usdemocrats.com * April 23, 2009 keynote news, current events, political news ticker, democratic daily weblog

The
percent change from 2006 to 2007 in county personal income ranged
from -11 percent in McPherson County, Nebraska to 88 percent
in Campbell County, South Dakota.

Unemployment
Insurance Weekly Claims Report for the U.S. Department of Labor

This information has recently been updated.

Today
in the Department of Defense, 4/23/2009

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:57:00 -0500

Hurricane
Katrina Related Vacancies for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management
Agency)

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

GAO-09-626SP,
Afghanistan: U.S.- and Internationally-Funded Roads (GAO-09-626SP),
an E-supplement to GAO-09-473SP, April 21, 2009

from GAO Reports

This is an E-supplement to GAO-09-473SP. In its Afghanistan National
Development Strategy, the Afghan Government, in conjunction with
international donors, established the goal of completing a fully
upgraded regional highway network by the end of 2008. The construction
of the regional highways was a top road reconstruction priority
of the Afghan government and interational donors, as these roads
were expected to foster regional trade and ...

GAO-09-529,
Office of Personnel Management: Retirement Modernization Planning
and Management Shortcomings Need to Be Addressed, April 21, 2009

from GAO Reports

For the past two decades, the Office of Personnel Management
(OPM) has been working to modernize the paper-intensive processes
and antiquated systems used to support the retirement of federal
employees. By moving to an automated system, OPM intends to improve
the program's efficiency and effectiveness. In January 2008,
GAO recommended that the agency address risks to successful system
deployment. Nevertheless, OPM deployed a limited initial ...

GAO-09-473SP,
Afghanistan: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight, April 21,
2009

from GAO Reports

The United States has provided approximately $38.6 billion in
reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan and has over 35,000
troops in the country as of February 2009. Some progress has
occurred in areas such as economic growth, infrastructure development,
and training of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), but
the overall security situation in Afghanistan has not improved
after more than 7 years of U.S. and international efforts. ...

GAO-09-120,
Iraqi Refugee Assistance: Improvements Needed in Measuring Progress,
Assessing Needs, Tracking Funds, and Developing an International
Strategic Plan, April 21, 2009

from GAO Reports

Iraqi refugees are one of the largest urban populations the UN
has been called on to assist. The UN reports government estimates
of up to 4.8 million Iraqis displaced within the last 5 years,
with 2 million fleeing, primarily to Syria and Jordan. GAO examined
challenges in (1) measuring and monitoring progress in achieving
U.S. goals for assisting Iraqi refugees, (2) providing humanitarian
assistance to Iraqi refugees, (3) offering solutions ...

GAO-09-6R,
Hazardous Materials: Status of EPA's Efforts to Assess Sites
That May Have Received Asbestos-Contaminated Ore from Libby,
Montana, March 10, 2009

GAO-09-632T,
Human Capital: Sustained Attention to Strategic Human Capital
Management Needed, April 22, 2009

from GAO Reports

In 2001, GAO identified human capital management as a governmentwide
high-risk area because federal agencies lacked a strategic approach
to human capital management that integrated human capital efforts
with their missions and program goals. Progress has been made.
However, the area remains high-risk because of a continuing need
for a governmentwide framework to advance human capital reform.
The importance of a top-notch federal workforce ...

GAO-09-627T,
Aviation Safety: Potential Strategies to Address Air Ambulance
Safety Concerns, April 22, 2009

GAO-09-620T,
Coast Guard: Update on Deepwater Program Management, Cost, and
Acquisition Workforce, April 22, 2009

GAO-09-612T,
Homeland Defense: Actions Needed to Address Management of Air
Sovereignty Alert Operations to Protect U.S. Airspace, April
22, 2009

GAO-09-512R,
Feasibility of Requiring Financial Assurances for the Recall
or Destruction of Unsafe Consumer Products, April 22, 2009

GAO-09-387,
Financial Audit: Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Continue
to Impact Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements
of the U.S. Government, April 21, 2009

GAO-09-344,
Defense Management: DOD Needs to Improve Program Management,
Policy, and Testing to Enhance Ability to Field Operationally
Useful Non-lethal Weapons, April 21, 2009

Federal
Reserve announces results of auction of $150 billion in 84-day
credit held on April 20, 2009

Agencies
propose clarifications to credit card rules

Federal
Reserve announces two new interest rates applicable to loans
extended under Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF)

Secretary
Salazar to Mark Earth Day by Announcing Recovery Act Investments
at Hundreds of National Parks

from DOI News Releases

WASHINGTON, DC - In celebration of Earth Day, Secretary of the
Interior Ken Salazar will hold a press conference to announce
hundreds of national park system projects funded through the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The nearly $750
million in investments will create jobs while enhancing visitor
experience and conserving the nation’s heritage and history
for future generations.

Secretary
Salazar Announces $750 Million Investment to Restore and Protect
America’s National Parks, Create Jobs

from DOI News Releases

Washington, D.C. – From the Statue of Liberty and Independence
Hall to Yellowstone and Death Valley, the National Park Service
will undertake more than 750 projects at parks across the country
to create jobs, restore and protect our nation’s parks,
and preserve our history and heritage for future generations,
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today.

Secretary
Salazar Clears Way to Expand Water Supplies in the California
Drought Water Bank Will Help Stretch Water Resources in Central
Valley

from DOI News Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
announced today that the federal government has cleared the transfer
of water among various sources through California’s Drought
Water Bank, a vital tool to relieve drought conditions in the
state.

President
Obama, Secretary Salazar Announce Framework for Renewable Energy
Development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf

from DOI News Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in an Earth Day speech at a wind
turbine tower manufacturing plant, President Barack Obama announced
that the Department of the Interior has finalized a long-awaited
framework for renewable energy production on the U.S. Outer Continental
Shelf (OCS). The framework establishes a program to grant leases,
easements, and rights-of-way for orderly, safe, and environmentally
responsible renewable energy development activities, such as
the siting and construction of off-shore wind farms, on the OCS.

Troubled
Asset Relief Program from Director's Blog by Douglas Elmendorf

Panel
of Health Advisers from Director's Blog by Douglas Elmendorf

Harvard
University Lecture from Director's Blog by Douglas Elmendorf

Why
CBO Projects No Social Security COLA for 2010 to 2012 Under Current
Law

from Director's Blog by Douglas Elmendorf

New
Democratic video hits GOP leaders

from CNN Political Ticker by emilyes

The DNC is out with a Web video hitting GOP leaders. (CNN) –
National Democrats will release a new Web video Tuesday criticizing
two House Republican leaders who have disparaged President Obama’s
budget plan. The Democratic National Committee accuses House
Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, and House Minority Whip
Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, of being hypocrites for voting [...]

Kerry
to hold hearing on the future of journalism

from CNN Political Ticker by CNN Ticker
Producer Alexander Mooney

Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts announced Monday that he will
chair a subcommittee hearing on the future of journalism. WASHINGTON
(CNN) - A prominent Democrat is joining the fray as many of the
nation's newspapers slash staffs, file for bankruptcy, end their
print editions, or cease publishing altogether. Sen. John Kerry
of Massachusetts announced Monday that he [...]

Senate
panel backs Sebelius for secretary of HHS

from CNN Political Ticker by CNN Ticker
Producer Alexander Mooney

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Senate Finance Committee voted Tuesday
morning to send the nomination of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
to be secretary of health and human services to the full Senate.
Senators voted 15-8 to report her nomination to the Senate.

Obama
invites Mideast leaders to White House

from CNN Political Ticker by sarahbethparker

WASHINGTON (CNN) – President Barack Obama has invited key
leaders in the Middle East to Washington in the coming weeks
for consultations on the peace process, White House spokesman
Robert Gibbs said Tuesday. Obama wants to meet separately with
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas,
Gibbs [...]

New
EPA chief says agency 'back on the job'

from CNN Political Ticker by edhornick

WASHINGTON (CNN) – In a hallway lined with portraits of
her predecessors, Lisa Jackson is reminded daily of her unique
status — as the first African-American to head up the Environmental
Protection Agency. "I don't think of it every moment. …
[But] what I hope that we see at the end of this are activists
who [...]

Obama
signs national service legislation

from CNN Political Ticker by CNN Associate
Producer Martina Stewart

Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy, left, introduces President Obama
at the bill signing on Tuesday. WASHINGTON (CNN) — President
Obama signed into law Tuesday a measure designed to strengthen
national community service efforts by boosting federal funding
for thousands of volunteers in fields ranging from clean energy
to health care and education. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America
[...]

Senate
confirms Obama's Iraq ambassador

from CNN Political Ticker by CNN Associate
Producer Martina Stewart

The Senate has confirmed Christopher Hill to be the new administration's
ambassador to Iraq. WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Senate confirmed
veteran diplomat Christopher Hill as U.S. ambassador to Iraq
on Tuesday, voting 73-23 to put Hill in chargeof the largest
U.S. embassy in the world. Hill, a career Foreign Service officer,
was the lead U.S. negotiator in [...]

On
Earth Day, Biden announces funding for clean vehicles

from CNN Political Ticker by sarahbethparker

Biden said 'every day is Earth Day' in announcing the Clean Cities
Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles Pilot Program.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that
$300 million in stimulus money will be given to state and local
governments to help expand the number of clean and sustainable
vehicles in cities around [...]

Clinton
mocks Cheney demand

from CNN Political Ticker by CNN Ticker
Producer Alexander Mooney

(CNN) –In the latest sign that the war of words between
the Obama administration and Dick Cheney isn't letting up, Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday mocked the former vice
president's call to release additional classified CIA documents.
As Clinton made her first appearance before Congress as the nation's
top diplomat, California Republican Dana Rohrbacher [...]

Obama
announces plan to lease federal waters for clean energy

from CNN Political Ticker by CNN Associate
Producer Martina Stewart

NEWTON, Iowa (CNN) — President Obama marked Earth Day Wednesday
by announcing a new initiative to lease federal waters for the
purpose of generating electricity from wind and ocean currents.
The president announced the initiative, to be administered by
the Interior Department, while reiterating his pledge to push
for a comprehensive energy plan that encourages the [...]

FEMA
to remain within DHS, nominee says

from CNN Political Ticker by CNN Associate
Producer Martina Stewart

Craig Fugate said Wednesday that FEMA would remain a part of
the Department of Homeland Security. WASHINGTON (CNN) —
The man tapped to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency
says the agency will remain under the Department of Homeland
Security. But it was not immediately clear if nominee Craig Fugate
was representing only his personal opinion [...]

Report:
Rice, Cheney endorsed use of waterboarding

from CNN Political Ticker by emilyes

Photo Credit: Josh Rubin/CNN. WASHINGTON (CNN) – Top Bush
administration officials gave the CIA approval to use waterboarding,
a controversial interrogation technique, as early as 2002, a
Senate intelligence report shows. On July 17, 2002, Condoleezza
Rice, former secretary of state and then-national security adviser,
said the CIA could proceed with "alternative interrogation
methods," including waterboarding, when [...]

Volume
53, Number 1 from CIA Library

April 21, 2009 - The newest issue of "Studies in Intelligence"
from CIA's Center for the Study of Intelligence.

CIA
Goes Green: Directorate of Support Leads Environmental Efforts

from CIA Featured Story

April 22 - What do rubber mulch, no-VOC paint and recycled carpet
tiles have in common? These are all ways that the Directorate
of Support (DS) is continuing to make strides in reducing the
Agency's impact on the environment.

The
Budgetary Implications of NASA's Current Plans for Space Exploration

Federal
Budget Challenges

from CBO's Latest 10 Documents

CBO Director Doug Elmendorf's Introductory Economics Lecture
at Harvard University

H.R.
1139, COPS Improvements Act of 2009

from CBO's Latest 10 Documents

Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on the Judiciary on March 25, 2009

H.R.
1178, A bill to direct the Comptroller General of the United
States to conduct a study on the use of Civil Air Patrol personnel
and resources to support homeland security missions, and for
other purposes

from CBO's Latest 10 Documents

Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by House Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 2, 2009

H.R.
1665, Coast Guard Acquisition Reform Act of 2009

from CBO's Latest 10 Documents

Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Transporatation and Infrastructure on April 2, 2009

H.R.
1746, Pre-Disaster Mitigation Act of 2009

from CBO's Latest 10 Documents

Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 2, 2009

H.R.
1747, Great Lakes Icebreaker Replacement Act

from CBO's Latest 10 Documents

Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 2, 2009

VIDEO:
Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL)

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) gives his opinion on U.S. policy toward
Latin America. He also talks about U.S. Mexican/border issues,
Venezuelan Pres. Hugo Chavez, Cuba, the summit of the Americas
and trade..

Length: 35 min.

Published: Tuesday at 9:50am (ET)

VIDEO:
Congressional Oversight Panel Meeting with Treasury Sec. Geithner

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Treasury Sec. Timothy Geithner testified before the Congressional
Oversight Panel (COP) about efforts to stabilize the economy.
The COP recently reported that Federal programs have spent over
$4 trillion.

Length: 1 hr. 36 min.

Published: Tuesday at 10am (ET)

VIDEO:
State Department Press Briefing

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Spokesman Robert Wood conducts a daily briefing at the State
Department.

Length: 31 min.

Published: Tuesday at 11am (ET)

VIDEO:
Pres. Obama Meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan

from C-SPAN Recent Video

President Obama met in the Oval Office with King Abdullah of
Jordan to discuss U.S.-Jordan relations. The president then responded
to questions about Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's anti-Israeli
comments at a UN racism conference, the Administration's Middle
East strategy going forward, and the DOJ torture memos.

Length: 21 min.

Published: Tuesday at 10:30am (ET)

VIDEO:
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) Press Conference on Congressional Delegation
to the Middle East

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) spoke at a press conference to discuss
his recent trip to Iraq and Pakistan with Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-DE).

Length: 46 min.

Published: Tuesday at 12:45pm (ET)

VIDEO:
Senate Homeland Security Subcmte. Hearing on Detecting Contract
Fraud

from C-SPAN Recent Video

During today's Senate Homeland Security Subcomte. hearing, Gov't.
Inspector Generals weigh in on recommendations issued by the
Nat’l Procurement Fraud Task Force. Two of the IGs –
Brian Miller (General Services Admin.) and Richard Skinner (Dept.
of Homeland Security) –

co-authored the white paper.

Length: 1 hr. 22 min.

Published: Tuesday at 2:30pm (ET)

VIDEO:
White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs conducts a daily briefing at the
White House. Mr. Gibbs made prepared remarks on the Obama Administration's
strategy for going forward in the Middle East and responded to
questions on the impact of the release of the DOJ torture memos,
and other issues.

Length: 45 min.

Published: Tuesday at 1pm (ET)

VIDEO:
Senate Finance Cmte. Roundtable Discussion on Health Care Reform

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Senate Finance Cmte. Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) holds the first
in a series of discussions with industry experts on overhauling
the health care system with a focus on improving the quality
and efficiency of care, and restructuring costs.

Length: 3 hr. 1 min.

Published: Tuesday at 10am (ET)

VIDEO:
Pres. Obama Signs Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

from C-SPAN Recent Video

President Obama made remarks about and signed the Edward M. Kennedy
Serve America Act. The president was introduced by Sen. Edward
Kennedy (D-MA). Following the bill signing, the president, First
Lady Michelle Obama, and Former President Bill Clinton participated
in a service activity in Washington, D.C.

Length: 27 min.

Published: Tuesday at 4pm (ET)

VIDEO:
Kate Martin, Center for National Security Studies, Director

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Kate Martin continues our discussion on Pres. Obama's policies
regarding CIA interrogation methods used during the Bush Administration.
She also talks about Pres. Obama's announcement yesterday that
his Administration would consider prosecuting Bush officials
responsible particularly harsh interrogation tactics.

Length: 26 min.

Published: Wednesday at 8am (ET)

VIDEO:
House Foreign Affairs Hearing with Sec. Clinton

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Hillary Clinton appeared for the first time as Secretary of State
before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. She testified
about Afghanistan, operations in Iraq, the middle east peace
process and relations with Cuba.

Length: 3 hr. 50 min.

Published: Wednesday at 9:30am (ET)

VIDEO:
Defense Department Press Briefing on Afghanistan

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Army Major General Michael Tucker, Deputy Chief of Staff for
Operations for U.S. forces in Afghanistan conducted a briefing
from Afghanistan to provide an operational update.

Length: 31 min.

Published: Wednesday at 10am (ET)

VIDEO:
Pres. Obama Remarks on Energy Policy

from C-SPAN Recent Video

President Obama made remarks on his energy plan after touring
Trinity Structural Towers, a former Maytag plant in Newton, Iowa,
which now houses a green manufacturing facility that produces
towers for wind energy production.

Length: 39 min.

Published: Wednesday at 2pm (ET)

VIDEO:
Senate Homeland Security Cmte. Hearing on FEMA Nominee Craig
Fugate

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Craig Fugate, President Obama’s nominee to head the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, testified before the Senate Homeland
Security & Governmental Affairs Cmte. Currently, he is Director
of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management.

Length: 1 hr. 19 min.

Published: Wednesday at 10am (ET)

VIDEO:
Senate Homeland Security Subcmte. Hearing on Medicare and Medicaid
Fraud

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) chaired a Senate Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs Federal Financial Management, Government
Information, Federal Services and International Security subcommittee
hearing on waste and fraud in Medicare and Medicaid. Officials
from the offices of the GAO, HHS, Medicare and Medicaid testified
before the subcommittee.

Length: 1 hr. 39 min.

Published: Wednesday at 3pm (ET)

VIDEO:
PENDING Senate Foreign Relations Cmte. Hearing on Soldiers' Stories
from the Afghan War

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Following the 38th anniversary of Sen. John Kerry's (D-MA) testimony
on the Vietnam War, four Afghan War veterans relate their experiences
before the Senate Foreign Relations Cmte. This hearing is to
provide insights from the troops as the Obama Administration
embarks on a new policy in Afghanistan.

Length:

Published: Today at 10:15am (ET)

President
Obama Signs Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana, 4/22/09

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State
of Indiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local
recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes,
and flooding during the period of March 8-14, 2009.

Clean
Energy Economy Fact Sheet

On
Earth Day Vice President Biden Announces 300 Million in Recovery
Act Funds for Clean Cities Program

During a visit to the WMATA Carmen Turner Maintenance and Training
Facility in Landover, MD, Vice President Joe Biden today announced
$300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act for state and local governments, and transit authorities
to expand the nation’s fleet of clean, sustainable vehicles
and the fueling infrastructure necessary to support them.

Op-Ed
by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Secretary of Labor Hilda
Solis Building the American Clean Energy Economy

On April 22nd, people across the country and around the world
will celebrate Earth Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness
about the plight of our natural resources and taking real action
to make a difference. For decades, while Americans in towns and
cities across the country have worked to make a difference in
their communities, politicians in both parties in Washington
have ignored the energy crisis, imperiling our economy, our security
and our planet. Now, we have a unique and critical opportunity
to attack the energy crisis head on and create a comprehensive
energy policy that will bolster our economy, end our dependence
on foreign oil and reduce the threat of deadly pollution that
is devastating our planet

President
Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 4/21/09

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced
his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration
posts: William E. Spriggs, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Department
of Labor; and Rebecca M. Blank, Under Secretary for Economics
Affairs, Department of Commerce.

President
Obama Signs Florida Major Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State
of Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local
recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding,
tornadoes, and straight-line winds beginning on March 26, 2009,
and continuing.

Presidental
Nominations Sent To The Senate, 4/21/2009

President
Obama to Sign the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

Advisory:
Vice President Biden to Speak at Legal Symposium Celebrating
the 15th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 22nd, at approximately 11 AM Vice President
Biden will attend a Symposium celebrating the 15th Anniversary
of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) at Georgetown University
Law Center. The Vice President will be presented with The Legal
Momentum Hero Award for initiating and championing the Violence
Against Women Act.

President
Obama Appoints Cindy S. Moelis as the Director for the Presidential
Commission on White House Fellows

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Barack Obama appointed
Cindy S. Moelis as the Director for the Presidential Commission
on White House Fellows.

Gaggle
by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs aboard Air Force
One, 4/22/2009

Vice
President Joe Biden to Deliver Spring 2009 Commencement Addresses

“A
Choice Between Prosperity and Decline”

A
Busy Earth Day: Van Jones Video, All-Day Live-Blog

A
Call to Service

The
President and King Abdullah on Peace in the Middle East

Listening

Santa
Clara County Democratic Central Committee Meeting on Thursday,
May 7 at 7:00pm.

Event: Santa Clara County Democratic Central
Committee Meeting

"The job of electing progressive candidate continues."

What: Business Meeting

Host: Santa Clara County Democrats

Start Time: Thursday, May 7 at 7:00pm

End Time: Thursday, May 7 at 10:00pm

Where: County Building Cafeteria

To see more
details and RSVP

"Democratic
Party of Wisconsin’s Annual Founders Day Gala" on Saturday,
May 16 at 6:00pm.

Event: Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s
Annual Founders Day Gala

"Honoring Dave Obey's 40 Years In Congress"

What: Fundraiser

Host: Democratic Party of Wisconsin

Start Time: Saturday, May 16 at 6:00pm

End Time: Saturday, May 16 at 10:00pm

Where: Midwest Airlines Center

To see more
details and RSVP

Airport
News and New Resources page on the FAA website has been updated

FY 2009 Cumulative Approved American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Grants (3-16-09 through 4-20-09)

Updated Airport Noise and Land Use Iisting for Massachusetts

MG
Michael Tucker

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:37:40 -0500

MG Michael Tucker, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations for the
ISAF, and Deputy Commander for Operations for U.S. Forces Afghanistan,
speaks via satellite with reporters at the Pentagon.

DoD
Contracts for April 22, 2009

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:00:00 -0500

Gambrell
Statement on the Release of Final Research Papers

April 22, 2009

[CDFI-2009-24]

Indianapolis
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

Breaking
News for The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

Firearms:
Industry News for The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

Houston
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

Petraeus
Outlines Basic Leadership Tenets

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:26:00 -0500

Memphis
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

Indianapolis
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

NRC
to Discuss 2008 Performance Assessment for Point Beach Nuclear
Power Plant April 29

University
of Missouri Energy Summit, Prepared Remarks of NRC Chairman Dale
E. Klein, Columbia, MO April 22, 2009

New
York Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

Buffalo
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

DOT
News for Department of Transportation

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

Hoyer, Health Care Chairs Report Continued
Progress and Coordination on Reform Efforts

WASHINGTON, DC – Majority Leader Steny
H. Hoyer (MD) met today with the chairmen of the three committees
working to develop health care reform legislation in the House
- Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry A. Waxman (CA),
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (NY), and
Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (CA) –
and other health care leaders to discuss the reform initiative.
Hoyer and the three chairmen issued the following statement after
the meeting:

“We may have three Committees with jurisdiction over health
care in the House of Representatives, but we speak with one voice.
Reforming America’s health care system to control costs
and ensure that everyone has affordable care that meets their
needs is central to long-term economic recovery and growth. We
are committed to working together to advance health reform legislation
that meets the objectives laid out by President Obama. Today’s
meeting was very productive as we continue to move forward in
a focused and coordinated way to improve health care for all
Americans. ”

House Democrats continue to be very focused on the goal of passing
a comprehensive health care reform package this year. In the
111th Congress, the three committees of jurisdiction have conducted
10 hearings on health care reform, including two this week. Over
the April District Work Period, Democrats held more than 150
health care related events in their districts on the need for
reform. The goal is to pass a comprehensive health care bill
through the House by August.

Other members participating in the meeting were Rep. John D.
Dingell (MI), Chairman Emeritus of the Energy and Commerce Committee;
Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Health; Rep. Pete Stark (CA), Chairman of the
Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health; and Rep. Rob Andrews (NJ),
Chairman of the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Health, Employment,
Labor and Pensions.

###

New
Attorney Vacancies at the U.S. Department of Justice

This page has recently been updated with
the following new vacancies:

EXPERIENCED
ATTORNEY/ GS-12 TO GS-14 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, CIVIL DIVISION,
TORTS BRANCH OFFICE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AND SPECIALIZED TORTS
Position is open until filled.

EXPERIENCED TRIAL ATTORNEY (GS-12 to GS-15) CIVIL
DIVISION, TORTS BRANCH CONSTITUTIONAL TORT LITIGATION Applications must be received by close of business
or postmarked (only if mailed) on or by May 15, 2009.

CBP
Launches First Step in Modernizing Entry Summary Processing

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:21:11 -0500

Washington - U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Automated Commercial
Environment successfully implemented a pilot program on April
12 that allows the trade community and CBP to file and process
the most common entry summary types via ACE. These entry summaries
represent nearly 96 percent of all entries filed each year. (more)

Twelve
Counties And A Tribal Reservation Added To Minnesota Declaration

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:41:37 -0500

FAA Bird Strike Database Will Be Available
to Public On Friday

Proposal to Protect the Data Will be Withdrawn

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) will make its entire Bird Strike database
available on a public website this Friday, April 24. Portions
of the database have been publicly available since the information
was first collected in 1990, but the public will now be able
to access all of the database's fields.

The FAA is also withdrawing a proposal
to protect the data, after a 30-day comment period closed earlier
this week. The FAA has determined that it can release the data
without jeopardizing aviation safety.

The FAA has redacted a very small amount
of data in the database containing privacy information, such
as personal phone numbers.

Over the next four months, the FAA will
make significant improvements to the database to improve the
search function and make it more user-friendly. In its current
format, users will only be able to perform limited searches online,
but will be able to download the entire database.

The FAA also plans to work with the aviation
community to find ways to improve and strengthen bird strike
reporting.

The database can be accessed through http://wildlife
-mitigation.tc.faa.gov/public_html/temp.html#access

###

Today
in the Department of Defense, 4/23/2009

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:09:00 -0500

Former
Military Official Admits Role in Korean Telecom Bribery Conspiracy

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:28:12 -0500

Henry Lee Holloway, of Hamilton, Georgia, a former Army and Air
Force Exchange Service official, pled guilty to his role in a
conspiracy to commit bribery involving a $206 million telecommunications
contract in Korea, and to not reporting the bribes he accepted
on his income tax returns.

Cms.hhs.gov-
Physicians, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals Open Door
Forum for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

Cms.hhs.gov-
Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forums for Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.

DoD
Briefing with Maj. Gen. Tucker From Afghanistan

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:39:00 -0500

Disaster
Unemployment Assistance Is Available Now

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:05:57 -0500

Barnes
County FEMA Recovery Center Now Open

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:11:39 -0500

Hoyer Statement on Credit Cardholders’
Bill of Rights

Contact: Katie Grant

202-225-3130For Immediate Release

April 22, 2009

Announces Bill Will Be Brought to the House
Floor Next Week

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after
the House Financial Services Committee approved the Credit Cardholders’
Bill of Rights with bipartisan support:

“As we continue to help Americans struggling in this recession,
the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights is a critical part
of those efforts. This bill provides needed protection for consumers
from unfair and arbitrary practices employed by credit card companies.
Hardworking Americans should not be subjected to sudden and unannounced
interest rate increases, unfair and excessive penalties and fees,
and other gimmicks that put credit card holders at a considerable
disadvantage.

“I expect to bring this bill to the House Floor for a vote
next week, and I hope that we will complete work quickly so that
President Obama can sign it into law.”

###

Remarks
at the State Department's "Greening Diplomacy" Earth
Day Event

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 22, 2009

U.S.
Department of State Turkey and Armenia: Normalization of Relations

Robert Wood

Acting Department Spokesman, Office of
the Spokesman

Washington, DC

April 22, 2009

Remarks
at the Global Philanthropy Forum Conference

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 22, 2009

VACANCY:
Environmental Protection Specialist, GS-12/13 FEMA

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:49:17 -0500

WN/DE-09-R5-0125 (Closing Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

Around
the Services

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:13:47 -0500

SecDef Gates announces major changes that impact the Navy. Plus,
the military gets a head start for hurricane season.

FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 23,
2009

House Meets At… Last Vote Predicted…

10:00 a.m.: Legislative Business

Five “One Minutes” Per Side 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

H.R. 1145 - National
Water Research and Development Initiative Act of 2009 (Rep. Gordon
– Science and Technology) (Subject to a Rule)

Postponed Suspension Votes (2 Bills)

1) H.Res.
247 - Expressing support for designation of March 22, 2009,
as "National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day"
(Rep. Skelton – Education and Labor)

2) H.R.
1139 - COPS Improvements Act of 2009 (Rep. Weiner –
Judiciary)

Digital
Video Conference With Members of the U.S. Delegation of New Media
Technology Representatives Currently Traveling in Iraq

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

April 22, 2009

Federal
Courts To Offer Jury-Friendly Web Page

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:35:00 -0500

Seventy-five federal district courts have signed on to offer
potential jurors a web page where they can complete questionnaires
and access information on when to report for jury service.

GEN
David Petraeus Remarks

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:37:05 -0500

GEN David Petraeus, Commander of U.S. Central Command, speaks
at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
in Cambridge, MA.

Gen
Petraeus at Harvard

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:39:15 -0500

General David Petraeus was at Harvard April 21 talking about
the surge in Iraq and discussing how a U.S. mission in Afghanistan
will be different.

U.S.
Department of State Daily Appointments Schedule for April 23,
2009

Washington, DC

April 23, 2009

ticker timeline 02:14 Eastern Time Thursday
April 23, 2009

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