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August 10, 2009

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TUESDAY: Secretary Chu and WA Governor Gregoire to Visit Hanford Site

Hanford, Washington – On Tuesday, August 11, 2009, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu will tour the Waste Treatment Plant at the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State. Following the tour, Secretary Chu and Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire will hold a joint press briefing at the site. Secretary Chu and Governor Gregoire will be joined by U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and other local, state and federal officials.

The 586-square-mile Hanford Site is a former plutonium production facility that played an important role in the nation’s defense for over 40 years, beginning with the Manhattan Project in the 1940s. Today, under the direction of the U.S. Department of Energy, Hanford is engaged in the world's largest environmental cleanup project. This will be Secretary Chu’s first visit to the Hanford Site.

SECRETARY CHU TO TOUR THE WASTE TREATMENT PLANT

WHO: U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu

WHEN: Tuesday, August 11, 2009
9:00 – 10:00 AM PT

WHERE: Waste Treatment Plant under construction at the Hanford Site

News media are invited to capture video and still photography of his tour at an established location on the construction site.

Additional details on how to RSVP and arrival information below.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

WHO: U.S. Energy Secretary Chu, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and other local, state and federal officials

WHAT: Tuesday, August 11, 2009
10:15 – 10:45 AM PT

WHERE: Hanford Site location adjacent to the Waste Treatment Plant construction site

Members of the news media interested in attending one or both of these events must send information in order to obtain a site security badge for access. Transportation will be provided to the site for both events. Please RSVP for one or both events and provide the following information to Carrie Meyer at carrie_c_meyer@orp.doe.gov by noon on Monday, August 10:

First name, middle initial and last name
Date of birth
Place of birth
Current address
Confirm U.S. citizenship

News media interested in the TOUR OF THE WASTE TREATMENT PLANT must arrive at 2440 Stevens Center Drive in Richland, Washington no later than 7:30 AM on August 11 to receive a badge and be transported to the Hanford Site.

News media will be transported from the TOUR to the MEDIA AVAILABILITY.

News media attending only the MEDIA AVAILABILITY must arrive at 2440 Stevens Center Drive in Richland, Washington no later than 9 AM on August 11 to receive a badge and be transported to the Hanford Site.

News media will be transported back to 2440 Stevens Center Drive following the MEDIA AVAILABILITY.

For questions, please contact Carrie Meyer at (509) 438-5836.

# # #
VACANCY: DIRECTOR ES-905 OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS CRIMINAL DIVISION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON, DC 09-CRM-SES-01 Applications MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 OF THE CLOSING DATE, WHICH HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM AUGUST 7 TO AUGUST 28, 2009.
U.S. Willing to Hold Direct Talks with North Korea
Posted: 08 Aug 2009 05:00 PM PDT
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration said Sunday it is willing to hold direct talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons if it first resumes international negotiations.
Justice Sotomayor Takes Oath from Chief Justice Roberts
Posted: 08 Aug 2009 05:00 PM PDT
By MARK SHERMAN
WASHINGTON - Sonia Sotomayor became the Supreme Court's newest justice Saturday, pledging during a brief ceremony at the high court to defend the Constitution and administer impartial justice.
U.S., Angola Sign Agreement to Combat HIV/AIDS
Posted: 09 Aug 2009 05:00 PM PDT
By MATTHEW LEE
LUANDA, Angola - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton heads to Congo on Monday to target an epidemic of sexual assault in the violence-torn nation after wrapping up a trip to Angola where she pushed democratic reform and announced the country would get more money to fight AIDS.
White House: Afghan War Not in Crisis
Posted: 09 Aug 2009 05:00 PM PDT
By ANNE GEARAN
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is asking Congress for time to see whether a revamped war plan for Afghanistan is taking hold and does not rule out adding more American forces to help turn around a war widely assessed as a stalemate.
Pres. Obama Attending First U.S., Canada, Mexico Summit
Posted: 09 Aug 2009 05:00 PM PDT
By JENNIFER LOVEN
GUADALAJARA, Mexico - When President Barack Obama visited Mexico in April, the now-global swine flu epidemic - unbeknownst to the White House - had just begun here and an Obama aide returned home sick.

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Updated Federal Guidelines for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Schools Offer Many Options
Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:30:00 -0500
The guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was announced today at a joint news conference by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.
Tax Benefits of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Energy Tax Incentives for Individuals in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

U.S. Department of State Statement on Women, Peace and Security

Susan E. Rice
Permanent Representative to the United Nations
New York City

August 7, 2009


Quality Control Review of Grant Thornton LLP (AUD/CG-05-41) Sept 05
The Bureau of African Affairs (ISP-I-09-63) Aug 09
Summer Recruiting Remains Strong Across Services
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:27:00 -0500

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK LAUNCHES RETOOLED LOAN ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES IN STRUGGLING AGRICULTURE INDUSTRIES

Multiple Programs Will Provide Relief Throughout Rural America

WASHINGTON, August 10, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is undertaking an unprecedented effort to use the department's administrative flexibility to provide relief to individuals and businesses in struggling agriculture industries. Vilsack has ordered USDA Rural Development and the Farm Service Agency to use all available means to help producers, processors and other small businesses who have been hit by worsening economic conditions.

"The Obama Administration is committed to doing everything it can to help families and businesses in agriculture to get through these tough economic times," said Vilsack. "Not only is this effort critical to restoring economic prosperity in America's rural communities, it is essential to ensure that Americans continue to have access to a safe, secure, and healthy food supply."

The assistance includes Farm Service Agency's increased effort to provide loan assistance to livestock producers and the Rural Development Business and Industry Loan program which has been structured to provide relief to processors and other small businesses in agriculture industries.

Additionally, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is carrying out a number of actions to ease some of the stress being experienced by America's livestock producers, including:

Educating producers in all agricultural sectors about the loan and servicing options available to them and utilizing all existing authorities to maximize relief available to both new and existing borrowers.

FSA sent a letter to direct borrowers outlining the options and tools that are available to help ease any financial stress they may be experiencing. The letter encourages borrowers to contact their local county offices where loan officers can offer individualized financial and farm planning expertise. Options available include rescheduling, reamortization, deferral, and in extreme cases, reduction of debt.

Encouraging guaranteed lenders to use all options available to assist FSA guaranteed borrowers. FSA regulations allow lenders to undertake a variety actions to help struggling producers, including:

Lowering payments on chattel loans through debt rescheduling;

Lowering payments on real estate loans through reamortization;

Deferring part of scheduled payments; and

Writing down part of a delinquent loan.

Increasing awareness among producers of loans available through FSA county offices around the country:

Producers can apply for direct operating loans of up to $300,000 at 2.5% and direct farm ownership loans up to $300,000 at 4.625%. Direct operating loans can be used for most farm related expenses including refinancing debt, while farm ownership loans can only be used to purchase or improve real estate;

County loan officers can also work to help secure guaranteed operating and farm ownership loans up to $1,094,000 at a rate negotiated with the lender. The first scheduled installment of these loans can be deferred for up to 18 months or can be interest only if needed. The terms of each loan are determined on a case by case basis.

Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program, which supports the development of private businesses, has been put to work helping processors and other businesses connected with the agricultural sector of the economy. Business and Industry loans are available to help cooperative organizations, corporations, partnerships, nonprofit groups; federally recognized Indian tribes, public bodies and individuals.

USDA recently made available $1.7 billion from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act for Business and Industry loans. These funds will be focused to create and retain quality jobs, and serve difficult-to-reach populations and areas hardest hit by the current economic downturn. USDA is implementing a series of immediate steps to expand access to capital among rural small businesses, such as:

Directing at least 10 percent of the $1.7 billion in Business & Industry loans to persistent poverty counties, defined as:

Any county that has had 20 percent or more of its population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1980, 1990 and 2000 census.

Helping businesses with their credit needs by keeping all existing authorities in the Business and Industry program remain in place. Businesses are eligible for working capital refinancing, machinery and equipment, real estate and construction, business development and expansion. Under the new initiative, USDA Rural Development will consider loan term adjustments as part of a comprehensive business stabilization strategy, including adjustments in interest rates, principal reduction and loan terms.

Increasing the loan guarantee to up to 90 percent.

These enhancements are not intended to assist businesses that made imprudent decisions, and all loans will be subject to standard underwriting criteria. USDA will work with borrowers and lenders on a case-by-case basis to provide needed financing.

Providing incentives to lenders who finance businesses with jobs that pay at least 125% of the national minimum wage and/or provide health care benefits.

Reducing loan guarantee fees by at least 50 percent.

Eliminating the annual renewal fee that lenders had been required to pay to maintain the guarantee.

Working with lenders involved in financing rural businesses in struggling industries to discuss with them the challenges they are facing in the industries.

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery , and the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov .

More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov , and about FSA at www.fsa.usda.gov .


U.S. Department of State Remarks With Angolan Foreign Minister Ansuncao Afonso dos Anjos At Signing Ceremony of PEPFAR Partnership Framework Agreement

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Angola

August 10, 2009


North American Leaders Summit: Energy Deliverables

August 9-10, 2009
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico



Energy and climate change will be an important element of the trilateral discussions at the North American Leaders Summit, to be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, on August 9-10, 2009. Building on the work of the North American Energy Working Group, established in 2001 by the Energy Secretaries and Minister of the United States, Mexico and Canada, deliverables to announce at the Leaders Summit will include:

CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE (CCS)

North American Carbon Capture and Storage Partnership:
The three nations have committed to produce a North American Carbon Atlas that will result in uniform mapping methodology and data sharing in the area of large sources of carbon emissions and potential storage sites in North America. We will also explore ways to collaborate on research and development and demonstration (RD&D) projects related to carbon capture and storage. The overall effort will:

- Facilitate the sharing of information in order to foster and enhance data exchange on carbon sources and sinks in support of a geographical information system, which is typically used to convey information in map form. The aim is to create a distributed database, rather than a central repository, where data from different states, provinces or organizations can be accessed via a common portal and in similar format.

- Form a consensus on the methodology to be used in estimating the CO2 capacity of various types of CO2 storage systems in North America. This will be particularly relevant for cross-border storage to eliminate international “fault lines” and ensure compatible estimates of storage capacity in North America.

- Promote potential collaboration on RD&D related to carbon capture and storage. This includes sharing efforts to evaluate alternative uses of CCS technologies, such as Enhanced Oil or Coal-Bed Methane Recovery.

- The results of these trilateral efforts will help accelerate technology commercialization.

GAS FLARING REDUCTION

Cooperation on Global Gas Flaring:
The flaring and venting of natural gas associated with oil production wastes a valuable energy resource and contributes to global warming. Important progress has been made to reduce gas flaring, but more must be done worldwide. The United States, Canada and Mexico will work to promote best practices throughout North America. Trilateral cooperation on flaring will also be advanced in conjunction with work in existing multilateral fora, such as the World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership, and the Methane to Markets Partnership, in which the three countries are members. Canada and the United States welcome Mexico's joining the multilateral process to move forward on this important issue.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Collaborative efforts on energy efficiency standards remain an important aspect of the trilateral energy relationship. The three countries agree to continue to collaborate toward a harmonized framework that ensures energy efficiency standards are aligned in the three countries and are consistent with national energy efficiency and environmental objectives. It is proposed that officials responsible for developing energy efficiency standards in the three countries continue to meet to consider their respective standards development plans.

North American Clean Energy COOPERATION

Cooperation in RD&D towards the deployment of clean energies in North America will improve the competitiveness of all the countries by enhancing the reliability of their electric systems, diversifying the energy matrix, and strengthening energy security.

21st Century Smart Grid for North America:
Technical and scientific cooperation in this area will contribute to further the objective of developing a 21st century electric system that can facilitate the establishment of transmission that makes available abundant, affordable, clean, efficient, and reliable electric power anytime, anywhere. We can achieve this, for example, through a smart grid, which can incorporate advanced functions into the three nations’ electric grids to enhance reliability, efficiency, and security, and would also contribute to the climate change strategic goal of reducing carbon emissions. Progress will be advanced by coordinating research and assessing the needs of the electric grids to upgrade them with information-age technologies, such as microprocessors, communications, advanced computing, and information technologies.

The three nations will continue collaborating on RD&D of smart grid inter-operability standards for the benefit of our societies and the development of our region.

North American Synchrophasor Initiative:
The North American Synchrophasor Initiative (NASPI) will create a robust, widely available and secure synchronized data measurement infrastructure for the interconnected North American electric power system with associated analysis and monitoring tools for better planning and operation, and improved reliability.

###
CFTC Obtains $7.6 Million Asset Freeze in New York Fraud Matter

Vulnerability Summary for the Week of August 3, 2009

This bulletin provides a summary of new vulnerabilities that have been
recorded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
National Vulnerability Database (NVD) the week of August 3, 2009. It is
available here:

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/bulletins/SB09-222.html


OIP FOIA Post for U.S. Department of Justice

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


Jones: Strategy Boosts Afghan Army, Police
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:45:00 -0500

New York Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:43:00 -0500
Secretary Chu Announces Progress on BPA Recovery Act Project
New transmission line to help move renewable energy sources to market

Richmond, Wash. – With the goal of bringing new jobs and green power to the West, Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the start of the McNary-John Day transmission project in Washington and Oregon, which will be funded by $343 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The project is expected to deliver almost 600 megawatts of clean, renewable wind energy to homes and business across the West.

“These Recovery Act funds are putting people to work today to build the infrastructure that will be vital to our economy in the future,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “By integrating renewable energy sources onto the electrical grid now, we are helping to develop a new American economy powered by clean, secure and affordable energy sources.”

The Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) 79 mile McNary-John Day line will run from the McNary Substation in Oregon, across the Columbia River into Washington, and back into Oregon where it will end at the John Day Substation. The project is expected to create between 100 and 200 construction jobs at its peak and, once energized in early 2012, the new line will provide firm transmission service for more than 575 megawatts of wind energy. Contracts for the line’s construction and conductors were awarded earlier this year, with roads and steel towers already being built for the line.

“We’re putting shovels in the ground and dollars in the pockets of local workers,” said Steve Wright, BPA Administrator. “In addition to supporting the region’s recovery efforts, BPA is answering the call of wind developers with whom we’re working closely to increase the amount of renewable energy that powers the Northwest.”

For the past two months, crews have been busy building roads and erecting steel towers for the line between McNary Dam and Paterson, Wash. Materials also were purchased within the region. Earlier this spring, BPA awarded $9.5 million to Alcan Cable, located in Roseburg, Ore., to provide the conductor for the line.

BPA is also moving forward with environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for three additional high-voltage transmission lines to meet load growth and facilitate renewable resource development needs across the Northwest.

McNary-John Day and the additional three proposed lines would add more than 225 miles of lines to the Northwest transmission grid, improving reliability and allowing BPA to provide transmission service to about 3,360 megawatts of requests for BPA transmission, including service for 2,575 megawatts of additional green energy.

BPA is a not-for-profit federal electric utility that operates a high-voltage transmission grid comprising more than 15,000 miles of lines and associated substations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. It also markets more than a third of the electricity consumed in the Pacific Northwest. The power is produced at 31 federal dams and one nuclear plant in the Northwest and is sold to more than 140 Northwest utilities. BPA purchases power from seven wind projects and has more than 2,000 megawatts of wind interconnected to its transmission system.

# # #

U.S. Department of State Interview by Jaldeep Katwala of Radio Okapi

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

August 10, 2009


U.S. Department of State Interview by Christian Lusakueno of Raga TV

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

August 10, 2009


FAST FACT: News on the Recovery and Reinvestment Act


Did you know...

In about 160 days, more than 30,000 Recovery Act projects - ranging from community health center expansions to military facility upgrades to transportation construction jobs - have already been approved.

[Source: White House Recovery Office]

###


NATO Forces Earn Support of Afghan Provincial Governor
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:37:00 -0500

NCTR Research Highlights for U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

This information has recently been updated and is now available.


OIG-09-91 - CBP's Construction of Border Patrol Facilities and Acquisition of Vehicles (PDF, 27 pages - 1.04 MB) NEW 8/10/2009
STS-127 Mission Recap
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:00:00 -0500
The Endeavour crew members are back on Earth after completing a demanding and complex mission.
OIG-09-74 -Department of Homeland Security's Capabilities to Implement the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (PDF, 17 pages - 2.69 MB) NEW 8/10/2009

Philadelphia Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


U.S. v. Microsoft Corporation
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:11:33 -0500
United States Department of Defense Image Gallery

Export Requirements for Meat & Poultry Products for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

The export requirements for Guatemala and Chile have been revised. This information has recently been updated.
You may view a copy of the updated information.


Afghan Elections
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:55:05 -0500
National Security Adviser, General James Jones, says Afghan forces will play a lead role in security operations for Afghanistan's upcoming national elections.
California Wildfires
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:59:59 -0500
The California National Guard is assisting firefighters extinguish a wildfire that has already burned more than 25,000 acres.

Florida Young Democrats Central Committee Tele-Meeting
"Open call to hear about the future of the FYD"
What: Business Meeting
Host: Florida Young Democrats
Start Time: Tuesday, August 18 at 8:00pm
End Time: Tuesday, August 18 at 9:30pm
Where: Please call from a quiet place to limit background noise

To see more details and RSVP


Radio Station Gives Voice to Remote Afghan Region
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:23:00 -0500
U.S. Department of State Background Notes : Gambia, The (08/09)
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:23:32 -0500
U.S. Department of State Background Notes : Greece (08/09)
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:03:42 -0500
U.S. Department of State Background Notes : Switzerland (08/09)
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:56:21 -0500

Florida Young Democrats Central Committee Call

Alexander Lewy, on behalf of the Board of the Florida Young Democrats invites you to listen in on a Call with FYD Central Committee, on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 08:00 PM EST

The call will have the leadership of each County Chapter and the Exec. Board of the FYD.


U.S. Department of State Background Notes : Guinea-Bissau (08/09)
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:58:28 -0500
Hubble Space Telescope Status Report
Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:00:00 -0500
Hubble engineers are encouraged by the recent restart attempt of an instrument that has been inoperable since Sept. 10, 2008.

"This I Believe"

Scott Gration
Special Envoy to Sudan
Washington, DC

August 10, 2009


DNC’s Democratic Change Commission Invites People From Across the Country to Submit Their Ideas for Changes to Presidential Nominating Process

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine, along with Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO), co-chairs of the Democratic Change Commission, invited people from across the nation to assist the Change Commission by submitting their suggestions and ideas for making changes to the presidential nominating process via the Commission’s website, http://www.democrats.org/page/s/changecommission by Friday, August 21, 2009.

These suggestions will be discussed at the next Change Commission meeting to be held Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza St. Louis-Downtown Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Democratic Change Commission was established last year and is tasked with recommending changes to the Party’s 2012 presidential nominating process. It is charged with addressing three issues: 1) changing the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held 2) reducing the number of superdelegates and 3) improving the caucus system. The Commission must issue its report and recommendations to the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee no later than January 1, 2010.

Chairman Kaine said, “America was founded in order to create a government that is of, for and by the people and what developed is one of the strongest democracies in history. Our election system is fundamental to the strength of our democracy and of our country as a whole. That’s why the Change Commission aims to make sure the Presidential nominating process is as inclusive as possible and why we are asking people to submit their thoughts and ideas and be a part of the process.”

Congressman Clyburn said, “As the Change Commission studies these three issues, we are interested in hearing recommendations from folks across the country. We encourage voters to submit their thoughts as we work to make the process of selecting our nominee as inclusive and accessible as possible.”

Senator McCaskill said, “In this last election, we saw an unprecedented level of involvement and interest in the Democratic Presidential Nominating Process. We hope voters will maintain their enthusiasm and help us determine how best to prepare for future elections.”

Information provided to the Commission via the website by Friday, August 21, 2009 will be distributed to the Commission members at their upcoming meeting on August 29 in St. Louis, Missouri. The meeting is open to the public and press. Details on the meeting location are below:

Next meeting of the Change Commission

Saturday, August 29, 9:30 am

Crowne Plaza St. Louis-Downtown Hotel
200 North Fourth Street
St. Louis, Missouri
--------------------


North American Leaders’ Declaration on H1N1
Building on the strong record of our trilateral cooperation during the spring of this year, we will remain vigilant and pledge to continue our close collaboration in addressing the H1N1 pandemic. We agree to work together to ensure that we have effective strategies, grounded in the best available science.

Signing Ceremony for Public-Private Partnership to Improve Blood-Drawing Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa

Washington, DC

August 10, 2009


DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:15:00 -0500
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:51:00 -0500
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:47:00 -0500
VACANCY: 09-123A, Staff Assistant, CT-0303-09/10 CFTC.GOV
Afghan Jobs
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:17:50 -0500

Atlanta Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Meeting with Mexican Interior Secretary Fernando Francisco Gómez-Mont
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:00:00 -0500
Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Meeting with Mexican Interior Secretary Fernando Francisco Gómez-Mont August 10, 2009 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Potential Recruits 'Experience' Army
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:38:00 -0500
Partnership Works to Restore Samarra Economy
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:54:00 -0500
DoD Contracts for August 10, 2009
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:05:00 -0500
Meteorite Found On Mars Yields Clues About Planet's Past
Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 -0500
NASA's Mars Rover Opportunity is investigating a metallic meteorite the size of a large watermelon that is providing researchers more details about the Red Planet's environmental history.

New Jersey Democrats Facebook Page

We are excited to announce the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's new Facebook Page! Please become a fan of our new page to stay up to date on the latest news from our party and connect with fellow Democrats.

The old group, New Jersey Democrats, will be deleted in coming weeks so please become a fan of the new page “New Jersey Democratic State Committee” today.

Paste this link into your browser, or type New Jersey Democratic State Committee into your search bar.
http://www.facebook.com/s.php?init=q&q=new%20jersey%20democratic%20state%20committee&ref=ts#
--------------------


Servicing Mission Observatory Verification (SMOV) Update
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:00 -0500
After a quick detour into taking science observations, Hubble is back to alignment and calibration activities. Each instrument has a number of channels that detect and process different wavelengths. Some of these channels have been approved for science observations at this point, others are still works in progress.

U.S. Department of State Remarks At the Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

August 10, 2009


ATF Guidebook on Importation & Verification of Firearms, Ammunitions & Implements of War (8/07/09)
Report to Congress on Implementation of Section 1001 of the USA PATRIOT Act (8/10/09)

We look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday Evening for The Congressman Perlmutter FRIENDRaiser.

Wednesday August 12
6pm – 8pm

Where: Home of Debbie Fischer
12690 E Villanova Dr.
Aurora, Colorado

Cost: Free.

PLEASE RSVP so we know how many beverages and snacks to get. Anyone who would like to bring a snack or wine to share would be greatly appreciated. And bring your friends too!

Please contact me if you have any questions at 720-984-4612

~Gena


Los Angeles County Young Democrats Endorsement Meeting for CD2 and AD51
"Join us for an important endorsement meeting Thursday, August 13th"
What: Club/Group Meeting
Host: Los Angeles County Young Democrats
Start Time: Thursday, August 13 at 6:30pm
End Time: Thursday, August 13 at 9:00pm
Where: Vitello's Restaurant

To see more details and RSVP


Miami Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


ONETRAVEL.COM
U.S. Department of State : Daily Press Briefing - August 10
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:59:53 -0500
From: HUD USER News

The Metropolitan Area Quarterly Residential and Business
Vacancy Report for the quarter ending March 31, 2009 is
a recent addition to HUD USER's library of online data
sets. The report is derived from the U.S. Postal Service
(USPS) universe of addresses with mail delivery. The
USPS identifies a house, apartment, office, or building
that is unoccupied for at least 90 days as vacant.

Through a special agreement with USPS, the vacancy data
is aggregated to the census tract level and made
available to the public through HUD's Office of Policy
Development & Research (PD&R), thus providing a critical
measure of the well-being of America's communities. PD&R
provides these data to complement vacancy information
available from the American Community Survey, Housing
Vacancy Survey, the American Housing Survey, and other
sources.

The data include:

o Total number of residential and business addresses
recorded in the USPS database;

o Total number of vacant addresses that delivery staff
on urban routes have identified as being vacant (not
collecting their mail) for 90 days or longer; and

o Residential and business vacancy rates.

In addition, PD&R also calculates the average number of
days that addresses are vacant, the number of addresses
vacant by time periods, and changes in status over the
previous quarter.

Check out the Metropolitan Area Quarterly Residential
and Business Vacancy Report
(www.huduser.org/DATASETS/metro.html) for more
information or to download the report.
Multi-National Division-North Commander To Brief Live From Iraq
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:05:00 -0500
Florida Man Convicted on Health Care Fraud, Obstruction of Justice Charges
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:00:20 -0500
Ramon Santos, of Hialeah, Florida, was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and obstruction of justice in connection with his role in the submission of more than $12 million in false claims to Medicare.
Former U.S. Army Contracting Official Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes
Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:35:49 -0500
James Paul Clifton, of Newport News, Virginia, pled guilty to accepting more than $80,000 in bribes in exchange for providing contract work to two Afghan trucking companies.
Former Missouri Police Detective Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:48:49 -0500
Kevin Shade, a former police detective with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, pled guilty to mail fraud in connection with falsifying inspections for S & H Parking Systems.
Three Sentenced in Florida for $10.0 Million Medicare Fraud HIV Infusion Scheme
Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:24:46 -0500
Miami physician Keith Russell and physician's assistant Jorge Luis Pacheco were each sentenced to 97 months in prison, and physician's assistant Eda Marietta Milanes was sentenced to 63 months in prison for their roles in fraud schemes that involved billing Medicare for $10,903,509 worth of unnecessary HIV infusion treatments.
Maryland Man Sentenced to Life for 2006 Murder of Federal Witness
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:45:06 -0500
Darron Goods, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to three consecutive mandatory life sentences for the November 23, 2006 murder of federal witness John Dowery.

Secretary Clinton's Comments En Route Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
En Route Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

August 10, 2009


Secretary Clinton Delivers Toast at Dinner Hosted by Democratic Republic of Congo Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

August 10, 2009


Democrats with Disabilities Member Meeting
"Special meeting to elect officers to fill 2 positions"
What: Club/Group Meeting
Host: Democrats with Disabilities
Start Time: Saturday, August 22 at 6:00pm
End Time: Saturday, August 22 at 6:30pm
Where: Phone meeting # and access code will be provided

To see more details and RSVP


Status check on the stimulus
Posted: August 8th, 2009 05:47 PM ET
Obama slams 'outlandish rumors' on health care plan
Posted: August 8th, 2009 06:01 PM ET
Hillary Clinton heads to Angola
Posted: August 9th, 2009 09:00 AM ET
(CNN) – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton headed to Luanda, Angola, on Sunday on the third leg of a journey that is taking her to seven African nations in 11 days.

Rice on Iran — ‘We will do a stock-taking in September’
Posted: August 9th, 2009 09:53 AM ET

From CNN Political Producer Rebecca Sinderbrand

WASHINGTON (CNN) – U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice condemned Iranian “show trials” of pro-democracy protestors and activists Sunday — and told CNN the possibility of a diplomatic resolution to end the standoff over that country’s nuclear program had an expiration date.


Economy, security expected to lead North American summit
Posted: August 9th, 2009 01:29 PM ET

President Obama travels to Mexico this week for talks with Calderon and Harper.
MEXICO CITY, Mexico (CNN) – President Barack Obama is scheduled to arrive Sunday afternoon in Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city, for a day and a half of talks with Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Durbin on town hall chaos — ‘This is clearly being orchestrated’
Posted: August 9th, 2009 05:05 PM ET

From CNN Political Producer Rebecca Sinderbrand

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Senate’s second-ranking Democrat slammed recent town hall protests Sunday as organized disruptions of the democratic process.


1 million displaced by Typhoon Morakot, China’s media reports
Posted: 09:45 PM ET
BEIJING, China (CNN) — A deadly typhoon that slammed into China’s coastal provinces and Taiwan over the weekend has displaced nearly one million people and left dozens missing, state-run media reported Monday.

NASA TV's This Week @NASA, August, 7
Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:00:00 -0500

Remarks at PEPFAR Event with South African Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Cullinan Clinic

Johannesburg, South Africa

August 7, 2009


U.S. Department of State Remarks at Embassy Meet and Greet

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Pretoria, South Africa

August 7, 2009


U.S. Department of State Briefing on plane en route to Pretoria

Johnnie Carson
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs
En Route to Pretoria

August 6, 2009


U.S. Department of State Highlights: Secretary Clinton Visits Victoria Mxenge Housing Development
Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Women Are Drivers of Positive Change

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Op-Ed

City Press, South Africa

August 9, 2009


DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
Sun, 09 Aug 2009 07:29:00 -0500

Democrats with Disabilities Membership Drive
What: Fundraiser
Host: Democrats with Disabilities
Start Time: Today, August 9 at 4:30pm
End Time: Thursday, August 20 at 7:30pm
Where: virtual

To see more details and RSVP


Friend --

All throughout August, our members of Congress are back in town. Insurance companies and partisan attack groups are stirring up fear with false rumors about the President's plan, and it's extremely important that folks like you speak up now.

So we've cooked up an easy, powerful way for you to make a big impression: Office Visits for Health Reform.

All this week, OFA members like you will be stopping by local congressional offices to show our support for insurance reform. You can have a quick conversation with the local staff, tell your personal story, or even just drop off a customized flyer and say that reform matters to you.

We'll provide everything you need: the address, phone number, and open hours for the office, information about how the health care crisis affects your state for you to drop off (with the option of adding your personal story), and a step-by-step guide for your visit.

According to our records, you live near Rep. Paul Tonko's office in Schenectady, NY.

Sign up now to visit Rep. Paul Tonko's office in Schenectady this week.

(Not your representative, or think there might be another office that's easier for you to get to? Click here to find a different office.)

As you've probably seen in the news, special interest attack groups are stirring up partisan mobs with lies about health reform, and it's getting ugly. Across the country, members of Congress who support reform are being shouted down, physically assaulted, hung in effigy, and receiving death threats. We can't let extremists hijack this debate, or confuse Congress about where the people stand.

Office Visits for Health Reform are our chance to show that the vast majority of American voters know that the cost of inaction is too high to bear, and strongly support passing health reform in 2009.

Don't worry if you've never done anything like this before. The congressional staff is there to listen, and your opinion as a constituent matters a lot. And if you bring a friend, you'll have more fun and make an even greater impact.

Click below to sign up for an Office Visit for Health Reform:

http://my.barackobama.com/OfficeVisit

Wherever you live, these visits matter: Many representatives are pushing hard toward reform, and they are taking a lot of heat from special interests. They deserve our thanks and need our support to continue the fight. But those who are still putting insurance companies and partisan point-scoring ahead of their constituents must know that voters are watching -- and that we expect better.

Earlier this week, the President wrote that "this is the moment our movement was built for" and asked us all to commit to join at least one event this month. This is the way to answer that call, and rise to the challenge of this moment together.

Thank you for going the extra mile when it matters the most,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America


Greater Hartford Young Democrats Election Tomorrow

Hello all,

Tomorrow we will be holding our elections for E-Board at Panera Bread at 7pm, below are the candidates for the E-Board. I also hope everyone will RSVP on our facebook page… http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=132418942628
for our event at Thomas Hooker Brewery this coming Saturday at 3pm.
I hope to see everyone at the meeting tomorrow night and please continue to bring new ideas and enthusiasm.

Best,

Liam


U.S. Department of State Interview With Andrea Mitchell of NBC

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Intercontinental Hotel

Nairobi, Kenya

August 5, 2009


U.S. Department of State Remarks at Witnessing of Signing of Chevron USAID Memorandum of Understanding

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Luanda, Angola

August 9, 2009


Remarks as Guest of Honor, National Women's Day Dinner

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Pretoria, South Africa

August 7, 2009


SFYD's Ball in Blue 3: A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors

KNIGHTS of MALTA
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
Senator Mark Leno
Senator Leland Yee, Ph.D
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma
Mayor Gavin Newsom
Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier
Supervisor Sean Elsbernd
Janet Reilly
Ground Floor Public Affairs

MAMMOTH JACKS
Board of Equalization Chair Betty T. Yee
Jim Ross Consulting

EQUUS ASINUS
Supervisor Carmen Chu
Honorable Carole Migden
Rodman Consulting
Terris, Barnes & Walters

FRIENDS of the YOUNG DEMOCRATS
Treasurer Jose Cisneros
Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting
Honorable Aaron Peskin
Trustee Chris Jackson
Commissioner Hydra Mendoza
Hope Road Consulting
Malia Cohen
Hene Kelly
Law Offices of DeWitt M. Lacy
Brian Leubitz & Calitics
Rafael Mandelman
Rebecca Prozan
Eric Smith
Laura Spanjian
Debra Walker
Scott Wiener

A huge thank you to each of our sponsors. Your support makes SFYD's political and philanthropic programs possible.

Don't have a ticket yet? - http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.actblue.com/page/sfydbib3


U.S. Department of State Remarks With Angolan Foreign Minister Assuncao Afonso dos Anjos

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Luanda, Angola

August 9, 2009


USAID Partners With Chevron Corporation and the CLUSA To Promote Agricultural Development in Angola

Fact Sheet

U.S. Agency for International Development

Washington, DC

August 9, 2009


U.S. Department of State Remarks at Angolan National Assembly

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Luanda, Angola

August 9, 2009


Come out and support Alabama Stonewall Democrats endorsed candidates this week!

Three for Free! Every Birmingham City Council and School Board Candidates

All 70 School Board and City Council candidates present their platforms answer questions from the public at 6 pm one of three evenings Aug. 11th, 12th 13th . The Birmingham-Metro Chapter NAACP in collaboration with the League of Women Voter’s have agreed to head up this massive undertaking arranging for over 60 candidates to get their message out. The Downtown Library, 2100 Park Place, will host City Council candidates District 1-5 Tuesday, August 11th; School Board candidates Wednesday, August 12th; and City Council candidates vying for Districts 6-9 Thursday, Aug. 13th. Natalie Davis, Birmingham Southern political science professor and sought after political commentator will moderate the first night with Virginia Randolph, immediate past president of the League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham, moderating the following two evenings. Each candidate will have the opportunity to state why they are running, why they are the best candidate and what they hope to accomplish if elected. As time allows, questions will be taken from the audience.

There will be a reception for candidates and constituents each evening at 5:30 pm at the Library .

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Birmingham-Metro Chapter promotes community education, youth empowerment and scholarship, civil rights and human rights, equal opportunity employment and health education. They have recently hosted three well-received events, each honoring a different segment of the community - Women of Distinction, Trailblazers Outstanding Youth and Great Fathers & Men of Great Faith. They also help host the MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast each year. They are currently observing their Centennial Celebration as the oldest organization on the frontline for civil rights and social justice. From the ballot box to the boardroom, the NAACP has led the struggle to ensure the premise, "One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."

WHO:

All Birmingham City Council & School Board Candidates

WHAT:

Candidate Forum

WHERE:

Downtown Public Library, 2100 Park Place

WHEN:

6 pm Tuesday, Aug. 11th City Council Candidates District 1-5

6 pm Wednesday, Aug. 12th School Board Candidates all districts

6 pm Thursday, Aug. 13th City Council Candidates District 6-9

8 pm Thursday, Aug. 13th Grand Reception Harambe Room, 1813 4th Ave. N.

HOW:

Be there early; there will be limited seating.

For more information please contact Reverend Anthony Johnson, Community Involvement Chair, NAACP, 205-541-9719, anthony.a.johnson@gmail.com


U.S. Department of State Highlights: Partnership Provides Development Assistance to Angola
Sun, 09 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0500
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