state for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, saying the policy is the ‘best friend’ of criminals.” The Washington Post (3/13, Wagner) says Trump “trashed” California Gov. Jerry Brown, saying he is a “nice guy” but doing a “terrible job.” Trump said, “I think Governor Brown does a very poor job running California. ... They have the highest taxes in the United States. The place is totally out of control. You have sanctuary cities where you have criminals living in the sanctuary cities.” Noting that he owns property in the state, Trump added, “The taxes are way, way out of whack, and people are going to start to move pretty soon.” The Daily Caller (3/13, Johnson) says Trump “tore into Brown,” saying he “has not done the job. The taxes are double and triple what they should be. Everybody that lives in California they know it.” The New York Times (3/13, Baker, Arango) says Trump “unloaded” on Brown and Brown responded on Trump’s “favorite medium,” tweeting, “Thanks for the shout￾out, @realDonaldTrump. ... But bridges are still better than walls. And California remains the 6th largest economy in the world and the most prosperous state in America. #Facts.” Under the headline, “Trump Runs For Reelection Against CA ‘Sanctuary Cities,’” the Sacramento (CA) Bee (3/13, Koseff) says Trump’s “harsh message revealed nearly everything you need to know about what Trump thinks of California – and why the country’s largest, and most proudly liberal, state may be his ticket back to the White House in 2020.” California Democrats “have positioned themselves as a bulwark in the anti￾Trump ‘resistance,’ and boosted their political prospects in the process,” and Trump “has pushed back with equal vigor, rallying his supporters in the process.” The Bee describes Trump’s visit as “a finger in the state’s eye” as state leaders “strongly oppose the border wall project.” KSWB-TV San Diego (3/13, 5:08 p.m. PDT) described “an intense FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000406 few hours as Trump supporters celebrated the man they have to get into office. It was Trump’s first trip to California since becoming the 45th President and supporters were beaming with pride.” KSWB added that “others had a different feeling. ... The President was close by as a rally was held in a parking lot here with Tijuana and the border in view. Those here not all that pleased with Trump’s visit and certainly not happy with his border wall or his policies in general.” Trump Tweets Video OfHis Visit To Border. The Arizona Republic (3/13, Carranza) reports that Trump “wasted no time to promote his visit, releasing a 40-second video with images of the president walking among the prototypes and talking to border agents.” Trump posted the video on Twitter “about two hours after leaving the site of the prototypes, and even before he was scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles for his next event on Tuesday, a fundraiser in Beverly Hills.” In an accompanying tweet, Trump wrote, “If we don’t have a wall system, we’re not going to have a country. ... Congress must fund the BORDER WALL & prohibit grants to sanctuary jurisdictions that threaten the security of our country & the people of our country. We must enforce our laws & protect our people! #BuildTheWall” LATimes Analysis: Anti-Trump Protest Outside Fundraiser“Resembled A Festival.”The Los Angeles Times (3/13, Etehad) reports that a demonstration against Trump outside a fundraiser at the Beverly Gardens Park in Beverly Hills “resembled a festival more than a protest. Street vendors sold hotdogs, a live band played music and a stage was set up for speakers.” The protest “brought a wide array of activists, including LGBTQ and immigrant right groups.” Cato Scholars Consider Constitutionality OfCalifornia Sanctuary Policies. In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal (3/13), Ilya Shapiro and Josh Blackman of the Cato Institute consider California’s three sanctuary policies, and conclude that the California Values Act, which limits state and local officials’ cooperation with federal immigration officials, does not amount to obstruction or interference, while the policy requiring the state attorney general to inspect and review detention facilities, and the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, which prohibits business owners from consenting to a search of his business by federal immigration officers, are unconstitutional. Sources Say Trump Getting Ready For Crackdown On Trade With China. Politico (3/13, Behsudi, Restuccia) reports that President Trump “is getting ready to crack down on China.” The President “told Cabinet secretaries and top advisers during a meeting at the White House last week that he wanted to soon hit China with steep tariffs and investment restrictions in response to allegations of intellectual property theft,” according to three people familiar with the discussions. During the meeting, USTR Lighthizer reportedly “presented Trump with a package of tariffs that would target the equivalent of $30 billion a year in Chinese imports,” and Trump “urged FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000407 Lighthizer to aim for an even bigger number.” The President also reportedly “instructed administration officials to be ready for a formal announcement in the coming weeks.” Appearing on Fox News’ Ingraham Angle (3/13), Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker said of Trump, “I wish he would focus more on China. ... It looks like we are trying to punish our allies when the focus should be multilaterally against China. So, I don’t like the way we are going about it. ... [China is] producing 49% of the world’s steel...and over time, they are the entity that’s stealing our intellectual property.” McConnell Says Senate Will Not Block Tariffs. The Washington Examiner (3/13, Ferrechio) reports in a brief item that Senate Majority Leader McConnell told reporters Tuesday that the Senate “would not take up legislation that would block President Trump’s planned tariffs on aluminum and steel because Trump would not sign it.” McConnell said, “The thought that the President would sign a bill that would undo actions he’s taken strikes me as remote, at best. ... So I think it’s highly unlikely we’d be dealing with that in a legislative way.” However, McConnell said senators “harbor ‘a lot of concern’ about the tariffs and the impact on the economy.” The Washington Post (3/13) says in an editorial that Republicans must decide whether to continue down their traditional free-trade path or to follow Trump’s moves toward protectionism. China Already Forcing Steel And Aluminum Factories To Close. The New York Times (3/13, Bradsher, Tang) reports that “many Chinese officials agree” with US officials that China “has too many steel and aluminum factories.” Even as Beijing “makes veiled threats to retaliate” against the US over Trump’s tariffs, “it is forcing many Chinese companies to close wasteful, polluting factories,” promoting “more high-value, high-tech products instead – the kind that would compete with American goods on a whole new level.” Sources: Trump Considering Replacing Shulkin With Perry. Citing “three advisers to the President,” the Washington Post (3/13, Rein, Dawsey) reports President Trump is “souring on his embattled Veterans Affairs secretary, David Shulkin, and telling aides he might replace him as part of a broader shake-up of his Cabinet.” As Trump “seeks to widen a changing of the guard that started Tuesday with his firing of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Shulkin could be next, the advisers said.” In fact, “senior White House officials said Shulkin could be forced out within days.” According to the New York Times (3/13, Haberman, Fandos), the President is considering replacing Shulkin with Energy Secretary Perry, who met with Trump at the White House on Monday. Trump, however, “did not make a formal offer to Mr. Perry,” and it was “unclear if Mr. Perry, who was an Air Force pilot before entering politics, would accept the change in position if Mr. Trump offered it, or if Mr. Trump had a successor in mind to lead the Energy Department.” The AP (3/14, Yen, Miller) reports Shulkin “did not respond to FOIA001:02716091 -----~ • EXT-18-2336-E-000408 requests for comment,” but says he “has been holding on to his job by a thread since a bruising internal report found ethics violations in connection with his trip to Europe with his wife last summer.” A spokeswoman for Perry also had no comment. Lamb Holds 579-Vote Lead Over Saccone In PA18 Special Election. With all precincts reporting in the PA18 special election, Democrat Conor Lamb has 113,111 votes (49.8%), Republican Rick Saccone 112,532 (49.6%), and Libertarian Drew Miller 1,372 (0.6%). A number of absentee ballots have yet to be counted, and the Associated Press has not yet called the race. In 2016, President Trump won 58% of the vote in the district, which has been solidly Republican in House races since 2002. Media outlets are casting Tuesday’s results as an ominous sign for Republicans heading into November’s midterm elections. The Philadelphia Inquirer (3/13, Tamari) writes that the contest “left both parties in suspense – but still pointed to GOP political peril. ... Democrats had already far outperformed their historical expectations, pointing to a potential surge in congressional elections this fall.” Writing for Vox (3/13, Scott), Dylan Scott said, “Republicans are in big, big, big trouble. ... There are more than 110 Republican-held House districts that Trump won by less than he won” in PA18. Democrats “need 24 seats to reclaim the House majority. If Tuesday night is any guide, it looks like they are going to have a lot of opportunities to get them.” Roll Call (3/13, Bowman) also reports that “the narrow margin in a traditionally GOP district is sure to energize Democrats heading into the midterms, where they are targeting districts less Republican than this seat.” The New York Times (3/13, Martin, Burns) said that though the race “was too close to call early Wednesday,” the results were still “an ominous sign for Republicans.” Reuters (3/13) reports that President Trump visited twice in support of Saccone, “and on Tuesday he again voiced backing for the Republican,” tweeting, “The Economy is raging, at an all time high, and is set to get even better. Jobs and wages up. Vote for Rick Saccone and keep it going!” The Washington Post (3/13, Weigel, Viebeck) reports, “While the number of outstanding absentee ballots is larger than the gap between Lamb and Saccone, Democrats ended election night confident that Saccone would not win them by a large enough margin to pull ahead.” The Hill (3/13, Samuels) reports that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee “declared victory in” in the contest, “even as experts declared the race too close to call.” However, the Wall Street Journal (3/14, Epstein) reports that Saccone told supporters, “We’re not giving up. We’re going to win it.” Trump Voices Support For “Space Force,” Says US Will Go Mars “Very Soon.” Politico (3/13, Lima) reports that President Trump on Tuesday predicted FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000409 that the nation would reach Mars “very soon” and voiced support for the creation of a militaristic “space force,” seeming to back “a measure that faced opposition from officials in his own administration.” Speaking to service members in Miramar, California, Trump said that “very soon we’re going to Mars,” adding, “You wouldn’t have been going to Mars if my opponent won, that I can tell you. You wouldn’t even be thinking about it.” Trump also expressed support for creating a “space force,” saying, “My new national strategy for space recognizes that space is a warfighting domain, just like the land, air and sea. ... We may even have a space force — develop another one, space force. We have the Air Force, we’ll have the space force.” Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “Having A Torturer Lead The CIA.”In an editorial, the New York Times (3/13) says CIA deputy director Gina Haspel, who President Trump has selected to replace CIA Director Pompeo, “is reportedly respected by many CIA agents,” but “she effectively ran an illegal program, and her promotion to such a top administration position, unless she forcefully renounces the use of torture during her confirmation hearing, would send an undeniable signal to the agency, and the country, that Mr. Trump is indifferent to this brutality.” “Trump May Make America Miss Rex Tillerson.”In its editorial, the New York Times (3/13) says outgoing Secretary of State Tillerson “will be remembered as one of the country’s weakest and least effective secretaries of state,” yet “his replacement is likely to be worse.” “Deadly Corruption In Honduras.”The New York Times (3/13) editorializes that the arrest of Roberto David Castillo Mejía, the latest person to be implicated in the murder of activist Berta Cáceres, suggests the United States’ pressure on the Honduran government has helped solve Cáceres’ case. However, it remains unclear “whether the arrest represents a fundamental change in Honduras or merely the sacrifice of a scapegoat in a case that got too big.” Indeed, the Trump Administration “kept quiet” after Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández “twisted the law to run for re-election and win a” highly dubious vote. The editors write that although Hernández “may not be directly involved in the murder of Ms. Cáceres,” the United States cannot enable corrupt politics if it wants to ensure “that hers will not be the last killing.” “America Has Failed Its Kids On Guns. It’s Time To Let Them Lead.”A New York Times (3/13) editorial expresses hope that adults will respond to “the young people leading Wednesday’s walkout at schools around the country” and participating in the “March for Our Lives” demonstration “by amplifying their demand: Never again.” The Times says unlike adults in the wake of the Parkland school shooting, young people “have had the courage to take on the industry responsible for blocking every reasonable measure to limit access to guns, including those that make it all too easy to commit FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000410 mass murder.” Washington Post. “Republicans Must Choose: Trump Or Trade?” The Washington Post (3/13) says in an editorial that Republicans must decide whether to continue down their traditional free-trade path or to follow President Trump’s moves toward protectionism. “At ICE, The Truth Is Malleable.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/13) calls acting ICE Director Homan’s suggestion that “more than 800 ‘criminal aliens’ were at large in Northern California because the mayor of Oakland had tipped them off” a “risible exaggeration” and “the sort of blithe fiction the Trump administration usually peddles without public pushback from career civil servants. Not this time,” as James Schwab, the agency’s San Francisco spokesman “resigned in protest.” The Post says “immigration officials such as Mr. Homan appear to believe they are involved in a sort of war. And in war, the first casualty is invariably the truth.” “Trump Humiliates Rex Tillerson For The Last Time.”The Washington Post (3/13), editorializes that while Rex Tillerson “was poorly cast as secretary of state,” none of his perceived weaknesses “appear to explain” his dismissal via tweet, which the Post calls “the last of many humiliations the president inflicted on his top diplomat.” The Post calls for strong questioning of both Pompeo and President Trump’s nominee for his replacement, Gina Haspel. Wall Street Journal. “Pompeo’s Promise At State.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/13) criticizes the manner of Secretary of State Tillerson’s firing, but praises CIA Director Pompeo’s selection to replace him. “Hillary Clinton Leans Out.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/13) criticizes Hillary Clinton as contemptible for claiming this week in India that racism and sexism were behind her loss to President Trump. The Journal says Clinton’s remarks recalled her “deplorables” remark from during the 2016 presidential campaign. “Trump’s Broadcom Veto.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/13) says that the Administration’s national security concerns about Broadcom’s takeover of Qualcomm are legitimate, but that the issue became politicized. The Journal warns against expanding the review powers of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, arguing that CFIUS’ current mandate is sufficient. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: Tillerson Is Out As Secretary Of State; Trump Taps Pompeo North Korea, Iran Will Test Pompeo In New Diplomatic Role FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000411 Ten Years After The Bear Stearns Bailout, Nobody Thinks It Would Happen Again How Your Returns Are Used Against You At Best Buy, Other Retailers New York Times: Firing Tillerson, Trump Starts To Mold Cabinet In His Own Image Joseph Percoco, Ex-Cuomo Aide, Found Guilty In Corruption Trial House Race In Pennsylvania Is Too Close To Call Winner Stephen Hawking, Whose Mind Roamed The Cosmos, Is Dead At 76 As Putin Opponents Flocked To London, His Spies Followed Celebrated Architect Is Accused Of Sexual Harassment Washington Post: Via Assange, Stone Knew Of Emails In 2016 Pa. Race Remains Agonizingly Close Address On Package May Add To Austin Mystery Tillerson Out At State Dept. In Pompeo, Trump Has A Like-Minded Ally President Follows Gut, Not Advisers, In Recent Moves Financial Times: Donald Trump Sacks Rex Tillerson As US Secretary Of State Deadline Passes On UK Sanctions Threat Against Russia China’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Sells Stake In Blackstone Trump’s Broadcom Block Sends Ripples Across Corporate America Washington Times: Trump Ousts Tillerson, Taps CIA Director Pompeo For State Dept. Haspel’s ‘Black Site’ Past A Hurdle To Confirmation As CIA Director Appeals Court Backs Texas, Trump In Sanctuary City Fight Democrats Whip Up Outrage Over Farrakhan’s Praise Of CBC Members, Women’s March Co-President Cousins Set To Sign Most Lucrative Contract In NFL History Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: State Department Staff Change; White House Staff Change; State Dept., CIA Staff Pick; Severe Weather; Weather Forecast; Alabama Bus Crash; Texas-Serial Bomber; UK-Russian Mystery Death; Pennsylvania Special Elections; Florida School Shooter Trial; United Air-Criticism; Self Defense Murder Trial; Home Invasion Filmed; Solar Storm; Pope-Fifth Year Anniversary. CBS: State Department Staff Change; CIA Director Pick; Minnesota Mosque Bombing Suspects; Severe Weather; Texas-Serial Bomber; Alabama Bus Crash; UK-Russian Mystery Death; Trump-Border Wall; Pennsylvania Special Elections; United Air-Criticism; Florida School Shooter Trial; White House Staff Change; CBS News History; Disable Veteran FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000412 Athlete. NBC: State Department Staff Change; State Dept., CIA Staff Pick; White House Staff Change; Alabama Bus Crash; Severe Weather; Texas-Serial Bomber; Florida School Shooter Trial; UK-Russian Mystery Death; Pennsylvania Special Elections; Store Return Watchlist; United Air￾Criticism; Netflix Pay; Teachers-Women’s Rights. Network TVAt A Glance: State Department Staff Change – 15 minutes, 25 seconds Severe Weather – 7 minutes, 5 seconds Pennsylvania Special Elections – 4 minutes, 30 seconds UK-Russian Mystery Death – 4 minutes, 20 seconds United Air-Criticism – 3 minutes, 20 seconds White House Staff Change – 2 minutes, 50 seconds Texas-Serial Bomber – 2 minutes, 25 seconds Florida School Shooter Trial – 1 minutes, 20 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Pennsylvania Special Elections; Trump-Border Wall Visit; Texas Sanctuary Cities-Lawsuit; Minnesota Mosque Bombing Suspects. CBS: Pennsylvania Special Elections; State Department Staff Change; Trump-Border Wall Visit; Minnesota Mosque Bombing Suspects; Wall Street News. FOX: Pennsylvania Special Elections; State Department Staff Change; Trump-Border Wall Visit. NPR: State Department Staff Change; Pennsylvania Special Elections; Texas-Serial Bomber; Stephen Hawking Dies. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — Visits Boeing plant in St. Louis to discuss tax cuts and economic growth. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — Participates in a swearing-in ceremony for Russ Vought as the Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget. US Senate: 8:00 AM Republican Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst host reception for Iowans visiting Washington, DC, during spring break Location: Russell Senate Office Building, Rm 325, Washington, DC http://grassley.senate.gov/public/ https://twitter.com/ChuckGrassley 9:30 AM Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Parkland, FL, school shootings and school safety – Hearing on ‘See Something, Say Something: Oversight of the Parkland Shooting and Legislative Proposals to Improve School Safety’, with testimony from bipartisan Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acting Director Thomas Brandon; FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich; U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center Chief Dr FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000413 Lina Alathari; Ryan Petty – father of Parkland, FL, shooting victim Alaina Petty; Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School teacher Katherine Posada; and Internet Association President and CEO Michael Beckerman * 17 people were shot dead at Stoneman Douglas in Parkland last month. The incident drew attention to gun control, especially concerns over access to assault rifles and insufficient background checks. A number of students at the school have become prominent members of protest movements, while the incident has strongly highlighted the responses of Members of Congress, President Donald Trump, and the National Rifle Association Location: Hart Senate Office Building, Rm 216, Washington, DC http://judiciary.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Joint Select Committee on Solvency of Multiemployer Pension Plans holds organizational meeting – Joint Select Committee on Solvency of Multiemployer Pension Plans holds Executive Session, to organize the committee * Committee was created as part of the budget agreement that passed Congress in February, featuring four members from each party from each chamber, and has been tasked with reporting a bill to ‘solve the pension crisis’ by the end of November Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 215, Washington, DC http://finance.senate.gov 10:00 AM House / Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees hear legislative presentation from vets groups – House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs joint hearing on ‘Legislative Presentations of Multiple VSOs’, with testimony from Fleet Reserve Association National President William Starkey; Jewish War Veterans National Commander Dr Paul Warner; Air Force Sergeants Association International President Jeff Ledoux; Blinded Veterans Association Vice President Paul Mimms; Military Order of the Purple Heart National Commander Neil Van Ess; National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs President Verdie Bowen; Military Officers Association of America Senior Director for Government Relations Rene Campos; The Retired Enlisted Association National President John Adams; and Gold Star Wives of America’s Cyndie Gibson Location: Rm G50, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs 10:00 AM Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on Somalia – Africa and Global Health Policy Subcommittee hearing on ‘Somalia’s Current Security and Stability Status’, with testimony from Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (Somalia) Executive Director Abdirashid Hashi; American University School of Public Affairs Assistant Professor Dr Tricia Bacon; Refugees International U.N. Liaison and Senior Advocate Mark Yarnell; and International Crisis Group Deputy Program Director for Africa Dr EJ Hogendoorn Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 419, Washington, DC http://foreign.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Senate Environment & Public Works Committee hearing on the ACRE Act – Hearing on ‘S. XX, the Agriculture Creates Real Employment (ACRE) Act’, with testimony from Wyoming Department of FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000414 Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto; American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Congressional Relations Ryan Yates; and Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Lecturer Jim Lyons Location: Rm 406, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://epw.senate.gov/public/ 10:00 AM Five Cabinet members testify to Senate committee hearing on administration’s infrastructure plan – Hearing on ‘Rebuilding Infrastructure in America: Administration Perspectives’, with testimony from Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao; and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross; Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta; Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue; and Secretary of Energy Rick Perry Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 106, Washington, DC http://commerce.senate.gov https://twitter.com/SenateCommerce 2:30 PM Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on DOE atomic energy defense activities and programs – Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on ‘Department of Energy Atomic Energy Defense Activities and Programs’, with testimony from Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security Lisa Gordon-Hagerty, and Acting Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management James Owendoff; National Nuclear Security Administration Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors Adm. James Caldwell Jr.; and Government Accountability Office Director of Natural Resources and Environment David Trimble Location: Russell Senate Office Building, Rm 232A, Washington, DC http://armed-services.senate.gov/ 2:30 PM Oversight hearing on ‘Opioids in Indian Country: Beyond the Crisis to Healing the Community’ Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 628, Washington, DC http://indian.senate.gov https://twitter.com/IndianCommittee 2:30 PM Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on food security – Multilateral International Development, Multilateral Institutions, and International Economic, Energy, and Environmental Policy Subcommittee hearing on ‘Why Food Security Matters’, with testimony from World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley; USAID Office of Food for Peace Acting Director Matthew Nims; World Food Programme USA Director of Public Policy and Research Dr Chase Sova; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John Castellaw; and CARE USA President and CEO Michelle Nunn Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 419, Washington, DC http://foreign.senate.gov/ Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Business Meeting – Business Meeting, with agenda including the nominations of David Tryon to be Small Business Administration Chief Counsel for Advocacy, and Hannibal Ware to be SBA Inspector General; plus ‘S. 526, Microloan Modernization Act of 2017’, ‘S. 791, Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017’, ‘S. 1538, Small Business Employee Ownership Promotion Enhancement Act of 2017’, ‘S. 1961, SBIR and STTR Oversight and Pilot Program Extension Act of 2017’, ‘S. 1995, Spurring Business in Communities Act of 2017’, ‘S. 2283, Small Business 7(a) Lending Oversight Reform Act of 2017’, ‘S. 2419, Support Startup Businesses Act of 2018’, FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000415 and ‘S. 2527, A bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the amount of leverage made available to small business investment companies’ Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://sbc.senate.gov/ US House: 10:00 AM House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on USACE and USBR budgets – Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation’, with testimony from Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R. D. James; USACE Commanding General and Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite; Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science Dr Timothy Petty; and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2362-B, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM House Energy subcommittee hearing on DOE modernization – Energy Subcommittee hearing on ‘DOE Modernization: Legislation Addressing Cybersecurity and Emergency Response’, with testimony from Under Secretary of Energy Mark Menezes; Edison Electric Institute Vice President for Security and Preparedness Scott Aaronson; Dominion Energy Senior Enterprise Security Advisor Mark Engels; National Electrical Manufacturers Association Vice President for Government Relations Kyle Pitsor; Idaho National Laboratory Associate Director for National and Homeland Security Zachary Tudor; and Indiana Office of Energy Development Director Tristan Vance Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2123, Washington, DC http://energycommerce.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseCommerce 10:00 AM House / Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees hear legislative presentation from vets groups – House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs joint hearing on ‘Legislative Presentations of Multiple VSOs’, with testimony from Fleet Reserve Association National President William Starkey; Jewish War Veterans National Commander Dr Paul Warner; Air Force Sergeants Association International President Jeff Ledoux; Blinded Veterans Association Vice President Paul Mimms; Military Order of the Purple Heart National Commander Neil Van Ess; National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs President Verdie Bowen; Military Officers Association of America Senior Director for Government Relations Rene Campos; The Retired Enlisted Association National President John Adams; and Gold Star Wives of America’s Cyndie Gibson Location: Rm G50, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs 10:00 AM Tax Policy Subcommittee hearing on ‘Post Tax Reform Evaluation of Recently Expired Tax Provisions’ Location: Rm 1100, Longworth House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://waysandmeans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/WaysandMeansGOP 10:00 AM House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on USAF FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000416 budget – Defense Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Air Force Budget’, with testimony from Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson; and U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein Location: U.S. Capitol, H-140, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM House Armed Services Committee hearing on space warfighting readiness – Hearing on ‘Space Warfighting Readiness: Policies, Authorities, and Capabilities’, with testimony from former U.S. Strategic Command Commander Gen. (Ret.) Robert Kehler; former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Doug Loverro; and Center for Strategic and International Studies Aerospace Security Project Director Todd Harrison Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 10:00 AM House Budget Committee concludes series of hearings on oversight of the CBO – Hearing on ‘CBO Oversight: Perspectives from Outside Experts’, with testimony from former Congressional Budget Office Directors Dr Alice Rivlin and Dr Doug Holtz-Eakin; Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget President Maya MacGuineas; and Bipartisan Policy Center Senior Advisor Sandy Davis * Concludes a series of five hearings on the CBO Location: Longworth House Office Building, Rm 1334, Washington, DC http://budget.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/housebudgetgop 10:00 AM House Science Committee hearing on the National Labs – Hearing on ‘National Laboratories: World-Leading Innovation in Science’, with testimony from Idaho National Laboratory director Dr Mark Peters; Sandia National Laboratory advanced science & technology associate labs director and chief research officer Dr Susan Seestrom; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory associate director for biosciences Dr Mary Maxon; National Accelerator Laboratory Stanford Linear Accelerator Center director Dr Chi-Chang Kao; and Argonne National Laboratory director Dr Paul Kearns Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2318, Washington, DC http://science.house.gov https://twitter.com/HouseScience 10:00 AM House Government Reform Committee hearing on the federal regulatory process – Hearing on ‘Shining Light on the Federal Regulatory Process’, with testimony from Government Accountability Office Strategic Issues Division Acting Director Kris Nguyen; American Forest and Paper Association Vice President of Public Policy Paul Noe; National Federal of Independent Business Small Business Legal Center Executive Director Karen Harned; Yale Law School Professor Nicholas Parrillo; Public Citizen Regulatory Policy Advocate Amit Narang Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2154, Washington, DC http://oversight.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/GOPoversight 10:00 AM House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on export controls – Hearing on ‘Modernizing Export Controls: Protecting Cutting￾Edge Technology and U.S. National Security’, with testimony from former FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000417 Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Mario Mancuso; former Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business, and Agricultural Affairs Alan Larson; and former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Kevin Wolf Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2172, Washington, DC http://www.hcfa.house.gov https://twitter.com/HFACrepublicans 10:00 AM House Financial Services subcommittee hearing on the cryptocurrencies and ICO markets – Capital Markets, Securities, and Investment Subcommittee hearing on ‘Examining the Cryptocurrencies and ICO Markets’, with testimony from Georgetown University Law Center Professor Dr Chris Brummer; Coinbase Chief Legal and Risk Officer Mike Lempres; Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati partner Robert Rosenblum; and Coin Center Director of Research Peter Van Valkenburgh Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2128, Washington, DC http://financialservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/FinancialCmte 10:15 AM House Commerce subcommittee hearing on ADUFA and AGDUFA reauthorization – Health Subcommittee hearing on ‘Reauthorization of Animal Drug User Fees 2018: ADUFA and AGDUFA’, with testimony from Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine Director Dr Steven Solomon; Animal Health Institute Animal Drugs Section Director of Regulatory Affairs Dr Rachel Cumberbatch; Generic Animal Drug Alliance Chairman Dr Bill Zollers; and American Veterinary Medical Association’s Dr Michael Topper Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2322, Washington, DC http://energycommerce.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseCommerce 10:15 AM House Natural Resources Committee markup hearing – Markup hearing on ‘H.R. 401, To designate the mountain at the Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, as Devils Tower, and for other purposes’, ‘H.R. 3008, George W. Bush Childhood Home Study Act’, ‘H.R. 4609, West Fork Fire Station Act of 2017’, ‘H.R. 4851, Kennedy-King Establishment Act of 2018’, ‘S. 35, Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act’, and ‘S. 466, A bill to clarify the description of certain Federal land under the Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act of 2005 to include additional land in the Kaibab National Forest’ Location: Longworth House Office Building, Rm 1324, Washington, DC http://naturalresources.house.gov https://twitter.com/NatResources 11:00 AM House Transportation subcommittee hearing on U.S. Coast Guard and maritime transportation budgets – Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing on ‘Review of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request for the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Programs’, with testimony from U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft; Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Steven Cantrell; Maritime Administration Administrator Rear Adm. (Ret.) Mark Buzby; and Federal Maritime Commission Acting Chairman Michael Khouri Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2167, Washington, DC FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000418 http://transportation.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/Transport 11:00 AM House Small Business Committee markup hearing – Markup hearing on ‘H.R. 4743, Small Business 7(a) Lending Oversight Reform Act of 2018’, ‘H.R. 5178, Puerto Rico Small Business Contracting Assistance Act of 2018’, ‘H.R. 3170, Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2017’, ‘H.R. 4668, Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017’, ‘H.R. 2655, Small Business Innovation Protection Act’, and ‘H.R. 5236, Main Street Employee Ownership Act of 2018’ Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2360, Washington, DC http://smallbusiness.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/SmallBizGOP 12:00 PM ‘The Need for Evidence-Based Strategies in Cardiovascular Disease’ PCORI / AHA briefing – ‘Preventing and Treating America’s Number One Killer: The Need for Evidence-Based Strategies in Cardiovascular Disease’ briefing hosted by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the American Heart Association, with speakers including Republican Rep. Larry Bucshon, Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin, Health Partners Institute Executive Director for Research Karen Margolis, PCORI Executive Director Joe Selby and Patient Co-Investigator Christine Norton, AHA Vice President for Federal Advocacy Sue Nelson, and former American College of Cardiology Chair of the Board of Governors Bob Shor Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2043, Washington, DC www.pcori.org https://twitter.com/PCORI 12:00 PM House debates TAILOR Act – House of Representatives meets for legislative business, with agenda including ‘H.R. 1116 – TAILOR Act of 2017’, plus consideration of ‘H.R. 4909 – STOP School Violence Act of 2018’, as amended, ‘H.R. 506 – Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2017’, as amended, ‘H.R. 3249 – Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2017’, as amended, and ‘H.R. 3996 – Protecting Access to the Courts for Taxpayers Act’ under suspension of the rules Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.house.gov/ 12:15 PM House Dems call for DREAM Act be attached to omnibus spending bill – Democratic Reps. Luis Gutierrez, Adriano Espaillat, and Raul Grijalva release letter to House of Representatives and Senate leadership and appropriators, signed by a large number of Members of Congress, requesting that the DREAM Act be attached to the omnibus spending bill. Press conference also features advocates and other Members (including CHC Chair Michelle Lujan-Grisham and CAPAC Chair Judy Chu) Location: House Triangle, Washington, DC luisgutierrez.house.gov https://twitter.com/repgutierrez 2:00 PM TSA Administrator Pekoske testifies to House Homeland Security subcommittee on FY’19 budget – Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee hearing on ‘Examining the President’s FY 2019 Budget Request for the Transportation Security Administration’, with testimony from TSA Administrator David Pekoske Location: U.S. Capitol FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000419 Visitor Center, HVC-210, Washington, DC homeland.house.gov https://twitter.com/HouseHomeland 2:00 PM House Government Reform subcommittees joint hearing on federal IT – Information Technology Subcommittee and Government Operations Subcommittee joint hearing on ‘State of Play: Federal IT in 2018’, with testimony from Government Accountability Office Director of IT Management Issues David Powner; Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director for Management Margaret Weichert; General Services Administration IT Category Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bill Zielinski; and Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Cybersecurity and Communications Jeanette Manfra Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2154, Washington, DC http://oversight.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/GOPoversight 2:00 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on Department of the Air Force FY’19 seapower budget – Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee hearing on ‘Department of the Air Force FY 2019 Budget Request for Sea Power and Projection Forces’, with testimony from Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Dr William Roper; and U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans & Requirements Lt. Gen. Mark Nowland, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans & Programs Lt. Gen. Jerry Harris Jr. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2212, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 3:00 PM House Rules Committee hearing – Hearing on ‘H.R. 4061 – Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act of 2017’ and ‘H.R. 4293 – Stress Test Improvement Act of 2017’ Location: U.S. Capitol, H￾313, Washington, DC http://www.rules.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/RulesReps 3:30 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on FY’19 DoD science and technology budget – Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee hearing on ‘A Review and Assessment of the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request for Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs’, with testimony from Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Mary Miller; Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology Dr Tom Russell; Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. David Hahn; Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Director Dr Steve Walker; and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology and Engineering Jeff Stanley Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans Other: 7:30 AM ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit continues – Annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit continues, co-hosted by Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (aka ARPA-E). Event also features a technology showcase with exhibits from ARPA-E-funded projects and applicants, in areas including grid-scale storage, power electronics, electric vehicle batteries, building efficiency, advanced carbon FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000420 capture, and electrofuels. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry delivers a video message, canceling a scheduled speech due to a Senate committee hearing Location: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD National Harbor http://www.arpae￾summit.com/ https://twitter.com/ARPAE 8:00 AM NLC Congressional City Conference concludes – National League of Cities Congressional City Conference concludes, with speakers today including Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Esty and Republican Rep. John Katko, with agenda including Capitol Hill Advocacy Day Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC ccc.nlg.org https://twitter.com/leagueofcities 8:00 AM ACORE National Renewable Energy Policy Forum – ACORE National Renewable Energy Policy Forum, on challenges and opportunities for renewable power, key issues in the changing electricity marketplace, and priorities for Congress. Speakers include Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Maria Cantwell, Under Secretary of Energy Mark Menezes, FERC Commissioner Robert Powelson, PJM President and CEO Anrew Ott, JPMorgan Energy Investments Managing Director John Eber, California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Picker, and ACORE President and CEO Greg Wetstone Location: Washington Marriott at Metro Center, 775 12th St NW, Washington, DC www.acorepolicyforum.com https://twitter.com/ACORE 8:00 AM CHCI Energy Summit – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Energy Summit, ‘A World In Transition’, held to address emerging trends, policy issues, and opportunities in the energy sector. Speakers include Democratic Reps. Tony Cardenas, Gene Green, Raul Grijalva, Nydia Velazquez, Darren Soto, Scott Peters, and Bobby Rush, Sempra Energy Executive Vice President for Corporate Strategy and External Affairs Dennis Arriola, Smart Electric Power President and CEO Julia Hamm, Axios columnist Amy Harder and Future Editor Steve Levine, and Pepco Holdings Utility of the Future Vice President Karen Lefkowitz Location: Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC www.chci.org https://twitter.com/CHCI 9:00 AM Dem Rep. Adam Smith speaks at Cato Institute on ‘The Future of BRAC’ – ‘The Future of BRAC: A Conversation’ Cato Institute Policy Forum, with Democratic Rep. Adam Smith and Cato Institute Vice President for Defense and Foreign Policy Studies Christopher Preble speaking on the Base Realignment and Closure process, including the findings of a new article they are co-publishing in Strategic Studies Quarterly about BRAC, its impact on defense communities, and the future Location: Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.cato.org/ https://twitter.com/CatoInstitute 9:00 AM AEI discussion on ‘Present and future dangers on the eve of Vladimir Putin’s reelection’ – ‘Present and future dangers on the eve of Vladimir Putin’s reelection’ American Enterprise Institute discussion, ahead of Sunday’s Russian presidential election, to mark the release of ‘To Have FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000421 and to Hold: Putin’s Quest for Control in the Former Soviet Empire’, which details the military, political, economic, and social vulnerabilities of six of Russia’s neighboring countries. Speakers include Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton and panel discussion with Agnia Grigas (Atlantic Council), Michael Kofman (Wilson Center), Mihai Popsoi (University of Milan), and Paul Stronski (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace) Location: American Enterprise Institute, 1789 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.aei.org/ https://twitter.com/AEI 9:15 AM Dem Rep. Joaquin Castro keynotes CAP event on the U.S. and Japan – ‘The Future of Asia: U.S.-Japan Cooperation in Southeast Asia and Beyond’ Center for American Progress discussion, on policy pathways the U.S. and Japan can take to protect democratic institutions and freedoms in Southeast Asia. Includes keynote from Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro and panelists Congressional Research Service Specialist in Asian Affairs Emma Chanlett-Avery, Nanyang Technological University School of Social Science Public Policy and Global Affairs Program Assistant Professor Kei Koga, and Center for Strategic and International Studies Southeast Asia Program Director Amy Searight Location: Center for American Progress, 1333 H St NW, Washington, DC www.americanprogress.org https://twitter.com/amprog 10:00 AM U.N. Security Council meets to discuss North Korea – United Nations Security Council meet to discuss North Korea and non￾proliferation, amid a relaxing of tensions in the Korean Peninsula following the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games * North and South Korea have also agreed to hold a leader’s summit next month, with Pyongyang suggesting it may give up its nuclear weapons program if the U.S. can guarantee its safety. In a further easing of hostilities, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump have agreed to meet in person before the end of May * Also today, meetings are held on the 1591 Committee, which oversees matters concerning Sudan, the African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), and the Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY New York City http://www.un.org/en/sc/ https://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre 10:00 AM Annual Energy and Environmental Symposium – Faegre Baker Daniels Fifth Annual Energy and Environmental Symposium, this year examining ‘the relationship between the energy industry and infrastructure, including potential environmental issues’. Speakers include Republican Rep. Bill Shuster, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management Joe Balash, Council on Environmental Quality Associate Director of Infrastructure Alex Herrgott, U.S Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute Senior Vice President Christopher Guith, Reason Foundation Vice President of Policy Adrian Moore, CRH Americas Materials Vice President Ryan Lindsey, Tellurian Vice President of Government Relations Majida Mourad, and U.S. Water Services Vice President of Engineering Operations Ryan Godfrey Location: National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC http://www.faegrebd.com/ FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000422 https://twitter.com/FaegreBD 10:00 AM DoJ Antitrust Division roundtable series on competition and regulation begins – New Department of Justice Antitrust Division series of three public roundtable discussions on the relationship between competition and regulation, and its implications for antitrust enforcement policy, begins. First event examines exemptions and immunities from the antitrust laws and their impact on the free market and consumers, and includes a discussion of the appropriate role of the state action doctrine in light of the broader federal policy favoring competition in interstate commerce Location: Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC www.justice.gov https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept 11:00 AM Pride Fund and Student Walkout Rally as part of National Student Walkout – Pride Fund and Student Walkout Rally, as part of the National Student Walkout protesting Congressional inaction on gun violence, following the 14 Feb shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings in Florida in which 17 people died. Students from at least 28 high schools in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia are joined by Democrats Sens. Chris Murphy and Chris Van Hollen and Reps. Jamie Raskin, Ted Deutch, and John Lewis Location: U.S. Capitol, between the Capitol building and the Reflecting Pool, Washington, DC www.pridefund.org https://twitter.com/Pride_Fund 6:15 PM Research! America Advocacy Awards Event – Annual Research! America Advocacy Awards Event, honoring advocates for medical, health, and scientific research. This year’s recipients are Senator Susan Collins, former Rep. John Porter, surgeon, writer, and public health researcher Atul Gawande, Fogarty International Center Director Roger Glass, Staglin Family Vineyard Founders Sharl and Garen Staglin, The EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases, and Baylor College of Medicine National School of Tropical Medicine Dean Peter Hotez Location: Andrew W Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.researchamerica.org/advocacy_awards https://twitter.com/ResearchAmerica 6:30 PM Ireland Funds National Gala – Ireland Funds National Gala, honoring Bank of America Vice Chair Anne Finucane and North America’s Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey with The Ireland Funds 2018 Leadership Award. Gala also marks the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (20 Apr), with special recognition of Republican Rep. Peter King and Democratic Rep. Richard Neal. Attendees include Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar, Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Daniel Mulhall and British Ambassador to the U.S. Sir Kim Darroch Location: National Building Museum, 440 G St. NW, Washington, DC www.irelandfunds.org https://twitter.com/TheIrelandFunds Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Jimmy Kimmel: “Putting Republican members in the House in charge of FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000423 finding out if there was collusion between Trump and Russia is like finding a team of raccoons finding out who is knocking over the trash every night.” Jimmy Kimmel: [Referring to the firing of State Secretary Rex Tillerson] “Trump said he made the decision ‘by myself.’ Like a five-year-old. ‘I did it all by myself.’ Of course you did it, there’s no one left at the White House.” Stephen Colbert: “Yesterday, Tillerson said the nerve agent came from Russia and that ‘it will certainly trigger a response.’ It certainly did. ... Russia has denied the whole thing, and the only thing worse than contradicting your boss is contradicting your boss’s boss. “ Stephen Colbert: “Last night, Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee announced they were ending their investigation into Russian election meddling and concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not trying to help Donald Trump win the 2016 election. After a year-long investigation, they have examined all the evidence and have concluded they did not want to get sprayed with a nerve agent.” James Corden: “There was some shocking news out of Washington this morning. Donald Trump fired his Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson. This surprised me mostly because I thought Tillerson got fired months ago. If you don’t know who Rex Tillerson is, he’s the old rich white guy that worked for Trump. No, not that one, the other one. No, not that one either.” James Corden: “‘Congratulations to all?’ Did [President Trump] just congratulate someone that he fired? Then again, maybe even Trump realizes that getting to leave his White House calls for a celebration. But this story gets even weirder because, a few hours later, Trump also fired Rex Tillerson’s undersecretary of state for contradicting Trump’s account of how Rex Tillerson was fired. Congratulations to all!” James Corden: “Also today, I’m not kidding, Trump fired his longtime personal assistant, John McEntee, for being under investigation for serious financial crimes. Congratulations to all!” Trevor Noah: “The GOP-led House Intelligence Committee declared Donald Trump innocent. It’s like your aroma therapist telling you, you don’t have FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000424 cancer. Not remotely credible, but makes you feel good.” Trevor Noah: “Today, the President spent time at the border checking out the world’s largest Lego projects. ... You know Trump went to the border today because it’s Taco Tuesday. Nice move, Mr. President.” Trevor Noah: “Rex was only one of three people who were fired today. Yeah, his aide was fired for explaining how Tillerson was fired, and Trump’s personal assistant was fired for possible financial crimes. Yeah, working for the White House is basically like being in a ‘Saw’ movie. You show up, get tortured for a while, and get killed off.” Trevor Noah: “Trump is right – Rex Tillerson will be much happier now. Everyone who leaves the White House ends up happier. [He shows pictures of Sean Spicer, Anthony Scaramucci, and Barack Obama, all looking happy. ] Just look at this guy, this guy or this guy, and especially this guy. Why are you so happy, Obama?” Trevor Noah: “So a former Russian spy living in England is out with his daughter. This is the story. They go to a pub, pizza, pizza place, and shortly afterwards are found poisoned. Yeah, now everyone is, like, ‘It’s the Russians.’ How do they know? Maybe he just ate British pizza. Maybe it’s that bad.” Jimmy Fallon: “Today, President Trump announced on Twitter that he fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. People said, ‘Can you believe that he was so disrespectful to a Secretary of State?’ Then Hillary Clinton said, ‘Yes, actually, I can.’” Jimmy Fallon: “I read that people close to Tillerson said there wasn’t a single hint that he’d be fired. Though in fairness, there was one huge hint: He worked for Donald Trump. So I mean, that’s what he does.” Seth Meyers: “President Trump has fired Rex Tillerson, his Secretary of State, which I think means the only remaining White House staffers are Mike Pence and a Roomba.” Seth Meyers: “First thing, Tillerson found out that he was fired from a FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000425 Trump tweet. Even when you get fired from Domino’s, the manager takes you into that...little office and tells you to your face.” Seth Meyers: “If you’re going to fire cabinet secretaries for being bad at their jobs, let me refer you to Betsy DeVos’ appearance on 60 Minutes. Not only was she wildly uninformed, but “60 Minutes” was also her longest work day so far.” Conan O’Brien: “Rex Tillerson reportedly doesn’t know why he was fired. Yeah, at least according to Tillerson’s roommates, Sean Spicer and Omarosa.” Jordan Klepper: “No collusion! This is, obviously, huge news. Trump finally vindicated after a year-long investigation, and boy, does it feel good. It’s like how I trained a year for that marathon and then just drove to the finish line. Now, of course, this is just one of five investigations into Trump￾Russia collusion. There’s also the two in the Senate, the Mueller witch hunt, and the most dogged investigation, Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soggy Mattress. Now, the House Intelligence Committee finished first, which, therefore, makes it the best.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02716091 EXT-18-2336-E-000426 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-03-14T14:02:21-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: Ryan’s trip with Tom. Received: 2018-03-14T14:03:10-04:00 Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Lolita Zinke < Date: 03/07/2018 20:33 (GMT-05:00) To: ryanzinke < Subject: Fwd: Ryan’s trip with Tom. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: David Monahan Date: Mon, Mar 5, 2018 at 6:38 PM Subject: Ryan’s trip with Tom. To Hello Lolita (and Ryan), Tom has asked me to set you up to participate at the Ranchero ride for the first 3 days, Friday￾Sunday, May 4-6. I will have the Ranchero office include Ryan as a Director’s Guest. I understand there will be 2 security men in accompaniment. Please provide me with their names and we will get them on the list as Guests ofRanchero’s. RV is a very special group which I’m sure Ryan will enjoy. I will also be there, and hope to meet up with Ryan to help him get situated. Once we provide all the names, the RV Office May send an email with a waiver to be signed. This is an insurance waiver (formality), everyone is asked to complete to safeguard the organization. I’ll watch for the names and process them when received. Ifyou have any questions, feel free to email, text or call me at any time. With regards, Dave. David J. Monahan (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00419335 EXT-18-2336-E-000427 -- Lolita C. Zinke (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00419335 EXT-18-2336-E-000428 To: dmonahan@aloha.net[dmonahan@aloha.net]; Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-03-14T14:06:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Ride Received: 2018-03-14T14:06:50-04:00 Dave, Ryan Zinke here. Thank you for the email and I look forward to the ride. I will have my security team contact you shortly with the details. All the best. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone FOIA001:02716095 EXT-18-2336-E-000429 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-15T07:31:55-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Thursday, March 15, 2018 Received: 2018-03-15T07:32:04-04:00 Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 15, 2018 at 6:00:07 AM EDT To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Thursday, March 15, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018 6:00 AM EDT Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Washington Post: Trump Cabinet Members Accused Of Living Large At Taxpayer Expense. • Alaska Journal of Commerce: Interior Leaders Talk Progress On Priorities After Year Under Trump. • Federal Computer Week: Interior Unprepared For Cyber Threats. • Politico: Oil Group To Lobby President After Stay At Trump Hotel. • UPI: Zinke Criticized For Wild-West Mentality Over Oil And Gas. • Associated Press: Interior Will Send $18M From Roan Drilling To Colorado. • Arizona Republic: Big Tax Break For Coal In Arizona Stalls Out At The Legislature. • NBC News: Advocates Fight To Save Grant That Helps Preserve History Of World War II Internment. • Missoulian (MT): Poll: Montanans Split On Elected Officials, Dislike Zinke’s Recommendations For Monuments. • Associated Press: Conservationists Launch Anti-Gianforte Campaign. • Lewiston (ME) Sun Journal: Whistleblower Denounces Trump’s Failure To Tackle Climate Change. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • WATCH: Elouise Cobell Fights For Native Americans In ‘100 Years’. Bureau Of Land Management • Alamosa (CO) Valley Courier: BLM Oil/gas Leases Draw Concerns. • Carlsbad (NM) Current-Argus: Keller Receives NMCGA Award. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management (b)(6) FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000430 • Trump’s OCS Drilling Plan Draws Cheers, Jeers From Coastal Elected Officials. • Offshore Drilling Meeting Battles Clock, Weather. • Could N.J. Offshore Drill Plan Be Dead? Local Congressmen Are Optimistic. • AG Healey Pledges To Fight Trump Offshore Drilling Plan Along Massachusetts Coast. • Commissioners Serenaded At Meeting About Offshore Drilling. Bureau Of Reclamation • Klamath River Fish-kill Preventive Dam Releases Challenged By Farmers, Water Districts. • Heller Introduces Bill To Reauthorize Colorado River Program. Fish And Wildlife Service • Washington Examiner: Ellen DeGeneres Calls On Trump To Reverse Elephant Trophy Decision: ‘Don’t Make Me Tweet About This’. • The Hill: Animal Rights Group Sues For Details On Interior’s Pro-Hunting Group. • Miami Herald: Miami Federal Judge Rejects Bid To Stop Walmart In Rare Miami Forest. • Mitchell (SD) Daily Republic: Environmental Assessment Done For Clark County Wind Proposal. • KWMU-FM St. Louis: Environmental Regulators Are Trying To Turn A Former Lead Mining Site Back Into A Forest. • Associated Press: 3rd Lawsuit Filed Over Colorado’s Predator Reduction Studies. • Las Vegas Review-Journal: Moapa Dace Population Holds Steady In Latest Count Of Endangered Fish. National Park Service • Associated Press: Historic Black Church With W.E.B. Du Bois Ties Gets Grant. • Associated Press: $500K Grand Will Restore Historic Building At Fort Huachuca. • Greene County (VA) Record: 100,000-plus Comments Received On Proposed Fee Hike. • Associated Press: Fix To Keep Worm Diggers In National Park Gets House OK. • Associated Press: Comment Wanted For Potential Design For DC War Memorial. • Charlotte (NC) Observer: Virginia Man Still Claims Ownership Of Vanished NC Island. • Associated Press: Waterline Breaks Lead To Restrictions At Grand Canyon Park. • Cody (WY) Enterprise: Reconstruction Of Beartooth Highway Continues With Grant. • KTNV-TV Las Vegas: Truck Crash Results In Hazmat Spill In Death Valley National Park. Insular And International Affairs • Close Up Program Gets $900,000. US Geological Survey • Discover Magazine: Scientists Record Volcanic Thunder For The First Time. • Idyllwild (CA) Town Crier: Mountain Yellow-legged Frog Not Forgotten. Opinion Pieces FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000431 • Parks Should Be Affordable For All. • Panhandle At Risk For BP-Style Blowout: Guestview. • BLM Plan Is On The Right Track For Public Lands. • Additional Reading. Top National News • KPLR-TV St. Louis: Trump Touts Tax Reform Law, Says He Is Ready To Launch “Phase Two.” • CNBC: Trump Picks Kudlow As Cohn Replacement. • CBS: White House: US “Stands In Solidarity” With UK On Russia Accusations. • NBC: Media Analyses: Lamb’s Showing Signals Possible Democratic Wave In November. • ABC: High School Students Stage Walkout Across Nation In Support Of Gun Control. • Washington Post: Cabinet Members Make Case For “Transformative” Infrastructure Projects. • Washington Post: In 61-31 Vote, Senate Passes “Sweeping Rollback” Of Dodd￾Frank. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “Trump Was Right To Block Merger.” • Washington Post. - “Britain Is Punishing Putin. America Should Join In.” - “What The Pennsylvania Election Should Teach Both Parties.” - “Students Walking Out Of School Taught The Nation A Lesson.” • Wall Street Journal. - “Kudlow Into The Breach.” - “Trump’s Pennsylvania Downdraft.” - “A Cancer Scare Defeat In California.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Trump Cabinet Members Accused Of Living Large At Taxpayer Expense. The Washington Post (3/14, Eilperin, Dennis) reports that President Trump, who last year “extolled the virtues of the men and women” in his Cabinet, now “finds himself presiding over a Cabinet in which a number of members stand accused of living large at taxpayer expense – often by aggressively embracing the trappings of their high government posts. At least a half￾FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000432 dozen current or former Trump Cabinet officials have been mired in federal investigations over everything from high-end travel and spending on items such as a soundproof phone booth to the role of family members weighing in on official business.” The Post specifically cites controversies surrounding HUD Secretary Carson, EPA Administrator Pruitt, VA Secretary Shulkin, Interior Secretary Zinke, and ex-HHS Secretary Tom Price. CNN (3/14, Liptak, Marsh) reports that Trump is “openly wondering what happened to the collection of officials he described only five months ago as the ‘finest group of people ever assembled’ as members of his Cabinet find themselves embroiled in ethics scandals or woefully at odds with the White House.” Trump has “complained in recent days that his Cabinet has fallen well short of his expectations and wants to purge all the ‘deadweight,’ one official said.” Additional coverage was provided by the AP (3/14, Lemire). A Watchdog Group Sues 16 Federal Agencies ForRecords OfOffice Upgrade Expenses. Pacific Standard (3/14, Wheeling) reports that “American Oversight, a liberal watchdog group, filed a lawsuit Wednesday against 16 federal agencies for failing to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests made in November.” The group is “seeking records of “actual or projected expenses” related to office renovations or upgrades for senior officials at the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Interior, Justice, Labor, Transportation, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, and State, as well as the Office of Management and Budget and the General Services Administration.” Interior Leaders Talk Progress On Priorities After Year Under Trump. The Alaska Journal of Commerce (3/14, Brehmer) reports that Deputy Interior Secretary Dave Bernhardt and Assistant Secretary Joe Balash visited Anchorage on March 8 “to report on the progress of Interior’s work during the first year of the Trump administration.” Addressing the biweekly breakfast gathering of Alaska Support Industry Alliance members, Bernhardt said,”We had a very, very productive year if you compare our policy development to prior administrations.” Balash commented, “Every day I get to work on something related to Alaska.” Bernhardt “said Balash’s work will likely continue to be Alaska-centric as the Bureau of Land Management should be publishing a Notice of Intent to initiate the environmental impact statement process for ANWR lease sales within several weeks.” US Plans To Complete ANWR Lease Review In 2019. Argus Media (3/14) reports that the Interior Department hopes to complete an environmental review of oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by early 2019 so that it can then begin holding lease sales for Alaska’s coastal plain. Potential leasing in that area is likely to spark “years of litigation and protests,” which could dampen industry interest in the lease sale. American Petroleum Institute chief economist Dean Foreman said that oil companies FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000433 are likely to be interested in exploration in the area “with a view to augment their reserve base.” Foreman said, “We can use modern technology to discover where the resource potential is in ways that have not been possible or permitted up to this point.” Interior Unprepared For Cyber Threats. Federal Computer Week (3/14, Gunter) reports that the Interior Department is “vulnerable to the theft of sensitive data, unprepared to detect and deal with cyber threats and failing to keep users on its computer network from visiting – downloading materials from – illicit websites, according to a new watchdog report.” According to the article, “during testing at a U.S. Geological Survey facility as part of a department￾wide audit, Interior’s inspector general, working with independent accounting firm KPMG, identified a ‘workstation attempting to communicate with IP addresses of known malware command and control website in Russia.’” The machine, Interior later found, “had been compromised.” Auditors also found that “inappropriate and risky network behavior occurred undetected...due to deficiencies and inconsistencies in Interior’s Office of the CIO incident response program.” Oil Group To Lobby President After Stay At Trump Hotel. Politico (3/14, Lefebvre) reports that the American Petroleum Institute is holding its annual board meeting at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, “before its executive committee goes to the White House to voice concerns about President Donald Trump’s proposed steel tariffs, sources familiar with the meetings told POLITICO.” API’s meeting “could involve up to 200 people representing various oil and gas companies – including the top executives of major oil companies – paying to stay at Trump’s hotel.” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Energy Secretary Rick Perry “are scheduled to attend the board meeting at the Trump Hotel on Wednesday night, two sources told POLITICO.” Zinke Criticized For Wild-West Mentality Over Oil And Gas. UPI (3/14, Graeber) reports that critics of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who has defended the strategy of energy dominance, say he is “out of step with the will of the people.” Last month, Florida Petroleum Council Executive Director David Mica said that allowing offshore drilling in Florida could bring in new sources of revenue and enrich the state’s economic diversity. However, Sen. Bill Nelson said during a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee “that was something his constituents didn’t want to hear.” Additional coverage of the hearing was provided by Natural Gas Intelligence (3/14, Passut) and Platts (3/14, Saville). Interior Will Send $18M From Roan Drilling To Colorado. The AP (3/14) reports that the Interior Department will “send $18 million FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000434 from oil and gas development from Colorado’s Roan Plateau back to the state,” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced Tuesday during a Senate committee hearing. According to the article, “the money is leftover from the cleanup of Anvil Points, a naval oil shale research site northwest of Rifle.” Pending state legislation “would send it to four northwestern Colorado counties – directly to Rio Blanco and Moffat counties and to federal mineral lease districts in Mesa and Garfield counties.” Big Tax Break For Coal In Arizona Stalls Out At The Legislature. The Arizona Republic (3/14, Randazzo) reports Arizona lawmakers on Wednesday “debated but failed to pass a proposal to give about $12 million in annual tax breaks for coal sales...in an effort to save the Navajo Generating Station power plant, which is closing next year.” According to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Finchem “potential buyers are looking at the power plant, but are unlikely to step in and save it without the tax break.” Peabody Energy is the owner of the Kayenta Mine on Navajo and Hopi land in northern Arizona, which sells coal to the facility. “If the plant closes, so will the mine.” Finchem contends “that taxes on the coal are illegal, but the courts have not recognized that.” Finchem’s bill passed “the House but was held in the Senate Finance committee Wednesday.” Advocates Fight To Save Grant That Helps Preserve History Of World War II Internment. NBC News (3/14, Kandil) reports that “a federal grant program aimed at preserving the history of World War II-era Japanese-American incarceration could be in danger under President Donald Trump’s proposed 2019 budget.” The budget proposal “declines to request funding for the Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) grant program, which has provided more than $21 million of funding for the research and preservation of World War II-era incarceration camps, collection centers, and Department of Justice prisons over nearly a decade.” Heather Swift, Department of the Interior press secretary, said, “The proposed budget makes a historic investment in our National Parks infrastructure backlog. The budget prioritizes funding for core operations in the National Park System and addressing the $11.6 deferred maintenance backlog in parks across the nation through the Public Lands Infrastructure Fund. The budget request identifies savings in other programs, including some competitive grant programs.” The nonprofit Japanese American Citizens League is “encouraging people to contact their representatives about the issue before Friday, the deadline for members of Congress to submit their requests for funding.” Poll: Montanans Split On Elected Officials, Dislike Zinke’s Recommendations For Monuments. The Missoulian (MT) (3/14, Szpaller) reports that “Montanans are divided over the job performance of statewide elected officials but generally FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000435 disapprove of U.S. Department of the Interior recommendations to reduce the size of national monuments, according to results of a new poll announced Thursday by the University of Montana.” According to UM’s inaugural Big Sky Poll, “some 62 percent of Montanans polled disapproved of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s recommendations to decrease the size of national monuments,” while “29 percent approved of the recommendations, and an estimated 9 percent declined to answer the question.” The article says that “according to UM, the poll was conducted via telephone between Feb. 1 and Feb. 19 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.” Conservationists Launch Anti-Gianforte Campaign. The AP (3/14, Volz) reports that “a conservation group is launching an ad campaign that repeatedly accuses U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte of ‘assaulting’ and ‘attacking’ public lands since he’s been in office, a veiled reference to the Montana Republican’s attack of a reporter last year.” League of Conservation Voters officials “said they are spending $244,000 on ads through April, the first significant outside group spending in Gianforte’s nascent re-election campaign.” The League of Conservation Voters officials insist “the ad campaign is not about Gianforte’s re-election, but about bills pending in Congress.” Whistleblower Denounces Trump’s Failure To Tackle Climate Change. The Lewiston (ME) Sun Journal (3/14, Collins) reports that Joel Clement, “former director of the U.S. Office of Policy Analysis and the top climate￾change policy official at the Department of Interior,” spoke at Bates College on Wednesday evening. Clement claimed that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “could not just clean house of career bureaucrats whose jobs are protected by law,” so “he wound up transferring executives in the hope of driving them to quit.” But “rather than go quietly off to a new home in Tulsa, Clement got a lawyer, filed a whistleblower complaint and took to the pages of The Washington Post to denounce what he saw going on within the department.” He resigned in October. Bureau Of Indian Affairs WATCH: Elouise Cobell Fights For Native Americans In ‘100 Years’. The ColorLines (3/14, Rao) reports that PBS/World Channel on Tuesday night aired a documentary on “how banker Elouise Cobell fought the United States government for the billions of dollars it owed Indigenous landowners.” The film “explores how Cobell, a member of the Blackfeet Nation and founder of the tribe-operated Blackfeet National Bank, discovered several financial abuses at the Bureau of Indian Affairs throughout the 1980s and ‘90s.” Bureau Of Land Management FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000436 BLM Oil/gas Leases Draw Concerns. The Alamosa (CO) Valley Courier (3/14, Heide) reports that local residents are concerned about the impact of oil and gas leases near the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. The Bureau of Land Management “plans to offer about a dozen parcels for potential oil and gas sale leases in September and will be releasing an environmental assessment regarding the parcels next week, with the public allowed 15 days afterwards (until April 6) to comment on the environmental assessment.” Anna Lee Vargas, director, Project Management and Community Outreach for Conejos Clean Water, said, “We are so conscious as community members of our land and our water, air quality, water quality. We just don’t want anything to impact that.” Keller Receives NMCGA Award. The Carlsbad (NM) Current-Argus (3/14) reports that “Ray Keller received the 2017 Ayudando Siempre Alli Award from the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association (NMCGA) at the Joint Stockmen’s Convention recently held in Albuquerque.” At the Bureau of Land Management’s Carlsbad Field Office, Keller “spearheaded the Restore New Mexico program that put funds from the National Resource Conservation Service EQIP program together with private dollars to change the face of the landscape of southeastern New Mexico.” According to the article, “through his efforts, over 3 million acres have been treated with programs ranging from invasive species control and noxious weed treatment.” NMCGA President Tom Sidwell said, “We truly appreciate the work that Ray has put into improving landscapes in southeastern New Mexico.” Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management Trump’s OCS Drilling Plan Draws Cheers, Jeers From Coastal Elected Officials. Natural Gas Intelligence (3/13, Passut) reports elected officials from coastal states “took disparate views over the Trump administration’s proposal to open more than 90% of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to oil and natural gas exploration, which garnered more than 630,000 public comments.” Most of the comments “appeared to be in opposition to the draft proposed program (DPP) for the OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024, which the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management unveiled earlier this year.” Offshore Drilling Meeting Battles Clock, Weather. The Ellsworth (ME) American (3/13, Rappaport) reports that a recent Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently held a meeting in Maine to discuss the Trump Administration’s offshore drilling plan, but the meeting was held only one day before the close of the public comments period and took place hours before a winter storm. The article highlights FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000437 opposition to the plan from Maine congressmen and local residents. Could N.J. Offshore Drill Plan Be Dead? Local Congressmen Are Optimistic. Philly (PA) (2/28, Kummer) reports that several New Jersey members of Congress “say they met Tuesday with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and they came away from the conversation believing drilling off the state’s coast is unlikely.” However, Zinke “has not officially removed New Jersey from the list of areas under consideration for offshore exploration and drilling for natural gas and oil. Florida has already been removed.” AG Healey Pledges To Fight Trump Offshore Drilling Plan Along Massachusetts Coast. The Springfield (MA) Republican (3/13, Serreze) reports Attorney General Maura Healey on Monday “vowed to fight federal plans to open the Massachusetts coastline to offshore oil and gas drilling.” Healey said, “Massachusetts does not want drilling off our coast and I will fight this proposal to defend our state and our residents. ... Of all the bad environmental ideas the Trump administration has proposed, this one may take the cake.” Commissioners Serenaded At Meeting About Offshore Drilling. KXRO-AM Aberdeen, WA (3/13) reports that a group of people in Washington state “serenaded the Grays Harbor County Commissioners showing their opposition to offshore oil drilling but a resolution was still not brought to the floor.” The group’s effort was part of a bid to get the commissioners to pass a resolution against offshore drilling. Bureau Of Reclamation Klamath River Fish-kill Preventive Dam Releases Challenged By Farmers, Water Districts. The Eureka (CA) Times Standard (3/14, Houston) reports that “local tribes’ say critically important dam water releases meant to protect threatened salmon on the Klamath River from deadly parasitic disease outbreaks are being contested by irrigators and water districts in the Klamath Basin as they face drought conditions.” According to the article, “basin ranchers, farmers and water districts argue in a federal court filing this month that the potential for fish disease outbreaks this year is low, but that the drought conditions the basin faces could cause significant economic impacts to their region.” Bureau of Reclamation public affairs officer Erin Curtis “said the basin does not have enough water to provide for both irrigators and the dam releases without lowering water levels at Upper Klamath Lake.” Heller Introduces Bill To Reauthorize Colorado River Program. FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000438 The Las Vegas Review-Journal (3/14, Martin) reports that “legislation has been introduced in the Senate to reauthorize the Colorado River System Conservation Program critical to water supplies for Southern Nevada.” Sen. Dean Heller “filed the bill to reauthorize for four years the conservation program, first passed by Congress in 2015 to conserve water and mitigate impacts of drought in the Colorado River Basin.” Fish And Wildlife Service Ellen DeGeneres Calls On Trump To Reverse Elephant Trophy Decision: ‘Don’t Make Me Tweet About This’. The Washington Examiner (3/14, Mayfield) reports that “talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is again calling on President Trump to reverse his administration’s decision to allow elephant body parts into the U.S. as trophies.” In a clip of her show shared on social media Wednesday, DeGeneres said, “Mr. President, I am begging you to change your mind and protect these majestic animals. Don’t make me tweet about this.” She added, “I don’t wanna get into a battle of words or anything ... but I have a Twitter account, too, and mine is much bigger than yours.” Animal Rights Group Sues For Details On Interior’s Pro-Hunting Group. The Hill (3/14, Green) reports that “an animals rights group is suing the Interior Department after the agency failed to provide details on a new advisory group created to advocate for international hunting.” The group Born Free USA “filed a suit against Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service on Wednesday, arguing that the agency failed to provide details they requested in a November Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request about the agency’s International Wildlife Conservation Council (IWCC).” The group’s “initial November FOIA request asked for documents related to the duties of the IWCC, the circumstance for its creation and the criteria in which its members were selected.” The organization “additionally requested in their FOIA that FWS provide them with ‘the authority’ that was used to create the group.” The suit claim “that FWS failed to meet its deadline to provide the requested details.” Miami Federal Judge Rejects Bid To Stop Walmart In Rare Miami Forest. The Miami Herald (3/14, Staletovich) reports that “a Miami federal judge has lifted a temporary stop to construction on a Walmart-anchored shopping center on rare pine rockland and hinted that environmentalists are unlikely to win their battle in court.” It’s unclear “when Palm Beach County developer Peter Cummings will resume work on the planned shopping center and apartments spread across nearly 140 acres near Zoo Miami.” However, “environmentalists, armed with additional information released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since the case was argued, said they plan to keep fighting a project that could pave over one of the FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000439 largest remaining tracts of pineland outside Everglades National Park.” Additional coverage was provided by the Miami New Times (3/14, Iannelli) and Law360 (3/14, Bolado). Environmental Assessment Done For Clark County Wind Proposal. The Mitchell (SD) Daily Republic (3/14, Mercer) reports that “the Crocker wind farm proposed in Clark County has 14 turbine sites that would be swapped for other ground because they are on federal grassland easements, according an environmental assessment from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.” The FWS “released a report Wednesday on the project. Geronimo Energy, the project developer, wants to build 120 wind towers on a variety of privately held properties, including the 14 federal easements.” According to the report, “Geronimo Energy would voluntarily swap land with the federal government on a two-to-one basis after construction has finished.” Environmental Regulators Are Trying To Turn A Former Lead Mining Site Back Into A Forest. KWMU-FM St. Louis (3/14, Chen) reports that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are “restoring a portion of Missouri’s Old Lead Belt back into a forest.” According to John Weber, an environmental contaminants specialist for the Fish and Wildlife Service, “the reforestation could improve local water quality, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitats.” He said, “It’s important for people who are recreating in the river, whether they are fishing or floating. It’s important for downstream species of mussels. There’s some species listed on the endangered species list that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is concerned about.” 3rd Lawsuit Filed Over Colorado’s Predator Reduction Studies. The AP (3/14) reports that “activist groups have filed a third lawsuit in connection to Colorado Parks and Wildlife research projects that aim to determine whether reducing predators could help mule deer numbers.” The lawsuit “filed last week targets the research’s primary funding source – the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – which authorized more than $3.4 million in funding.” Moapa Dace Population Holds Steady In Latest Count Of Endangered Fish. The Las Vegas Review-Journal (3/14, Brean) reports that results for the latest count for Clark County’s most endangered fish is “mixed.” According to the article, “while researchers were relieved to see the Moapa dace population holding steady at 1,138 adult fish, they would prefer some real improvement for a species that’s been under federal protection for just over 50 years.” Michael Schwemm, senior fish biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Southern Nevada, said, “We’re not in a crisis mode FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000440 where the species is declining. But we’re not happy with the status quo. We want to see things improve.” National Park Service Historic Black Church With W.E.B. Du Bois Ties Gets Grant. The AP (3/14) reports that “preservationists for a 130-year-old black church with ties to civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois have received federal grant money to turn it into a community center.” The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area was awarded $389,000 from the National Park Service African American Civil Rights Grants Program “Tuesday to restore the Clinton AME Zion Church in Great Barrington, near the New York and Connecticut borders.” $500K Grand Will Restore Historic Building At Fort Huachuca. The AP (3/15) reports that “Arizona State Parks and Trails has received $500,000 in grant funding from the National Park Service to restore the Mountain View Officers’ Club at Fort Huachuca.” The State Historic Preservation Office, a division of Arizona State Parks and Trails, has “been involved in a long-standing effort to preserve and protect the World War II￾era black officers’ club, which is one of two such documented buildings in the U.S. Army.” 100,000-plus Comments Received On Proposed Fee Hike. The Greene County (VA) Record (3/14, Brooks) reports that the National Park Service is “poring over comments received on proposed peak-season fee increases.” According to the article, “109,111 comments were received, with 1,004 specifically mentioning Shenandoah National Park.” The article says that “a glance at the first 100 shows a close split of 59 against the proposal, 37 for it and four offering other suggestions such as charging non￾U.S. residents a higher fee.” Advisory Panel Slams Fee Hikes. The Mount Desert (ME) Islander (3/14, Broom) reports that “members of the Acadia Advisory Commission voted unanimously on Monday to formally oppose the higher park entrance fees that have been proposed for Acadia during its peak visitation season, June through October.” Acadia Advisory Commission member Matt Horton “said at Monday’s meeting that he has heard from many people who feel the proposed increases are excessive.” The NPS said the fee increases were necessary to generate “badly needed revenue for improvements to the aging infrastructure of the national parks.” Fix To Keep Worm Diggers In National Park Gets House OK. The AP (3/14, Whittle) reports that the U.S. House of Representatives “unanimously signed off on a bill late Tuesday designed to allow” commerical harvesters of “marketable species to continuing plying their trade” near Acadia National Park. In recent years, the harvesters have FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000441 claimed “they’ve faced enforcement from National Park Service personnel who have told them it’s prohibited.” A similar bill has been proposed in the Senate by Sen. Angus King, “but has yet to make it to a committee vote.” Additional coverage was provided by the Mount Desert (ME) Islander (3/15). Comment Wanted For Potential Design For DC War Memorial. The AP (3/15) reports that the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association, “in cooperation with the National Park Service, is looking for public comments on the potential design of a memorial that the US Congress authorized the establishment of on federal land in Washington, D.C.” The National Park Service “said in a statement that the purpose of the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial is to commemorate and honor members of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield.” The comment period closes on April 13. Virginia Man Still Claims Ownership Of Vanished NC Island. The Charlotte (NC) Observer (3/14, Price) reports that “North Carolina’s Shelly Island may have vanished below ocean waters – possibly forever – but that’s not discouraging the Virginia man who filed a deed for ownership of the mysterious landmass.” Ken Barlow “says his mile-long island is still there...but its no longer a separate island. It has merged – at least in part – with nearby Cape Point, he says.” The National Park Service has “never conceded Barlow owned the 27-acre island.” Although “the island vanished before the dispute reached the courts,” Barlow is “undeterred.” He said, “I will NEVER relinquish what I own to the National Park Service. I will defend that property with the necessary force to repel invaders, such as the NPS.... Dare County Records of Deeds says I own this property. End of story.” Waterline Breaks Lead To Restrictions At Grand Canyon Park. The AP (3/14) reports that “due to a series of breaks in the Transcanyon Waterline, Grand Canyon National Park has implemented water conservation measures.” According to officials, “the park will remain in conservation mode until staff repairs the break and water in storage tanks reaches sustainable levels.” Reconstruction Of Beartooth Highway Continues With Grant. The Cody (WY) Enterprise (3/14) reports the Department of Transportation recently awarded the Wyoming Department of Transportation a $16.6 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant to reconstruct the final 1.6-mile segment of Beartooth Highway. The Beartooth Steering Committee includes the WDOT, Montana Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Yellowstone National Park, US Forest Service, Wyoming and Montana congressional staff, and other FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000442 organizations. Additional coverage was provided by the Billings (MT) Gazette (3/14). Truck Crash Results In Hazmat Spill In Death Valley National Park. KTNV-TV Las Vegas (3/14) reports that “a crash resulted in a hazardous materials situation at Death Valley National Park earlier this week.” According to the article, “around 2:15 p.m. on Monday, March 12, a truck driver heading eastbound on California Highway 190 lost control of his vehicle near Emigrant Campground.” The vehicle “careened into the desert, landed on its side, and caught on fire.” Insular And International Affairs Close Up Program Gets $900,000. The Saipan (MNP) Tribune (3/15) reports that Interior Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs Doug Domenech has “authorized a payment of $900,000 for fiscal year 2018 funding of the Close Up Insular Area Program.” According to the article, “this year’s program will bring approximately 190 high school-aged students from American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as the freely associated states of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau, to Washington, D.C. for civic education programs alongside their peers from the 50 states.” Domenech said, “The goal of this program is to highlight models of American democratic institutions and to foster in youth the interest, knowledge, and skills needed to effectively participate in a democracy. Bringing the students from the islands allows them to have critical exchange and sharing experiences with students from the States.” US Geological Survey Scientists Record Volcanic Thunder For The First Time. Discover Magazine (3/14, Scharping) reports that researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey “say they have finally captured a recording” of volcanic thunder, “during the 2017 eruption of Bogoslof in Alaska.” The findings were published Tuesday in Geophysical Research Letters. Additional coverage was provided by Newsweek (3/14, Bartels). Mountain Yellow-legged Frog Not Forgotten. The Idyllwild (CA) Town Crier (3/14, Crumrine) reports that “efforts to save the endangered Mountain yellow-legged frog in the San Jacinto Mountains have been limited in the five years since the 2013 Mountain Fire.” The article notes that “most of the efforts on the frogs’ behalf have focused on the San Gabriel Mountains.” However, Adam Backlin, a U.S. Geological Survey biologist, “said that will be changing with the help of the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska.” Backlin said, “The herpetologist there has been working with similar frogs in the desert southwest for 20 years. He has been very successful with captive husbandry.” FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000443 Opinion Pieces Parks Should Be Affordable For All. In an editorial, the Wheeling (WV) Intelligencer (3/14) argues that national parks were “never intended to be a money-making proposition, and should not be converted into one.” The paper acknowledges that “fees are a good idea to help maintain parks” but opposes a proposal to increase fees at national parks to the extent that they become unaffordable for some. Panhandle At Risk For BP-Style Blowout: Guestview. In a piece for the Pensacola (FL) News Journal (3/11, Graham, Beinecke), Bob Graham and Frances Beinecke argue that the Trump Administration is ushering in a “dangerous and foolhardy combination” of “expanding the reach of oil and gas drilling while rolling back common-sense safeguards drawn from the lessons of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.” The authors claim “Congress continues to operate in a state of denial” as this “is putting Florida’s Panhandle at increased risk for the next BP-style blowout.” BLM Plan Is On The Right Track For Public Lands. In an op-ed for the Missoulian (MT) (3/14, Herzer), John Herzer, owner of Blackfoot River Outfitters in Missoula and Flint Creek Outdoors in Philipsburg, writes that he gave the Bureau of Land Management “low marks” 25 years ago, but “over the years that agency has taken on a more active role in managing those parcels with an eye to the future and conservation.” Although he doesn’t “agree with all their decisions,” Herzer believes “they are on a much better path.” Herzer lauds the BLM office “for trying new ways to involve the public in resource management planning, as well as new tools for managing public lands.” Additional Reading. • Here’s The Case: Trump Has The Worst CabinetEver. Washington Post (3/14, Rubin). • Republican Politicians Should Support The Outdoor Industry. High Country (CO) News (3/15, Grijalva). • Coal Mine Reclaim Act Sidetracked By Companies And Miners Pay Price. Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal (3/14, Hescox). • Guest Opinion: Gianforte Doesn’t GetMontana’s Public Lands. Billings (MT) Gazette (3/14, Burglund, Miller). • Governor’s Repeated Extensions OfState OfEmergency Further Tramples On VI Laws Requiring Financial Accountability And Transparency. Virgin Islands Consortium (VIR) (3/14, Diase-Coffelt). Top National News Trump Touts Tax Reform Law, Says He Is Ready To Launch “Phase FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000444 Two.” The President’s visit to St. Louis yesterday generated largely favorable local coverage, which focused on his defense of his tax reform law and his apparent preview of an additional push for more tax cuts. National media, on the other hand, covered the story sparingly, with the major network newscasts skipping it altogether. KPLR-TV St. Louis (3/14, 7:02 p.m. CDT) reported that the President “called St. Louis, quote, ‘a great place, a place that was really good to me,’ unquote.” Trump “visited the Boeing plant in North St. Louis County,” and “held a roundtable meeting” with “representatives from ten companies across the state, all of which have said that the Trump tax plan has had a positive impact on their businesses.” KPLR added that Trump “told the Missouri business leaders he is ready to being ‘phase two’ of his tax reform plan, a plan he says that will provide tremendous incentives for workers.” KMOV-TV St. Louis (3/14, 5:02 p.m. CDT) also reported “eighteen people, including the President, sat around the horseshoe table sharing how tax cuts impacted their own lives.” KOMU-TV Columbia, MO (3/14, 6:04 p.m. CDT) reported that the businesses “say...Trump’s tax reform allowed them to increase wages and announce bonuses,” and KTVI-TV St. Louis (3/14, 6:32 p.m. CDT) that “many of the companies represented...gave their employees bonuses ranging from $200 to $1,000 each.” Trump was shown saying, “We are now going for a phase two. We are actually going for a phase two, which...in addition to the middle class, will help companies, and it’s going to be something, I think, very special.” The Washington Times (3/14, Boyer, Miller) reports Trump “said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, Texas Republican, and members of the Senate are involved in the effort.” Trump “hasn’t specified what a second round of tax cuts would entail, and it’s not clear whether congressional Republican leaders are ready for another such battle.” However, “Rep. Roger Williams, Texas Republican and a member of the House Financial Services Committee, said Wednesday that he’d like to cut capital gains taxes, and to make permanent the individual tax cuts approved last December.” Typical of the tenor of national reporting was the Los Angeles Times (3/14, Bierman), which headlined its story “Trump Returns From A Brief Trip To Greater Tumult Of His Own Making In Washington” and devotes most of the piece to casting a decidedly unfavorable light on the “chaos” surrounding the Administration. The Times reports in its final paragraphs that “as Trump bragged about a humming economy during the event at Boeing in Missouri, Democrats nationwide were seeing signs of the potential to capitalize on the new energy of young people and suburban women.” Yet “in St. Louis,” the President “met an enthusiastic crowd of supporters at the airport and shouts of ‘Keep it up!’” The New York Times (3/14, Baker, Tankersley) similarly reports that “amid all the turmoil and uncertainty, with his White House seemingly FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000445 fraying, his legislative agenda stalled and his electoral base in danger,” Trump “these days finds one area of comfort: talking about his tax cuts. He finds it so reassuring, in fact, that he is increasingly talking about doing it all over again.” The AP (3/14) also describes Trump as “trying to turn attention back to tax cuts and away from the staffing turmoil in his administration,” and notes he “promised Wednesday that more relief was on the way.” The AP adds, “It’s unclear what Trump was talking about,” and “the White House did not immediately respond to a request for more details,” but “Brady...told Fox Business Network he was indeed working on something with the president and ‘we think even more can be done.’” Politico (3/14, Faler) runs a similar story under the headline “Trump And Brady Say More Tax Cuts Coming.” The Kansas City (MO) Business Journal (3/14, Kirn) reports that “Trump, seated in front of an F-15 fighter jet, heard from an array of Missouri business leaders, who praised the tax cuts, passed in December, often with personal stories.” The Springfield (MO) News-Leader (3/14) notes “College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis attended” the roundtable, invited by the White House “after C of O gave a $204 bonus to employees in January as a result of savings from the recent US tax code revision.” The News-Leader adds that “a new poll says that President Trump’s approval rating is on the rise after a surge in the US economy and shifting tax reform numbers.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (3/14) editorializes that the tax law is “is contributing to a wave of good economic news for the nation,” but “doesn’t seem to be doing much for workers’ wages” despite “full employment.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (3/14, Bott) reports that “before the roundtable meeting, Trump was given a tour of Boeing’s facility with company officials, former Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and Mehan.” The Post-Dispatch adds that “as he toured part of the Boeing facility and examined an F/A-18 Super Hornet,” Trump said, “Great planes, incredible.” The “production line,” in fact, “has gotten a boost from the administration’s request for more Super Hornets in fiscal 2019 on top of the 24 Congress has written into this year’s budget.” Bloomberg News (3/14, Johnsson, Capaccio, Epstein) reports also the President also urged Boeing “give the government a ‘good price’ for its fighter jets, lest he take his business elsewhere.” Said Trump, “Otherwise, we’re going to buy them from somebody else” in the US. On its website, ABC News (3/14, Mallin) reports “some economists have pointed out that Boeing could be one of many US companies particularly vulnerable in the event of a trade war, because it top exporter sells 80 percent of its commercial planes abroad.” However, “the company is also one of many that announced hundreds of millions in bonuses for workers following passage of the GOP tax plan.” Kudlow Also Discusses “Phase Two.” Bloomberg News (3/14, Olorunnipa) reports that in an interview with CNBC, Larry Kudlow said FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000446 that “tax cuts for individuals should be made permanent under ‘phase two’ of an overhaul.” Said Kudlow, “Individuals deserve a permanent break.” Kudlow, however, “said he didn’t expect a phase two to cut the corporate rate further.” Bloomberg adds Trump “has previously referenced a so￾called phase two of tax cuts – sometimes in a joking manner,” but “earlier this week, he said he was ‘serious’ about asking House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady to get it done.” Kudlow also said on CNBC’s Closing Bell (3/14), “Many of the people who are critical of me or the President’s tax cuts are the very people who are being helped the most. For example, my friends in the union movement – teachers union, government workers – they hate this stuff. You know what? Lower tax rates and faster economic growth and the better profits is the only hope they have of ever seeing their pension. So, don’t tell me it doesn’t help everybody, because it does.” Trump Raises Funds For McCaskill Opponent As McConnell Criticizes Her Vote Against Tax Reform. The Kansas City (MO) Star (3/14, Lowry) notes that when Trump “landed...in St. Louis for his third visit to Missouri in less than a year, the man who welcomed the president to the state twice before was noticeably absent.” Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, “who faces a criminal trial in May, did not greet Trump at the airport as he did for Trump’s previous visits to Springfield and St. Charles.” Trump “instead was welcomed by Attorney General Josh Hawley, the state’s top law enforcement official and the Republican front-runner to challenge US Sen. Claire McCaskill in the fall.” KOMU-TV Columbia, MO (3/14, 6:04 p.m. CDT) reported that Trump “went to a private fundraising campaign...Hawley” yesterday. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (3/14, Raasch) reports that “hours before” Trump’s arrival ion Missouri, “Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell took to the Senate floor to criticize...McCaskill for voting against tax cuts that Trump signed into law late last year.” McCaskill “pushed back, saying she was for tax cuts but not for the GOP plan that passed that she said was skewed toward wealthier Americans.” Koch Brothers-Backed Group Launches New Ads Which Hit Donnelly, McCaskill On Tax Vote. Meanwhile, Roll Call (3/14, Pathé) reported that Americans for Prosperity, a Koch brothers-backed group, “is rolling out another $4 million ad campaign targeting” McCaskill and Sen. Joe Donnelly for opposing the tax-reform bill. The spots mark “the second phase of a $20 million digital and TV campaign and comes a month after AFP launched the first $4 million initiative, also against Donnelly and McCaskill. Each ad features a woman explaining how the GOP tax plan benefits them.” The AP (3/14) reports the spots airing in Missouri “criticize McCaskill over her comment that the tax overhaul will only mean ‘scraps’ for” her state’s residents. Trump Picks Kudlow As Cohn Replacement. Eamon Javers reported yesterday on CNBC’s Halftime Report (3/14), FOIA001:02716101 •--- EXT-18-2336-E-000447 “According to a source familiar with the deliberations, the President has asked Larry Kudlow to serve as the next National Economic Council director succeeding Gary Cohn.” Added Javers, “The President, I am told, offered Larry Kudlow the job” Tuesday and Kudlow “accepted” it. Javers later said on CNBC’s Closing Bell (3/14), “Kudlow says he will disagree with the President when he feels that it is important to do so, but ultimately, the President makes the decisions here. This is the White House after all, and Kudlow says he will execute on decisions even if he does not agree with them as National Economic Counsel Director.” ABC World News Tonight (3/14, story 4, 0:20, Muir) briefly noted the story last night, indicating Kudlow “served as an informal adviser during the...campaign.” USA Today (3/14, Jackson, Korte, King) reports White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders “confirmed the move after it was first reported by Kudlow’s network.” The Hill (3/14, Easley) quotes Sanders as saying, “Larry Kudlow was offered, and accepted, the position of assistant to the president for economic policy and director of the National Economic Council. ... We will work to have an orderly transition and will keep everyone posted on the timing of him officially assuming the role.” Kudlow spoke to several news outlets later Wednesday. Kudlow told Reuters (3/14, Mason, Brice), “The president offered me the position last evening and I accepted.” Kudlow made similar comments to the Wall Street Journal (3/14, Timiraos) and New York Times (3/14, Haberman, Kelly, Tankersley). Kudlow said on CNBC’s Closing Bell (3/14) that he was going to Washington Wednesday night, adding, “We’ve, got all kinds of things to do. [Trump] sounded great. Look, the economy is starting to boom, the tax cuts are working, the deregulation is working. We’re going to get on the infrastructure. Yeah, we’re getting on to trade also.” To the New York Times (3/14, Haberman, Kelly, Tankersley), “the decision to pick Mr. Kudlow, a longtime cheerleader of the president, is the latest move by Mr. Trump to surround himself with loyalists in high administrative posts.” The Washington Post (3/14, Costa, Dawsey) similarly casts Trump as “looking to longtime loyalists who encourage his extemporaneous and combative style, following months of frustration with aides and Cabinet officials who often sought to temper him.” The Los Angeles Times (3/14, Finnegan) describes Kudlow as “someone who connects with the president personally and politically.” Kudlow “shares with Trump a hard-charging personality and a fondness for being a media figure, and both have hosted television programs.” Kudlow “has also been an informal Trump advisor over the past year.” Steve Forbes endorses Kudlow’s selection in a USA Today (3/14) op￾ed, in which he writes, “When we see the initials GOP, we think of the Republican nickname – Grand Old Party. With Larry Kudlow’s appointment as the new director of the National Economic Council, those initials might soon become an acronym for Growth, Opportunity, and Prosperity. ... The president chose wisely here.” In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/14) also hails Trump’s selection of Kudlow, and urges him to focus on spurring FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000448 economic growth and to oppose protectionist policies. To that end, the Journal tells him to rely on Gary Cohn’s staff, as well as on Kevin Hassett and Mick Mulvaney. Kudlow Defends Trump On Trade. The New York Times (3/14, Haberman, Kelly, Tankersley) reports that “in an interview on Wednesday afternoon,” Kudlow, “who has publicly criticized the president’s recently announced tariff plans, said Mr. Trump had a more nuanced view on trade than many people thought.” Said Kudlow, “He regards himself as a free trader. ... He does not like to create obstacles, like tariffs. But he also has to protect the US.” The Washington Examiner (3/14, Morrongiello) reports that “a fierce defender of free trade, Kudlow came out against the steel and aluminum tariffs Trump unveiled last week and will likely defend multilateral trade agreements against the president’s protectionist instincts.” Kudlow: China Needs A Comeuppance On Trade. Kudlow was asked on CNBC’s Closing Bell (3/14) about reports that President Trump’s tariffs on China could reach $60 billion. Kudlow said, “I’m a little unsure about these numbers. I’m not privy to the numbers .I did talk to Bob Lighthizer at some length today. ... I can’t comment on that. I will say this, China is not played by the rules for a long time. I’ve talked about that, intellectual property rights, corporate technologies, other barriers, trans-shipments to get around things, so China needs a comeuppance on trade.” Kudlow In Recent Podcast: Leaving NAFTA Would Be A “Calamitously Bad Decision.”Politico (3/14, White) says that at the White House, Kudlow will “likely have to push to protect the North American Free Trade Agreement in the White House.” In “a recent podcast interview,” Kudlow said “withdrawing from the agreement would be a ‘calamitously bad decision.’” White House: US “Stands In Solidarity” With UK On Russia Accusations. All three networks reported that the White House and Ambassador Haley, in separate statements Wednesday, said the US stands with the UK as British Prime Minister Theresa May announced retaliatory measures against Russia for poisoning a former Russian spy. The CBS Evening News (3/14, story 8, 0:40, Glor) reported, “Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats today after the poisoning of” former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, who remain in critical condition after exposure to a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union. The White House “expressed solidarity with Britain.” At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Ambassador Haley “pointed the finger at Russia.” NBC Nightly News (3/14, story 6, 1:55, Holt) reported that the White House “said it agrees with the UK assessment that Russia is to blame,” while Haley “condemned the actions” and “issu[ed] a stern warning.” Haley said at the emergency Council meeting: “The United States stands in absolute solidarity with Great Britain.” She added, “If we FOIA001:02716101 ---- ---~ ■ EXT-18-2336-E-000449 don’t take immediate concrete measures to address this now, Salisbury will not be the last place we see chemical weapons used. They could be used here in New York.” USA Today (3/14, Hjelmgaard, Stanglin) says Haley “sharply blamed” Moscow for the attack and warned “we will act” if chemical weapon use continues, calling the crisis a “defining moment.” The Washington Examiner (3/14, Gehrke) says she also “compared the Skripal attack to North Korea’s use of a nerve agent to assassinate the half-brother of dictator Kim Jong-un.” ABC World News Tonight (3/14, story 5, 2:30, Muir) reported that senior US intelligence officials say “there is no daylight between US and British assessments” on the fact Russia is responsible, and on Wednesday night, “a strong statement from the White House, saying the United States stands in solidarity with its closest ally, the United Kingdom, and is working together with our allies and partners to ensure that this kind of abhorrent attack does not happen again.” Fox News’ Special Report (3/14) quoted White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders as adding: “This latest action by Russia fits into a pattern of behavior in which Russia disregards the international rules￾based order, undermines the sovereignty of countries worldwide, and attempts to subvert democratic institutions and processes.” CNN’s Situation Room (3/14) also reported on the “very strong” statement from Sanders. The New York Times (3/14, Baker) says Britain’s “tough response in holding Russia responsible” has “increased the pressure on President Trump” to join its ally in taking action, “even as he has been reluctant to retaliate for Moscow’s intervention in the 2016 election in the United States.” While Trump expressed solidarity with May during a phone call, he has “avoided saying so personally in public, much as he has generally avoided condemning Russia for its election meddling.” A second New York Times (3/14, Schwirtz) story says Wednesday’s emergency session, called by Britain “to formally accuse Russia of trying to murder a former Russian spy and his daughter,” was “unusual. Permanent members of the council do not normally accuse one another of what under certain circumstances could be construed as acts of war.” The Washington Post (3/14, Booth, Bodner) reports May ordered “the immediate expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats believed to be involved in espionage, in the first reprisals against Moscow for a chemical attack on a former double agent.” ABC World News Tonight (3/14, story 5, 2:30, Muir) said the move “echo[es] President Obama’s kicking out 35 Russian diplomats from the US in retaliation for Russian meddling in the 2016 election.” May also announced Britain will “take unspecified clandestine measures,” and she added that the royal family will boycott the World Cup soccer tournament in Russia this summer. May made the announcement in what the New York Times (3/14, Pérez-Peña, Castle) calls “language reminiscent of the Cold War,” and FOIA001:02716101 ----~ • --~· -----·· EXT-18-2336-E-000450 “suddenly” became “the most forceful Western leader in denouncing the government of President Vladimir V. Putin, which she portrayed this week as a malevolent and lawless force.” The AP (3/14, Lawless, Kirka) reports the Russian Embassy in London said the expulsion of diplomats was “totally unacceptable, unjustified and shortsighted,” but Amy Kellogg reported on Fox News’ Special Report (3/14) that the Kremlin hasn’t taken any action in response. Kellogg added that “we expect to hear more...from the Kremlin in the coming days.” The New York Times (3/14, Higgins) writes, “Do not expect any apologies or even a serious discussion from Moscow.” A Washington Post (3/14) editorial says “an adequate international response to Mr. Putin would push back against his ventures on all fronts: Syria, where the United Nations has found Russia complicit in war crimes; Ukraine, where Russian-backed forces continue to seek military advantage; cyberspace, where Russian hackers and bots remain ubiquitous. In the absence of such action, Mr. Putin’s ambitions, and his audacity, will only escalate further.” Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/14), “I thought it was a strong speech by Ambassador Haley. I thought her trying to hold the Security Council accountable in its efforts to hold Russia accountable was a smart move. Apply her words to her boss, to President Trump, who does not have very much credibility right now in holding Russia accountable. Yes, we need a diplomatic effort. We need to engage the United Nations and the Security Council. But it all rings hollow is the President of the United states continues his flirtation with Vladimir Putin and continues to let him off the hook.” New Zealand To Investigate Decade-Old Poisoning Claim By Former Russian Spy. The New York Times (3/14, Graham-Mclay) reports that police in New Zealand said Thursday that they were investigating “a claim that a man who said he once worked for Russian intelligence was poisoned in Auckland more than a decade ago.” Boris Karpichkov, who said he worked for the K.G.B. “before becoming a double agent and later claiming asylum in Britain, spent 15 months in New Zealand in 2006 and 2007.” Karpichkov told “Good Morning Britain” this week that he “had powder thrown in his face by someone ‘dressed as a common beggar’ on a busy street in Auckland.” He then “became ill, losing his hair and more than 65 pounds.” Putin Campaigns In Crimea Ahead Of Sunday’s Presidential Election. The CBS Evening News (3/14, story 9, 2:00, Glor) reported that President Vladimir Putin “made no mention of the growing rift with Britain” as campaigned “in Crimea, the province he took illegally from Ukraine,” ahead of Russia’s presidential election Sunday. His “message today was proudly nationalistic. Crimea, he said, has returned home to Russia.” While the US and “most countries called the seizure illegal and slapped on sanctions,” Putin on Wednesday “visited the bridge Russia is building to physically link its mainland to Crimea, a mega-project that’s wildly popular with Russians FOIA001:02716101 -------'■ EXT-18-2336-E-000451 who support the land grab. But it’s also a message to the West: Putin never backs down.” The Washington Post (3/14, Troianovski) similarly reports that on “the same day that the Russian president was the focus of international outrage over the chemical attack on a spy in Britain, Putin came to the site of another event that drew Western furor: Crimea.” Media Analyses: Lamb’s Showing Signals Possible Democratic Wave In November. Ex-federal prosecutor Conor Lamb, a Democrat, appears to have defeated GOP state Rep. Rick Saccone in the PA18 special election. With most ballots counted, Lamb leads by 627 votes – though Saccone may seek a recount. Regardless, media outlets frame Lamb’s showing in a district President Trump carried by 20 points in 2016 as further evidence that the GOP faces strong headwinds in its efforts to retain the party’s House majority in the 2018 midterm elections. On NBC Nightly News (3/14, story 4, 2:10), Lester Holt referred “to an election upset that could portend a Democratic wave coming this November. NBC News has declared Conor Lamb the apparent winner in a special congressional election in Pennsylvania in a district that President Trump won big in 2016.” NBC’s Kasie Hunt added that Lamb scored “a stunning upset” in a contest that dealt Trump “an embarrassing loss.” Hunt said, “There are more than 100 Republicans in Congress whose districts are more competitive than Pennsylvania’s 18th. A huge warning sign.” The New York Times (3/14, Burns, Martin) asserts that Lamb “scored a razor-thin but extraordinary upset” win “after a few thousand absentee ballots cemented a Democratic victory in the heart of...Trump’s Rust Belt base.” The Times adds that “Lamb’s 627-vote lead Wednesday afternoon appeared insurmountable, given that the four counties in” the PA18 “have about 500 provisional, military and other absentee ballots left to count, election officials said.” While the NBC News and the New York Times declared Lamb as the winner, the AP (3/15, Barrow, Levy, Peoples) reports that the Democrat leads by “627 votes out of more than 224,000 cast, according to unofficial results. The four counties in the Pittsburgh-area district reported they had about 375 uncounted provisional, military and overseas ballots. They have seven days to count the provisional ballots, and the deadline to receive military and overseas ballots is next Tuesday. With the margin so close, supporters of either candidate can ask for a recount.” Politico (3/14, Schneider) reported that the contest “appears headed to a recount, with Republicans preparing behind the scenes to cry foul.” Republicans are “considering challenging the accuracy of voting machines in the district, in addition to confusion over the state’s changing congressional map later this year, according to two sources familiar with the process.” Pennsylvania “law does not require an automatic recount in congressional races.” However, “Saccone and his allies can request a FOIA001:02716101 ---- ·• EXT-18-2336-E-000452 recount after all the counties have completed their tallying of provisional and overseas military ballots.” The Washington Times (3/14, Miller) reports that the White House on Wednesday sought “to put a happy face on a likely Democratic win in a Pennsylvania special election where...Trump went all-in for the GOP candidate.” White House Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah is quoted as saying, “The president’s engagement in the race turned what was a deficit for the Republican candidate to what is essentially a tie. Also the Democrat in the race really embraced the president’s policies and his vision whereas he didn’t really embrace [House Minority Leader] Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader.” In a similar report on Shah’s remarks, The Hill (3/14, Easley) said the White House argued Lamb “won by embracing President Trump’s policies.” However, on ABC World News Tonight (3/14, story 3, 2:00, Muir), Tom Llamas reported that “regardless of the final outcome, Democrats say their success” in the PA18 “is proof momentum is in their favor heading into the midterms.” The AP (3/14, Mascaro) reports, “The message to Republicans from the Pennsylvania special election was simple: Almost no one is safe.” The AP adds that Trump “won more than 100 districts nationwide by narrower margins than” his 20-point win in the PA18 in 2016, “arguably making them comparably competitive now.” DNC Chairman Tom Perez said on Fox News’ Special Report (3/14), “You look around right now, there are 118 districts that are actually more competitive than the district that was won yesterday. ... So, if I am a Republican, I am very worried right now, because Democrats are fired up. We are fielding good candidates. That’s a big lesson from this. We are organizing everywhere and we are talking about the issues that people care the most about.” The Philadelphia Inquirer (3/14, Tamari) reports, “Running in deep red rural and suburban territory outside Pittsburgh, Saccone pledged his loyalty to...Trump, had help from two of Trump’s famous rallies, and saw the GOP spend millions of dollars on his behalf, much of it centering on the president’s signature tax bill. But none of that seemed to work.” In an analysis, the AP (3/14, Peoples) says “there are 106...House districts Trump won by less than 20 points, suggesting that scores more Republican￾held seats could be in play this fall. Democrats need to flip 24 seats to claim the House majority — just 23 if Lamb wins. Both numbers increasingly look reachable. For GOP strategists, or those members considering retirement, it may be time to hit the panic button.” Writing in “The Fix” on the website of the Washington Post (3/14, Phillips), Amber Phillips said “the fact that Democrats were competitive in such a Republican-leaning district makes the 24 seats they need to net in November look much more feasible.” Writing for The Atlantic (3/11), Ronald Brownstein said that the results marked the first time since Trump’s election that Democrats regained “ground with the white working-class voters at the core of the president’s coalition.” Brownstein added that FOIA001:02716101 ------ ■ ------ ■ EXT-18-2336-E-000453 “Lamb’s apparent win testified to how much energy opposition to Trump has ignited among Democrats everywhere.” The Hill (3/14, Wilson) reported that “the results illustrate the challenge Republicans face even in a district...Trump won by more than 20 percentage points just 16 months ago: Voters who were motivated to show up for Trump are far less motivated to show up for other members of his party, even when Trump himself implores them to vote.” Writing for the Washington Post (3/14), Dan Balz says that PA18 contest “isn’t the first data point to show Republicans that they’re in trouble, but if there was any complacency among elected officials, that’s certainly gone now.” Of the election results, Balz adds, “The message was clear. In this election cycle, Trump is a great motivator for Democrats, who still feel the sting of the 2016 election and are eager to vote in opposition to the president.” The Washington Times (3/14, Boyer) reports, “The midterm election year is off to an ugly start for...Trump.” The Times adds, “Mid-term elections typically go against the party holding the White House, as Mr. Trump has been warning his base. But the special election in southwestern Pennsylvania took place in ‘Trump country,’ a district the GOP should have held.” Of the PA18 results, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) said on CNN’s The Lead (3/14), “I think it is a big lesson. It’s a lesson that you can only drill down on the base so far. We’ve got to broaden our appeal and that’s why I’ve been worried about where the Republican party is going. We can’t win statewide elections like this. We can’t win in purple districts like. This should be a big wake-up call for Republicans.” Reuters (3/14, Morgan) reports that in the wake of Tuesday’s results, “Republicans sounded the alarm.” Reuters says House Speaker Paul Ryan “called the election a ‘wakeup call’ in a meeting with Republican House members and pushed them to raise more campaign funds. He also urged them to do more to highlight tax cuts approved by the Republican￾dominated Congress and signed by Trump.” The Hill (3/14, Zanona, Wong) reported that House Republicans “are fretting over the results of” the contest, “worried that the tight race in the heart of Trump country might be a harbinger of a Democratic wave in the midterm elections later this year. There’s a ‘50-50’ chance that Democrats can flip the House, senior Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) told CNN,” for example. The Washington Examiner (3/14, Caralle) reported that retiring Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA), during a Wednesday appearance on CNN, said, “I think most Republicans realize we’re running into a very serious headwind – hurricane-force wind.” And referring tom the PA18 contest, Dent added that “if you’re a Republican member in a pretty safe seat like this one was, that’s where I’d be nervous because those members are not used to running in these types of competitive situations.” Politico (3/14, Bade, Isenstadt) reported that on Wednesday, “GOP leaders warned lawmakers that the outcome in the pro-Trump district could spell disaster in the midterms if they don’t respond forcefully, but many lawmakers dismissed the race as an anomaly and seemed to be in FOIA001:02716101 ■ EXT-18-2336-E-000454 denial.” In an online article, CNN (3/14, Killough, Serfaty, Bradner) reported that Ryan, speaking with reporters, described the contest “as a race between ‘two conservatives,’” defining Lamb “as a ‘pro-life, pro-gun, anti-Nancy Pelosi conservative’ and not[ing] that there wasn’t a Democratic primary that would have pulled Lamb to the left.” Ryan “said he doubts this will become a trend in Republican-leaning districts because there wasn’t a primary.” In an online article, ABC News (3/14, Parkinson) reported that some House Republicans discounted “Lamb’s strong performance as an aberration and not a bellwether heading into this fall’s congressional midterms.” For example, Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) told ABC News, “I think Mr. Lamb was brilliant. He ran as a Republican. So, it worked for him. He certainly didn’t run as a Democrat.” Roll Call (3/14, Bowman) reported, “Republicans downplayed Tuesday’s special election,” though “it’s another reminder of the tough midterm election cycle ahead, they said.” USA Today (3/14, Jackson) reports that Democrats viewed “the vote as a sign that an anti-Trump backlash could carry them to a congressional majority in the elections in November.” And though “Republicans downplayed the” results, “political analysts said things look good for Democrats as they try to wrest House and Senate majorities from the Republicans and Trump.” The New York Times (3/14, Baker, Shear) reports that as Trump “hobnobbed on Tuesday night with wealthy donors in the exclusive enclave of Beverly Park, the voters in the suburbs south of Pittsburgh were in revolt, giving” Lamb “a narrow victory. ... Just as they did outside Birmingham and Montgomery, Ala., in December, and Richmond, Va., and Washington in November, energized and angry suburban voters” swamped “the Trump stalwarts in the more rural parts of” the PA18, “sending a clear message to Republicans around the country.” In an online article, CNN (3/14, Levy) reports that in the wake of the PA18 contest “and Alabama’s special Senate election in December, national Democrats feel confident they have found a way to succeed by working behind the scenes with campaigns and focusing their efforts early on defining Republican candidates on issues that matter locally.” CNN added, “The new Democratic approach is informed in part by lessons learned during last year’s special congressional elections.” Referring to the 2016 GA6 special election, “a Democratic operative” told CNN. “Everyone learned their lesson from Jon Ossoff. We realized that nationalizing a race like that obviously didn’t work and ultimately we lost.” In his New York Times (3/14, Bruni) column, Frank Bruni says “Lamb’s showing – win, lose or draw – is remarkable. ... Clearly, the opposition to Trump is energized and organized. Just as clearly, Trump’s style of governing – bereft of truth, lavish with chaos, crude and divisive – has diminished his standing and given his rivals an enormous window of opportunity.” In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/14, Board) says the PA18 FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000455 results “are just the latest sign that Republicans’ toxic embrace of...Trump is hurting not only the country but also their party.” The Post adds that “Saccone chose to associate closely with the president, claiming that he was ‘Trump before Trump was Trump.’ Suburban voters punished him.” In his Wall Street Journal (3/14) column, Karl Rove says that the PA18 results show that GOP candidates should craft their own messages and not simply run as versions of Trump. Rove adds that if GOP candidates are to be successful this fall, they need to raise adequate amounts of money, microtarget Republican voters who often sit out midterm elections, recruit, train, and motivate scores of volunteers to help turn out the vote. Media Analyses: Lamb Was A Perfect Fit ForPA18. In a profile of Lamb, the New York Times (3/14, Tackett, Martin) says, “A former Marine who favored gun rights, he was culturally conservative enough to appeal to rural voters. He was pro labor and pro tariff in an area that still has thousands of steelworkers union members. As a federal prosecutor, he cracked down on drug dealers but also offered empathy about the tragedy of opioid addiction. And his Ivy League polish and earnest manner played well with college-educated suburban voters. And now, with his” win, Lamb “has offered a template that will be studied in congressional races where Democratic candidates need to win over voters who supported...Trump.” In an analysis, USA Today (3/14, Shesgreen) reports that “Tuesday’s results show that the right kind of Democrat can win over both the suburban and working-class voters who favored Republicans in previous elections.” USA Today adds that “Democrats had an ideal candidate in Lamb, an ex-Marine and former prosecutor who fit with the conservative blue-collar mold of the Pennsylvania district.” Writing for Politico Magazine (3/14), Bill Scher said “the way Lamb won does little to help Democrats adjudicate the raging debate on the left over how should they run in November: as proud left-wing populists or relative moderates willing to reach across the aisle.” In that debate, Lamb “didn’t pick a side,” taking “some positions from out of each camp’s bucket, all while brandishing his assault rifle.” Writing for TIME (3/14), Philip Elliott said that “the bigger fight in 2018 is unlikely to be a carbon copy of what narrowly happened in” the PA18 “for a number of reasons,” including that “Democrats avoided a messy primary fight in picking Lamb, a Marine veteran who secured the nomination by winning over 319 Democrats’ backing in a high school gym filled with 554 activists back in November. In other scenarios, an energized activist base on the Left – populated by newcomers to the process who demand ideological purity – may have prevented Lamb from winning the nomination had there been a real contest.” Writing for the Washington Examiner (3/14, Jashinsky), Emily Jashinsky said that “Lamb is the type of conservative Democrat progressives want purged from the party. To replicate his success, Democrats will need to nominate candidates whose ideological orientations fit the districts in which they’re running.” Jashinsky added, “With much of FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000456 their base fixated on demanding ideological purity, nominating more Conor Lambs won’t come easily for Democrats. To actually retake the House, they may need to retake their own party.” McClatchy (3/13, Glueck, Roarty) reported that “Democratic officials reject the notion that the type of candidate with Lamb’s background and campaign will be an outlier this year, pointing to a handful of candidates similar in profile to Lamb who are also running in deep-red seats. ‘From a practical perspective, if we lose this district by one percent or win this district by one percent, it doesn’t make one bit of a difference,’ said Ethan Todras-Whitehill, executive director of Swing Left, a progressive group trying to help Democrats win the House in 2018. ‘Both of those things are huge sign of a wave.’” In his Washington Post (3/14, Dionne) column, E.J. Dionne Jr. says, “The main path for a Democratic takeover of the House runs through Republican-held districts where Hillary Clinton defeated or lost only narrowly to Trump in 2016. But Lamb demonstrated that more moderate Democrats could harvest anti-Trump votes without waging an anti-Trump campaign.” Dionne adds that “Lamb’s breakthrough should petrify Republicans. The staunchest anti-Trump voters are clearly prepared to vote for Democratic candidates no matter their ideology.” Politico (3/14, Nelson) reported that Lamb “said Wednesday that his claimed victory in” the contest “came, at least in part, thanks to supporters of...Trump who voted for him.” Appearing on CNN, Lamb said, “I was at a lot of polling places yesterday with cars parked outside of them that had president Trump’s bumper sticker on them. So he’s a popular person here. But I think that what happens when you campaign in real life as much as possible is that those divisions go away. Everyone gave me a fair shake and I know that there are people that voted for the president who also voted for me. And, you know, I thank them for hearing me out.” The Washington Times (3/14, Persons) also highlights Lamb’s remarks about Trump supporters. Lamb was asked on MSNBC’s Morning Joe (3/14) if the PA18 race holds any lessons for the midterms. Lamb said, “I wouldn’t presume to give lessons to people outside the district. I think every district is pretty different. Hard work really pays off. ... I think in this environment...campaigning in real life, in small rooms, door-to-door, person-to-person, it works and I learned a lot doing it. I think it helped our campaign an awful lot and I would advise anybody no matter where they are to do that.” More Democrats May Follow Lamb’s Lead In Disavowing Pelosi. Politico (3/14, Schneider, Caygle) reported that Lamb “weathered $10 million in attack ads cartoonishly calling” him “a member of Nancy Pelosi’s liberal ‘flock.’ Now other Democratic hopefuls are looking to adopt Lamb’s strategy – he repeatedly and bluntly disavowed” Pelosi – “in their own competitive races. It raises the prospect of a slate of Democratic hopefuls running against” Pelosi “as they try to neutralize one of the GOP’s go-to FOIA001:02716101 ----- ~ EXT-18-2336-E-000457 attacks – a pillar of Republicans’ plan to keep the House majority in November.” Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX), “a vocal critic of current leadership,” told Politico, “If we’re going to take the majority, it’s going to be because we win districts like that. Running against Nancy Pelosi is going to help you a lot more than running with her.” The Washington Times (3/14, McLaughlin) reports, “Democrats claimed victory Wednesday in the close” PA18 contest, “but one loser could be emerging” in the aftermath: “Pelosi, who is becoming a liability to Democrats on both sides of the party’s ideological spectrum.” Appearing Wednesday on MSNBC, Lamb “pledged not to support Mrs. Pelosi as the House Democratic leader. ‘We need to sweep some new people in there,’ he said.” In her Washington Post (3/14, Rampell) column, Catherine Rampell says that Lamb’s disavowing of Pelosi “echoed the positions of other Democrats already in Congress – disproportionately younger politicians, and from areas much bluer than” the PA18 – “who have also called for a new face for their party.” Rampell adds that “Democrats running in other districts may make not choose to jump on the anti-Pelosi train in the coming midterms. But you could also imagine Lamb’s strategy emboldening some of them...to pledge not to support her. Which means even if that ‘blue wave’ strikes in November, it still might wash away the current House minority leader.” WSJournal: GOP’s Tariffs, Pelosi-Related Attacks Failed To Boost Saccone. In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/14) says that the election results show Republicans need a better strategy this fall than supporting tariffs and using House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi as a cudgel to hammer Democratic candidates. The Journal says that Lamb supported the new Trump-imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum tariffs and other Democratic candidates are likely to do so this fall. The Journal adds that the GOP sought to link Lamb to Pelosi, but the candidate neutralized that line of attack by saying he wouldn’t support Pelosi as Democratic leader. High School Students Stage Walkout Across Nation In Support Of Gun Control. All three major networks led their newscasts last nights with reports on the high school students walkout in support of gun control measures. ABC World News Tonight (3/14, lead story, 3:30, Muir) referred to “powerful images playing out across this country,” with “tens of thousands of students staging a massive coordinated protest against gun violence, one month after the shooting rampage killed 17 people at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL.” NBC Nightly News (3/14, lead story, 3:00, Gutierrez) said “across the country, the loudest lesson was outside the classroom,” because “a generation” is “sitting silent no more,” and the CBS Evening News (3/14, lead story, 2:45, Diaz) spoke of “a sea of students” that “streamed out of the school behind a national movement,” and added that “while the FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000458 walkout was under way, the NRA tweeted, ‘Let’s work together and secure our schools and stop school violence. We protect our banks, our sports stadiums and our government buildings better than we protect our schools.’ The NRA wants Congress to push through legislation increases school safety.” Reuters (3/14) reports that “with some students dressed in orange, the color adopted by the gun control movement, the walkouts began at 10 a.m. local time in each time zone and were scheduled to last 17 minutes. Many rallies went longer.” Reuters adds that “the duration was a tribute to 17 students and staff killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.” The Washington Post (3/14, Heim, Lang, Svrluga) says “supporters say the walkouts and demonstrations represent a realization of power and influence by young people raised on social media who have come of age in an era of never-ending wars, highly publicized mass shootings and virulent national politics.” The AP (3/14, Binkley) says the “wave of protests” could be “the largest of its kind in American history,” and the Wall Street Journal (3/14, Campo-Flores) runs a similar assessment. The Washington Post (3/14) editorializes about the “extraordinary nationwide demonstration for safer schools and stronger gun control,” and hails the “‘Enough is Enough’...posters of a movement that has made clear it won’t go away until something real is done to combat gun violence.” South Carolina Governor Calls StudentWalkouts Protesting Gun Violence “Shameful.”The Hill (3/14, Gstalter) reported that Gov. Henry McMaster on Wednesday “blasted the national student walkout as a ‘shameful’ attempt by left-wing groups to push their own political agenda. ‘It appears that these school children, innocent school children, are being used as a tool by [this] left-wing group to further their own agenda,’ McMaster told South Carolina public television network ETV.” McMaster added that the walkout is “a political statement by a left-wing group and it’s shameful.” The Hill added, “High school students in cities across the country including Washington, D.C., marched out of their classrooms for 17 minutes on Wednesday to protest gun violence a month after 17 students and faculty were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.” McMaster is seeking a full four-year term this fall. Cabinet Members Make Case For “Transformative” Infrastructure Projects. The Washington Post (3/14, Laris) reports that in a joint appearance before the Senate Commerce Committee, Labor Secretary Acosta, Transportation Secretary Chao, Agriculture Secretary Perdue, Energy Secretary Perry, and Commerce Secretary Ross made the case for spending “$20 billion on a range of risky but potentially ‘transformative’ infrastructure projects, such as satellite networks to provide rural broadband, new launchpads for private rockets, and ‘augmented reality’ technologies to visualize and manage urban traffic congestion.” But after the hearing, Sen. John Thune said, “Unless someone’s willing to bite the bullet and come up with a new FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000459 funding source, there are limitations to what we will be able to do.” In 61-31 Vote, Senate Passes “Sweeping Rollback” Of Dodd-Frank. The Washington Post (3/14, Werner, Merle) reports that the Senate, in a 67-31 vote Wednesday, approved “the most significant loosening of financial regulations since the economic crisis a decade ago.” The measure “would free more than two dozen banks from the toughest regulatory scrutiny put in place after the 2008 global financial crisis.” While President Trump promised to do a “big number” on the Dodd-Frank law, “the new measure leaves key aspects of the earlier law in place.” However, the measure “amounts to a sweeping rollback of banking rules aimed at protecting taxpayers from another financial crisis and future bailouts.” The New York Times (3/14, Rappeport) says that despite the “rare showing of bipartisanship” in the Senate, the bill “faces an uncertain fate going forward, as House Republicans are expected to push for a much more expansive rollback of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act.” Senate Democrats who supported the bill that passed Wednesday “have insisted that major changes along the lines of what the House passed last year will sink the effort.” However, the Wall Street Journal (3/14, Ackerman) is more optimistic, saying the measure has a good chance of passage. Politico (3/14, Guida) says that while the President and other supporters of the legislation “say they want to rescue the nation’s lenders from a crush of regulations,” but “the industry looks more like it’s booming.” Over the last three years, banks “have hauled in record profits” and they “will be among the biggest winners under the new tax-reform law.” More over “their loans are growing by 4 to 5 percent a year,” and “even community banks, which the bill’s backers say they’re most concerned about, are making money.” Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “Trump Was Right To Block Merger.” In an editorial, the New York Times (3/14) praises President Trump’s decision to block Broadcom’s takeover of Qualcomm “given the series of mergers that has left the semiconductor industry already dominated by a few large companies.” Although some experts fear that the move “could further rattle the global economy and international norms” following Trump’s proposed steel and aluminum tariffs, blocking the deal will help slow a “concentration of power...in the semiconductor business,” making it important for both protecting competition as well as national security. Washington Post. “Britain Is Punishing Putin. America Should Join In.” A Washington Post (3/14) editorial says “an adequate international response to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin would push back against his ventures on all fronts: Syria, where the United Nations has found Russia complicit in war FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000460 crimes; Ukraine, where Russian-backed forces continue to seek military advantage; cyberspace, where Russian hackers and bots remain ubiquitous. In the absence of such action, Mr. Putin’s ambitions, and his audacity, will only escalate further.” “What The Pennsylvania Election Should Teach Both Parties.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/14, Board) says the PA18 results “are just the latest sign that Republicans’ toxic embrace of...Trump is hurting not only the country but also their party.” The Post adds that “Saccone chose to associate closely with the president, claiming that he was ‘Trump before Trump was Trump.’ Suburban voters punished him.” “Students Walking Out OfSchool Taught The Nation A Lesson.”The Washington Post (3/14) editorializes about the “extraordinary nationwide demonstration for safer schools and stronger gun control,” and hails the “‘Enough is Enough’...posters of a movement that has made clear it won’t go away until something real is done to combat gun violence.” Wall Street Journal. “Kudlow Into The Breach.” In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/14) also hails President Trump’s selection of Larry Kudlow to head the White House National Economic Council, and urges him to focus on spurring economic growth and to oppose protectionist policies. To that end, the Journal tells him to rely on Gary Cohn’s staff, as well as on Kevin Hassett and Mick Mulvaney. “Trump’s Pennsylvania Downdraft.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/14) says that the election results show Republicans need a better strategy this fall than supporting tariffs and using House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi as a cudgel to hammer Democratic candidates. The Journal says that Lamb supported the new Trump-imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum tariffs and other Democratic candidates are likely to do so this fall. The Journal adds that the GOP sought to link Lamb to Pelosi, but the candidate neutralized that line of attack by saying he wouldn’t support Pelosi as Democratic leader. “A Cancer Scare Defeat In California.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/14) praises the preliminary injunction issued two weeks ago by a federal judge in California against mandatory cancer warnings on certain food products. The judge ruled in favor of farm groups and businesses who sued after the state required warnings about the chemical glyphosate, and the Journal agrees with the agencies that have found this chemical is unlikely to pose a cancer risk. The Journal also agrees with the judge that the state can’t compel businesses to issue “misleading” warnings, arguing that this will harm businesses and California citizens. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: Theranos Founder Elizabeth Holmes Charged With Fraud FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000461 Trump Organization Tied To Deal To Keep Ex-Porn Star Quiet Disney Sets Stage For Succession Race With Operational Overhaul What’s The Biggest Trade On The New York Stock Exchange? The Last One UK Expels 23 Russian Diplomats Over Spy Poisoning New York Times: Thousands Walk Out Of Class, Urging Action On Gun Control Theresa May Expels Russian Diplomats. Now, The Hard Part. Democrat’s Win In Pennsylvania Upends Parties’ Midterm Plans Stephen Hawking Taught Us A Lot About How To Live Once A Silicon Valley Star, Theranos Chief Is Accused Of Fraud Washington Post: Trump Loyalist Kudlow To Lead Economic Council Britain Expels Russian Diplomats GOP Finds Pa. Setback “Difficult To Spin” SEC Alleges Widespread Fraud By Theranos He Saw A Universe Without Limits “We’re The Next Generation” Financial Times: Theranos Founder Charged With “Massive” Securities Fraud Stephen Hawking, Scientist, 1942-2018 Google Bans Cryptocurrency Advertising US Believes Russia Responsible For Nerve Agent Attack In Britain Washington Times: As Kudlow Comes On Board, Other Top Trump Officials Likely Leaving Congress Plunges Into Gun Debate With School Safety Bill, Hearing On FBI’s Cruz Failure Pennsylvania Win For Lamb Is Loss For Pelosi As Democrat Calls For New Leaders Contradiction — Students Favor “Free Speech” And Policies That Restrict It Such As Safe Spaces A Battered Department Crosses Its Fingers Over Pompeo Pick Land Grab Proposal Stokes Fears For White South African Farmers Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: High School Students Walkout; McCabe-DOJ Investigation; Pennsylvania Special Election; White House Economic Adviser Pick; UK￾Russia Relations; United Airline-Pet Death; Severe Weather; Priest Aides Criminal Capture; Navy Jet Crash; Nursing Student Murder; Baseball Player￾Domestic Abuse; Stephen Hawking Dies. CBS: High School Students Walkout; Florida School Shooter Trial; California-Shot Fired In Classroom; Navy Jet Crash; Avalanche-Soldiers Hurt; Trump Admin-Staff Changes; McCabe-DOJ Investigation; UK-Russia FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000462 Relations; Russia-Ukraine Occupation; Healthy Women-Decreased Dementia Rate; United Airline-Pet Death; Silicon Valley Civil Fraud; Ford Vehicles Recall; Toys R Us Bankruptcy; Stephen Hawking Dies. NBC: High School Students Walkout; High School Students Walkout￾Students; United Airline-Pet Death; Pennsylvania Special Election; Toys R Us Bankruptcy; UK-Russia Relations; California-Shot Fired In Classroom; Stephen Hawking Dies; Grocery Delivery Services; Ford Vehicles Recall; Baby Expert Dies; Natural Wonders-Bird Eye’s View. Network TVAt A Glance: High School Students Walkout – 10 minutes, 25 seconds United Airline-Pet Death – 6 minutes, 40 seconds UK-Russia Relations – 5 minutes, 5 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Pennsylvania Special Election; Congress-School Safety Law; Navy Jet Crash; Birmingham-Shooting; UK-Russia Relations; Wall Street News. CBS: High School Students Walkout; Florida School Shooter Trial; Navy Jet Crash; McCabe-DOJ Investigation; Trump Admin-Staff Changes; Wall Street Reform Roleback. FOX: Congress-School Safety Law; High School Students Walkout; UK￾Russia Relations; Trump Admin-Staff Changes; Navy Jet Crash. NPR: Wall Street Reform Roleback; High School Students Walkout; Trump￾Business Roundtable; Toys R Us Bankruptcy. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — Participates in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Varadkar of Ireland; attends the Friends of Ireland luncheon; meets with members of the American Petroleum Institute; meets with Bill Gates; delivers remarks and participates in the Shamrock Bowl Presentation by Prime Minister Varadkar. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — Joins the President in the Friends of Ireland luncheon. US Senate: 9:30 AM Hearing on ‘United States Pacific Command’, with testimony from U.S. Pacific Command Commander Adm. Harry Harris Jr. Location: Rm G50, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://armed-services.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting – Executive Business Meeting, with agenda including consideration of nominations of Joel Carson III to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit; Colm Connolly and Maryellen Noreika to be U.S. District Judges for the District of Delaware; William Jung to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; Ryan Holte to be U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judge; Jonathan Mitchell to be Administrative Conference of the United FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000463 States Chairman; William McSwain to be U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; Matthew Harris to be U.S. Marshal for the District of Utah; Johnny Lee Kuhlman to be U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Oklahoma; Joseph McClain to be U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana; and David Weaver to be U.S. Marshal for the District of Colorado Location: Rm 226, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://judiciary.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Business Meeting, to consider the nomination of Dr James Reilly II to be U.S. Geological Survey Director Location: Rm 366, Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC www.energy.senate.gov 10:00 AM CANCELED: Secretary of State Tillerson testifies to Senate Foreign Relations Committee on FY’18 budget and redesign plans – CANCELED: Hearing on ‘Review of the FY 2019 State Department Budget Request and Redesign Plans’, with testimony from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson * President Donald Trump announced Secretary Tillerson’s departure from the role and his nomination of CIA Director Mike Pompeo as his replacement Tuesday Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 419, Washington, DC http://foreign.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM NO LONGER ON CALENDAR: Senate Natural Resources Committee hearing on USFS FY’19 budget – NO LONGER ON CALENDAR: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing ‘To Examine the President’s Budget Request for the U.S. Forest Service for Fiscal Year 2019’ Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 366, Washington, DC http://energy.senate.gov/public/ 10:00 AM Nominations hearing considers Lt. Gen. Paul Nakasone to be National Security Agency Director Location: Hart Senate Office Building, Rm 216, Washington, DC http://intelligence.senate.gov 10:00 AM Senate HELP Committee hearing on the 340B Drug Discount Program – Hearing on ‘Perspectives on the 340B Drug Discount Program’, with testimony from America’s Essential Hospitals President and CEO Bruce Siegel; Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Executive Vice President for Policy, Research & Membership Lori Reilly; Carolina Health Centers President and CEO Sue Veer; and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Government Relations Division Director Joseph Hill III Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 430, Washington, DC http://help.senate.gov/ 10:00 AM Senate Energy Committee considers DOE nominees – Nominations hearing considers Theodore Garrish to be Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs; and James Edward Campos to be Department of Energy Office of Minority Economic Impact Director Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm 366, Washington, DC http://energy.senate.gov/public/ 2:00 PM Georgian President Margvelashvili and Dem Sen. Amy Klobuchar speak on U.S.-Georgia relations at Atlantic Council – ‘The U.S.- Georgia Partnership’ Atlantic Council panel discussion, on the ‘importance of Georgia’s path forward and the U.S.-Georgia partnership for FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000464 transatlantic security’. Speakers include Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former UK Ambassador to Georgia Alexandra Hall, Kennan Institute Global Fellow and Department of Government Conflict Resolution Program Director Kenneth Yalowitz, and Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs The Future of Diplomacy Project Senior Fellow Paula Dobriansky Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2167, Washington, DC http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/ https://twitter.com/AtlanticCouncil US House: 9:30 AM House Foreign Affairs Committee markup hearing – Markup hearing on ‘H. Res. 644, Strongly condemning the slave auctions of migrants and refugees in Libya, and for other purposes’, ‘H.R. 4681, No Assistance for Assad Act’, ‘H.R. 4744, Iran Human Rights and Hostage￾Taking Accountability Act’, and ‘H. Con. Res. 111, Recognizing and supporting the efforts of the United Bid Committee to bring the 2026 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup competition to Canada, Mexico, and the United States’ Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2172, Washington, DC http://www.hcfa.house.gov https://twitter.com/HFACrepublicans 9:30 AM POSTPONED – Transportation Secretary Chao testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee hearing – Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – The Department of Transportation’, with testimony from Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao. POSTPONED: https://appropriations.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx? EventID=395120 Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2358-A, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM House Oversight and Government Reform markup hearing – Markup: H.R. 50 Foxx Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2017;H.R. 1339 DuncanTN Freedom from Government Competition Act of 2017;H.R. 2846 Farenthold Federal Agency Customer Experience Act of 2017;H.R. 4809 Walker GOOD Act;H.R. __ Farenthold Office of Government Information Services Empowerment Act of 2018;H.R. 1376 Cummings Electronic Message Preservation Act of 2017;H.R. 3303 Connolly First Responder Fair RETIRE Act; H.R. 4446 Plaskett To amend. Location: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building 10:00 AM VA Secretary Shulkin testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee – Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Veterans Affairs’, with testimony from Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2362-A, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM House Financial Services subcommittee hearing on the CFIUS – Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee hearing on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ‘ titled ‘Evaluating CFIUS: Administration Perspectives’, with testimony from Assistant FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000465 Secretary of the Treasury for International Markets and Investment Policy Heath Tarbert; Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Richard Ashooh; and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy Eric Chewning Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2128, Washington, DC http://financialservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/FinancialCmte 10:00 AM House Infrastructure subcommittee hearing on water resources infrastructure – Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee hearing on ‘Building a 21st Century Infrastructure for America: Water Resources Projects and Policy’, with testimony from Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James; and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General and Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2167, Washington, DC http://transportation.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/Transport 10:00 AM House Armed Services Committee hearing on security challenges in Europe – Hearing on ‘Security Challenges in Europe and Posture for Inter-state Competition with Russia’, with testimony from U.S. European Command Commander Gen. Mike Scaparrotti Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans 10:00 AM FEMA administrator and San Juan mayor testify to House Homeland Security Committee on lessons from 2017 disasters – Hearing on ‘Preparedness, Response, and Rebuilding: Lessons from the 2017 Disasters’, with testimony from FEMA Administrator Brock Long; San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz Soto; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations Maj. Gen. Ed Jackson Jr.; Department of Homeland Security Acting Inspector General John Kelly; Office of the Texas Governor COO Reed Clay; Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Wesley Maul; and Puerto Rico Committee on Federal and International Relations, and Status Vice￾Chairman Jose Melendez-Ortiz Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, HVC￾210, Washington, DC homeland.house.gov https://twitter.com/HouseHomeland 10:00 AM House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Business Meeting Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://oversight.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/GOPoversight 10:00 AM Interior Secretary Zinke testifies to House Natural Resources Committee on FY’19 budget – Oversight hearing on ‘Policy Priorities at the Department of the Interior and the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Proposal’, with testimony from Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget, Finance, Performance and Acquisition Olivia Barton Ferriter; and Department of the Interior Office of Budget Director Denise Flanagan Location: Rm 1324, Longworth House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://naturalresources.house.gov https://twitter.com/NatResources FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000466 10:00 AM House Science and Technology Committee hearing on NSF budget – Hearing on ‘An Overview of the National Science Foundation Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2019’, with testimony from NSF Director Dr France Cordova; and National Science Board Chairman Dr Maria Zuber Location: Rm 2318, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://science.house.gov https://twitter.com/HouseScience 10:00 AM House Workforce subcommittee hearing on work in welfare programs – Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee hearing on ‘Strengthening Access and Accountability to Work in Welfare Programs’, with testimony from Office of the Kentucky Governor Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Adam Meier; American Enterprise Institute Fellow in Poverty Studies Robert Doar; Urban Institute Senior Fellow Dr Heather Hahn; and Utah Department of Workforce Services Workforce Development Program and Policy Division Director and TANF Administrator Liz Carver Location: Rm 2175, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://edworkforce.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/EdWorkforce 10:00 AM House Veterans Affairs subcommittee hearing on FY’19 VHA budget request – Health Subcommittee hearing on ‘FY 2019 Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for the Veterans Health Administration’, with testimony from representatives of Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, The American Legion, and Department of Veterans Affairs Location: Cannon House Office Building, Rm 334, Washington, DC http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs 10:00 AM Energy Secretary Perry testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on budget – Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – The Department of Energy’, with testimony from Secretary of Energy Rick Perry Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2362-B, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM HHS Secretary Azar testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on budget – Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Department of Health and Human Services’, with testimony from Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2358-C, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 10:00 AM House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on U.S. Army budget – Defense Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Army’, with testimony from Secretary of the Army Dr Mark Esper; and U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley Location: U.S. Capitol, H-140, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 12:00 PM House meets for legislative business – House of Representatives meets for legislative business, with agenda expected to include completion of consideration of ‘H.R. 4545 – Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act’ and ‘H.R. 4263 – Regulation A+ FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000467 Improvement Act of 2017’ Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.house.gov/ 1:30 PM House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on USDA IG budget – Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Office of the Inspector General, Department of Agriculture’, with testimony from U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General Phyllis Fong, Assistant Inspector General for Audit Gil Harden, and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Ann Coffey Location: Rm 2362-A, Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, DC http://appropriations.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseAppropsGOP 12:00 PM House meets for legislative business – House of Representatives meets for legislative business, with agenda expected to include completion of consideration of ‘H.R. 4545 – Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act’ and ‘H.R. 4263 – Regulation A+ Improvement Act of 2017’ Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC http://www.house.gov/ 2:00 PM House Financial Services subcommittee hearing on monetization and illicit use of stolen data – Terrorism and Illicit Finance Subcommittee hearing on ‘After the Breach: the Monetization and Illicit Use of Stolen Data’, with testimony from RAND Corporation Information Scientist Lillian Ablon; McAfee Chief Strategist Joe Bernik; Carnegie Mellon University Associate Research Professor Dr Nicolas Christin; and Center for Strategic and International Studies Senior Vice President Dr James Lewis Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2128, Washington, DC http://financialservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/FinancialCmte 2:00 PM House Veterans’ Affairs subcommittees joint oversight hearing on FY’19 VBA and Board of Veterans’ Appeals budgets – Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee and Economic Opportunity Subcommittee joint oversight hearing on ‘U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2019 Budget: Veterans Benefits Administration and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals’, with testimony from Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Veterans’ Appeals Chairman Cheryl Mason; Veterans Benefits Administration Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary James Manker Jr.; VA Office of Information and Technology Deputy CIO Lloyd Thrower; The American Legion Legislative Division Director Matthew Shuman; Disabled American Veterans Assistant National Legislative Director Shane Liermann; and Student Veterans of America Director of Policy Lauren Augustine Location: Cannon House Office Building, Rm 334, Washington, DC http://veterans.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/HouseVetAffairs 2:00 PM House Oversight Committee hearing on federal permitting processes – Hearing on ‘An Examination of Federal Permitting Processes’, with testimony from Marquette County Road Commission Engineer￾Manager James Iwanicki; Heritage Foundation Senior Research Fellow in Regulatory Policy Diane Katz; The ESG Companies Vice President and CFO FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000468 Valerie Wilkinson; and Center for American Progress Director of Infrastructure Policy Kevin DeGood Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2154, Washington, DC http://oversight.house.gov/ https://twitter.com/GOPoversight 2:00 PM House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing on ‘Bang for the Border Security Buck’ – Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee hearing on ‘Bang for the Border Security Buck: What do we get for $33 billion?’, with testimony from Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Management Claire Grady; Customs and Border Protection Acting Deputy Commissioner Ronald Vitiello; Government Accountability Office Director of Homeland Security and Justice Rebecca Gambler; National Border Patrol Council National President Brandon Judd; and National Treasury Employees Union National President Anthony Reardon Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, HVC-210, Washington, DC homeland.house.gov https://twitter.com/HouseHomeland 2:00 PM House Natural Resources subcommittee oversight hearing on abandoned hardrock mines – Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee oversight hearing on ‘Abandoned Hardrock Mines and the Role of Non￾Governmental Entities’ Location: Longworth House Office Building, Rm 1324, Washington, DC http://naturalresources.house.gov https://twitter.com/NatResources 3:00 PM ‘Black Wealth Creation & Economic Empowerment through Franchising’ roundtable discussion – ‘Black Wealth Creation & Economic Empowerment through Franchising’ roundtable discussion, hosted by the U.S. Black Chambers, Rainbow Push Coalition, International Franchise Association, and Office of Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks, with lawmakers discussing ‘policies that can help generate wealth creation in the Black community and how the franchising model can remove barriers to entry for Black entrepreneurs’ Location: Cannon House Office Building, Rm 441, Washington, DC www.usblackchambers.org https://twitter.com/usblackchambers 3:30 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on FY’19 budget for national security space programs – Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on ‘Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request for National Security Space Programs’, with testimony from Air Force Space Command Commander Gen. John Raymond; National Reconnaissance Office Director Betty Sapp; and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security Kenneth Rapuano Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, Washington, DC www.armedservices.house.gov https://twitter.com/HASCRepublicans Friends of Ireland Luncheon on Capitol Hill – House Speaker Paul Ryan hosts the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon, with President Donald Trump and Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar participating, as ‘an ode to St. Patrick’s Day and strong U.S.-Ireland ties’ * Irish tenor Anthony Kearns performs * Rep. Ryan has described the event as ‘equal parts beer and bipartisanship’, though President Trump is teetotal * The FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000469 luncheon tradition was started in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip O’Neill to signify their bipartisan commitment to peace and security in Ireland Location: U.S. Capitol, Rayburn Rm, Washington, DC www.speaker.gov https://twitter.com/SpeakerRyan Other: 8:00 AM GOP Rep. John Shimkus speaks at Atlantic Council report launch – ‘Strategic Oil Product Stockholding: International Experience & US Prospects’ Atlantic Council Global Energy Center Senior Fellow Phillip Cornell’s report launch, with Atlantic Council Global Energy Center Founding Director and Chairman Amb. (Ret.) Richard Morningstar, Republican Rep. John Shimkus, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Chief Industry Analyst Susan Grissom, and Atlantic Council Global Energy Center Senior Fellow Melanie Kenderdine Location: Atlantic Council, 1030 15th St NW, Washington, DC http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/ https://twitter.com/ACGlobalEnergy #ACEnergy 8:00 AM Octogenarians launch Alliance for Responsible Leaders to protect health services – Octogenarians Fran and Bernie Alpert, who have been married 60 years, launch their new group, the Alliance for Responsible Leaders, with day in Washington, DC to send a message to President Donald Trump ‘to quit tweeting and get to work keeping the promises he made to seniors to protect Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security’ Agenda includes arrival at the White House, media availability and shooting of live video message for President Trump, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC (8:00 AM EDT); travel to Capitol Hill (8:45 AM EDT); meeting with Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, Rm 393 Russell Senate Office Bldg (10:30 AM EDT); media availability in the Capitol area (11:00 AM EDT and 2:30 PM EDT); lunch meeting with Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider, Sonoma Restaurant, 223 Pennsylvania Ave SE (12:00 PM EDT); and meetings with the offices of Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, Rm 126 Hart Senate Office Bldg (3:30 PM EDT) and of Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rm 2367 Rayburn House Office Bldg (4:15 PM EDT) Location: Washington, DC www.allianceforresponsibleleaders.org https://twitter.com/BernieAndFran 12:15 PM GOP Sen. Marco Rubio speaks on U.S. interests in Latin America at Heritage Foundation – Republican Sen. Marco Rubio speaks at the Heritage Foundation on ‘Countering Authoritarianism and Advancing U.S. Interests in Latin America’, addressing why such repression matters to the U.S. and what should be done to counter and overcome it Location: Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC www.heritage.org https://twitter.com/Heritage 12:30 PM GOP Sen. Jeff Flake speaks at NPC – NPC Headliners Luncheon with Republican Sen. Jeff Flake speaking on ‘Truth, Falsehoods, and the Dangerous State of Our Politics: A Way Forward’ Location: The National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC http://press.org/ https://twitter.com/PressClubDC 1:00 PM NSA McMaster keynotes U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum event marking Syria conflict anniversary – ‘Syria: Is the Worst Yet to FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000470 Come?’ U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum event marking 7th anniversary of the Syrian conflict, to examine the ‘ongoing atrocities against civilians’ and highlight the ‘strength and resilience of the Syrian people in the face of these crimes’. Includes keynote from National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, with panelists including Syrian American Medical Society Member Samer Attar, FREE-Syria Co-founder and Director Rafif Jouejati and a representative from Syrian Civil Defense Location: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC http://www.ushmm.org/ https://twitter.com/HolocaustMuseum 2:00 PM GOP Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Mia Love speak at Heritage Foundation – ‘Empowering Women through Conservative Policy’ Heritage Foundation discussion, with House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Republican Rep. Mia Love speaking on ‘a more dynamic way’ to understand women’s issues and the intersection of public policy, free enterprise, and family life Location: Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC www.heritage.org https://twitter.com/Heritage 4:00 PM Atlantic Council discussion on the Maldives – ‘Crisis in Maldives: Implications for U.S. Policy in the Indo-Pacific’ Atlantic Council South Asia Center and Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security panel discussion, on the ongoing political turmoil in the Maldives following President Abdulla Yameen’s implementation of a state of emergency. Speakers include former Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Naseem Location: Atlantic Council, 1030 15th St NW, Washington, DC http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/ https://twitter.com/AtlanticCouncil #ACSouthAsia 6:00 PM ‘Pakistan Relations with the US and Regional Developments in South Asia’ WFPG discussion – Women’s Foreign Policy Group Embassy Series host ‘Pakistan Relations with the US and Regional Developments in South Asia’, with Pakistan Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry Location: 3517 International Ct NW, Washington, DC www.wfpg.org https://twitter.com/wfpg 7:00 PM 2018 Congressional Hockey Challenge – 10th annual Congressional Hockey Challenge – charity game between lawmakers (Members of Congress, Congressional staff, administration officials, USA Warriors Hockey team members) and lobbyists. Players include Reps. Erik Paulsen, Mike Quigley, Tom Emmer, Larry Bucshon, John Katko, and Brian Higgins, and lobbyists from companies including Associated General Contractors of America, UPS, JetBlue, and Google Location: Kettler Capitals Iceplex, 627 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA http://congressionalhockeychallenge.com/ https://twitter.com/HockeyCHC Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Jimmy Kimmel: “Melania is back and planning to meet with representatives from Twitter, Facebook, Google, and others to lead the fight against online FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000471 bullying. Apparently, the word ‘irony’ doesn’t translate from Slovenian. But all she has to do to fight cyber-bullying is take a hammer to her husband’s thumbs and phone. Melania Trump holding a summit to stop cyber-bullying is like Camille Cosby calling a meeting with Benadryl.” Stephen Colbert: “One journalist has heard that [Stormy] Daniels suggests Trump likes it when women aren’t nice to him, treat him in, perhaps, denigrating ways. Well, I knew Trump was a bad President, but I didn’t know that Trump was ‘a bad President.’” Stephen Colbert: “In addition to Rex Tillerson, Gary Cohn, and Hope Hicks, we also learned that Trump’s personal assistant was just fired, although he was actually escorted from the White House on Monday. I assume he wanted to beat the rush. ... Apparently, [John] McEntee was fired because he is currently under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security for serious financial crimes. And that’s Jared Kushner’s job. ... So Trump is now without a personal assistant, but he’s already had one qualified applicant apply for the job: Tex Rillerson.” James Corden: “President Trump was in San Diego yesterday giving a speech to assembled members of the Marine Corps, and at one point the President said he wants to create a new branch of the military that would patrol outer space. And get this, he wants to call it the ‘Space Force.’ I’m not joking. ‘Space force.’ It sounds like what my grandma calls Star Wars. ... But the President didn’t stop there. In the same speech, Trump claimed that the United States would be going to Mars, quote, ‘very soon.’ Damn, that space force works fast. ... I give him credit for not following that up with saying the Martians are going to pay for it.” James Corden: “While the President was in San Diego, he examined some prototypes of his proposed border wall with Mexico. And Trump remarked that the wall must be a tough obstacle because people trying to cross the border are, quote, ‘like professional mountain climbers.’ ... Trump basically thinks everyone trying to get into America illegally is some sort of Mexican Batman. But look, I’m no big idea man like Donald Trump. I’m not, okay? But obviously, obviously, if you build the wall high enough, the ‘Space Force’ can just take it from there.” Trevor Noah: “Ever since the shooting in Parkland, Florida, young people have been leading the charge for sensible gun reform. And today, on the one-month anniversary of that shooting, they kicked things up a notch with FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000472 a nationwide school walkout. That’s right, for once, the students evacuated on their own terms.” Jimmy Fallon: “[In a speech yesterday], Trump talked about going to Mars. Listen to what he said about it.” President Donald Trump: “Very soon, we’re going to Mars. You wouldn’t have been going to Mars if my opponent won, that I can tell you. You wouldn’t even be thinking about it.” Fallon: “And the Martians were like, ‘Okay, we need to build a wall. Have Uranus pay for it.’’” Jimmy Fallon: “Trump looked at prototypes for his border wall to decide what it should be made of. So far, he’s narrowed it down to three materials. First there’s concrete. Then there’s metal. And his personal favorite, fired White House staffers.” Jimmy Fallon: “I heard that Trump wants to fire his Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Trump said he might do the job himself since he’s a veteran of several affairs.” Seth Meyers: “After Democratic candidate Conor Lamb declared victory last night in Pennsylvania’s special election, a ‘Fox And Friends’ host suggested that Lamb won because of his attractive looks. Because if there’s one thing that Congress is full of, it’s stone-cold hotties.” Seth Meyers: “President Trump was in California this week to view prototypes of his proposed border wall and said parts of the wall would have see-through capability. Said his architect, ‘In that case, it’s done?’” Seth Meyers: “First Lady Melania Trump will host tech industry leaders at the White House next week to discuss her campaign against cyber-bullying where she’s expected to say, ‘You guys talk to him!’” Jordan Klepper: “A special congressional election last night in District 18 which Trump won by 20 points may have turned blue and elected Democrat Conor Lamb. I know, I am upset as well because districts are like body parts. When they turn blue, something has gone terribly wrong. Now until a recount confirms my truth, it looks like Democrat Conor Lamb has flipped the district. How? By using a devious tactic focusing on, and I hope I am saying this right, local issues.” FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000473 Jordan Klepper: [Referring to Trump’s CIA Director pick Gina Haspel] “There is an old saying that behind every great woman in the Trump Administration, there are three men who were hired for her job first but committed treason or perjury or fraud or domestic abuse or general ineptitude, and then after a long period of public outcry, they were gently asked to submit their resignations in a cloud of shame, but when that cloud settled, who was left standing there? A woman.” Samantha Bee: “We said hello to a new Democratic Representative from Pennsylvania, Conor Lamb, who squeaked out a victory by less than a thousand votes. Two years ago, Trump won this area by more than 20 points. ... I’m enjoying this new radical Democratic strategy called ‘trying.’ Really makes you wonder, what if we keep trying?” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02716101 EXT-18-2336-E-000474 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-03-16T10:36:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: Re: Ride Received: 2018-03-16T10:37:01-04:00 Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: David Monahan Date: 03/14/2018 19:16 (GMT-05:00) To: Ryan Zinke < Cc: Caroline Personal Subject: Re: Ride Great and Howdy! Thanks. I’m with Tom in Kauai today. I’ll pass your regards along. Looking forward to meeting you and showing you the camps. All I need to get you set up is a mailing address for you, a short bio and your +2 names so they can prepare their badges. Tom and I think The Long ride on Sunday and activities on Monday & Tuesday are the most interesting (arrive on Saturday), ifyour schedule can allow. Ifnot, the Friday- Monday is also very good. Just let me know. I will probably meet you and get you set up on your arrival. You should enjoy this, it is unique. Call any time ifyou have questions. With regards, Dave David J. Monahan On Mar 14, 2018, at 8:06 AM, Ryan Zinke < wrote: Dave, Ryan Zinke here. Thank you for the email and I look forward to the ride. I will have my security team contact you shortly with the details. All the best. Z (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716106 EXT-18-2336-E-000475 Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone FOIA001:02716106 EXT-18-2336-E-000476 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-03-16T10:38:36-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: Whitehouse tour Received: 2018-03-16T10:39:11-04:00 Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Sean Frampton Date: 03/14/2018 11:27 (GMT-05:00) To: ryanzinke Subject: Whitehouse tour Ryan, My Dad is taking my son, Luke, to DC and is wondering about a tour ofthe WH between March 24-29. I don’t know ifthey should justresearch online fortours or ifyou have someone that can assist as you did with my daughter, Maria. Ifthe latter, please send me the name ofsomeone to contact. Thank you very much for your time; I can only imagine how busy you are. Sean Frampton Purdy Law Firm 530 W. 19th Street Whitefish, MT 59937 (406) 862-9600 (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716110 EXT-18-2336-E-000477 From: To: Laura Rigas Sent: 2018-03-19T09:20:09-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: Morning Energy, presented by Chevron: What's the Senate hold up? — Biofuels cap alarms corn states — Regulators tamp down Russian fears Received: 2018-03-19T09:20:18-04:00 Begin forwarded message: From: POLITICO Pro Energy Date: March 19, 2018 at 2:52:12 AM MST To: Subject: Morning Energy, presented by Chevron: What's the Senate hold up? — Biofuels cap alarms corn states — Regulators tamp down Russian fears Reply-To: POLITICO subscriptions By Kelsey Tamborrino | 03/19/2018 05:49 AM EDT With help from Eric Wolffand Alex Guillén STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH TRUMP'S APPOINTEES: The Trump administration's emphasis on rapidly confirming judicial nominees and frequent White House shake-ups has left several nominees stuck in limbo, Senate Republicans say. While they place blame on Democrats for what they call unprecedented obstruction in filling vacancies — including at EPA and Interior — there's some frustration that the Senate itselfhasn't done enough to get staffin place, Pro's Anthony Adragna reports. By the numbers: There are currently 144 nominees awaiting Senate action, according to data tracked by The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service. And so far this year, the Senate has confirmed 71 nominees, 54 ofthose by voice vote. Ten ofthe remaining floor votes were for judicial nominations, while the other seven were for executive branch positions, Anthony writes. And since the start of the Trump administration, 393 civilian nominations have cleared the Senate, compared to 538 at this point ofthe Obama administration. "My observation is we're spending a lot more time moving through the judges and less on the administration folks," Senate Energy Chairman Lisa Murkowski said last week. Lawmakers also say confirming Mike Pompeo as secretary ofState will be the next priority in line, pushing other nominees back. Some GOP senators contend Democrats are drawing out the process simply to deprive the Trump (b)(6) FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000478 administration offully-functioning agencies. That includes Sen. Dan Sullivan, who complained the delays were "bulls---." But a spokesman for Minority Leader Chuck Schumer shot back that the attacks were misplaced, since the White House has been historically slow at nominating people and has been forced to withdraw a slew oftheir own controversial picks. At the end ofthe day, the holds put in place by senators on several senior Interior and EPA nominees mean those positions are likely to remain vacant for a while, Anthony writes. That includes: Ryan Nelson to be Interior's solicitor and Susan Combs to be assistant secretary for policy, management, and budget, as well as Andrew Wheeler's selection to serve as EPA deputy administrator. Read the story here. WELCOME TO MONDAY! I'm your host Kelsey Tamborrino, and the Natural Resources Defense Council's Ed Chen was first to guess former President Lyndon B. Johnson was the only president to take the oath ofoffice from a female official. Judge Sarah T. Hughes swore Johnson in aboard Air Force One. For today: To date, 16 senators have gone on to become president. Name the three who went directly from the Hill to the White House. Send your tips, energy gossip and comments to ktamborrino@politico.com, or follow us on Twitter @kelseytam, @Morning_Energy, and @POLITICOPro. POLITICO Space is our new, free weekly briefing on the policies and personalities shaping the second space age in Washington and beyond. Sign-up today to start receiving the newsletter right at launch on April 6. Presented by Boeing. BIOFUELS CAP ALARMS CORN STATES: Negotiations to alter the contentious biofuels program may include a trigger mechanism that would kick in to cap prices for biofuel credits, Pro's Eric Wolffreports. But the proposal is already hitting heavy resistance among corn growers and senators from big ag states. The White House has supported recent talks between refining and agricultural groups to change the Renewable Fuel Standard, and modest progress has been made in recent days, Eric writes. Participants have been discussing an EPA waiver to expand sales of15 percent ethanol gasoline blends — a plan that would also provide an incentive for those sales by attaching a multiplier to increase the number ofRenewable Identification Numbers to help lower the costs for refiners. The new discussion around a triggered price cap is an attempt to overcome opposition to refiners' proposal for a fixed two-year price cap that was discussed at a White House meeting with President Donald Trump in February, Eric writes. "Our biggest concern right now is that there continues to be out ofthe White House talk about a cap on RINs," said Jon Doggett, executive vice president for the National Corn Growers Association. "And until that's offthe table and that's not going to happen, all the rest ofthese proposals are for naught." Read more. Speaking ofRIN caps: Delaware Sen. Tom Carper sent a letter to Trump on Friday urging him to instruct the EPA to take action to stabilize price volatility in the FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000479 RIN market. "As someone who has both constituents who benefit from the RFS program and constituents who work at several ofthe last merchant refineries along the East Coast, I understand full well the difficulty offinding common ground on this issue," Carper wrote. REGULATORS TAMP DOWN RUSSIAN FEARS: Nuclear energy regulators said Friday no operations were affected by Russia's cyber campaign to hack U.S. energy companies , Pro's Tim Starks and Anthony report — and a nuclear industry organization said no U.S. plants reported cyberattacks during that time. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said that during the campaign, "there was no adverse impact to any ofthe NRC-regulated safety, security or emergency preparedness functions." Although it added, "the corporate networks ofsome NRC licensees were affected." The Nuclear Energy Institute was more forceful Friday, stating that "no U.S. nuclear plants have been breached by a cyberattack." More here. UDALL: EPA HASN'T ANSWERED GAO REQUEST: Following a request to the Government Accountability Office from Sen. Tom Udall for information about Pruitt's secure office phone booth, the senator will send a letter today to the administrator urging him to respond to the request. "[M]y staffhas asked GAO for the status ofits legal opinion several times only to be informed that, to date, GAO has yet to receive any information from the EPA despite GAO reaching out to the EPA numerous times," Udall writes. "I am alarmed that the EPA has failed — for nearly three months — to cooperate with GAO's request." Read the letter here. NOT ALL SOLAR PANELS: Friday was the deadline for companies to apply to the U.S. Trade Representative to get their purchases excluded from the 30 percent solar panel tariffTrump imposed in February. Four companies' filings appeared on Regulations.gov as ofSunday — which may just mean that other filings haven't appeared yet — and ofthose, California-based SunPower is the largest pure solar company. SunPower makes most ofits panels in Malaysia, Philippines and Mexico, and it made the case to the U.S. Trade Representative that one ofits technologies, called copper-plated IBC, was unique and could not be obtained from any other producer, but also relied on U.S.research and patents. The company also promised funds saved by a reduction in its tariffs would be used to invest in research and development here in the United states. For the curious, DSM North America asked to have one ofit's technologies excluded, and OceanPlanet Energy, a company that puts solar on boats, is seeking to have non-Chinese semi-flexible panels excluded. SmartFlower North America asked to have its petal-shaped solar panels excluded. ** A message from Chevron: Chevron and local partners are helping to provide DOERS with the hands-on technical training needed for today's jobs in the manufacturing and energy industries. Watch the video: http://politi.co/2FJX1FF ** FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000480 THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: Congress' massive spending bill is expected to be released today, with mere days left until funding runs out. As soon as the $1.3 trillion spending plan is revealed, Congress will jump back into a familiar pattern, likely coming perilously close to a Friday night deadline, Pro's Budget and Appropriations team reports. There's an ever-growing list ofriders requested in the omnibus to keep an eye out for, including a short-term extension for the National Flood Insurance Program, which runs out Friday, and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy's push to include language to allow the Shasta Dam project to move forward. FEMA TO RELAX FLOOD INSURANCE RESTRAINTS: FEMA announced plans Friday in a Federal Register notice outlining its intention to ease restrictions on insurers seeking to offer private flood insurance, Pro's Zachary Warmbrodt reports. The FEMA plan would change arrangements with "Write Your Own" insurance companies that sell flood insurance policies on behalfofthe NFIP, relaxing "non-compete" requirements that restrict how the companies can offer their own private flood insurance policies. Read more. FOR YOUR RADAR: The House will consider legislation under suspension ofthe rules, including S. 2030 (115), the "Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmonization Act." The bill, sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis, would delay the compliance date for efficiency standards for ceiling light kits until Jan. 21, 2020. Votes are postponed until 6:30 p.m. SPOTTED: Carper giving a speech on clean air before an American Lung Association halfmarathon in Wilmington, Del., on Sunday. He wore bib #1. PERRY BACK ON THE HILL: Energy Secretary Rick Perry will make two appearances this week on the Hill. The secretary will testify Tuesday on his agency's budget request before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and will also testify Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee on challenges for DOE's atomic energy defense programs. ZINKE TRIPS TO ARIZONA: Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke spent the weekend in Arizona, where he toured the U.S.-Mexico border, the Associated Press reports. The secretary also viewed parts ofthe Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge on horseback Saturday and toured the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Ajo on Sunday. He'll meet with the National Mining Association in the Phoenix area today, AP writes , and will also host a roundtable discussion with tribal leaders to "discuss solutions to the national opioid epidemic," an Interior spokesperson told the Tucson Sentinel. The Interior secretary defended his use of the greeting "konnichiwa" in response to a question from Rep. Colleen Hanabusa on preserving internment sites, which Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono called "flippant" last week. "How could ever saying 'Good morning' be bad?" Zinke told reporters following a tour ofthe U.S.-Mexico border, AZ Central reports. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000481 SAUDI PRINCE'S TRIP OPENS UP NUCLEAR TALKS: Trump will meet Tuesday with the crown prince ofSaudi Arabia. While no official details are yet available, the administration has pushed for a deal to sell nuclear reactors to the OPEC￾member nation, which could be worth billions for U.S. businesses. The nation has been exploring a civilian nuclear energy program, possibly without restrictions on uranium enrichment and reprocessing that would be required under a U.S. cooperation deal. Talks would be unavoidably entangled with separate negotiations over the future ofthe Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran. Following reports that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Saudi Arabia would develop a nuclear weapon ifIran does, Democratic Sen. Ed Markey said in statement it was crucial that any nuclear cooperation agreement, or 123 agreement, meet the "gold standard" that prohibited the kingdom from enriching uranium or reprocessing plutonium. "Saudi Arabia's crown prince has confirmed what many have long suspected — nuclear energy in Saudi Arabia is about more than just electrical power, it's about geopolitical power," Markey said in a statement. "The United States must not compromise on nonproliferation standards in any 123 agreement it concludes with Saudi Arabia." CORKER: TRUMP LIKELY TO QUIT IRAN DEAL: Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker said Sunday that he believes Trump is likely to pull the U.S. out ofthe Iran nuclear deal in May. "The Iran deal will be another issue that's coming up in May, and right now it doesn't feel like it's going to be extended," Corker told CBS' "Face the Nation," cautioning that circumstances could change as the May 12 deadline for a decision approaches. Read more. REPORT: LUKOIL TIED TO TRUMP-BACKED DATA FIRM: Alexander Nix — a director ofSCL Group and chiefexecutive ofCambridge Analytica, which advised the Trump campaign and has come under fire for improperly collecting data on Facebook users — told British Parliament last month the company never worked with Russia. But The New York Times reports the firm's employees had contact in 2014 and 2015 with executives from Russian oil giant Lukoil. "Lukoil was interested in how data was used to target American voters," the Times writes via two former company insiders "who said there were at least three meetings with Lukoil executives in London and Turkey." Read more. IT'S NOT EASY MAKING PRUITT AG: Victoria Bassetti, a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, and Norman Eisen, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former White House ethics lawyer, write for POLITICO Magazine that replacing Attorney General JeffSessions with Pruitt would be no easy task. Read it here. The Times reported on Pruitt's ambitions this weekend, writing "[h]e is widely viewed as a future candidate for senator or governor there, and Mr. Pruitt has made it known that ifthe president replaces his beleaguered attorney general, Jeff Sessions, he would be ready to step into the job." More here. POLTICO has previously explored Pruitt's designs on the Justice Department — as well as state FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000482 or national offices. MAIL CALL! PROTECT THE ESA: Reps. Don Beyer, Debbie Dingell and Raúl Grijalva led a letter with 104 lawmakers to the Appropriations committee asking for "robust" funding for Endangered Species Act protections. Read it here. — Thirty-nine senators signed onto a bipartisan letter last week to express opposition to the Nord Stream II pipeline. The letter urges the administration "to utilize all of the tools at its disposal to prevent its construction." Read it here. QUICK HITS — Offshore oil and gas operators want less regulation, but surprise inspections find serious safety problems, The New York Times. — D.C. lawmaker says recent snowfall caused by 'Rothschilds controlling the climate,' The Washington Post. — EPA may be overstating claims from mine spill, Associated Press. — Why suburban New Yorkers are likely to face more power outages, The Wall Street Journal. — Atlantic Coast Pipeline gets violation notice from state over tree cutting, The Daily Progress. HAPPENING THIS WEEK MONDAY 8:30 a.m. — The NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology holds the Biennial Educational Partnership Program Education and Science Forum, 2455 Sixth Street NW 12:00 p.m. — The Woodrow Wilson Center's China Environment Forum holds a film screening of"Plastic China," 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW 2:00 p.m. — The Science Coalition briefing on "American Energy: How Research Powers Today and Tomorrow," 122 Cannon 2:00 p.m. — The Woodrow Wilson Center conference call briefing on where the U.S.- Saudi relationship 5:15 p.m. — The GWU Elliott School ofInternational Affairs film screening on "Beyond the Brink," on California's water crisis and climate change driven water scarcity, 1957 E Street NW 6:30 p.m. — Regeneration International discussion on "Indigenous Land Rights, Regenerative Agriculture & Farm Worker Empowerment to Address Conflict, FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000483 Climate Change & Involuntary Migration," 2021 14th Street NW TUESDAY 8:00 a.m. — The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association panel on fuel efficiency standards, 529 14th Street NW 8:30 a.m. — Wilderness Society discussion on energy, environment and public lands, 529 14th Street NW 10:00 a.m. — Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the president's fiscal 2019 budget request for the Energy Department, 366 Dirksen 10:00 a.m. — House Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee hearing on "FY2019 — National Nuclear Security Administration," 2362-B Rayburn 10:15 a.m. — House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee and Environment Subcommittee hearing on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's fiscal 2019 budget, 2123 Rayburn 10:00 a.m. — Senate Environment and Public Works Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee hearing on the nomination ofJohn Ryder to the Tennessee Valley Authority Board ofDirectors, 406 Dirksen 10:30 a.m. — House Natural Resources Committee hearing on fiscal 2019 budget for Indian Affairs and Insular Areas, 1324 Longworth 10:30 a.m. — House Transportation and Infrastructure Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee hearing on 2017 wildfires, 2167 Rayburn 2:00 p.m. — House Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee hearing on H.R. 5210 (115) and H.R. 2584 (115), 1324 Longworth WEDNESDAY 8:00 a.m. — The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments holds 2018 Directed Energy Summit, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW 10:00 a.m. — Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on "Oversight ofthe Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 406 Dirksen 10:00 a.m. — House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on "FY2019 — National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration," H-309 10:15 a.m. — House Natural Resources Committee markup on various bills, 1324 Longworth FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000484 12:00 p.m. — The WWC Environmental Change and Security Program film screening of two documentaries from the GroundTruth Project's Living Proofseries, "A Climate for Conflict" and "Breadwinner," 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW 2:00 p.m. — House Natural Resources Water, Power and Oceans Subcommittee hearing on "Examining the Proposed FY 2019 Spending, Priorities and Missions ofthe Bureau ofReclamation and the Four Power Marketing Administrations." 1324 Longworth 2:00 p.m. — House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee hearing on "Implications ofa U.S.-Saudi Arabia Nuclear Cooperation Agreement for the Middle East," 2172 Rayburn 2:00 p.m. — House Oversight and Government Reform National Security Subcommittee hearing on bureaucratic challenges to hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico, 2154 Rayburn THURSDAY 8:00 a.m. — The American Coalition for Ethanol holds 10th annual D.C. Fly-in and government affairs summit, 415 New Jersey Avenue NW 9:00 a.m. — House Appropriations Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on"FY 2019 — Applied Energy," 2362-B Rayburn 9:00 a.m. — House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on "FY 2019 Budget Request for Nuclear Forces and Atomic Energy Defense Activities," 2118 Rayburn 9:00 a.m. — The WWC China Environment Forum discussion on "One Belt One Road, and Many Power Plants: Linking China's Domestic and Global Energy Ambitions," 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW 10:00 a.m. — Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on challenges in the Energy Department's atomic energy defense programs in review ofthe Defense Authorization Request for FY 2019 and the Future Years Defense Program, 216 Hart 10:00 a.m. — Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on multiple bills, 366 Dirksen 12:00 p.m. — The Women's Council on Energy and the Environment discussion "Autonomous Vehicles: The Future is Now," 600 Massachusetts Avenue NW 12:00 p.m. — The Peterson Institute for International Economics discussion on Norway's oil and gas reserves, 1750 Massachusetts Avenue NW FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000485 12:30 p.m. — The World Resources Institute discussion on "Winners and Losers in a Warming World — The Political Economy ofClimate Action," 10 G Street NE THAT'S ALL FOR ME! ** A message from Chevron: See how Chevron with local partners are helping DOERS get the hands-on technical training needed for jobs in the energy and manufacturing industries. Watch the video: http://politi.co/2IsYxOc ** To view online: https://www.politicopro.com/newsletters/morning-energy/2018/03/whats-the-senate-hold￾up-142048 Stories from POLITICO Pro Tillerson's ouster prolongs limbo for empty State Department jobs Back By Nahal Toosi | 03/17/2018 01:57 PM EDT President Donald Trump's decision to dump Secretary ofState Rex Tillerson will likely mean further delays in filling dozens ofempty posts at the State Department, undermining U.S global diplomacy at an unusually sensitive time. Foreign governments are already unsure who is shaping American policy, whom they should contact with questions and requests, and how to handle Trump's often unpredictable, go-it-alone approach to world affairs. The U.S. president recently announced he would hold an unprecedented meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by the end ofMay; he's also weighing the fate ofthe Iran nuclear deal. Some Trump aides expect Tillerson's named replacement, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, to scratch one key Tillerson nominee: Susan Thornton, a career diplomat who had been in line to assume the State Department's top East Asia post, dealing with China and North Korea. The lag in filling positions is raising concern in Congress, where Pompeo is tentatively scheduled to face his own confirmation hearing on April 12. Pompeo is expected to visit the State Department on Monday for handover talks with Tillerson, according to an internal readout ofa State Department meeting obtained by POLITICO. Top officials there have been told to prepare to brief Pompeo on "hot topics" ahead ofhis confirmation hearing — although because Pompeo is still running the CIA, "it is unclear how much time Secretary-designate Pompeo will spend in this building prior to confirmation," the readout said. Of163 Senate-confirmed positions for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, 65 positions don't yet have a nominee, while many nominees have yet to be confirmed, according to congressional staffers. Among FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000486 the empty slots: the ambassador to South Korea and the assistant secretary ofstate who oversees the Middle East. Trump has blamed Senate Democrats for the plethora ofempty offices in the State Department and beyond. "Hundreds ofgood people, including very important Ambassadors and Judges, are being blocked and/or slow walked by the Democrats in the Senate. Many important positions in Government are unfilled because ofthis obstruction. Worst in U.S. history!" the president tweeted Wednesday. But Democrats say Trump and his Cabinet aides are the ones at fault, especially when it comes to the diplomatic ranks. "The fact is this administration has failed to nominate critical high-level positions, leaving a void ofempowered voices and gaping vacancies in embassies in some ofthe world's most troubled regions and in Foggy Bottom," said New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Friday. "We cannot confirm nominees who have not been nominated." Although the White House plays a major role in choosing nominees — and often rejected Tillerson's choices — Pompeo is expected to review current and potential names for the open jobs at State as he shapes the institution closer to his worldview, which is notably more hawkish than Tillerson's. Many believe Thornton, the current nominee to serve as assistant secretary ofstate for East Asian affairs, will be the first to go. She appeared before the Senate in mid￾February for her confirmation hearing. Thornton's critics say she is too soft on China. Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser who advocates a tougher approach to Beijing, publicly bragged about trying to sideline the career diplomat. Bannon was fired before that could happen, and Tillerson, who came to admire Thornton, convinced the White House to nominate her. But Tillerson's ouster has cost Thornton her champion, and Pompeo has little incentive to back her given Trump's more hardline positions on China in recent weeks. But ifPompeo pulls Thornton's nomination, it would send a demoralizing signal to other career staffers hoping to advance at State. The White House recently rejected a handful ofcareer diplomats that Tillerson had put forth for ambassadorships, according to a State Department official familiar with the matter. The reasoning wasn't clear. Modern-era presidents have typically given around 70 percent ofambassador slots to the career diplomats and the rest to political hires, whose ranks often include campaign donors. According to the American Foreign Service Association, the diplomats' union, Trump's ambassador picks so far have been 61 percent political, 39 percent career. Given that Pompeo has reportedly been preparing to replace Tillerson for months, it's FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000487 possible he already has a list ofnames for top State slots. And because he has a better relationship with Trump than Tillerson did, he is likely to be more successful in getting the president to sign offon his choices. Regardless, it can take months for nominees to go through the White House's vetting procedures and then be confirmed by a Senate Republicans narrowly control, 51- 49. That raises the possibility that some top positions may remain vacant into 2019. Pompeo's own confirmation is no slam dunk. One fellow Republican, Rand Paul of Kentucky, already has said he opposes Pompeo in part because ofhis apparent support for "enhanced interrogation techniques," or torture. Trump announced Tillerson's firing via a tweet on Tuesday. Tillerson's last day in the office is slated to be March 22, although his commission as secretary ofstate officially ends March 31, according to the internal State Department readout. Tillerson already has delegated "all authorities," as the readout put it, to the deputy secretary ofstate, John Sullivan. In a farewell session with top aides, Tillerson lamented that the department had "failed to modernize its personnel practices and was being overtaken by other agencies," according to the readout. It was an admission that his efforts to "redesign" State had not achieved much yet. Tillerson said he hoped that Pompeo would keep that initiative going. A handful oftop aides to Tillerson will leave as well, including his chiefofstaff, Margaret Peterlin, and his deputy chiefofstaff, Christine Ciccone. Those two aides were widely disliked within the State Department for tightly restricting access to Tillerson, which bogged down decision-making. But one Tillerson adviser is expected to stick around under Pompeo, at least for a few months. Brian Hook, the director ofthe secretary's Policy Planning Staffis arguably the second most-powerful person at State, playing a major role in crafting and negotiating policy, often to the detriment ofother bureaus at the department. Hook has cultivated solid relationships with close Trump advisers, and observers expect Pompeo to retain Hook for a while for continuity. A former George W. Bush administration official well known in Republican foreign policy circles, Hook was in Vienna on Friday meeting with foreign diplomats to discuss the Iran nuclear deal. Trump has threatened to withdraw from the deal in May unless new limits are applied to Iran's nuclear and missile programs, though foreign governments are skeptical that is possible. There is little love lost for Tillerson at the State Department, where many employees felt sidelined and thought he was to determined to trim staff. At the same time, State workers feel Trump treated Tillerson poorly and fired him dishonorably, and worry about what Pompeo's hardline views will mean for U.S. diplomacy. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000488 Tillerson sent out a note to State staffers Friday in which he praised their patriotism and hard work. The former ExxonMobil CEO, who had no formal diplomatic experience before taking over as secretary in February 2017, said it had been "one ofthe great privileges" ofhis life to serve alongside the State Department staffers. He made no mention ofTrump or Pompeo, but he urged department employees to "embrace an orderly and smooth transition process." "I am proud ofwhat we have accomplished together," he wrote. "I am proud ofyou." To view online click here. Back Nomination backlog to keep many picks on hold in Senate Back By Anthony Adragna | 03/19/2018 05:01 AM EDT The Trump administration's constant personnel shuffling and the emphasis on approving federal judges means some nominees — including some senior EPA and Interior appointees — may be stuck in limbo waiting for confirmation votes, according to Senate Republicans. Those Republicans blame Democrats for what they call unprecedented obstruction that's led to protracted procedural delays on non-controversial nominees and left the GOP mulling a rules change to limit debate ahead ofconfirmation votes. But even among some lawmakers who are upset with Democrats, there's frustration that the Senate leadership hasn't done more to help get staffin place across federal agencies. "We can't expect the administration to do their job ifthey don't have the people in these positions," Senate Energy Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said last week. "My observation is we're spending a lot more time moving through the judges and less on the administration folks." Confirming Mike Pompeo as the Secretary ofState and a replacement at the top ofthe CIA will certainly be a priority, GOP senators agreed, as is the need to "rapidly" approve federal judges. But moving Pompeo through the nominating process will take additional time in the Senate and push back floor votes for lower level positions like assistant secretaries, ambassadors and general counsels. There are currently 144 such nominees awaiting Senate action, according to data tracked by The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service. "You have to prioritize," Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said. "Certainly something as important as Secretary ofState or director ofthe CIA has got to move to the front ofthe line." FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000489 Democrats have forced Republicans to forego unanimous consent and hold 102 cloture votes so far in Congress, often on nominees that advance by extremely wide margins such as a federal judge who advanced 94-2. But that's still below the pace ofthe Democratic-controlled Senate during the 113th Congress that held 218 cloture in the first two years offormer President Barack Obama's second term, according to chamber data. So far this year, the Senate has confirmed 71 nominees, 54 ofthose by voice vote. Ten of the remaining floor votes were for judicial nominations, while the other seven were for executive branch positions. Since the start ofthe Trump administration, 393 civilian nominations have cleared the Senate, compared to 538 at this point of the Obama administration. Some GOP senators contend Democrats are drawing out the process simply to deprive the Trump administration offully-functioning agencies. That includes Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), who complained the delays were "bulls---." "They can't have it both ways — they try to beat up the Trump administration on not getting foreign policy, ambassadors and assistant secretaries [nominated] and then when they do, they hold them," he told POLITICO. "It doesn't help the American people." That sentiment was echoed Friday by White House Legislative Affairs director Marc Short who bashed the delays as "beyond historic." "[Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer is essentially weaponizing a Senate procedure and demanding cloture votes on our nominees that he even eventually supports," Short said. "This has not the tradition ofthe United States Senate to do what they're doing right now." A spokesman for Schumer shot back that the attacks were misplaced, since the White House has been historically slow at nominating people and has been forced to withdraw a slew oftheir own controversial picks. "You can't cry unprecedented Democratic obstruction while a) many Republicans publicly block President Trump's unqualified and controversial nominees, and b) hundreds ofother key positions remain vacant simply because the administration has failed to actually submit nominees for said position," the spokesman said in an email. Holds put in place by senators on several senior Interior and EPA nominees mean those positions are likely to remain vacant for a while. Those include three from Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.): Ryan Nelson to be Interior's solicitor and Susan Combs to be assistant secretary for policy, management and budget; and Steven Gardner to be director ofthe Office ofSurface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement. Andrew Wheeler's selection to serve as EPA deputy administrator is also among those caught in the logjam. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000490 Democrats argue many ofthe Trump nominees are so controversial as to be unworthy of being fast-tracked and say Republicans are complaining about the slow pace of confirmations while touting the high number ofjudicial confirmations. And, they say, the Trump administration's constant churn makes it difficult to attract strong candidates and get them confirmed. "The chaos that exists in the White House makes it hard to hire people," Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), ranking member on the Environment and Public Works Committee, said. "Pretty soon the president's barber is going to have a big role in foreign policy." quipped Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Two members ofSenate GOP leadership — Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) — said internal discussions are ongoing about whether to adopt the rules change first floated last fall to reduce the time available to debate a nomination after cloture from 30 to eight hours. "Eventually the minority loses those protections when it abuses them," Blunt said. And GOP lawmakers are already warning the tactics from Democrats are only making it more likely that Republicans will use them next time they're in the minority. "Will this spark a cycle? I don't know, I hope not. But it's certainly not engendering a lot ofgood will on our part," Sullivan said. To view online click here. Back Proposals for biofuel credit price cap alarm corn growers Back By Eric Wolff| 03/16/2018 06:28 PM EDT White House-backed negotiations to alter the biofuels program may include a trigger mechanism that could kick in to cap prices for biofuel credits — but that proposal is hitting heavy resistance from the corn industry. Talks between refining and agricultural groups to change the Renewable Fuel Standard have made modest progress in recent days, with participants discussing seeking an EPA waiver to expand sales of15 percent ethanol gasoline blends. That plan would also provide an incentive for those sales by attaching a multiplier to increase the number ofRenewable Identification Numbers to help lower the costs for refiners. The new discussion around a triggered price cap is an attempt to overcome opposition to refiners' proposal for a fixed two-year price cap that was discussed at a White House meeting with President Donald Trump in February. That plan also set off FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000491 alarm bells among corn growers and senators from corn-growing states, including Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who pressed for a new meeting with Trump to discuss their stance. "Our biggest concern right now is that there continues to be out ofthe White House talk about a cap on RINs," said Jon Doggett, executive vice president for the National Corn Growers Association. "And until that's offthe table and that's not going to happen, all the rest ofthese proposals are for naught." Sources in the corn industry and refining sector said major ethanol producers like POET and Green Plains were open to the idea ofa triggered price cap, though POET vigorously denied it had endorsed that plan. Trump has met with industry representatives, lawmakers and members ofhis Cabinet to try to resolve a dispute between two ofhis key constituencies, the farmers in corn states like Iowa and the blue-collar workers in refineries in Pennsylvania, a state he narrowly carried in 2016. Refiners have kept the spotlight on the issue, arguing that even though EPA recently removed some ofthe burden on bankrupt refiner Philadelphia Energy Solutions, the costs ofRINs was squeezing their business. Ethanol producers have contended that a higher supply ofRINs would drive down the prices that refiners pay for the credits, and EPA could increase the supply ofRINs by granting a Clean Air Act waiver to allow year-round sales ofE15 in all states. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said early last year that his lawyers are investigating that option, but he has not yet said whether it was legal. Recent proposals to reduce the number ofparticipants who can trade RINs — effectively preventing speculation from investment banks — have drawn support from all sides, and Pruitt told reporters last week he plans to implement such a measure. But refiners are pressing for an immediate solution to lower RINs prices. Sources said the discussions underway are fluid, but a potential price cap could be triggered ifE15 sales fall short oftarget volumes after a year, or ifRIN prices remain too high at that time. Another plan would use the same triggers, but to create a multiplier to increase the number ofRINs attached to gallons ofE11 and E15 fuel. Refiners worried about high compliance costs say that ethanol producers appear to be softening their resistance to some kind ofprice control. "Major ethanol producers have come to the conclusion that ifan RVP waiver and a multiplier do not hold the line on RINs prices, then some form ofcost-containing backstop is legitimate and acceptable," one refining source said. Corn growers were angered by the apparent willingness ofPOET and Green Plains to accepting a triggered RIN cap. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000492 "It is a widely known fact," Doggett said "Those are two companies out ofa number of companies that produce ethanol in the country, those two companies have an opinion that is their opinion." But POET said it remained opposed to a cap on RIN prices. "We remain committed to what we sent over to the administration this week — and those did not include the RIN cap. We think that solves the problem," said Rob Walther, vice president for federal affairs for POET. "And more importantly, all subsequent conversations with the administration have been focused on the multiplier and have not endorsed a RIN cap." "The biofuel and agriculture sectors, as well as our champions in the heartland and on Capitol Hill, remain adamantly opposed to any scheme that would cut, cap, or waive RINs," said Emily Skor, CEO ofGrowth Energy, an ethanol producers trade group. Even the rumors the White House supports a cap on RIN prices riled up corngrowers' Senate allies. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Joni Ernst (R￾Iowa), and Grassley sent a letter to Trump asking for a meeting to make their opposition known. "We are opposed to applying a 'waiver cap' mechanism ofany kind to the RFS," they wrote. Grassley tweeted at Trump on Thursday night saying the cap "will be CATASTROPHIC to ethanol." Other oil industry players have largely stayed in the background on the RFS battle in the White House. They remain hopeful that a legislative effort led by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas.) with input from Democratic Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) can solve the deadlock. "To paraphrase Winston Churchill, never have so many invested so much time for so little," said Stephen Brown, vice president for federal affairs for the refiner Andeavor. "While this chase continues when a more durable alternative, the Cornyn/Udall legislation, is actually gaining momentum among autos, ethanol producers, refiners and marketers." To view online click here. Back U.S. says Russian hackers targeted American energy grid Back By Tim Starks | 03/15/2018 12:00 PM EDT The Trump administration on Thursday accused Russian government hackers ofcarrying FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000493 out a deliberate, ongoing operation to penetrate vital U.S. industries, including the energy grid — a major ratcheting up oftensions between the two countries over cybersecurity. It says the hackers penetrated targeted companies to a surprising degree, including copying information that could be used to gain access to the computer systems that control power plants. It's the kind ofaccess that experts say would have given Moscow the ability to turn offthe power ifit wanted to. The alert came eight months after leaked documents revealed that federal authorities had found evidence offoreign hackers breaching computer networks in U.S. power companies, including the operator ofthe WolfCreek nuclear plant in Kansas. "Since at least March 2016, Russian government cyber actors ... targeted government entities and multiple U.S. critical infrastructure sectors, including the energy, nuclear, commercial facilities, water, aviation, and critical manufacturing sectors," according to Thursday's joint alert, issued by the Homeland Security Department and the FBI. While the reveal isn't a surprise to cyber watchers — researchers have been noting such digital espionage for years — it's rare for the U.S. government to be so blunt about a foreign adversary's cyber spying. Because the U.S. conducts its own similar online espionage campaigns around the world, intelligence officials have traditionally been loath to openly point fingers at other governments for doing the same thing. After the alert, Energy Secretary Rick Perry warned members ofa House Appropriations subcommittee Thursday that he's "not confident" the federal government has an adequate strategy in place to address the "hundreds ofthousands" ofcybersecurity attacks directed at the U.S. every day. Sen. Maria Cantwell ofWashington state, the top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Thursday's alert followed a long series ofunanswered warnings about the danger that hackers could trigger economically devastating blackouts. "A year ago yesterday, I called for a Russian cyber threat assessment to our grid," Cantwell said in a statement. "I've repeatedly asked President [Donald] Trump to tackle this urgent task and have been met with deafening silence. I hope today's belated response is the first step in a robust and aggressive strategy to protect our critical infrastructure." The alert comes on the same day the Trump administration issued new sanctions against Russia for a range ofactivities, including its actions in cyberspace. Taken together, the steps amount to perhaps the most direct confrontation ofRussian hackers by the U.S. government yet. Russia has been widely accused oflaunching increasingly dangerous attacks on power FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000494 grids around the world. Moscow's most frequent target has been Ukraine, according to researchers. In recent years, Ukraine has twice blamed its neighbor for shutting down portions ofits power grid using digital weapons that hackers had not previously successfully deployed on that scale. The alert says Russian hackers attempted to access the American grid and other industries primarily to spy and collect information. Their weapons included malware-laden Word documents — such as engineers' resumes — that appeared in legitimate-seeming emails, but which harvested login and password information from victims' computers. The hackers used these exploits to target vendors and other companies on the periphery oftheir main targets, then leapfrog their way to gain access to higher-level networks and install malware. Once inside, the hackers would move around and conduct reconnaissance, and appeared interested in industrial control systems that manage processes for critical infrastructure, the alert reads. "The threat actors appear to have deliberately chosen the organizations they targeted, rather than pursuing them as targets ofopportunity," the alert says. It says the hackers also used other means to find their way in. In one case, they "downloaded a small photo from a publicly accessible human resources page. The image, when expanded, was a high-resolution photo that displayed control systems equipment models and status information in the background." They also implanted malware in the websites oftrade publications and other websites related to the targeted industries, the alert says. According to Jon Wellinghoff, a former chairman ofthe Federal Energy Regulatory Commission who now runs his own energy policy consultancy, the hackers seemed to be gathering intelligence "that could provide them with information in the future to do something ifthey wanted to." Essentially, they were setting the stage to potentially turn offthe power, cyber experts said. The details closely dovetail with research published in October by cyber firm Symantec. The government alert even confirmed that the Symantec report — which didn't attribute the cyber activity to any government — offered "additional information" about Russia's digital efforts. The Symantec report reveals that the cyberattacks described in Thursday's alert stretch back much further than 2016. According to Symantec, the hacking group, which it dubbed Dragonfly, started around 2011, targeting western energy-sector companies, including in the U.S., Turkey and Switzerland. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000495 Though the group was dormant through much of2014 and 2015, it restarted its digital probing in late 2015 with a campaign that sent fake New Year's Eve party invites to energy-sector targets, Symantec said. By 2017, the group had ramped up these malicious efforts, according to the research. Kevin McIntyre, chairman ofthe Federal Energy Regulatory Commission — which oversees the energy sector — said the information contained in the alerts showed the need to remain vigilant on cybersecurity. "Frankly, some ofit is a little bit scary," he told reporters on Thursday. "But we keep our eye on the ball and focus on it so that we try our best as an agency." Perry, meanwhile, expressed misgivings about federal cybersecurity efforts. "I'm not confident that the federal government has a broad strategy in place that is not duplicating, or is least duplicative as it can be," Perry said after House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) called cybersecurity attacks "our biggest threat." "I'm as worried about cybersecurity as I am nuclear," Simpson said. "I think we're attacking it department-wide, but I'm not sure we're attacking it government￾wide." Eric Wolff, Cory Bennett and Anthony Adragna contributed to this report. To view online click here. Back Nuclear officials try to assuage Russia hacking fears Back By Tim Starks and Anthony Adragna | 03/16/2018 04:33 PM EDT Nuclear energy regulators said today that no operations were affected by the months-long Russian cyber campaign to hack vital U.S. industries, including numerous energy companies. And a nuclear industry organization added that no U.S. plants reported cyberattacks during this time. The statements come one day after the Trump administration publicly blamed Russian government hackers for launching cyber espionage attacks on a number ofcritical U.S. industries, including the nuclear sector. In an alert published by the Homeland Security Department and FBI, officials revealed that the hackers had infiltrated computer networks to collect intelligence that would allow them to shut down systems. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000496 But the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said that during the campaign, "there was no adverse impact to any ofthe NRC-regulated safety, security or emergency preparedness functions." "The corporate networks ofsome NRC licensees were affected," it added. NRC spokespeople did not address the question ofwhether hackers had demonstrated the capacity to affect operations at any point. The Nuclear Energy Institute, a major industry trade group, was more forceful on Friday, stating that "no U.S. nuclear plants have been breached by a cyberattack." It noted that nuclear plants are required to notify regulators ofdigital incursions within 60 days. "No such notification has ever transpired," the organization said. Cyber experts frequently note that many digital attacks go unreported. To view online click here. Back McCarthy eyes omnibus to circumvent objections over raising California dam Back By Annie Snider | 03/15/2018 06:22 PM EDT House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is pushing to include language in an omnibus spending bill that would allow a major California dam project backed by the Trump administration to move forward over Gov. Jerry Brown's objections. Congress included language as part ofa bipartisan 2016 water infrastructure law that would allow the Shasta Dam to be raised to store more water, but it required the Interior Department to get a state or local government to sign onto the project before work could begin. Brown's administration opposes the $1.3 billion project, saying it would violate state law, leading powerful agricultural interests in the state to push their Republican allies in Congress to remove that caveat. Federal funding runs out March 23, and lawmakers are negotiating the final details ofa government-wide spending bill they hope to unveil in the coming days and pass in time to avoid a government shutdown. McCarthy wants that bill to include a rider that would let Interior begin pre-construction work on the dam without a partner. "Ifwe've learned nothing else from the past years ofcatastrophic drought in our state, perhaps we now all agree that increasing storage capacity to capture water during wet years for use in dry years is absolutely critical," McCarthy said in a statement. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000497 The biggest beneficiary ofraising the dam would be Westlands Water District, whose farmers often see water shipments curtailed during dry years. David Bernhardt, deputy Interior secretary, was the powerful water district's top lobbyist before joining the Trump administration. In January the administration requested $20 million to begin work on the project. Johnny Amaral, deputy general manager for Westlands and former chiefofstaffto Trump ally Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), argued that raising Shasta is one ofthe best new water storage projects in terms ofcosts and benefits, and argued it could bring benefits to fisheries as well as farms. "Westlands Water District supports efforts by the Department ofthe Interior and members ofthe California Congressional delegation to move forward on this project," Amaral said by email. Farmers and other California water users have for years been pushing a plan to raise Shasta Dam near the Sacramento River by nearly 19 feet as a way ofstoring more water to irrigate Central Valley farms. But Golden State officials say raising the dam would inundate the McCloud River and its fisheries, which are protected under the state's Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. California's Natural Resources Secretary John Laird, a Brown appointee, wrote House and Senate leaders this week to register the state's opposition. He said the state "shares the Department ofInterior's commitment to investing in new water storage" and asked that they instead focus on other water storage efforts where the state could join as a financial partner. Northern California Democrats are also fighting the omnibus language. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) argued that the push is a sweetheart deal for Bernhardt's former employer. "There's a stench to this thing and it seems that when it comes to these decisions ofwhat to fund, what not to fund, in all types ofinfrastructure, it's just all politics all the time," he said after pressing Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke about the Shasta plan during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing Thursday morning. But California Sen. Dianne Feinstein has yet to weigh in. Feinstein has previously backed raising Shasta, and she was key to the 2016 drought deal that gave Shasta it's current path forward — but that included the language Republicans are now looking to waive. She is also the top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Bureau ofReclamation. Feinstein's office did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. To view online click here. Back FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000498 FEMA relaxes restraints on private flood insurance Back By Zachary Warmbrodt | 03/16/2018 05:54 PM EDT The Federal Emergency Management Agency intends to ease restrictions on insurers seeking to offer private flood insurance — a proposal that lawmakers have been pushing as part ofan overhaul ofthe National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA announced the plans today in a Federal Register notice outlining changes to its arrangements with "Write Your Own" insurance companies that sell flood insurance policies on behalfofthe NFIP. The change would relax "non-compete" requirements that restrict how the companies can offer their own private flood insurance policies. In addition, FEMA is planning to reduce compensation for the Write Your Own companies to 30 percent ofpremiums from 30.9 percent. House and Senate lawmakers have also proposed reducing the rate, but to lower levels. "It helps the consumer," FEMA deputy associate administrator Roy Wright said in an interview today. WHAT'S NEXT: The changes would take effect in October. To view online click here. Back Japanese-American senator hits Zinke over 'flippant' response on preserving internment sites Back By Cristiano Lima | 03/15/2018 06:51 PM EDT Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) on Thursday called it "flippant & juvenile" for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to respond to a question about preserving internment sites with a Japanese greeting. "The internment ofnearly 120,000 Japanese Americans is no laughing matter, @SecretaryZinke," tweeted Hirono, the first U.S. senator born in Japan and the first Asian-American woman elected to the chamber. During a House Natural Resources Committee hearing earlier in the day, Zinke was pressed by Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii), a fourth-generation Japanese￾American, to commit to refunding a National Park Service program that offers grants toward the preservation ofconfinement camps where Japanese-Americans were held during World War II. "Are you committed to continue to grant programs that are identified, I believe, as the Japanese American Confinement Sites grants program which were funded in 2017? Will we see them funded again in 2018?" Hanabusa asked. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000499 "Oh, konnichiwa," Zinke replied, deploying a Japanese greeting typically used in midday. After a briefsilence, Hanabusa corrected Zinke, using the Japanese greeting for "good morning." "I think it's still 'ohayo gozaimasu,' but that's OK," she said. Zinke's remark later drew scrutiny from the Hawaii senator online. "What you thought was a clever response to @RepHanabusa was flippant & juvenile," Hirono wrote on Twitter. After the briefexchange at the hearing, Zinke said funding for the grants "probably got caught up" by larger 2018 budgetary items, and vowed to work with Hanabusa on the matter. "I will look at it and I will work with you on it because I think it is important," Zinke told her. Hanabusa, who said her two grandparents were subjected to internment, framed the program as a necessity during the hearing. "I sit before you the granddaughter oftwo internees, both ofmy grandfathers were interned during World War II," Hanabusa said. "It is essential that we as a nation recognize our darkest moments so that we don't have them repeat again." To view online click here. Back Trump likely to quit Iran deal, Corker says Back By Louis Nelson | 03/18/2018 12:53 PM EDT Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said Sunday that he believes President Donald Trump is likely to pull the U.S. out ofthe Iran nuclear deal in May, a step that would undo one ofthe major foreign policy achievements claimed by former President Barack Obama. Corker (R-Tenn.) told CBS's "Face the Nation" that such a move by Trump could be avoided ifthe president's concerns, which deal largely with Iran's actions outside the specifics ofthe nuclear deal, are addressed as part ofa multilateral framework. Such an agreement seems unlikely, Corker said. "The Iran deal will be another issue that's coming up in May, and right now it doesn't feel like it's going to be extended. I think the president likely will move away from it, unless my — our European counterparts really come together on a framework. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000500 And it doesn't feel to me that they are," Corker said, cautioning that circumstances could change as the May 12 deadline for a decision on the Iran deal approaches. "You think the president's going to pull out ofthat Iran deal on May 12th?" CBS anchor Margaret Brennan followed up, to which Corker replied, "I do. I do." Trump — who last week fired Secretary ofState Rex Tillerson, his top diplomat — has long railed against the Iran nuclear deal, dating back to the 2016 presidential campaign, when he made pledges to withdraw the U.S. from it a major part ofhis foreign policy platform. The president has remained publicly skeptical ofthe deal since taking office but thus far stopped short ofmaking good on his promise to remove pull out ofit. Accusing Iran ofbad behavior that includes funding groups labeled by the U.S. as terrorist organizations, Trump announced last October that he would decertify Iran's compliance with the deal, asking Congress to pass legislation that could trigger penalties for the Islamic republic. More recently, Trump extended the nuclear deal last January, waiving economic sanctions on Iran but declaring that he would not do so again when the next deadline hits in May unless Congress and U.S. allies in Europe dramatically strengthen the nuclear agreement. "This is a last chance," Trump said in January. "Either fix the deal's disastrous flaws, or the United States will withdraw." To view online click here. Back Report: Trump-linked firm exploited data on 50 million Facebook users Back By Steven Overly | 03/17/2018 01:14 PM EDT The data analytics firm that used voter-targeting tactics to help President Donald Trump clinch the White House improperly collected information on more than 50 million Facebook users, The New York Times alleged Saturday in a report that raises further questions about both companies' conduct during and after the 2016 election. The Times article, and a companion piece published by the Observer in London, landed hours after Facebook announced that it had suspended the firm, Cambridge Analytica, while investigating whether it had improperly kept data on as many as 270,000 users. But the newest reports raise the prospect that the breach was far broader than what Facebook copped to Friday night — while tying the privacy violations directly to Cambridge's work for the Trump campaign and its alleged entanglements with FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000501 Russia. The Times quoted an anonymous Cambridge employee as saying that hundreds of gigabytes ofunencrypted Facebook data still exist on Cambridge's servers, contradicting assurances given to congressional investigators. Until Friday, the newspaper added, "Facebook downplayed the scope ofthe leak and questioned whether any ofthe data still remained out ofits control." Enough is enough, top Senate Intelligence Committee Democrat Mark Warner said in a statement Saturday. "This is more evidence that the online political advertising market is essentially the Wild West," said the Virginia senator, who has sponsored legislation to force greater transparency in online political advertising. "Whether it's allowing Russians to purchase political ads, or extensive micro-targeting based on ill-gotten user data, it's clear that, left unregulated, this market will continue to be prone to deception and lacking in transparency." Another Democrat, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who has co-sponsored the ad transparency legislation, said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg must testify about the situation. "This is a major breach that must be investigated. It's clear these platforms can't police themselves," the Minnesota senator said in a statement. "They say 'trust us,' but Mark Zuckerberg needs to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee about what Facebook knew about misusing data from 50 million Americans in order to target political advertising and manipulate voters." The Center for Democracy and Technology, a Washington advocacy group, pointed to the revelations as yet another sign that the U.S. lacks strong data privacy protections and called for individual internet users to have "greater agency and control over their personal data by default." "Now is a time ofreckoning for all tech and internet companies to truly consider their impact on democracies worldwide," CDT President and CEO Nuala O'Connor said in a statement. "While the misuse ofdata is not new, what we now see is how seemingly insignificant information about individuals can be used to decide what information they see and influence viewpoints in profound ways." The Times said Cambridge Analytica — which has deep ties to Republican donor Robert Mercer and conservative firebrand Steve Bannon — used the harvested information to build a powerful political tool as political campaigns were increasingly looking to sway voters on popular digital platforms. The company has denied the claims, which date back to 2014. In a pair ofstatements, Cambridge Analytica said it had hired Global Science Research, a company run by U.K. professor Aleksandr Kogan, to conduct a "large scale research project" in the U.S. The company said it was unaware that Kogan's data FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000502 violated Facebook's terms ofservice and subsequently deleted it at Facebook's insistence. "No data from GSR was used by Cambridge Analytica as part ofthe services it provided to the Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign," the company said Saturday. "Cambridge Analytica only receives and uses data that has been obtained legally and fairly." Facebook, for its part, sought to get ahead ofthe Times article with an announcement late Friday night that it had suspended Kogan, Cambridge Analytica and its parent company, Strategic Communication Laboratories, as well as a third firm, Eunoia Technologies, from the social network. Facebook said they had collected information from 270,000 users who voluntarily downloaded an app that Kogan created — though friends ofthose users with more relaxed privacy settings may have also had their data swept up. "People knowingly provided their information, no systems were infiltrated, and no passwords or sensitive pieces ofinformation were stolen or hacked," Paul Grewal, Facebook's vice president and deputy general counsel, said in a statement. "Nevertheless, this was a scam. Mr. Kogan misled us all. "Protecting people's information is at the heart ofeverything we do, and we require the same from people who operate apps on Facebook," Grewal added. "Ifthese reports are true, it's a serious abuse ofour rules." Nevertheless, the New York Times report will undoubtedly create headaches for both Cambridge Analytica and Facebook. Each has come under fire from Washington lawmakers for their involvement in the 2016 president election, which according to U.S. intelligence agencies was marked by interference from Russian actors looking to undermine Hillary Clinton and, eventually, boost Trump's prospects. Cambridge has been called upon to provide both information and testimony to congressional and FBI investigators exploring the extent ofthe election meddling and whether affiliates ofthe Trump campaign colluded with Russians. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, for example, said last year that CEO Alexander Nix had contacted him in an effort to obtain hacked emails from the Clinton's campaign. The company's ties to U.S. conservatives are many. Mercer and Bannon played key roles in helping the company establish a foothold in the U.S. politics, the Times report explains. The company first used data to target voters during the 2014 midterm elections. And before switching to assist the Trump campaign, Cambridge Analytica was tapped to work on the presidential bid ofRepublican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. Cambridge has also done work for a super PAC created by former U.S. diplomat John Bolton, who's been reported to be a potential candidate for White House national security adviser ifTrump dismisses H.R. McMaster. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000503 Meanwhile, Facebook has been hauled to Capitol Hill to face a battery ofquestions from lawmakers concerned that the network did not do enough to prevent fake news and foreign trolls from manipulating American voters throughout the election cycle. Facebook, Google and Twitter found that ads, pages and fake accounts aiming to stoke political and social discord reached more than 125 million internet users. The Times story also raises questions about whether Cambridge and SCL may have violated U.S. law by having Canadian or European employees working on contracts for American political campaigns. Cambridge Analytica told the Times that all "personnel in strategic roles were U.S. nationals or green card holders," the newspaper said. To view online click here. Back It Won't Be Easy for Trump to Replace Sessions With Pruitt Back By Victoria Bassetti and Norman Eisen | 03/16/2018 02:54 PM EDT Having fired Secretary ofState Rex Tillerson in cold blood this week, President Donald Trump is reportedly now turning a gimlet eye to Attorney General JeffSessions, with a view to replacing him with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt. That alarms even Sessions' critics, who fear Pruitt—with his proven willingness to do the president's bidding—might interfere with, or even fire, special counsel Robert Mueller. Tempting as the prospect ofAttorney General Pruitt might seem to the president, he should resist it for three reasons. This move could be challenged in the courts, setting offa barrage oflitigation. Pruitt might find himselftoo conflicted to touch the Mueller investigation, just as Sessions was. And the firing could well worsen the president's exposure to obstruction ofjustice proceedings. First, installing Pruitt as Sessions' replacement would have to meet a bevy oflegal requirements—no less than two statutes, one White House order, one Department ofJustice order and the Constitution. Under normal circumstances, these authorities dictate that a fired (or resigned) attorney general would be succeeded on a temporary basis by the deputy attorney general, who would serve while a permanent replacement is named by the president and then confirmed by the Senate. That means Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein would normally step up. The president's distaste for Rosenstein, however, is well known. IfTrump wants to quickly sack Sessions and sideline Rosenstein by installing Pruitt, he might look to a statute known as the Vacancies Reform Act. The VRA allows the president to ignore standard operating procedure and insert a handpicked acting head ofthe Department ofJustice for a minimum of210 days—more than long enough to FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000504 shut down the special counsel that so annoys the president. But even ifTrump tries this route—installing Pruitt as temporary attorney general—he could still run into problems. The VRA allows the president to name an acting attorney general were Sessions to "die[], resign[], or ... otherwise [be] unable to perform the functions and duties ofthe office." Trump could pick anyone who has already been confirmed by the Senate to any job in the executive branch—from Pruitt to Secretary ofEducation Betsy DeVos to the undersecretary for farm and foreign agricultural services—and make him or her the acting attorney general. But nowhere among the triggering events allowing such an appointment does the act expressly list firings. Several legal commentators have argued that it cannot be used by the president, as law professor Steve Vladeck put it, "to hand-pick a short￾term (and, potentially, un-re-confirmable) successor." That would make a mockery ofthe Senate's constitutional "advise and consent" role. Not everyone agrees. In 1999, the DOJ's own Office ofLegal Counsel said in an opinion that it thought the law can be used to replace fired appointees. The OLC can be notoriously protective ofthe president; it is the same office that last year reversed decades ofguidance to say that antinepotism law did not bar the hiring ofJared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. The courts sometimes reject OLC's views; this particular one has not been tested before a judge. No one knows how that would come out. That's where the VRA gets even riskier for Trump. It has a kicker: Any action taken by someone improperly installed in office "shall have no force or effect." And anyone affected by a decision made by an illegitimate attorney general has standing to sue. Given the success plaintiffs have had in blocking so many Trump policies from the first Muslim ban forward, it does not take much imagination to envision a tidal wave oflawsuits hitting almost every move taken by Pruitt ifhe is appointed under the VRA after a Sessions firing. Even Mueller could go to court ifhe were terminated or interfered with—and ifthere is one thing he has demonstrated, it is that he is not afraid to bring cases. Second, Trump's unleashing this tsunami oflitigation might be for naught. There is a reasonable case that even ifPruitt were validly appointed, he, like Sessions, would have to recuse himselffrom the Russia investigation. All DOJ lawyers are bound by regulation to step aside from criminal investigations ifthey have a "political relationship" with someone who has a substantial interest in that investigation. Pruitt's political relationship with the president is deep and close. He has acted as the president's political accomplice for more than a year now. It would lead any decent lawyer to recuse himselffrom the Mueller probe. Just this January, Pruitt made his political allegiance to the president plain: "After meeting him, and now having the honor ofworking for him, it is abundantly clear that President Trump is the most consequential leader ofour time," Pruitt said . "No one has done more to advance the rule oflaw than President Trump. The president has liberated our FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000505 country from the political class and given America back to the people." Ofcourse, Pruitt has demonstrated that he has little concern about conflicts ofinterest or their appearance. He is already under fire for a series of ethical blunders at the EPA. Nevertheless, as they did with Sessions, the ethicists at the DOJ might insist. Some might contend this argument goes too far. Wouldn't any interim attorney general the president appointed be conflicted out ofoverseeing Mueller? Ofcourse not. We would not object ifthe president had reached out to someone independent and ofstature who had not sworn the kind ofloyalty oath Trump prefers. But that is not Pruitt. Finally, there is the obstruction question. Mueller is already reportedly looking at the president's previous efforts to remove Sessions as part ofa possible obstruction of justice case. A Sessions firing with corrupt intent to frustrate the Russia investigation would be another tile in the mosaic ofmisconduct that began with demanding loyalty from former FBI Director James Comey (the same loyalty Pruitt has so abundantly evinced) and culminated in Comey's firing. Richard Nixon's Saturday night firing frenzy did not ultimately save him, and Trump could well be hastening that same fate for himself. To view online click here. Back EPA chiefPruitt is said to be eyeing attorney general job Back By Andrew Restuccia | 01/05/2018 12:40 PM EDT Scott Pruitt, the administrator ofthe Environmental Protection Agency, has told friends and associates that he's interested in becoming attorney general, according to three people familiar with the internal discussions. With rumors swirling that JeffSessions could depart the administration and two members ofthe House Freedom Caucus calling on the former Alabama senator to resign, Pruitt is quietly positioning himselfas a possible candidate for the job. "Pruitt is very interested," a person close to him said. "He has expressed that on a number ofoccasions." It's unclear whether Pruitt would be on the shortlist for the position, but people close to the president said Trump has grown to like him. Pruitt has emerged as the face of Trump's deregulatory agenda, taking steps to overturn former President Barack Obama's climate change regulations. He was also a leading advocate for pulling out ofthe Paris agreement on climate change. Pruitt has developed a reputation in Washington as one ofthe most ambitious members FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000506 ofTrump's Cabinet, and people close to him have long suspected that he harbors bigger aspirations in politics, perhaps as governor or senator. Two people close to him also said he has toyed with the possibility ofrunning for president someday. The EPA denied that Pruitt is eyeing the attorney general position. "No, this is not true," agency spokesman Jahan Wilcox said in a statement. "From creating regulatory certainty to cleaning up toxic superfund sites, Administrator Pruitt is solely focused on implementing President Trump's agenda to protect the environment." Pruitt's allies stressed that he is happy at the EPA and, in the words ofone person who has talked to him, "feels he's doing nation-changing work." Before joining the Trump administration in February, Pruitt served as Oklahoma's attorney general, and he was a state senator before that. A prominent Washington attorney advising one member ofthe administration said choosing Pruitt to replace Sessions would make sense because, as a member of the Cabinet who has already been confirmed by the Senate, Pruitt could serve in an acting capacity until he is formally nominated. But a Pruitt nomination for attorney general would face fierce resistance from Democrats, who have criticized his tenure at the EPA, arguing that he is too closely tied to the oil industry and has weakened crucial environmental protections. Sessions' relationship with Trump has ebbed and flowed in recent months. It reached a low point over the summer, when Trump called out Sessions on Twitter, publicly wondering why the attorney general wasn't investigating Hillary Clinton — and people close to the president said his relationship with Sessions has never fully recovered. The president has also complained about Sessions' decision to recuse himselffrom the Russia investigation. "Sessions should have never recused himself, and ifhe was going to recuse himself, he should have told me before he took the job and I would have picked somebody else," Trump said in a July interview with The New York Times. The Times published an article on Thursday that said a top White House lawyer tried to persuade Sessions not to recuse himself. The Times also reported that a Sessions aide asked a congressional staffer whether he had damaging information about the director ofthe FBI at the time, James Comey. Trump fired Comey in May, a move that is under scrutiny by special counsel Robert Mueller as he investigates whether the president obstructed justice. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000507 It's unclear how the Times article will influence Sessions' status in the White House. A White House spokeswoman and several senior administration officials did not respond to requests for comment on the issue. In an op-ed published on Thursday, Republican Reps. Mark Meadows and Jim Jordan, the chairman and former chairman ofthe conservative House Freedom Caucus, appeared to channel Trump's frustrations. The lawmakers called on Sessions to step down, railing against intelligence leaks to the press. "Attorney General JeffSessions has recused himselffrom the Russia investigation, but it would appear he has no control at all ofthe premier law enforcement agency in the world," the lawmakers wrote. "It is time for Sessions to start managing in a spirit oftransparency to bring all ofthis improper behavior to light and stop further violations. "IfSessions can't address this issue immediately, then we have one final question needing an answer: When is it time for a new attorney general? Sadly, it seems the answer is now." Eliana Johnson contributed to this report. To view online click here. Back Is Scott Pruitt on the campaign trail? Back By Emily Holden | 08/18/2017 05:02 AM EDT Environmental Protection Agency chiefScott Pruitt has logged thousands ofmiles this summer touting his plans to rewrite the Obama administration's environmental regulations — and fueling speculation that he's laying the groundwork for a future political campaign. The former Oklahoma attorney general — who made a name for himselfby launching more than a dozen lawsuits against the Obama administration — has visited 10 states in a few short weeks, hitting local media outlets along the way. His strategy, Beltway operatives say, more resembles a candidate seeking political support than an EPA administrator pressing for regulatory changes. One conservative talk radio host in Iowa even joked about Pruitt's August trip to the state. "Ifyou're writing a book, you come to Iowa, or you must be running for the presidency," WHO-AM's Simon Conway told Pruitt. The trips, which have taken Pruitt to 25 mostly Republican-led states, are ostensibly to highlight his efforts to loosen Obama-era water regulations. But he's also spending time with GOP leaders and influential industries and packing in as many media hits as possible, laying out well-rehearsed talking points to bash former FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000508 President Barack Obama's EPA. Pruitt has declined to comment on long-running speculation among both Democrats and Republicans that he intends to run for the Senate seat held by Oklahoma Republican Jim Inhofe, an 82-year-old lawmaker whose fifth term ends in 2020. But the EPA chief's current travels could help him build the support he needs for such a race, said Drew Edmondson, a Democrat who served as Oklahoma attorney general prior to Pruitt's election in 2010. "A Senate race would fundraise in a lot ofplaces besides Oklahoma," said Edmondson, who is running for governor in 2018. "He's doing what he needs to do to keep the oil companies and gas companies liking him, so he has a source offunding should he decide to run." Pruitt, 49, has done an effective job ofpublicly elevating his "thankless" Cabinet post, "which would lend itselfto assume he has higher political aspirations," said one GOP strategist. "Whatever he may claim to be, he is a politician with campaign experience," the source said, noting that Pruitt could jump to governor or senator since he's relatively young and EPA probably won't be "his career culmination goal." Edmondson said political observers in Oklahoma had expected Pruitt to run in 2018 for the House seat that could be vacated by Republican Rep. Jim Bridenstine, "as a holding place until a Senate seat came open." But insiders say he opted against that possibility before becoming EPA chief. EPA declined to comment on Pruitt's future but defended his trips, adding that he's received more than two dozen invitations from elected officials and has plans to visit Montana, Kentucky and other states. "Unlike the previous administration which imposed its regulatory regime from Washington, Administrator Pruitt is taking the conversations directly to the states," said EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox. He noted that Pruitt's stop in Iowa included a discussion about water regulations, while in Indiana he highlighted a Superfund site and in Minnesota he had been invited by Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton. Pruitt served in the Oklahoma Senate for eight years before becoming the state's attorney general, where he helped build a political network through the Republican Attorneys General Association. During his time chairing the group, it raised at least $2.2 million from energy companies, according to a POLITICO analysis, including from Koch Industries, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Murray Energy, Cloud Peak Energy, Xcel Energy, DTE Energy, Southern Co., SolarCity and trade groups representing the coal, utility and nuclear industries. IfPruitt does seek elected office, he could be the first EPA chiefto make that jump. But former Republican-appointed agency chiefs say that ifhe is focusing on a future FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000509 campaign, environmental protection and public health will suffer. "Ifyou think about this as a stepping stone to some other job ... you can't do it," said Bill Ruckelshaus, who served as EPA's first administrator under President Richard Nixon and later headed the agency under Ronald Reagan. Running the agency well means asking businesses to spend money on things that reduce their profits but that are important, Ruckelshaus said, which is "not a way to make friends." "He clearly has not bought into the mission ofEPA. It's fairly simple: Protect public health and reduce pollution that impacts the environment," he said. "He is more interested in reducing the regulatory impact." Previous EPA leaders have frequently made trips to meet state regulators or visit the agency's regional offices, but Pruitt's visits so far skipped those or conducted them at arm's length, with staffsometimes unaware he was in the area. EPA noted that Pruitt was joined by some regional staffmembers while visiting Indiana, Missouri, Texas and Colorado. While he didn't go to regional offices when traveling, he "has met with every acting regional administrator, and has attended senior staffmeetings where individuals from every regional office are represented," the agency official said, adding that Pruitt has also met with top health and environmental groups. Pruitt's travel seems to have a different emphasis than that offormer administrators, said former George W. Bush EPA chiefChristine Todd Whitman, since he's spending more time on television and away from headquarters. "You've got plenty on your plate. You really don't have a lot oftime to go and do the kinds ofstuffhe's doing," said Whitman, a former New Jersey governor. Her most prominent media appearances as EPA administrator came after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, during a series ofanthrax attacks and when the Columbia space shuttle disintegrated, she said. Pruitt has been in local news more than two dozen times as he traveled to eight states carried by President Donald Trump and only two — Colorado and Minnesota — led by Democrats. In Colorado, he toured the site ofthe Gold King Mine spill, where EPA employees and contractors accidentally released toxic waste water into a river in 2015. In Minnesota, he met with Dayton, the Democratic governor who told reporters he didn't want to be "micromanaged" by a regional EPA office in Chicago. None ofPruitt's predecessors went on to hold elected office after running EPA. Most have gone to academia, environmental think tanks and lobbying firms, company boards or other federal government roles. And most arrived at EPA with either state environmental agency experience or science backgrounds. A few came from state legislatures, and only Whitman and Mike Leavitt, ofUtah, had served as a FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000510 governors. Washington observers widely expect Pruitt to pursue a Senate seat, although there's no sign that Inhofe, a legend in Oklahoma politics, will depart. Inhofe's office pointed to a 2016 interview in which the senator said he had no plans to retire in 2020. The Oklahoma governor's race in 2018 is already a crowded field. Pruitt could be looking to another federal post, like attorney general, or even a run on a presidential ticket, according to some. All eyes in Oklahoma are on the 2018 elections, where Republicans are vying for multiple statewide seats. Some Oklahoma political experts say Pruitt may be biding his time. "I can tell you that I have not heard anybody in Oklahoma talk about a Senate run for Scott Pruitt," said Oklahoma GOP political strategist Pat McFerron. He said he's in touch with Pruitt's former chiefofstaffand campaign manager — who haven't divulged any impending political plans. "I think it is just his style," McFerron said. "Maybe he wants to keep doors open." Still, McFerron added that ifInhofe decides not to run for reelection, "there's no doubt Scott Pruitt's name would be near the top ofthat list." Pruitt has stacked EPA with people connected to Inhofe, who has praised the EPA chief. ChiefofstaffRyan Jackson, deputy chiefofstaffByron Brown and policy advisers Mandy Gunasekara and Brittany Bolen all worked under Inhofe, as did Susan Bodine, Trump's nominee for EPA enforcement chief, who is awaiting Senate confirmation. Pruitt has also maintained key personnel with links back to Oklahoma, including three staffers from his AG office and a former campaign aide. He hired law school friend and colleague Ken Wagner as a senior adviser and former SpiritBank executive Albert "Kell" Kelly, who had no prior experience in environmental issues, to lead his Superfund task force. Hiring staffwith campaign experience is not uncommon, but Pruitt's inner circle is dominated by them. Career employees say he is not consulting them on major decisions, relying on his Oklahoma-rooted squad instead. Still, Andrew Miller, a former Virginia attorney general and energy lobbyist who encouraged Pruitt to be the Republican voice against Obama's environmental regulations, said he would be "astounded" ifPruitt did run for elected office any time soon. "This is just inside-the-Beltway gossip," Miller said. "I see him continuing at EPA as long as he wants to and certainly for the next four years." On top ofthe dozens oflocal media appearances during his tour, Pruitt is frequently on FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000511 cable news networks, especially Fox News, and his aggressive political style stands out among Trump's other Cabinet secretaries who are working to unravel Obama policies. He said in his Iowa radio interview that his state tour is meant to send the message that "EPA is not intended to be an adversary," and that he wants to empower the states to regulate themselves. But Ruckelshaus said EPA was created because states needed backup. "Industries would threaten to leave the state ifyou pushed them too hard on an environmental regulation," he said. Pruitt often uses the media exposure to criticize his own agency for its work under the previous administration. "The last administration said: 'We're going to use regulatory power to say that certain sectors ofour economy were wrong. War on coal. War on natural gas. War on fossil fuels.' Where is that in the statute?" he told Conway. "Where is it that the EPA has authority to declare war in that regard?" He mentions Obama by name in almost every interview, often blasting the ex-president's climate policies and saying EPA has overstepped its jurisdiction and the Constitution. Contrary to most scientists, Pruitt says climate change is not an "existential threat" that will "impact our existence as a nation and as humankind." "An existential threat is Iran. An existential threat is North Korea," he said in the same interview. In the run-up to Trump's decision to leave the Paris climate agreement, Pruitt appeared often on TV to lobby for the U.S. to exit the deal. He's planning an official program to debate mainstream climate science, which he has suggested could be televised. That would launch him even further into the national spotlight. Pruitt has also come under fire for spending lots oftime at home in Oklahoma, which he defended as necessary for EPA business. Alex Guillén contributed to this report. To view online click here. Back Was this Pro content helpful? Tell us what you think in one click. FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000512 Yes, very Somewhat Neutral Not really Not at all You received this POLITICO Pro content because your customized settings include: Morning Energy. To change your alert settings, please go to https://www.politicopro.com/settings This email was sent to Laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov by: POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA FOIA001:02313451 EXT-18-2336-E-000513 To: Zinke Ryan[cdr06@ios.doi.gov] From: Caroline Boulton Sent: 2018-03-20T08:38:46-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Received: 2018-03-20T08:38:56-04:00 Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 20, 2018 at 4:59:17 AM CDT To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018 6:00 AM EDT Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Associated Press: Zinke Tells Tribal Leaders In Arizona He’ll Fight Opioids. • Associated Press: Democratic Activist Charged With Assaulting Zinke Staffer. • Huffington Post: Tribes Come Together For Fight To Bring Back Protections For Bears Ears National Monument. • Reuters: U.S. Top Court Will Not Hear Challenge To Federal Agency Power. • Flathead (MT) Beacon: Judge Hears Final Arguments In Badger-Two Medicine Case. • Federal Computer Week: Modernizing With The Citizen In Mind. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • There’s Never Been A Native American Congresswoman. That Could Change In 2018. • BIA Flubbed Tribal Wind Farm Review, Enviros Tell 9th Circ. • Pamunkey Tribe Considering $700 Million Casino In Virginia. • Gun Lake Tribe Seeks To Place 130 Acres Of Land In Hopkins Township In Trust. Bureau Of Land Management • Sunnyside (WA) Daily Sun-News: BLM Approves 30 Advisory Committee Charters. • Farmington (NM) Daily Times: BLM’s Onshore Drilling Permit Process May Be Getting A Boost. • Mohave Valley (AZ) Daily News: Take Leave No Trace Training Saturday. FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000514 • St. George (UT) Spectrum: BLM Could Lend Public Lands To Landfill, New Park In So. • Carlsbad (NM) Current-Argus: Conservationists Team Up To Fight Eddy County’s Invasive Plant Species. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management • Back-Door Ban: States Fight Trump Drill Plan With Local Bans. Bureau Of Reclamation • Water Wars: Democrats Block GOP Bid To Speed Shasta Dam Enlargement. • Worsening Dry Spell Won’t Tip Lake Mead Into Shortage. Fish And Wildlife Service • ABC News: Congressional Lawmakers Ask For More Money To Protect Endangered Species. • Platts: Interior Department Policy On Bird Treaty Begins, Adding Flexibility To Tree-Cutting Windows. National Park Service • Indianapolis Star: House Votes To Give National Recognition To Indy Park Where Robert Kennedy Gave Famous MLK Speech. • E&E Publishing: At Hot Springs, Buy A Beer, Fix A Park. • Lake Powell (AZ) Chronicle: Area Federal Management Agencies Explore Additional Leave No Trace Initiatives. • St. George (UT) News: Do You Have Thoughts On Visitor Services At Glen Canyon? Here’s How You Can Make Your Voice Heard. • Associated Press: Yellowstone Bison Slaughter Protester Pleads Guilty. • Associated Press: Areas Of Prince William Forrest Park Will Open. • San Antonio Express-News: Most Of Downtown Now In Federal Historic District. • Deseret (UT) News: Capitol Reef National Park Gets New Superintendent. • WITF-TV Harrisburg (PA): New Interim Leader Assigned To Gettysburg National Military Park. Insular And International Affairs • New US, CNMI Flags Raised At Kagman Center. US Geological Survey • Associated Press: 3.0-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Parts Of Central Oklahoma. • Additional Reading. Opinion Pieces • All Hail Ryan Zinke, Our Imperial Viceroy. • Veteran Questions Zinke’s “Attack On The Antiquities Act”. • Commentary: Will The Future Of Southeast Utah Be As A National Monument Or An Oil Rig? • Editorial: Drones Offer A New Tool To Firefighters. • Additional Reading. Top National News • Washington Post: Trump Unveils Strategy To Fight Opioid Crisis Including Border Security, Death Penalty For Traffickers. FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000515 • Washington Post: Trump To Unveil $60 Billion Tariff Package Against China. • Washington Post: Bipartisan Negotiations Continue Over $1.3 Trillion Spending Bill. • The Hill: Ahead Of Friday Deadline, White House And Democrats Seek To Break DACA Deadlock. • Associated Press: US, South Korea, Japan Discuss North Korea Denuclearization. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “America’s Role In Yemen’s Agony Can End On Capitol Hill.” - “Facebook Leaves Its Users’ Privacy Vulnerable.” - “The Wrong People Are Criticizing Donald Trump.” - “Investigate Killings In The Philippines.” • Washington Post. - “Trump’s Attacks On Law Enforcement Are Escalating. Here’s How Republicans Could Protect Mueller.” - “Putin’s Next Term Could Be Even More Dangerous.” - “Virginia’s Medicaid Impasse, Courtesy Of The GOP.” • Wall Street Journal. - “Life Support For Obamacare.” - “Facebook Joins The Club.” - “The Senate’s Iran Helpers.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News Zinke Tells Tribal Leaders In Arizona He’ll Fight Opioids. The AP (3/19, Snow) reports Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told tribal leaders in Arizona on Monday that law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Land Management “will work with them to fight distribution of opioid drugs in Indian country.” After meeting, Zinke said, “Native Americans in particular have seen a steady increase in overdose deaths, more than any other group. So it’s time not to talk, but to do.” KTAR-FM Glendale, AZ (3/19) reports that Zinke “said federal officials would respect the sovereignty of tribal lands and coordinate with native leaders to determine ‘the threshold for prosecution’ of drug dealers arrested on Indian lands.” He said, “I want to say ‘in coordination’ because it’s important that we act as one, because going nation to nation, sovereignty should mean something.” KJZZ-FM Phoenix (3/20, Jenkins) reports that “Zinke said he was seeking input from tribal leaders as well as state attorneys general because FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000516 one policy would not work for all 573 Indian tribes across the country.” He said, “Each nation has a unique set of cultures, unique way to address the issues, but certainly drugs are an issue in Arizona.” Also reporting is Cronkite News (3/19, Magtibay). Local TV coverage was provided by KPNX-TV Phoenix (3/19), KSAZ-TV Phoenix (3/19), KTVK-TV Phoenix (3/19), and KVOA-TV Tucson, AZ (3/19). Democratic Activist Charged With Assaulting Zinke Staffer. The AP (3/19) reports that “an operative for a political committee that supports Democrats has been charged with assault following a confrontation with a staffer for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke outside a congressional hearing.” Wilfred M. Stark was charged with “simple assault following a confrontation with Heather Swift, a spokeswoman for Zinke.” Stark works for American Bridge 21st Century, a group that supports Democratic candidates. The Daily Caller (3/19, Johnson) reports that Swift said, “Since joining the Trump Administration I’ve received harassing and threatening tweets, emails, phone calls, and letters (to include death threats) but being physically targeted and assaulted brings it to another level. This violent action only strengthens my desire to serve my president and my country.” Interior communications director Laura Rigas “says she is ‘extremely irate’ that a female member of the Department of the Interior ‘was physically assaulted today by a Democrat staffer from the PAC American Bridge.’” Additional coverage was provided by KPAX-TV Missoula, MT (3/19, Dennison). Tribes Come Together For Fight To Bring Back Protections For Bears Ears National Monument. The Huffington Post (3/19, D'angelo) reports that “members of the Native American tribes that once came together to petition for the creation of Bears Ears National Monument gathered near the site Sunday to share stories about their connections to the sprawling landscape that the Trump administration recently stripped of certain federal protections.” Members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi, Zuni and Ute Mountain Ute tribes “made it clear at the gathering that they are focused on ensuring the area is given the protections they believe it deserves: nothing less than the 1.35 million acres set aside by President Barack Obama in 2016.” Malcolm Lehi, a member of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, “said energy is building in indigenous communities,” and was encouraged by what he sees as “a really strong movement.” U.S. Top Court Will Not Hear Challenge To Federal Agency Power. Reuters (3/19, Chung) reports the Supreme Court on Monday “declined to consider rolling back the wide latitude federal agencies are given to interpret their own regulations in a case that could have bolstered President Donald Trump’s push toward deregulation and curbing agency FOIA001:02716127 lg] ■ -- -~ ■ ~- EXT-18-2336-E-000517 power.” The court rejected an appeal by Garco Construction Inc. of a lower court ruling that “deferred to the interpretation of officials at Malmstrom Air Force Base...of its contractor policy.” The Spokane, Washington-based company, “which had a contract to building housing at the base, objected after officials refused to admit workers with criminal records who a subcontractor had hired for the job.” Judge Hears Final Arguments In Badger-Two Medicine Case. The Flathead (MT) Beacon (3/19, Tristan Scott /) reports a federal court held a hearing on March 14 on opposing motions for summary judgment in the case centering on the Interior Department’s 2016 decision “to cancel oil and gas leases in the 130,000-acre Badger-Two Medicine area.” U.S. District Judge Richard Leon “heard attorneys debate the lawfulness of the Interior Department’s lease-cancellation decision.” Lawyers “on both sides say that a decision in the case is still months away.” Modernizing With The Citizen In Mind. Federal Computer Week (3/19) reports that it “gathered a group of federal leaders on Feb. 28 to discuss whether and how agencies are making progress on citizen engagement – particularly as they build their business cases for long-overdue IT modernization projects.” Participants “said the key to providing better services is often not technology but people.” All participants “agreed that improving the way they provide services is absolutely essential.” Among those participating was the Interior Department’s Larry Gillick. Bureau Of Indian Affairs There’s Never Been A Native American Congresswoman. That Could Change In 2018. The New York Times (3/19, Turkewitz) reports that activist Deb Haaland (D), who is mounting a 2018 bid to succeed Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM), is “among a historic number of Native American women running for elective office. None has ever served in Congress, but that could change this year if Ms. Haaland wins.” In all, the Times says there are “at least four indigenous women running” for Congress, “three more are bidding for governors’ offices and another 31 are campaigning for seats in state legislatures – from both sides of the aisle.” The Times says the numbers “far outstrip past election cycles, longtime observers of native politics say,” and they are driven in part by “a decades-long shift in which native communities...are moving into mainstream politics.” BIA Flubbed Tribal Wind Farm Review, Enviros Tell 9th Circ. Law360 (3/19, Phillis) reports that “a conservation group said Friday that the Bureau of Indian affairs ignored the input of another federal agency and neglected important information when it approved a lease between a FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000518 wind farm developer and a California tribe, asking the Ninth Circuit to overturn a lower court decision allowing the lease.” Protect Our Communities Foundation and two environmental advocates claimed “the BIA didn’t properly address risks the wind farm posed to nearby protected golden eagles.” Pamunkey Tribe Considering $700 Million Casino In Virginia. The AP (3/19) reports that the Pamunkey Indian Tribe is “considering whether to build a $700 million resort and casino in Virginia.” The tribe is “looking at potential sites for the project but has no definitive plans.” Virginia currently has no casinos. Gun Lake Tribe Seeks To Place 130 Acres Of Land In Hopkins Township In Trust. MLive (MI) (3/19, Turko-Ebright) reports that the Gun Lake Tribe has “filed an application to have 130 acres of land placed in trust.” The parcel, known as the Nowak property, “sits near other properties already in trust, including the Jijak camp, Gun Lake Casino, Gun Lake Tribe government campus and Bradley Indian Mission properties.” Bureau Of Land Management BLM Approves 30 Advisory Committee Charters. The Sunnyside (WA) Daily Sun-News (3/19) reports that the Bureau of Land Management has “renewed charters for 21 of 37 Resource Advisory Councils.” BLM Deputy Director Brian Steed said, “Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke is committed to restoring trust in the Department’s decision￾making and that begins with institutionalizing state and local input and ongoing collaboration especially in communities surrounding public lands. The BLM’s 37 advisory councils are essential to the Secretary’s collaborative approach to public land management at the local level.” BLM’s Onshore Drilling Permit Process May Be Getting A Boost. The Farmington (NM) Daily Times (3/19, Moses) reports that the Bureau of Land Management’s.2018 budget documents “call for more cash to go into streamlining the permit process.” The BLM “cites improvements in its automated processes and work with applicants to increase the quality of submitted applications as reasons things will improve.” The BLM’s Budget Justifications and Performance Information Fiscal Year 2018 document states, “Within the Oil & Gas Management program, the Bureau requests an increase of $16 million to help ensure BLM has sufficient administrative and staff capacity to quickly process Applications for Permits to Drill (APDs) and Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in leasing, and to help alleviate administrative burdens in processing rights-of way (ROWs) requests for critical infrastructure needs in support of increased energy development.” Take Leave No Trace Training Saturday. FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000519 The Mohave Valley (AZ) Daily News (3/19, Richards) reports that “strategies for visiting America’s great outdoors without spoiling the experience for the next family to do the same will be hashed over Saturday, March 24, when the Needles Field Office of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management hosts presentations on the long-running Leave No Trace campaign.” Ramona Daniels, outdoor recreation planner and wilderness coordinator at the BLM, “explained the program, sponsored by Subaru, features traveling trainers that will discuss such items as how to observe wildlife without causing harm to critters or habitat; how to decrease the impact camping on the environment; and different styles of campfires.” BLM Could Lend Public Lands To Landfill, New Park In So. Utah. The St. George (UT) Spectrum (3/19, DeMille) reports that “the federal government could hand over 55 acres of public land to help expand a landfill under a proposal under consideration at the Bureau of Land Management.” The proposal, “which would involve a parcel of land adjacent to the existing landfill, could provide an extra 25 years of life to the facility, according to an estimate from the agency and the Washington County Solid Waste District.” Ahmed Mohsen, district manager of the BLM Color Country District, said , “This proposal is an effort by the BLM at the request of Washington County to help identify ways to support the local community. This is a proposal that affects balance and multiple use.” Conservationists Team Up To Fight Eddy County’s Invasive Plant Species. The Carlsbad (NM) Current-Argus (3/19, Hedden) reports that the Bureau of Land Management, “partnering with the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts (NMACD), is working throughout southeast New Mexico to eradicate the problematic plant species, and reseed the land with native grasses.” The article notes that “in the last 13 years, records show more than $69.7 million was spent by the BLM, on its Restore New Mexico project intended to maintain the natural health of the area.” The project “restored about 3.3 million acres across the state since it began in 2005.” Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management Back-Door Ban: States Fight Trump Drill Plan With Local Bans. The AP (3/19, Parry) reports that in response to President Trump’s offshore drilling, some states are introducing bills that would make it difficult or impossible to bring oil or gas ashore in their areas by blocking oil and natural gas infrastructure in the three miles of ocean closest to shore that is under state jurisdiction. New Jersey state Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D) called the tactic a “back-door, ingenious way to block this,” explaining, “Even if we don’t succeed in banning it outright, we can still make it a lot more expensive to do it in this area.” Meanwhile, Andy Radford, senior policy advisor for the American Petroleum Institute, “said states to ought welcome offshore drilling for the revenue it can produce for them,” noting FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000520 that offshore energy production in the Atlantic Ocean could support 265,000 jobs and generate $22 billion a year within 20 years. “Local communities and workers benefit from energy exploration and production, in addition to these investments generating significant state revenues to fund schools, hospitals and other public services,” Radford said. Bureau Of Reclamation Water Wars: Democrats Block GOP Bid To Speed Shasta Dam Enlargement. McClatchy (3/19, Cadei, Kasler) reports that “Democrats in Congress have stalled an attempt to jump start an expansion of Shasta Dam, California’s largest reservoir and a major water source for the Central Valley.” Their opposition “blocked a Republican gambit to allow the $1.3 billion project to move forward without full up-front funding and despite objections from Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration.” Democrats also “pressed to include language in the House spending bill that would ensure the federal Bureau of Reclamation follows all state and federal laws when it comes to the dam.” Worsening Dry Spell Won’t Tip Lake Mead Into Shortage. The Las Vegas Review-Journal (3/19, Brean) reports that “an already dry winter for the Colorado River has gotten worse in recent weeks, but it won’t be enough to send Lake Mead to a record low – at least not right away.” According to the article, “despite worsening conditions in the mountains that feed the Colorado, forecasters still expect the reservoir east of Las Vegas to contain just enough water by the end of the year to avoid a first-ever federal shortage declaration.” Forecasters say “this winter will likely go down as the sixth-driest on record for the river system that supplies 90 percent of the Las Vegas Valley’s drinking water.” Fish And Wildlife Service Congressional Lawmakers Ask For More Money To Protect Endangered Species. ABC News (3/19, Ebbs) reports that “more than 100 members of Congress are asking for more funding to protect endangered species, in a letter sent to the leaders on the House Appropriations Committee last week.” Democratic Reps. Don Beyer, Debbie Dingell, and Raul Grijalva “organized the letter which was co-signed by 103 Democratic Members of Congress and one Republican.” In the letter, they “ask the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee to provide funding for Endangered Species Act programs in the budget for the 2019 fiscal year.” The article notes that the budget proposal for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “includes a $9.5 million cut to money available for listing new species as endangered, which is almost half the funding that program received in the 2017 fiscal year.” FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000521 Interior Department Policy On Bird Treaty Begins, Adding Flexibility To Tree-Cutting Windows. Platts (3/19, Weber, Brooks) reports that “a new Interior Department policy easing migratory bird regulations is beginning to filter down to interstate natural gas pipeline projects, whose schedules can be affected by seasonal tree-clearing restrictions.” According to the article, “the policy shift at Interior, depending on how it is applied, could have broad implications for pipeline developers who often warn their schedules would face delays if they do not meet early spring deadlines for cutting trees before nesting seasons begin.” National Park Service House Votes To Give National Recognition To Indy Park Where Robert Kennedy Gave Famous MLK Speech. The Indianapolis Star (3/19, Groppe) reports that “the U.S. House voted Monday to recognize the national significance of the Indianapolis site where Robert F. Kennedy urged a nonviolent response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.” The House, on a vote of 391 to 0, “approved legislation designating the Landmark for Peace Memorial in Martin Luther King Park a National Commemorative Site.” The legislation “would also add the memorial to the new national network of sites and programs connected to the African American Civil Rights Movement.” The bill also directs the National Park Service to study the possibility of declaring it a National Historic Site At Hot Springs, Buy A Beer, Fix A Park. E&E Publishing (3/19, Hotakainen) reports that buying a beer at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs National Park “could help lower the maintenance backlog facing the nation’s parks.” The brewery “pays $20,000 a year in rent, but park Superintendent Josie Fernandez says there’s an added bonus: The cost of repairs gets pushed off to the tenant.” She said, “The moment that we sign a lease, all of the deferred maintenance just disappears. Not only have I leased the property, but now I look like a genius because my numbers are down.” Area Federal Management Agencies Explore Additional Leave No Trace Initiatives. The Lake Powell (AZ) Chronicle (3/19, Law) reports that “rangers, land managers, and supervisors from the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management gathered in Escalante, Utah last week where they received training in ways to better implement and teach Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to the numerous tourists who visit the area’s many recreational destinations.” The program was led by Matt Schneider and Jessie Johnson, members of the Leave No Trace traveling trainer team. Johnson said, “Every year we’re seeing a huge increase of FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000522 people going outside to play on their public lands, as they should be, but the damage they can do to the area is pretty substantial if they aren’t aware of how to protect the resource. Our national parks are being visited by millions more people each year. That’s a lot of added footprints, and in many cases worse.” Do You Have Thoughts On Visitor Services At Glen Canyon? Here’s How You Can Make Your Voice Heard. The St. George (UT) News (3/19) reports that Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is seeking public input “regarding visitor services to help inform new concession contracts for the uplake, downlake and possibly Lees Ferry districts.” Superintendent William Shott said, “We are taking this extra step and asking for public comments now because we want to hear from folks at the beginning of the process. This is an opportunity for anyone interested to offer options as we look at a blank slate for new visitor service contracts for the park.” Yellowstone Bison Slaughter Protester Pleads Guilty. The AP (3/19) reports that “a man who chained himself to a concrete-filled barrel in an effort to prevent trucks from hauling Yellowstone National Park bison to slaughter has pleaded guilty.” Joshua Rivera “pleaded guilty Monday to trespassing and interfering with a government employee.” Rivera and “another man were arrested Friday after they chained themselves to 55-gallon (208-liter) barrels in an attempt to block a road in Yellowstone.” The men are members of the group Wild Buffalo Defense. Areas Of Prince William Forrest Park Will Open. The AP (3/19) reports that “areas of Prince William Forrest Park in Virginia will open after a March windstorm.” According to a National Park Service news release, “areas that are clear of fallen and hazardous trees will open Monday.” Most Of Downtown Now In Federal Historic District. The San Antonio Express-News (3/20, Huddleston) reports that downtown San Antonio and the River Walk have been designated a Federal Historic District. The National Park Service “added the district to the National Register of Historic Places last month, nearly 18 months after the Texas Historical Commission approved an application prepared by the city’s Office of Historic Preservation.” According to the article, “the new district includes nearly 200 buildings and other historic properties, many of which were constructed between 1912 and 1930.” Capitol Reef National Park Gets New Superintendent. The Deseret (UT) News (3/19) reports that “Susan Fritzke, deputy superintendent of four National Park Service sites in the San Francisco Bay Area, has been named superintendent of Capitol Reef National Park.” FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000523 Fritzke, “who served as acting superintendent Bryce Canyon National Park in 2016-17, assumes her new post on April 15.” Sue Masica, the park service’s Intermountain Region director, said in a statement, “Sue is an accomplished park manager and strong communicator who knows how to foster a positive workplace and build relationships with local communities and elected officials.” New Interim Leader Assigned To Gettysburg National Military Park. WITF-TV Harrisburg, PA (3/19, McDevitt) reports that “Chris Stein will serve as the acting superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site until July of this year.” Stein was “most recently Chief of Heritage Areas and Partnerships in the National Park Service Midwest Region.” He said, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as acting superintendent for Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site for the next few months. My goals during my time here include nurturing and building relationships of mutual benefit with partners, and continuing to provide opportunities for residents, visitors, and volunteers to help care for, protect and interpret park resources.” Insular And International Affairs New US, CNMI Flags Raised At Kagman Center. Marianas Variety (3/20, Todiño) reports that “the U.S. and CNMI flags are now finally flying at the Kagman Community Center and Department of Public Station police substation in Kagman.” Rep. Lorenzo I. Deleon Guerrero “said they will also secure a Homeland Security or a US Department of Interior flag that will also be flown in the area.” US Geological Survey 3.0-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Parts Of Central Oklahoma. The AP (3/18) reports central Oklahoma has been struck once again by a “3.0-magnitude earthquake.” According to the U.S. Geological Survey “the quake was recorded at 1:50 p.m. Sunday about 9 miles north-northwest of Langston.” Over the past few years “thousands of earthquakes have been recorded in Oklahoma...with many linked to the underground injection of wastewater from oil and natural gas production.” Regulators in the state “have directed several oil and gas producers in the state to close injection wells or reduce volumes.” Additional Reading. • Video: World’s Largest GeyserErupts At Yellowstone National Park. Newsweek (3/19, Bartels). Opinion Pieces FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000524 All Hail Ryan Zinke, Our Imperial Viceroy. In his Washington Post (3/19, Milbank), Dana Milbank blasts Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s job performance, saying he runs the Department like “a 19th-century colonial governor or imperial viceroy.” Zinke “assigned a staffer to hoist a special secretarial flag whenever he enters Interior Department headquarters,” and he “commissioned a commemorative coin with his name on it.” Milbank also criticizes Zinke for spending “tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars...on private plane and helicopter rides.” Veteran Questions Zinke’s “Attack On The Antiquities Act”. In an op-ed for the Missoula Current (MT) (3/19, Jarvenic), Michael Jarnevic, a retired U.S, Army sergeant major, writes that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s “proposals to shrivel multiple national monuments is nothing more than caving to the nefarious interests of the extractive resource industry — an industry that has been a consistent foe of wildlife and wildlands.” Jarnevic asks if this is “the way Zinke wants to be remembered? Zinke as the ‘great desecrator’ and the self-absorbed footman to the corporate giants?” Commentary: Will The Future Of Southeast Utah Be As A National Monument Or An Oil Rig? In an op-ed for the Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (3/19, Capelin), Beverly Capelin, founder and mission director of Deer Hill Expeditions, warns that “southeast Utah, home to one of the most culturally and archaeologically complex landscapes in the country, is on the brink of being replaced by a different kind of legacy: oil and gas development.” On Tuesday, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is “scheduled to offer oil and gas leases on public lands, specifically targeting the doorstep of Bears Ears National Monument – or what used to be the boundary of the national monument.” Those at Deer Hill “believe there are areas where energy development is appropriate, but cultural landscapes interwoven with a dozen ancient community centers, dating back 900 years, are not.” Capelin urges Zinke “to take a hard look at the cultural and recreational interests in southeast Utah so he can come to the inevitable conclusion that oil and gas leasing does not belong among archaeological preserves.” Editorial: Drones Offer A New Tool To Firefighters. In an editorial, the Albany (OR) Democrat-Herald (3/19) says that “firefighters are excited about how drones — those unmanned aircraft that can offer a wealth of information about fire conditions — can help battle these blazes.” The paper notes that the Interior Department’s “increasing use of drones to gather information about wildfires is part of the department’s growing reliance on the vehicles for other uses as well, such as drawing maps or surveying wildlife: In total in 2017, the department flew nearly 5,000 drone flights, up from about 750 the year before.” The editorial is glad to “see progress in this area, because there isn’t any FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000525 progress apparent in Congress on the issue on how best to pay for firefighting costs.” Additional Reading. • If This Arizona Energy Plant Shuts Down, The Consequences Will Be Dire. Daily Caller (3/19, Stevens). • Congress Must Reject Westlands Settlement As Unjust To Hoopa Tribe. San Francisco Chronicle (3/19, Jackson). • Yes, Interior Secretary Zinke’s Comments To Rep. Hanabusa Were Racist. Maui (HI) Time Weekly (3/19, Pignataro). • Guest View: Monumental Battles – Protecting Sacred Tribal Lands. Billings (MT) Gazette (3/19, Mills). • Dan K. Thomasson: Land Of Beauty Threatened By Oil And Gas Leases. Bristol (VA) Herald Courier (3/19, Thomasson). • Editorial: It’s Past Time To Set Buffer Zone Around Chaco Canyon. Albuquerque (NM) Journal (3/20). • Congress Must Renew Funding For Vital Environmental Programs. Elizabethtown (NY) Sun Community News (3/19, Stefanik, Tavares). • Monday Editorial: Hispanic Leadership Award Winners Are An Inspiring Group. Florida Times-Union (3/19). • African Trophy Species Need Legal Protection. Salem (OH) News (3/19). • Trump Must Not Permit Elephant Trophy Imports. Youngstown (OH) Vindicator (3/20). • RECLAIM Act Won’t Meaningfully Help Coal Communities. Pottstown (PA) Mercury (3/19, Loris). • Ryan Zinke Wrong That Trump Proposal Would Be Biggest Ever For Public Lands. PolitiFact (3/19, Jacobson). Top National News Trump Unveils Strategy To Fight Opioid Crisis Including Border Security, Death Penalty For Traffickers. Local media coverage painted a largely favorable picture of the President’s remarks about the opioid epidemic during a visit to Manchester, New Hampshire, while national outlets cast them as overly focused on law enforcement and lacking on the treatment/prevention side. The Washington Post (3/19, Wagner, Zezima), for example, reports that Trump’s “focus on punitive measures alarmed some in the public health community, who fear it will overshadow proposals...for prevention and treatment,” and Politico (3/19, Diamond, Ehley) that “public health experts and lawmakers...worry Trump’s harsh immigration rhetoric and focus on law enforcement...will overshadow bipartisan treatment and prevention measures.” NBC Nightly News (3/19, story 6, 2:05, Snow), meanwhile, interviewed Chief Ed Garone of the Derry Police Department, who said of Trump’s death penalty comments, “I don’t know if we should spend a lot of FOIA001:02716127 ---- EXT-18-2336-E-000526 energy on that. I think meaningful sentencing will help.” NBC went on to talk Susan Markovitz, who had attended the speech and whose son Chad “starting using pills in eighth grade” and “at 25 died of a heroin overdose.” Markovitz was shown saying, “There’s only so many recovery centers. If they can’t get funding and they have to shut their doors, we’re going to be way worse that we ever were.” NBC also noted the views of “Alexa,” a “recovering heroin addict” who “voted for Mr. Trump but is skeptical” of his plans to launch an ad campaign warning against the dangers of drugs. Said Alexa, “We already did the war on drugs and it didn’t work.” The speech generated extensive coverage, including reports on all three major network broadcasts and numerous stories on local TV newscasts and national and regional print outlets. The story was not, however, a significant topic of discussion on evening cable shows, which largely focused on the Russia investigation. Across the board, reports on Trump’s remarks highlight his call for greater penalties for drug dealers – including the death penalty “where it’s appropriate under current law” – as well as his efforts to link his border security proposals to the opioid crisis. Fox News (3/19, Leventhal), for example, reported shortly after the speech that Trump “gave a list of things he wants to put in place to try to tackle this head on,” including “eliminating sanctuary cities,” which he said “are sheltering the most dangerous people – the drug dealers, the drug traffickers.” Trump also said “the border wall is very important,” and that he “believes...that wall...will prevent the drugs from getting in here across the southern border.” NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff quickly took issue with Trump’s view on MSNBC (3/19), saying that Trump “goes out there and he talks about the idea that a border wall is going to stop people from dying of fentanyl in the United States. The reality is: number one, most of the drugs that come across the southern border from Mexico...are coming through legal ports of the entry,” and “that’s according to his own DEA. ... And number two, the fentanyl is coming directly to New Hampshire...from China through his own United States Postal Service.” The New Hampshire Union Leader (3/19, Feely), meanwhile, reports Trump’s plan “includes three main pieces: reducing the over-prescription of, and demand for, opioids; cutting off the supply of illegal drugs inside the US and crossing the country’s borders; and increasing the number of treatment and recovery services available.” The Union Leader quotes Trump as saying, “This scourge of drug addiction in America will stop. ... It will stop. Failure is not an option. We will raise a drug-free generation of American children.” WHDH-TV Boston (3/19, 9:03 p.m. EDT) noted that Trump “said the drug issue could only be resolved with brains, resolve and...toughness.” Trump was shown saying, “We’ll be tough. We’ll be smart. We’ll be kind. We’ll be loving. We’ll do whatever we have to do, but we are going to win.” WHDH added that Trump “is giving himself two terms to solve the opioid problem.” Trump said, “I want to win this battle. I don’t want to leave at the end of seven years and have this problem.” WWLP￾FOIA001:02716127 . __ EXT-18-2336-E-000527 TV Springfield, MA (3/19, 5:24 p.m. EDT), meanwhile, showed Trump saying, “Addiction is not our future; we will liberate our country from this crisis.” WCVB-TV Boston (3/19, 5:04 p.m. EDT) reported that Trump “largely stayed on topic, except when he bashed Democrats over his proposed southern border wall and DACA.” The President was shown saying, “Ninety percent of the heroin in America comes from the southern border where eventually the Democrats will agree with us and we’ll build the wall to keep the damn drugs out.” Breitbart (3/19, Spiering) indicates Trump’s words prompted “chants of ‘build that wall’ in the room,” while a New York Daily News (3/19, Sommerfeldt) story accuses Trump of “repeatedly blaming immigrants and Democrats for the country’s deadly opioid epidemic.” TIME (3/19, Berenson) reports “the president’s trip was billed as a non-political, policy-oriented event,” but Trump “swerved into politics during the speech, linking his opioid efforts to building a border wall, sanctuary cities and the fight over DACA in Congress.” Foster’s Daily Democrat (NH) (3/19, Dinan) recounts that Trump remembered “the victim of a fatal overdose in Portsmouth 2½ years ago, Adam James Moser,” during his appearance. The Daily Democrat adds that “a framed photo of Moser was held by his parents, Jeanne and James Moser of East Kingston, who were called to the stage of the Manchester Community College by the president.” Trump “called Adam Moser a ‘beautiful boy,’ told his parents, ‘We applaud your strength and leadership,’ then called them to the stage.” Jeanne Moser “clutched the photo of her son and said Adam was their oldest and a ‘smart kid’ who earned a degree in actuarial science, the science of risk. She said he was the kind of kid who felt good about himself, but ‘he just made a bad choice one night.’” WFXT-TV Boston (3/19, 5:02 p.m. EDT) also described how “when...Trump called that family up on stage, they were holding a photo of their son, clutching it tight to their chests, just one face of thousands they say was lost to the crisis.” Trump was shown saying, “I especially want to acknowledge all the families with us today who have endured terrible hardships because of the opioid crisis.” The New Hampshire Union Leader (3/19, Feely) reports Trump also “called for stiffer penalties for drug dealers – including the death penalty ‘where it’s appropriate under current law.’” Axios (3/19, Kight) noted that the President “went on to praise other countries who execute drug dealers, saying ‘they don’t play games,’” and the New York Times (3/19, Haberman, Goodnough, Seelye) that Trump’s comment was “an apparent reference to conversations he has described having with President Xi Jinping of China and President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, who told him that the death penalties in their countries meant there was less of a drug problem.” The CBS Evening News (3/19, story 6, 0:20, Glor), in a brief report, showed Trump saying, “If we don’t get tough on the drug dealers, we’re wasting our time. Just remember that. We’re wasting our time.” The Boston Globe (3/19, Miller) notes Trump added, “And that toughness FOIA001:02716127 •~- '----- EXT-18-2336-E-000528 includes the death penalty.” WBZ-TV Boston (3/19, 5:02 p.m. EDT) reported that “Trump’s visit to New England put the opioid crisis front and center,” and WMUR-TV Manchester, NH (3/19, Brewer) that the visit “comes as new overdose numbers have just been released for the state’s largest cities. In Manchester, overdoses through early March were up 23% from this time last year, but overdose deaths were down 27%.” WMUR added that “in Nashua, overdoses were up 28%, but deaths were down 38%.” The Washington Times (3/19, Howell) recalls that Trump “called the state a ‘drug-infested den’ in leaked transcripts of a January 2017 call with the Mexican president, which were published by The Washington Post.” However, “he talked up the state Monday, extolling Republican Gov. Christopher T. Sununu and pointing to the number of voters in the room.” WCVB-TV Boston (3/19) noted that before his speech, Trump “visited the Central Fire Station to discuss the ‘safe station’ program, which allows people to seek assistance without recrimination.” The President “hailed the ‘safe station’ as a national model before turning the stage to the chief, the governor and the mayor.” Said Sununu, “Safe Station has really become the gold standard of access points and access to treatment, which we know is one of the most critical aspects of tackling the opioid crisis.” The Boston Herald (3/19, Battenfeld) reports the First Lady also “took a rare speaking role at the event at Manchester Community College, saying, ‘I’m proud of this administration’s commitment to battling this epidemic.’” The President and First Lady “embraced and kissed on stage,” and the Herald notes “it was her first appearance with her husband since the Stormy Daniels scandal broke.” To the Herald, “the speech had all the trappings of a campaign event, and its importance was highlighted by the presence of Melania, who spoke before her husband on stage.” Bloomberg News (3/19, Sink) notes Trump was also “joined on the trip by embattled Attorney General Jeff Sessions, whom the president has repeatedly and publicly criticized for having recused himself from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election.” Sessions “has been subject to rumors that he could be among the next top￾level administration officials to lose their jobs after the departure last week of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.” On ABC World News Tonight (3/19, story 4, 0:40, Muir), Cecilia Vega similarly noted that “right there in the crowd” was Trump’s “embattled attorney general,” who for the moment was “in the President’s good graces.” Trump was shown saying, “Jeff Sessions, who’s here with us now, feels so strongly about this.” NPR (3/19, Horsley) reported Sessions later said in a statement, “At the Department of Justice, we have made ending the drug epidemic a priority. ... We will continue to aggressively prosecute drug traffickers and we will use federal law to seek the death penalty wherever appropriate.” The New York Post (3/19, Fredericks) notes Trump had “stressed prevention programs and treatment for those already addicted,” and FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000529 “suggested public service commercials and programs that would scare people away from addictive drugs.” Said Trump, “This is something that I have been very strongly in favor of, spending a lot of money on great commercials showing how so that kids seeing those on television shows or on the internet, when they see these commercials, they say ‘I don’t want any part of it.’” Along those lines, the AP (3/19) reports the President “vowed to help create ‘a generation of drug-free children.’” Another AP (3/19) dispatch indicates he also “announced a new website – crisisnextdoor.gov – that warned of the dangers of opioids, including fentanyl.” Moreover, WMUR-TV Manchester, NH (3/19, 5:01 p.m. EDT) reported, Trump “once again signaled a willingness to take on major drug manufacturers with a federal opioid lawsuit.” Trump was shown saying, “Some states are already bringing it , but we’re thinking about bringing it in at a very high federal level, and we’ll do the job.” The Portland (ME) Press Herald (3/19, Thisle) notes Trump also “said doctors would play a key role and vowed to see the number of painkiller prescriptions cut by a third under his administration.” The President went on to announce “a new program by the maker of the life-saving overdose antidote naloxone, known largely by it’s brand name Narcan, bringing Mike Kelly, the president of Adapt Pharma to the stage to announce the company would be providing free doses of the antidote to US high schools, colleges and universities.” USA Today (3/19) writes that Trump’s “call for emulating countries that execute drug dealers garnered most of the headlines,” but “at least on the prevention side of the problem, the president was on to something when he said that ‘the best way to beat the drug crisis is to keep people from getting hooked on drugs to begin with.’” Patrice Harris, chair of the American Medical Association Opioid Task Force and a practicing psychiatrist in Atlanta, responds in USA Today (3/19) that doctors “accept and embrace our professional responsibility to treat our patients’ pain and advocate for solutions that work. We are doing precisely that.” Ahead of the President’s trip to New Hampshire, HHS Secretary Azar said on Fox News’ Fox & Friends (3/19, 7:19 a.m. ET), “The President today is laying out very bold action and historic goals to stop this crisis dead in its tracks. He is saying within three years, we will reduce the prescribing of legal opioids by one third, and within five years, all federal healthcare reimbursement programs and all federal healthcare providers will follow the best evidence-based use of legal opioids. He has a plan.” Regarding the President’s call for the death penalty for drug dealers, Azar said, “I think this shows the seriousness with which President Trump and we take this crisis, meaning that if you are involved in the distribution of illicit drugs or if you are improperly using, selling, distributing even legal opioids, there should be serious penalties attached and serious enforcement attached to all of that.” Media Analyses, Some Commentators Skeptical Of Death Penalty FOIA001:02716127 -- ----- EXT-18-2336-E-000530 Component In Trump Strategy. The Boston Globe (3/19, Miller) reports that “critics have warned that the president’s effort” to use the death penalty against certain traffickers “might be ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, which in 2008 limited the death penalty to crimes that result in a victim’s death or crimes against the state, like treason, espionage or terrorism.” Moreover, says Reuters (3/19, Rampton, Holland), calls for “the execution of drug dealers” have “so far...gained little support in Congress, amid criticism from some drug abuse and criminal justice experts.” Van Jones said on CNN’s Newsroom (3/19) that when he visited West Virginia recently, he met with sheriffs and pastors and “nobody is saying what we really need is the death penalty for drug dealers. I don’t know where he’s getting that stuff. That is 180 degrees from what the people on the ground are saying. ... This death penalty thing is a complete nonstarter and it’s divisive and it’s stupid. I think it’s an offense to the people who are really trying to solve this problem.” WWLP-TV Springfield, MA (3/19, 5:24 p.m. EDT) reported Trump said “the Justice Department will even seek the death penalty for drug pushers,” an idea the ACLU said in a statement is “unconstitutional and absurd.” WGGB-TV Springfield, MA (3/19, 6:23 p.m. EDT) also said “some treatment advocates oppose the idea, saying there is no way the US can punish its way out of the epidemic.” On ABC World News Tonight (3/19, story 6, 0:45, Muir), Cecilia Vega was asked about the President’s call to use the death penalty against certain drug traffickers. To the question, “How does the President plan to make this happen?” Vega replied that “it appears that he wants to enforce certain laws on the books that are not currently being used.” The New York Times (3/19, Haberman, Goodnough, Seelye), however, reports “White House officials would not answer what type of hypothetical case would involve the death penalty, referring questions to the Justice Department.” Meanwhile, “civil liberties lawyers were highly critical of Mr. Trump’s endorsement of the death penalty for traffickers and said it would be unworkable.” USA Today (3/19, Korte) similarly indicates that Trump “did not give any specifics about how his administration would enforce the death penalty, but Kellyanne Conway told reporters on Air Force One that the death penalty would apply to ‘very specific high-level cases.’” An AP (3/19, Gurman) analysis of Trump’s death penalty plans asks, “Can he do that?” Its response is “maybe. Trump isn’t proposing a new law, but is encouraging the Justice Department to enforce existing laws more vigorously.” However, “no administration, Democratic or Republican, has ever pursued and secured a death sentence under those laws.” Shaheen, Pelosi Say Strategy Lacks Sufficient Funding. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said on CNN’s The Lead (3/19), “We need resources. We need to get people into treatment. Frankly, to have a death penalty that after all the appeals, 20 years down the road, might make a difference at putting some drug dealer behind bars, and putting them away, is not going to help FOIA001:02716127 '------ EXT-18-2336-E-000531 with the immediate crisis that we’re facing. What we need the President to do is to make good on his rhetoric. And we’ve heard a lot from the President in New Hampshire. We’ve heard him talk during the campaign about what needed to be done to address this opioid epidemic. Then we heard him go after New Hampshire because of the challenges that we are facing. But what we haven’t heard him do is to put the resources behind his rhetoric, to say, ‘This is a crisis and I’m going on put everything I’ve got against it.’” Voice of America (3/19, Chang) reports House Minority Leader Pelosi “warned that the president’s proposals need funding or they will end up being ‘more broken promises from the Trump administration.’” Said Pelosi, “Trump’s budget called for staggering cuts to Medicaid, CDC, and mental health and substance abuse funding that is essential to helping families afford treatment and overcome the tragedy of opioid addiction. ... He has worked to destroy the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion and allow the sale of junk health insurance plans that do not cover substance abuse treatment. And now, President Trump darkly flirts with imposing the death penalty for drug crimes.” Along those lines, the Los Angeles Times (3/19, Bierman, Levey) reports the President announced his plan “even as his administration continues to push significant cuts to healthcare assistance used to combat addiction,” and adds that the White House “proposal lacks details on federal spending, however.” The Times adds that “the administration’s separate proposals for major cuts to Medicaid, the chief source of funds for people seeking treatment for drug addiction, are causing advocates to question the president’s commitment.” The New York Times (3/19, Haberman, Goodnough, Seelye), meanwhile, says Trump “offered up more tough talk than he did specifics about his plan, or how he would pay for it.” Trump To Unveil $60 Billion Tariff Package Against China. The Washington Post (3/19, Paletta, Mufson, Dawsey) reports that “four senior administration officials” have confirmed that President Trump plans to unveil a tariff package by Friday that will impose “$60 billion in annual tariffs against China, following through on a long-time threat that he says will punish China for intellectual property infringement and create more American jobs.” The package may apply to “more than 100 products, which Trump argues were developed by using trade secrets the Chinese stole from US companies or forced them to hand over in exchange for market access.” The Post says the situation is “fluid” and notes that the President has previously “backed off economic threats at the last minute.” Reuters (3/19, Shepardson, Holland, Lawder) cites a “business source, who has discussed the issue with the administration,” who “said that the China tariffs may be subject to a public comment period, which would delay their effective date and allow industry groups and companies to lodge objections.” That approach “would be considerably different from the quick implementation of the steel and aluminum tariffs, which are set FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000532 to go into effect on March 23, just 15 days after President Donald Trump signed the proclamations.” Krugman: Administration Hanging On To “Zombie Ideas”On International Economics. Paul Krugman writes in the New York Times (3/19) that since “globalists” like Gary Cohn have left the Administration, “all the people advising Trump on international economics are, like those advising him on everything else, in thrall to zombie ideas. ... You might say that when it comes to international trade, Trumpworld is heading for a kind of zombie civil war.” The “neo-mercantilists – people like Peter Navarro, Trump’s trade czar...see world trade as a tale of winners and losers: Countries with trade surpluses win; those with trade deficits lose.” The “neo￾goldbugs...think that a nation’s strength can be measured by the strength of its currency, and refuse to see any downside in a strong dollar, never see any reason a weaker dollar might be needed.” On international economics, Krugman adds, the Administration “is now on track for a battle of the zombies – a fight between two sets of bad ideas that refuse to die.” Bipartisan Negotiations Continue Over $1.3 Trillion Spending Bill. The Washington Post (3/19, Werner, Costa, Debonis) reports “Congressional negotiators raced Monday to finalize a $1.3 trillion spending bill to keep the government running, with several thorny issues such as health care and immigration still unresolved ahead of an end-of-week deadline.” The Post adds that measure “was supposed to be released Monday night,” but “bipartisan congressional leaders remained locked in negotiations on several issues, and the eleventh-hour wrangling carried the potential to delay the bill’s release.” The Washington Times (3/19, Dinan, Sherfinski) says that as talks continue, “Trump was likely to get $1.6 billion in border security funding, which could cover one year’s worth of construction on the first sections of his border wall.” Yet “illegal immigrant ‘Dreamers’ weren’t likely to get any new protections, lawmakers said as they emerged from an evening briefing.” Meanwhile, “key Obamacare money was also likely to be dropped from the bill, while decisions about federal funding for a tunnel into New York City and restrictions on taxpayer money being used to fund abortions were still being hashed out, lawmakers said.” The Times adds “GOP leaders were pushing for a vote Wednesday on legislation that was likely to stretch into the thousands of pages, giving members little time to review what they’ll be approving.” The Senate “would also have to approve the deal, as Congress races a Friday shutdown deadline.” Politico (3/19, Ferris, Everett, Bade) also says “Trump administration and Hill GOP sources say the new spending package is unlikely to include legislation shoring up Obamacare’s insurance markets. One White House official called it a ‘heavy lift’ – even as President Donald Trump made a last￾minute push Monday to include the provision in the legislation.” Earlier yesterday, the Washington Post (3/19, Werner, Costa, Debonis) reported on its website that Trump “assured two Senate Republicans in a weekend FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000533 conference call that he wants tens of billions of dollars to lower health-care premiums included in a must-pass spending bill.” Trump made the commitment related to payments to insurers under the Affordable Care Act during “an hour-long call Saturday with Sens. Lamar Alexander and Susan Collins, according to three people briefed on the conversation.” The Washington Examiner (3/19, Ferrechio) says “Congress is struggling to find agreement over several dozen ‘riders’ on a $1.2 trillion omnibus spending package that must pass by Friday midnight,” and USA Today (3/19, Shesgreen) that the bill “would fund the government through Sept. 30, the end of the nation’s fiscal year.” According to a Bloomberg News (3/19, Litvan) posted earlier Monday, “conservative Republicans are poised to lose another fiscal fight this week” as House Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell “plan to rely on Democratic help to push the bill through over the conservatives’ objections.” House Freedom Caucus leader Mark Meadows said, “I don’t have a whole lot of optimism that there will be any significant conservative wins.” Meadows, however, “predicted that many of his colleagues will support the measure,” because they “believe the military needs more funding and the increased domestic spending is a price that must be paid.” The Hill (3/19, Zanona) too says that “some conservatives have balked at the price tag of the omnibus,” but “appropriators are hopeful that they will be able to resolve any outstanding issues and attract enough bipartisan support to avoid a government shutdown by Friday’s deadline.” A later update on The Hill (3/19, Lillis) indicated that “the path to a bipartisan deal remains hindered by a handful of tough issues still to be ironed out, according to numerous sources familiar with the talks.” For example, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC), “chairman of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, on Monday...singled out the Gateway funding as a continued barrier to a deal.” The President “has threatened to veto the omnibus package if it includes the Gateway project.” The Wall Street Journal (3/19, Peterson, Armour), meanwhile, sees healthcare and immigration as the main issues in dispute as the funding deadline nears, and the AP (3/19, Taylor) points to “though disputes...over immigration, abortion and a massive rail project.” Agreement To Curb Sexual Harassment On Hill Unlikely To Be In Spending Bill. Politico (3/19, Schor, Caygle) reports that a “bipartisan, bicameral agreement to overhaul Capitol Hill’s oft-criticized workplace misconduct system is unlikely to get attached to a government spending bill that must pass by week’s end to avoid a shutdown, according to multiple sources tracking the issue.” Politico says the “sudden shift in the fate of the Hill harassment measure...jeopardizes its chances of getting signed into law” by the President. WSJournal Criticizes Republicans Considering A Lifeline ForACA. The Wall Street Journal (3/19) laments in an editorial that Republicans may include funding in the omnibus bill to preserve the Affordable Care Act through the 2020 election, arguing that Republicans lawmakers are FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000534 seeking to preserve their own political futures by keeping the law alive. Ahead Of Friday Deadline, White House And Democrats Seek To Break DACA Deadlock. The Hill (3/19, Carney) reports the White House and congressional Democrats are “struggling to break a stalemate on immigration, with both sides rejecting competing proposals over the weekend.” According to a source, the Administration “pitched a deal to include $25 billion in border wall funding and a two-and-a-half-year extension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in a mammoth government funding bill, but Democrats rejected the offer.” The source added that Democrats “countered by offering $25 billion in border wall funding in exchange for a pathway to citizenship” for the “Dreamers,” but the White House “said no.” Politico (3/19, Everett) says the “impasse shows how far apart the two sides are ahead of a Friday deadline to fund the government: This could be Trump’s best chance to get wall money, particularly if Democrats win back the House this fall.” Trump: Democrats Unwilling To Make Deal. The Washington Examiner (3/19, Mayfield) reports that in a tweet Monday night, President Trump “called out Democrats...claiming they are unwilling to make a deal surrounding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.” Trump tweeted, “The Democrats do not want to help DACA. Would be so easy to make a deal.” US, South Korea, Japan Discuss North Korea Denuclearization. The AP (3/19, Kim) reports that top US, South Korean and Japanese officials “discussed how to achieve the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula during weekend talks ahead of upcoming inter-Korean and US-North Korean summits, Seoul said Monday.” National Security Adviser McMaster met his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Chung Eui-yong and Shotaro Yachi, in San Francisco for talks over the weekend on denuclearization and the summit talks, South Korea’s presidential office said in a statement. According to the statement, they “agreed to maintain close trilateral cooperation in the next several weeks and shared a view that it’s important not to repeat past mistakes,” but didn’t elaborate. The Washington Times (3/19, Boyer) notes “a senior North Korean diplomat, meanwhile, flew to Finland on Sunday for talks with former US officials as well as American and South Korean civilian academics.” The meeting, “set for Tuesday and Wednesday, is a possible opportunity to examine the North’s sincerity about its denuclearization pledges.” The Washington Post (3/19, Nakamura) reports that “even under the best of circumstances, President Trump’s planned summit with North Korea’s leader would be a daunting challenge,” but the Administration, “that might be the least of its worries. In the breakneck rush to prepare Trump for his meeting with Kim Jong Un in May, the White House is overseeing a frantic scramble to resolve even the most fundamental FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000535 questions on the US side: Where will the summit be? Who will be at the table? What should be on the agenda?” Officials have “about 2½ months to figure it out – a rapid timetable, especially given the tumult roiling the White House.” In a private event with campaign donors last week, Trump “boasted that he was willing to take risks that his predecessors – George W. Bush and Barack Obama – were not.” US, South Korea To Resume JointExercises. The New York Times (3/19, Cooper) reports the US and South Korea “will resume their annual joint military exercises on April 1, the Pentagon announced Monday, restarting drills that have aroused the ire of North Korea and were suspended during the Olympics and Paralympics.” The Times adds that “Washington and Seoul had agreed to delay the drills after South and North Korea announced they were beginning a diplomatic rapprochement, with the North sending a delegation to the Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.” The Washington Post (3/19, Lamothe) says “the exercises have typically outraged the North Korean regime.” WSJournal A1: Critics Warn North Korean Regime Benefiting From Faith￾Based AidWorkers’Increased Role. In a front-page analysis, the Wall Street Journal (3/19, A1, Lyons, Cheng) says the international campaign to combat Kim’s aggressive nuclear missile program by targeting commerce and reducing foreign aid has largely shifted humanitarian efforts to faith￾based organizations. Aid workers maintain that North Korean civilians are in dire need of medical and food assistance, but critics warn that their attempts to reverse anti-American sentiment may backfire and benefit the next generation of North Korean computer hackers, missile scientists, and the regime itself by allowing it to spend even more money on programs that threaten the US and allied nations. Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “America’s Role In Yemen’s Agony Can End On Capitol Hill.”In an editorial, the New York Times (3/19) says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting the US to promote “his image as an enlightened reformer out to modernize his conservative country and encourage foreign investment,” but that image has been “stained by his chief foreign policy initiative, the humanitarian catastrophe that is the war in Yemen, in which at least 10,000 civilians have been killed, many as a result of indiscriminate airstrikes by the Saudis and their Persian Gulf partners.” The Times says President Trump should not be expected to “persuade him to halt the war,” but a “bipartisan resolution,” which would end “American military involvement in Yemen within 30 days unless Congress formally authorizes it, could face a Senate vote as early as Tuesday.” The Times argues that this resolution would “curtail what they view as unchecked presidential warmaking powers,” while forcing much-needed, “serious debate and accountability.” “Facebook Leaves Its Users’Privacy Vulnerable.”In an editorial, the FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000536 New York Times (3/19) says, “Lawmakers and regulators also ought to investigate Facebook’s response,” beginning with taking “a close look at whether the company is in violation of a 2011 consent decree with the Federal Trade Commission, which had accused it of deceiving users by telling them their information would be kept private and then allowing it to be shared and made public. They also need to force the company to quickly identify and alert the tens of millions of people whose information might have been disclosed to Cambridge.” The Times adds that “Congress clearly needs to strengthen privacy laws to give people more control over private information and prevent businesses and political campaigns from harvesting personal data under false pretenses.” “The Wrong People Are Criticizing Donald Trump.”A New York Times (3/19) editorial argues that Republicans “should be pushing back on [President] Trump now in part to keep him from firing [special counsel Robert] Mueller, a move that could strain our institutions past their breaking point. Even better, they should pass legislation protecting Mr. Mueller from being fired without good cause.” “Investigate Killings In The Philippines.”In an editorial, the New York Times (3/19) urges the International Criminal Court to continue its investigation into the more than 8,000 extrajudicial killings under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. The Times says Duterte’s “belated attempt to elude the court” on Wednesday by threatening to withdraw the Philippines from the ICC “should only spur it to greater efforts.” The Times says Duterte’s campaign may have “began as a war on drugs,” but it has since “expanded to include Mr. Duterte’s critics, including the media and international human rights organizations,” and the ICC “is supposed to step in if national courts don’t bring to justice perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.” Washington Post. “Trump’s Attacks On Law Enforcement Are Escalating. Here’s How Republicans Could Protect Mueller.”Arguing that President Trump’s attacks on special counsel Robert Mueller “have become more aggressive in recent days,” the Washington Post (3/19) says in an editorial that it is “urgent” for House Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell to “act to deter Mr. Trump from a catastrophic decision to fire Mr. Mueller.” “Putin’s Next Term Could Be Even More Dangerous.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/19) says that “like...Trump, Mr. Putin has promised to raise economic growth above 3 percent from its current level of under 2 percent. But with oil prices flat and Western sanctions increasing in response to provocations like this month’s nerve-agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain, that appears unlikely. Similarly, Mr. Putin has on several occasions declared Russia’s intervention in Syria a mission accomplished,” but “the war doesn’t appear likely to end anytime soon.” To the Post, “these troubles could make Mr. Putin more rather than less dangerous,” and “only forceful Western action will deter Mr. Putin.” For FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000537 example, “Ukrainian forces should be supplied with more weapons, and cyberattacks should be answered.” “Virginia’s Medicaid Impasse, Courtesy OfThe GOP.”In an editorial, the Washington Post (3/19) criticizes Virginia State Senate Republicans who have “dug in their heels once again to oppose a Medicaid expansion that would extend health insurance to roughly 400,000 citizens,” noting that their position is not only at odds with public opinion and “many of the GOP members in the House of Delegates,” and but “heedless of hard-working Virginians for whom there is no health-care alternative save the emergency room.” Wall Street Journal. “Life Support For Obamacare.”The Wall Street Journal (3/19) laments in an editorial that Republicans may include funding in the omnibus bill to preserve ObamaCare through the 2020 election, arguing that Republicans lawmakers are seeking to preserve their own political futures by keeping the law alive. “Facebook Joins The Club.”In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal (3/19) says that while progressives protected large tech companies during Obama’s presidency, liberals are now sounding the alarm after the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica controversy. The Journal says the shift occurred because of Cambridge Analytica’s ties to the Trump campaign. “The Senate’s Iran Helpers.”A Wall Street Journal (3/19) editorial encourages US lawmakers to reject a push by Sens. Bernie Sanders, Mike Lee, and Chris Murphy to vote on a measure “to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress” – namely, the Saudi-backed campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The Journal says the proposal would benefit Iran to the detriment of Saudi Arabia – a key US counterterrorism ally – and calls on senators to instead consider an alternative resolution introduced by Sens. Todd Young and Jeanne Shaheen. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: Facebook Is Pummeled by User-Data Blowback Aramco Scales Back IPO Plan, Eyes Saudi-Only Listing Uber Suspends Driverless-Car Program After Pedestrian Death The Last Americans in North Korea: Christian Missionaries New York Times: Facebook Executive Planning To Leave Company Amid Disinformation Backlash Cambridge Analytica, Trump-Tied Political Firm, Offered To Entrap Politicians FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000538 Soldier In Bloody Niger Mission Had Warned Of Gaps, Defense Officials Say Promotions, Not Punishments For Officers Accused Of Lying Self-Driving Uber Car Kills Pedestrian In Arizona, Where Robots Roam 5 Years Ago Luigi Di Maio Was Living At Home. Now He May Lead Italy. Washington Post: Trump Hires Lawyer Who Sees An FBI Conspiracy Latest Bomb Shifts Worries Data Mining Stirs Wider Questions For Facebook From Rio Official To Global Symbol Global Symbol Of Racial Oppression Trump To Impose Tariffs On China Self-Driving Vehicle Kills Pedestrian Financial Times: UK And EU Agree Terms Of Transition Uber Halts Self-Drive Tests After Autonomous Car Kills Pedestrian Facebook Takes $35bn Battering As Backlash Rises Over Data Harvest Claims Washington Times: Trump Campaign’s Use Of Facebook Data Routine, First Employed By Obama Anti-Farrakhan Resolution Prompts Black Delegation Call To Condemn Trump Instead Republicans Punt On Conservative Spending Demands In Bid To Woo Democrats Driverless Uber Kills Pedestrian In Arizona; Company Halts Autonomous Tests Poroshenko, Ukraine’s Political Elite Engaged In Campaign To Silence, Jail Dissenters, Activist Says Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: Texas-Serial Bomber; Weather Forecast; Facebook-Cambridge Analytica; Opioid Crisis-Trump; Russia Investigation-Trump; Opioid Crisis￾Trump; Gone Girl Kidnapping Case; SCOTUS-Pennsylvania Congressional Map; Arizona-Autonomous Vehicle Accident; Bermuda-American Found Dead; NY Gubernatorial Race-Cynthia Nixon. CBS: Texas-Serial Bomber; Arizona-Autonomous Vehicle Accident; Weather Forecast; Facebook-Cambridge Analytica; Russia Investigation￾Trump; Opioid Crisis-Trump; Bermuda-American Found Dead; Putin Reelected; Mississippi-Accidental Shooting Case; Iraq Helicopter Crash-US Victims’ Funeral; Cirque Du Soleil Accident. NBC: Texas-Serial Bomber; Arizona-Autonomous Vehicle Accident; Weather Forecast; Facebook-Cambridge Analytica; Russia Investigation￾Trump; Opioid Crisis-Trump; Cirque Du Soleil Accident; Iraq Helicopter Crash-US Victims’ Funeral; Bermuda-American Found Dead; Claire’s Files FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000539 For Bankruptcy; NY Gubernatorial Race-Cynthia Nixon. Network TVAt A Glance: Facebook-Cambridge Analytica – 9 minutes, 50 seconds Texas-Serial Bomber – 8 minutes, 20 seconds Russia Investigation-Trump – 5 minutes, 35 seconds Arizona-Autonomous Vehicle Accident – 5 minutes, 25 seconds Opioid Crisis-Trump – 3 minutes, 50 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Severe Weather; Facebook-Cambridge Analytica; Arizona￾Autonomous Vehicle Accident; Bermuda-American Found Dead. CBS: Texas-Serial Bomber; Arizona-Autonomous Vehicle Accident; Severe Weather; Wall Street. FOX: Texas-Serial Bomber; Florida-Cruz Brother Arrested; Arizona￾Autonomous Vehicle Accident; Severe Weather; Opioid Crisis-Trump; Weinstein Company Bankruptcy; Mississippi-Abortion Law Passed; SCOTUS￾Pennsylvania Congressional Map; Wall Street. NPR: Texas-Serial Bomber; SCOTUS-Pennsylvania Congressional Map; Weinstein Company Bankruptcy; Clair’s Files For Bankruptcy; Tronc Chairman Retires. Washington Schedule Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — President Trump welcomes Saudi crown prince to the White House. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — Vice President Pence keynotes National Ag Day. FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP — Melania Trump holds roundtable with tech industry leaders on impacts of the internet on children. US Senate: 8:45 AM Save the Children Advocacy Summit Congressional Breakfast – Save the Children Advocacy Summit concludes with Congressional Breakfast. Speakers over the summit’s three days include Independent Sen. Angus King, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, Republican Reps. Hal Rogers and Kevin Yoder, Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Heather Nauert, Cook National Political Report National Editor Amy Walter, Ballmer Group Managing Director Jeff Edmondson, and Save the Children President and CEO Carolyn Miles, U.S. Programs and Advocacy Senior Vice President Mark Shriver, and Save the Children Action Network President Kris Perry. 9:30 AM Hearing on ‘United States Strategic Command’, with testimony from U.S. Strategic Command Commander Gen. John Hyten. 10:00 AM Senate Finance Committee considers HHS nominees – Nominations hearing considers John Bartrum to be Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services; and Lynn Johnson to be Assistant Secretary of FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000540 Health and Human Services for Family Support. 10:00 AM Hearing on ‘The Need to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act’. 10:00 AM Senate Public Works subcommittee considers TVA nominee – Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee nominations hearing considers John Ryder to be a Tennessee Valley Authority Member of the Board of Directors. 10:00 AM Energy Secretary Perry testifies to Senate committee hearing on FY’19 budget – Hearing ‘To Examine the President’s Budget Request for the Department of Energy for Fiscal Year 2019’, with testimony from Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. 10:30 AM Senate Foreign Relations Committee Business Meeting – Business Meeting, with agenda including ‘S. Res. 85, A resolution calling on the Government of Iran to fulfill repeated promises of assistance in the case of Robert Levinson, the longest held United States civilian in our Nation’s history’, ‘S. Res. 426, A resolution supporting the goals of International Women’s Day’, ‘H.R.1660 – Global Health Innovation Act of 2017’; treaties; and the nominations of Erik Bethel to be U.S. Alternate Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Kevin Edward Moley to be Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, Josephine Olsen to be Peace Corps Director, Robert Pence to be U.S. Ambassador to Finland, Dr. Judy Shelton to be U.S. Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Trevor Traina to be U.S. Ambassador to Austria, and Andrea Thompson to be Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. 12:15 PM Senate Intel Committee Members to Hold Press Conference Tuesday to Preview Election Security Findings – Speakers: Senate Intel Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC); Senate Intel Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA); Senator Susan Collins (R-ME); Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM); Senator James Lankford (R-OK); Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA). 2:30 PM Closed Briefing: Intelligence Matters. 2:30 PM Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on USMC modernization – Seapower Subcommittee hearing on ‘Marine Corps Ground Modernization’, with testimony from Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Expeditionary Programs and Logistics Management Jimmy Smith; and U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, Marine Corps Combat Development Command Commanding General, and U.S. Marine Forces Strategic Command Commander Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh. 2:30 PM Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on the Takata airbag recall – Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security Subcommittee hearing on ‘Update on NHTSA and Automaker Efforts to Repair Defective Takata Air Bag Inflators’, with testimony from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Deputy Administrator Heidi FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000541 King; Independent Monitor of Takata and the Coordinated Remedy Program John Buretta; Independent Testing Coalition Project Director David Kelly; Key Safety Systems Senior Vice President and CFO Joe Perkins; Honda North America Executive Vice President Rick Schostek; and Ford Motor Company Automotive Safety Office Global Director Desi Ujkashevic. US House: Tuesday, Mar. 20 Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill – Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill, hosted by Congressional Brain Injury Task Force co-chairs Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell and Republican Rep. Thomas Rooney, and featuring a brain injury awareness day fair, congressional briefing, and reception. 9:00 AM First annual HBCU STEAM Day of Action on Capitol Hill – Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Caucus host first annual HBCU STEAM Day of Action on Capitol Hill, bringing HBCU presidents and administrators and industry leaders to Capitol Hill to meet Members of Congress and senior staff from both parties and in both chambers to advocate for bipartisan priorities impacting HBCUs and increased efforts to diversify the workforce. Speakers include Republican Rep. Will Hurd * Open press events held in Rm 188, Russell Senate Office Bldg. and Rm 902, Hart Senate Office Bldg.. 9:30 AM Commerce Secretary Ross testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee on budget – Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee ‘FY19 Budget Hearing – Department of Commerce’, with testimony from Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross 9:30 AM HUD Secretary Carson testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee on budget – Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on ‘FY19 Budget – Department of Housing and Urban Development’, with testimony from Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson.. 9:45 AM ‘Redistricting Revolution in the Courts: Impact on Congress’ Common Cause Congressional briefing – ‘Redistricting Revolution in the Courts: Impact on Congress’ Common Cause redistricting panel briefing on Capitol Hill, discussing ongoing redistricting litigation in multiple states, the U.S. Supreme Court cases ‘Benisek v. Lamone’ and ‘Gill v. Whitford’, other states that have been subject to redistricting litigation, and how this could all affect Congressional districts in 2018 and beyond. Participants include bipartisan Reps. Alan Lowenthal and Rod Blum, ‘Common Cause v. Rucho’ lead attorney Emmet Bondurant (who previously argued ‘Wesberry v. Sanders’ (1964)), and Common Cause Pennsylvania executive director Micah Sims 10:00 AM Congressional Black Caucus holds hearing-style briefing on FBI report on ‘Black Identity Extremism’ – Congressional Black Caucus Task Force on Foreign Affairs and National Security holds hearing-style briefing on ‘Black Identity Extremism’, examining and investigating the 2017 FBI report that asserted that ‘Black Identity Extremists’ are likely FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000542 motivated to target law enforcement officers, led by Caucus Members including Democratic Reps. Karen Bass and Marc Veasey, and featuring University of Southern California’s Errol Southers, attorney activist Nana Gyamfi, and former FBI agent Mike German. 10:00 AM Senior House Dems at ‘Puerto Rico: Six Months After Maria Roundtable Discussion’ – Democratic Rep. Nydia Velazquez holds ‘Puerto Rico: Six Months After Maria Roundtable Discussion’, bringing together lawmakers and stakeholders for to discuss the status of recovery efforts and policy priorities exactly six months after Hurricane Maria made landfall on the island. Other participants include House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, and Democratic Caucus Chair Joe Crowley, other Members of Congress, Center for Economic and Policy Research’s Mark Weisbrot, Boston Scientific-Dorado’s Paul Martin, Civic Nation’s Eric Waldo, 100 Resilient Cities’ Isabel Beltran, and Blue Morpho Creative’s Manuel Romero. 10:00 AM House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on preventable violence – Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on ‘Preventable Violence in America: An Examination of Law Enforcement Information Sharing and Misguided Public Policy’. 10:00 AM Education Secretary DeVos testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee hearing – Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on ‘FY19 Budget – Department of Education’, with testimony from Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. 10:00 AM House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on FY’19 NNSA budget – Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on ‘FY19 Budget – National Nuclear Security Administration’, with testimony from Under Secretary of Commerce for National Security and National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator Lisa Gordon-Hagerty; NNSA Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs Phil Calbos, Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Dave Huizenga; and Office of Naval Reactors’ Adm. James Caldwell. 10:00 AM House Workforce subcommittee hearing on ‘expanding affordable health care options’ – Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee hearing on ‘Expanding Affordable Health Care Options: Examining the Department of Labor’s Proposed Rule on Association Health Plans’, with testimony from Small Business Majority founder and CEO John Arensmeyer; CC Law & Policy Principal and sole shareholder Christopher Condeluci; McGrew Real Estate CEO Michael McGrew (on behalf of National Association of REALTORS); and FASTSIGNS International CEO Catherine Monson (on behalf of International Franchise Association). 10:00 AM DEA chief testifies to House Commerce subcommittee on the opioid epidemic – Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on ‘The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Role in Combating the Opioid FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000543 Epidemic’, with testimony from DEA Acting Administrator Robert Patterson. 10:00 AM Service secretaries testify to House Armed Services Committee – Hearing on ‘Assessing the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request and Acquisition Reform Progress’, with testimony from Secretary of the Army Mark Esper; Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer; and Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson. 10:15 AM Hearing on ‘Fiscal Year 2019 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Budget’.. 10:30 AM House Natural Resources subcommittee oversight hearing on FY’19 budget for Indian affairs and insular areas – Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee oversight hearing on ‘Policy Priorities for the Administration’s FY 2019 Budget for Indian Affairs and Insular Areas’. 10:30 AM Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee legislative hearing. 10:30 AM House Infrastructure subcommittee hearing on impacts of the 2017 wildfires – Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee hearing on ‘Impacts of the 2017 Wildfires in the United States’, with testimony from Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IX Administrator Robert Fenton Jr.; International Association of Fire Chiefs President and Chairman of the Board Thomas Jenkins; California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci; and Stanislaus County, CA, Deputy Fire Warden and Deputy Director of Emergency Services Eric Holly. 12:00 PM House debates Alleviating Stress Test Burdens to Help Investors Act – House of Representatives meets for legislative business, with agenda including ‘H.R. 4566 – Alleviating Stress Test Burdens to Help Investors Act’. 12:00 PM House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer regular pen-and-pad briefing. 2:00 PM House Natural Resources subcommittee legislative hearing – Federal Lands Subcommittee legislative hearing on Legislative Hearing on HR 5210, HR 2584 Tuesday, March 20, 2018 2:00 PM FL Hearing 1324 Longworth House Office Building Add to my calendar LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON: 1) H.R. 5210 (Rep. Michael K. Simpson), To establish the National Park Restoration Fund, and for other purposes. 2) H.R. 2584 (Rep. Will Hurd), To amend title 54, United States Code, to establish, fund, and provide for the use of amounts in a National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund to address the maintenance backlog of the National Park Service, and for other purposes. “National Park Service Legacy Act of 2017.” Witnesses: Republican Reps. Michael Simpson and Will Hurd; National Parks Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith; Pew Charitable Trusts Director of Restore America’s Parks Marcia Argust; Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Matt Lee-Ashley; and Motorcycle Industry Council Federal Affairs Manager Callie Hoyt. 2:00 PM House Small Business subcommittee hearing on FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000544 apprenticeships – Contracting and Workforce Subcommittee hearing on ‘Workforce Development: Advancing Apprenticeships for Small Business’, with testimony from Machine Specialties Vice President for Human Resources and Marketing Tammy Simmons; College of the Canyons Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development Jeffrey Forrest; Tooling U-SME Vice President Jeannine Kunz; and LaunchCode Executive Director Jeff Mazur. 2:00 PM House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on covered business method patents – Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet Subcommittee hearing on ‘Assessing the Effectiveness of the Transitional Program for Covered Business Method Patents’, with testimony from Government Accountability Office Director of Natural Resources and Environment John Neumann; TD Ameritrade Chief Privacy Officer and Deputy General Counsel David Hale; and BSA, The Software Alliance Vice President for Global Policy Aaron Cooper. 2:00 PM House Government Reform / Homeland Security subcommittees joint hearing on CDM – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee and House Committee on Homeland Security Information Technology Subcommittee joint hearing on ‘CDM: Government Perspectives on Security and Modernization’. 2:00 PM House Dems host forum on school safety – House Committee on Education and the Workforce Ranking Member Bobby Scott, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, and fellow Democratic Reps. Ted Deutch and Elizabeth Esty host forum to examine issues of school climate, school safety, and violence prevention, with experts and practitioners discussing research and best practices around promoting improved school climate through evidence-based preventative measures. Panelists include Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos (invited), Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School teacher and shooting survivor Stacey Lippel, University of Virginia Professor of Education Dr Dewey Cornell, and Chapin High School Principal Dr.. Akil Ross Sr. Committee Chairman Virginia Foxx and other House Republicans have also been invited to attend. 2:00 PM House Veterans Affairs subcommittee legislative hearing – Economic Opportunity Subcommittee legislative hearing on legislation including a draft bill entitled ‘VA Home Loan Improvement Act of 2018’. 2:00 PM House Financial Services subcommittee hearing on terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime – Terrorism and Illicit Finance Subcommittee hearing on ‘Exploring the Financial Nexus of Terrorism, Drug Trafficking, and Organized Crime’, with testimony from Center for a Secure Free Society Executive Director Joseph Humire; Pen￾Link Executive Director of Government Relations Derek Maltz; National Defense University William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies Professor of the Practice of National Security Affairs Celina Realuyo; and George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government Professor FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000545 Dr. Louise Shelley.. 2:00 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on submarine construction – Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee hearing on ‘Submarine Industrial Base: Options for Construction’, with testimony from Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition James Geurts; Department of the Navy Program Executive Officer for Submarines Rear Adm. Michael Jabaley; and U.S. Navy Undersea Warfare Division (OPNAV 97) Director Rear Adm. John Tammen Jr. 2:00 PM Creative Rights Caucus panel discussion with cast and crew of ‘The Americans’ – Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Reps Judy Chu and Doug Collins host ‘Script to Screen’ conversation and panel discussion with the cast and crew of FX’s ‘The Americans’, to highlight the importance of copyright protection and the 5.5 million workers in the creative industries. Participants include FX Networks and FX Productions CEO John Landgraf, Creator and Executive Producer/Writer/Co-Showrunner Joe Weisberg, Executive Producer/Writer/Co-Showrunner Joel Fields, Costume Designer Katie Irish, and actors Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich and Holly Taylor. 3:30 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on ‘Navy Readiness Posture’ – Readiness Subcommittee hearing on ‘Navy Readiness Posture’, with testimony from Chief of Navy Reserve and Navy Reserve Force Commander Vice Adm. Luke McCollum; and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8) Vice Adm. Bill Lescher, and Deputy Chief for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) Vice Adm. Woody Lewis. Other: 8:00 AM APTA Legislative Conference concludes – American Public Transportation Association Legislative Conference concludes with Members of Congress Breakfast. Conference speakers today include Democratic Sen. Jack Reed and bipartisan Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, Rodney Davis, and Sam Graves. Location: Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street Northwest, Washington, DC http://www.apta.com/ https://twitter.com/APTA_info. 8:30 AM National Low Income Housing Coalition annual conference continues – Housing Policy Forum 2018, ‘Building the Movement’ – annual conference continues, hosted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition featuring affordable housing advocates and practitioners, movement leaders, policy experts, researchers, govt officials, and low income residents. Day two speakers include Democratic Sens. Cory Booker and Sherrod Brown, who helps launch the ‘Opportunity Starts at Home’ campaign, and The Cook Political Report Editor and Publisher Charlie Cook * Agenda today includes NLIHC Leadership Awards Reception, honoring Republican Sen. Susan Collins, ‘Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City’ Author Matthew Desmond, and former National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development Executive Director Lisa Hasegawa. Location: Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Ave NW, Washi. FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000546 9:00 AM Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Co-chairs Reps. Randy Hultgren and James McGovern speak at USIP – ‘Human Rights – The Foundation for Peace’ U.S. Institute of Peace bipartisan congressional dialogue, with Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Co-chairs Reps. Randy Hultgren and James McGovern discussing their shared approach to addressing ‘the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya in Burma (aka Myanmar), the destructive Syrian armed conflict, and the plight of ethnic and religious minorities throughout the Middle East and in Asia’, along with their joint efforts to incorporate human rights into U.S. policies with the aim of fostering international stability and peace. Location: U.S. Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC www.usip.org https://twitter.com/USIP #BipartisanUSIP. 9:00 AM The Washington Post hosts discussion on artificial intelligence – The Washington Post hosts ‘Transformers: Artificial Intelligence’ live news event, focused on technological advances ‘poised to reshape the way we live and work’, including how policymakers and the business community are working to pave the way for this new technology, the effect artificial intelligence will have on the workplace and how to ensure the technology will be used responsibly in the future. Speakers include Republican Sen. Todd Young, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, IBM AI and IBM Q Vice President Dario Gil, Microsoft Business Development Executive Vice President Peggy Johnson, Salesforce Strategic Planning Senior Vice President Peter Schwartz, and University of Southern California Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society Founding Co-Director Milind Tambe. Location: The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington, DC www.washingtonpost.com https://twitter.com/washingtonpost. 9:30 AM CIS panel discussion on the Refugee Resettlement Program – ‘Should States Be Able to Opt Out of the Refugee Resettlement Program?’ Center for Immigration Studies panel discussion, focusing on the Program and its impact on states and localities. Speakers include St. Cloud, MN, Councilman Jeff Johnson, Thomas More Law Center President and Chief Counsel Richard Thompson, and CIS Fellow Bon Barnett. Location: National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC http://www.cis.org/ https://twitter.com/wwwCISorg. 12:00 PM GOP Rep. Doug Collins speaks at TPI event on music licensing reform – ‘Music Licensing – Proposals for Reform’ Technology Policy Institute event, on the legislative and regulatory issues surrounding music licensing. Includes opening remarks from Republican Rep. Doug Collins and panel discussion with Digital Media Association CEO Chris Harrison, National Music Publishers’ Association President and CEO David Israelite, Berklee College of Music Vice President of Innovation and Strategy Panos Panay, and GiantSteps Media Technology Strategies founder Bill Rosenblatt. Location: Top of the Hill Banquet & Conference Center, 1 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC http://techpolicyinstitute.org/ https://twitter.com/techpolicyinst. 12:30 PM American Association of Port Authorities Spring Conference FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000547 – American Association of Port Authorities Spring Conference. Day one speakers include Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. David MacNaughton and Hackett Associates Director Paul Bingham. Location: The Westin Washington, DC City Center, 1400 M Street Northwest, Washington, DC www.aapa-ports.org https://twitter.com/AAPA_Seaports. 1:00 PM Agriculture Secretary Perdue at National Ag Day event – ‘The Consumer, the Farmer and Sustainability’ National Ag Day event, sponsored by AAEA, NAFB, and USFRA. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue honors essay contest winner, while panel features American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, John Deere Outstanding Young Farmers Mark and Angie Ulness, Ohio State University (USFRA Face of Farming & Ranching) Associate Professor Dr. Emily Buck, John Deere Director of Advanced Technology John Teeple, and Culver’s Nutrition and Quality Assurance Manager Sarah Hendren. Location: National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC www.aaea.org https://twitter.com/AAEA_Economics. Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Jimmy Kimmel: “And before I share these, I want to say, no two tweets have ever summed up a presidency quite like these two. Okay? Number one, ‘Sean Hannity on Fox & Friends now. Great 8:00am.’ And about an hour later, ‘Total witch hunt with massive conflicts of interest.’ Is it possible that our President is a bot? Because there’s no rhyme or reason for any of this. If anyone you knew tweeted that, you’d text them and say, ‘Hey, I think your account got hacked because that didn’t…” Jimmy Kimmel: “Sources close to Donald Trump says he feels newly emboldened to ignore the advice of those around him and just say what he really feels. Does that mean up until now he was holding back?” Jimmy Kimmel: “Because he was calling Kim Jong-un ‘Little Rocket Man’ and bragging about the size of his nuclear button. Was that the old and more judicious Donald Trump that we will miss one day? I hope not.” Jimmy Kimmel: “Meanwhile, congratulations to Trump’s BFF Vladimir Putin, who was elected yesterday for his fourth term as President of Russia. He won in a landslide. His opponents coincidentally died in a landslide. All of them.” Jimmy Kimmel: “There are widespread reports of ballot box stuffing in Russia, some of which was caught on surveillance cameras. This guy is FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000548 shoving ballots in there like he’s voting on ‘American idol’ or something. Here’s another one. And nobody seems to like notice or care … He was like the David Blaine of voter fraud. He just kept pulling envelopes out of his pocket and dropping them in.” Jimmy Kimmel: “So there you have it. Vladimir Putin won. And now he can focus on his next election. Ours.” Stephen Colbert: “Are you guys enjoying March Madness? Speaking of madness, Donald Trump. We’re on the brink of another crisis because it really feels like Trump is gearing up to fire Special Counsel and ‘Guy Wondering How Much He’ll Get For His Book Deal’ Robert Mueller.” Stephen Colbert: “This Saturday, Trump’s attorney…John Dowd called for ‘the immediate shutdown of the special counsel probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election.’ Dowd made the demand in a email sent to a reporter that was written in purple comic sans.” Stephen Colbert: “[What] really worries us, folks, is that the next day Trump tweeted, ‘Why does the Mueller team have 13 hardened Democrats, some big crooked Hillary supporters, and zero Republicans? Another Dem recently added. Does anyone think this is fair? And yet, there is no collusion!’ Yes, ‘hardened Democrats.’ You don’t want to mess with them. They’ll walk right up to an old lady and then stick her with a Social Security check.” Stephen Colbert: “And this is significant because until now, Trump had never attacked Mueller by name in a tweet, which is a moment so significant it deserves it’s own film ‘Call Muell By Your Name’. I hear there’s a hot impeachment scene.” Stephen Colbert: “And we know Trump is in a firing mood, because this weekend former FBI Deputy Director and extra from ‘Apollo 13’ Andrew McCabe was fired just two days before his retirement! What? No! No! No! No! Wrong! If you want to get rid of a cop two days before his retirement, you don’t fire him. You send him out on one last job with a rookie.” Stephen Colbert: “McCabe had been under investigation by the inspector general of the FBI, so to avoid looking like he’s trying to shut down the FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000549 Russia investigation, all Trump had to do was not dance on McCabe’s grave. So he tweeted, ‘Andrew McCabe fired, a great day for the hard￾working men and women of the FBI a great day for democracy. Sanctimonious James Comey was his boss and made McCabe look like a choirboy. He knew all about the lies and corruption going on at the highest levels of the FBI!’ And Mr. Trump knows a lot about choir boys. Everyone who works for him is going to sing.” Stephen Colbert: “This is a sitting president gloating about firing a respected, career FBI official, and smearing another whose firing led to the appointment of the special counsel. And none of that shocks me as much as the fact that he spelled ‘sanctimonious’ correctly.” Stephen Colbert: “And he wasn’t done: ‘The fake news is beside themselves that McCabe was caught, called out and fired. How many hundreds of thousands of dollars was given to wife’s campaign by Crooked H, friend, Terry M, who was also under investigation? How many lies? How many leaks? Comey knew it all, and much more!’ That’s a damning allegation. Also a great blurb for Comey’s new book: ‘Comey Knew It All and Much More!’” Stephen Colbert: “And Comey wasn’t the only one to write things down. Because right after he was fired, we learned McCabe kept notes about conversations with Trump and gave them to Mueller. And if you think the notes are incriminating, wait until you see the doodles.” James Cordon: “Once again, President Trump spent his entire weekend tweeting like a madman about the ongoing Russia investigation and even called out the head of the investigation Robert Mueller saying, ‘The Mueller probe should never have been started in that there was no collusion and there was no crime. It was based on fraudulent activities and a fake dossier paid for by crooked Hillary and the DNC, witch-hunt!’ Now let’s see. Wildly unrestrained, check. Semi-coherent, check. Tweet that ends in all caps, check. Guys, it’s official. Donald Trump is on spring break!” James Cordon: “Now this is the first time Trump has attacked Mueller by name. So you know what that means: It means that after months of practice, Trump’s finally learned how to spell Mueller.” James Cordon: “This over the weekend: Vladimir Putin won a fourth term as FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000550 President of Russia. It’s Putin’s first presidential election since the 2016 American election.” Jimmy Fallon: “In Washington, the White House celebrated [St. Patrick’s Day] by dyeing the fountain on the South Lawn green, which backfired when the President yelled ‘Mountain Dew!’ and dove right in.” Jimmy Fallon: “It just came out, you guys, that Trump’s Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, was on the toilet when he found out Trump fired him on Twitter. Then Trump said, ‘Well, what a coincidence. I was on the toilet when I tweeted that.’” Jimmy Fallon: “Tillerson was on the toilet when he was fired, which explains why Jeff Sessions and Betsy DeVos haven’t used the bathroom in six months.” Jimmy Fallon: “Oh, and the Russian presidential election was this weekend. And I saw that – yeah, Putin won. To get people to vote, Russian officials were offering prizes like Apple watches. Sounds fun until you open the box with your Apple watch and it’s still attached to a hand.” Seth Meyers: “Russian President Vladimir Putin was elected yesterday to his fourth term in office. Putin handily beat his closest rival, a poisoned corpse.” Seth Meyers: “After President Trump attacked special counsel Robert Mueller in the Russia investigation on Twitter, Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy said, ‘When you are innocent, act like it.’ Said Trump, ‘I’ll keep that I mind if I’m ever innocent.’” Seth Meyers: “A spokesperson for House Speaker Paul Ryan said yesterday that Special Counsel Robert Mueller should be able to do his job. What a brave stance from the spokesperson for the Speaker of the House. Why does a speaker have a spokesperson? You’re the speaker. That’s like someone from Geico saying the lizard believes he can save you 15 percent on car insurance. I want to hear it from the lizard.” Seth Meyers: “Former FBI Director James Comey’s memoir has already FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000551 topped Amazon’s list of bestsellers, almost a month ahead of its release due to preorders. Or you can find it in your local bookstore blocking Hillary Clinton’s book.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02716127 EXT-18-2336-E-000552 To: From: RKZ Downey Magallanes Sent: 2018-03-20T15:28:25-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: PJM: FirstEnergy coal plant closure won't threaten grid Received: 2018-03-20T15:29:27-04:00 Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: POLITICO Pro Energy Whiteboard Date: March 20, 2018 at 1:26:52 PM MDT To: Subject: PJM: FirstEnergy coal plant closure won't threaten grid Reply-To: POLITICO subscriptions By Eric Wolff 03/20/2018 03:25 PM EDT PJM Interconnection gave the green light for FirstEnergy to retire a 1,278 MW coal-fired power plant in West Virginia, saying the shutdown wouldn't hurt the power network's reliability. The analysis report was not made public, but a PJM spokesman said the operator did not identify any impacts to the grid from the closure ofthe two generating units at Pleasants Power Station. Bob Murray, whose coal company Murrary Energy supplies the plant, had pressed the Department ofEnergy to prevent its closure by using its emergency authority to order it to run. In January, FERC blocked an attempt by FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary Allegheny Energy Supply to sell the plant Mon Power, a regulated FirstEnergy subsidiary. The sequence ofpublic policy defeats led the company to announce its retirement. WHAT'S NEXT: The plant is slated to close on Jan. 1. To view online: https://www.politicopro.com/energy/whiteboard/2018/03/pjm-firstenergy-coal-plant￾closure-wont-threaten-grid-851073 Was this Pro content helpful? Tell us what you think in one click. (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716134 EXT-18-2336-E-000553 Yes, very Somewhat Neutral Not really Not at all You received this POLITICO Pro content because your customized settings include: Energy: Regulations. To change your alert settings, please go to https://www.politicopro.com/settings This email was sent to downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov by: POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA FOIA001:02716134 EXT-18-2336-E-000554 To: Zinke Ryan[cdr06@ios.doi.gov] Cc: ryanzinke From: Caroline Boulton Sent: 2018-03-21T08:30:54-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Received: 2018-03-21T08:31:04-04:00 Just in case it didn't come through today. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Bulletin Intelligence Date: March 21, 2018 at 5:58:46 AM EDT To: Subject: U.S. Department of the Interior News Briefing for Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Mobile version and searchable archives available here. Please click here to subscribe. DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 6:00 AM EDT Today's Table Of Contents DOI In The News • Wisconsin Public Radio: US Interior Secretary Zinke Presents $35M In Grants To Wisconsin. • WITI-TV Milwaukee: US Sec. Ryan Zinke Visits Wisconsin, Talks About Combating Opioid Abuse On Reservations. • Reuters: Drillers Snap Up Federal Leases Near Utah’s Wilderness Monuments. • The Hill: Employee Of Liberal Activist Group Charged With Assaulting Zinke Staffer. • Billings (MT) Gazette: Controversial Central Montana Land Exchange Still Dead Despite Reports To The Contrary. • Wildfire Today: Legislation Would Provide “Holy Grail” For Wildland Firefighters. Bureau Of Indian Affairs • ‘Acting’ Trump Administration Officials Present Indian Budget Plans. • Tribes Cite Progress Since Passage Of Violence Against Women Act. • 27 Navajo Criminal Investigators To Cover 27K Miles. • Bill Would End Challenge To Mashpee Tribe’s Reservation Land Decision. Bureau Of Indian Education • DOI Fights Tribes’ Bid For Win In Suit Over Education Plan. Bureau Of Land Management (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000555 • Pueblo (CO) Chieftain: Concerns Raised About Plans To Drill For Oil, Gas In San Luis Valley. • Montana Standard: Butte BLM Eyes New Trail System. • Durango (CO) Herald: Illegal Trail Building A Vexing Problem For Public Land Managers. • Helena (MT) Independent Record: Public Gains Access To 3,400 More Acres In Southwestern Montana After Road Easement. Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management • US Offshore Industry Downplays Importance Of ‘Bellwether’ Gulf Sale. • Judge Says Groups Can Sue To Keep Arctic, Atlantic Drill Ban. • Offshore Drilling Meeting Battles Clock, Weather. • Drilling Ban Could Be Headed To Ballot. • Offshore Energy Production Too Risky For South Carolina, Governor Says. Bureau Of Reclamation • Boise River Flows Set To Increase Wednesday. Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement • Safety Inspectors To Spend More Time On Offshore Drilling Platforms. • Crane Accidents Prompt Surprise Offshore Inspections. Fish And Wildlife Service • Associated Press: Groups Sue Over Decision To Lift US Ban On Elephant Trophies. • Washington Post: Wyoming Considers Grizzly Hunt After Trump Team Took Bear Off Endangered List. • KDRV-TV Medford (OR): Captive-Raised Endangered Suckers Released Into The Wild. National Park Service • Cronkite News: House Panel Weighs Plans To Close $11.6 Billion Parks Repair Backlog. • New Orleans Times-Picayune: $500K Federal Grant Will Help Preserve Civil Rights Icon’s Bogalusa Home. • Cleveland Plain Dealer: Brecksville Dam Demolition Project Set To Begin In Fall After Environmental OK. • Ste. Genevieve (MO) Herald: Historic Re-Creation: Renovated Arch Museum Will Feature Creole-Style House. • Loveland (CO) Reporter-Herald: Moose, Elk Research Continues In Rocky Mountain National Park. • Associated Press: New Motors Installed In Carlsbad Caverns’ Main Elevators. • Associated Press: Review Expands Montpelier Historic District, Adds New Sites. US Geological Survey • Fox News: California Mudslides: Where And Why They Happen. Opinion Pieces • Gazette Opinion: Zinke’s Looking More Like D.C., Less Like Montana. • Ramping Up Risk In The Gulf Of Mexico. • Additional Reading. FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000556 Top National News • Washington Post: Trump Congratulates Putin On His Reelection, Says He May Soon Meet With Him. • Bloomberg News: Trump, Saudi Prince Tout Commercial Ties, Common Strategic Interests. • Bloomberg News: Trump Plans To Impose Tariffs, Trade Restrictions On China As Soon As This Week. • Reuters: Media Analyses: Lawmakers Near Spending Deal, But “Divisive Issues” Remain. • USA Today: Armed Officer Kills School Shooter In Maryland, Avoids Potential Massacre. Editorial Wrap-Up • New York Times. - “Trump’s Bluster On The Opioid Epidemic.” • Washington Post. - “DHS Keeps Separating Kids From Their Parents – But Officials Won’t Say Why Or How Often.” - “Obamacare’s Fate Hinges On A Bipartisan Vote That May Never Come.” - “A D.C. Leader’s Anti-Semitic Remarks Are Only Part Of The Problem.” • Wall Street Journal. - “Tackling China’s Protectionism.” - “Abortion Over ObamaCare.” - “A GOP Right-To-Try Fumble.” Big Picture • Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Washington Schedule • Today’s Events In Washington. Last Laughs • Late Night Political Humor. DOI In The News US Interior Secretary Zinke Presents $35M In Grants To Wisconsin. Wisconsin Public Radio (3/20, Quirmbach) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke “presented almost $35 million in conservation and outdoor recreation grants to Wisconsin on Tuesday at the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area, and some of that money is aimed at boosting interest in hunting amid a declining number of hunters.” Zinke handed “out the state’s annual grants from two national programs funded by excise taxes paid by hunters, anglers and boaters.” He said, “We’re looking at improving the access on our fish and wildlife assets. A lot of the archery programs, hunting programs, have atrophied and been replaced by other programs; so we’re looking at public-private partnerships to bring a lot of those programs back to get the kids out to introduce them to the legacy that was given to us.” FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000557 WLUK-TV Green Bay, WI (3/20, Peterson) reports that Sanjay Olson, Department of Natural Resources Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Division Administrator, said, “The opportunity to have a secretary come here and actually roll out this year’s appropriation. It’s really exciting for us, and all of our sportsmen.” Additional coverage was provided by the Racine (WI) Journal Times (3/20), WKOW-TV Madison, WI (3/20), and WSAW-TV Wausau, WI (3/20). Local TV coverage was provided by WLUK-TV Green Bay, WI (3/20), WKOW-TV Madison, WI (3/20), and WMTV-TV Madison, WI (3/20). Florida Receives Large Grants From Hunting, Fishing Licenses. WTXL-TV Tallahassee, FL (3/20) reports that the Interior Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “announced a disbursement of more than $26 million in grants to the state of Florida.” Principal Deputy Director Greg Sheehan awarded the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson grants. Sheehan said, “Three quarters of those dollars come from the federal government and 25 percent comes from the state. And then there are certain terms of the grants that they are to be used for. So they need to be used for wild life conservation on Pittman-Robinson, for example they can’t be used for law enforcement or other sorts of things. It’s really dollars to hit the ground. Dollars to run these wildlife management areas.” Also reporting are WFSU-FM Tallahassee (FL) Tallahassee, FL (3/20, Dailey), and WJCT-FM Jacksonville (FL) Jacksonville, FL (3/20, Dailey). Wyoming Receives $19 Million For Sportsmen & Conservation. KPVI-TV Idaho Falls, ID (3/20) reports that the Interior Department “announced $19,191,105 in funding to Wyoming to support critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects.” Virgil Moore, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Director of Idaho Fish and Game, said, “Revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts provides funding to states to protect and conserve our nation’s fish and wildlife heritage today and for generations to come. This funding mechanism serves as the foundation for fish and wildlife conservation in our country.” Montana To Receive Millions In Funding For State Wildlife Agencies. KULR-TV Billings, MT (3/20, Monte) reports that the Interior Department announced “Montana will receive more than 29 million dollars in funding to support critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects” from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts. Boom: Gun Tax Sends $33M To Alaska. The Alaska Public Radio Network (3/20, Ruskin) reports that the Interior Department “announced Alaska’s share of the tax revenues is $33 million, more than double what the state got just six years ago.” Maria Gladziszewski, deputy director of Alaska’s Division of Wildlife Conservation, said, “Pittman-Robertson funds account for the majority of our funding, of our division’s funding. It is the core funding for wildlife conservation, and it has been for decades.” FOIA001:02257043 '----- EXT-18-2336-E-000558 Additional coverage was provided by KTOO-FM Juneau, AK (3/20, Ruskin). Mass To Receive $11.5 Million For Conservation And OutdoorRecreation. WWLP-TV Springfield, MA (3/20, Phillips) reports that the Interior Department “announced $11,505,547 in funding to Massachusetts for state conservation and outdoor recreation projects” from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration (PRDJ) acts. Additional coverage was provided by the AP (3/21). Arkansas Receives $18.5 Million For Conservation, Recreation Projects. KATV-TV Little Rock, AR (3/20) reports that Arkansas is “getting more than $18.5 million to support its state conservation and outdoor recreation projects” from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell￾Johnson Sport Fish Restoration (PRDJ) acts. Additional coverage was provided by KARK-TV Little Rock, AR (3/20). Connecticut Getting $9.4 Million In Federal Conservation Grants. The Hartford (CT) Courant (3/20, HLADKY) reports that “Connecticut is getting $9.4 million as its share of conservation revenues from federal taxes on sporting equipment sales.” Chris Collibee, spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said, “These federal excise tax receipts, which are required by federal law to be returned to the states, will be used to support those outdoor activities that create multigenerational memories for families across our state.” New Hampshire Getting $8.3M For Outdoors Projects. The AP (3/20) reports that “New Hampshire is getting $8.3 million in federal money to support state conservation and outdoor recreation projects.” The money “includes $3.5 million in sport fish restoration funds and nearly $4.8 million in wildlife restoration funds.” New York Receives $28 Million In Funding For Conservation Efforts. The Rochester (NY) Democrat & Chronicle (3/20, Roth) reports, that New York was “awarded $28,682,525 in the annual funding to state wildlife agencies from revenue generated by the historic Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts.” Missouri Gets $28M For Conservation, OutdoorRecreation. The Springfield (MO) News-Leader (3/20, Crum) reports that the Interior Department “announced $28.8 million in funding to Missouri to support critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects” from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts. Additional coverage was provided by KOLR-TV Springfield, MO (3/20, Crum). NC Gets $31 Million For Conservation, OutdoorRecreation Projects. WWAY-TV Wilmington, NC (3/20) reports that the Interior Department announced North Carolina is getting “$31,683,236 from the $1.1 billion in annual national funding to state wildlife agencies from revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration (PRDJ) acts.” Guam Gets $2.5M For Conservation, Recreation. The Pacific (GUM) Daily News (3/21, Kotwal) reports that Guam will receive $2.5 million from the FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000559 Interior Department “to support state conservation and outdoor recreation projects” from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell￾Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts. Guam Del. Madeleine Bordallo, who’s running for re-election, said in a news release, “We have a responsibility to care for and preserve our natural resources and these federal funds will help Guam agencies do just that. I am pleased that Secretary Zinke released $2.5 million in congressionally-authorized funds for support conservation and outdoor recreation projects on our island.” U.S. Virgin Islands Receives $2 Million ForSportsmen & Conservation. The Virgin Islands Consortium (VIR) (3/20) reports that the Interior Department “announced $2,501,621 in funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands to support critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects.” The money is “part of $1.1 billion in annual national funding going to state wildlife agencies from revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration (PRDJ) acts.” The article notes that “USVI apportionments include $1,173,058 in Sport Fish Restoration funds and $1,328,563 in Wildlife Restoration funds.” Decline In Hunters Threatens How U.S. Pays For Conservation. NPR (3/20, Rott) reports that “a new survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that today, only about 5 percent of Americans, 16 years old and older, actually hunt.” That number is “half of what it was 50 years ago and the decline is expected to accelerate over the next decade.” Meanwhile, “other wildlife-centered activities, like birdwatching, hiking and photography, are rapidly growing, as American society and attitudes towards wildlife change.” The change “is being welcomed by some who morally oppose the sport, but it’s also leading to a crisis,” since “state wildlife agencies and the country’s wildlife conservation system are heavily dependent on sportsmen for funding.” US Sec. Ryan Zinke Visits Wisconsin, Talks About Combating Opioid Abuse On Reservations. WITI-TV Milwaukee (3/20, Chronis) reports that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke traveled to the Oneida Indian Reservation on Tuesday “to meet with tribal leaders and joining forces to fight the opioid crisis.” Zinke said, “We have a task force that we’re coordinating with the tribes, with the tribal police to go after the heart of the issue, which is the drug dealers.” He “said resources will be provided from the U.S. Department of the Interior to help the sovereign nation target those dealers.” WLUK-TV Green Bay, WI (3/20) reports that “tribal members noted the importance of education and treatment of opioid related issues.” Currently, “the tribe receives approximately $1 million from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to administer opioid programs.” Local TV coverage was provided by WITI-TV Milwaukee (3/20). Drillers Snap Up Federal Leases Near Utah’s Wilderness Monuments. Reuters (3/20, Volcovici) reports that the Bureau of Land Management on FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000560 Tuesday “auctioned off more than 51,000 acres (21,000 hectares) in southeastern Utah for oil and gas development, a sign of strong industry demand in a region conservationists have vowed to protect.” The lease sale included land “near the former boundaries of the Bears Ears National Monument, whose size was scaled back by the Trump administration last year, as well as the Hovenweep and Canyons of the Ancients monuments, according to the bureau.” According to the article, “results of the online auction, posted on Tuesday afternoon, showed that all 43 parcels up for sale received winning bids, which averaged $28.68 per acre and ranged between $2 and $93 per acre.” The auction generated $1.56 million, according to the BLM. The Washington Post (3/20, Eilperin) reports that the BLM “disregarded a request by the National Park Service that it hold off leasing 17,000 acres of public land in Utah on Tuesday because of concerns that drilling there could harm Hovenweep National Monument’s views and air, groundwater and sound quality.” According to an Oct. 23 letter, the NPS “outlined concerns about future oil and gas drilling activities on not just Hovenweep, but also three other sites under its jurisdiction in southern Utah: Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Natural Bridges National Monument.” Kate Cannon, superintendent of the Park Service’s Southeast Utah Group, wrote, “‘The visiting public expects high-quality experiences across federal land, and we are concerned that continuing to offer parcels for oil and gas exploration and development in proximity to our parks will be detrimental’ to those experiences.” The Deseret (UT) News (3/20, O'Donoghue) reports that the lease sale sparked “protest by Native American tribal representatives and public lands advocates.” According to the article, “a group of people including Sierra Club’s national director Michael Brune and leaders of Salt Lake City￾based Utah Dine Bikeyah, a Native American tribal advocacy group, spoke outside the downtown BLM offices against the auction.” Critics claim “too many of the parcels are in areas rich with cultural artifacts and too close to the former boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument straddling the Utah-Colorado border, and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Colorado.” The Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (3/20, Maffly) reports that “Utah state officials endorsed Tuesday’s sale.” Utah’s public lands policy director Kathleen Clarke wrote in the state’s official comments, “Responsible oil and gas development is critically important to the economy of southeastern Utah and the state as a whole, and the successful lease sale of all 29 parcels included in the [environmental assessment] will have a tremendous impact towards creating jobs in the region and lowering administrative obstacles to sustainable development.” Also reporting are Reuters (3/20, Volcovici), Oil Price (3/20, Paraskova), KUTV-TV Salt Lake City Salt Lake City (3/20, Weaver), KSTU￾TV Salt Lake City Salt Lake City (3/20, Roth), and KUER-FM Salt Lake City Salt Lake City (3/20, Fahys). FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000561 Employee Of Liberal Activist Group Charged With Assaulting Zinke Staffer. The Hill (3/20, Manchester) reports that “an operative for American Bridge 21st Century, a pro-Democrat political action committee, has been charged with assaulting a staffer working for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.” Wilfred Stark was “charged with simple assault after he allegedly approached Zinke, yelling at him, outside of a hearing.” According to police report, “Stark then ‘used his full body to push’ Zinke’s spokeswoman, Heather Swift, as she moved to leave the room.” Also reporting are CNN (3/20, Wallace, Marsh, Summers) and Townhall (3/20, Vespa). Controversial Central Montana Land Exchange Still Dead Despite Reports To The Contrary. The Billings (MT) Gazette (3/20, French) reports that “there’s no proposal to revive a controversial land exchange between two billionaire Montana landowners and the Bureau of Land Management, despite a recent news story that said Farris Wilks had met with Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke in September.” Heather Swift, Zinke’s press secretary, said, “There is obviously a lot of checkerboard land in Montana and across the West. The Secretary is interested in getting access to our public land, especially prime hunting and recreation areas, and is looking at everything from easements to swaps.” Legislation Would Provide “Holy Grail” For Wildland Firefighters. Wildfire Today (3/20, Gabbert) reports that Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) are “co-sponsoring a bill that would enhance the safety and situational awareness of wildland firefighters.” Senate Bill 2290 would require the Departments of Interior and Agriculture to jointly develop and operate “a tracking system to remotely locate the positions of fire resources assigned to Federal Type 1 Wildland Fire Incident Management Teams”. A complimentary requirement in the legislation is “unmanned aircraft systems to [supply] real-time maps, detect spot fires, assess fire behavior, develop tactical and strategic firefighting plans, position fire resources, and enhance firefighter safety”. Bureau Of Indian Affairs ‘Acting’ Trump Administration Officials Present Indian Budget Plans. The Nation Sun News (3/20) reports that “the leadership void within the Trump administration is again on display as lawmakers consider the budgets for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service.” Though President Trump “announced nominations for both agencies last fall, both remain without Senate-confirmed leaders more than a year into his tenure.” As a result, “two ‘acting’ officials will present the BIA and IHS budgets to Congress on Tuesday morning.” John Tahsuda, the acting FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000562 Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, and Michael Weahkee, the acting director of the IHS, will testify “before the House Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs about their fiscal year 2019 priorities.” Tribes Cite Progress Since Passage Of Violence Against Women Act. The Nation Sun News (3/20, Abourezk) reports that the National Congress of American Indians on Tuesday published a report examining “the five￾year impact of a federal law designed to give tribes the ability to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators of domestic or dating violence against non-Indian victims on tribal lands.” NCAI “released the report in conjunction with a Monday hearing by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, which is currently considering reauthorizing” the Violence Against Women Act. NCAI President Jefferson Keel said, “The success of VAWA 2013 demonstrates that tribes can and will provide effective justice to their communities, and fair process to all those who appear in tribal courts.” 27 Navajo Criminal Investigators To Cover 27K Miles. The AP (3/21, Volkert) reports that “on the Navajo Nation...most crimes or 90 percent of the cases – are related to drug or alcohol abuse, and the top cases in terms of volume include aggravated assault and sexual assault.” The AP says the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations’ “task is monumental, considering there are only 27 criminal investigators covering a population of about 300,000 on a landmass as large as West Virginia.” Investigator Dale West says “it’s a monumental task...that depends on strong collaborations from partners such as FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” West says he “takes the recent visit of FBI Director Christopher Wray as a testament to that partnership.” West is quoted as saying: “It’s a big deal. For a director to take notice and recognize the close working relationships that we have was a very positive thing.” Bill Would End Challenge To Mashpee Tribe’s Reservation Land Decision. The Cape Cod (MA) Times (3/20, Stening) reports that “Congress may step in to end an ongoing legal challenge to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s efforts to secure reservation land and build a casino.” A bill sponsored by Rep. William Keating and “co-sponsored by a cadre of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, would reaffirm a 2015 decision by the U.S Department of Interior to take 171 acres in Mashpee and 150 acres in Taunton into trust, and establish statutory safeguards against further litigation on the matter in federal court.” The bill is “a response to fears that the Interior Department, which is presently deciding it if it can maintain the trust agreement under a different legal category than one a federal judge previously rejected, is leaning toward revoking the tribe’s right to the reservation land in the coming months, said Keating, who introduced the bill March 9.” Bureau Of Indian Education FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000563 DOI Fights Tribes’ Bid For Win In Suit Over Education Plan. Law360 (3/20, Lidgett) reports that the Interior Department “asked a federal judge Monday for a win in a lawsuit opposing the department’s planned restructuring of support systems for Native American schools in the Great Plains, saying the federal government has meaningfully consulted with the tribes bringing the case for two years despite their claim to the contrary.” The department “filed a motion for summary judgment and also opposed motions from Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and intervenor plaintiff Rosebud Sioux Tribe in their suit”. Bureau Of Land Management Concerns Raised About Plans To Drill For Oil, Gas In San Luis Valley. The Pueblo (CO) Chieftain (3/21, Boczkiewicz) reports that “environmentally concerned residents” from Colorado’s San Luis Valley “are alarmed” about proposed oil and gas development near the Great Sands Dunes National Park and Preserve. The Bureau of Land Management plans to auction leases on 11 parcels in western Huerfano County and “set to issue its environmental assessment of the lease sale Thursday, triggering a 15-day period of public review and comment.” San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council director Christine Canaly said the group is “putting together a legal team” to challenge the auction, saying, “Oil and gas wells are wrecking havoc on water supply in Colorado,” where “water is getting more and more precious.” Other environmental groups “also have weighed in with either opposition or concerns.” Butte BLM Eyes New Trail System. The Montana Standard (3/20) reports that “building on the recent success of its popular new trail system in the Copper City area near Three Forks, the Bureau of Land Management is considering doing something similar in the Scratchgravel Hills north of Helena.” The Butte Field Office of the BLM is “in the initial stages of identifying issues for a non-motorized recreation project in the Scratchgravel Hills area and invites the public to submit scoping comments.” The project would “establish a Recreation Area Management Plan that would guide future development and provide management direction for recreation resources within the Scratchgravel Hills Special Recreation Management Area.” Additional coverage was provided by KTVH-TV Helena, MT (3/20). Illegal Trail Building A Vexing Problem For Public Land Managers. The Durango (CO) Herald (3/20, Romeo) reports the building of illegal trails in Durango is a continuing “issue for land managers, wildlife officials and trail advocates that can’t rein in the longstanding problem.” Shannon Borders, spokeswoman for the Bureau of Land Management, said, “We’re not talking small connector trails. We’re talking miles of illegally built trails. And it’s not like there’s not a ton of recreational opportunities around FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000564 town.” Public land agencies “treat the illegally built trails as a criminal case of trespass, but it’s tough to find perpetrators.” Public Gains Access To 3,400 More Acres In Southwestern Montana After Road Easement. The Helena (MT) Independent Record (3/20) reports that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks “recently purchased a permanent road easement for $20,000 across private land in the Timber Gulch area of McCartney Mountain, three miles east of Glen.” The easement grants access for hunters “to 3,400 acres of Bureau of Land Management ground in Hunting District 340.” FWP will “convey the 0.14 miles of existing primitive road to the BLM.” Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management US Offshore Industry Downplays Importance Of ‘Bellwether’ Gulf Sale. Platts (3/20, Rubin) reports that while the Trump Administration “has dubbed Wednesday’s Gulf of Mexico oil and natural gas lease sale as the largest in US history,” on Tuesday, “US offshore representatives downplayed the market and policy significance of the Gulf lease sale, known as Lease Sale 250.” The article says that on March 6, Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke said the sale would be a “bellweather” for the offshore industry, adding, “We’ll see what the future of offshore is in comparison to the Permian.” However, Christopher Guith, a senior vice president for policy at the US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Energy Institute, “said Zinke meant that the sale Wednesday would be a ‘status check’ on how the industry views the economics of offshore blocks currently available compared to acreage available onshore.” Judge Says Groups Can Sue To Keep Arctic, Atlantic Drill Ban. The AP (3/20) reports that “a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s reversal of a ban on petroleum drilling in most of the Arctic Ocean and Atlantic underwater canyons can move forward.” Judge Sharon Gleason “ruled Monday in Anchorage, Alaska, that environmental groups can sue to keep the ban in place.” Gleason held “the plaintiffs have standing in the case and it can move forward.” Offshore Drilling Meeting Battles Clock, Weather. The Mount Desert (ME) Islander (3/20, Rappaport) recaps the public hearing hosted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in Augusta, ME on Mar. 7 to hear feedback on the Trump Administration’s proposed expansion of offshore drilling. The meeting “took place only hours before the onset” of a severe winter storm, but “about 100 people braved the weather in an effort to learn more about” the plan and “express their views.” The article outlined opposition to expanded drilling in the state, FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000565 including “all four members of the state’s congressional delegation,” state Attorney General Janet Mills, and the Maine Lobstermen’s Association. Drilling Ban Could Be Headed To Ballot. WOGX-TV Gainesville, FL (3/20, Turner) reports that Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission voted 32-1 Tuesday to advance Proposal 91, a measure that seeks to prohibit oil and gas drilling within about three miles of the East Coast and nine miles of the Gulf of Mexico coast. Commissioners must take a final vote on the proposed constitutional amendment before it could go on the November ballot. Sen. Tom Lee, a Thonotosassa Republican and member of the commission, suggested adding a definition of drilling to offset the need for a future constitutional rewrite and to possibly allow for future operations done with new technology. The Anna Maria Island (FL) Sun (3/20, Lane) reports that of the amendment is added to the ballot, adoption would require support from 60 percent of voters. The proposal was “sponsored by CRC member Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch,” who said, “We have a chance to make history” and “be the only state in the nation to have this in our state constitution.” Thurlow￾Lippisch added, “The oil and gas industry claim oil drilling is safe and that it would be good for Florida’s economy and job creation. I say, look no further than what happened in Louisiana during the BP oil spill.” Offshore Energy Production Too Risky For South Carolina, Governor Says. The Anderson (SC) Independent-Mail (3/20, Brown) reports that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Monday that the Trump Administration’s proposal to expand offshore drilling would threaten the state’s tourism sector. At a campaign event in Anderson, McMaster said a major spill, particularly during a hurricane, “is not something that we should take a chance on,” because the “damage that it would do to our livelihood would be awful. It is just too dangerous.” McMaster also pointed out that “our coast is not industrialized at all, and there is no room for industrialization of our coast.” Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Kevin Bryant, who is challenging McMaster, said Tuesday that drilling would not pose a threat and that “we need to explore and see what we have.” The article recalls that “a Winthrop Poll conducted last month found 51 percent of state residents and 54 percent of those living in coastal counties oppose drilling for oil off the state’s coast.” Bureau Of Reclamation Boise River Flows Set To Increase Wednesday. KIVI-TV Boise, ID (3/20, Bertel) reports that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation are “increasing flows of the Boise River from the current 240 to 1,750 cubic-feet-per-second beginning Wednesday.” According to a Bureau of Reclamation news release, “The flow FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000566 through town will be increased 500 cubic-feet-per-second each day over three days, starting on March 21 and ending on March 23, 2018. This increase in flows is due the current snowpack in the basin, as well as good reservoir carryover from the 2017 season. These releases will help reduce the risk of flooding later in the spring – which can happen with rapidly melting snow and seasonal precipitation.” Bureau Of Safety And Environmental Enforcement Safety Inspectors To Spend More Time On Offshore Drilling Platforms. The Hill (3/19, Green) reports the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement announced it will implement a new plan on April 1 that “will make inspections more efficient and reduce taxpayer spending significantly – dropping costs by nearly $20 million over 3 1/2 years.” Michael Saucier, a BSEE supervisor in the Gulf of Mexico, said, “This new process will allow BSEE inspectors to increase physical inspection time on offshore oil and gas facilities.” World Oil (3/19) reports the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is planning on “increasing physical inspection time offshore, while reducing taxpayer burden by nearly $20 million over 3.5 years” beginning April 1. By utilizing access to electronic records, inspectors of the BSEE “will now have significantly more time to inspect operations offshore, ensuring safety at more than 2,200 facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.” The new procedures “will also reduce helicopter operating expenses 15%, without impacting safety and environmental protections.” BSEE Director Scott Angelle said, “This approach greatly improves our inspectors’ efficiency, increasing safety oversight at OCS facilities. ... Our team developed a smarter, safer strategy that provides more physical inspection time offshore and reduces government costs.” Crane Accidents Prompt Surprise Offshore Inspections. E&E Publishing (3/19) reports inspectors from the Department of the Interior “carried out surprise inspections on dozens of offshore oil and gas platforms and rigs in the Gulf of Mexico last week” after crane accidents “were up over 4 percent last year, to the second highest level in a decade.” BSEE’s head of Gulf offshore safety management Jason Mathews said, “There are still some major incidents that are occurring, and we need to figure out why.” Approximately “40 platforms and rigs were visited by more than 50 Interior inspectors,” in some cases leading to “noncompliance notices...that could ultimately result in fines.” The inspections come as “transparency groups and Senate Democrats” raise questions “about the department’s commitment to safety in the offshore industry.” Fish And Wildlife Service Groups Sue Over Decision To Lift US Ban On Elephant Trophies. FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000567 The AP (3/20, Biesecker) reports that “a coalition of environmental and animal-welfare groups sued on Tuesday to challenge the Trump administration’s moves toward allowing the importation of the heads, hides and tusks of African elephants as hunting trophies.” Four organizations “filed an amended lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Washington against Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke over this month’s announcement that the Fish and Wildlife Service will begin considering permit applications for importing body parts from sport-hunted elephants on a case-by-case basis.” The groups claims the Trump Administration is “failing to comprehensively consider the ecological impacts of trophy hunting and has been operating with a lack of transparency and public input.” Also reporting are The Hill (3/20, Green), CNN (3/20, Wallace, Vazquez), and the New York Post (3/20, Fredericks). Wyoming Considers Grizzly Hunt After Trump Team Took Bear Off Endangered List. The Washington Post (3/20, Grandoni) reports that Wyoming is considering “allowing hunters to kill up to two dozen Yellowstone-area bears” following a Trump administration decision last summer to remove the grizzly bear from the endangered species list. The article notes that “it would be the first grizzly bear hunt in the Lower 48 states since the icons of the Western United States were put on the endangered species list in 1975.” However, “anti-hunting advocates, including many environmental and Native American groups, contend the bear is still under threat from broad changes to the Yellowstone ecosystem.” Federal Judge To Review Grizzly Delisting. The Gillette (WY) News Record (3/20, Freedman) reports that “while Wyoming is proceeding with plans for a grizzly bear hunt beginning Sept. 1, a federal judge in Missoula, Mont., announced last week he plans to conduct an August hearing on whether or not the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appropriately delisted the animal from Endangered Species Act protection.” U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen “denied the federal government’s request to delay handling of six lawsuits and turned down three other motions to decide the case on technicalities.” Captive-Raised Endangered Suckers Released Into The Wild. KDRV-TV Medford, OR (3/20, Sheppard) reports that “endangered fish are now swimming in their natural habitat for the first time. US Fish and Wildlife Service biologists said Lost River and shortnose suckers are not surviving on their own in their first few years of life and scientists have not been able to figure out why.” For the past two years, US Fish and Wildlife Service has been “raising young suckers in captivity.” On Tuesday, the article says, “the first batch of fish were released into their natural habitat, Upper Klamath Lake.” The Senior Advisor to the Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Alan Mikkelsen helped with the release. Mikkelsen said, “It’s an attempt to stabilize and then ultimately increase the FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000568 population of suckers in the lake, both Lost River and shortnose suckers. We would really like to get to the point where the Klamath tribes will have their traditional and cultural fishery restored and where irrigators will be able irrigate with those same goals and those same parameters.” National Park Service House Panel Weighs Plans To Close $11.6 Billion Parks Repair Backlog. Cronkite News (3/20, Bustos) reports that “witnesses and panelists on a House subcommittee agreed Tuesday that something needs to be done to close an $11.6 billion maintenance backlog in the national parks, but differed on how to pay for it.” Lawmakers were divided over the National Park Service Legacy Act of 2017, “which would create a dedicated maintenance fund for the next 30 years,” and the National Park Restoration Act, which “would dedicate a portion of new energy revenues over the next 10 years, up to $18 billion, but could send significantly more per year to the parks during that decade than the other bill.” National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith “testified the service supports the second bill because parks could receive revenue from ‘all energy development’ – mostly conventional sources like oil, gas and coal, but also from renewable energy sources.” Smith said in his testimony, “Without a dedicated funding source, the deferred maintenance backlog will continue to grow. The backlog of projects at our national parks limit access, impair visitor experiences and impact recreational opportunities.” $500K Federal Grant Will Help Preserve Civil Rights Icon’s Bogalusa Home. The New Orleans Times-Picayune (3/20, Warren) reports that members of the Robert “Bob’’ Hicks Foundation gathered Tuesday to announce that the Robert “Bob’’ Hicks house and “an adjacent ‘mill house’’ from 1906 have been chosen to receive a $500,000 preservation grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service.” Foundation members would like to “see the Hicks house, which has sat empty in recent years on Robert ‘Bob’’ Hicks Street, opened as a museum to highlight the region’s civil rights and African-American history.” Brecksville Dam Demolition Project Set To Begin In Fall After Environmental OK. The Cleveland Plain Dealer (3/20, McCarty) reports that “the long-awaited demolition of the Brecksville Dam has cleared its final hurdle and could be completed by the end of this year, the Ohio EPA and the National Park Service announced Tuesday.” A final environmental assessment “determined that the dam’s removal would have no significant impact on the health of the Cuyahoga River, allowing the deconstruction work to begin as soon as this fall, weather permitting.” According to the article, “the demolition of the 8-foot tall, 183-foot-long dam is expected to FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000569 improve water quality, oxygen levels and river flow, while providing an inviting habitat for fish species not seen upriver in decades, such as walleye, Northern pike, steelhead trout, white bass and potentially even sturgeon.” Historic Re-Creation: Renovated Arch Museum Will Feature Creole￾Style House. The Ste. Genevieve (MO) Herald (3/20) reports that “the Gateway Arch National Park’s museum, located under the iconic structure, will reopen in July after an extensive remodeling.” According to park historian Bob Moore, “the goals of the renovation...included telling the story of the place where the arch stands.” He said, “There was so little about that spot in the old museum. We wanted to show, in some respects, architecturally what the changes had been like on the arch grounds over the years.” Moose, Elk Research Continues In Rocky Mountain National Park. The Loveland (CO) Reporter-Herald (3/20) reports that “National Park Service staff are collaring up to 40 moose throughout Rocky Mountain National Park as part of an ongoing research project.” According to the article, “a noticeably growing moose population in the park has presented a challenge to RMNP staff’s efforts to reestablish the natural range of variation of the park’s elk population, as well as the aspen and willow communities.” Researchers will collect “information on moose population size, population growth rate, and carrying capacity as well as habitat use during the study.” Additional coverage was provided by the AP (3/21). New Motors Installed In Carlsbad Caverns’ Main Elevators. The AP (3/21) reports that Carlsbad Caverns National Park officials “say the park’s primary elevators now have new motors.” According to the article, “work to repair and modernize the system began last December,” and “officials on Tuesday called the installation of the new motors a milestone.” Workers sill next “install new guide rails in the hoist way.” Review Expands Montpelier Historic District, Adds New Sites. The AP (3/20) reports that “a number of sites in the Vermont capital of Montpelier have been added to the National Register of Historic Places, including Hubbard Park’s Observation Tower.” The article says that “a total of two new neighborhoods and 36 additional properties were added in the National Register review.” US Geological Survey California Mudslides: Where And Why They Happen. Fox News (3/20, Farber) reports that “parts of central and Southern California could be impacted by powerful mudslides this week, weather FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000570 forecasters said, thanks to a massive atmospheric river that’s expected to hit the state late Tuesday.” Mudslides, “also known as debris flows, are a type of landslide that can occur after a natural disaster, such as a wildfire.” However, “mudslides can also occur without a wildfire preceding it, according to Francis Rengers, a research geologist at the United States Geological Survey.” In January, “you had a large amount of rain and a burn area that didn’t need much to get going in the first place,” Rengers said. Opinion Pieces Gazette Opinion: Zinke’s Looking More Like D.C., Less Like Montana. The Billings (MT) Gazette (3/20) editorializes that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s “erratic behavior” at a House hearing on Thursday was “just another in a growing number of incidents which demonstrate his values are too much Washington, D.C., and not enough Montana.” The paper says that “traveling in lavish style, spending money frivolously and ethics investigations certainly aren’t in line with Montana values which he so often talks about.” The paper supports continued investigation by the Office of the Inspector General of “these questionable travel expenses as well as allegations of lavish spending.” It also urges Zinke to apologize to Rep. Colleen Hannabusa, “rather than trying to defend the inappropriate remark.” The editorial concludes that “even though Zinke is a Montanan, he’s not representing our values.” Ramping Up Risk In The Gulf Of Mexico. In a column for Forbes (3/17, Shefrin), contributor Hersh Shefrin wrote that the Trump administration’s steps to relax safety regulations and standards, which were enacted after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, “are likely to result in increases in energy production, jobs, accidents, and environmental damage.” Shefrin said “many of the issues associated with the regulation rollback...involve independent firms operating platforms in the shallow waters of the Gulf, not the deep waters where Deepwater Horizon exploded.” A recent report by the New York Times shows that while “safety has improved for the industry as a whole,” there remain “very poor safety records by some independent operators.” Given that “some independents are moving from shallow water to deep water, there is cause for concern.” Shefrin wrote that with some luck, “the accidents will be much less severe than what we encountered when Deepwater Horizon exploded,” but “weaker regulation will raise the odds of more accidents as well as greater environmental damage to a region that is already discernibly deteriorating.” Additional Reading. • Let’s Address The Real Problem OfGovernment FinancialWaste. Daily Caller (3/20, Rene). • Now Is Nevada’s Chance To Speak Up And Defend Its National Treasures. Las Vegas Sun (3/21). FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000571 • Yellowstone Grizzlies Take Well-deserved First Step Toward Renewed Protections. Helena (MT) Independent Record (3/20, Molvar). • Editorial: Trump Should Restore The Ban On Importing Elephant Trophies. St. Louis Post-Dispatch (3/20). • Trump Kowtows To Elephant Trophy Hunting ‘Horror Show’. Alabama Live (3/20, Crowe). • Our View: Grand Canyon Water Problems Cry For Private Partnership. Havasu (AZ) News-Herald (3/21). • A Vendetta That’s Shaking California. Ventura County (CA) Star (3/20, Elias). • Why Wilderness. Missoulian (MT) (3/20, Wuerthner). • Editorial Board: Representative Cheney Should Respect The Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Process. Casper (WY) Star-Tribune (3/20). • Bundy-clan Perspective On Public Land Misses The Mark. Missoula Current (MT) (3/20, Elliott). • Bigger Is Not Better For Ocean Conservation. New York Times (3/20, Rocha). Top National News Trump Congratulates Putin On His Reelection, Says He May Soon Meet With Him. To mostly negative media coverage and criticism from Sen. John McCain, the President yesterday called Russia’s Vladimir Putin to congratulate him on his reelection victory. The Washington Post (3/20, Leonnig, Nakamura, Dawsey) reports that “according to officials familiar with the call,” Trump “did not follow specific warnings from his national security advisers when he congratulated” the Russia leader, “including a section in his briefing materials in all-capital letters stating ‘DO NOT CONGRATULATE.’” The Post also reports that “a senior White House official emphasized that national security adviser H.R. McMaster did not mention the issue during a telephone briefing with the president, who was in the White House residence ahead of and during his conversation with Putin.” In fact, “it was not clear whether Trump read the notes, administration officials said.” ABC World News Tonight (3/20, story 4, 1:15, Vega) – the only major network newscast that covered the story – indicated that news of the call “did not sit well with...McCain,” who “bashed the President, saying, ‘An American President does not lead the free world by congratulating dictators on winning sham elections.’” Fox News Special Report (3/20), meanwhile, reported that “the Senate Majority Leader gave...Trump a rhetorical back of the hand.” Fox then showed Senate Majority Leader McConnell saying, “When I look at a Russia election, what I see is a lack of credibility. ... Calling [Putin] wouldn’t have been high on my list.” The Washington Times (3/20, Miller) reports “the White House pushed back Tuesday against criticism,” saying “the administration ‘will be tough when we need to be.” To Politico (3/20, Crowley, Nelson), “that FOIA001:02257043 '-------- EXT-18-2336-E-000572 attitude is a departure from decades of US foreign policy, in which a succession of administrations have freely criticized anti-democratic events and elections in other nations.” In addition to offering congratulations for Putin’s win, the President also announced he may soon meet with him. The AP (3/20, Isachenkov) reports Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, “I suspect that we’ll probably be meeting in the not too distant future to discuss the arms race, to discuss the arms race, which is getting out of control, but we will never allow anybody to have anything even close to what we have. Also to discuss Ukraine, Syria and North Korea and various other things.” Reuters (3/20, Holland) quotes Trump as saying the arms race between the US and Russia “is getting out of control...but we will never allow anybody to have anything close to what we have.” CNN’s Situation Room (3/20) reported that Trump “did not bring up Russian election meddling” or “the poisoning in the UK...raising the question of whether the President will confront Putin about these issues when they meet in person, as he says they will.” David Ignatius, however, argued on MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports (3/20) that the potential summit “may be the day’s most important news. The relationship between Russia and the United States, Russia and the West, has deteriorated so badly,” and while “it’s disturbing that...Trump didn’t say anything critical about Russia...I think many analysts are likely to see the opportunity for discussions about this arms race that really is spiraling out of control, a serious situation that now is becoming very ragged again with ISIS in danger of coming back into business. This may be a time in which constructive US-Russian discussion about problems is something that people would think made sense.” Kristin Tate of The Hill said on Fox News’ Outnumbered Overtime (3/20), “I think it makes no sense to have a deliberately adverse relationship with Putin. Trump is trying to improve this relationship with Putin so that they can potentially work together on things like the North Korean crisis and arms reductions. ... Trump is a negotiator. Let’s see what he can do.” Jason Chaffetz said on Fox News’ Outnumbered (3/20), “I think that’s good news. You need the world leaders to have a discussion and a relationship. I think it’s healthy for them to have those types of discussions and as the President said, there are a myriad of topics, everything from North Korea to Syria to Ukraine. There’s a lot to discuss and I do hope they get together sooner than later. I think that’s a very good sign.” Former State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said on Fox News’ Outnumbered (3/20) that Trump’s claim that the arms race is getting out of control is “very Cold War language. It reminds me of the Soviet Union and the nuclear arms race and it was interesting that he said, the President said, the arms race isn’t a good thing but we are never going to let anyone get on par with us and that’s true, no other military is on par with us. ... I agree, he should talk to President Putin. The election FOIA001:02257043 '---------- ■ ----- EXT-18-2336-E-000573 congratulations is sort of odd, but that is what it is.” The New York Times (3/20, Landler) reports Trump’s call came “a few days after the White House imposed sanctions on Russia for its meddling in the 2016 election” and “sharply criticized it for its apparent role in a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter on British soil.” McCain “was quick to criticize Mr. Trump’s call to Mr. Putin,” saying, “An American president does not lead the free world by congratulating dictators on winning sham elections. And by doing so with Vladimir Putin, President Trump insulted every Russian citizen who was denied the right to vote in a free and fair election.” Pamela Brown said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/20), “After a scathing statement from John McCain critical of the President and calling Putin a dictator who won a ‘sham election,’ the White House wouldn’t say whether it believed Russia’s election was free and fair.” Andrea Mitchell said on MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports (3/20) that “the fact that he did not say that he criticized...Putin or brought up the whole subject of the attack by the Kremlin, according to the UK, according to the United Nations and other NATO countries, is pretty extraordinary. So, to have this friendly congratulatory call with Putin, who he said he would be meeting with in the near future, is pretty amazing.” The Kremlin, Bloomberg News (3/20, Epstein) reports, said Trump “didn’t raise a nerve￾gas attack on a former Russia spy” in England during the phone call. The Los Angeles Times (3/20, Bierman) reports “news of the Trump￾Putin call came first from the Kremlin,” as “foreign governments often disclose contacts with Trump before the White House, and with more information.” That prompted “reporters to question the president about the call during a brief session in the Oval Office.” The Wall Street Journal (3/20, Grove, Ballhaus) notes the President retorted that he had a “very good call” with Putin, and the Washington Post (3/20, Troianovski, Johnson) that “some world leaders have hesitated to congratulate Putin, since his reelection occurred in an environment of state control of much of the news media and his most prominent opponent was barred from the ballot.” House Homeland Security Chairman Mike McCaul said on CNN’s Situation Room (3/20), “I think the President is trying to be diplomatic. Let’s make no mistake, Putin is not our friend. ... He wants to regain the glory of the old Soviet empire. He did meddle in our elections. He is actively, from my briefings, is trying to influence the 2018 elections. So I think we need to stand up firm, like we have with Kim Jong-un, to Putin in Russia, Xi in China, and also Iran. Those are the main foreign adversaries.” Asked about the fact that Trump “never says anything even remotely critical of Putin,” McCaul said, “I think he would be well-advised to condemn and criticize.” Abby Phillip said on CNN’s Inside Politics (3/20), “In the same way that he congratulated...Putin on his electoral victory, he congratulated the Chinese President for extending his rule potentially indefinitely.” Trump “is not bothered by this issue of how long and in what way people hold onto FOIA001:02257043 •·----- EXT-18-2336-E-000574 power, and he’s envious as we know, based on the reporting that is out there, he kind of wishes we had a system like that.” Jeff Zeleny said on CNN’s Wolf (3/20), “When you listen to the President’s words there, it’s so clear what he’s not talking about. He’s not talking about the sanctions issued by his own Treasury Department just last week. He’s not talking about the attack that happened in the United Kingdom there. He’s talking as though he is a leader of a democracy somewhere else and not giving the context of Russia.” David Axelrod said on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 (3/20), “There’s so many reasons why it raises eyebrows, not the least of which is that he was apparently advised not to do it. This fits into the pattern of what we’ve seen over the last few weeks where he ignored the advice on North Korea and ignored other advice on some major – on tariffs.” Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) was told on CNN’s Situation Room (3/20) that Trump congratulated Putin and didn’t press him on the nerve agent attack in the UK. Swalwell responded, “That tells me that [Trump] identifies more closely with Putin than he does with our friends.” Sen. Angus King was asked on CNN’s Situation Room (3/20) about Trump not bringing up Russia’s election meddling in the call with Putin. King replied, “I wish he had. I wish he would bring it up with the American people,” too, because “there is no doubt” that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. King added that “we’re not going to be able to defend ourselves against this kind of aggression unless we have a national consensus that we have to confront” it. Soviet-Era Scientist Says He Helped Create Poison Used In UK Attack. Reuters (3/20, Osborn) reports that a “Cold War-era scientist acknowledged on Tuesday he had helped create the nerve agent that Britain says was used to poison an ex-spy and his daughter, contradicting Moscow’s insistence that neither Russia nor the Soviet Union ever had such a program.” However, Professor Leonid Rink “told the RIA news agency that the attack did not look like Moscow’s work because Sergei and Yulia Skripal had not died immediately.” Rink said he worked under the Soviet Union at a chemical weapons facility where the Novichok military-grade nerve agent was developed. Expelled Russian Diplomats Leave Britain. Reuters (3/20, Faulconbridge, Osborn) reports that 23 expelled Russian diplomats and their families left the Russian Embassy in London and headed back to Moscow on Tuesday. As the diplomats leave London “in the biggest tit-for￾tat expulsions since Margaret Thatcher ordered Soviet spies to leave in 1985,” Prime Minister Theresa May was due to chair a National Security Council meeting on the crisis. Trump, Saudi Prince Tout Commercial Ties, Common Strategic Interests. The meeting between the President and Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman was not covered by the major network newscasts last night, and FOIA001:02257043 ----- '-------- EXT-18-2336-E-000575 received only passing mentions on the evening cable shows. Print coverage, meanwhile, highlights the improved state of the US-Saudi relationship under the current Administration. Bloomberg News (3/20, Epstein), for example, says Trump “has adopted a pro-Saudi posture that is a dramatic shift from the Obama administration,” and Reuters (3/20, Holland, Bayoumy) that “Trump and the crown prince underscored the strength of US-Saudi ties which suffered under...Obama.” Trump told reporters, “The relationship now is probably as good as it’s really ever been and I think will probably only get better – tremendous investments made in our country and that means jobs for our workers.” In fact, cautions the Wall Street Journal (3/20, Trofimov), both the Saudis and the UAE risk backlash from congressional Democrats because of the perception that they have formed such close personal ties to Trump and his team. The story credits Jared Kushner for helping to bring about the turnaround. In his Washington Post (3/20) column, David Ignatius urges the Prince “to be in the business of solving problems...rather than picking new fights with Iran,” and adds that “he’d be wise to make some friends outside the Trump White House.” Yesterday afternoon, Ignatius told MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports (3/20) Trump “has embraced Mohammed...as a Saudi disrupter, a change agent. I think he must see him as a Trump-like figure.” Retired Gen. Jack Keane, meanwhile, said on Fox News’ Daily Briefing (3/20) “this relationship has never been closer. The last eight years, the United States essentially disengaged from the Middle East in favor of Iran and the negotiated nuclear deal at the expense of our allies. So...Trump...has renewed the relationship that we historically had. It comes at a time when the Middle East is in total chaos because Iran is trampling over our interests” there. Less favorable was the assessment by CNN’s John King, who said on CNN’s Inside Politics (3/20) that the Crown Prince “has made his name in recent months by rounding up, not by US justice standards, rounding up critics, opponents, relatives, others in Saudi Arabia who he views as a threat to his rise in power. ... The President [is] not talking about it publicly. It will be interesting to see if it comes up privately – how you do business, how you consolidate power.” At any rate, a later Reuters (3/20) report casts “Trump’s red-carpet treatment” of his guest as highlighting “his administration’s strong backing of the crown prince,” and the New York Times (3/20, Landler) sees the President as “reaffirming his endorsement” of the “ambitious young monarch bent on reforming his country and realigning the broader Middle East.” The AP (3/20, Lederman) reports that the Prince opened his “marathon tour” of the US “soaking in praise from...Trump, who championed close economic ties,” and Bloomberg News (3/20, Epstein) that the President “welcomed” the Saudi ruler “as a friend of the US and ‘great purchaser’ of American armaments and investments,” noting “the kingdom has finalized $12.5 billion in purchases of planes, missiles and FOIA001:02257043 •·---- EXT-18-2336-E-000576 frigates from US companies.” The Prince, meanwhile, “praised the kingdom’s ‘really deep’ relationship with the US and said the Saudis are considering $400 billion in US investment opportunities.” CNBC (3/20, DiChristopher) says Trump “crowed about the sales, running through a list of $12.5 billion in approved arms purchases by Saudi Arabia and previewing billions more to come.” Said the President, “Saudi Arabia is a very wealthy nation, and they’re going to give the United States some of that wealth, hopefully in the form of jobs, in the form of the purchase of the finest military equipment anywhere in the world. ... There’s nobody even close, as I said before, when it comes to the missiles and the planes and all of the military equipment. ... There’s nobody that even comes close to us in terms of technology and the quality of the equipment, and Saudi Arabia appreciates that.” The Washington Post (3/20, Deyoung, Mufson) headlines its story “Trump Meets With Saudi Crown Prince, And Talks About Money,” and reports that “picking up on Trump’s theme,” the Prince “said that Saudi-US ties had created ‘more than four million jobs in the United States of America, directly and indirectly,’ as well as jobs in Saudi Arabia.” The Gulf News (3/20) recounted that “Trump brought props to the meeting to illustrate the close security partnership,” and that he also “said Saudi Arabia is ‘footing a big part of the bill’ for defence in the Middle East.” Along those lines, Reuters (3/20, Holland, Bayoumy) reports the two leaders “discussed tensions with Iran and a Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen which has come under criticism in Congress.” The AP (3/20, Lederman) says, meanwhile, that “Trump and the crown prince looked past the two nations’ differing views about waging war in Yemen,” and that “Mohammed dodged a shouted question on the Iran deal” but “waxed optimistic about prospects for closer economic ties amid ‘new waves of opportunities in different areas.’” The Prince said in English, “The opportunities are very huge.” The Wall Street Journal (3/20, Nissenbaum, Ballhaus, Stancati), meanwhile, quotes Trump as telling the Prince, “One thing you have been really focused on is the terrorism threat. ... We have a zero tolerance for the funding of terrorism. Saudi Arabia has been working very hard on that.” Hamdan Al-Shehri, “a political analyst and international relations scholar,” writes for Arab News (3/20) that the “so-called Arab Spring...opened the door to terrorist militias, which took advantage of weak and destabilized countries.” While “Saudi Arabia called on the whole world to help those countries and battle terrorism with an international coalition,” Iran, “of course, was not in this coalition because it was busy taking advantage of the region’s instability.” Shehri adds that “from the time of the satanic revolution in 1979, when Ayatollah Khomeini gained power in Iran, the horrible story began” – a “story of exporting terror and devastation to the entire region.” The Prince’s “trip will allow Saudi Arabia and his hosts to work together and defeat the common enemy of Iran, which wants to drive a wedge between Riyadh and Washington.” FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000577 Writing for the New Republic (3/20), Jonathan Spyer says “the Saudis lack the strength and skill to lead in rolling back the Iranians,” so MBS “therefore probably wants firm commitments from the US and a declaration of leadership: for example, a clear strategy to mobilize available assets to halt and roll back Iranian gains in Syria; support for the Saudi/UAE cause in Yemen; and acknowledgment of the strength and depth of Iran’s penetration of Iraq, or that further aid to the Lebanese state means strengthening Hezbollah.” However, “he may well be disappointed,” as “the latest reports suggest the Administration is looking for Saudi Arabia to increase its own commitments on the anti-Iran file – and even pledge $4 billion for reconstruction in eastern Syria.” The Saudi Gazette (3/20) reports that “in addition to White House meetings, the Crown Prince will meet Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Acting Secretary of State John Sullivan, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, and congressional leaders from both parties.” USA Today (3/20, Jackson) says the Prince also “plans to discuss the Middle East peace process at a dinner with administration officials, including...Kushner,” and the Gulf News (3/20) that “National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster...will host a dinner” for him. Reuters (3/20, Holland, Bayoumy) reports “the prince is on a public relations blitz while traveling in the United States, with” additional stops “in New York, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston.” The Saudi Gazette (3/20) says “several dozen Saudi chief executives are expected to join” the Prince “in touting investment opportunities in the Kingdom.” The Houston Chronicle (3/20, Blum) indicates that “Salman, known by his initials MBS, plans to conclude his visit on April 7 in Houston and Port Arthur with visits to his state oil company’s Saudi Aramco Research Center in Houston and to the nation’s largest oil refinery in Port Arthur, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Motiva Enterprises.” Authors Jamal Khashoggi and Robert Lacey, in a Washington Post (3/20) op-ed, urge “the young Saudi ruler,” who is “so keen to redesign his own country,” to “visit Detroit to see how this once-bankrupt city is rebuilding itself.” The two add that “if MBS can help ordinary Saudis to rebuild their lives in their existing homes and communities, and provide them with better schools, job training, roads and sanitation, he could realize he might not need to build fancy new cities miles out in the desert.” Saudi Foreign Minister Says Trump, Crown Prince Have “Great Personal Relationship.”Saudi Foreign Minister Abdel al-Jubeir said on Fox News Special Report (3/20) that Trump and the Crown Prince “have a great, great personal relationship with each other. The President also enjoys a very close personal relationship with His Majesty King Salman. Our two countries see eye to eye on all the important issues.” He added, “Trump deserves a lot of credit for taking the Saudi-American relationship to greater heights.” Trump, Mohammed Lunched On Carrot Consomme, Halibut Filet. Under FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000578 the headline “Healthy White House Menu For A Healthy Saudi-US Relationship,” the Arab News (3/20) reports Trump and the Prince “held a working lunch in the Cabinet Room at the White House.” According to the Arab News, “the starter was a carrot consomme with orange blossoms, accompanied with feta cheese and chives bruschetta,” while “for the main course, the White House kept it simple and offered a halibut fillet with cauliflower served with crushed sumak, topped with mint butter.” Desert consisted of a “fig tart and sesame ice cream.” Trump: AnotherMonth Before Decision On Iran Deal. Bloomberg News (3/20, Epstein) reports the President “foreshadowed a decision next month on the international agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program, a deal struck by his predecessor that he opposed before taking office and has criticized since.” Said Trump, “The Iran deal is coming up. It’s probably another month or so, and you’re going to see what I do. ... But Iran has not been treating that part of the world or the world itself appropriately. A lot of bad things are happening in Iran.” Meanwhile, “asked if the US should withdraw from the deal, Prince Mohammed said: ‘We’ll talk about that.’” Al-Jubeir was asked on Fox News Special Report (3/20) if the thinks the US will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, and his opinion on the matter. Al-Jubeir responded, “I wouldn’t be presumptuous to tell the US” what it should do, “but we support...Trump’s policies with regards to Iran completely.” He said the nuclear deal has “serious flaws,” adding that he “absolutely” does not trust that Iran will abide by the agreement. He also called Iran the “chief sponsor of terrorism in the world.” Mohammed: “Stable”Oil Market Ahead. Bloomberg News (3/20, Olorunnipa) reports the Prince also “said he sees a ‘stable’ oil market ahead, adding that the kingdom has an 84-year supply of crude.” Bloomberg notes Trump “opened a session with reporters by asking the prince where he saw oil prices going and how much petroleum the kingdom still had.” Senate Tables Effort To Stop US Funding For Saudi Campaign In Yemen. The New York Times (3/20, Fandos) reports the Senate “rejected a bipartisan effort to halt American military support for the deadly Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen, as lawmakers from both parties declined on Tuesday to support a rare attempt to limit the president’s war powers.” The resolution was “brought together a handful of Republicans and liberal Democrats,” and was tabled “by a vote of 55 to 44.” The Washington Times (3/20, Dinan) notes Sen. Bernie Sanders, “who led the push for the vote, said Congress was failing in its duties by ducking the debate, and compared US intervention to conflicts in Iraq and Vietnam, where he said the country was ‘misled’ into war.” The AP (3/20, Mascaro, Burns) quotes Sanders as further stating, “The founding fathers gave the power to authorize military conflicts to Congress, the branch most accountable to the people, not to the President. ... The time is long overdue for Congress to reassert that constitutional authority.” FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000579 A Reuters (3/20, Zengerle) dispatch posted before the vote noted that Sen. Mike Lee, a GOP backer of the bill, “stressed that it...was not timed ‘in any way, shape or form’ to coincide with the Saudi leader’s visit.” Al-Jubeir said on Fox News Special Report (3/20) that “we are working on a political solution in Yemen that will end in a stable piece for a united Yemen, without any Iranian presence or presence by Hezbollah.” He added that until that is the case, “we have to make sure we protect our people, protect our nation.” Administration Appears To Be Nearing First Repatriation Of Guantanamo Detainee To Saudi Arabia. Reuters (3/20, Stewart) reports that the US is “advancing toward the first transfer of a prisoner from the Guantanamo Bay detention center” under President Trump, “the US military told Reuters on Monday, a move that would repatriate the detainee to Saudi Arabia.” The transfer of Ahmed Muhammed Haza al-Darba “appealed to have stalled in February,” and the US military said at the time “it was waiting for assurances from Saudi Arabia’s government to move forward on his departure.” On Monday, the DOD “suggested that the process was back on track.” Riyadh To Host Arab League Summit. Reuters (3/20, Fahmy) reports the Arab League said in a statement Tuesday that Riyadh will host a summit on April 15 that “will seek to prevent Israel from gaining a rotating seat on the UN Security Council.” Anonymous Animated Video Depicts Saudi Arabia Invading Iran. The New York Times (3/20, Kirkpatrick) reports that an animated video depicting the crown prince of Saudi Arabia directing an invasion of Iran “first appeared on the internet in December and has been viewed more than 1.2 million time.” The video, says the Times, has prompted questions about whether it is “serious or a satire.” An official at the Saudi Embassy in Washington “said the kingdom’s government had no connection with the video,” and Princeton Professor Bernard Haykel suggested that the Iranians themselves might have made the cartoon “to make the Saudis look silly.” Alwaleed Seeks To Clear Name After Detention. Bloomberg News (3/20, Schatzker) reports Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, “the richest investor in the Middle East and one of Saudi Arabia’s most recognizable faces,” was detained last November by Saudi authorities as part of “an anticorruption purge” and held – along with hundreds of other Saudis – at Riyadh’s Ritz￾Carlton for 83 days. In an interview, Alwaleed said he was never charged with any crimes, but did reach “a settlement with the government,” which he declined to discuss. Alwaleed did, however, say, “I need to clear my name.” Trump Plans To Impose Tariffs, Trade Restrictions On China As Soon As This Week. Citing “two people familiar with the matter,” Bloomberg News (3/20, Mohsin) reports the Administration plans to impose tariffs “worth as much as $60 billion on Chinese products as early as this week to punish Beijing FOIA001:02257043 •------ EXT-18-2336-E-000580 for what the US perceives as intellectual property theft from American businesses.” The Administration is “said to be considering wide-ranging tariffs on everything from consumer electronics to shoes and clothing made in China, as well as restrictions on Chinese investments in the US,” but sources cautioned that the “exact size and makeup of the sanctions could still change.” The Wall Street Journal (3/20, A1, Davis) reports on its front page that the tariffs on Chinese imports will be unveiled Thursday, and are expected to be worth at least $30 billion. In addition, the Administration is weighing penalties on Chinese firms, arguing that state-owned companies are buying US technology to apply for military purposes – or to gain global dominance over the US. Chinese Premier Appeals To US To “ActRationally.”The AP (3/20, McDonald) reports Chinese Premier Li Keqiang “appealed to Washington on Tuesday to ‘act rationally’ and avoid disrupting trade over steel, technology and other disputes.” At an annual news conference, Li warned that “no one will emerge a winner from a trade war,” but made no mention of a possible Chinese response if Trump imposes tariffs against Beijing. Other officials, however, “say President Xi Jinping’s government is ready to act.” The Washington Post (3/20, Denyer) also reports Li’s remarks, saying China “responded to the threat of a massive package of tariffs from the United States by vowing to further open its own markets to foreign trade and investment, while warning that a trade war between the two nations would hurt both sides.” WSJournal Urges Caution. The Wall Street Journal (3/20) editorializes that the lack of evidence of careful thought on the part of the Trump Administration over how to respond to Chinese mercantilism risks starting a harmful tariff tit-for-tat trade war. The editors review the steps China has taken in recent years to obtain foreign intellectual property as part of its trade policy without being stopped by the rules of the WTO, and argue that these moves, and not cheap Chinese goods, justify a US government response. The editors advocate a targeted approach to tariffs toward China, which would identify Chinese policies that break trade WTO rules and coordinate a response with other affected governments. Such an approach would keep open competition with other countries and could even strengthen the WTO by incentivizing China to follow WTO rules. Media Analyses: Lawmakers Near Spending Deal, But “Divisive Issues” Remain. Reuters (3/20, Cornwell, Cowan) reports that lawmakers “neared agreement Tuesday” on an omnibus spending bill “Congress hopes to pass by Friday, as congressional leaders worked to narrow their differences on thorny issues such as President Donald Trump’s border wall.” While Senate Majority Leader McConnell “said he and his counterparts in the House of Representatives and Senate were ‘moving to completing’ work on the $1.3 trillion spending” measure, “divisive issues lingered, including whether to FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000581 include more money for the wall Trump wants to build on the US-Mexico border and a rail tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey.” In an earlier report, Reuters (3/20, Cowan) said that “several thorny issues lingered,” including funding for President Trump’s border wall. A “range of other hot-button initiatives was also slowing the unveiling of legislation” that the Republican-controlled House had aimed to make public late on Monday. The AP (3/21, Taylor) says talks “dragged Tuesday as congressional negotiators found themselves tangled in side issues ahead of a Friday deadline.” GOP leaders “had been hopeful a deal could be announced Tuesday evening, allowing for votes in the House and Senate this week.” The Washington Times (3/20, Dinan, Sherfinski) says conservatives “rebelled” against the bill Tuesday night, “saying their party’s leaders not only accepted budget-busting funding increases but appear to be caving on all the important policy issues they’d hoped to attach to the massive legislation.” House Speaker Ryan and other GOP “leaders argued the bill was good for the military, pointing to an $80 billion boost in spending this year alone,” but the “defense boost was a $63 billion one-year increase in discretionary domestic spending, agreed to as part of February’s budget deal.” Late Tuesday evening, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) was not optimistic about the President’s immigration priorities making into the spending bill King told Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight (3/20), “It’s hard for me to imagine how we listened to a president campaign for all of those months and lay out a clear message, build a wall, end sanctuary cities, enforce immigration law, tighten up and restore the respect for the rule of law, end DACA, and it looks like none of that is going to be served up to this omnibus bill that is coming out.” However, House Majority Whip Scalise offered a more optimistic view of the measure on Fox News’ Ingraham Angle (3/20) saying, “If you look at a number of the things that are President Trump’s priorities, they are going to be in this bill. You start with the fence. The biggest piece of this bill by far, the funding of our nation’s defense, which actually restores the ability for our country to provide for our men and women in uniform and restore a lot of the damage that Barack Obama did. We work closely with President Trump and [Defense] Secretary Mattis. We saw two more planes fall out of the sky last night, we finally restored air superiority in this field. Given our troops a pay raise. There are tremendous President Trump Republican priorities in this bill.” A Politico (3/20, Everett, Bade, Ferris, Caygle) report posted late Tuesday evening said Ryan “told his conference that he is planning to pass the massive, $1.3 trillion omnibus on Thursday, according to House Republicans.” Politico notes that a Thursday vote “would give the Senate just a day to pass the bill before government funding runs out on Friday evening.” However, The Hill (3/20, Lillis) reports House Democratic leaders said FOIA001:02257043 ------■ EXT-18-2336-E-000582 Tuesday that “more than a dozen ‘poison pill’ provisions are preventing a bipartisan deal on 2018 spending, pushing Congress ever-closer to a government shutdown.” Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) said, “My understanding is there’s still about 20 poison pills still out there that need to be worked out, down from 100 and some.” USA Today (3/20, Collins, Shesgreen) reports that congressional leaders were still negotiating with the Administration on Tuesday. White House Legislative Affairs Director Marc Short told reporters after a meeting with Senate Democrats, “Most of the issues focus on border security issues.” Short “said that there were a number of areas that Democrats and Republicans disagreed; including funding for border security, an increase in detention beds to hold undocumented immigrants in custody and legal protections for undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children.” White House Confident Congress Will Avoid Shutdown. Reuters (3/20, Lambert) reports White House Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah told Fox News that the White House is confident Congress will pass a spending bill by the end of this week and avert another government shutdown. Said Shah, “There are a number of issues that are being worked out by Congress, but we remain confident that by the end of the week we’re going to have a funding bill that funds this White House and this president’s priorities. Right now we’re looking at a package that is going to present over $700 billion in funding for the military for this year and a little more for next year.” The Washington Times (3/20, Persons) also reports Shah’s comments. WPost Calls For Including ACA Fixes In Omnibus Bill. A Washington Post (3/20) editorial says the spending bill “may (believe it or not) represent the last time this year lawmakers make significant policy changes,” which means “once the omnibus bill clears Congress, there is little chance lawmakers will approve fixes to Obamacare before the 2019 enrollment season begins.” While the law “has continued to chug along,” Republican “sabotage” will “almost certainly result in more big premium increases next year.” Citing some “long-needed tweaks,” the Post says a bipartisan group of lawmakers “has tried to shake hands on a package that would make a couple of those tweaks, if it rode into law attached to the omnibus.” The group has “come tantalizingly close to a deal” but “negotiations hit a snag over abortion funding.” While there is “still a small chance that, over the next day or two,” the “forces of partisanship, always amplified during an election year, have so far overwhelmed their good-faith efforts.” Armed Officer Kills School Shooter In Maryland, Avoids Potential Massacre. USA Today (3/20, Bacon) reports that a gunman “opened fire Tuesday at a high school in southern Maryland, injuring two students before an armed school resources officer intervened, authorities said.” All three networks covered the story. NBC Nightly News (3/20, FOIA001:02257043 (8]~--- EXT-18-2336-E-000583 story 2, 2:20, Haake) reported that “police say 17-year-old Austin Wyatt Rollins fired a handgun at 16-year-old Jaelynn Willey,” with whom “police believe” he “had a prior relationship.” A 14-year-old boy was also shot. However, “within seconds, the school’s only resource officer engaged the shooter. The teen and SWAT-trained officer fired their weapons almost simultaneously. The entire incident over in less than a minute with Rollins dead and the officer, Deputy First Class Blaine Gaskill, hailed as a hero.” The CBS Evening News (3/20, story 2, 2:00, Glor) showed Tim Cameron, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff, saying, “No question that his actions, his quick and immediate actions potentially saved a great number of lives.” ABC World News Tonight (3/20, story 2, 2:50, Moton) said the shooting “comes during a national call to action to make schools safer, and days before thousands are expected in Washington, D.C. for the March for Our Lives rally, in response to the Parkland, Florida school massacre.” Editorial Wrap-Up New York Times. “Trump’s Bluster On The Opioid Epidemic.”In an editorial, the New York Times (3/20) asserts that President Trump is “miserably failing” people suffering from the opioid epidemic, as his Administration proposes “cockamamie ideas” to address the epidemic and fails to implement good ones. The editors argue that “ratcheting up the war on drugs,” as the Administration wants to do, has been proven not to work, and discusses other “truly absurd ideas” floated in Trump’s speech in New Hampshire Monday, including his “preposterous proposal to fight the scourge of drugs by executing drug dealers.” Among his good ideas, the editors assert, are “getting health insurance companies to cover mental health and substance abuse treatments,” and Trump should encourage “states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to do so.” Washington Post. “DHS Keeps Separating Kids From Their Parents – But Officials Won’t Say Why Or How Often.”The Washington Post (3/20) writes in an editorial that separations of parents and children immigrants such as the 7-year-old Congolese girl who was separated from her mother “for no defensible reason” four months ago are happening with increasing frequency, according to immigrant advocates. The Post argues that such policies are unjustified, and describes the trauma they can bring to the immigrants. The Post says ICE “insists it has done nothing so outrageous that it ‘shocks the conscience’ – a Supreme Court standard for measuring the denial of due-process rights,” and asks: “If it does not ‘shock the conscience’ to traumatize a little girl by removing her from her mother for four months in a land where she knows no one and speaks no English, what does?” “Obamacare’s Fate Hinges On A Bipartisan Vote ThatMay Never Come.” A Washington Post (3/20) editorial says the spending bill “may (believe it FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000584 or not) represent the last time this year lawmakers make significant policy changes,” which means “once the omnibus bill clears Congress, there is little chance lawmakers will approve fixes to Obamacare before the 2019 enrollment season begins.” While the law “has continued to chug along,” Republican “sabotage” will “almost certainly result in more big premium increases next year.” Citing some “long-needed tweaks,” the Post says a bipartisan group of lawmakers “has tried to shake hands on a package that would make a couple of those tweaks, if it rode into law attached to the omnibus.” The group has “come tantalizingly close to a deal” but “negotiations hit a snag over abortion funding.” While there is “still a small chance that, over the next day or two,” the “forces of partisanship, always amplified during an election year, have so far overwhelmed their good-faith efforts.” “A D.C. Leader’s Anti-Semitic Remarks Are Only Part OfThe Problem.” The Washington Post (3/20) editorializes that DC Council member Trayon White’s accidental use of “a standard anti-Semitic trope” in a video posted on Facebook recently, as well as past references to Rothschild use of wealth to exert their control, is “concerning.” The Post further criticizes White’s remarks for “parroting right-wing conspiracy theorists who claim international bankers use technology to generate extreme weather for their profit,” and adds that it is “good that he is open to that learning; better if he” learns from the Rockefeller Foundation about the various issues on which he comments. Wall Street Journal. “Tackling China’s Protectionism.”The Wall Street Journal (3/20) editorializes that the lack of evidence of careful thought on the part of the Trump Administration over how to respond to Chinese mercantilism risks starting a harmful tariff tit-for-tat trade war. The editors review the steps China has taken in recent years to obtain foreign intellectual property as part of its trade policy without being stopped by the rules of the WTO, and argue that these moves, and not cheap Chinese goods, justify a US government response. The editors advocate a targeted approach to tariffs toward China, which would identify Chinese policies that break trade WTO rules and coordinate a response with other affected governments. Such an approach would keep open competition with other countries and could even strengthen the WTO by incentivizing China to follow WTO rules. “Abortion Over ObamaCare.”The Wall Street Journal (3/20) editorializes that the Democrats’ revolt over the current deal being debated in Congress to prop up the Affordable Care Act for another three years may alienate many voters. Several on the left are opposing the deal because it includes an amendment banning federal funds from subsidizing abortion, the Hyde Amendment, but these guarantees are common in appropriation bills, and states can still use their own funds for coverage. The editors assert these arguments by Democrats demonstrate that the left no longer sees abortion as a personal choice, but rather regards it as an automatic FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000585 right that should be subsidized. “A GOP Right-To-Try Fumble.”The Wall Street Journal (3/20) argues in an editorial that the “right-to-try” legislation currently before Congress risks “dying” in Congress even though it is a White House priority. The debate over who should be eligible for experimental drugs has met opposition from Democrats, who cite the FDA’s “compassionate use” program, but “right-to-try” legislation would not actually threaten that program, and hedges against an FDA that may seek to curb patients’ choice. The editors assert that the House should pass the version of the bill which is less contested by Democrats, proposed by Sen. Ron Johnson, and send it to President Trump, as it represents an incremental improvement for patients. Big Picture Headlines From Today’s Front Pages. Wall Street Journal: Trump To Ramp Up Trade Restraints On China Facebook’s Lax Data Policies Led TO Cambridge Analytica Crisis Trump’s Stormy History: The Seven-Year Battle Between The President And The Porn Star Has The Cryptocoin Market Met Its Match In The SEC? New York Times: Trump Congratulates Putin on Re-Election, but Fails to Mention Meddling in U.S. In Nafta Talks, U.S. Tries to Limit Junk Food Warning Labels Ex-Playboy Model Karen McDougal Sues to Speak on Alleged Trump Affair Their Pay Has Stood Still. Now Oklahoma Teachers Could Be the Next to Walk. New Investigations Into Facebook Add New Pressures For Texas Bomb Investigators, Each New Explosion Represents New Clues Washington Post: Trump Offers Putin Well Wishes On Win Accuser’s Case Against Trump Moves Forward Ex-employee: Bannon Oversaw Data Collection Few Answers As Austin Asks Why – And Who’s Next Student Opens Fire At Md. School Deputy Now At Center Of Debate On Safety Measures Financial Times: Trump Meets Saudi Heir As Ties Flourish Regulators Ratchet Up Pressure On Facebook Over User Data Leak Sarkozy Detained Amid Claim Gaddafi Donated €50m For 2007 Election Race FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000586 Washington Times: Sheriff’s Deputy Lauded For Confronting Md. High School Gunman, Averting Worse Attack Walkout Fallout: School Districts Hit With Backlash Over Political Activism Illegals Who Escaped After Oakland Mayor’s Alert Already Committed New Crimes, ICE Chief Says ‘I Can Only Imagine’ Resonates With Christian Audience, Surprises Hollywood Ryan Uses Defense Spending Increase In Bid To Appease Conservatives On Spending Bill Argentina’s Pro-Market President Helps Tiny Village Once Again Dream Big Story Lineup From Last Night’s Network News: ABC: Weather Forecast; Maryland-School Shooting; Texas-Serial Bomber; Trump Congratulates Putin; Russia Investigation-Trump; Facebook￾Cambridge Analytica; Trump-McDougal Case; Minneapolis-Police Shooting; Mexico-American Student Killed; Bermuda-American Found Dead; UK￾Ringo Starr Knighted. CBS: Texas-Serial Bomber; Maryland-School Shooting; Severe Weather; Weather Forecast; Trump-McDougal Case; Facebook-Cambridge Analytica; Puerta Rico-Hurricane Maria Recovery; Male Birth Control Pill; Pennsylvania Man Rescued From Burning Car; Iraq Helicopter Crash-US Victims’ Funeral. NBC: Texas-Serial Bomber; Maryland-School Shooting; Weather Forecast; Facebook-Cambridge Analytica; Trump-McDougal Case; FBI-Chris Wray Interview; Puerto Rico-Hurricane Maria Recovery; Melania Trump-Cyber Bullying; Orbitz Hacked; United Airlines-Pet Policy Changes; UK-Ringo Starr Knighted. Network TVAt A Glance: Texas-Serial Bomber – 7 minutes, 40 seconds Facebook-Cambridge Analytica – 7 minutes, 35 seconds Maryland-School Shooting 7 minutes, 10 seconds Severe Weather/Weather Forecast – 6 minutes, 5 seconds Trump-McDougal Case – 4 minutes, 45 seconds Story Lineup From This Morning’s Radio News Broadcasts: ABC: Texas-Serial Bomber; Trump Congratulates Putin; Trump-November Elections; Facebook-Cambridge Analytica; Severe Weather. CBS: Texas-Goodwill Bombing; Texas-Serial Bomber; Severe Weather. FOX: Texas-Goodwill Bombing Accidently Maryland-School Shooting; Trump-Impeachment Talks; Illinois-Gubernatorial Primary Results; Arizona￾Autonomous Vehicle Accident; House Spending Bill. Chao-FIU Bridge. NPR: Texas-Serial Bomber; Illinois-Gubernatorial Primary Results; Facebook-Cambridge Analytica; South Korea-Bilateral Summit. Washington Schedule FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000587 Today’s Events In Washington. White House: PRESIDENT TRUMP — President Donald Trump holds cabinet meeting at the White House. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE — OAS Permanent Council receives Vice President Pence. FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP — Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage honored – 2018 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award ceremony, honoring 10 women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve others’ lives. Deputy Secretary of State, performing the duties of secretary, John Sullivan presents the awards, with First Lady Melania Trump delivering remarks. US Senate: 9:00 AM Bipartisan, bicameral legislators speak at National Ship Repair Industry Conference – National Ship Repair Industry Conference day three, with today’s schedule including speaker session with Democrats Sen. Tim Kaine and Reps. Joe Courtney, Madeleine Bordallo, and Republicans Sen. Roger Wicker and Reps. Rob Wittman and John Rutherford, Rm 2253 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC (9:00 AM EDT); first round of Capitol Hill visits (11:00 AM EDT); luncheon speaker, SVC-203-02, U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, Washington, DC (12:00 PM EDT); Hill Crawl; and reception at Adams and Reese Office, 20 F St NW. 9:30 AM DHS Secretary Nielsen and predecessor Jeh Johnson testify to Senate Intelligence Committee on election security – Hearing on ‘Election Security’, with testimony from Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen; former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson; Department of Homeland Security National Protection and Programs Directorate Office of Cyber Security and Communications representatives; Election Assistance Commission representatives; National Association of Secretaries of State representatives; National Association of State Election Directors representatives; and Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs representatives 10:00 AM Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing – Nominations hearing considers Michael Scudder to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit; Amy St. Eve to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit; and Charles Williams to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa 10:00 AM Senate Public Works Committee hearing on NRC oversight – Hearing on ‘Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’, with testimony from NRC Chairman Kristine Svinicki, and Commissioners Jeffery Baran and Stephen Burns 10:00 AM Senate Foreign Relations Committee nominations hearing – Nominations hearing considers Kirsten Dawn Madison to be Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; and Thomas Hushek to be U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan 10:30 AM Hearing on ‘Economic Report of the President’, with FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000588 testimony from Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett 2:00 PM VA Secretary Shulkin testifies to Senate committee hearing on FY’19 and FY’20 budgets – Hearing on ‘Fiscal Year 2019 Budget for Veterans’ Programs and Fiscal Year 2020 Advance Appropriations Request’, with testimony from Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, Assistant Secretary for Management and Department of Veterans Affairs CFO Jon Rychalski, Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits James Manker, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Resource Management Richard Chandler; Veterans Health Administration CFO Mark Yow; National Cemetery Administration Deputy Under Secretary for Finance and Planning Matthew Sullivan; Veterans of Foreign Wars National Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes; Paralyzed Veterans of America Associate Legislative Director Sarah Dean; and Disabled American Veterans Assistant National Service Director LeRoy Acosta 2:00 PM Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on Lebanon – Near East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism Subcommittee hearing on ‘What’s Next for Lebanon? Stability and Security Challenges’, with testimony from Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies Elliott Abrams; and International Crisis Group President and CEO Robert Malley 2:30 PM Senate Indian Affairs Committee Business Meeting – Business Meeting, to consider ‘S. 1250, the Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2017’ and ‘S. 2515, the PROGRESS for Indian Tribes Act’ 2:30 PM Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs – Seapower Subcommittee hearing on ‘Navy Shipbuilding Programs’, with testimony from Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition James Geurts; Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems (OPNAV N9) Vice Adm. William Merz; and U.S. Marine Corps Director of Capabilities Development Brig. Gen. James Adams III 2:30 PM Oversight hearing on ‘The President’s FY2019 Budget Request for Indian Programs’ 2:30 PM Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on ballistic missile defense – Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on ‘Ballistic Missile Defense Policies and Programs’, with testimony from Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood; U.S. Northern Command Commander and North American Aerospace Defense Command Commander Gen. Lori Robinson; Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves; and U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command / Army Forces Strategic Command and Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense Commanding General Lt. Gen. James Dickinson 3:00 PM Office of Strategic Services honored at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony – Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to honor Office of Strategic Services (OSS) members for their contributions during World War FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000589 II, presented by House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi * In accordance with Public Law 114-269, a single gold medal has been struck to collectively honor the members 3:00 PM Senate Human Rights Caucus ‘Turkey: Human Rights and Religious Freedom in Crisis’ discussion – Senate Human Rights Caucus ‘Turkey: Human Rights and Religious Freedom in Crisis’ discussion, with experts offering their views on threats to freedom of the press, religious minorities, and personal freedoms in Turkey, as well as options for policymakers who remain committed to the rule of law and continued cooperation between the U.S. and Turkey. Panelists are Amnesty International Advocacy Director for Europe and Central Asia Daniel Balson, Freedom House Project Director Nate Schenkkan, and Amberin Zaman of Al￾Monitor and Diken, while Caucus Co-Chairs bipartisan Sens. Chris Coons and Thom Tillis also deliver remarks US House: Wednesday, Mar. 21 House Democratic Caucus weekly press conference. 9:00 AM Bipartisan, bicameral legislators speak at National Ship Repair Industry Conference – National Ship Repair Industry Conference day three, with today’s schedule including speaker session with Democrats Sen. Tim Kaine and Reps. Joe Courtney, Madeleine Bordallo, and Republicans Sen. Roger Wicker and Reps. Rob Wittman and John Rutherford, Rm 2253 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC (9:00 AM EDT); first round of Capitol Hill visits (11:00 AM EDT); luncheon speaker, SVC-203-02, U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, Washington, DC (12:00 PM EDT); Hill Crawl; and reception at Adams and Reese Office, 20 F St NW, Washington, DC (5:00 PM EDT) 9:00 AM House Commerce subcommittee hearing on combating the opioid crisis – Health Subcommittee hearing on ‘Combating the Opioid Crisis: Prevention and Public Health Solutions’, with testimony from witnesses including Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb; CDC Principal Deputy Director Dr Anne Schuchat; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory Director Christopher Jones; Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America Public Policy Consultant Sue Thau; The Kennedy Forum founder Patrick Kennedy; American Association of Poison Control Centers Board President Dr William Banner; Addiction Policy Forum founder, President, and CEO Jessica Hulsey Nickel; St. Joseph’s Healthcare System Chairman of Emergency Medicine and Chief Innovation Officer Dr Mark Rosenberg (on behalf of American College of Emergency Physicians); Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Chief Beverly Cook (on behalf of National Indian Health Board); and Clean Slate Centers Vice President of Government Relations Alexis Horan 9:30 AM Hearing on ‘The FY 2019 Foreign Assistance Budget’, with testimony from USAID Administrator Mark Green 10:00 AM House Financial Services Committee markup hearing – FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000590 Markup hearing on ‘HR 2683, the Protecting Veterans Credit Act of 2017’, ‘HR 4659, To require the appropriate Federal banking agencies to recognize the exposure-reducing nature of client margin for cleared derivatives’, ‘HR 4790, To amend the Volcker rule to give the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System sole rulemaking authority, to exclude community banks from the requirements of the Volcker rule, and for other purposes’, ‘HR 4861, the Ensuring Quality Unbiased Access to Loans Act of 2018’, ‘HR 5051, the Public Company Registration Threshold Act’, ‘HR 5076, the Small Bank Exam Cycle Improvement Act of 2018’, ‘HR 5082, the Practice of Law Technical Clarification Act of 2018’, and ‘HR XXXX, the Derivatives Fairness Act’ 10:00 AM House Science, Space, and Technology committee markup – Full committee markup H.R. ____, the “American Leadership in Space Technology and Advanced Rocketry Act”; H.R. ____, the “Commercial Space Support Vehicle Act”; H.R. 5086, the “Innovators to Entrepreneurs Act of 2018.” 10:00 AM House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup hearing – Markup hearing on ‘H.R. 5294 – Treating Barriers to Prosperity Act of 2018’, ‘H.R. 3288 – Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2017’, ‘H. Con. Res. 115 – Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition’, ‘H. Con. Res. 113 – Authorizing the use of Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby’, General Services Administration capital investment and leasing program resolutions, ‘H.R. 4177 – PREPARE Act of 2017’, ‘H.R. 5319 – To transfer Coast Guard property in the Town of Jupiter Island, Florida, for inclusion in Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge’, ‘H.R. 5326 – Maritime Technical Corrections Act of 2018’, ‘H.R. 4673 – Promoting Women in the Aviation Workforce Act’ 10:00 AM House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on FY’19 NOAA budget – Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on ‘FY19 Budget – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’, with testimony from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Rear Adm. (Ret.) Dr Tim Gallaudet 10:00 AM House Armed Services Committee hearing on ‘State and Non-State Actor Influence Operations’ – Hearing on ‘State and Non-State Actor Influence Operations: Recommendations for U.S. National Security’, with testimony from former U.S. European Command Commander Gen. (Ret.) Philip Breedlove; former Australian Prime Minister’s Senior Adviser John Garnaut; and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict / former State Department Global Engagement Center Coordinator Michael Lumpkin 10:00 AM Hearing on ‘U.S. Trade Policy Agenda’, with testimony from U.S. Trade Representative Amb. Robert Lighthizer 10:15 AM House Natural Resources Committee markup hearing – Markup hearing on ‘H.R. 3997, Free Veterans from Fees Act’, ‘H.R. 4257, FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000591 Advancing Conservation and Education Act’, ‘H.R. 5005, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing the birthplace of James Weldon Johnson in Jacksonville, Florida, as a unit of the National Park System’, and ‘H.R. 5269, State and Territorial Approval for Restriction of Fishing Act’ (‘STAR Fishing Act’) 10:30 AM Business Meeting, to consider ‘H.R.5305: FDLP Modernization Act of 2018’ 10:35 AM House Administration Committee hearing on shared employees in the House – Hearing on ‘Examining the Role of Shared Employees in the House’, with testimony from House of Representatives Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving, Chief Administrative Officer Philip Kiko, and Inspector General Michael Ptasienski 11:00 AM House expected to vote on Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act and Right to Try Act – House of Representatives meets for legislative business, with agenda expected to include completion of consideration of ‘H.R. 4061 – Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act of 2017’ and ‘H.R. 5247 – Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act of 2018’ 11:00 AM House Small Business Committee hearing on infrastructure – Hearing on ‘American Infrastructure and the Small Business Perspective’, with testimony from W. James Taylor COO Marsia Geldert-Murphey (on behalf of American Society of Civil Engineers); Gernatt Asphalt Company Vice President for Sales and Quality Control Bill Schmitz (on behalf of National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association); Premier Communications CEO Doug Boone (on behalf of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association); and Dagostino Electronic Services President and CEO Bob Dagostino (on behalf of National Electrical Contractors Association) 12:00 PM Conversations with Conservatives event – Conversations with Conservatives session, with Republican Reps. Andy Biggs, Ralph Norman, and Louie Gohmert meeting traditional press and bloggers to discuss issues of the day * Chaired by Republican Reps. Warren Davidson, Jim Jordan, and Mark Meadows 1:30 PM House Technology subcommittee hearing on ‘empowering U.S. veterans’ – Research and Technology Subcommittee hearing on ‘Empowering U.S. Veterans Through Technology’, with testimony from National Nuclear Security Administration chief scientist Dr Dimitri Kusnezov; SoldierStrong founder and chairman Christopher Meek; Project Hero president and founder John Wordin; and Northwestern University research health scientist and assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation Dr Matthew Major 1:30 PM Agriculture Secretary Perdue testifies to House Appropriations subcommittee on budget – Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on ‘FY19 Budget – Department of Agriculture’, with testimony from Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue; and U.S. Department of Agriculture FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000592 Chief Economist Dr Robert Johansson, and Acting Budget Officer Diem-Linh Jones 2:00 PM Health Subcommittee hearing on ‘Implementation of MACRA’s Physician Payment Policies’ 2:00 PM National Security Subcommittee hearing on ‘Bureaucratic Challenges to Hurricane Recovery in Puerto Rico’ 2:00 PM House Natural Resources subcommittee oversight hearing on USBR and PMAs – Water, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee oversight hearing on ‘Examining the Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Spending, Priorities and Missions of the Bureau of Reclamation and the Four Power Marketing Administrations’, with testimony from Western Area Power Administration Administrator Mark Gabriel; Southeastern Power Administration Administrator Kenneth Legg; Bonneville Power Administration Administrator Elliot Mainzer; Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science Dr Timothy Petty; and Southwestern Power Administration Acting Administrator Mike Wech 2:00 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on ground force modernization budget – Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee hearing on ‘Ground Force Modernization Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2019’, with testimony from Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology’s Military Deputy Lt. Gen. Paul Ostrowski; U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff (G-8) Lt. Gen. John Murray; Marine Corps Combat Development Command Commanding General and U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh; and Marine Corps Systems Command Commanding General Brig. Gen. Joe Shrader 2:00 PM House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on China – Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee hearing on ‘U.S. Responses to China’s Foreign Influence Operations’, with testimony from Jamestown Foundation China Program Fellow Peter Mattis; National Endowment for Democracy International Forum for Democratic Studies Director Shanthi Kalathil; and University of Virginia Assistant Professor of Media Studies Dr Aynne Kokas 2:00 PM House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on a U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement and the Middle East – Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee hearing on ‘Implications of a U.S.-Saudi Arabia Nuclear Cooperation Agreement for the Middle East’, with testimony from Nonproliferation Policy Education Center Executive Director Henry Sokolski; Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs Senior Fellow William Tobey; and George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs Institute for International Science and Technology Research Professor of the Practice of International Affairs Sharon Squassoni 2:30 PM House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Open World Leadership Trust Fund budget – Legislative Branch Subcommittee hearing on ‘FY19 Budget – Open World Leadership Trust Fund’, with testimony from Open World Leadership Fund Executive Director Jane Sargus FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000593 3:00 PM Office of Strategic Services honored at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony – Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to honor Office of Strategic Services (OSS) members for their contributions during World War II, presented by House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi * In accordance with Public Law 114-269, a single gold medal has been struck to collectively honor the members 3:30 PM House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on military personnel posture – Military Personnel Subcommittee hearing on ‘Military Personnel Posture: FY 2019’, with testimony from U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff (G1) Lt. Gen. Thomas Seamands; Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke; U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso; and U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Lt. Gen. Michael Rocco 4:30 PM Dem Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee co-hosts panel on women’s political participation – Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems host briefing on ‘Ending Harmful Practices: Voices from the Field’ – the fourth event of a new series exploring each element of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5: ‘Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls’. Speakers include Women Thrive Alliance Advocacy and Partnerships Manager Monica De Pinto Ribeiro Hancke, International Center for Research on Women Policy Advocate Rachel Clement, and CARE USA Senior Policy Advocate for Gender and Empowerment Gayatri Patel Other: Wednesday, Mar. 21 Aschiana Foundation Annual Gala – Aschiana Foundation 2018 Annual Gala, in honor of Democratic Rep. Susan Davis, hosted by Norway Ambassador to the U.S. Amb. Kare Aas. Location: Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence, Washington, DC www.aschiana￾foundation.org. 8:30 AM WGR event with staffers on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee – Women in Government Relations Congressional Breakfast series event with staff of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources – Republican Professional Staff Member Chester Carson and Democratic Professional Staff Member Brie Van Cleve – sharing their thoughts and expectations for the energy bill and energy policy in 2018 and beyond. Location: AT&T, 601 New Jersey Ave, Washington, DC http://www.wgr.org https://twitter.com/WGRDC 8:30 AM The Hill ‘Leadership in Action’ policy discussion – The Hill and The Hill Latino host ‘Leadership in Action’ policy discussion, a series of one-on-one conversations on diversity, leadership styles and bipartisan initiatives addressing top priorities on Capitol Hill, with Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander and Democratic Reps. Nanette Barragan and Joe Crowley speaking with The Hill Editor-in-Chief Bob Cusack. Location: Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC thehill.com https://twitter.com/TheHill FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000594 9:00 AM Dem Sen. Bob Menendez speaks on Congressional oversight and U.S. foreign policy at CSIS – Center for Strategic and International Studies hosts conversation with Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, on Congressional oversight and leadership in U.S. foreign policy. Location: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 1616 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC http://www.csis.org https://twitter.com/CSIS 10:15 AM Army Secretary Esper speaks at Atlantic Council – Secretary of the Army Mark Esper speaks at Atlantic Council Defense￾Industrial Policy Series event on ‘Army Vision and Modernization Priorities’. Location: Atlantic Council, 1030 15th St NW, Washington, DC http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/ https://twitter.com/AtlanticCouncil 1:30 PM Dem Rep. Yvette Clarke hosts a briefing on the opioid epidemic in the Black community – Democratic Rep. Yvette Clarke – in conjunction with the National Medical Association, the National Black Nurses Association, and the National Dental Association – hosts a briefing on the opioid epidemic in the Black community. Attendees include Medical Homes Development Group Chief Medical Officer Edwin Chapman, NYC H+H/ Kings County Chemical Dependency Services and Integrated Ambulatory Behavioral Health Services Director Susan Whitley and Howard University School of Social Work Associate Professor Janice Berry Edwards. Location: Rayburn House Office Building, 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC clarke.house.gov https://twitter.com/RepYvetteClarke 6:30 PM Second Genesis Foundation Presents “Dreamland” Author Sam Quinones – Media representatives, the addiction community, public officials, health policy experts and stakeholders in the DMV community are invited to join the Second Genesis Foundation for a discussion with award winning author and journalist Sam Quinones about his book “Dreamland” and the opioid crisis facing America. Participants: Author Sam Quinones, U.S. Representative Ann Kuster (NH-2), NBC 4 co-anchor Wendy Rieger, Montgomery County Police Department Assistant Chief Darryl McSwain and Chairman of the Board of the Second Genesis Foundation Roscoe Little. Location: National Press Club, 529 14th St., NW Last Laughs Late Night Political Humor. Jimmy Kimmel: “President Trump met at the White House today with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They call him MBS for short. For real. Trump actually prepared for this meeting. His aides say he watched almost all of the movie ‘Aladdin’ just to get ready for it.” Jimmy Kimmel: “Establishing relationships with friendly foreign leaders is important for Trump right now because he needs to build a network of countries he can flee to when the time comes.” FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000595 Jimmy Kimmel: “Meanwhile, the Russia-calooza-paloza is getting bigger every day. The President’s legal team is working overtime to help him avoid a lengthy interview with Special Counsel Robert Mueller. According to one of his advisers, Trump’s lawyers are in crunch time right now, which is funny because crunch time is also what they call it when an extra crispy bucket of KFC arrives at the White House.” Jimmy Kimmel: “Meanwhile, a former Playboy model, Karen McDougal, is claiming she had sex with Donald Trump in the same golf tournament where he met Stormy Daniels. … Karen is suing the company that owns the National Enquirer to get out of the agreement to keep her quiet. They did what is known as a ‘catch and kill.’ They paid $150,000 for her story and didn’t publish it. I don’t know what kind of Christmas gifts he gives out, but this Donald Trump has a lot of generous friends. I have no friends who would pay $150,000 for me.” Stephen Colbert: “Meanwhile, remember the Mueller investigation? That Mueller investigation is just steaming straight at Donald Trump. Last week, attorneys on both sides of the investigation sat down in a rare face-to-face discussion about the topics investigators could inquire of the President. ‘The Late Show’ has acquired exclusive copy of what Trump’s lawyers say Mueller can ask. They will allow questions on the 2016 electoral map and noises trucks make, but nothing about Stormy’s bathing suit area or Vlad stuff.” Stephen Colbert: “Turns out he’s bringing in new lawyers. Yesterday he hired former US attorney and psychic who failed to predict they would tow his car, Joe diGenova. Now, I know what you’re thinking – this guy looks extremely competent. Where does Trump find these savvy courtroom veterans? Well, the answer may not surprise you because diGenova is a regular on Fox News. Of course, Trump would just hire some guy he saw on TV. I wouldn’t be surprised if he brought on diGenova because he thought he was the My Pillow guy.” Stephen Colbert: “Bringing in a new lawyer might mean Trump has to lose another one of his legal counsels – namely, Trump’s personal lawyer and Cadbury meat egg, John Dowd. According to reports, Dowd has contemplated resigning because he has concluded that he has no control over Trump’s behavior. You just figured that out? Come on, man, Trump doesn’t even have control over Trump’s behavior.” FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000596 James Cordon: “As the Russia investigation moves forward, Trump and his legal team have submitted documents in writing in the hopes that Trump’s interview under oath will be shorter. Sources say Trump’s attorneys are worried he would be vulnerable in a long interview. It’s never a good sign when your attorneys are like, ‘You need to meet us half way here because my client can’t go 10 minutes without lying.’” James Cordon: “They handed in written documents. This means investigators have poured over documents in English, in Russian, and now in crayon.” James Cordon: “Speaking of Trump’s lawyers, President Trump has hired a new attorney for his defense team. Trump’s newest legal counsel is a man named Joseph diGenova,, who has frequently and vocally pushed the conspiracy theory that the FBI is plotting to frame the President. Now, I personally don’t think any of that is true. But let’s hope so!” Jimmy Fallon: “A former Playboy playmate named Karen McDougal, she says that she had an affair with Trump and now she’s suing him. You know things are crazy when you hear the President is being sued by a porn star and people go, ‘Which one?’” Jimmy Fallon: “I saw that Robert Mueller wants to interview Trump, but the President’s lawyers want to limit the conversation to certain topics. So right now they’re trying to compromise based on what Mueller wants to talk about, and what Trump wants to talk about. I’ll show you what I mean. For example, Robert Mueller wants to talk about Anthony Scaramucci. Trump wants to talk about offshore drilling. They’re compromising and talking about the ‘Jersey Shore’ reboot.” Jimmy Fallon: “I’ll give you another example: Mueller wants to talk about Jared Kushner. Trump wants to talk about new drug laws. So they’re compromising and talking about ‘dat good kush.’” Jimmy Fallon: “Mueller wants to talk about George Papadopoulos. Trump wants to talk about John Kelly. They’re compromising and talking about Papa John’s.” Jimmy Fallon: “Mueller wants to talk about mistakes. Trump wants to talk FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000597 about himself. They’re compromising and talking about Donald Trump Jr.” Seth Meyers: “President Trump said today that he and Vladimir Putin will probably get together in the not too distant future to discuss the arms race. Oh, sorry, I misread that. It’s to race into each other’s arms.” Seth Meyers: “When asked today if the Russian election was free and fair, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, quote, ‘We’re focused on our elections. We don’t get to dictate how other countries operate.’ ‘Ha, ha, good one,’ said Iraq.” Seth Meyers: “According to CNN, President Trump’s lawyers sat down with members of special counsel Robert Mueller’s team last week to discuss the topics investigators could cover with Trump. And so far, it’s a pretty short list.” Seth Meyers: “President Trump today met with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia at the White House. The prince asked for Trump’s help fighting terrorism, and Trump asked for three wishes.” Seth Meyers: “According to reports, adult film star Stormy Daniels took a polygraph test in 2011 about her relationship with President Trump, and the examiner found there was a more than 99 percent probability she told the truth about their affair. And we know Trump is lying because we can hear him.” Copyright 2018 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction or redistribution without permission prohibited. Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national magazines, national and local television programs, radio broadcasts, social-media platforms and additional forms of open-source data. Sources for Bulletin Intelligence audience-size estimates include Scarborough, GfK MRI, comScore, Nielsen, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Data from and access to third party social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others, is subject to the respective platform’s terms of use. Services that include Factiva content are governed by Factiva’s terms of use. Services including embedded Tweets are also subject to Twitter for Website's information and privacy policies. The Department of the Interior News Briefing is published five days a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. We can be found on the Web at BulletinIntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483-6100. FOIA001:02257043 EXT-18-2336-E-000598 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead, -- Win! Required Training Capabilities of the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) “The Carrier in the Desert” FOIA001:02716159 d Tr . ofth ~-- ... ~o....... Range Training Complex (FRTC) EXT-18-2336-E-000599 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win!  Home of the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center ● 100% of deploying Naval Aviation train in ordnance and electronic warfare at FRTC prior to deployment ● Aviation ordnance ranges B-17 & B-20 too small for today’s Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) ● Dixie Valley too small for today’s aviation electronic warfare  Home of Naval Special Warfare Tactical Ground Maneuver ● 100% of SEALs train in ground maneuver combat at FRTC prior to deployment ● Aviation/Ground range B-16 too small for today’s SEAL tactics and doctrine Fallon Range Training Complex FRTC Only Place Capable of Providing Realistic Training at Individual, Unit, Integrated & Advanced Levels FOIA001:02716159 - Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000600 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! Naval Air Station Fallon • Aviation Integrated Training • Air Wing • Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program • Aviation Graduate Level Schools • Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) • Naval Strike Warfare Center (Strike University) • Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School • Rotary Wing Weapons School • Electronic Reconnaissance Weapons School • Joint Close Air Support School • Naval Special Warfare Tactical Mobility Course • Growler Weapons School • Tomahawk Land Attack Missile Cell • Special Warfare • Tactical Ground Mobility • Close Air Support • Sniper Sustainment FOIA001:02716159 - Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000601 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! Weapons Technology Evolution  Advanced weapons technology require larger ranges ● Fallon Ranges designed for older “dumb bombs” ● Newer weapons incorporate “smart bomb” technologies for weapons release at longer distances to targets and higher altitudes Modern aircraft release weapons from 10-15 miles & upwards of 30,000 feet Older aircraft released weapons from 1-2 miles are inside enemy threat systems Target & Threat Area Weapon flight path FOIA001:02716159 35,000MSL - Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000602 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! FRTC Modernization Initiative  Operation Desert Storm losses to radar guided missiles and radar guided AAA  Advances in weapons and tactics standoff distances since 1990’s  2010-2013 analysis identified severe weapons training deficiencies at NAS Fallon  Current combat weapon tactics not being met  Current FRTC lands date from 1986 and not configured for today’s weapons, tactics and doctrine DMLGB JDAM Hellfire LGW Weapons Classes Nautical Miles FOIA001:02716159 0 1.75 3.5 7 10.5 14 - Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000603 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! Ordnance Requirements B-17 • Maximum current weapons capability containment inside the range boundary • Required 360° to meet realistic training weapon release Current Range Boundary Legend Constrained LGW Constrained Hellfire Constrained JDAM 360° LGW 360° Hellfire 360° JDAM FOIA001:02716159 - Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center . . . ······--.. Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000604 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! Ordnance Requirements Current Range Boundary B-20 • Maximum current weapons capability containment inside the range boundary • Required 360° to meet realistic training weapon release Legend Constrained LGW Constrained Hellfire Constrained JDAM 360° LGW 360° Hellfire 360° JDAM FOIA001:02716159 - . . . . . . . . . • . • . • . . . . . · . . . . ··. ··•····· .. ··········· ... .. ......... _ . .. ·-.. . ............ . . . . . . . . • . . . ... . . . . . ·~ •• ·-. .. ·· .. . l ·• .... ·•. ________ ..a, ____________ ........... __ .. Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center ·· . . . . . . • . . . EXT-18-2336-E-000605 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! Original Aviation Ordnance Requirements Validated “Tactically Acceptable” Requirements Altitude MSL Speed KTS Release Range NM Dive Angle Heading LGW 35K 30K 600 1-6.8 1-5 +5 to -55 0-360 JDAM 35K 30K 600 2-13 2-10 0 to -40 0-360 0-180 HF 2K 120 1-5 .6-4.3 0 to -5 0-360 0-180 DMLGB 35K 30K 560 2-14 2-14 0 0-360 0-180 Aviation Weapons Requirements FOIA001:02716159 - Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000606 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! SEAL Tactical Ground Mobility  SEAL Tactical Requirements • 360° field of fire for 7.62 mm • 180° field of fire for .50 caliber • Off-road driving in mountainous terrain • Immediate Action Drills • Close Air Support Integration • Complex Urban Scenarios FOIA001:02716159 Proposed B-16 Wrlh 360 ° SOZs - Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000607 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! Overview of Modernization FRTC Modernization Land Summary Range Current Acres Proposed Additional Acres Total Proposed Acres B-16 27k 32k 59k B-17 53k 179k 231k B-20 41k 183k 234k Dixie Valley 68k 296k 364k Totals 189k 690k 888k FOIA001:02716159 Uigad ........ - ---=~ ---- {()pan•lfa~ __ ... t:,-:.i:.=1~ - ...... """ .......... -- -===~ ~WN,, ....... QU,t fQoln.iohPIMc~ Ml""J'CNWlMII IOliMiad •PlaWI N,n"to..-tt..lil io.-nilllhl-~1 ~, .. ,.~ .i _, ltlc...,...-.atlon""""'- ~..-.....PJUnoild~ rm=.=::=:=: - Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000608 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! B-16  Additional SEAL Requirements • Threat representative 360° field of fire attack axis for threat realistic training • Multiple training areas with threat & target complexity & redundancy • Open area to maneuver convoy escort vehicles in varying terrain conditions • Close Air Support Integration • Range active 280 days annually  Continued support to Naval Aviation • Basic level (inert only) air-to￾surface training for tactical aviation • Naval Helicopter gunnery  Primarily supports Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) Tactical Ground Mobility (TGM) Course • Training requirement for 360° field of fire for small arms up to and including 7.62mm and 40mm • Training requirement for 180° field of fire for .50cal FOIA001:02716159 Admlnstratk:,nJ :··G11··~---i s~~~. ' ' ' ' : , Fence , • (300ftx300ft} ~;;'9 7····· ·· (10Amls) - Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000609 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! B-17  FRTCs premier range due to diverse terrain and geography  1 of 2 primary Large Force Exercise ranges  Live ordnance capability  Supports all facets of Naval Aviation training continuum ● Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Phases  B-17 Requirements ● Provide increased weapons release profiles per tactics, techniques and procedures requirements ● Provide threat scenario complexity with multiple targets and target arrays ● Range active 280 days annually FOIA001:02716159 - Legend 0 Proposed Gate ·' County Boundary Exit,lin g Withdrawal - Closed to Public c::::J Open to Public Prop osed Withdrawal - Closed to Public Open to Public - Proposed Convoy Route c::J :na:~~~fnger ~ Proposed Target Area - Navy Owned Land t=] Non-Federal land Tran•portatlon Highway NOTIS. DVTA- Olr.l&l/r/ley Tr111nin9ArN ..~. s 0 1 2 3Mi ln l-----',--1,--J 0 2 4 11m Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead- Wini EXT-18-2336-E-000610 Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Fly, Fight, Lead – Win! B-17 Shift Alternative FOIA001:02716159 - Legend 0 Proposed Gate ·' County Boundary Exit,lin g Withdrawal - Closed to Public c::::J Open to Public Prop osed Withdrawal - Closed to Public Open to Public - Proposed Convoy Route c::J :na:~~~fnger ~ Proposed Target Area - Navy Owned Land t=] Non-Federal land Tran•portatlon Highway NOTIS. DVTA- Olr.l&l/r/ley Tr111nin9ArN ..~. s 0 1 2 3Mi ln l-----',--1,--J 0 2 4 11m Naval Aviation Warflghtlng Development Center UG"'d ~ P•-T-~ro• We-..apoMO,lngtlf Z.-IWDZ) IEzl•IJilCIIW11i'tdt.,_•I - °"'"""'"~ ...CJ ~"'Pubic Propo11Nl Withdn~I - Cbadt.oPub., [=:J Ol)en l0 P,_ CO,,,,,JyllO Date: 03/30/2018 07:29 (GMT-10:00) To: Ryan Zinke < > Cc: Caroline Personal Subject: Re: Ride Hi Ryan. Happy Good Friday. Read American Commander, wow. You will enjoy the guys on the ride and they, you. When you can, please send me your mailing address and short Bio so I can complete your invitation with the RV Office. Also, when you have the names ofyour 2 compadres, send them as the Name Badges are intricate and done in advance. They will be nicer ifyou can make this window and not have the “last minute” version done with a Sharpie pen. Have a good Easter weekend and hope to hear from you soon. Dave David J. Monahan On Mar 14, 2018, at 8:06 AM, Ryan Zinke < > wrote: Dave, Ryan Zinke here. Thank you for the email and I look forward to the ride. I will have my security team contact you shortly with the details. All the best. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716149 EXT-18-2336-E-000620 To: Bill Hileman[will@whitefishlaw.com]; Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-03-31T19:07:38-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS Received: 2018-03-31T19:08:12-04:00 Congratulations judge! I have ccd caroline to provide details. Also, an intern in congressional with daines or greg may be an option as well. Let's keep in touch. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Bill Hileman Date: 03/30/2018 07:01 (GMT-10:00) To: Ryan & Lola ZINKE < > Cc: Bill Hileman Subject: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS Hon. Secretary, Hope all is going well in Washington! Holly is loving her studies at Georgetown, and Hayley is having a great time with golf, joined a sorority, and I believe occasionally engages in academic pursuits! Susan and I are meeting the girls in Seattle for Easter - nothing better than being together for the holiday. As we spoke during our visit to your office in DC (thanks again!), Hayley and or Holly would be very much interested in an internship with the Interior this summer. Would you be so kind as to provide us with contact information for who to reach out to for additional information ( couldn’t find on the website but did like the articles and photos). Wishing your family a very blessed and Happy Easter, and look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you, Judge Will William Hileman, Jr. will@whitefishlaw.com Sent from my iPad (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716150 EXT-18-2336-E-000621 To: Ryan Zinke[cdr06@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Aaron Thiele[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov] From: Thiele, Aaron Sent: 2018-04-03T02:36:47-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Memo for Tuesday 4/3 Received: 2018-04-03T02:36:51-04:00 Helium Information - SecMemo_4-2-18.docx FWP BW Parkway Briefing Memo.docx USGS Space Activities Briefing-FINAL.docx CA 4-3-18 Trip Schedule.docx Attached is the materials for tomorrow's visit to SpaceX and The Boring Company. FOIA001:02716170 EXT-18-2336-E-000622 1 United States Department of the Interior Official Travel Schedule of the Secretary Santa Barbara, CA - Hawthorne, CA April 3, 2018 Draft: 4/1/18 TRIP SUMMARY THE TRIP OF THE SECRETARY TO FOIA001:02716167 EXT-18-2336-E-000623 2 Santa Barbara, CA - Hawthorne, CA April 3, 2018 Weather: Hawthorne, CA High 69º, Low 57º; Partly Cloudy Time Zone: California Pacific Daylight Time (3 hours behind DC) Advance (Sacramento): Cell Phone: Security Advance Advance Aaron Thiele Traveling Staff: Cell Phone: Agent in Charge Deputy Chief of Staff Downey Magallanes Attire: Tuesday: Jeans and a Blazer (b)(6), (b)(7)(c), (b)(7)(f) (b)(6), (b)(7)(c), (b)(7)(f) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716167 EXT-18-2336-E-000624 3 Tuesday, April 3, 2018 Santa Barbara, CA → Hawthorne, CA 7:00-9:30am PDT: Depart RON en route SpaceX Headquarters Location: Rocket Rd, Hawthorne, CA 90250 Vehicle Manifest: Secretary’s Vehicle: RZ Staff Vehicle: Aaron Thiele Downey Magallanes Drive Time: ~2.5 Hours depending on traffic 9:35-9:40am PDT: Arrive SpaceX Headquarters Location: 1 Rocket Rd, Hawthorne, CA 90250 Note: VIP Parking and drop-off in front of building. 9:40-10:10am PDT: Tour SpaceX Headquarters Location: 1 Rocket Rd, Hawthorne, CA 90250 Participants: RZ Downey Magallanes Aaron Thiele Lee Rosen, VP of Customer Operations & Integration Keli Turner, Director of Purchasing 10:10-10:40am PDT: Roundtable Discussion with SpaceX Location: Conference Room 1 Rocket Rd, Hawthorne, CA 90250 Participants: RZ Downey Magallanes Aaron Thiele Lee Rosen, VP of Customer Operations & Integration Keli Turner, Director of Purchasing 11:40-11:50am PDT: Walk from SpaceX to The Boring Company Location: 1 Rocket Road Hawthorne, CA 90250 Participants: RZ Downey Magallanes Aaron Thiele Flo Li, Lead Project Engineer Jehn Balajadia, Operations Jane Labanowski, Community Relations 11:50-11:15am PDT: Tour and discussion of The Boring Company Location: 1 Rocket Road Hawthorne, CA 90250 Participants: RZ Downey Magallanes Aaron Thiele Flo Li, Lead Project Engineer (b)(6), (b)(7)(c), (b)(... FOIA001:02716167 EXT-18-2336-E-000625 4 Jehn Balajadia, Operations Jane Labanowski, Community Relations Note: Briefing and tour of Loop project construction site. 11:15am-11:20am PDT: Depart en route Hyperloop Test Track Location: 3242 Jack Northrop Ave. Hawthorne, CA 90250 Vehicle Manifest: Secretary’s Vehicle: RZ Downey Magallanes Flo Li, Lead Project Engineer Jehn Balajadia, Operations Note: Discussion of student hyperloop competition and test track. 11:20am-11:45am PDT: Tour Hyperloop Test Track Location: 3242 Jack Northrop Ave. Hawthorne, CA 90250 Participants: RZ Downey Magallanes Flo Li, Lead Project Engineer Jehn Balajadia, Operations Aaron Thiele Jane Labanowski, Community Relations Note: Discussion of student hyperloop competition and test track. 11:45-12:00pm PDT: Depart en route Los Angeles International Airport Location: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045 Vehicle Manifest: Secretary’s Vehicle: RZ Downey Magallanes Drive time: ~15 minutes 1:20pm PDT - 9:30pm EDT: Wheels up Los Angeles, CA (LAX) en route Baltimore, MD (BWI) Flight: Southwest 1833 Flight time: 5 hours, 10 minutes RZ Seat: Assigned at airport AiC: Sgt. Mark Asmussen Staff: Downey Magallanes NOTE: TIME ZONE CHANGE PDT to EDT (+3 hours) 9:30-9:55pm EDT: Wheels down BWI // Proceed to Vehicle 9:55-10:45 pm EDT: Depart Airport en route Residence Vehicle Manifest: Secretary’s Vehicle: RZ Drive time: ~50 minutes FOIA001:02716167 EXT-18-2336-E-000626 United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY DATE: April 2, 2018 FROM: Brian C. Steed, Deputy Director for Programs and Policy – Bureau of Land Management (BLM) SUBJECT: Federal Helium Program I. INTRODUCTION The BLM’s Amarillo Field Office in Texas operates and manages the Federal helium program at the Bush Dome Reserve (Reserve). Helium at the Reserve is a strategic mineral sold to private suppliers to use in medical equipment, manufacturing computer chips, and the defense and aerospace industries. The BLM must maintain a base supply of 3 billion cubic feet (Bcf), and then auction anything beyond that amount for Federal research and use by other Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Reserve also serves to store privately owned helium for delivery. The Reserve’s ability to satisfy private and Federal demands is increasingly constrained as the Reserve enters its final stages of production. II. ISSUE BACKGROUND Congress passed the Helium Privatization Act of 1996 requiring that the U.S. Government (USG) sell off the Reserve (32 Bcf) to industry and retire a debt ($1.3 billion to Treasury). Once the debt was retired, Congress passed the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, requiring that the USG auction off the remaining Reserve while maintaining 3 Bcf of helium in the Reserve. Additionally, the Stewardship Act provided a date certain (10/2021) for the USG to dispose of the Reserve. The disposal date has provided private industry the incentive to increase development of helium sources outside the Reserve. The U.S. House and Senate introduced legislation in 2017 to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to allow helium production to count in a ‘paying well’ determination, effectively extending the primary term ofan oil and gas lease. The change, if enacted, would allow private producers to produce effectively low Btu gas with sufficient helium from Federal minerals. Recently, the helium supply has seen surplus and shortage caused by the world economy (slowdown in 2012-2015 leading to surplus) and supply disruptions (Qatar 2017 boycott leading to shortage). The Reserve serves as a flywheel to adjust the level of the worldwide helium supply. When more helium is demanded from the Reserve than can be delivered, the BLM must allocate production to the helium refiners connected to the Reserve. Federal users of the helium in the Reserve have priority over other users through a contractual relationship. III. ACTIONS TAKEN BY HALLWAY The Department of the Interior has supported the current legislative initiative to promote production of low Btu, helium-bearing Federal minerals. The BLM ensures that during times of helium shortage, allocations are fairly apportioned and Federal user demands are properly prioritized. Regulatory changes will be required to provide priority helium to Federal users after 2021. IV. ANALYSIS AND POSITIONS OF INTERESTED PARTIES (ifapplicable) Federal helium users (agencies or contractors) such as SpaceX rely on the contractual priority to ensure helium supplies for time-critical needs. Private helium refiners and distributors are experiencing more supply disruptions as demand for helium increases and supply is not maintaining the pace. FOIA001:02716156 EXT-18-2336-E-000627 United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY DATE: 3/27/2018 FROM: Jason Larrabee, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks SUBJECT: Baltimore-Washington Parkway Update I. BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON PARKWAY Interest from the State of Maryland and private companies for several different proposals to use the Baltimore-Washington Parkway to improve transportation along the Northeast Corridor. a. ISSUE BACKGROUND One proposal calls for transfer of the parkway to the State of Maryland for expanded lanes, including tolling capacity. Another proposal is for a maglev rail line primarily on private land, partially underground, along the parkway corridor. Another proposal is by The Boring Company to construct two parallel 14-ft wide tunnels below the parkway for a future transit system. That system would also require branch tunnels every mile for egress and ventilation. All of the proposals have substantial environmental and historical implications. Changes in legislation may be necessary for some of these proposals. b. ACTIONS TAKEN BY HALLWAY There has been no significant action on the transfer proposal. The NPS is a cooperating agency on a Federal railroad EIS for the maglev proposal, a draft of which will not be released until early 2019. DOI and NPS are meeting bi-weekly and have met several times with The Boring Company. DOI/NPS have also met with DOT officials (Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railway Administration) and it was determined that DOT would be the lead agency for the Environmental Assessment (EA) and that the NPS would be a cooperating agency on the Boring Company proposal. The EA kicked off on March 13 and is expected to be completed by May 31. If approved, the NPS would issue a permit to allow construction to start and will negotiate a land exchange for an underground easement. c. RECOMMENDATION BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY Supports. d. ACTION ITEM FOR SECRETARY (if applicable) N/A FOIA001:02716158 EXT-18-2336-E-000628 United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY 1 DATE: 30 March 2018 FROM: William Werkheiser, Deputy Director, U.S. Geological Survey SUBJECT: Summary ofUSGS space-related activities The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a summary of space-related activities in which the U.S. Geological Survey is currently or has been engaged. Secretary Zinke will be meeting with SpaceX on Tuesday, 2 April 2018 and requested a briefing on these activities before his meeting. KEY TAKEAWAYS  There are two primary entities that conduct space-related activities within the USGS, the Astrogeology Science Center and the National Land Imaging Program, home of Landsat.  The Astrogeology Science Center has a rich history of participation in space exploration and planetary mapping starting in 1961 when it was established to provide lunar geologic mapping and assist in training astronauts destined for the Moon.  The National Land Imaging Program co-administers the 45+ year DOI/USGS partnership with NASA to design, develop, launch, and operate the Landsat satellite constellation that provides the longest-running archive of space-based imagery ofthe Earth’s surface. The program also partners with NASA and other US Government Departments to lead and support future Mars, lunar, and asteroid missions. BACKGROUND Astrogeology Science Center The USGS Astrogeology Science Center began in 1961 (as the Flagstaff Science Center) to support the NASA Apollo Program. A major emphasis was on training astronauts in geology and other field methods. Astrogeology has undertaken two efforts with SpaceX. The first was an attempt to find the optimal landing site, on Earth’s terrestrial surface, for the SpaceX Dragon space capsule used to send and retrieve cargo and eventually astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The second activity was a broader effort to identify the optimal location for the city SpaceX intends to build on Mars. USGS efforts were funded by NASA. Elon Musk presented the results of the optimal location activity at the International Astronomical Congress in 2017. After the end ofthe Apollo Program, the USGS focused on supporting NASA’s robotic exploration of the Solar System. This support was extremely broad, for example, developing strategic direction for NASA; building and operating space missions; providing foundational planetary mapping infrastructure; producing image, topographic, and geologic maps of the highest quality; and archiving data from NASA and international missions and making all this information accessible to the public and researchers across the globe. The USGS has assisted every US space mission, and many international missions, that traveled to an extraterrestrial solid surface. A short list of examples includes:  Apollo precursor missions: USGS staff played a key role in the operation, data analysis, FOIA001:02716162 EXT-18-2336-E-000629 2 and data preservation from the seven Lunar Surveyor robotic landers and the five Lunar Orbiter missions that were used to select the Apollo landing sites.  Mariner 6-10: USGS played key roles in operating, analyzing, and preserving these first looks at Mars and Mercury, including leading the first global geologic maps of Mars.  Voyager 1&2: USGS played an essential role through these spacecrafts’ grand tour ofthe outer Solar System, especially in regard to the active geology on the many moons of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.  Viking Program: USGS played a central role in using the two orbiters to select safe landing sites for the two landers and the subsequent studies of Mars.  Mars Science Laboratory: USGS scientists and other staff are part of the team conducting the day-to-day operations of the Curiosity rover and interpreting the observations of the sedimentary sequences exposed in the slopes of Aeolis Mons.  OSIRIS-REx: USGS is developing the software to map asteroid Bennu and select safe but scientifically interesting sampling sites.  Mars InSight Lander: Scheduled to launch from Vandenberg AFB, California on May 5, 2018. USGS topographic maps are an essential part of selecting the InSight landing site. USGS has provided this kind of support for all successful landings on Mars. National Land Imaging Program - Land Resources Mission Area The Secretary ofInterior, Stuart Udall, announced ‘Project EROS’ in 1966, initiating what would become the longest-running Earth Observation program in the world. USGS began the Landsat archive in 1972 which spans seven spacecraft and 45+ years of Earth observation to date. The USGS currently operates both the Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 missions while the USGS and NASA work together building the Landsat 9 mission, scheduled for launch in 2020. The USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) in Sioux Falls, SD manages the world’s largest civilian collection ofremotely sensed images ofthe Earth’s land surface. Tens of millions of analog and digital images from aerial and satellite missions, including Landsat, NASA, and others, make up over 25 petabytes and 500 data sets spanning a time frame of 70+ years. In an average month, EROS delivers over 25 million satellite products to over 40,000 unique users, all at no cost to the user. Interagency and International Earth Observations Coordination USGS is an active member of the White House-led interagency U.S. Group on Earth Observations (USGEO). USGEO’s purpose is to (1) coordinate, plan, and assess Federal Earth observation activities; (2) foster improved Earth-system data management and interoperability throughout the Federal Government; (3) provide agency needs for satellite data to inform NASA’s systems engineering and future systems development; and, (4) engage international partners through the international Group on Earth Observations (GEO). National Civil Applications Center (NCAC) In 1975 President Gerald Ford formalized the appropriate Federal civil agency use of overhead remote sensing technologies and data collected by military and intelligence overhead capabilities and directed the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Civil Applications Committee (CAC) to FOIA001:02716162 EXT-18-2336-E-000630 3 provide oversight, coordination, and facilitation of these efforts. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, provides the support required to conduct the activities and operations of the CAC and its Secretariat, including facilities and administration. Since 2010, the CAC has also overseen Federal civil agency access to and use of commercial, unclassified remote sensing imagery procured by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), an agency under the Department of Defense. DISCUSSION Landsat missions are now planned through the Sustained Land Imaging Program, a joint-agency activity between DOI/USGS and NASA. The process of determining what the next mission(s) will be is just beginning for Landsat 10 and beyond. If executed as was done with the previous architecture study, industry will have opportunities to contribute to the study. SpaceX provides private solutions for development of rockets and spacecraft. Future Landsat missions may engage broadly with the private sector suppliers of technology and SpaceX may be interested in engagement. USGS plays a key leadership role in the intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations (GEO), which is linking Earth observation resources world-wide across multiple thematic applications and making those resources available for better-informed decision-making. Under the oversight of the DOI-chaired interagency Civil Applications Committee, the USGS National Civil Applications Center (NCAC) is the primary provider of military and intelligence remote sensing data to Federal civilian agencies. The National Land Imaging Program is working with the Astrogeology Science Center and NASA Ames (Mountain View, CA) as well as university partners on future lunar and planetary missions. The USGS is also involved in the Detecting and Mitigating the Impact of Earth-bound Near-Earth Objects (DAMIEN) Interagency Working Group to assist the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in drafting the National Near Earth Objects Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan. POSITION OF INTERESTED PARTIES The USGS Astrogeology Science Center has been funded by NASA since its inception, and NASA is very supportive of their ongoing work activities. Landsat is a partnership activity with NASA and enjoys broad support from private sector organizations (e.g. Amazon, Google, ESRI), state and federal agencies. FOIA001:02716162 EXT-18-2336-E-000631 To: Aaron Thiele[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; David Bernhardt[ ; Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Renner[elinor_werner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[laura_rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Leila Getto[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; Luke Bullock[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; Mike Argo[michael_argo@ios.doi.gov]; Ryan Zinke[cdr06@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov] From: Boulton, Caroline Sent: 2018-04-03T17:45:53-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Electronic Briefing Book: 4.4.18 Received: 2018-04-03T17:46:37-04:00 DAILY UPDATE FOR CABINET AFFAIRS 4-3-18.docx 4.3.18 Directors SFBPC Meeting Memo.docx RKZ Daily Schedule 4.4.18.docx All, Attached is the schedule and briefing book for tomorrow. Best, Caroline Daily Schedule 8:30am Depart Residence en route Museum of the Bible 9:00am Remarks at the Museum of the Bible Location: Museum ofthe Bible Staff: Bullock, Argo 10:00am Depart Museum of the Bible en route DOI 10:30am Daily Scheduling & Communications Meeting Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary, Hommel, Magallanes, Argo, Rigas, Tanner, Wynn 11:00am Hold: StaffTime Location: Secretary’s Office 12:00pm Lunch Location: Secretary’s Office 1:00pm Drop by Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council Meeting Location: 5160 Conference Room Staff: Sheehan 1:30pm Daily Meeting with the Chief ofStaff Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Hommel 2:00pm Personnel Interview 2:45pm OPEN 3:15pm Depart en route White House (b)(6) - Bernhardt (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00079695 EXT-18-2336-E-000632 3:30pm Meeting with Chris Liddell and Bill McGinley Location: West Wing 223 Staff: Deputy Secretary, Hommel, Magallanes 4:00pm White House Murder Board Location: Cabinet Affairs, EEOB 126 Staff: Hommel, Rigas, Swift RON Washington, DC -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 FOIA001:00079695 EXT-18-2336-E-000633 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DAILY UPDATE FOR CABINET AFFAIRS – 4/3/2018 Lori Mashburn, White House Liaison Natalie Davis, Deputy White House Liaison STATUS OF THE SECRETARY THIS WEEK:  4/3 CA: Tour of SpaceX facility in Hawthorne  4/4 DC: Remarks at Museum ofthe Bible o Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council Meeting Drop By  4/5: WH Principals Meeting o Meeting with Chris Lidell o Meeting with Gary Knell, National Geographic CEO  4/6 NJ: Remarks at Business Network Offshore Wind Conference STATUS OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARY TODAY: In DC- Internal Meetings WH COMMS REPORT (submitted 4/2) Press Inquiries:  Many small and logistical inquiries.  Politico (Kim Hefling) —REQUEST-- I’m writing today on the attached letters between the Interior and Education departments and about the Education Department’s decision to withhold 1.5 percent ofthe total Title I, Part A set-aside to the Bureau ofIndian Education. My deadline is 3:30 p.m. today. 1) Can you please tell me why the InteriorDepartment is opposed to the decision to withhold the funds? 2) Can you please tell me if Secretary Zinke has received a response from Secretary DeVos to the letterin which he voices his concerns? 3) Is the InteriorDepartment taking any additional steps in response to the Education Department’s decision to withhold the funds?— RESPONSE— "The Bureau ofIndian Education values its partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and looks forward to continuing to work togetherto meet the needs ofits students. Secretary Zinke believes our native children deserve the very best, which is why the Secretary is excited and encouraged that the President's plan to modernize American infrastructure prioritizes rebuilding Indian schools."  Politico (Ben Lefebvre) —REQUEST— I see that the FEC has sent a letterto SEAL PAC about a discrepancy that occurred while Vincent DeVito was treasurer. Would he be able to provide any comment on why $600,000 that wasn’t disclosed in the first half of 2017 is now said as being raised at the time? --RESPONSE— TBD  E&E News (Hannah Northey) —REQUEST— Did Secretary Zinke sign or extend forms that grant individuals like Susan Combs authority to oversee the National Park Service and FWS? This would be an amended version ofOrder. No. 3345 based on past examples. If not Susan Combs, was this order extended or changed for otherInterior officials and who is on that new list? --RESPONSE—TBD  High Country News (Carl Segerstrom) —REQUEST-- This is Carl Segerstrom with High Country News. I am working on a story about the omnibus spending bill. I am wondering how the department is responding to the spending priorities congress set in the recent omnibus spending bill. Some questions I have are: What is the agency's response to congress setting funding above requested levels for many Interior programs? How will the allocation levels change the direction and priorities ofDOI? Will the agencies be planning to utilize all ofthe appropriated funds? Will the DOI be asking forrescission on programs it thinks congress over allocated? Language in the bill appears to restrict reorganization efforts. How does this bill impactreorganization plans forDOI? Will this bill allow the FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000634 DOI to move forward with planned workforce reductions and buyouts? Do the agencies plan on carrying out cost-saving measures despite having more funding than was requested? If so, which important cost-savings programs will be carried out as planned? Thank you for yourtime looking into these questions.—RESPONSE-- TBD Top Stories  Washington Post: Americans tell Interiorto take a hike over proposed national park fee increase  Politico: FEC increases scrutiny of Zinke’s former PAC  McClatchy: Justice Department suing California overright to sell public lands Top Issues, Accomplishments, and Awareness  Friday, April 6, Secretary Zinke will deliver a speech about offshore wind in Princeton, NJ. Other speakers include the Governor and U.S. Sen Cory Booker  Sunday, April 8, Secretary Zinke will deliverremarks at the Cherry Blossom marathon  Wednesday, April 11, Zinke will testify before the House Appropriations Committee  Thursday, April 19th, Zinke will deliver a speech in Dallas to Earth X. Topic: conservation & the environment (Earth Day)  April 21-30 - NATIONALPARKS WEEK - Zinke will drive from upstate NY down to Tennessee and visit National Park Service sites along the way to publicize the President's plan to rebuild infrastructure in National Parks. Preparing a request for VP Pence to accompany the Secretary at Great Smoky Mountains  Wednesday, May 9, Zinke will testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee  May 18-30 Travel through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming to meet with Tribal Nations, National Park Service leadership, and deliver energy speeches. o Several meetings with Tribal Nations on the opioid crisis and other priorities o Speech at the Williston Basin Petroleum Council o National Park Service meetings on overcrowding and infrastructure AGENCY MEDIA (submitted 3/28) WEEK AHEAD March 28 thru April 5, 2018 Announcements/Releases/Events U.S. Department ofthe Interior Secretarial-level Announcements/Events/Interviews  April 2-3: Secretary Zinke plans to visit SpaceX Hawthorne facility in Los Angeles, CA. No media planned.  April 6: Department-level Release: DOI will announce a Proposed Sale Notice for Wind Energy Areas offshore Massachusetts. Sale would offer nearly 390,000 acres. This notice is expected to be announced when the Secretary speaks at the International Wind Partnering Forum on April 6 in Princeton, NJ. BLM will release a series of other wind announcements next week in advance ofthis conference.  April 11: Secretary Zinke will visit the “Prescribed to Death” opioid memorial which was recently announced by the President. National Park Service has been supporting the efforts and we will plan to release a video ofthe Secretary’s visit and NPS’ involvement.  April TBD: Department-level Release: Gateway West Record ofDecision signing ceremony – News release and possible signing event with Idaho Governor – BLM has approved routes for segments of the Gateway West electric transmission line on public lands in southwestern Idaho, connecting previously authorized routes in southern Wyoming and eastern Idaho to improve the nation’s energy infrastructure and boost the economy in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West. FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000635  April 19: Secretary plans to travel to Dallas, TX, to give remarks at the EARTHX conference. April 21-29: National Parks Week: Secretary Zinke will be traveling to several National Parks in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions to highlight our infrastructure needs and the President’s legislative package. SIGNIFICANT ANNOUNCEMENTS  April (TBD): NPS-level Release: National Park Service will announce theirfinal fee increases. For background, NPS announced in late October 2017 that they were considering increases to fees at highly visited national parks during peak visitor seasons. NPS listened to the feedback from the comment period and will not increase the fees as much as planned (around only 10%). Proposed peak season entrance fees and revised fees forroad-based commercial tours would generate badly needed revenue forimprovements to the aging infrastructure of national parks. This includes roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms, and other visitor services. Significantmedia and Congressional attention has been ongoing and expected as part ofthis announcement.  April 23 (TBD): HARASSMENT SURVEY RESPONSE: In October, DOI announced an immediate action plan to combat the widespread and pervasive culture of harassment and discrimination throughout the National Park Service. Also, in December, we released results from a DOI-wide Work Environment Survey that shows 35 percent ofits employees were harassed or discriminated against in the 12 months preceding the anonymous survey. Secretary Zinke issued a call for action plans from all bureau and office heads across the Department. Those were due at the end ofJanuary and have been underreview. We issued a memo to all employees last week about updated guidance and updated bureau plans will follow. The final plans will go into effect late April. We are drafting comms materials and will share with the WH asap.  TBD April: WELL CONTROL FOR OFFSHORE DRILLING RULE: The proposed rule to revise certain provisions ofthe 2016 rule entitled “Blowout Preventer Systems and Well Control” was submitted to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on December 7. It is anticipated that BSEE will receive the Draft Rule from OMB by March 15. It will then be sent to the Federal Registerfor publication followed by a public comment period. This rule will be high profile and controversial. Staff has briefed NEC and White House Communications on the rule.  TBD April: PRODUCTION SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR OFFSHORE DRILLING RULE: The Draft Rule on Production Safety System was published in the Federal Register on December 29. The public comment period ended on January 29. A Draft Final Rule is planned to be sent to the Federal Registerin coordination with the Well Control Draft Rule. This rule will be high profile and controversial due to its association with the Well Control Rule. Staff has briefed NEC and White House Communications on the rule. The Director ofBSEEwill announce both the Well Control Rule and the PSS rule together. National Park Service  April 2-4: Grand Canyon National Park will install test/monitoring wells near Bright Angel Creek that will help NPS determine sustainable well production rates (how much water a well can produce) and water quality characteristics NPS will consider as it looks atreplacing the transcanyon waterline. On March 29, the NPS began mobilizing a drill rig, supplies and equipment to Phantom Ranch via helicopter. The park is currently in the preliminary design phase to replace the transcanyon waterline, and planning is underway. The work being done will be used to help NPS inform the range of alternatives.  April 3: Local NPS Release: Glacier National Park plans to issue a press release briefly summarizing public scoping comments received forthe Sperry Chalet, Next 100 Years project. The project proposes four concepts to restore the Sperry experience afterthe dormitory building was burned in the Sprague Fire in 2017. In the same release, the park will announce a modified environmental FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000636 assessment schedule forthe project. The accelerated schedule will allow the park to complete project compliance in advance ofthe summerfield season, and give the park the option of completing more extensive stabilization to prepare the structure forthe 2018-19 winter season, and to prepare the site forfuture construction activities in 2019.  April 3 (tent.): The Japanese American Confinement Sites Program (JACS) will request approval for the partial apportionment of $1,346,818 in JACS grants to fund nine projects. The grants will be awarded based on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, enacted as Public Law 115-123, and pursuant to the Preservation ofJapanese American Confinement Sites Act, P.L. 109-441, 120 Stat.3288, which authorizes the Secretary ofthe Interiorto award grants to assist in preserving historic Japanese American confinement sites and their history.  April 4: Grand Canyon Association with logistic support from Grand Canyon National Park will host an event to honor Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and the late Rep. Morris Udall fortheir notable contributions to Grand Canyon National Park and the nation. The celebration, at Mather Point Amphitheater, will include the donation of an interpretive plaque from the Association to the Park highlighting Sen. McCain’s and Sen. Udall’s contributions to the park and their dedication to conservation efforts. There will also be an announcement ofthe establishment of a Native American Fellowship program. Event organizers expect Sen. McCain and up to 120 family members, friends, colleagues, and VIPs to attend. Invitations from Grand Canyon Association have gone out to the 29 Native American Indian tribes in Arizona, the Intertribal Council of Arizona, current and former Arizona Congressional members and Arizona governors.  April 4 – 9: The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historical Park (GA) will observe the 50th Anniversary ofDr. King’s assassination with special programming including a Remembrance Day commemorative program in the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the opening of an exhibit entitled “From Memphis to Atlanta: 50 Forward". On April 4 there is an exhibit opening and on April 9 the park will host the “March for Humanity,” a commemorative march that will start at the Ebenezer Baptist Church and conclude at the campus of Morehouse College.  April TBD: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is seeking approval for a right-of-way permit from Natchez Trace Parkway to begin construction of an aerial 161-kV transmission line across the Parkway at milepost 159.1 as part of a 43-mile upgrade of electrical service. The NPS and the State Historical Preservation Office determined the transmission line will adversely affect the cultural landscape and scenic vista ofthe Parkway, under section 106 ofthe National Historic Preservation Act. TVA proposed to transferfunds to the NPS to coverthe cost to underground non-TVA transmission lines crossing the Parkway to mitigate the adverse effect. The Parkway is drafting two general agreements to manage the funds, which will undergo complete DOI legal review of mitigation framework and agreements.  April TBD: Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve will begin efforts to relocate up to 2,500 feral burros from each park. Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (a nonprofit partner) will fund and carry out the roundups, test burros for disease, relocate them to holding facilities, and domesticate the animals for adoption. This is anticipated to generate public interest and has already triggered a FOIA request.  April TBD: Local NPS Release: Death Valley National Park anticipates releasing the final Scotty's Castle Flood Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment and FONSI. This document analyzes repair work planned for historic structures, the cultural landscape, utilities, parking, and walkways to recoverfrom damage from a flash flood in October 2015. The historic district is scheduled to reopen to the public in 2020.  April TBD: The National Maritime Heritage Program (NMHP) will request approval forthe apportionment of $2,631,610 in Maritime Heritage Grants to fund 34 projects in 14 states and 1 FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000637 commonwealth. The grants will be awarded based on the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994, enacted as Public Law 103-451, which authorizes the Secretary ofthe Interiorto award preservation and education grants to assist to foster a greater awareness and appreciation ofthe role of maritime endeavors in ourNation’s history and culture. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  April 3: FWS plans to announce it is seeking public review and comment on a draft environmental assessment describing the potential effects ofissuing a proposed incidental take permit for construction and development activities in Thurston County, Washington. The project development site is 127 acres, and the conservation site is 64 acres. Species covered in the HCP include the threatened Olympia subspecies ofthe Mazama pocket gopher and the threatened Oregon spotted frog.  April 4 (tent.): Local FWS Release: FWS plans to send to announce a final determination on the proposal to reclassify Kuenzler hedgehog cactus, a plant species endemic to New Mexico, from endangered to threatened. This reclassification is not expected to be controversial.  April 5 (tent.): Local FWS Release: FWS will make a final determination on the proposal to list the yellow lance as threatened. The yellow lance is a freshwater mussel that occurs in North Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia. The final listing will likely be opposed by the City of Raleigh due to a proposed reservoir project on the Little River. FWS has been working with the City on this potential project for over nine years, and because otherlisted species occurin that location, ESA requirements are unlikely to change.  April 5: Local FWS Release: FWS plans to make a minor map correction in the final rule designating critical habitat fortwo butterflies: the Poweshiek skipperling and Dakota skipper. One map incorrectly labeled Poweshiek skipperling critical habitat as Dakota skipper critical habitat in Minnesota.  April 6 (tent.): Local FWS Release: FWS will make a final listing determination forthe Louisiana pinesnake as threatened. The pinesnake occurs in Louisiana and Texas. The Louisiana pinesnake listing is controversial due to concerns about the potential impacts on forestry activities, which is why FWS is simultaneously proposing a 4(d) rule that will allow routine forest management activities to proceed without need for permitting. Stakeholders include the timberindustry, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department ofthe Army, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Louisiana Department ofWildlife and Fisheries, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas A&M Forest Service, Centerfor Biological Diversity, and WildEarth Guardians.  April TBD (tent.): Local FWS Release: An Environmental Assessment will be available for public review on Geronimo Energy’s planned development ofthe Crocker Wind Farm in Clark County, South Dakota, which would include 120 turbines and associated structures. As the proposed project is seeking to place 14 turbines, 14 transmission poles, and other associated features on FWS grassland easements, Crockeris seeking an easement exchange for 15.1 acres of direct easement impact. Crocker has offered funding for 30.2 new easement acres.  April TBD: National FWS Release: FWS will award nearly $19 million in grants to coastal states to conserve and restore coastal wetlands and theirfish and wildlife habitat. Each year, the Service supports coastal wetland conservation through the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program and the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The grant funds are derived from excise taxes on fishing tackle and motorboat and small engine fuels.  April TBD: Local FWS Release: FWS plans to send to the Federal Register 90-day findings on petitions to delist or downlist the Cape mountain zebra, and delist the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. Bureau of Land Management FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000638  April TBD: National BLM Release: BLM will issue a news release announcing the Wild Horse and Burro 2018 Adoption Schedule.  April TBD: National BLM Release: BLM will announce a mineral withdrawal renewal proposed for Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep Winter Range. The proposed extension withdraws 1,431 acres of Federal land from location or entry underthe U.S. mining laws but not from leasing underthe mineral leasing laws. The public land orderthat established this withdrawal in 2000 will expire soon unless extended. Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep Winter Range supports one ofthe largest wintering herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in North America and draws thousands of people annually. Office of Wildland Fire  March/April TBD: National OWF Release: OWF will issue a release on the Wildland Fire Leadership Council supporting active management to reduce the threat of unwanted (or damaging and costly) wildfires. A memo from WFLC was sent to the Secretaries ofInterior, Agriculture, Defense and Homeland Security dated 1/29/18, in response to recent direction to think differently and aggressively aboutreducing wildfires through more active management of overstocked and unhealthy forest and rangelands. Bureau ofOcean Energy Management  April 6 (tent.): National BOEM Release: BOEM will release a Call forInformation and Nominations forthe offshore New York Bight Lease Sale (Offshore Wind). U.S. Geological Survey  March/April TBD: Local USGS Release: USGS scientists are publishing a paper examining the practical limits of an earthquake early warning system, but studying warning arrival times of a hypothetical quake in northern California. Will be published in Science Advances. Bureau ofIndian Affairs  April 6: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary John Tahsuda will speak at the Federal Bar Association meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. Bureau of Reclamation  April 2-3: Reclamation’s Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program will hold a biology committee meeting in Grand Junction, Colorado. The Recovery Program is comprised of federal, state and local agencies with a common goal of endangered fish recovery and continued water development in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The biology committee provides technical recommendations to the Recovery Program management committee. Topics include review and approval ofthe recovery implementation recovery action plan. The meeting is open to the public.  April 3: Reclamation and the Sonoma County Water Agency will release a joint draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement for Phase 2 ofthe North Bay Water Recycling Program. The Sonoma County Water Agency will hold four public meetings in April to solicit public input on alternatives, concerns and issues to be addressed in the final EIR/EIS.  Before April 6: A Federal Register Notice ofAvailability forthe final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) prepared by Reclamation and the City of San Diego forthe North City Project is scheduled to be issued. This project is the first phase ofthe Pure Water San Diego Program—a water and wastewaterfacilities plan to produce potable waterfrom recycled water.  April 6 (tent.): Local Reclamation Release: Reclamation will announce the availability ofthe draft Environmental Assessment for Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District's proposal to transfer waterto the Colusa Drain Mutual Water Company.  March/April TBD (tent.): Reclamation will release its scoping report as part ofthe re-initiation of consultation on long-term operations ofthe Central Valley Project and State Water Project. FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000639  March/April TBD: Reclamation will release an Environmental Assessment forthe Kern County Water Agency Improvement District No. 4 Cross Valley Canal Extension. Reclamation proposes to provide $1,000,000 offederal funding to Kern County Water Agency through a WaterSMART Program grant.  April TBD: National Reclamation Release: Reclamation will notify the public ofthe availability of a draft environmental assessment for Financial Assistance forthe Klamath Basin Sucker Rearing Program. The draft EA was developed by Reclamation’s Klamath Basin Area Office in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some media and orinterest from the Klamath Tribes is possible.) CONGRESSIONALUPDATE (updated 4/3) 2017 COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF OCS OIL & GAS RESOURCES REPORT TO CONGRESS: This report is required by Section 357 ofthe Energy Policy Act of 2005. It directs the Secretary ofthe Interiorto provide a report to Congress within 6 months ofthe date of enactment (i.e., Aug. 8, 2005), with updates at least every 5 years. It is currently in surnaming with ASLM. Timing: April 2018 Contact: Joe Balash, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management UPCOMING FY2019 BUDGET HEARING: The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee will be hosting a hearing on the FY19 budget. The Secretary will be the witness. Timing: April 11, 2018 Contact: Micah Chambers, Deputy Director, Congressional Affairs UPCOMING SCIA HEARING: The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is hosting a hearing on the FY19 Indian Affairs budget. This is rescheduled from the postponed March 21, 2018 date. Witness is John Tahsuda, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs. Timing: April 11, 2018 Contact: Amanda Kaster, Advisor, Congressional Affairs UPCOMING HNRC HEARING: The House Natural Resources Water, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee will be holding a hearing on the FY19 Bureau of Reclamation budget. This is rescheduled from the postponed March 21, 2018 date. Witness is Austin Ewell, Deputy Timothy Petty, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science. Timing: April 12, 2018 Contact: Amanda Kaster, Advisor, Congressional Affairs UPCOMING HNRC HEARING: The House Natural Resources Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee is holding an oversight hearing on the Navajo Generating Station (NGS). Witness is tentatively David Palumbo, Deputy Commissioner ofOperations forthe Bureau of Reclamation. Timing: April 12, 2018 Contract: Amanda Kaster, Advisor, Congressional Affairs UPCOMING HNRC LEGISLATIVE HEARING: The House Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee will be holding a legislative hearing on the following NPS bills: H.R. 2991 (Smucker) – Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 1791 (Reichert) – Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Act; H.R. 1037 (Lynch) – National EMS Memorial Act; H.R. 3045 (Messer) – Eastern Legacy Extension Act. Witness is tentatively Joy Beasley, Acting Associate Director, Cultural Resources, Partnerships, and Science. FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000640 Timing: April 11, 2018 Contact: Micah Chambers, Deputy Director, Congressional Affairs UPCOMING FY2019 BUDGET HEARING: The Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee will be holding a hearing on the FY19 budget. The Secretary will be the witness. Timing: May 9, 2018 Contact: Micah Chambers, Deputy Director, Congressional Affairs DOI NOMINEES IN PROGRESS: Susan Combs (A/S PMB) and Ryan Nelson (Solicitor) were reported out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources by voice vote on January 30. They were both placed on the Senate calendar and were hotlined on February 7. There were objections by Democrats. We are encouraging Senate leadership to file cloture and hold a floor vote on these nominees.  Steve Gardner (OSM) was renominated in January after being sent back to the WH at the end of December. We are still working with Mr. Gardner on some questions with the Office of Government Ethics.  Tara Sweeney (A/S Indian Affairs) was recently cleared by the Office ofGovernment Ethics - her ethics paperwork and an amendment to her 278e are cleared to be submitted to the Senate. Her completed questionnaire will delivered shortly. Committee is set to receive a briefing from the FBI after the recess. Ms. Sweeney was held in the Senate and does notrequire renomination.  Dr. James Reilly (Director of USGS) Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a confirmation hearing for Dr. Reilly on March 6. Timing for a vote in Committee remains fluid. Timing: Ongoing Contact: John Tanner, Director, Congressional Affairs PUBLIC LANDS INFRASTRUCTURE FUND/NATIONALPARKRESTORATION ACT: DOI continues the ongoing process of formally rolling out the Public Lands Infrastructure Fund, which was included in both the President’s FY19 Budget and the Infrastructure proposal. On March 6, 2018, DOI testified at an oversight hearing on the maintenance issue, highlighting the need for maintenance updates on public lands. On March 7, the Secretary joined Senators Alexander, Daines, Capito, Gardner and Tillis to introduce language that was built off ofthe FY19 Budget proposal, the National Parks Restoration Act. The bill has bipartisan, bicameral support. On March 20, 2018, the Department testified at a legislative hearing before the House Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee on the bill. Witness was P. Daniel Smith, Deputy Director, NPS. Timing: Ongoing Contact: Micah Chambers, Deputy Director, Congressional Affairs REORGANIZATION AND UNIFIED REGIONAL BOUNDARIES: Secretary Zinke has informally notified the House and Senate Appropriations Committees regarding FY18 implementation of new shared regional boundaries across Interior’s bureaus. Formal notification is planned for late April or early May following the FY19 appropriations committee hearings, which would trigger a 30 day clock, at the end of which DOI believes it can move ahead, absent express Congressional opposition. Presently, each of the 10 bureaus have different geographic boundaries for regional offices. The new approach has bureaus share unified boundaries based on watersheds, often adjusted to the nearest state line boundaries. Implementing unified regions will improve the timeliness and appropriateness ofdecision making in the field, by allowing senior managers to focus on the same geography. Interior is implementing a comprehensive Congressional, gubernatorial, employee, and stakeholder communications strategy to demonstrate the FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000641 advantages of this approach. The FY19 budget also speaks to moving parts of the headquarters of BLM, FWS, and Reclamation westward. Interior successfully worked with the appropriations committee majority staff to avoid an effort by the minority to put unnecessarily restrictive limitations on the reorganization in the FY 2018 omnibus appropriations act. Timing: Ongoing Contact: Scott Cameron, Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget SECRETARY SPEAKING INVITATIONS Accepted: 4/3-6 2018 International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (Princeton, NJ) 4/8 – Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run & 5K walk-run benefit Children’s Miracle network (DC) 4/16 - Alaska Day Conference (organized by the Alaska Federation ofNatives (DC) 4/26 - Remarks at BALL for THE MALL (DC) 5/3 – RV Industry Power Breakfast (Elkhart, IN) 5/23 - Remarks at Williston Basin Petroleum 26th Annual Conference (Bismarck, ND) 6/1 - Ducks Unlimited Annual Convention (Indianapolis, IN) Open (date TBC)- Americans for Tax Reform (DC) Open (date TBC)- Detroit Economic Club Outstanding Invitations in Process: 4/14 National Cowboy Hall of Fame Event (Oklahoma City, OK) 4/19-20 5th Annual Arctic Encounter Symposium (Seattle, WA) 4/28 150th Anniversary signing of 1868 Treaty of Ft. Laramie (WY) 5/3 – NRA Annual Meeting (Dallas, TX) 5/10 – SEAL Family Foundation “Families First” Philadelphia Gala (Philadelphia, PA) 5/22 Easter Seals Advocacy Awards (DC) 5/21-24 Affiliated Tribes ofNorthwest Indians Mid-Year Meeting (Topopenish, WA) 5/24 – Surety & Fidelity Association of America’s Annual Meeting (DC) 5/30-31Montana Energy Summit (Billings, MT) 5/31-6/2 – Civil War Trust 2018 Annual Conference (Newport News, VA) 6/3-5 Annual Coal and Investment Leadership Forum (Bristow, VA) Declining: 4/11-13 – NOIA Annual Meeting (DC) 4/14 SEAL Family Foundation “Families First” San Diego Gala (San Diego, CA) 5/9 – Association of California Water Agencies (Sacramento, CA) 5/9-11 Colorado Forum (DC) EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT USBR Wildfire Support – Northern California: As of yesterday, all remaining USBR staff have returned from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers northern California wildfire debris removal deployment. From December 13, 2017 through April 2, 2018, USBR deployed 103 staffto fill debris removal inspector positions in the Mendocino County, Napa County, and Sonoma County Emergency Field Offices. USBR deployed stafffrom all ofits regions, the Denver Office, and the Washington Office, to meet the needs ofthis mission and nearly two dozen stafffrom the FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000642 Denver Office were involved with various aspects of operational and logistical support throughout the deployment. OUTSIDE MEDIA OF INTEREST (new) Americans Tell Interior To Take A Hike Over Proposed National Park Fee Increase. The Washington Post (4/2, Fears) reports that after “receiving more than 100,000 public comments,” nearly all of which opposed an Interior Department plan to “dramatically increase entrance fees at the most popular national parks,” Department officials are “backing away” from the plan. The Post cites “an Interior official” who “said some type ofincrease remains almost certain but that the dramatic hike is being reconsidered for fear that it would cause visitation to plunge.” The Hill (4/2, Sanchez) recalls that last October, “Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke proposed raising the entrance fee for 17 major parks from $25 to $70, a change that would mark the largest price increase since World War II.” Interior decided to reconsider following “a deluge of public comments opposing the price increase.” According to The Hill, “for every comment the department got that was supportive of the price increase, it got substantially more that expressed opposition.” CNN (4/2, Wallace) reports Secretary Zinke “has said the fee increase would help the Park Service address a nearly $12 billion backlog of maintenance projects.” Also reporting on this story are Missoulian (MT), (4/2) Washington (DC) Examiner(4/2, Siciliano), KBZK-TV Butte (MT) Butte, MT (4/2), Sierra Club (4/2), Newsmax (4/2, Devaney), and Wilderness Society (4/2). Trump Administration Steps Up War With California Over Environmental Protections. The Los Angeles Times (4/2, Tanfani) reports the Administration “stepped up its offensive Mondayon California’s environmental laws, suing to reverse a state law that seeks to handcuff the federal government from selling any ofthe 45.8 million acres of property it controls in the state.” DOJ’s lawsuit “is the latest federal effort to roll back California’s strict environmental protections as the Trump administration seeks to open more land in the West for mining, drilling and other interests.” The Times adds “at issue in the latest lawsuit is a California law that gives a state lands commission the powerto block the sale, donation or exchange offederal lands.” It “was passed in October after Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced plans to cut protections for 10 national monuments in the state.” Attorney General Sessions said yesterday, “The Constitution empowers the federal government – not state legislatures – to decide when and how federal lands are sold.” FEC Increases Scrutiny Of Zinke’s Former PAC. Politico (4/2, Lefebvre) reports the Federal Election Commission is asking SEALPAC, a leadership PAC previously affiliated with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, to account for more than $600,000 of previously unreported contributions from the first six months of 2017. During the period in question, SEAL PAC was overseen by Vincent DeVito, “who is now a top aide to Zinke at the InteriorDepartment, and this is the second time federal regulators have looked into discrepancies during his tenure.” Zinke launched the PAC when he was elected to Congress in 2014 but “disaffiliated himselffrom the group after being selected to join President Donald Trump’s Cabinet.” Brett Kappel, a partner at Akerman LLP and expert in campaign finance law, said the $600,000 discrepancy is large enough that it will be “referred to the FEC’s Enforcement Division for an investigation.” Officials Remove Human Role In Climate Change From Report. Drawing from a Reveal (4/2, Shogren) report, MSNBC’s All In (4/2, Hayes) reports that National Park Service officials “reportedly deleted every mention of humans’ role in causing climate change in a FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000643 scientific report just one month before Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke testified before Congress that he knew of no documents that had been changed.” How Susan Combs’ Trump Interior Post Has Been Received. The Austin (TX) American Statesman (4/2, Price, Dexheimer) reports thatreaction to the scoop that Susan Combs, the Interior Department’s acting assistant secretary for fish, wildlife, and parks, will oversee policy-making forthe US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service “has sharply differed.” Land developers and energy industry officials “have long argued that the federal exercise of the Endangered Species Act has gone too far in terms of habitat protection,” and Combs notably once called proposed endangered species proposals “incoming Scud missiles.” Combs’ appointment comes as her confirmation to be Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget has been delayed. Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift said that until Combs is confirmed, “she will serve in an acting capacity at Fish and Wildlife and Parks.” Swift added that Combs is “highly qualified and we are more than confident that she will be an effective manager.” Federal Agencies Penalize Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement. The AP (4/2) reports the Department ofJustice and the Bureau ofIndian Affairs “penalized the Fort Peck tribal law enforcement agency forfailing to repay $1.6 million in federal police money used for other purposes and for employing officers without background checks and adequate training, The Billings Gazette has learned.” The DOJ designated the tribes as high-risk in December 2015, “after the tribes failed to repay $1.6 million that federal auditors in 2006 determined had been used for disallowed expenditures.” The BIA “made its high-risk designation a year ago afterfinding police and jail officers hadn’t undergone proper background checks and jail staff hadn’t been trained at the right law enforcement academy.” Sanctions included “additional fiscal oversight and the possibility the BIA would take over the tribe’s police and jail programs.” Tribal Chairman Floyd Azure said in an email, “We have already resolved everything and are moving forward.” API Joins Fight OverObama Fracking Rule’s Future. E&E Publishing (4/2) reports that the American Petroleum Institute has asked to join the litigation on the side ofthe Bureau of Land Management overthe fate ofObama-era hydraulic fracturing rules that were scrapped last year by the Trump Administration. California and a coalition of environmental groups sued the BLM forrescinding the rule, and are now asking forit to be fully restored, despite the fact that it had nevertaken effect. On Friday, API “told the court... it needs a seat at the table, too, because it represents broader sections ofthe oil and gas industry, including service companies, refiners, shippers and more.” API Asks To Intervene In Lawsuits OverRescindedBLM Fracking Rule. Natural Gas Intelligence(4/2, Passut) reports that in its filing, the oil and gas industry group wrote, “API’s members will be directly damaged ifthe invalidated provisions ofthe fracking rule were to take effect, because those provisions impose expensive, arbitrary and duplicative regulatory burdens on API members that own or operate federal and Indian oil and gas leases and require in many cases costly and permanent capital modifications to infrastructure.” Feds Begin Environmental Review Of Vineyard Wind. The New Bedford (MA) Standard-Times (4/2, Barnes) reports five public meetings are scheduled this month as the federal government gathers public comments for an environmental report on the Vineyard Wind offshore wind proposal. The US Bureau ofOcean Energy Management “plans to prepare an environmental impact statement on Vineyard Wind’s construction and operations plan. Vineyard Wind, FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000644 a partnership between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid Renewables, has proposed an 800-megawatt project offthe coast of Massachusetts.” The project could consist of “up to 106 wind turbines, beginning about 14 miles southeast of Martha’s Vineyard. A 30-day comment period runs through Monday, April 30.” Walter Cruickshank, acting director of BOEM, “said in a press release that BOEM will ensure any development is done in an environmentally safe and responsible manner.” Irrigators Pursue Bureau Of Reclamation Assets. The Salem (OR) Capital Press (4/2, Wheat) reports that the “Kennewick Irrigation District is obtaining title to some ofits canals and infrastructure from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and its members are considering whetherto seek the rest.” Charles Freeman, KID manager, said the title transfer will give the district control over assets “it has paid nearly $4.6 million for on a lease-loan overthe past 65 years and will benefit the local community.” Freeman said, “We have 300 land property transfers a month. The bureau can’t keep up with that work. Developers have waited over a year for easements.” The KID board last year “directed explore title transfer. Staff recommended a two-phase approach with phase one being the transfer of 74 miles of canals with laterals, pumps, drains and wasteways downstream from the headworks at Chandler Pump Station, which is 11.2 miles east of Prosser.” BSEE Launches Risk-Based Inspection Program. E&P Magazine (4/2, Benavidez) reports in a roundup of “Tech Trends” that the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement “announced the implementation of a new risk-based inspection program that employs a systematic framework to identify facilities and operations that exhibit a high-risk profile, according to a press release.” The inspections “supplement BSEE’s existing national safety inspection program.” The new risk-based inspection protocol “looks beyond compliance and assesses the integrity of critical safety systems on facilities and in operations. Inspection findings and incidentreports are used by BSEE to assign a risk factor score to each production facility in the Gulf of Mexico.” How Monday’s Decision By The Corps Of Engineers Will Affect Louisiana Coastal Restoration. The Baton Rouge (LA) Advocate (4/2, Hardy) reports that the Trump Administration “has followed through on a promise to expedite federal permitting for a critical coastal restoration project, shaving about two years offthe timeline forthe Mid-Barataria sediment diversion.” The project will “shunt freshwater, sediment and nutrients from the Mississippi Riverinto the Barataria Basin in Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes. When fully operational, it will be able to carry 75,000 cubic feet of sediment￾laden water per second.” The diversion, with an estimated $1.4 billion price tag, “will help rebuild land that has disappeared over the past century.” Louisiana politicians have “lobbied furiously to expedite the permitting process.” They welcomed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in December, who “publicly vowed to slash red tape to get the project completed, saying the protection of Louisiana’s coast is a national concern, particularly because ofits energy industry infrastructure.” Trump Kicks Off White House Annual Easter Egg Roll. NBC News (4/2) reports President Donald Trump kicked offthe White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday. The annual event “got offto a damp start, but the skies had largely cleared, though it remained chilly, by the time Trump and the first lady walked down the stairs ofthe Blue Room balcony to join thousands of guests on the lawn.” Trump thanked his wife for doing an “incredible job” on the event, and “also praised the economy and a recent increase in funding for the military.” Trump said, “This is a special year. Our country is doing great. You look at the economy; you look at what’s happening.” The White House said it expected nearly 30,000 adults and children to “stream through the gates for the all-day event.” FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000645 CNN (4/1, Klein) reports the “140th White House Easter Egg Roll festivities were Melania Trump’s second crack at the event, and herfirst as a full-time White House resident. Last year, Trump, who was living in New York through the completion ofthe school year, oversaw the event, which marked a scaling-down and return to basics for the annual eggstravaganza.” The tradition dates back to the 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes allowed children to roll their eggs on the White House South Lawn. One hundred-forty years later, “the tradition continues, this year as a collaboration between the White House, the White House Historical Association, and the National Park Service.” Business Insider(4/2, Weiss) also reports on the event. FEDERAL REGISTER LISTINGS: N/A FOIA001:00079686 EXT-18-2336-E-000646 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2018 1 | P a g e Daily Schedule 8:30am Depart Residence en route Museum of the Bible 9:00am Remarks at the Museum of the Bible Location: Museum of the Bible Staff: Bullock, Argo 10:00am Depart Museum of the Bible en route DOI 10:30am Daily Scheduling & Communications Meeting Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary, Hommel, Magallanes, Argo, Rigas, Tanner, Wynn 11:00am Hold: Staff Time Location: Secretary’s Office 12:00pm Lunch Location: Secretary’s Office 1:00pm Drop by Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council Meeting Location: 5160 Conference Room Staff: Sheehan 1:30pm Daily Meeting with the Chief of Staff Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Hommel 2:00pm Personnel Interview 2:45pm OPEN 3:15pm Depart en route White House 3:30pm Meeting with Chris Liddell and Bill McGinley Location: West Wing 223 Staff: Deputy Secretary, Hommel, Magallanes 4:00pm White House Murder Board Location: Cabinet Affairs, EEOB 126 Staff: Hommel, Rigas, Swift RON Washington, DC FOIA001:00079692 EXT-18-2336-E-000647 United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 MEETING MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY DATE: April 3, 2018 FROM: Greg Sheehan, Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service SUBJECT: Meeting of the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (Council), a Federal Advisory Council chartered by the Department of the Interior STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Preparation to meet and address the members of the Council. The Council advises the Secretary ofthe Interior on matters important to our nation’s anglers and boaters. The Secretary specifically requested the input ofthe Council to review Interior bureau’s responses to Secretary Order 3347. We request the Secretary provide introductory remarks and welcome Council members at the start of the first day, or as available, over the two-day meeting. Council members also request the chance for a photo opportunity with the Secretary. The Council looks forward to working with the Secretary to help implement his priorities for recreational fishing and boating access. I. MEETING DATE AND TIMES Wednesday April 4, 2018, 9:00am to 4:30pm EST and Thursday April 5, 2018, 8:00am to 2:30pm EST Room 5160 Main Interior Building II. PARTICIPANTS Internal – USFWS (Service) Principal Deputy Director, Fish and Aquatic Conservation Assistant Director, Designated Federal Officer for Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (Linda Friar), and other Service support staff. External - Members of the Council: Representative Members: ● John Arway (Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission) ● Janine Belleque (States Organization for Boating Access) ● Doug Boyd (Coastal Conservation Association) ● Chris Edmonston (BoatUS) ● Barb Gigar (Aquatic Resources Education Association) ● Fred Harris (American Fisheries Society) ● Betty Huskins (Southeast Tourism Policy Council) – Council Vice Chair FOIA001:00079687 EXT-18-2336-E-000648 ● Scott Kovarovics (Izaak Walton League of America) - Council Chair ● Eugene “Mac” McKeever (L.L. Bean) ● Jerry McKinnis (B.A.S.S.) ● Mike Nussman (American Sportfishing Association) ● Collin O’Mara (National Wildlife Federation) ● John Sprague (Marine Industries Association of Florida) ● Alvin Taylor (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources) ● T. Nicole Vasilaros (National Marine Manufacturers Association) ● Jim Zorn (Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission) Ex Officio Representatives: ● Steve Guertin, Service Deputy Director ● Virgil Moore, President, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Director, Idaho Department of Fish and Game ● Ron Regan, Executive Director, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies III. BACKGROUND The Secretary of the Interior established the Council in January 1993, under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The Council’s purpose is to provide advice to the Secretary, through the Director of the Service, on significant recreational fishing and boating and aquatic resource conservation issues. Over its 23-year history, the Council has established a strong record of achievement in providing sound advice to the Service and the Department on key issues. It has also promoted enhancement of partnerships among industry, stakeholder groups, and government. The Council may consist of no more than 16 primary members and their alternates (if requested) as appointed by the Secretary for two-yearterms per the Council’s charter. In addition, the Director of the Service and the President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) are ex- officio members. Members must be senior-level representatives for recreational fishing, boating, and aquatic resource conservation and must have the ability to represent their designated constituencies. The Council Charter and membership is renewed every other year. Currently the Charter is scheduled to be renewed in June of 2018 and all member terms of current Council expire August 6, 2018. Staff are currently working on the process to renew the charter and seek membership nominations that will go through the current Department review protocols. Secretary Order 3347 - Subject: Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation, directed the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council to provide the Secretary with recommendations on how the Department can enhance and expand recreational fishing access on Department lands and with Department programs. FOIA001:00079687 EXT-18-2336-E-000649 IV. DISCUSSION The Secretary has requested that the Council meet as soon as possible to review and provide recommendations to the Department on the report prepared by the Directors of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service to the Assistant Secretaries of Fish and Wildlife and Parks and Lands and Minerals Management in response to Secretary’s Order 3347 – Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation. The draft agenda also includes the nomination of a SFBPC representative to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s board ofdirectors, updates on several Service programs, and other Council business. The Secretary of the Interior has been invited to attend the meeting in order to brief the Council on his priorities. V. TALKING POINTS/REMARKS The Secretary may want to consider brief remarks on:  Secretary’s Priorities for fishing and boating and aquatic conservation.  Secretary’s Orders and Bureaus implementation efforts.  Outdoor Recreational Access to Federal Lands. VI. NEXT STEPS The council will finalize their recommendations after the council meeting and provide these to the Secretary. FOIA001:00079687 EXT-18-2336-E-000650 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-04-04T21:51:18-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Memmorial tours Received: 2018-04-04T21:51:46-04:00 Pls contact and arrange. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: mkwnhope < > Date: 04/04/2018 13:59 (GMT-05:00) To: Subject: Memmorial tours Ryan Great to see you this morning. If possible would love to take youu up on your offer for the memorial tour. We are with the Perry's And they would lovee to join us. They have a appointment with you ar 12:30. I think the 9:30 time would work. Thanks Mike Hope Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716171 EXT-18-2336-E-000651 FOIA001:02716173 EXT-18-2336-E-000652 From: To: Boulton, ryanzinke[ Caroline Sent: 2018-04-06T18:35:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: North Dakota Documents Received: 2018-04-06T18:36:37-04:00 Cramer Background and Heitkamp Top Hits[3].docx Convention Schedule.pdf The final schedule is still forthcoming; I will send to you when I receive it. Talking points from NRSC and the official convention schedule. The Solicitor's Office has Your flight schedule is: Saturday￾8:30AM-10:11AM DCA to MSP (Delta 2063) 11:30AM-12:49AM MSP to GFK (Delta 4850) Sunday￾7:50AM-9:13AM GFK to MSP (Delta 4849) 10:33AM-2:00PM MSP to DCA (Delta 1764) The security detail will pick you up tomorrow morning at 7:00AM. -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 (b)(6) (b)(5) FOIA001:02716184 EXT-18-2336-E-000653 CONGRESSMAN KEVIN CRAMER BACKGROUND Congressman Kevin Cramer is a North Dakota native, born in Rolla, North Dakota and raised in Kindred, North Dakota. He is deeply religious and frequently cites the importance ofhis Christian faith in shaping his personal and professional beliefs. Congressman Cramer is a lifelong public servant and has served in the House ofRepresentatives since 2013. Before being elected to the House ofRepresentatives, he served as Chairman ofthe North Dakota Republican Party, State Economic Development and Finance Director, and on the North Dakota Public Service Commission. He currently sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, where he is a leading proponent for unleashing North Dakota and America’s energy capabilities under an “all of the above” energy strategy. Beyond his legislative focuses, he prides himself on his accessibility, and has hosted the most town halls of any Member ofCongress. Unlike Senator Heitkamp, Congressman Cramer has a record ofsupporting the interests and values ofNorth Dakotans. He has been one ofPresident Trump’s earliest and strongest allies and has consistently put the needs ofNorth Dakotans first during his time in Washington. CRAMER IS A STRONG SUPPORTER OF PRESIDENT TRUMP’S AGENDA  Congressman Cramer was one of the first Members ofCongress to endorse President Trump and helped advise President Trump’s campaign on energy issues during the election  President Trump returned the favor and has endorsed Congressman Cramer’s Senate campaign  Congressman Cramer has voted with President Trump’s agenda nearly 100% ofthe time (98.5%) CRAMER FIGHTS FOR LOWER TAXES AND POLICIES THAT INCREASE ECONOMIC GROWTH  Congressman Cramer voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which has led to bigger paychecks, higher wages, bonuses, increased investments and new job opportunities for hardworking North Dakotans  He has repeatedly voted to repeal the Estate Tax, which is important for North Dakota’s agriculture community  Congressman Cramer has advocated for a strong free market system that prioritizes private sector growth through limited government interference and has worked to repeal burdensome regulations hurting North Dakota job creators and small businesses CRAMER IS AN ADVOCATE FOR NORTH DAKOTA’S ENERGY INDUSTRY  Throughout his career, Congressman Cramer has focused on ensuring America’s energy independence and supports an “all of the above” America first energy strategy that incorporates rolling back unnecessary regulations, reducing dependence on foreign sources and incentivizing American energy producers  Congressman Cramer voted to overturn the harmful Obama-era methane rule that is hurting North Dakota energy producers FOIA001:02716176 EXT-18-2336-E-000654  During the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, Congressman Cramer publicly supported the Dakota Access Pipeline while opposing out-of-state, radical environmentalist protesters CRAMER STANDS WITH NORTH DAKOTA ON IMMIGRATION  Congressman Cramer is focused on protecting North Dakota communities and voted to defund sanctuary cities and voted for Kate’s Law  He believes illegal criminals deserve no sanctuary in America  Congressman Cramer supported President Trump’s Executive Order creating an enhanced vetting program for citizens of seven countries known for terrorism activities  He supports a wall along the U.S./Mexico border, and invited the President ofFisher Industries as his guest to this year’s State ofthe Union address  Fisher Industries is one of the finalists selected to present a prototype for the wall CRAMER SUPPORTS REPEALING AND REPLACING OBAMACARE  To address the rising costs and limited health care choices resulting from President Obama’s failed health care law, Congressman Cramer has repeatedly voted to repeal and replace Obamacare CRAMER DEFENDS NORTH DAKOTA VALUES  Guided by his Christian faith, Congressman Cramer has a been a strong pro-life advocate  He has a 100% score from the National Right to Life Committee  Congressman Cramer is a cosponsor ofthe Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which bans abortion after 5 months, and the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which protect infants who are delivered alive after a failed abortion procedure  Congressman Cramer said Heidi Heitkamp’s vote against banning abortion after 5 months was “more like North Korea than North Dakota”  Congressman Cramer has voted repeatedly to defund Planned Parenthood LINES OF ATTACK This race will provide a clear contrast between Heidi Heitkamp’s record and Kevin Cramer’s record. During her time in Washington, Senator Heitkamp has proven she’s completely out oftouch with North Dakotans. While personally likeable, Heitkamp’s record shows she’d rather stand with Washington Democrats than North Dakota voters. This race will be won by highlighting her record as someone who is out of step with the people ofNorth Dakota. The NRSC has labeled Heitkamp, High Five Heidi, after she was seen high fiving Chuck Schumer on the Senate floor immediately following her vote against the 5-month abortion ban. Here’s a rundown of ‘Heidi’s High Five’: VOTED AGAINST TAX CUTS FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS  Heitkamp caved to the demands ofher DC bosses and voted to deny North Dakota families the tax cut they deserve VOTED AGAINST CRACKING DOWN ON SANCTUARY CITIES FOIA001:02716176 EXT-18-2336-E-000655  Heitkamp voted against punishing sanctuary cities that refuse to comply with federal immigration law VOTED REPEATEDLY TO KEEP OBAMACARE IN PLACE  Heitkamp has consistently voted against efforts to repeal Obamacare, which has burdened North Dakotans with higher costs and fewer choices VOTED AGAINST A 5-MONTH ABORTION BAN  Heitkamp not only voted against North Dakota values, but was caught celebrating her pro￾abortion vote with a high five from party boss Chuck Schumer on the Senate Floor VOTED TO KEEP THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION’S HARMFUL BLM METHANE RULE IN PLACE  Despite claiming to be a defender ofNorth Dakota's energy industry, Heitkamp was the deciding vote to keep the harmful BLM methane rule in place, which saddled ND energy producers with higher costs and more regulations FOIA001:02716176 EXT-18-2336-E-000656 ND GOP STATE CONVENTION AGENDA FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018 State Committee Meeting 1:00 - 3:00 PM 4:00 - 5:00 PM Registration with District Chairs House & Senate Caucus Meetings Campaign Finance Update 5:00 PM General Registration Opens Hospitality Suites Open 5:00 - 6:00 PM Committee Meetings Resolutions & Credentials Page Orientation 6:00 - 8:30 PM Ramada Inn & Suites Governor’s Club Dinner - 9:00 PM General Registration Closes April 6 - 8 / Alerus center, grand forks GFK18 DGOP @NDGOP // #N Welcome to Grand Forks for the 2018 NDGOP State “ Convention. We are thrilled that you’ve joined us! Now let’s get to work. - Convention Planning Committee Paid for by the North Dakota Republcian Party, PO Box 1917, Bismarck ND 58502. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. ALL ASPECTS OF THE SCHEDULE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOIA001:02716181 \\ EXT-18-2336-E-000657 Saturday APRIL 7, 2018 Registration Opens 7:30 AM Silent Auction Opens 8:00 AM Vendor & Candidate Booths Open 8:00 AM Convention Convenes 9:00 AM Call to Order Invocation Presentation of Colors Pledge of Allegiance National Anthem Welcome, Mayor Michael Brown Nomination of Temporary Chair and Secretary Appointment of Sergeant at Arms Appointment of Committees Credentials, Resolutions Appointment of Tellers and Parliamentarian Report of Credentials Committee Nomination and Election of Permanent Chair and Secretary Appointment of Assistant Chair and Assistant Secretary Adoption of the Agenda Speaker, Governor Doug Burgum Endorsement of Candidates Attorney General Tax Commissioner US Senate Speaker, Senator John Hoeven Lunch - Legislative Luncheon Convention Reconvenes Keynote Address Report from Elephants Celebrated Mock Delegate Election Report from the North Dakota College Republicans Endorsement of Candidates Public Service Commissioner (2 Year Term) U.S. House Report, Superintendent Kirsten Baesler Report, Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread Report, State Auditor Josh Gallion Hospitality Suites Open 6:00 PM Saturday Night Party 7:00 - 11:30 PM @NDGOP // #NDGOPGFK18 FOIA001:02716181 EXT-18-2336-E-000658 SUNDAY APRIL 8, 2018 Governor & First Lady’s Faith & Recovery Breakfast 7:30 - 8:45 AM Registration Opens 8:00 AM Convention Reconvenes 9:00 AM Call to Order Invocation Pledge of Allegiance National Anthem Welcome Former Governor Ed Schafer RNC Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel Report of Credentials Committee Report from Elephants Celebrated Report on Mock Delegate Election Report on Resolutions Report from the North Dakota Young Republicans Candidate Endorsements Agriculture Commissioner Public Service Commissioner (6 Year Term) Report from Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak Candidate Endorsements Secretary of State Unfinished Business Adjournment @NDGOP // #NDGOPGFK18 Leadership. eadership. vision. vision. results. FOIA001:02716181 EXT-18-2336-E-000659 To: From: ryanzinke Caroline Boulton Sent: 2018-04-06T19:38:39-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: ND Schedule Received: 2018-04-06T19:38:46-04:00 ATT00001.txt Event Memo - 2018-04-07 - Keynote Address to the NDGOP State Convention.docx Attached is most up to date schedule! Dinner attire will be jeans and blazer, same as for the convention (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716179 EXT-18-2336-E-000660 Sent from my iPhone FOIA001:02716174 EXT-18-2336-E-000661 MR. RYAN K. ZINKE’S KEYNOTE ADDRESS TO THE NORTH DAKOTA REPUBLICAN PARTY ENDORSING CONVENTION Saturday, April 7, 2018 2:00 p.m. (CDT) Alerus Center (1200 S 42nd Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201) Roz Leighton I. PURPOSE To deliver the keynote address creating election year excitement, emphasizing the national importance of the U.S. Senate race in North Dakota, and to encourage involvement in the Republican Party. II. BACKGROUND The North Dakota Republican Party (NDGOP) State Endorsing Convention is a biennial convention where North Dakota Republicans endorse candidates for the primary election (June 12, 2018). The 2018 Convention will be attended by more than 1,700 delegate, alternates, and guests, the largest non-Presidential election year Convention in recent memory. Delegates will endorse candidates for 8 statewide offices, most notably the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House. The U.S. House race to replace U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer is highly contested, with state Sen. Kelly Armstong and state Sen. Tom Campbell currently serving as the frontrunners. Armstrong, the former NDGOP Chairman, has said he will abide by the results of the Convention, whereas Campbell has not committed to doing the same. North Dakota’s 2018 U.S. Senate race will be one ofthe most competitive in the nation. Incumbent U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp is seen as deeply vulnerable in a Republican state that voted for President Trump over Hillary Clinton by nearly 36 points. Heitkamp opposed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, citing her time as the State Tax Commissioner in her opposition. According to a recent analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act completed by the Tax Policy Center, North Dakotans will see the largest average tax reduction in the nation, 10.8 percent, or $2,170. The North Dakota Democratic Party recently endorsed Heitkamp in her bid for reelection. The President has visited North Dakota one time since elected President. On September 6, 2017, President Trump delivered remarks at the Andeavor Refinery in Mandan, ND promoting his tax reform plan. On said visit, Senator Heitkamp travelled with the President on Air Force 1. At the event, he brought her on stage with Governor Burgum, Senator Hoeven and Congressman Cramer, and called her a “good woman”. During the 2016 Presidential election, President Trump hosted one rally in North Dakota. On May 25 he delivered the keynote address to the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s Williston Basin Petroleum Conference. Before those remarks, the North Dakota delegates to the Republican National Convention endorsed Trump, allowing him to surpass the 1,237 national delegates needed to secure the Republican nomination for President. III. PARTICIPANTS FOIA001:02716177 EXT-18-2336-E-000662 Description of event: The NDGOP State Endorsing Convention is a biennial event where Republicans from across the state gather to endorse candidates and rally Republicans prior to the primary and general elections. Elected Officials: Statewide elected officials from North Dakota who will be present at the event. Those designated by an asterisk (*) are seeking reelection, and the party’s endorsement. The exception being U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer, who is seeking the U.S. Senate endorsement.  Doug Burgum, Governor  John Hoeven, U.S. Senator  *Kevin Cramer, U.S. Representative  Brent Sanford, Lieutenant Governor  *Al Jaeger, Secretary of State  *Wayne Stenehjem, Attorney General  Kelly Schmidt, State Treasurer  Josh Gallion, State Auditor  Jon Godfread, State Insurance Commissioner  *Doug Goehring, State Agriculture Commissioner  *Ryan Rauschenberger, State Tax Commissioner  Julie Fedorchak, Public Service Commissioner  *Randy Christmann, Public Service Commissioner  *Brian Kroshus, Public Service Commissioner  Kirsten Baesler, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Political objective: To promote the national importance of the U.S. Senate race IV. PRESS PLAN OPEN – All press with credentials are free to attend V. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS Saturday April 7, 2018 12:50 p.m. YOU arrive Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) 1:00 p.m. YOU depart Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) en route to the Alerus Center 2:00 p.m. YOU arrive at hold location backstage Met By: Chairman Rick Berg Former U.S. Representative from North Dakota FOIA001:02716177 EXT-18-2336-E-000663 2:05 p.m. YOU are introduced by Chairman Berg Press: OPEN 2:10 p.m. YOU arrive on stage and deliver keynote remarks Press: OPEN 2:40 p.m. YOU conclude remarks 3:00 p.m. Interview with John Hageman, Forum News Services 3:20 p.m. Interview with Gary Emineth, KFYR Radio 3:40 p.m. Interview with James MacPherson, Associated Press 4:00 p.m. OPEN 6:00 p.m. FYI – Candidate hospitality rooms open PH Level 1 7:00 p.m. FYI – NDGOP Convention Party begins Playmakers Lounge, Canad Inn and Suites 8:00 p.m. Dinner Sky’s Restaurant, 322 Demers Ave, Grand Forks, ND 58201 Participants:  Doug Burgum, Governor  Kathryn Helgaas Burgum, First Lady  John Hoeven, U.S. Senator  Mikey (Mike-E) Hoeven, Sen. Hoeven’s Wife  Kevin Cramer, U.S. Representative  Kris Cramer, Rep. Cramer’s Wife  Brent Sanford, Lieutenant Governor  Sandy Sanford, Lt. Gov’s Wife 11:30 p.m. FYI – NDGOP Convention Party concludes Playmakers Lounge, Canad Inn and Suites RON – Canad Inn and Suites (1200 S 42nd Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201) FOIA001:02716177 EXT-18-2336-E-000664 Sunday April 8, 2018 7:50 a.m. YOU depart Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) for Washington Reagan International Airport (DCA) 2:00 p.m. (ET) YOU arrive Washington Reagan International Airport (DCA) VI. TALKING POINTS OR REMARKS Talking points prepared by the National Republican Senatorial Committee have been provided. FOIA001:02716177 EXT-18-2336-E-000665 To: Caroline Boulton[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Renner[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-04-09T15:37:44-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] JAG Received: 2018-04-09T15:37:56-04:00 Jag AutoIDCard.pdf FOIA001:02716189 EXT-18-2336-E-000666 Fo r Ro ads ide As s is tance : 8 0 0 - 5 3 1 - 8 5 5 5 Repo rt a claim, get co verage and deductible inf o rmatio n, request a to w f ro m the accident scene, schedule an appraisal o r reserve a rental car using: B usaa.co m, B USAA's Mo bile App, o r By calling 210- 531- USAA (8722), o ur mo bile pho ne sho rtcut number #8 7 2 2 o r 8 0 0 - 5 3 1 - USAA. B Auto mo bile Ins urance Ide ntificatio n Card This identif icatio n card is evidence o f liability insurance f o r yo ur vehicle. The card is valid o nly as lo ng as liability insurance remains in f o rce. Yo u may be required to pro duce yo ur identif icatio n card at vehicle registratio n o r inspectio n, w hen applying f o r a driver's license, f o llo w ing an accident o r upo n a law enf o rcement o f f icer's request. Ke e p a co py o f the ID card in yo ur ve hicle at all time s . Fo r yo ur co nvenience, additio nal co pies are available o n usaa.co m. FDC1 Rev. 6 - 1 3 5 0 7 8 5 - 0 5 1 3 _ 0 1 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA INSURANCE IDENTIFICATION CARD NAME POLICY NUMBER EFFECTIVE TO DATE VEHICLE DESCRIPTION YEAR MAKE/ MODEL VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 9800 Fredericksburg Road San Antonio, Texas 78288 Additional copies available at usaa.com LOLITA C ZINKE 01/09/18 RYAN K ZINKE CONTACT US: 210-531-USAA(8722) OR 800-531-USAA UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSN 01/09/18 07/09/18 (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716186 • • • EXT-18-2336-E-000667 To: Caroline Boulton[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-04-10T10:35:52-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fw: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS Received: 2018-04-10T10:36:02-04:00 ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: William Hileman To: Ryan Zinke < > Cc: Caroline Personal Sent: Sunday, April 1, 2018 6:09 PM Subject: Re: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS Thanks Ryan - you are the best! Sent from my iPhone On Mar 31, 2018, at 4:08 PM, Ryan Zinke < > wrote: Congratulations judge! I have ccd caroline to provide details. Also, an intern in congressional with daines or greg may be an option as well. Let's keep in touch. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Bill Hileman Date: 03/30/2018 07:01 (GMT-10:00) To: Ryan & Lola ZINKE < > Cc: Bill Hileman Subject: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS Hon. Secretary, Hope all is going well in Washington! Holly is loving her studies at Georgetown, and Hayley is having a great time with golf, joined a sorority, and I believe occasionally engages in academic pursuits! Susan and I are meeting the girls in Seattle for Easter - nothing better than being together for the holiday. As we spoke during our visit to your office in DC (thanks again!), Hayley and or Holly would be very much interested in an internship with the Interior this summer. Would you be so kind as to provide us with contact information for who to reach out to for additional information ( couldn’t find on the website but did like the articles and photos). (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716194 EXT-18-2336-E-000668 Wishing your family a very blessed and Happy Easter, and look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you, Judge Will William Hileman, Jr. will@whitefishlaw.com Sent from my iPad (b)(6) FOIA001:02716194 EXT-18-2336-E-000669 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-04-11T14:48:57-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Scanned document from HP ePrint user Received: 2018-04-11T14:49:39-04:00 filename-1.pdf Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Lolita Zinke < > Date: 04/10/2018 13:28 (GMT-06:00) To: Subject: Fwd: Scanned document from HP ePrint user Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: eprintcenter@hp.com Date: April 10, 2018 at 11:26:29 AM PDT To: Subject: Scanned document from HP ePrint user Reply-To: This email and attachment are sent on behalfof . Ifyou do not want to receive this email in future, you may contact directly or you may consult your email application forspam or junk email filtering options. Regards, HP Team (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716212 EXT-18-2336-E-000670 FOIA001:02716208 EXT-18-2336-E-000671 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor[elinor_renner@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-04-11T14:49:41-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Scanned document from HP ePrint user Received: 2018-04-11T14:50:58-04:00 filename-1.pdf Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Lolita Zinke < > Date: 04/10/2018 13:28 (GMT-06:00) To: Subject: Fwd: Scanned document from HP ePrint user Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: eprintcenter@hp.com Date: April 10, 2018 at 11:26:29 AM PDT To: Subject: Scanned document from HP ePrint user Reply-To: This email and attachment are sent on behalfof . Ifyou do not want to receive this email in future, you may contact directly or you may consult your email application forspam or junk email filtering options. Regards, HP Team (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716205 EXT-18-2336-E-000672 FOIA001:02716200 EXT-18-2336-E-000673 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[ From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-04-12T18:44:28-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Re: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS Received: 2018-04-12T18:45:12-04:00 Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: William Hileman Date: 04/01/2018 19:09 (GMT-06:00) To: Ryan Zinke < > Cc: Caroline Personal Subject: Re: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS Thanks Ryan - you are the best! Sent from my iPhone On Mar 31, 2018, at 4:08 PM, Ryan Zinke < > wrote: Congratulations judge! I have ccd caroline to provide details. Also, an intern in congressional with daines or greg may be an option as well. Let's keep in touch. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Bill Hileman Date: 03/30/2018 07:01 (GMT-10:00) To: Ryan & Lola ZINKE < > Cc: Bill Hileman Subject: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS Hon. Secretary, Hope all is going well in Washington! Holly is loving her studies at Georgetown, and Hayley is having a great time with golf, joined a sorority, and I believe occasionally engages in academic pursuits! Susan and I are meeting the girls in Seattle for Easter - nothing better than being together for the holiday. As we spoke during our visit to your office in DC (thanks again!), Hayley and or (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716215 EXT-18-2336-E-000674 Holly would be very much interested in an internship with the Interiorthis summer. Would you be so kind as to provide us with contact information for who to reach out to for additional information ( couldn’t find on the website but did like the articles and photos). Wishing your family a very blessed and Happy Easter, and look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you, Judge Will William Hileman, Jr. will@whitefishlaw.com Sent from my iPad (b)(6) FOIA001:02716215 EXT-18-2336-E-000675 To: Aaron Thiele[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; David Bernhardt[ ]; Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Werner[elinor_werner@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Leila Getto[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; Luke Bullock[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; Mike Argo[michael_argo@ios.doi.gov]; Ryan Zinke[cdr06@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov] From: Boulton, Caroline Sent: 2018-04-13T16:24:53-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Electronic Briefing Book: 4.14.18/4.16.18 Received: 2018-04-13T16:25:35-04:00 DAILY UPDATE FOR CABINET AFFAIRS 4-13-18.docx Event Memo - Sen. Toomey Call.docx RKZ Daily Schedule 4.14.18.docx RKZ Daily Schedule 4.16.18.docx AFN Alaska Day Memo.docx Meeting Memo -- Ducks Unlimited Reception.docx 0413 AFN remarks draft.docx All, Attached is the schedule and briefing book for Saturday and Monday. Best, Caroline Daily Schedule: Saturday, April 14 8:30am Depart Residence en route H-1 Stables 9:00am Arrive H-1 Stables; Proceed to Constitution Ave 10:00am Cherry Blossom Parade Location: Constitution Ave from 7 th-17th St NW RON Washington, DC Daily Schedule: Monday, April 16 8:30am Depart Residence en route White House 9:00am Breakfast Meeting Location: White House Navy Mess Staff: None 10:00am Depart en route DOI 10:30am Daily Scheduling & Communications Meeting Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary, Hommel, Magallanes, Argo, Rigas, Tanner, Wynn 11:00am Depart en route Hyatt Regency 11:30am Alaska Day Conference Location: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill (b)(6) FOIA001:00073027 EXT-18-2336-E-000676 Staff: Deputy Secretary 1:15pm Meeting with Mike Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Argo 1:30pm Daily Meeting with the Chief ofStaff Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Hommel 2:00pm Call with Senator Toomey Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Tanner, Magallanes 3:30pm Personnel Interview Location: Secretary’s Conference Room Staff: Mashburn 4:00pm Hold: Lincoln Tour 5:00pm Remarks at Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust Reception Location: The Metropolitan Club Staff: Cassidy, Bullock RON Washington, DC -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 FOIA001:00073027 EXT-18-2336-E-000677 MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 1 | P a g e Daily Schedule 8:30am Depart Residence en route White House 9:00am Breakfast Meeting Location: White House Navy Mess Staff: None 10:00am Depart en route DOI 10:30am Daily Scheduling & Communications Meeting Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary, Hommel, Magallanes, Argo, Rigas, Tanner, Wynn 11:00am Depart en route Hyatt Regency 11:30am Alaska Day Conference Location: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill Staff: Deputy Secretary 1:15pm Meeting with Mike Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Argo 1:30pm Daily Meeting with the Chief of Staff Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Hommel 2:00pm Call with Senator Toomey Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Tanner, Magallanes 3:30pm Personnel Interview Location: Secretary’s Conference Room Staff: Mashburn 4:00pm Hold: Lincoln Tour 5:00pm Remarks at Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust Reception Location: The Metropolitan Club Staff: Cassidy, Bullock RON Washington, DC FOIA001:00072987 EXT-18-2336-E-000678 United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 MEETING MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY DATE: Monday, April 16th 2018 TIME: 5:00pm until 7:00pm FROM: Benjamin Cassidy, Senior Deputy Director for Intergovernmental and External Affairs in the Immediate Office of the Secretary SUBJECT: Remarks at Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust Reception I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE For the Secretary to address the Board of Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust regarding his hunting access priorities and acknowledge the role of Ducks Unlimited in conservation. II. PARTICIPANTS Internal Secretary Ryan Zinke Greg Sheehan, FWS Acting Director Benjamin Cassidy, Senior Deputy Director for External and Intergovernmental Affairs External See below III. BACKGROUND This is an annual reception to thank agency partners and leaders for their work with Ducks Unlimited. The audience is made up of Wetlands America Trust and Ducks Unlimited board members, agency partners, corporate partners. The host, DU, is one of the most respected and influential conservation organizations in the country. The delivery of our conservation work (over 14 million acres conserved since 1937) is done in partnership with several federal and state agency partners. The Department of Interior is one of our most valued partners. DU has over 740,000 dues paying members and over 1.5 million supporters follow us on social media. IV. DISCUSSION V. TALKING POINTS/REMARKS VI. NEXT STEPS Attendees: PRESIDENT Steve Maritz is Chairman and CEO of Maritz LLC in St. Louis, Missouri. He is active on a variety of community and national boards, an avid outdoorsman and enjoys spending FOIA001:00073018 EXT-18-2336-E-000679 time with family. Steve is a member ofthe historic Dardenne Club at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and Waterhen Lodge in Canada. He also owns a conservation/hunting property in Missouri – Craghurst – where he actively works to improve the habitat for deer, turkey and quail. VICE PRESIDENT Doug Oberhelman is the Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Illinois and also serves on the Board of Directors of ExxonMobil Corporation. He is the chairman of WAT’s Governance and Nominating Committee. Doug’s wife Diane serves as an At￾Large Member of Ducks Unlimited’s Board of Directors. Avid outdoor enthusiasts, Doug and Diane have transformed their Quail Lakes property in Illinois – a former surface mine - into a home for a myriad of endangered bird species and other wild creatures with wetlands, grasslands, lakes and a working farm. SECRETARY/TREASURER Wendell Weakley is the President and CEO of the University of Mississippi Foundation. He was elected Treasurer of the Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Board of Directors in May 2015 and stepped into his role in WAT at the same time. An avid duck hunter and dedicated volunteer, Wendell has served as an Assistant Treasurer on the Board since 2010 and resides in Oxford, Mississippi. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Dan Thiel is COO for Wetlands America Trust and Executive Secretary of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. He enjoys hunting and fishing with his sons and collecting books, guns, decoys and art related to duck hunting. FOIA001:00073018 EXT-18-2336-E-000680 TRUSTEES James (Jim) W. Ayers is a west Tennessee businessman who is the owner and President of Ayers Asset Management, Inc., Chairman of the Board of First Bank and Founder of the Ayers Foundation. A lifelong waterfowler and passionate supporter of DU’s mission, Jim is a partner in the Grassy Lake Hunt Club – near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in Kentucky. John W. Berry Jr. is the CEO of Berry Investments, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio, and President of the Berry Family Foundation. A resident of Naples, Florida, John’s interests include hunting, tennis, shooting and camping. Paul R. Bonderson Jr. was the co-founder and Vice President of Engineering for Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. and is now retired to his home in Sunol, California. In May 2015, he was elected Ducks Unlimited’s 43rd President at the annual National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His interests include hunting, managing his hunting property – Bird Haven - and restoring and collecting antique cars and hot rods. Gary Butler is the former CEO and President of Automatic Data Processing (ADP). After more than 37 years with ADP, Gary retired in 2011 to Florida and Bluffton, South Carolina, and currently serves as Senior Trustee ofthe Gary C. Butler Charitable Family Foundation. He is an avid waterfowl and upland bird enthusiast and conservationist. John S. Dale recently retired as Principal and Portfolio Manager for Peregrine Capital Management in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A member of Waterhen Lodge in Canada, John is a lifelong waterfowler and angler. William F. (Bill) D’Alonzo retired as the Chairman and CEO of Friess Associates, which manages the Brandywine family of mutual funds. He is the owner of TCF Enterprises LLC – farming, real estate and investments and Ducks Unlimited’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations. A resident of Naples, Florida, his interests include hunting, golf, spending time with his family and managing his recreational properties in Maryland and Delaware. FOIA001:00073018 EXT-18-2336-E-000681 Skipper Dickson is Chairman and CEO of Sports South, the oldest American distributor of firearms and ammunition, and works alongside his brother at the other family business Morris & Dickson, a pharmaceutical wholesale company based in Shreveport, Louisiana. Skipper is a committed conservationist and an avid waterfowl enthusiast who enjoys sharing a duck blind with friends and family. George H. Dunklin, Jr. is the Owner and President of Dunklin Holding Company, LLC and Vice President of Five Oaks Investments, LLC. Ducks Unlimited Inc.’s 42nd President, George became Chairman of the Board in May 2015. George oversees the operations of Five Oaks Duck Lodge in Stuttgart, Arkansas – a premier facility which has hosted many Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust meetings. Doug Frey is the former owner of Desert Industrial X-Ray LP. After the recent sale of his company and more than 30 years in all phases of oil exploration and production, Doug is spending more time afield - in both his home state of Texas and the Platte River/Rainwater Basin of Nebraska - pursuing two of his passions: waterfowl and conservation. David F. (Dave) Grohne is President and Founder of Independence Tube Corporation in Chicago, Illinois. Dave’s interests include hunting, golf and fishing. Dave is a long-time member of the historic Senachwine Duck Club in Illinois. H. Dale Hall is the Chief Executive Officer of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Prior to joining DU, he served as the director ofthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rogers S. Hoyt, Jr., of Uvalde, Texas, was recently elected First Vice President of Ducks Unlimited’s Board of Directors. A rancher by profession and a member of the Board since 1996, Rogers also serves as President of Ducks Unlimited de Mexico (DUMAC) and a member ofthe Ducks Unlimited Canada Board. Orrin H. Ingram II is President and CEO of Ingram Industries Inc. Orrin manages hunting properties in Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida and owns Shelby Lake Lodge in Kentucky. An accomplished and passionate polo player, he is a former Chairman of the United States Polo Association, an Honorary Director ofthe Polo Training Foundation and hosts charity polo games at his RiverView Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. James C. (Jim) Kennedy is a past member ofthe Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Board of Directors and former president of Wetlands America Trust. He enjoys spending time FOIA001:00073018 EXT-18-2336-E-000682 and hunting on his recreational properties - his favorites being York Woods in Mississippi and Trailsend Ranch in Montana. Jim is the Chairman of the Board of Cox Enterprises in Atlanta, Georgia. Jim Konkel currently serves as Chairman ofthe National Shoot Committee and a member of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Board. Jim’s volunteer and philanthropic leadership spans nearly four decades and includes twelve elections to the DUI Board of Directors. He enjoys time in the blind, fishing and supporting numerous local charities in and around his hometown of Scarborough, Maine. Bruce Lauritzen is Chairman of First National Bank of Omaha, in Omaha, Nebraska. His family history with Ducks Unlimited goes back to the 1950s. He is an avid outdoorsman and world traveler. Andrew Lundquist is WAT’s newest Trustee having joined the group in December 2015. He is Senior Vice President, Government Affairs for ConocoPhillips, responsible for the company’s state, federal and international policy and government affairs activities. Before joining ConocoPhillips, Andrew was managing partner of BlueWater Strategies LLC and served in leadership roles at the White House and on Capitol Hill. David McLean is Chairman of the McLean Group in Canada and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. He retired as Chairman of the Board of CN Railway in April 2014 after 19 years with the company. He enjoys waterfowl and upland bird hunting. Johnny Morris is Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, and his son John Paul Morris is General Manager of Bass Pro Shops’ online store. Along with a generous philanthropic commitment to DU, Johnny and Springfield, Missouri-based Bass Pro Shops donated space for the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center in the Memphis Pyramid which opened in April 2015. John Nau of Houston, Texas is the Owner, President and CEO of Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P., one of America’s leading beer wholesalers. John is Chairman Emeritus of the Civil War Preservation Trust and owner of the Shoalwater Bay Club in Port O’Connor. He enjoys golf, hunting, jogging and reading history. Dan Ray is Managing Director and Global Head of Project Finance for Jefferies LLC and owns Annandale Plantation in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, held under a conservation easement with Ducks Unlimited. He is active in a variety of community FOIA001:00073018 EXT-18-2336-E-000683 and national charitable organizations, an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Dan is the chairman of WAT’s Development Committee. Mark Stitzer is CEO of Hamlin Capital Management, LLC in New York. He and his family enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Matthew (Matt) Stuller, Sr. is the Chairman, President and CEO of Stuller, Inc. – an international maker and distributer of fine jewelry based in Lafayette, Louisiana – and an officer of the Stuller Family Foundation. Matt is a member of Oak Ridge Lodge in Broussard, Louisiana. John W. Thompson is the CEO of privately-held Virtual Instruments and Chairman of the Board for Microsoft – succeeding company founder Bill Gates. An active investor in early-stage technology companies, John is the former Chairman and CEO of Symantec Corporation and general manager of IBM Americas. John is an ardent duck and upland bird hunter. John A. Tomke is the current Chairman of Ducks Unlimited de Mexico (DUMAC), past President of both Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and DUMAC and chairman of WAT’s Government Affairs Committee. John is retired as VP of Global Operations at Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is Chairman ofthe Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, Board Member of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and of the Boone & Crocket Club and a member ofthe Waterhen Lodge. William E. (Will) Walker III is the President of Jackson Air Charter in Jackson, Mississippi and a Trustee ofthe Walker Foundation. His family history with wetlands conservation goes back many generations. Will is an active hunter. David K. (Deke) Welles Jr. is the former Chairman and CEO of Therma-Tru in Maumee, Ohio [founded in 1962 by his father, David K. Welles Sr.]. Deke enjoys hunting, fly fishing, skiing and sailing. Deke is a member of the Winous Point Shooting Club, Waterhen Lodge and the Rolling Rock Club. FOIA001:00073018 EXT-18-2336-E-000684 EMERITUS TRUSTEES Rosemarie Buntrock Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois Hazard Campbell Vero Beach, Florida John Childs Vero Beach, Florida William (Billy) B. Dunavant, Jr. Memphis, Tennessee Gene Henry Rogers, Arkansas Bob Hester Memphis, Tennessee Kenneth Hofmann Concord, California Jim Hulbert Cathlamet, Washington Bruce Lewis Woodville, Mississippi L.J. Mayeux, Jr., M.D. Marksville, Louisiana Philip (Phil) McNeill, Sr. Germantown, Tennessee John Newman Covington, Louisiana SafPeacock Lincoln, Illinois John Pope Jacksonville, Florida Donald (Don) Rollins Carmel, Indiana Tod Sedgwick Marshall, Virginia Reed (Beau) Turner Atlanta, Georgia Julius Wall Clinton, Missouri FOIA001:00073018 EXT-18-2336-E-000685 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DAILY UPDATE FOR CABINET AFFAIRS – 4/13/2018 Lori Mashburn, White House Liaison Natalie Davis, Deputy White House Liaison STATUS OF THE SECRETARY THIS WEEK:  4/13: Lunch with Secretary ofthe Navy Richard Spencer o Interview with NYT ReporterJulie Turkewitz o Internal Meetings  4/14: Participate in Cherry Blossom Parade NEXT WEEK:  4/16: Breakfast meeting at White House o Alaska Day Conference o Call with Sen. Pat Toomey o Remarks at Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust Reception  4/17: Lunch Meeting with SBA Administrator McMahon o Drop by Dayton Development Council Meeting o Dinner with Rep. Gianforte and Sen. Daines  4/18: Meeting with 250 U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission ChairDaniel DiLella o Cabinet Meeting o Meeting with Assistant Secretary ofthe Army (Civil Works) RD James o Meeting with Rep. Greg Walden (OR) o Meeting with OutdoorIndustry Alliance  4/19: Meeting with National Sheriffs Association o Travel to Dallas, TX  4/20 TX: Remarks at EarthX in Dallas for Earth Day o Travel back to DC  4/21: Drive to NY to begin National Park Week tour STATUS OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARY TODAY: In DC meeting with Julie Kitka, President ofAlaska Federation ofNatives and conducting internal meetings. OPIOID CRISIS Prescribed to Death: Opioid Crisis Memorial Opens http://youtu.be/KlLYXPRk4fw 22,000 Americans die every yearfrom prescription opioid overdoses. A new Memorial in just steps from the White House, puts a literal face on each opioid death to bring awareness ofthis “crisis next door.” The memorial will be open through April 18. To learn more about the Trump Administration’s fight against the Opioid crisis, visit www.CrisisNextDoor, or www.WhiteHouse.gov/Opioids WH COMMS REPORT (Submitted 4/12) Press Inquiries:  Many small and logistical inquiries.  The Guardian (Jimmy Tobias) —REQUEST— I am looking at Vincent DeVito’s role in delaying the ESA listing ofthe Texas Hornshell mussel for six months last year. Emails between Mr. DeVito and the oil FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000686 and gas trade group IPAA show that he responded directly to the IPAA's request that the mussel listing be delayed. I am also taking a look at Mr. DeVito's activities in West Virginia, where documents show he took a trip organized by the West Virginia Coal Association and intervened in both the permitting ofthe new Berwind mine and also signed off on a guidance document to direct Fish and Wildlife Service efforts to conserve endangered crayfish imperiled by mining activities there. I have just a few brief questions: 1. Does the InteriorDepartment allow political appointees without scientific training to intervene directly in Endangered Species Act listing processes? 2. Does the InteriorDepartment allow political appointees without scientific training to intervene directly in Fish and Wildlife Service policies regarding endangered species conservation? 3. Do you have any comment on the trip Mr. DeVito took to West Virginia, which emails show was organized by the West Virginia Coal Association? —RESPONSE— On the general description ofthe article you sent, Devito had no role in the listing ofthe Texas Hornshell mussel. To my understanding, the document you're referencing was an email he received and then an email he sent which confirmed receipt of the original email. Additionally, Mr. DeVito was invited to West Virginia by the WVDEP. Concerning questions 1 and 2: This is a false question. The Endangered Species Act specifically states that "The Secretary, by regulation promulgated in accordance with subsection (b) and to the maximum extent prudent and determinable— (i) shall, concurrently with making a determination under paragraph (1) that a species is an endangered species or a threatened species, designate any habitat of such species which is then considered to be critical habitat; and (ii) may, from time-to-time thereafter as appropriate, revise such designation." I'd also encourage you to see many ofthe secretary's previous comments about scientific integrity where he lays out his position that political appointees are not at the Department to manipulate data, they are here to make informed decisions and policy. At no point has political leadership changed the science of any report.  Medill News Service (Shelby Fleig) —REQUEST— I would like to give the Department the opportunity to respond to a statement by Sen. Maria Cantwell last week. “I welcome GAO’s recommendation to pass responsible legislation making coal companies clean up pollution. Secretary Zinke should also reverse course and crack down on this irresponsible coal mining practice,” said Senator Cantwell. —RESPONSE— As the secretary noted in the hearing with Sen. Cantwell, the recommendations were made to Congress and welcomes the GAO’s attention to the matter.  BuzzFeed News, CNN, MONEY — REQUEST— Can you confirm that entrance fees at national parks nationwide (at least the ones that already charge entrance fees) will rise by $5 in June? And can you tell me why the original proposal of a $70 increase was modified? —RESPONSE— Sent to NPS  Politico (Ben Lefebvre) — REQUEST— I’m writing a follow-up to the Channel Islands tourfrom last April. I know I already asked you versions of some ofthese questions, but thought I’d just give you a heads up that the story is set to go out in the next day ortwo, depending on edits. So with that in mind, was hoping to get answers to the following questions in the next 24 hours: Did Jon Jorgenson, a donor to Sec. Zinke’s Congressional campaigns, pay for his own part ofthe Channel Island tour? Did Jorgenson being employed at the same place the Zinkes bought their yacht have anything to do with his being invited on the tour? Did he personally sell the yacht to the Zinkes? Why did Interior staff consistently misspell Jorgenson’s name as “Jorgesen” in official documents? Chris Wiggins was described as a “subject matter experts on the Channel Islands” in official Interior documents. Chris Wiggins runs an Alabama-based maritime security firm. What knowledge ofthe Channel Islands did he bring to the tour? — RESPONSE— TBD FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000687  Law360 (Adam Lidgett) — REQUEST— I'm doing a story on the DOI's new joint task force's firstraid seizing 49 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of $2.5 million and more than $20,000 worth of marijuana, plus smaller amounts of heroin, and other narcotics. I was looking to see ifthe DOI had any further comment and to answer some questions, specifically 1) were any ofthose arrested members of any Native American tribes 2) were any ofthe "other narcotics" mentioned prescription opioids? —RESPONSE— TBD  Law360 (Adam Lidgett) — REQUEST— Working on a story about the Senate Indian Affairs Committee's approval yesterday ofthe PROGRESS forIndian Tribes Act, S. 2515, which would amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to streamline DOI's self￾governance process. Please let me know if a DOI representative would be available to comment on whetherthe department supports the proposed revisions, orifthere's an official statement available. —RESPONSE— TBD Top Stories:  The Hill: Zinke backs off plan for big national park fee increases  AP: Reassigned Interior employees blame politics, climate work  The Hill: Seeking to right the wrong of ending protection to Bears Ears  Washington Examiner: Ryan Zinke to raise park fees $5 after backing off huge hikes  Salt Lake Tribune: Entrance fees to go up by $5 at Utah’s national parks — and most others across U.S. — afterfeds scrap plan to double some ofthose charges Top Issues, Accomplishments, & Awareness:  Tomorrow, April 13, Secretary Zinke will travel to Nevada with VPOTUS for a tax reform event. The Secretary will also have a yearin review interview with the New York Times. Thursday, April 19th, Secretary Zinke will deliver a speech in Dallas to Earth X. Topic: conservation & the environment (Earth Day).  April 21-30 - NATIONALPARKS WEEK - Secretary Zinke will drive from upstate NY down to Tennessee and visit National Park Service sites along the way to publicize the President's plan to rebuild infrastructure in National Parks. Preparing a request forVP Pence to accompany the Secretary at Great Smoky Mountains.  Wednesday, May 9, Secretary Zinke will testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee.  May 18-30 Travel through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming to meet with Tribal Nations, National Park Service leadership, and deliver energy speeches. o Several meetings with Tribal Nations on the opioid crisis and other priorities o Speech at the Williston Basin Petroleum Council o National Park Service meetings on overcrowding and infrastructure AGENCY MEDIA (submitted 4/11) WEEK AHEAD April 11 thru April 19, 2018 Announcements/Releases/Events Secretarial-level Announcements/Events/Interviews  This week Secretary Zinke is in Washington, D.C.  April 11: Secretary Zinke testified before the House Appropriations Committee on FY19 Budget.  April 11: Secretary Zinke participated with Kellyanne and Sec. Azar at an event in front ofthe White House supporting the White House’s push to end the opoid crisis. We issued a press release on our recent successful law enforcement actions in NM. FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000688  April 12 and 16: We expect a series ofIG reports to be made public. We have shared statements with the WH.  April 19: Secretary plans to travel to Dallas, TX, to give remarks at the EARTHX conference.  April 21-29: National Park Week – Secretary Zinke will visit multiple parks and participate in a series of events to celebrate National Park Week. Scheduled stops include Saratoga National Historical Park, Fort Stanwix National Monument, Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park, Ball on the Mall, Appomattox Court House National Historic Park, Booker T. Washington National Monument, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains to highlight our infrastructure needs and the President’s legislative package.  April TBD: Department-level Release: Gateway West Record ofDecision signing ceremony – News release and possible signing event with Idaho Governor – BLM has approved routes for segments of the Gateway West electric transmission line on public lands in southwestern Idaho, connecting previously authorized routes in southern Wyoming and eastern Idaho to improve the nation’s energy infrastructure and boost the economy in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West. SIGNIFICANT ANNOUNCEMENTS  April 23 (TBD): HARASSMENT SURVEY RESPONSE: In October, DOI announced an immediate action plan to combat the widespread and pervasive culture of harassment and discrimination throughout the National Park Service. Also, in December, we released results from a DOI-wide Work Environment Survey that shows 35 percent ofits employees were harassed or discriminated against in the 12 months preceding the anonymous survey. Secretary Zinke issued a call for action plans from all bureau and office heads across the Department. Those were due at the end ofJanuary and have been underreview. We issued a memo to all employees last week about updated guidance and updated bureau plans will follow. The final plans will go into effect late April. We are drafting comms materials and will share with the WH asap.  TBD May: WELL CONTROL FOR OFFSHORE DRILLING RULE: The proposed rule to revise certain provisions ofthe 2016 rule entitled “Blowout Preventer Systems and Well Control” was submitted to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on December 7. It is anticipated that BSEE will receive the Draft Rule from OMB by March 15. It will then be sent to the Federal Registerfor publication followed by a public comment period. This rule will be high profile and controversial. Staff has briefed NEC and White House Communications on the rule.  TBD May: PRODUCTION SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR OFFSHORE DRILLING RULE: The Draft Rule on Production Safety System was published in the Federal Register on December 29. The public comment period ended on January 29. A Draft Final Rule is planned to be sent to the Federal Registerin coordination with the Well Control Draft Rule. This rule will be high profile and controversial due to its association with the Well Control Rule. Staff has briefed NEC and White House Communications on the rule. The Director ofBSEEwill announce both the Well Control Rule and the PSS rule together.  April 11-19 TBD: Department-level Release: Interior and BLM will issue a Notice ofIntent to initiate public scoping on the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing EIS in Alaska. The purpose ofthe public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope ofthe EIS, including alternatives to the proposed action within the parameters outlined in the Tax Act, and to guide the EIS process. The BLM invites the public to provide comments on scoping issues. The Coastal Plain was specifically identified by Congress and the President, pursuant to Section 1002 ofthe Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, forits potential for oil and natural gas resources. Oil and gas from the Coastal Plain is an important resource for meeting ourNation’s energy demands and achieving energy dominance. Interior Social Media Updates FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000689  April 13: Department-level blog post: Interior will publish a blog post highlighting the best public lands for stargazing as part ofInternational Dark Sky Week, which is April 15-21.  April 16: Department-level blog post: Interior will publish a blog post profiling a volunteer at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. Jim Montgomery has logged 25,000+ hours surveying wildlife and is one ofthe Service's top record-holders for volunteer hours. April 15-21 is National Volunteer Week. National Park Service  April 13: The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve plans to release the Ungulate Management Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a 45-day public comment period. The plan and DEIS were developed with input from the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as formal cooperating agencies. The DEIS addresses two key issues: the need for active elk management; and the future of bison management at the park.  By April 13: The NPS will submit comments to the Regional Environmental Officer/Department on the Railroad Control House Replacement Project, Substation #42 - Hackensack, North Bergen Township in New Jersey. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) submitted a draft Section 4(f) Evaluation forreview ofthis project because the project will need to use Section 4(f) resources, the Pennsylvania Railroad New York to Philadelphia Historic District and specifically Substation Building #3, which is a contributing resource within the district and eligible forlisting in the National Register ofHistoric Places. The Department ofInterioris required to respond and concurthat there is no prudent orfeasible alternative to this 4(f) resource use. The Department ofInterior has delegated drafting theirresponse to the National Park Service.  April 13 (tent.): The Japanese American Confinement Sites Program (JACS) will request approval for the partial apportionment of $1,346,818 in JACS grants to fund nine projects. The grants will be awarded based on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, enacted as Public Law 115-123, and pursuant to the Preservation ofJapanese American Confinement Sites Act, P.L. 109-441, 120 Stat.3288, which authorizes the Secretary ofthe Interiorto award grants to assist in preserving historic Japanese American confinement sites and their history.  April 15 (tent.): Moonbeam Leasing & Management, LLC, will commence operations as the new operator ofGateway Marina in the Jamaica Bay Unit ofGateway National Recreation Area. On March 25, Moonbeam was selected forthis 60-yearlease based on their ability to reconfigure, upgrade, and make improvements to the Marina facilities. The park plans to inform local elected officials and issue a press release within the week.  April 15 (tent.): Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve will begin efforts to relocate up to 2,500 feral burros from each park. Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (a nonprofit partner) will fund and carry out the roundups, test burros for disease, relocate them to holding facilities, and domesticate the animals for adoption. This is anticipated to generate public interest and has already triggered a FOIA request. (Updated 04/04/18).  April 15 (tent.): Death Valley National Park and the Ridgecrest BLM office anticipate opening a public comment period on the Keystone Mine Plan of Operations Amendment and accompanying Environmental Assessment. The mine is on BLM land nearthe park's western border, but the mining plan includes the use of waterrights within the park.  April 16: Proud Boys New England is considering holding a first amendment demonstration on Patriot Day at Minute Man National Historical Park. They have applied for a Special Use Permit. The proposed demonstration would take place immediately following the Patriots Day parade and program at the Old North Bridge. Terms and conditions ofthe permit application are currently being reviewed and negotiated. Counter protesters and press coverage anticipated. FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000690  April 16: Local NPS Release: Olympic National Park anticipates announcing that a Notice of Availability NOA is to be published in the Federal Registerforits Mountain Goat Management Plan/Final EIS (Updated 04/04/18).  From April 16-20: Catoctin Mountain Park is hosting stafffrom Germany’s Black Forest National Park. The visit will mark the beginning of a Sister Park Arrangement between the two parks, with the document signing scheduled for April 19 at Catoctin Mountain Park. Dan Smith, NPS Deputy Director, Stephen Morris, Chief ofInternational Affairs and the US Consul General in Frankfurt, Germany, James Herman, will attend. The State Department and the NPS reviewed and approved the arrangement.  April 16 (tent.): Death Valley National Park anticipates releasing the final Scotty's Castle Flood Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment and FONSI. This document analyzes repair work planned for historic structures, the cultural landscape, utilities, parking, and walkways to recoverfrom damage from a flash flood in October 2015. The historic district is scheduled to reopen to the public in 2020.  April 16 (tent.): Death Valley National Park anticipates publishing a Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Registerforthe Draft Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Saline Valley Warm Springs (plan/DEIS). The NOA will initiate a 60-day public comment period on the document during which public meetings will be held in the vicinity ofthe park. The plan/DEIS is intended to provide a framework for natural and cultural resource management, administration and operations, and managing visitor use.  April 16 (tent.): Death Valley National Park anticipates releasing the final Bonnie Clare Road Reconstruction Environmental Assessment and FONSI. Reconstruction work is scheduled to start in August 2018 and be completed by May 2019. This will allow reopening ofthe northeast entrance to the park and restore public access to Scotty's Castle after massive damage from flooding in October 2015.  April 17: Local NPS Release: Glacier National Park will release the Sperry Chalet, The Next 100 Years Environmental Assessment (EA) for a 15-day public review and comment period. Two public meetings have already been held. The EA will identify the NPS' preferred alternative, which is to use existing remnant walls to rebuild the structure, replicating and retaining as many historic character features as is practicable, and achieving some modernization in design. The EA will identify two construction seasons. NPS is investigating options forfunding, design and construction and assessing the feasibility of construction activity that begins in the summer of 2018 and is completed in 2019.  April 17: At the Smithsonian's Museum Support Centerin Suitland, MD, a Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) repatriation ceremony is scheduled. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will use grant funds to transport the Keet Gooshi (Killerwhale Fin) also called the “Bear Song Leader's Staff” back to Alaska. The Keet Gooshi was removed from Alaska sometime before 1948.  April 17-18: Gates ofthe Arctic National Park Subsistence Resource Commission (SRC) will hold a public meeting in Allakaket, Alaska. The purpose of an SRC is to devise and recommend to the Governor of Alaska and the Secretary a program for subsistence hunting within Alaska national parks where subsistence is authorized. The SRCs were established underthe Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.  April 19 (tent.): Joint News Release: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will issue a joint press release with the park's friends group, the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, announcing an educational campaign about the deadly impacts of anticoagulant rodenticide on park wildlife. The awareness campaign is supported by several cities within and adjacent to the park. Local media coverage is expected. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000691  April 13 (tent.): FWS plans to issue a guidance memo related to the DOI Solicitor's M-Opinion 37050 on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The memo will be used by program areas, regional, and field office staffto carry out the Act in light of changes in policy and practice resulting from the M-Opinion, including clarifying what constitutes prohibited take. No outreach is planned.  April 13: Local FWS Release: FWS plans to celebrate the final determination on the proposal to delist the black-capped vireo with an event. Representatives from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Fort Hood (TX), Fort Sill (OK), USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Texas Comptroller’s office, congressional offices and other partners are invited. Media will be invited. Stakeholders include the petitioners, Pacific Legal Foundation, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, New Mexico Federal Lands Council, Texas Farm Bureau, Department ofthe Army, The Nature Conservancy, Oklahoma Department ofWildlife Conservation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  April 15 (tent.): FWS plans to send to the Federal Register a final rule removing regulations setting forth the provisions fortwo depredation orders for double-crested cormorants. FWS had used these standing orders to allow forlethal control of cormorants where they impact aquaculture and public resources; however, on May 25, 2016, the District Court forthe District of Columbia ordered that both the Aquaculture Depredation Order and the Public Resources Depredation Order be vacated until FWS performs a new and legally adequate environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement for national cormorant management orders in compliance with the requirements ofthe National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This final rule administratively implements the court’s decision. While the depredation orders no longer exist, on November 15, 2017, FWS provided some measure ofreliefto aquaculture facilities. It issued a final EA under NEPA, which allows aquaculture facility managers and property owners across 37 central and eastern states and the District of Columbia to apply forindividual permits forlethal take of cormorants where they are impacting resources. This latest action is not controversial. If-asked talking points will be planned.  April 16: Local FWS Release: FWS plans to make 90-day findings on petitions to delist or downlist the Cape mountain zebra, and delist the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. For substantial 90-day findings, this is the first step in a longer process and tends not to get significant media attention; however, this action might be the first time stakeholders become aware that FWS is assessing the status of a species. All stakeholders will have ample opportunity to provide input into the eventual 12-month findings. FWS anticipates local media coverage and interest from livestock and home building industries in Wyoming and Colorado regarding the finding on the petition to delist the Preble's meadow jumping mouse.  April TBD: National FWS Release: FWS will award nearly $19 million in grants to coastal states to conserve and restore coastal wetlands and theirfish and wildlife habitat. Each year, the Service supports coastal wetland conservation through the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program and the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The grant funds are derived from excise taxes on fishing tackle and motorboat and small engine fuels.  April TBD: FWS plans to send to the Federal Register a notice ofissuance forletters of authorizations issued in 2015, 2016 and 2017 underregulations authorizing the non-lethal, unintentional take of marine mammals in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. This is an administrative action and is noncontroversial. No news release will be issued. Bureau of Land Management  April 9-13: BLM Local Public Scoping Meetings: The Central Montana District will hold public scoping meetings in Malta, Glasgow, Winifred and Winnett about the bison conservation organization American Prairie Reserve’s proposed grazing permit change. FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000692  April 13: Local BLM Event: Acting BLM-CO Director Greg Shoop will participate in an annual wildland fire briefing for GovernorJohn Hickenlooper.  April 13-16 TBD: Local BLM Release: BLM will announce a Notice ofIntent to Prepare a Resource Management Plan Amendment Environmental Assessment and Notice of Mineral Segregation for the Proposed Dry Lake East Designated Leasing Area in Clark County, Nevada. The area is approximately 10 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, and east ofthe Dry Lake Solar Energy Zone.  April TBD: Local BLM Release: BLM will seek public comments for a Non-Competitive Direct Sale and Conveyance of Mineral Interests of Public Land in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, in Arizona. The sale of 3,380.69 acres was requested by the Community because of significant archaeological resources and cultural sites on the lands. The lands were designated as suitable for disposal in the 2012 BLM Lower Sonoran Record of Decision and approved Resource Management Plan, because it is uneconomical forthe BLM to manage them as public lands and they are not needed for any federal purpose.  April TBD: National BLM Release: BLM will announce the Wild Horse and Burro 2018 Adoption Schedule.  April TBD: National BLM Release – BLM will announce a mineral withdrawal renewal proposed for Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep Winter Range. The proposed extension withdraws 1,431 acres of Federal land from location or entry underthe U.S. mining laws but not from leasing underthe mineral leasing laws. The public land orderthat established this withdrawal in 2000 will expire soon unless extended. Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep Winter Range supports one ofthe largest wintering herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in North America and draws thousands of people annually. Office of Wildland Fire  April TBD: A Joint Direction letter will go to Wildland Fire Leadership to provide guidance on the upcoming fire season. Letteris currently underreview and will be coordinated with USDA. Bureau ofOcean Energy Management  April TBD: BOEM Web Post: Eni has submitted to the Alaska OCS Region a revised version ofits Nikaitchuq North Exploration Plan. This version will provide for Eni to be able to drill during the summer. The revised plan may be posted to the Alaska region’s web page after appropriate review. U.S. Geological Survey  April 18: National USGS Feature Release: USGS Will Roll Out Groundbreaking New “HayWired Earthquake Scenario,” which outlines a hypothetical M7.0 earthquake event in the San Francisco Bay Area and its associated impacts. The release will coincide with a press event at Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA.  April 19: National USGS Release: USGS, the Department of Energy and the American Wind Energy Association will announce an updated map and database of all onshore and offshore wind turbines in the United States. This will serve as a replacement forthe current WindFarm Mapping tool maintained by the USGS Energy Resources Program.  April 19: National USGS Web Feature: The USGS will post a web feature online highlighting the differences between East and West Coast earthquakes. While earthquakes east ofthe Rocky Mountains are farless frequent than in the West, they can cause ground shaking to extend to much farther distances compared to similar orlarger earthquakes in the West. In a recently published study USGS scientists also found that shaking is amplified in the Washington DC area due to the thin layer of sediments under parts ofthe city compared to areas build on more solid, harder bedrock. FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000693  April TBD: National USGS Release: USGS scientists are publishing a paper examining the practical limits of an earthquake early warning system, but studying warning arrival times of a hypothetical quake in northern California. Will be published in Science Advances.  April TBD: New USGS Publication: North American Net Import Reliance of Mineral Materials for Advanced Technologies: The U.S. Geological Survey and Natural Resources Canada conducted a study on the net importreliance of the United States, Canada, and Mexico as individual countries and as a single trading bloc fortwelve nonfuel mineral commodities that are associated with advanced technology products. The minerals are cadmium, cobalt, gallium, germanium, graphite, indium, lithium, nickel, rare earths, selenium, silver, and tellurium.  April TBD: National USGS Release: Scientists at the USGS Non-indigenous Aquatic Species program have developed three “storm trackers” showing where floodwaters ofHurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria probably carried non-native and invasive freshwater plants and animals into new habitat. All three storm trackers have now been published online. The updated Hurricane Maria version was published March 30. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/viewer/Flooding/  April TBD: Joint USGS, NOAA, Deltares (Holland) and University of Hawaii International News Release: Many Low-Lying Pacific Atoll Islands Could Be Uninhabitable by Mid-21st Century due to sea-level rise exacerbating wave-driven flooding. Sea levels are rising, with the highest rates in the tropics, where thousands oflow-lying coral atoll islands are located. A new study from U.S. Geological Survey, Deltares, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa scientists projects the impact of sea-level rise and wave-driven flooding on atoll infrastructure and freshwater availability under a variety of climate-change scenarios. USGS published a similar study and issued a news release in 2015. Press release will coincide with publication in Science Advances. Bureau ofIndian Affairs  April 18: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Tahsuda speaks at the National Indian Gaming Association’s 2018 Annual Meeting and Tradeshow and Convention in Las Vegas, NV. Bureau of Reclamation  April 12 and 16: Public meetings: Reclamation will host public meetings in Albuquerque and Las Cruces to release the Middle Rio Grande and Rio Grande Projects Annual Operating Plans. The Rio Grande is experiencing early drying due to drought.  April 16: Reclamation will host a webinarto apprise water officials from the basin states and Mexico on the results ofthe most probable April 2018 24-month study water use projections forthe Colorado River.  April 17: Reclamation will hold the annual agricultural public land lease bid opening in Klamath Falls, Oregon.  April TBD: Local Reclamation Release: Reclamation may provide an update to the initial water allocations forthe Central Valley Project in California.  April TBD: Local Reclamation Release: Reclamation will notify the public ofthe availability of a draft environmental assessment fortwo funded projects from the 2016 Klamath River Coho Habitat Restoration Grant. Insular and International Affairs  April 16: OIA Release: Interior Provides $10.1 million to American Samoa forInfrastructure at Wharf, Schools, and Hospital; Training and Conservation Awareness Supports Improved Health, Livelihood, Economic Development Opportunities, and Conservation in the Territory  April 17: OIA Release: Assistant Secretary Doug Domenech Visits American Samoa, Keynotes at 118th Flag Day: “We are all Part ofthe American Family.” FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000694 CONGRESSIONALUPDATE (updated 4/9) 2017 COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF OCS OIL & GAS RESOURCES REPORT TO CONGRESS: This report is required by Section 357 ofthe Energy Policy Act of 2005. It directs the Secretary ofthe Interiorto provide a report to Congress within 6 months ofthe date of enactment (i.e., Aug. 8, 2005), with updates at least every 5 years. Timing: April 2018 Contact: Joe Balash, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management UPCOMING FY2019 BUDGET HEARING: The Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee will be holding a hearing on the FY19 budget. The Secretary will be the witness. Timing: May 9, 2018 Contact: Micah Chambers, Deputy Director, Congressional Affairs DOI NOMINEES IN PROGRESS: Susan Combs (A/S PMB) and Ryan Nelson (Solicitor) were reported out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources by voice vote on January 30. They were both placed on the Senate calendar and were hotlined on February 7. There were objections by Democrats. We are encouraging Senate leadership to file cloture and hold a floor vote on these nominees.  Steve Gardner(OSM) was renominated in January after being sent back to the WH at the end of December. We are still working with Mr. Gardner on some questions with the Office of Government Ethics.  Tara Sweeney (A/S Indian Affairs) was recently cleared by the Office ofGovernment Ethics - her ethics paperwork and an amendment to her 278e are cleared to be submitted to the Senate. Her completed questionnaire was delivered to the Committee this week. We are working with the Committee to schedule a hearing in late April. Committee staff will receive a briefing from the FBI afterthe recess..  Dr. James Reilly (Director ofUSGS) Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources was confirmed on April 9 by voice-vote. Timing: Ongoing Contact: John Tanner, Director, Congressional Affairs PUBLIC LANDS INFRASTRUCTURE FUND/NATIONAL PARK RESTORATION ACT: DOI continues the ongoing process offormally rolling out the Public Lands Infrastructure Fund, which was included in both the President’s FY19 Budget and the Infrastructure proposal. On March 6, 2018, DOI testified at an oversight hearing on the maintenance issue, highlighting the need for maintenance updates on public lands. On March 7, the Secretary joined Senators Alexander, Daines, Capito, Gardner and Tillis to introduce language that was built off ofthe FY19 Budget proposal, the National Parks Restoration Act. The bill has bipartisan, bicameral support. On March 20, 2018, the NPS Deputy Director, Daniel Smith testified before the House Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee on the bill. Timing: Ongoing Contact: Micah Chambers, Deputy Director, Congressional Affairs REORGANIZATION AND UNIFIED REGIONAL BOUNDARIES: Secretary Zinke has informally notified the House and Senate Appropriations Committees regarding FY18 implementation of new shared regional boundaries across Interior’s bureaus. Formal notification is planned forlate April or early May following the FY19 appropriations committee hearings, which would trigger a 30 day clock, at the end of which DOI believes it can move ahead, absent express Congressional opposition. Presently, each ofthe 10 FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000695 bureaus have different geographic boundaries forregional offices. The new approach has bureaus share unified boundaries based on watersheds, often adjusted to the nearest state line boundaries. Implementing unified regions will improve the timeliness and appropriateness of decision making in the field, by allowing senior managers to focus on the same geography. Interioris implementing a comprehensive Congressional, gubernatorial, employee, and stakeholder communications strategy to demonstrate the advantages ofthis approach. The FY19 budget also speaks to moving parts ofthe headquarters of BLM, FWS, and Reclamation westward. Interior successfully worked with the appropriations committee majority staffto avoid an effort by the minority to put unnecessarily restrictive limitations on the reorganization in the FY 2018 omnibus appropriations act. Timing: Ongoing Contact: Scott Cameron, Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget SECRETARY SPEAKING INVITATIONS Accepted: 4/16 - Alaska Day Conference (organized by the Alaska Federation ofNatives (DC) 4/26 - Remarks at BALL for THE MALL (DC) 5/3 – RV Industry Power Breakfast (Elkhart, IN) 5/23 - Remarks at Williston Basin Petroleum 26th Annual Conference (Bismarck, ND) 6/1 - Ducks Unlimited Annual Convention (Indianapolis, IN) Open (date TBC)- Americans for Tax Reform (DC) Open (date TBC)- Detroit Economic Club Outstanding Invitations in Process: 4/14 National Cowboy Hall of Fame Event (Oklahoma City, OK) 4/19-20 5th Annual Arctic Encounter Symposium (Seattle, WA) 4/28 150th Anniversary signing of 1868 Treaty of Ft. Laramie (WY) 5/3 – NRA Annual Meeting (Dallas, TX) 5/10 – SEAL Family Foundation “Families First” Philadelphia Gala (Philadelphia, PA) 5/22 Easter Seals Advocacy Awards (DC) 5/21-24 Affiliated Tribes ofNorthwest Indians Mid-Year Meeting (Topopenish, WA) 5/24 – Surety & Fidelity Association of America’s Annual Meeting (DC) 5/30-31Montana Energy Summit (Billings, MT) 5/31-6/2 – Civil War Trust 2018 Annual Conference (Newport News, VA) 6/3-5 Annual Coal and Investment Leadership Forum (Bristow, VA) Declining: 4/14 SEAL Family Foundation “Families First” San Diego Gala (San Diego, CA) 5/9 – Association of California Water Agencies (Sacramento, CA) 5/9-11 Colorado Forum (DC) EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT N/A OUTSIDE MEDIA OF INTEREST (new) Ryan Zinke To Raise Park Fees $5 After Backing Off Huge Hikes. FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000696 The Washington Examiner(4/12, Justice) reports that the InteriorDepartment announced Thursday that fees in more than 100 national parks will be increased by $5, “backing away from its original plan to more than double entrance costs at some ofthe nation’s most popular sites.” In a tweet Thursday, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke wrote, “An investment in our parks is an investment in America. ... We listened to the American people and we came up with a plan that puts badly needed revenue into our parks to rebuild visitors centers, roads, restrooms and other and other infrastructure.” The AP (4/12, Daly) reports that “the plan by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke drew widespread opposition from lawmakers and governors of both parties, who said the higherfees could exclude many Americans from enjoying national parks.” Additionally, “the agency received more than 109,000 comments on the plan, most ofthem opposed.” Zinke “thanked those who made their voices heard through the public comment process: ‘Your input has helped us develop a balanced plan that focuses on modest increases,’ he said.” The Hill (4/12, Cama) reports that “the groups that opposed Zinke’s previous plan applauded Thursday’s announcement.” Theresa Pierno, president ofthe National Parks Conservation Association, said, “From the moment the administration made its proposal to triple fees at some of America’s most popular national parks, many businesses, gateway communities, governors, tourism groups, conservation organizations and the public have said this was the wrong solution for parks’ repair needs. The public spoke, and the administration listened.” Rep. Raúl Grijalva said, “This is a prime example that activism works. The American people raised their concerns, participated in the public comment period and made sure that the Trump White House knew that the proposal was unpopular. This is a big win for park lovers everywhere.” Task Force Makes 11 Drug-Related Arrests On Tribal Lands. Law360 (4/12, Lidgett) reports that the Interior Department on Wednesday “announced 11 drug￾possession arrests after a raid in New Mexico by a new joint task force that was launched as part ofthe federal government’s steps to tackle the opioid crisis in Native American communities.” The task force between April 3 and 7 “conducted its first raid in cooperation with Pueblo tribes and law enforcement officials in New Mexico.” According to the article, “the raid involved the confiscation of $2.5 million in methamphetamine and thousands of dollars’ worth of marijuana.” Advocates Urge Congress To Keep Large Western Coal Plant Open. UPI (4/12, McFarland) reports that “an advocacy group for the largest coal-fired power plant in the West – which may be shuttered next year – joined labor and industry leaders Thursday in asking Congress to keep the facility open.” At an oversight hearing Thursday in the House Committee on Natural Resources, the article says, “the Yes to NGS coalition pled with Congress and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to keep the Navajo Generating Station near Page, Ariz., running.” Navajo Nation Speaker LoRenzo Bates said, “The Navajo Nation is blessed with a wealth of natural fossil fuels and renewable energy resources – resources we have the right develop and which we have the capability to manage. NGS is an essential component ofthe Navajo Nation’s economy and our energy portfolio and must remain viable for the sake ofthe Nation and our People.” Firm Narrows Potential Buyers ForArizona Coal-firedPlant. The AP (4/12, Fonseca) reports that “an investment firm tasked with finding a new owner for an Arizona coal plant is focused mostly on an unnamed potential investor, but critics ofthe plant say talks to keep it open are a ‘wasteful distraction’ that hinders future economic prospects for the Navajo Nation.” A sale ofthe Navajo Generating Station is “considered a longshot as utilities increasingly move away from coal-fired powerin favor ofrenewable energy sources and cheaper natural gas.” George Bilicic, a vice chairman at Lazard, “did not identify the potential investor during a congressional hearing Thursday on the Navajo Generating Station but said it’s a reputable company that operates power plants and has met with key players.” FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000697 Federal Charges May Be In Store For Corona Arch Vandal Idaho Falls Man ID D After Posting Family Photo Online. The Moab (UT) Times-Independent (4/12, Knight) reports that “an Idaho man has issued an apology after he was revealed online inscribing graffiti into Corona Arch and posting a photo ofit online.” The man, “identified as towing company executive Ryan Andersen ofIdaho Falls, Idaho, inscribed the marks ‘18’ and ‘R’ and ‘J’ as well as a heart in the arch and then posed for the photo with his family.” Bureau of Land Management Public Affairs Specialist Lisa Bryant on April 6 said “the case has been turned over to the U.S. Department ofJustice forfurtherinvestigation.” U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson Melody Rydalch said, “The U.S. Attorney’s office will likely be filing charges in the case.” Crews Fight Wildfire On Eastern Arizona Reservation, Forest. The AP (4/12) reports that “over 100 firefighters and other personnel are battling a wildfire burning in a remote area ofthe Fort Apache Indian Reservation and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona.” The Bureau ofIndian Affairs “says cause ofthe fire that started Wednesday that has burned approximately 400 acres (162 hectares) of pine and grass by Thursday isn’t known.” BIA spokeswoman Candy Lupe “says no structures are threatened and that no injuries have been reported.” Fresh From Bankruptcy, Driller Fieldwood Hungry ForU.S. Offshore Output. Reuters (4/12, Resnick-Ault) reports that Fieldwood Energy announced Thursday that it will acquire $480 million in Gulf of Mexico assets from Noble Energy, and “nearly all deepwater blocks.” The deal is set to close when Fieldwood emerges from bankruptcy protection. Fieldwood CEO Matt McCarrol said, “Where others may see it as maturing or dead, we think (the U.S. Gulf of Mexico) still holds vast opportunities forthose of us with the unique experience to manage the challenges.” According to the article, McCarroll “said Fieldwood will start a drilling program on the newly-acquired assets that are not currently producing within six to twelve months, and will evaluate its existing acreage before making another acquisition.” New Jersey Revives Plan For Wind Farm Off Atlantic City Coast. Bloomberg News (4/12, Young) reports lawmakers in New Jersey “have revived a long-stalled plan to build a wind farm offthe coast of Atlantic City.” The legislature yesterday approved a bill “allowing the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to reconsider a 24-megawatt project by Fishermen’s Energy LLC that was rejected under Republican Governor Chris Christie.” The bill “gives regulators 90 days to act on Fishermen’s application, which will be filed in May, the company’s secretary Paul Gallagher said.” FEDERAL REGISTER LISTINGS: REG0008016 BIA HEARTH Act Approval ofthe Oneida Nation of Wisconsin's Regulation -- The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has approved the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin (previously listed as Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin) leasing regulations underthe Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act of 2012 (HEARTH Act). This approval authorizes the Nation to enterinto business, agricultural and residential leases without further BIA approval. Notice 04/12/2018 REG0008035 FWS Migratory Bird Permits; Regulations for Managing Resident Canada Goose Populations -- The FWS proposes to amend the depredation and control orders to allow destruction ofresident Canada goose nests and eggs at any time ofthe year. Proposed Rule 04/12/2018 FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000698 REG0008045 FWS Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for Southern Sea Otters in Monterey, California -- In response to a request from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), FWS proposes to authorize the incidental taking by harassment of small numbers of southern sea otters for one year, beginning on or before June 15, 2018 Notice 04/12/2018 REG0008067 FWS Marine Mammals; Letters ofAuthorization to Take Pacific Walrus and Polar Bears, Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, Alaska -- The FWS is required to publish Federal Register notice ofletters issued authorizing the incidental taking of polar bears and Pacific walrus. Notice 04/12/2018 REG0008093 FWS U.S. Endangered Species; Recovery Permit Applications (Miami U, Oxford, OH, re. Tex. hornshell, first app) -- This is a batched notice announcing the receipt by FWS of applications for Endangered Species Act (ESA) permits. Notice 04/12/2018 REG0008094 FWS U.S. Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications (Idaho Power Company, first) -- This is a batched notice announcing the receipt by FWS of applications for Endangered Species Act (ESA) permits. Notice 04/12/2018 REG0008105 FWS Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal ofthe Lesser Long-nosed Bat From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing the lesserlong-nosed bat from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. Final Rule 04/12/2018 REG0008122 USGS Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework -- This Notice, underthe Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), announces that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will ask the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a new information collection pertaining to the Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework in States bordering the Great Lakes. The USGS is requesting public comments on the proposed information collection for 30 days. Notice 04/12/2018 FOIA001:00072977 EXT-18-2336-E-000699 THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON Sen. Toomey (R-PA) Congressional Call 4/16/18 2:00 pm Office Action Officer: Micah Chambers – micah_chambers@ios.doi.gov – 202.208.5348 I. PURPOSE: Sec. Zinke will be doing a call with Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) to discuss the NPS contract for 250th Anniversary/United States Semiquincentennial Commission. II. BACKGROUND: Sen. Toomey does want to be more proactive in his outreach to the administration and wants to “meet” you. He will also want to discuss USA 250. Under the previous administration, a bill was passed to establish to coordinate and facilitate activities in 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The NPS must contract with a nonprofit to coordinate the commission meetings and plan the event. DOI sent the RFP in November. Since then, submissions have been sent soon and the Department is nearing a decision. One of the most contested issue within the commission is that there seemed to be a concerted effort to funnel the nonprofit contract to USA250, which is based in Philadelphia, PA. Sen. Toomey has been tracking this issue. He has worked with USA 250 to diversify its leadership, which is heavily Democrat politically. According to the Senator, the group has implemented many of those leadership changes; therefore, he will likely be more proactive in advocating for them. There are other members of the commission who are advocating for other non-profits to get the award and have spoken with the Secretary about that as well. Overall Message: We put an RFP out. The proposals are making their way through the process and I’m looking forward to analyzing them shortly. Will take your input for consideration as well and appreciate your comments and work on this. III. PARTIPANTS Internal  Secretary Zinke  John Tanner External  Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) IV. ATTACHMENTS FOIA001:00072979 EXT-18-2336-E-000700 THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON Alaska Federation ofNatives Symposium: Challenges at America’s Northern-most Border Policy Maker Round Table Discussion 16 April 2018 1100 Capitol Room @ Hyatt on Capitol Hill, 200 New Jersey Ave, NW Action Officer: Joe Balash and Steve Wackowski I. PURPOSE The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is hosting a forum to discuss the risks and threats to national interests in Alaska. Topics will include national security, investments in critical infrastructure, energy development, hardening communications systems and securing the lives and well-being of American citizens living in the north. II. BACKGROUND This event is a reschedule of the AFN’s “Alaska Day”, which was originally slated to take place at MIB but had to be cancelled last minute due to the 22 January government shutdown. This is a one day event which should have a participation mix of AK Native tribes/corporations and DC-based Alaska/Arctic policymakers, lobbyists, and government employees. III. PARTIPANTS OMB Director Mulvany (confirmed), NORTHCOM, AK TAG, the Lt. Gov, all of the AK Congressional delegation and various senior members of Alaska Native corps/tribes have speaking rolls at the event. IV. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS 9:30-11:00 AM Roundtable discussion: Perspective on Current Risks, Threats and Opportunities in Alaska and the Far North Moderator: Julie Kitka, President, AFN ADM (ret) Tim Gallaudet, Ph.D., Acting NOAA Administrator LtGen Kenneth Wilsbach, Alaskan Command MGEN Laurie Hummel, Alaska TAG RADM Michael McAllister, Commander, 17th Coast Guard District Greg Razo, Vice-President, Cook Inlet Region Inc. Richard Glenn, Executive Vice President, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation 11:00AM – Noon Roundtable Discussion: Policy Makers Moderator: Ana Hoffman, AFN Co-Chair Secretary Zinke, Sens Sullivan and Murkowski and Dean of the House Young 12:15-12:30 PM Special Guest Speaker: OMB Director Nick Mulvaney (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:00072994 EXT-18-2336-E-000701 V. PRESS PLAN The event is open to press, however little attention from the DC press corps is expected. Alaska Public Radio and the Anchorage Daily News have DC-based reporters that should be covering the event. VI. REMARKS Remarks on your panel are requested to be less than five minutes to allow time for Q&A. This crowd is very pro-King Cove Road. We strongly recommend mentioning it in your opening remarks. The delegation should bring up their stalled ANCSA Improvement Act in their remarks. NOTE: The bill also contains Sen Sullivan’s Vietnam Veterans Allotment Act. Talking point recommendations: -Alaska Natives have no greater friend in the Federal Government than your delegation and the Trump Administration. We aren’t shying away from the decisions that have great impacts on your lives. -As you all know, King Cove was one of those decisions. Since there is ongoing litigation from environmental organizations on the King Cove Road I can’t talk about it much except to say that it was the right thing to do for the people ofAlaska. I’m not afraid ofgetting sued when it comes to saving people’s lives. -When I became Secretary, your delegation made sure to remind me that Alaska is different. But we Montanans have more in common with Alaskans than you think, especially when it comes to dealing with the Federal government. One thing DC doesn’t understand is that a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t make sense for Americans especially those out west and in the Arctic. -This why I strongly support getting our park rangers, refuge managers, biologists, and their supervisors out into the field. -Department wide this last year—From Wrangell to Wainwright-- we conducted over 3000 Alaska Native Consultations, village visits, and government-to-government meetings. It is important to get our people to the front lines so they can breathe the same air you do and experience first hand some of the challenges you face when it comes to transportation, communications, and food security. -My staff and I will take a hard look at the ANCSA (Ain-G-Saa) Improvement Act. We will take a look at what we could possibly do administratively in this bill. -One important part of that bill is the Vietnam Veterans Allotment Act. As a SEAL and a combat veteran, I view this as a matter of honor. Alaska Native Veterans who were serving their country during the native allotment application period deserve a chance to claim their birthright. -In closing, as many of you may know, during my service as a SEAL, I trained in Kodiak and jumped into the Aleutians. We learned first-hand the some of the challenges faced operating in Alaska. I think the words of General Billy Mitchel, the father of the Air Force, still ring true today, Alaska is still the most important strategic place in the world. FOIA001:00072994 EXT-18-2336-E-000702 SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2018 1 | P a g e Daily Schedule 8:30am Depart Residence en route H-1 Stables 9:00am Arrive H-1 Stables; Proceed to Constitution Ave 10:00am Cherry Blossom Parade Location: Constitution Ave from 7 th-17th St NW RON Washington, DC FOIA001:00072984 EXT-18-2336-E-000703 Draft: Alaska Day  Since my first day in office, I have made sovereignty a top priority.  For Alaska Natives, we have taken a government-to￾government approach, so we can restore trust.  Alaska is different – a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work in The Last Frontier. Traditionally, Washington, DC has not understood this, but we have a new focus.  We are putting people first. As you all know, our action in King Cove was one of those decisions. o Since there is ongoing litigation from environmental groups on the road, I cannot talk about it much, except to say that it was the right thing to do for the people of Alaska. o I am not afraid to get sued when it comes to saving people’s lives.  I have a special appreciation for decision making at the front lines. I strongly support getting our park rangers, refuge managers, biologists, and their supervisors out into the field. o Department wide this last year—from Wrangell to Wainwright—we conducted over 3000 Alaska Native Consultations, village visits, and government-to￾government meetings. FOIA001:00073016 EXT-18-2336-E-000704  Going forward, my team is taking a close look at the ANCSA Improvement Act. o One important part of that bill is the Vietnam Veterans Allotment Act. As a SEAL and a combat veteran, I view this as a matter of honor. o Alaska Native Veterans who were serving their country during the native allotment application period deserve a chance to claim their birthright.  In closing, as many of you may know, during my service as a SEAL, I trained in Kodiak and jumped into the Aleutians. We learned first-hand the some of the challenges faced operating in Alaska. o With that awareness, we will continue to prioritize the Alaska Native people and uphold our responsibilities. FOIA001:00073016 EXT-18-2336-E-000705 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-04-19T12:23:31-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Assistance Received: 2018-04-19T12:24:12-04:00 Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: "Usher, Barry" Date: 04/18/2018 13:01 (GMT-05:00) To: "Ryan Zinke " > Cc: "Usher, Barry" Subject: Assistance Mr Secretary, I am not sure ifyou remember Karen Yost, Montana Agri-Women. She was on your AG Advisory Committee when you were our Congressman. She has been trying to get a meeting with you and someone in authority at BLM for their American Agri-Women & Montana Agri-Women Washington Fly In early June. They seem to keep hitting a wall. Can you assist? Thank you Barry (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716262 EXT-18-2336-E-000706 Barry M. Usher Representative Montana House District 40 (406) 252-2888 x1116 Rep.Barry.Usher@MT.Gov FOIA001:02716262 EXT-18-2336-E-000707 FOIA001:02716258 EXT-18-2336-E-000708 To: Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-04-25T09:58:10-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Coronado Eagle Scout Letter of Commendation Received: 2018-04-25T09:58:55-04:00 Pls prepare a letter of congratulations to the bs listed below. I can also sign a personal card to each. Z Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Eugene Kocherga < > Date: 04/24/2018 09:36 (GMT-05:00) To: , Marti Bastuba < > Subject: Coronado Eagle Scout Letter of Commendation Ryan, As a follow up, here is the email & list of Scouts: Begin forwarded message: From: Martin Bastuba < Subject: Eagle Scout Letters of Commmendation Date: April 4, 2018 at 6:37:46 PM PDT To: Jenka Eugene Kocherga Eugene, Below are Names and DOB of Eagle Scouts at the May 5th Court of Honor on the USS Midway: Alex Bastuba – DOB Tyler Buckley – DOB Pete Glorieux – DOB Padraig MacGabann – DOB Cole Mullins – DOB Mickey Rahm – DOB Luke Redford – DOB Jack Schiaffino – DOB (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716280 □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ - EXT-18-2336-E-000709 Thank You so much for helping us connect with Ryan Zinke!! Eugene Kocherga, Cell: Big Block Realty, Your Key to Real Estate. Unlocking Opportunities BRE #01379487 (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716280 EXT-18-2336-E-000710 To: Ted Bell[ Caroline Personal[caroline_boulton@ios.doi.gov] From: Ryan Zinke Sent: 2018-04-26T19:29:01-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: visit Received: 2018-04-26T19:30:10-04:00 We can do both with you and FT peck ifu think it to be appropriate. Allow me the honor to supply all the feast provisions. It is the least I can do. Mike argo, a former navy seal captain, will work with you or your designate on the specifics. I have included caroline on the email for coordination. I look forward to see you and the family and sharing time together. All the best. Wowanga intacha. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Ted Bell Date: 04/26/2018 16:11 (GMT-05:00) To: Ryan Zinke < > Subject: visit Wowanga-intacha, since you plan to be here on the 19th, a couple plans need to be adjusted for the sweat. I originally arranged plans for this to happen on ft. peck with our red bottom relatives there. Now, we are pleased to have you come here. I live in the mountains 3 miles south of lodge pole, my house and sweatlodge is visible by google. Mikes mother and I are divorced yet get along real well, and will be here to welcome you with mikes 2 other brothers. A couple of those men who attended your naming ceremony will be here also, I haven't told anyone you are coming because I don't think it's anyone's business. Question, what time are you planning to arrive? I need about 3 hours to heat rocks get water and drink coffee. This can be done at night if need be. There are old spirits around here at night who like to sing. I will be in no hurry to get done. If possible, I would like to have all seals who accompany you to sweat with you. Mike name is tatanka eyo dong, meaning sitting buffalo bull. All my children and grandchildren have names and songs including you. (explanation) if I pray for you and say Ryan, god knows there are many Ryan's out there and may get confused as to whom I mean, but if I say wo-wanga intacha, he will know for sure who I mean. Gifts. in order for me or you to do this correctly, you must bring 2 yards yellow cloth(representing springtime) for each son you want named, and another 2 yards for prayers for your wife. also 1 pouch tobacco for each, 3- 2 yards of yellow and 3 pouches of tobacco for the spirits. Gifts for me would be a blanket, tobacco, money if you choose, however money is not required but I always give others money when I ask them something. In other words, this is not about money. My sons are talking about presenting you with gifts for what you done helping their brother mike. We want to gift all the people who travel with you but at this time we don't know who is coming, however being in the company of seals is an honor, and I am sure our cooks would love to feed you. The snow is going away fast and probably be gone before you get here. Some of the language is assinaboine, will translate if need be, most of all the spirits will come, so tell all not to fear anything, they will come to look at everyone and carry all prayers to the heavens. Tell all, no sex 4 days prior to sweat, and everyone welcome, people do not HAVE to come into sweat, there are some chairs and benches outside to listen. Are you planning to meet with tribal councils? am wondering because the 19th is on a Saturday. When you go to ft. peck, them fells's will want to sweat with you too. You are family (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) FOIA001:02716288 EXT-18-2336-E-000711 To: Aaron Thiele[aaron_thiele@ios.doi.gov]; David Bernhardt[ ; Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Elinor Werner[elinor_werner@ios.doi.gov]; Holly Lane[holly_lane@ios.doi.gov]; Laura Rigas[Laura_Rigas@ios.doi.gov]; Leila Getto[leila_getto@ios.doi.gov]; Luke Bullock[wesley_bullock@ios.doi.gov]; Matthew Dermody[matthew_dermody@ios.doi.gov]; Mike Argo[michael_argo@ios.doi.gov]; Ryan Zinke[cdr06@ios.doi.gov]; Samantha Hebert[samantha_hebert@ios.doi.gov]; Scott Hommel[scott_hommel@ios.doi.gov]; Todd Willens[todd_willens@ios.doi.gov] From: Caroline Boulton Sent: 2018-05-01T20:57:49-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Electronic Briefing Book: 5.2.18 Received: 2018-05-01T20:57:58-04:00 ATT00001.htm Assistant Secretary Monthly Meeting May 1 2018.docx All, Final update for the evening is Doug's monthly meeting memo. Best, Caroline (b)(6) FOIA001:00083619 EXT-18-2336-E-000712 Sent from my iPhone On May 1, 2018, at 7:12 PM, Boulton, Caroline wrote: All, Thanks to Leila for catching that I didn't edit out the location/staffing details for the Swearing In Ceremony from today's ASLM meeting. The correct location is at the State Department in the Benjamin Franklin Room with no accompanying staff. Best, Caroline On Tue, May 1, 2018 at 7:06 PM, Boulton, Caroline wrote: All, Below is the schedule and briefing book for tomorrow. Doug's memo will be sent out when completed. Best, Caroline Daily Schedule 9:00am Daily Scheduling & Communications Meeting Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary, Hommel, Magallanes, Argo, Rigas, Tanner, Wynn 9:30am Monthly Meeting with Insular & International Affairs Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Deputy Secretary, Magallanes, Domenech, Pula 10:15am Depart DOI en route State Department 11:00am Swearing-In Ceremony ofMichael Pompeo Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Magallanes, Balash, MacGregor, Orr 12:00pm Depart State Department en route DOI 12:15pm OPEN/Lunch 1:00pm Weekly Meeting with the Solicitor’s Office Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Jorjani, Magallanes 1:30pm Daily Meeting with the Chief ofStaff Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Hommel 2:00pm OPEN 2:30pm Call with Senator Toomey Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Tanner 3:00pm Briefing on What’s Inside Show Location: Secretary’s Office Staff: Newell, Bockmier RON Washington, DC -- Caroline Boulton FOIA001:00083608 EXT-18-2336-E-000713 Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 FOIA001:00083608 EXT-18-2336-E-000714 United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 ASSISTANT SECRETARY MONTHLY MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY DATE: Wednesday, May 4, 2018 TIME: 9:30 am to 10:00 am FROM: Doug Domenech, ASIIA SUBJECT: May Monthly Meeting on Insular and International Affairs DOI Staff Participating: Doug Domenech, ASIIA Nik Pula, Director Office of Insular Affairs Insular Areas U.S. Territories Freely Associated States Guam Republic of the Marshall Islands Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Federated States of Micronesia American Samoa Palau U.S. Virgin Islands Following are the topics for discussion for your meeting concerning issues in the Office of Insular Affairs, the Office of International Affairs, and the Oceans Program. There are NO decision items included. I. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE  Political Special Assistant – still vetted by the White House. Sarah Jorgenson, House Homeland Security Committee. TS/SCI clearance.  Legislative Affairs staff – vetting via Departmental process. Casey Brinck, formerly of Delegate Amata Radawagon’s office. II. TRAVEL UPDATES PACIFIC ISLANDS TOUR:  Nik Pula and Doug Domenech returned from their trip to American Samoa, Guam and the CNMI. Doug gave the keynote address at the Annual US Flag Day celebration in American Samoa on April 17. Governor Lolo Moliga and the leaders of American Samoa send their regards. More details below.  Doug also gave remarks on April 25 at the Micronesian Islands Forum held in Saipan where Presidents Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands, Peter Christian of the Federated States of Micronesia, Tommy Remengesau of Palau and Governors Eddie Calvo of Guam and Ralph Torres of the CNMI were all present, including the governors of the four states of the FSM. The Micronesian leaders passed a few Resolutions at their meeting with a few requests to the United States Government (information forthcoming). “This is the first time that Micronesian leaders signed letters to the U.S. government outlining the islands’ unified positions on issues regarding air transportation, taxation, workforce, healthcare, shipping, fishing and invasive species.” More details below. FOIA001:00083616 EXT-18-2336-E-000715  During the trip we met with Pacific Command, Coast Guard Command, Joint Base Marianas, and the Marines. More details below. SECRETARIAL PACIFIC TRAVEL  PACOM and the State Department are working on a proposal to attend the Pacific Islands Forum in September in Nauru. They would hope you would join as leader of the delegation. PACOM General Fenton is working on this issue.  VA: (No Update) The Veterans Administration has informed us that they are trying to pull together a trip for the new VA Secretary to travel out to the island areas. This planning was already underway. We have floated the idea of a trip with Interior, Veterans Affairs, and Defense on national security issues. III. UPDATES ON THE TERRITORIES US VIRGIN ISLANDS  Hurricane: FEMA personnel in the US Virgin Islands will be presenting the Federal Disaster Recovery Support Strategy Matrix for review and approval by the Virgin Islands Government Leadership this week.  Meeting with the Governor: As a follow up to your April 10 meeting with Governor Mapp and FEMA Administrator Long, the Office of Insular Affairs has had meetings with Treasury staff regarding the continuing vulnerability of the Virgin Islands fiscal health.  Recovery Funding: The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) has received a proposal from the Virgin Islands Department of Finance to help improve their Single Audit process and Capital Asset management. OIA anticipates receiving an additional proposal which will assist the USVI government in managing all disaster relief funds.  FEMA Community Disaster Loan for the USVI: This Friday, May 4, we are meeting with Treasury officials to discuss financial issues related to the USVI government. VI continues to have liquidity issues. FEMA is closing the second round of Community Disaster Loans for the USVI. The Government will receive $30 million and the two hospitals on St. Thomas and St. Croix will each receive $3 million. During the first round of the Community Disaster Loan from FEMA, the government received $65 million the two hospitals each received $10 million.  Caneel Bay Resort: To our knowledge, there has been no new movement on resolving the lease/recovery for Caneel Bay. The Solicitors Office and the NPS are working on an options paper for you on this matter. FOIA001:00083616 EXT-18-2336-E-000716 GUAM  Doug Domenech meeting with Governor Eddie Calvo: On April 24 met with Governor Calvo and discussed Guam’s efforts in dealing with impacts ofthe Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017. Guam Office of Finance and Budget estimated that tax collections would be $67 million short between now and the end of the fiscal year.  Guam War Claims Funding Issue: Public Law 114-328 established the Guam World War II Claims Fund to be funded by the difference between monies returned to Guam (known as Section 30 funds) collected in 2014, and future funds. Treasury has finally established this 2014 “floor” at $68 million. This means all funds that we would normally forward to Guam above that number will now be held by Treasury for the Claims fund. Guam disputes this amount. OIA, Treasury and DOJ will meet on May 7 to discuss the process  Joint Region Marianas. Met with Rear Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, Commander of Joint Region Marianas, to discuss the Guam Military Buildup and the Chinese influence in the Pacific.  War in the Pacific National Historic Park: Met with Superintendent Barbara Alberti and toured the Park.  Marine Corps Activity Guam. Met with US Marine Corps leadership and discussed currently funded projects in Guam, including training expectations for the islands of Tinian and Pagan in the CNMI.  Doug Domenech provided the following grants to Governor Calvo: o $5.6 million in Capital Improvement Project funding for the Department of Parks and Recreation for repairs, renovations, and/or upgrades of public gymnasiums, sports facilities, and restroom facilities. o $1 million in Capital Improvement Project funding for the fourth year of the Insular Assessment of Buildings and Classrooms (ABCs) health and safety initiative to address critical deferred maintenance issues throughout Guam’s public schools. o $248,000 in Technical Assistance Funding for the Fixed Assets Software & Hardware Upgrade project to resolve Fixed Assets Single Audit Findings. COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (CNMI)  Doug Domenech meeting with Governor Ralph Torres. On April 24 met with Governor Torres and discussed the issue of $5.7 million in disallowed costs related to the Puerto Rico Dump closure project. Labor and immigration issues pertaining to the CW worker population were also discussed. FOIA001:00083616 EXT-18-2336-E-000717  American War Memorial National Park. Toured the Park and met with National Park Service staff. The Government is in conflict with the Park over its management. Recently the House of Representatives passed a resolution allowing CNMI to request the Park be returned to the local government.  Tour of Garapan Public Market. Toured the Garapan Public Market, whose energy upgrade projects were funded by OIA’s Energizing Insular Communities program.  Ribbon Cutting for Water Tank Project. Attended ribbon cutting for 0.5 million gallon water tank that was funded through OIA’s Capital Improvement Project program.  Doug Domenech provided grants to Governor Torres, including the following: o $2.3 million in Compact Impact funds to defray costs borne by the CNMI Government for social and public services used by migrants from the freely associated states of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. o $1.6 million in Capital Improvement Project funding for the construction of environmentally compliant landfill on the islands of Tinian and Rota. o $215,680 in Technical Assistance Funding for the acquisition of additional automated passport control units for the Saipan International Airport.  Chinese Impact: Media reports persist on alleged corruption of the government. AMERICAN SAMOA  Meeting with Governor Lolo Moliga. Met with Governor Lolo to discuss issues including political status and the reprogramming of Capital Improvement Project funding.  Grants: Doug Domenech signed over $10.6 million in infrastructure funds to support projects at the wharf, hospital, and schools in the territory. The funding also included technical and maintenance assistance for training and youth conservation awareness programs.  Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center. Met with LBJ CEO and staff regarding the need for US certified medical doctors and nurses, the inability to charge veterans for medications and services, and the need for updated equipment and a new hospital. Also discussed two significant issues: the law that provides for free medical care for the residents of American Samoa and the non-payment of individuals who have insurance.  Meeting with Port and Seaport Director. Visited the new service wharf and fuel dock funded by OIA, and discussed the request for funding to remove a sunken vessel near the wharf. FOIA001:00083616 EXT-18-2336-E-000718  Meeting with the Ronald Reagan Shipyard Authority. Met with the CEO to discuss a new office and training facility under construction, as well as the repairs being made to the 3,000 ton slipway, funded by OIA’s Capital Improvement Project funding.  Meeting with Congresswoman Amata Radewagen. Met with the Congresswoman to discuss the US citizenship lawsuit and minimum wage in the territory. The Congresswoman requested DOI’s support for the retention ofthe Section 30A tax credit.  Star Kist Tuna Cannery: Met with Star Kist of American Samoa leadership and toured the Cannery at Satala. American Samoa continues to be impacted by reduced fishing and catch deliveries to their cannery.  High Court of American Samoa. Met with Chief Justice Michael Kruse. The Chief Justice is a paid DOI employee.  Department of Homeland Security: Received a briefing at the Emergency Operations Center regarding Cyclone Gita. FEMA Region IX Director Fenton was present. American Samoa continues to recover from Gita. Damage was significant but not as bad as the hurricanes in PR and USVI.  American Samoa Community College. Met with the President and Staff to discuss the trouble retaining educators due to local salary levels and the various projects that could benefit from CIP funding.  Funding: The American Samoa government has continued to be impacted by 2 decades of flat funding from Interior for their operations account. IV. UPDATE ON THE FREELY ASSOCIATED STATES.  State Visit: Your request of an official State Visit for the three Freely Associated States is moving forward. They are still looking at a possible June date for this event.  Micronesian Island Forum: Doug Domenech provided greetings on your behalf to the gathered leaders and other attends. Approximately 200+ attended. PALAU  Met President Tommy Remengesau in Saipan at the Micronesian Island Leaders Forum. FOIA001:00083616 EXT-18-2336-E-000719  The Omnibus included the long awaited funding for the Palau Compact, $123.9 million. We are working with the State Department on the necessary documents to implement the payment schedule and requirements.  OIA senior staff joined State Department officials in Palau this week to discuss the new funding schedule. REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS  Doug Domenech had the opportunity to meet with President Hilda Heine at the Micronesian Island Leaders Forum in Saipan.  As an outgrowth of our trip to the country last month, we have been working to solve the issues of providing Veterans health benefits to qualified vets in the country. We held a very productive meeting with VA leadership on this issue which specifically impacts all of the Freely Associated States. FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA  Doug Domenech had the opportunity to meet with President Peter Christian at the Micronesian Island Leaders Forum in Saipan. President Christian requested US Government assistance on transportation issue (cabotage). V. OCEANS GREAT LAKES COASTLINES  Ocean Deliverables: AS Domenech is co-leading an effort with NOAA and DOD to identify interagency ocean resource management deliverables across the US government in support of the Administration's focus on national security, economy, streamlining permitting, and energy dominance. OSTP and CEQ have asked for these deliverables by June, to coincide with the potential release of an EO on Oceans, Coasts, and Great Lakes. The DOI Senior Ocean Policy Team has proposed 4 deliverables for which DOI is the lead agency. DOI is listed as a partner in several other deliverables proposed by other agencies.  Coral Reef Task Force: The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force is planning their next meeting for August 2018 in American Samoa. AS Domenech is co-chair of the Task Force along with NOAA Acting Administrator, Tim Gallaudet. At this point, the Task Force is planning on one major decision item for the Task Force members at the meeting: development of a working group and on-the-ground teams to implement initiatives related to restoration of coral reefs. The meeting will also highlight interagency work in one of three Task Force priority watershed sites in the village of Faga'alu, American Samoa. The Governor of American Samoa and DOI are co-hosts of this Task Force meeting. FOIA001:00083616 EXT-18-2336-E-000720  Our Oceans: The 2018 Our Ocean Conference will be held October 29-30 in Bali, Indonesia. DOI's Ocean, Great Lakes, and Coastal Program Coordinator and Office of International Affairs are working with an interagency group led by Department of State to prepare for USG participation in the conference, which will focus on major international commitments to protect, conserve, and understand the ocean. The theme this year is “Our Ocean, Our Legacy.”  Oceans Month: World Oceans Day is June 8 and Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) will be held June 5-7. The Ocean, Great Lakes, and Coastal Program Coordinator, along with the DOI Senior Ocean Policy Team, are coordinating the Department’s participation in CHOW, which is hosted annually by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. June has also historically been proclaimed as National Oceans Month, including by President Trump in 2017. Two new issues of the DOI NEWSWAVE newsletter are expected to be released in June for these events. VI. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS UPDATE  International Technical Assistance Program (ITAP): ITAP continues to work on 22 projects in 37 countries at the request of (and with funding from) the State Department and USAID. These activities rely upon the technical expertise of DOI personnel, and support U.S. foreign policy priorities. This month, ITAP has a number of activities related to counter-wildlife trafficking and conservation, in support of the Feb 2017 Executive Order on Transnational Criminal Organizations and Preventing International Trafficking, for example:  Central America activities that are supported by the State Department. ITAP is participating in a regional meeting regarding counter-wildlife trafficking and conservation to exchange lessons learned and best practices. An ITAP project manager will meet with the Prosecutor General of Panama and Panama’s ChiefofEnvironmental Police to plan and coordinate upcoming DOI￾ITAP organized workshops, meetings, and activities.  East Africa activities that are supported by USAID: o FWS and ITAP are supporting a law enforcement training course in Uganda focused on information sharing and developing professional networks, and will include sessions on evidence collection and forensic imaging of telephones and computers. o FWS and ITAP are supporting a technical exchange between the Kenya Wildlife Service and the FWS Forensic Lab in Ashland o ITAP is coordinating a technical exchange between two law enforcement officers from the Northern Rangelands Trust and Yellowstone National Park on interoperability and law enforcement coordination. o ITAP is leading a USGS employee and FWS to help develop a mission strategy to combat wildlife trafficking in Kenya as specified in the END Act. FOIA001:00083616 EXT-18-2336-E-000721  Potential trips: LONDON: We continue to work with FWS to prepare a proposal for you to participate in a Wildlife Trafficking and Conservation Conference in England in the Fall. USAID: We continue to work with USAID to prepare a specific proposal for you to travel with Administrator Green to review conservation related project in South America or Africa.  Meetings and MOU signings Vietnamese Minister of Public Security on wildlife trafficking. The Minister will plan his trip around the Secretary’s availability, and is seeking to come to DC in June/July. Israeli Ambassador on conservation and protected area management. Israel has asked to meet and sign May 30-31. We can arrange for an event at the Israeli Embassy or here at DOI—which does the Secretary prefer? Alternatively, we can have the Deputy Secretary sign. Australia. As follow up to the Secretary’s meeting with the Australian Minister for Resources and Northern Australia in Houston last month, we are working with ASWS and ASLM regarding a potential MOU on critical minerals, building off of an existing MOU with USGS. Iceland. This meeting is in process. FOIA001:00083616 EXT-18-2336-E-000722 To: Ryan Zinke[cdr06@ios.doi.gov] From: Boulton, Caroline Sent: 2018-05-09T17:30:56-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Fwd: Electronic Briefing Book: 5.10.18 Received: 2018-05-09T17:31:34-04:00 RKZ Daily Schedule 5.10.18.docx USDA Brief & Signing Event Memo.docx 0508 fire.docx DAILY UPDATE FOR CABINET AFFAIRS 5-9-18 2.docx 5-9-18 Internal-External Forest Management Efforts Update.docx Attached is an additional fire update memo from Congressional Affairs. Caroline ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Boulton, Caroline Date: Wed, May 9, 2018 at 5:09 PM Subject: Electronic Briefing Book: 5.10.18 To: Aaron Thiele , David Bernhardt < >, Downey Magallanes , Elinor Werner , Holly Lane , Laura Rigas , Leila Getto , Luke Bullock , Matthew Dermody , Mike Argo , Ryan Zinke , Samantha Hebert , Scott Hommel , Todd Willens All, Attached is the briefing book and schedule for tomorrow. Best, Caroline Daily Schedule 7:40am Depart Residence en route USDA 7:55am USDA/DOI Briefing to Members ofCongress & Joint Fire Signing Ceremony Location: Williamsburg Room (104A) Staff: Balash, Rupert, Heilemann, Lane 9:00am Depart USDA en route Dirksen Senate Office Building 9:30am Senate Interior & Environment Appropriations Subcommittee FY2019 Budget Hearing Location: 138 Dirksen SOB Staff: Tanner, Ferriter, Flanagan 1:00pm Depart for Personal RON Philadelphia, PA (b)(6) FOIA001:02716348 EXT-18-2336-E-000723 -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 -- Caroline Boulton Special Assistant to the Secretary Immediate Office ofthe Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 202.208.5403 FOIA001:02716348 EXT-18-2336-E-000724 1 USDA/DOI Joint Fire Event  Thank you Secretary Perdue for your hard work and cooperation on the issue of wildfires.  2017 was a historically bad year for wildfires in our country. Last fire season, over 71,000 fires burned more than 10 million acres across our country. o Fires in 2017 caused over 40 deaths – the most since 1910. o Fires last year destroyed more than 12,000 structures, including 8,000 residences and Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park (built in 1914).  2018 is off to a rough start – wildfires continue to be a problem.  As Secretary of the Interior, protecting our land and our people is one of my greatest responsibilities. Wildfires pose a serious risk to property and human life.  Our forests are not being managed appropriately. We need to be able to remove the fuels before they become more of a hazard. o Active fuels management means clearing out the dead and dying timber. This is about healthy forests and healthy lands.  Interior uses a variety of tools, including drones, to combat wildfires. I am especially pleased with how we have innovated our way to better fire safety with drone technology. FOIA001:02716336 EXT-18-2336-E-000725 2 o It all comes down to supporting our firefighters and those on the front lines.  As a Westerner, I know that often times in fighting wildfires, there is not much time to act. We need to recognize this.  The Farm Bill will give Interior and the Department of Agriculture the tools that our front lines need to do their job. o As a retired Navy SEAL Commander, I can think of few things more important than supporting the front lines to achieve public safety.  I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Secretary Perdue and the team at the Department of Agriculture.  I would now like to introduce our interim Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Vicki Christiansen. FOIA001:02716336 EXT-18-2336-E-000726 CONFIDENTIAL – DELIBERATIVE, WORKING DOCUMENT INFORMATION/BRIEFING MEMORANDUM FOR THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF DATE: May 9, 2018 FROM: Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs SUBJECT: Update on Internal and External Forest Management Efforts The purpose of this memo is to provide a status update about internal and external efforts to promote efficiencies within the forest management space, particularly in light of the 2018 wildfire outlook briefing for Congress that will be hosted by Secretary Perdue and Secretary Zinke tomorrow. The Omnibus On March 23, 2018, the President signed H.R. 1625, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, into law. Within the Omnibus package were several forest management reforms that accompanied a wildfire borrowing fix, which was a top priority for USDA. Overall, the forest management activities section does not provide relief to barriers affecting implementation of active management of wildland fire or forest management by Interior bureaus. Most of the major provisions of the bill apply only to the Forest Service; some apply to the Forest Service and the BLM; one applies only to the BLM. They provide useful changes, but only of very limited scope. As written, the Department continues to have issues making that case that the section that includes Categorical Exclusions (Sec. 202, amending Sec. 605 of HFRA of 2003) could be applied to the Department (specifically the BLM). Further, helpful provisions such as the hybrid Cottonwood fix are written in a way that only applies to BLM managed lands in Western Oregon for a limited period of time. The section on vegetation management of utilities Rights-of-Way does appear to be useful to both DOI and the Forest Service and closely models provisions in a bill the Secretary led while in Congress (H.R. 2358, the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act). Ongoing Congressional Efforts On April 18, 2018, the House Committee on Agriculture advanced H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill). This legislation includes a number of provisions that are substantially similar (or in some cases identical) to provisions included in H.R. 2936, Resilient Federal Forests (Rep. Westerman, R-AR), which the Department provided views on earlier this year. More specifically, H.R. 2 incorporates provisions from H.R. 2936 on Secure Rural Schools and a number of CXs. There are also changes to the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 and other additions. It should be noted that floor timing to advance this legislation remains tentative. The CXs reflected in the legislation cover a wide range of interests and would offer the Department further flexibility as we look to foster healthy forests. An explanation of each is provided below. Sec. 8311. Categorical Exclusion to Expedite Certain Critical Response Actions Summary: This section would categorically exclude from preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS) under section 102 of the National FOIA001:02716344 EXT-18-2336-E-000727 Environmental Policy Act of1969 (NEPA) six specific “forest management activities,” including reducing hazardous fuels loads, and maintaining, enhancing or modifying critical habitat to protect it from catastrophic wildfires. Only the BLM and BLM-managed public lands are included in this section. Projects are limited to 6,000 acres. Sec. 8315. Categorical Exclusion to Improve or Restore National Forest System Lands or Public Land or Reduce the Risk of Wildfire Summary: Section 8315 would categorically exclude from preparation of an EA or EIS certain activities intended to reduce the risk of wildfire, including the removal of noxious or invasive weeds on Federal or State noxious weeds lists via late-season livestock grazing, targeted livestock grazing, prescribed burns, and mechanical treatments. Only the BLM and BLM-managed public lands are included in this section. Projects would be limited to 6,000 acres. Sec. 8316. Categorical Exclusion for Forest Restoration Summary: Under this section, activities undertaken to improve forest health and resiliency to disturbances, reduce hazardous fuels, and improve wildlife and aquatic habitat are categorically excluded from preparation of an EA or EIS. Timber harvests, hazardous fuels reduction, and prescribed burning, and are some of the activities included in Section 8316. Only the BLM and BLM-managed public lands are included in this section. Projects would be limited to 6,000 acres. Sec. 8317 Categorical Exclusion for Infrastructure Forest Management Activities Summary: This section categorically excludes from preparation of an EA or EIS infrastructure maintenance activities such as constructing, reconstructing, or decommissioning National Forest System roads and bridges, removing dams, or maintaining facilities through the use of pesticides. The Department’s bureaus are not included in this section. Sec. 8318. Categorical Exclusion for Developed Recreation Sites Summary: Activities carried out to construct, modify, or reconstruct facilities (e.g., toilets, parking areas, trails, boat landings, ski lifts, lodge rentals) at developed recreation sites carried out by the Secretary of Agriculture on National Forest System lands are categorically excluded from preparation of an EA or EIS. The Department’s bureaus are not included in this section. Sec. 8319. Categorical Exclusion for Administrative Sites Summary: Activities carried out by the Secretary of Agriculture on National Forest System lands to construct, reconstruct, maintain, decommission, relocate or dispose of an administrative site are categorically excluded from preparation ofan EA or EIS underthis section. The Department’s bureaus are not included in this section. Sec. 8320. Categorical Exclusion for Special Use Authorizations Summary: This section would, among other activities, categorically exclude issuance or modification of a USFS special use authorization from preparation of an EA or EIS. The Department’s bureaus are not included in this section. One of the issues we have identified with Title VIII of H.R. 2 is the Department is not extended the same authorities as the Forest Service. Following discussions with USDA political leadership and USFS staff, the Department’s Congressional and Legislative Affairs Office is seeking inclusion ofother bureaus in any authorities granted to the USFS for expedited forest management within this bill. These conversations continue to unfold while also working jointly with the Senate Agriculture Committee on their Farm Bill efforts. FOIA001:02716344 EXT-18-2336-E-000728 Ongoing Internal Efforts In an effort to foster increased dialogue coordination among agencies involved in forest management, the Department has held several meetings with USDA to focus on areas of unification between our departments. USDA is supportive of legislative CXs to increase efficiencies, and that includes the salvage CE we have formally submitted to OMB as a legislative proposal for the FY20 budget. Upon settling on specific reforms, we will then schedule a meeting with OMB to form our collective Administration position on any additional legislation that touches on forest management. The salvage CX remains our top priority. Furthermore, internally, DOI is working on a number of Categorical Exclusions that promote proper fire management, reduce administrative red tape, and ensure proper management of federal land. These CEs will be accessible to all Bureaus within the Department and will make it easier for the the Department to reduce hazardous fuels, salvage timber, and engage in habitat restoration and post-fire rehabilitation. Collectively, these measures will promote healthy lands and protect human activity and interests. FOIA001:02716344 EXT-18-2336-E-000729 THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018 1 | P a g e Daily Schedule 7:40am Depart Residence en route USDA 7:55am USDA/DOI Briefing to Members of Congress & Joint Fire Signing Ceremony Location: Williamsburg Room (104A) Staff: Balash, Rupert, Heilemann, Lane 9:00am Depart USDA en route Dirksen Senate Office Building 9:30am Senate Interior & Environment Appropriations Subcommittee FY2019 Budget Hearing Location: 138 Dirksen SOB Staff: Tanner, Ferriter, Flanagan 1:00pm Depart for Personal RON Philadelphia, PA FOIA001:02716328 EXT-18-2336-E-000730 THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON 2018 Wildfire Outlook Briefing Thursday May 10, 2018 8:00am-9:00am USDA—Williamsburg Room (104A) 1400 Jefferson Ave SW - Washington, DC Prepared By: Holly Lane; 202-706-9330 I. PURPOSE 1) Secretary Zinke and Secretary Perdue will brief Members of Congress on the 2018 Wildfire Outlook. 2) USDA will be reporting on the implementation of newly acquired forest management tools delivered in the 2018 omnibus spending bill. 3) To explain the funding mechanism of the “fire funding fix” regarding fire suppression efforts. 4) To thank Congress for their efforts and to continue dialogue to foster the relationship ofthis bipartisan effort. 5) To discuss DOI’s efforts both internally and with Congress to efforts to promote efficiencies within the forest management space. *Please note the interagency letter is NOT an MOU. II. BACKGROUND Last year, USDA hosted a fire outlook briefing in order to focus Members of Congress on the need for a “fire funding fix”. This year’s briefing will recognize the efforts ofCongress and will serve as an opportunity to set the stage for ongoing discussions on how USDA’s Forest Service plans to use new authorities to get more work done on the ground and discuss legislation and efforts to provide tools to help land management agencies reduce hazardous fuels, salvage timber, and engage in habitat restoration and post-fire rehabilitation. Collectively, these measures will promote healthy lands and protect human activity and interests. III. PARTICIPANTS Internal The Secretary The Honorable Joe Balash Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Mr. Jeff Rupert Director, Office of Wildland Fire FOIA001:02716331 EXT-18-2336-E-000731 Ms. Tami Heilemann Secretary’s Photographer Ms. Holly Lane Secretary’s Advance Representative External Secretary Sonny Perdue Secretary of Agriculture The Honorable Ken Barbic Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations Ms. Vicki Christiansen Interim Chief, US Forest Service, USDA Members of Congress Sen. Jim Risch (ID) Sen. Mike Crapo (ID) Sen. Dean Heller (NV) Sen. Steve Daines (MT) Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR) Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) Sen. Corey Gardner (CO) Sen. Michael Bennet (CO) Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-1) Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-2) Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-4) Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) Rep. GT Thompson (PA-5) Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-4) Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-1) Rep. Greg Walden (OR-2) Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-3) Rep. Tom O’Halleran (AZ-1) IV. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS 8:00AM Secretary Perdue gives opening remarks and introduces THE SECRETARY 8:03AM THE SECRETARY gives remarks 8:06AM Secretary Perdue thanks THE SECRETARY and introduces Interim Chief of the Forest, Vicki Christiansen 8:07AM Interim Chief Christiansen gives brief remarks and then presents the 2018 Wildfire Outlook Briefing 8:10AM Roundtable Discussion, moderated by Ken Barbic, USDA-Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations 8:50AM Roundtable Concludes. The Members of Congress will gather behind THE SECRETARY and Secretary Perdue for the signing of the interagency letter. 8:55AM THE SECRETARY will depart USDA immediately following the signing FOIA001:02716331 EXT-18-2336-E-000732 V. PRESS PLAN Open Press; Secretary Perdue will be hosting a press conference after we depart VI. TALKING POINTS Thank you Secretary Perdue for your hard work and cooperation on the issue of wildfires. 2017 was a historically bad year for wildfires in our country. Last fire season, over 71,000 fires burned more than 10 million acres across our country. Fires in 2017 caused over 40 deaths – the most since 1910. Fires last year destroyed more than 12,000 structures, including 8,000 residences and Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park (built in 1914). 2018 is off to a rough start – wildfires continue to be a problem. As Secretary of the Interior, protecting our land and our people is one of my greatest responsibilities. Wildfires pose a serious risk to property and human life. Our forests are not being managed appropriately. We need to be able to remove the fuels before they become more of a hazard. Active fuels management means clearing out the dead and dying timber. This is about healthy forests and healthy lands. Interior uses a variety of tools, including drones, to combat wildfires. I am especially pleased with how we have innovated our way to better fire safety with drone technology. It all comes down to supporting our firefighters and those on the front lines. As a Westerner, I know that often times in fighting wildfires, there is not much time to act. We need to recognize this. The Farm Bill will give Interior and the Department of Agriculture the tools that our front lines need to do their job. As a retired Navy SEAL Commander, I can think of few things more important than supporting the front lines to achieve public safety. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Secretary Perdue and the team at the Department of Agriculture. FOIA001:02716331 EXT-18-2336-E-000733 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DAILY UPDATE FOR CABINET AFFAIRS – 5/9/2018 Lori Mashburn, White House Liaison Natalie Davis, Deputy White House Liaison STATUS OF THE SECRETARY NEXT WEEK:  5/9: Cabinet Meeting o Preparation for Senate Interior Appropriations FY19 Budget Hearing  5/10: Joint Briefing with USDA for Members of Congress re: joint fire fighting o Testify in Senate Interior Appropriations Committee Hearing on FY19 Budget  5/11: Remarks at American Boating Congress Annual Advocacy Fly-in STATUS OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARY TODAY: Is in CA to tour DOI facilities and meet with staff and stakeholders. WH COMMS REPORT (Submitted 5/8) Press Inquiries:  Many small and logistical inquiries.  E&E News (Jennifer Yachnin) —REQUEST— Can you comment at all on the decision to send additional NPS law enforcement to both Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Amistad National Recreation Area? —RESPONSE— "President Trump and I are 100 percent committed to keeping our border communities and the American people safe and secure, which is why I'm deploying some ofInterior's law enforcement officers to increase security on the southern border. Today's news is the first of many steps Interior will take to secure the homeland. Interioris ready, willing, and able to deploy a significant force to carry out the President's mission."  E&E News (Mike Lee) —REQUEST— I'm working on a story about a request from Gov. Susana Martinez and five other western governors to streamline oil and gas permitting on federal lands. The idea has been around for a while, but the governors sent a letterto Sec. Zinke in January, with four specific requests. I spoke with Ken McQueen, Martinez's cabinet secretary for energy and minerals, at a conference today. He said the Interior Department could make a decision soon on one ofthe requests -- clearing up how to apply the categorical exclusions to the NEPA process that were included in the 2005 energy policy act. The governors believe the Interior Department could institute the policy by issuing an instructional memo; they included a draft memo with theirrequest. McQueen said he's spoken to Katharine MacGregor, the deputy assistant secretary forland and minerals, and that the proposal is being reviewed by the Interior Department's attorneys. I'm trying to see if anyone at Interior can confirm what McQueen said and discuss the policy implications, etc. I'd also like to see ifInterioris considering the otherthree requests the governors made. — RESPONSE— Sent to BLM  Law360 (Adam Lidgett) —REQUEST— My name is Adam Lidgett and I'm a reporter with Law360. I'm doing a story on the U.S. Department ofthe Interior's Bureau ofIndian Affairs saying in a notice to be posted in the Federal Registerthe Hopi Tribe's gaming compact with the state ofArizona is taking effect. I was looking to see if you had a comment on that. —RESPONSE— Sent to BLM  Law360 (Danielle Smith) —REQUEST— I'm working on a story about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's letter backing the nomination of Tara Sweeney to be an assistant secretary forIndian Affairs in the U.S. Department ofthe Interior. I was reaching out to see if anyone would like to discuss the matter with me or provide comment. —RESPONSE— TBD FOIA001:02716340 EXT-18-2336-E-000734 Top Stories:  Washington Examiner: Secretary Ryan Zinke can get it right on western wildlife  Breitbart: Interior Deploys Officers to Help Secure U.S. Border with Mexico Notable Tweets: Top Issues, Accomplishments & Awareness:  May 4-8 — Personal time.  May 9 — Attend Cabinet Meeting.  May 10 — Secretary Zinke will testify before the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee on the Budget and host a joint briefing with USDA for members of Congress regarding joint firefighting.  May 11 — Deliver remarks at American Boating Congress Annual Advocacy Fly-in  May 14 — Attend USDA/DOI Joint Fire Signing Ceremony as well as deliver remarks at DOI Secretarial Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.  May 16 — Host a conservation roundtable as well as a reception at Wolf Trap.  May 18-30 — Secretary Zinke will travel through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming to meet with Tribal Nations, National Park Service leadership, and deliver energy speeches. o Several meetings with Tribal Nations on the opioid crisis and other priorities o Speech at the Williston Basin Petroleum Council o National Park Service meetings on overcrowding and infrastructure AGENCY MEDIA (submitted 5/2) WEEK AHEAD May 2 thru May 10, 2018 Announcements/Releases/Events U.S. Department of the Interior Secretarial-level Announcements/Events/Interviews:  May 9: Secretary Zinke will attend the Cabinet Meeting  May 9: Tara Sweeney (A/S Indian Affairs) is scheduled to appear before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for her confirmation hearing  May 10: Secretary Zinke will testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee  May 10: Secretary Zinke will attend USDA/DOI Joint Fire Signing Ceremony  May 10: Secretary’s personal trip to Philadelphia FOIA001:02716340 Secretary Ryan Zinke e @Secreta,yZinke In support of @POTUS mission to secure the border and keep Ame rican fami lies safe, @Interior is sending additio nal #LawEnforcement officers to Arizona and Texas. Interior Deploys Officers to Help secure u. s. Border with Mexico The U.S. Depanment of the lnteriorconfirme