This newsticker is archived daily. To search
back archives dating back to 1999, search for the article using
keywords by title, names, video or headline at www.usdemocrats.com/search
|
GOV source feeds are always available in
realtime 24 hours a day 7 days a week by accessing the homepage
at www.usdemocrats.com
|
|
CNN
Cable TV LIVE FEED
AM 1090 PROGRESSIVE TALK RADIO LIVE FEED
C-SPAN LIVE FEED
|
|
|
|
GOV JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS are posted
at www.usdemocrats.com/ticker/jobs/
|
Book meeting conference hotels and travel
accommodations at www.usdemocrats.com/travel
|
|
|
|
adsense
|
|
|
Obama:
Bailout for Main Street
Posted: December 8th, 2009 11:47 AM ET
From CNNMoney.com Senior Writer Jennifer
Liberto
Obama: Bailout for Main Street.'
Washington (CNNMoney.com) - President Obama on Tuesday outlined
a broad new proposal to try to spur jobs and give more help to
Main Street consumers and businesses.
|
Former
FBI chief picked to lead Fort Hood review
Posted: December 8th, 2009 11:57 AM ET
Washington (CNN) - Former FBI and CIA Director William Webster
will lead an outside investigation of the FBI's "policies,
practices and actions" before the November massacre at Fort
Hood, the bureau announced Tuesday.
|
Senate
Democrats continue talks on health care
Posted: December 8th, 2009 12:36 PM ET
At the request of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a group
of ten moderate and liberal Senate Democrats are meeting to try
to hash out their differences on health care reform.
Washington (CNN) - Liberal and moderate Senate Democrats said
Tuesday they were continuing negotiations on a package of alternatives
to a government-run public health insurance option in the chamber's
sweeping health care bill.
|
|
Gov't
offers to pay American Indians $1.4 billion for lost funds
Posted: December 8th, 2009 03:05 PM ET
From CNN's Paul Courson
Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff in an effort to recover lost
funds, spoke out Tuesday about the proposed settlement.
Washington (CNN) - Thousands of American Indians would receive
as much as $1,000 each if they accept the proposed settlement
of a class action lawsuit over government mismanagement of tribal
lands.
|
|
Companies,
government pushed on mortgage program
Posted: December 8th, 2009 03:26 PM ET
From CNN Senior Producer Kevin Bohn
Washington (CNN) - Mortgage company executives
and government officials faced an angry congressional committee
Tuesday concerning some of the problems with the administration's
mortgage aid program aimed at avoiding foreclosures. Many of
the complaints lodged by members of the House Financial Services
Committee focused on the slow pace of converting trial mortgage
modifications into permanent ones under the program.
|
Justice
Sotomayor issues high court's first ruling of the term
Posted: December 8th, 2009 04:03 PM ET
|
McChrystal:
Finding bin Laden vital to beating al Qaeda
Posted: December 8th, 2009 04:16 PM ET
Gen. Stanley McChrystal spoke before members of Congress Tuesday
about the outlook in Afghanistan.
Washington (CNN) - Finding al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and
rolling back a resurgent Taliban are necessary steps toward winning
the war in Afghanistan, the top U.S. commander there told a Senate
committee Tuesday.
|
|
Top
Dem explains slavery remark, doesn't apologize
Posted: December 8th, 2009 07:37 PM ET
From CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart
Washington (CNN) – A day after invoking
slavery as he criticized Republican opposition to health care
reform legislation, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada,
explained his controversial comment but didn't acquiesce to Republican
requests to apologize.
"When this country belatedly recognized
the wrongs of slavery, there were those who dug in their heels
and said slow down, it's too early, let's wait, things aren't
bad enough," Reid said Monday in a Senate floor speech.
Several GOP senators and Republican National
Committee Chairman Michael Steele have demanded that Reid apologize
for the remark. But Reid refused to do so Tuesday when asked
about the GOP demands.
"Well, I think the point is quite
clear by this point," Reid told reporters on Capitol Hill.
"That at pivotal points in American history the tactics
of distortion, delay have certainly been present. They've been
used to stop progress. That's what we're talking about here.
That's what's happening here. That's very clear.
|
White
House EKG Up
Almost proving Robert Gibbs' point: The new Gallup daily tracking
poll shows President Obama's approval rate jumping three points
since yesterday.
|
Health
Care Deal Reached?
Senate Democrats said "they have sent some health care proposals
to the Congressional Budget Office for cost estimates, although
they studiously avoiding saying they had a deal," Roll Call
reports.
|
A new speech, U.S.-India
Aviation Partnership Summit, “Working Collectively”,
is now available.
|
THE
DAILY WHIPLINE | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009
|
Villagers
Embrace Marines, Afghan Forces
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:10:00 -0600
|
|
The latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover
Survey news release
(http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/jolts.pdf)
was issued today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Highlights
are below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were 2.5 million job openings in
the U.S. on the last
day of October 2009. The job openings rate was unchanged at
1.9 percent and has held relatively steady since March 2009.
The hires rate (3.0 percent) and the separations rate (3.2
percent) were essentially unchanged and remained low.
|
Victor Song Named Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced
that Victor Song will become the new chief for IRS Criminal Investigation,
replacing Eileen Mayer who is retiring in January.
Song currently is the CI deputy chief. Rick Raven will move to
CI deputy chief.
“Victor Song and Rick Raven bring a wealth of experience,
integrity and dedication to their jobs. They will continue the
great leadership tradition in CI as the agency faces new challenges,”
said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “I also congratulate
Eileen Mayer for her tireless dedication to public service for
35 years.”
Criminal Investigation is the IRS’ law enforcement arm.
Its worldwide staff investigates and assists in the prosecution
of criminal tax evasion, money laundering and narcotics-related
financial crime cases.
Song, of Hawaii, joined the IRS in 1981 and became a special
agent in 1983. He led numerous CI offices and joined the senior
executive service in 2004. He became CI deputy chief in 2007.
Song has a Bachelor’s Degree in communications from the
University of Hawaii.
Raven’s IRS career began as a special agent in Reno, Nev.,
in 1987. He joined the ranks of senior executive service in 2008
when he was selected as the Director of Operations, Policy and
Support, the position he currently holds. Raven, of Nevada, has
a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from the University of
Nevada-Reno.
Mayer will retire after 35 years of government service, much
of it as a prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She
came to the IRS in 2006 and has been CI chief since 2007. Among
her many accomplishments, Mayer led CI efforts to stem international
tax evasion.
|
Allison
Written Testimony before the House Financial Services Committee
December 8, 2009
TG-430
|
Earth's
Moon
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
During its mission, the Galileo spacecraft returned a number
of images of Earth's only natural satellite. Galileo surveyed
the moon on Dec. 7, 1992, on its way to explore the Jupiter system
in 1995-1997. This color mosaic was assembled from 18 images
taken by Galileo's imaging system through a green filter. On
the upperleft is the dark, lava-filled Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis
(middle left), Mare Tranquillitatis (lower left), and Mare Crisium,
the dark circular feature toward the bottom of the mosaic. Also
visible in this view are the dark lava plains of the Marginis
and Smythii Basins at the lower right. The Humboldtianum Basin,
a 400-mile impact structure partly filled with dark volcanic
deposits, is seen at the center of the image. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/USGS
|
|
STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE RAY LAHOOD
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS AND TRANSIT
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HEARING ON
PUBLIC TRANSIT SAFETY: EXAMINING THE FEDERAL ROLE
December 8, 2009
Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Duncan,
and Members of the Subcommittee:
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on our proposed legislation
to reform the Department of Transportation’s role in overseeing
the safety of our nation’s rail transit systems. With me
today is Peter Rogoff, the Federal Transit Administrator.
Traveling by rail transit in the United States remains extraordinarily
safe. Yet serious accidents do occur, such as this summer’s
tragic Washington Metro crash and other recent accidents in Boston
and San Francisco. We believe additional action is needed to
make rail transit even safer.
Rail transit is currently the only mode
within the Department that operates without comprehensive Federal
safety regulation, oversight, or enforcement authority.
We must remedy that gap.
Rail transit systems carry far more passengers daily than either
our domestic airlines or passenger and commuter railroads, where
safety is stringently regulated by the FAA and FRA, respectively.
Yet the DOT has been prohibited by law since 1965 from issuing
safety standards and regulations for rail transit systems –
systems that now serve more than 14 million passengers each weekday.
That’s why the nation’s major metropolitan subway and
light rail systems – from Seattle and San Francisco to Chicago,
Boston, New York, and Atlanta – are subject only to the
Federal Transit Administration’s State Safety Oversight
Program.
This program lacks Federal statutory authority to establish meaningful
minimum safety thresholds in states where rail transit systems
operate. Each rail transit system is permitted to determine its
own safety practices.
It’s up to state governments—not FTA—to determine
the extent of regulatory, oversight, and enforcement authority
granted to each transit system.
This results in a patchwork of 27 separate state oversight programs
guided by a regulatory framework of inconsistent practices, limited
standards, and marginal effectiveness.
What’s more, most states devote insufficient resources to
these safety programs. Nationwide, with one exception, state
safety oversight agencies employ on average less than one full-time
person per year to do this work.
Under these conditions, we risk transit safety problems going
unidentified and uncorrected – especially as the transit
infrastructure gets older and available revenues for transit
remain tight.
Clearly, urgent reform is needed.
Under the leadership of Deputy Secretary Porcari, our Department
has developed a legislative proposal that has now been formally
transmitted, on behalf of the President, to the Speaker and the
President of the Senate. I ask that you consider our reform proposal
seriously and promptly.
Our legislative proposal would accomplish three goals to strengthen
transit safety nationwide.
First, through the FTA, it would establish and enforce minimum
Federal safety standards for rail transit systems that received
Federal transit funding.
Second, it would establish a safety certification program that
would provide Federal assistance to eligible states that elect
to carry out Federally-approved public transportation safety
programs and enforce Federal regulations.
Through this provision, we’ll seek to ensure that the states
will now have the manpower, the training, and the enforcement
tools to conduct meaningful oversight. In states that choose
to opt out, the FTA will enforce the new Federal standards.
And third, the program would ensure that any state agency overseeing
transit systems would be financially independent from the transit
systems it oversees.
This morning I informed Congress that we would establish a Transit
Rail Advisory Committee to develop new rail transit safety recommendations
for FTA’s consideration. The Advisory Committee will be
made up of safety specialists from transit agencies, labor and
academia. Their expertise will guide much of our regulatory effort.
Our goal is not to impose highly detailed regulations, but rather
to encourage rail transit agencies to use modern risk analysis
to identify their own unique safety vulnerabilities, and then
take action to address them.
Safety remains our highest priority at DOT.
Back in October, I established the DOT Safety Council to tackle
critical and cross-cutting safety issues across all transportation
modes. Our transit safety legislative proposal was brought before
the council and was improved through the input of safety experts
across the entire Department.
I believe our legislative proposal offers a critical and necessary
step to provide the consistent oversight the rail transit industry
needs to ensure safe operations for transit workers and the traveling
public.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be happy to
take your questions.
ENCLICKTAGENCLICKTAGENCLICKTAGENCLICKTAGENOPENTAG
|
|
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
Proposes Legislation to Improve Rail Transit Safety Oversight
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today called on Congress
to pass the Obama Administration’s Public Transportation
Safety Program Act of 2009, a new transit safety bill to ensure
a high and standard level of safety across all rail transit systems.
The measure would effectively eliminate the statutory prohibition
against imposing such broad safety standards that has been in
place since 1965.
Secretary LaHood made his remarks in testimony before the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Washington, D.C.
“The current system for federal rail transit safety oversight
is weak and inadequate and does not guarantee a consistent level
of safety for transit passengers,” said Secretary LaHood.
“While rail transit remains a safe way to travel, the Obama
Administration believes it is time to take serious steps to make
it even safer and ensure a standard level of safety across all
systems.”
Asking the Committee to consider the bill
“seriously and promptly”, Secretary LaHood pledged
to assist Congress in enacting a new safety regime that will
better protect daily riders as transit systems age and available
revenues remain tight. The proposed legislation would do three
things.
First, the bill would authorize the Secretary to establish and
enforce minimum federal safety standards for rail transit systems
– effectively breaking through the 1965 prohibition. The
bill would also provide the Secretary the option to establish
a safety program for public transportation bus systems. Secretary
LaHood also announced the formation of a Transit Rail Advisory
Committee on Safety (TRACS) that will help guide the Department’s
rail transit safety regulations.
Second, the bill would authorize the Secretary to allow states
to receive federal transit assistance to staff and train state
oversight personnel to enforce new federal regulations. State
programs would have to be well-staffed and adequately empowered
by state governments to fully enforce federal regulations in
order to be eligible for federal funds.
Third, the bill would require the state agencies conducting oversight
to be fully financially independent from the transit systems
they oversee. The Federal Transit Administration would enforce
all federal regulations where states choose not to participate
in the program or where the state program is found to lack the
necessary enforcement tools.
“More than 14 million passengers use our rail transit systems
every weekday. Yet the responsibility to guarantee their safety
is currently left to a patchwork of 27 state agencies with inconsistent
standards, inadequate powers and insufficient staffing. With
one exception, these agencies average less than one full time
employee” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff, who appeared
with LaHood before the House panel. “Our proposed legislation
will better ensure that the millions of passengers who use transit
to get to work, school and home every day do so safely and without
incident.”
Under the Administration’s proposal, FTA and state agencies
participating in federal transit safety enforcement would be
authorized to conduct inspections, investigations, audits, and
examinations, as well as test public transportation systems’
equipment, facilities, rolling stock, operations, and persons
engaged in the business of a public transportation system. They
would also have the authority to issue reports and subpoenas,
require the production of documents, take depositions, and prescribe
recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
For a text of the bill, go to http://testimony.ost.dot.gov/final/default.htm
# # #
|
Enforcement
News for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
|
The
U.S.-Afghan Women's Council
Women's Issues
December 7, 2009
|
DoD
Announces Replacement Unit for Iraq Rotation
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:36:00 -0600
|
|
Remarks
With Quartet Representative Tony Blair Before Their Meeting
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
December 8, 2009
|
Afghan
Pres. Karzai Says Help Needed to Pay for Larger Army
Posted: 07 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By ANNE FLAHERTY
KABUL - Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Tuesday it will be
at least 15 years before his government can bankroll a security
force strong enough to protect the country from the threat of
insurgency.
|
Pres.
Obama Looks at Highways, Small Business in Jobs Plan
Posted: 07 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By PHILIP ELLIOTT
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is promoting help for highways
and small businesses, bridges and energy-efficient homes in a
broad pitch to get Americans back to work and roll back the double-digit
unemployment that's approaching a quarter-century high, an administration
official said Tuesday.
|
Supreme
Court Takes on Federal Anti-fraud Law
Posted: 07 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By MARK SHERMAN
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court is considering whether to rein
in federal prosecutors' use of a 28-word fraud law that has become
a preferred tool in high-profile corporate crime and public corruption
cases - and a favorite target of critics.
The court is hearing three cases this term, including two Tuesday,
in which defendants are challenging the use of the so-called
honest services fraud law against them. The law makes it illegal
for officials, executives and others to scheme to deprive those
they serve and possibly others of "the intangible right
to honest services."
|
Questions
and Answers about EPA Action on Global Warming
Posted: 07 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By DINA CAPPIELLO
A big meeting in Copenhagen. A cap-and-trade bill in Congress.
And now, a determination by the Environmental Protection Agency
that global warming pollution is a threat to public health -
a move that clears the way for the first-ever federal regulations
targeting climate-changing emissions.
|
Flournoy
at AEI
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:34:57 -0600
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy addresses
the American Enterprise Institute at the Wohlstetter Conference
Center in Washington, DC.
|
Secretary
Napolitano Announces Grant Guidance for More Than $2.7 Billion
in Fiscal Year 2010 Grant Programs
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600
Secretary Napolitano announced the release of fiscal year 2010
grant application guidance kits for 13 DHS grant programs totaling
more than $2.7 billion—funds for state, local, tribal and
territorial governments and private sector entities to strengthen
our nation’s ability to prevent, protect, respond to and
recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.
|
CJCS
Town Hall in NC
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:34:41 -0600
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen speaks
during a town hall meeting at Camp Lejeune, NC.
|
Inspector
General Financial Assistance (Grants) Reports for U.S. Department
of Homeland Security. This
information has recently been updated, and is now available.
DD-10-02 - Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority (PDF, 6
pages - 594 KB)
|
|
Stonewall
Democrats-Rio Grande Valley General Membership Meeting
What: Club/Group Meeting
Start Time: Today, December 8 at 7:00pm
End Time: Today, December 8 at 8:00pm
Where: Valley Title Company
To see more details and RSVP
|
ADM
Mullen on Lehrer NewsHour
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:17:34 -0600
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Michael Mullen, says
improvised explosive devices are one of the biggest threats to
troops on the ground in Afghanistan.
|
San
Diego Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Department of Energy Announces Fellows
Program for Advance Research Energy Projects
Announcement comes on the heels
of ARPA-E’s 2nd Funding Opportunity
Cambridge, MA – The Department of Energy’s Advanced
Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) announced today
the creation of the ARPA-E Fellows Program at an event with Massachusetts
Institute of Technology’s students. ARPA-E Director, Dr.
Arun Majumdar, made the announcement during a presentation to
the MIT Energy Club and called on the next generation of energy
leaders to join ARPA-E. Today’s announcement follows US
Energy Secretary Steven Chu’s announcement that the Department
is making $100 million in Recovery Act funding available to accelerate
innovation in green technology, increase America’s competitiveness
and create jobs.
“We need the best and the brightest to help shape our nation’s
energy future,” said Dr. Majumdar. “The ARPA-E Fellows
Program gives us the opportunity to invest in our up and coming
researchers and entrepreneurs as we continue to look for creative
and inventive approaches to transform the global energy landscape
while advancing America's technology leadership.”
The ARPA-E Fellows Program will consist of highly technical scientists
and researchers, who will actively help create the strategic
direction and vision of the country’s first agency devoted
exclusively to transformational energy technology research and
development. Fellows will support ARPA-E’s Program Directors
in program creation, while also undertaking independent explorations
of promising future research areas for the agency. Fellows will
also engage with world class researchers and innovators to develop
theses for high impact ARPA-E research program areas, prepare
energy technology and economic analyses, and make recommendations
to DOE senior management.
Program participants will be expected to have strong technical
backgrounds and deep expertise in at least one energy technology
related field. Senior Fellows should have more than three years
of relevant work experience in energy innovation related fields,
while Fellows will represent postdoctoral researchers and recent
graduates with less than three years of work experience. Participants
will be competitively selected from the best and the brightest
up and coming researchers and entrepreneurs in the U.S. energy
sector.
ARPA-E Fellow terms will not exceed two years. All ARPA-E Fellows
and Senior Fellows are full-time federal employees paid at a
competitive salary.
Interested candidates should visit: http://arpa-e.energy.gov/JO.html
to learn more.
-DOE-
|
New
Orleans Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Cms.hhs.gov-
Ambulance Open Door Forum for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS). This information
has recently been updated, and is now available.
|
Mark
Sobel Remarks to 9th Annual Parliamentary Transatlantic Forum
December 8, 2009
TG-431
|
|
EPA Analysis Shows Reduction in 2008
Toxic Chemical Releases
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency is releasing its annual national analysis of
the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The TRI database contains
information on chemical releases into the air, land and water,
as well as waste management and pollution prevention activities.
The analysis of the 2008 data, the most recent data set available,
shows that 3.86 billion pounds of toxic chemicals were released
into the environment, a 6 percent decrease from 2007.
This is the first time EPA has released
its annual analysis in the same calendar year as the data were
reported. In August, the agency released to the public the raw
TRI data prior to EPA analysis for the first time. EPA has made
the data available more quickly to increase transparency.
The analysis, which includes data on 650
chemicals from more than 21,000 facilities, found that total
releases to air decreased 14 percent, while releases to surface
water increased 3 percent. This increase is partially attributed
to a coal ash spill at a Tennessee Valley Authority facility
in Kingston, Tenn. Releases to land remain virtually unchanged
from 2007, showing a 0.1 percent increase.
The report shows decreases in the releases
of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals including
lead, dioxin, and mercury. Total disposal or other releases of
mercury decreased 11 percent. Dioxin releases or disposal decreased
77 percent, while lead releases decreased by 2 percent. Releases
of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) increased 121 percent. Because
PCBs are no longer used in U.S. manufacturing, these releases
represent the removal of PCBs from service for disposal at regulated
hazardous waste facilities.
The analysis also shows a 5 percent decline
in the number of facilities reporting to TRI from the previous
year, continuing a trend from the past few years. Some of this
decline may be attributed to the economic downturn; however,
EPA plans to investigate why some facilities reported in 2007
but not 2008.
Earlier this year, EPA also restored the
more comprehensive TRI reporting requirements that were in effect
before Dec. 21, 2006. As a result, the 2008 analysis provides
communities with a more complete picture of local environmental
conditions. EPA has begun a review of its TRI program to identify
areas for improvement.
Information from industry is submitted
annually to EPA and states. The data are reported by multiple
industry sectors including manufacturing, metal mining, electric
utilities, and commercial hazardous waste facilities. Facilities
report by July 1 of each year.
TRI tracks the chemicals and industrial
sectors specified by the Emergency Planning and Community Right
to Know Act of 1986 and its amendments. The Pollution Prevention
Act of 1990 also mandates that TRI reports include data on toxic
chemicals treated on site, recycled, and burned for energy recovery.
Together, these laws require facilities in certain industries
to report annually on releases, disposal and other waste management
activities related to these chemicals.
More information on the 2008 TRI analysis:
http://www.epa.gov/tri
R374
|
McChrystal
Says Pieces in Place for Success
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:42:00 -0600
|
|
Secretary
Clinton Presents 2009 Associates of the American Foreign Service
Worldwide Secretary of State's Award for Outstanding Volunteerism
Abroad and the Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Benjamin Franklin Room
Washington, DC
December 8, 2009
|
|
DoDLive
Bloggers Roundtable with Maj. Gen. William Garrett
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:43:41 -0600
DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable: U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett,
III, commander, U.S. Army Africa discussed the U.S. Armys newest
component command and the outcome of Natural Fire 10, its recent
globally resourced exercise in Uganda. The humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief exercise enhanced partnerships with military
personnel from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and the
United States. The combined effort of Natural Fire 10 military
personnel provided medical, dental and engineering support to
more than 11,500 Ugandan citizens.
Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address,
or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page.
You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have
questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail
support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online
FAQ for up-to-date information.
To view the latest updates to the Bloggers'
Roundtable, please visit http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/category/bloggers-roundtable/.
|
Odierno
Cites Iraq's 'Deliberate, Steady Progress'
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:54:00 -0600
|
New
Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army Invested
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:44:00 -0600
|
Atlanta
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
New
Haven Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Minneapolis
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
HHS
Modifies Approach to Supporting Second Generation Anthrax Vaccine
The HHS Biomedical Research and Development Authority (BARDA)
will cancel its request for proposal (RFP) for "Recombinant
Protective Antigen Anthrax Vaccine for the Strategic National
Stockpile" (RFP-BARDA-08-15). BARDA took this action after
a technical evaluation panel determined that none of the vaccine
developers submitting proposals could meet the Project BioShield
statutory requirements of having a product ready for licensure
within 8 years. In response to this development, BARDA will modify
its approach to the advanced development of a next-generation
anthrax vaccine. Learn More >>
|
New
Center to Ensure Safety of Imported Goods Announced
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600
Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the creation of the Import
Safety Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center (CTAC)—a
new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility designed
to streamline and enhance federal efforts to address import safety
issues.
|
U.S.,
Iraqi Forces Capture 5 After Balad Attack
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:05:00 -0600
|
Phoenix
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
The November
2009 Transit Research and Industry News Update is now
available.
|
Gifting
Peace Of Mind
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:47 -0600
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Each and every year millions of American lives
are disrupted by natural disasters ranging from earthquakes and
tsunamis to floods and wildfire. But all disasters large or small
share a common attribute: they focus attention on the importance
of disaster preparedness and the critical need to take action
before disaster strikes. The trick is to convert good intentions
into good deeds, and according to Acting FEMA Regional Administrator
Dennis Hunsinger, there?s no time like the holidays.
|
DHS
Announces Grant Guidance for More Than $2.7 Billion in Fiscal
Year 2010 Grant Programs
DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the release of
fiscal year 2010 grant application guidance kits for 13 DHS grant
programs totaling more than $2.7 billion–funds for state,
local, tribal and territorial governments and private sector
entities to strengthen our nation's ability to prevent, protect,
respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters
and other emergencies.
|
Miami
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
U.S.
International Reserve Position
December 8, 2009
2009-12-8-14-13-19-14439
|
GEN
McChrystal Testifies
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:11:56 -0600
General Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in
Afghanistan, testified on Capitol Hill Tuesday concerning the
way forward in that country.
|
|
US-CERT Current Activity
Microsoft Releases December Security
Bulletin
Original release date: December 8, 2009
at 1:31 pm
Last revised: December 8, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Microsoft has released an update to address
vulnerabilities in
Microsoft Windows and Office as part of the Microsoft Security
Bulletin Summary for December 2009. These vulnerabilities may
allow an
attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service
condition.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators
to review the bulletins
and follow best-practice security policies to determine which
updates
should be applied.
Relevant Url(s):
<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-dec.mspx>
====
This entry is available at
http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#microsoft_releases_december_security_bulletin1
|
Gates
in Afghanistan
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:03:12 -0600
Defense Secretary Robert Gates told senior officials in Afghanistan
Tuesday, the United States is committed to winning the war against
the Taliban and partnering with the Afghans.
|
Highlights:
Making a Positive Impact
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0600
|
U.S.
Institute of Peace Focuses on Latin America
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) announced today that
it will be focusing more heavily on Latin America, in particular
Colombia. Virginia M. Bouvier will be the senior program officer
for Latin America in the Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution.
An expert on Latin America, Bouvier is the editor of "Colombia:
Building Peace in a Time of War" (USIP Press, 2009). Read
more about the Institute's announcement.
|
Albany
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Eikenberry
Stresses Civilian Component in Afghanistan
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:46:00 -0600
|
Houston
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
OMG
GOP WTF Quiz!!
What: Rally
Start Time: Today, December 8 at 7:15pm
End Time: Sunday, December 13 at 12:00am
Where: online http://www.omggopwtf.com
|
Little
Rock Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
DoD
Hosts Annual Disability Awards Ceremony And Forum
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:00 -0600
|
Attorney
General Holder at the Announcement of Cobell V. Salazar Settlement
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:14:20 -0600
Thank you Secretary Salazar. Today marks another significant
step forward in the government’s work to fulfill our trust
obligation for hundreds of thousands of individual Native Americans.
Cobell v. Salazar is one of the largest class actions ever brought
against the U.S. government.
|
|
Economic Recovery: What a Difference
a Year Makes
In October 2008, Democrats worked with
the Bush Administration to pass the Troubled Asset Relief Program
in order to prevent another Great Depression. Now, more than
a year later and after major efforts by Democrats, our economy
is seeing signs of improvement. We lost fewer jobs in November
than we did in any single month since December 2007, GDP is growing,
and the Dow is up. What a difference a year – and effective
Democratic action – makes in addressing the problems facing
our nation.
Click
here to view a brief timeline on economic recovery.
|
Recovery
Act QILR Request for Comment
December 8, 2009
[CDFI-2009-64]
|
|
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
The HIT Policy Committee’s NHIN
Workgroup
will hold a public hearing
on Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 10 am to 1 pm/Eastern Time.
Topic for discussion: Directory Services and Certificates
NOTE: The Workgroup will go into CLOSED SESSION at 1:15 pm/Eastern
Time.
Public Dial-in Number: (877) 709-8152
Webcast: http://altarum.na3.acrobat.com/HITpolicy
Agenda
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm [Eastern
Time]
Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street, NW, Washington, DC
10:00 a.m. Call to Order – Judy Sparrow, Office of the National
Coordinator
10:05 a.m. Level Setting & Review of
Objectives
Farzad Mostashari, Office of the National Coordinator
David Lansky, Chair
Danny Weitzner, Co-Chair
10:20 a.m. Summary of Approaches for NHIN
Meaningful Use in 2011 & Components of the NHIN
Farzad Mostashari, Office of the National Coordinator
10:40 a.m. Testimony from SureScripts
Rick Ratliff [invited]
11:00 a.m. Testimony from Council for Affordable
Quality Healthcare
Robin Thomashauer [invited]
11.20 p.m. Testimony from Emdeon
Khris Olberg [invited]
11.40 p.m. Testimony from Social Security
Administration
James Borland
12:00 p.m. Testimony from Federation of
State Medical Boards [invited]
Martin Crane, Chair or
Humayun Chaudhry, President and Chief Executive Officer
12:20 p.m. Public Comments
12:50 p.m. Summary and Closing
Farzad Mostashari, Office of the National Coordinator
David Lansky, Chair
Danny Weitzner, Co-Chair
1:00 p.m. PUBLIC MEETING ADJOURN
1:15 p.m. CLOSED WORKGROUP SESSION
5:00 p.m. ADJOURN
|
Export
Information for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The Eligible Plant Lists for Russia (Pork) and
Mexico have been revised. This information has recently been
updated.
You may view a copy of the updated information.
|
|
Conference
on Children and Armed Conflict: Risk, Resilience and Mental Health
Opening Remarks
Deputy Assistant Secretary David Robinson,
Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
National Academy of Sciences, Institute
of Medicine
Washington, DC
December 7, 2009
|
Philadelphia
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Burbank
Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Laundering
Proceeds Related to Health Care Fraud
|
McChrystal
Calls Afghan Training Crucial to Mission Success
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:57:00 -0600
|
DoD
Contracts for December 08, 2009
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:00:00 -0600
|
Al-Qaida
Remains Dangerous, Mullen Says
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:03:00 -0600
|
|
C-SPAN Daily Alert
Programming Information for Tues. 12/8 - Weds. 12/9, 2009
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Highlights
Tonight:
* Senate Armed Services Cmte. Hearing on Afghanistan (11pm)
* Pres. Obama Speech on the Economy (2:10am)
Tomorrow:
* U.S. House: In Session (10am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN2 Highlights
Tonight:
* Senate Floor Debate on Health Care Bill & Amendments (8:30pm)
* House Armed Services Cmte. Hearing with Gen. McChrystal &
Amb. Eikenberry (10pm)
* Pres. Obama Speech on the Economy (11:10pm)
Tomorrow:
* British House of Commons Prime Minister's Questions (7am) -
LIVE
* U.S. Senate: In Session (Time TBA) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN3 Highlights
Tonight:
* Pres. Obama Address; Hearing on Foreclosures; GOP Briefing
on Climage Change (7pm)
* House & Senate Hearings on Afghanistan; Senate Debate on
Health Care (8:10pm)
Tomorrow:
* Senate Hearing on Afghanistan: Amb. Eikenberry & Gen. Petraeus
(10am) - LIVE
* Senate Homeland Security Subcmte. Hearing on Diplomatic Security
(2:30pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Radio Highlights
Tonight:
* Programming TBA. Check the Schedule for Updates - http://www.c-span.org/Schedules/C-SPAN-Radio-Schedule.aspx
Tomorrow:
* Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
Politics Highlights
* C-SPAN Political Programming - Sunday
on C-SPAN at 6:30pm ET
**********************************************************************
Washington Journal Highlights
* Newspaper Articles & Viewer Calls
* Discussion on Health Care
* Discussion on Pres. Obama's Announcement on Job Creation
* Discussion on House Financial Overhaul Legislation
**********************************************************************
|
Host
a Jobs Forum in Your Community
On Thursday, 12/3, the President hosted a discussion at the White
House to explore every possible avenue for job creation and get
ideas from CEOs, small business owners, economists, financial
experts, labor union representatives, nonprofit groups and regular
Americans who have felt the impact of this economic crisis firsthand.
The good news is that the event expands past that day and you
have time to participate. From now until January 7th, nationwide
community job forums that will run across the country. Find out
how to host an event. Read more...
|
Tax
Division Employment for U.S. Department of Justice. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Tax
Division Injunctions for U.S. Department of Justice. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Former
U.S. Army Officer Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Role
in Bribery Conspiracy in Al-Hillah,
Iraq
|
Memphis
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
|
U.S.
Condemns Use of Violence Against Protestors in Sudan
Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman, Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of the
Spokesman
Washington, DC
December 8, 2009
|
Charlotte
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
CBP
Trade Symposium 2009
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:02:55 -0600
|
McChrystal
Testimony
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:11:11 -0600
GEN Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan,
testifies on Capitol Hill.
|
|
Friend --
As we head into the final stretch on health
reform, big insurance company lobbyists and their partisan allies
hope that their relentless attacks and millions of dollars can
intimidate us into accepting the status quo.
So I have a message for them, from all
of us: Not this time. We have come too far. We will not turn
back. We will not back down.
But do not doubt -- the opponents of reform
will not rest. So I need you, the members of Organizing for America,
to fight alongside me.
We must continue to build out our campaign
-- to spread the facts on the air and on the ground, and to bring
in more volunteers and train them to join the fight. I urgently
need your help to keep Organizing for America's 50-state movement
for reform going strong.
Please donate $5 or whatever you can afford
today:
https://donate.barackobama.com/FinalStretch
Let's win this together,
President Barack Obama
|
U.S.
Department of State : Daily Press Briefing - December 8
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:51:29 -0600
|
USBP
in the News
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:18:45 -0600
For archived news releases, please visit CBP News Releases located
under Newsroom.
|
The
FBI’s New York Office Hosts Art Crime Team Training Conference
|
Media
Availability with Secretary Gates en route to Afghanistan
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:23:00 -0600
|
Cyberspace
for Everyone, Part I
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:08:14 -0600
There are all sorts of great things on the Internet, and there
are some pitfalls as well. But can someone or some group just
shut down the Internet? This broadcast is part of our radio show
"FBI, This Week," which is broadcast on ABC Radio Networks.
|
Former
New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno Convicted
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:41:55 -0600
Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Joesph L. Bruno
was convicted in Albany, New York of scheming to defraud the
citizens of New York of his honest services.
|
Army
Captain Pleads Guilty in Oregon to Theft of Government Property
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:07:39 -0600
U.S. Army Captain Michael Dung Nguyen, of Ft. Lewis, Washington,
pled guilty in Portland, Oregon to stealing more than $690,000
in government funds related to defense contracts in support of
the Iraq war, and also to structuring financial transactions.
|
|
National Cyber Alert System
Cyber Security Alert SA09-342A
Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date:
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
* Microsoft Windows
* Microsoft Internet Explorer
* Microsoft Office Word, Works, and Project
Overview
Microsoft has released updates to address
vulnerabilities in
Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Office.
Solution
Install updates
The updates to address these vulnerabilities
are available on the
Microsoft Update site (requires Internet Explorer). We recommend
enabling Automatic Updates.
Description
Microsoft has released multiple security
bulletins for critical
vulnerabilities in Windows and Office. These bulletins are
described in the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December
2009. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to gain control
of your computer or cause it to crash.
References
* Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for
December 2009 -
<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS09-dec.mspx>
* Microsoft Update - <http://update.microsoft.com/>
* Microsoft Update Overview -
<http://www.microsoft.com/security/updates/mu.aspx>
____________________________________________________________________
The most recent version of this document
can be found at:
<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/alerts/SA09-342A.html>
|
|
Joint
Press Conference with Secretary Gates and President Karzai from
Kabul
Afghanistan
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:11:00 -0600
|
|
Fahrenkamp
Luncheon
Start Time: Friday, December 11 at 12:00pm
End Time: Friday, December 11 at 1:00pm
Where: Westmark Hotel
To see more details and RSVP
|
|
Health Care Rally tomorrow
When: Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 12
noon
Where: Regence BlueShield 1211 W Myrtle
Boise, Idaho
Who: Small Business Owners, Individuals
supporting health care reform, Organizations supporting health
care reform.
--------------------
|
|
HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR DECEMBER 8,
2009
Considered and Passed:
Motion to Go to Conference on H.R.
3288 - Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban
Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (Rep.
Olver – Appropriations)
o Motion to Instruct Conferees - Passed
· Offered by Mr. Latham (IA) (212-193)
Bills Adopted Under Suspension of the Rules (18):
1. H.Con.Res.
199 - Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the activation
of Echo Company of the 100th Battalion of the 442d Infantry,
and the sacrifice of the soldiers and families in support of
the United States (Rep. Sablan - Armed Services)
2. H.Con.Res.
206 - Commending the soldiers and civilian personnel stationed
at Fort Gordon and their families for their service and dedication
to the United States and recognizing the contributions of Fort
Gordon to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
and its role as a pivotal communications training installation
(Rep. Broun - Armed Services)
3. H.Res.
940 - Recognizing and honoring the National Guard on the
occasion of its 373rd anniversary (Rep. Latta - Armed Services)
4. H.Res.
845 - Recognizing the United States Air Force and Dyess Air
Force Base for their success in achieving energy savings and
developing energy-saving innovations during Energy Awareness
Month (Rep. Neugebauer - Armed Services)
5. H.R.
2278 - To direct the President to transmit to Congress a
report on anti-American incitement to violence in the Middle
East (Rep. Bilirakis - Foreign Affairs)
6. H.R.
2134 - Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act of 2009
(Rep. Engel - Foreign Affairs)
7. H.Res.
915 - Encouraging the Republic of Hungary to respect the
rule of law, treat foreign investors fairly, and promote a free
and independent press (Rep. Donnelly - Foreign Affairs)
8. H.Con.Res.
213 - Expressing the sense of Congress for and solidarity
with the people of El Salvador as they persevere through the
aftermath of torrential rains which caused devastating flooding
and deadly mudslides (Rep. Mack - Foreign Affairs)
9. H.Con.Res.
218 - Expressing sympathy for the 57 civilians who were killed
in the southern Philippines on November 23, 2009 (Rep. Berman
- Foreign Affairs)
10. H.R.
2711 - FBI Families of Fallen Heroes Act (Rep. Rogers (MI)
- Oversight and Government Reform)
11. H.Res.
907 - Recognizing the Grand Concourse on its 100th anniversary
as the preeminent thoroughfare in the borough of the Bronx and
an important nexus of commerce and culture for the City of New
York (Rep. Serrano – Transportation and Infrastructure)
12. H.R.
4165 - To extend through December 31, 2010, the authority
of the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed
by non-Federal public entities to expedite the processing of
permits (Rep. Larsen – Transportation and Infrastructure)
13. H.R.
1854 - To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1992
to modify an environmental infrastructure project for Big Bear
Lake, California (Rep. Lewis (CA) – Transportation and Infrastructure)
14. H.R.
3224 - To authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian
Institution to plan, design, and construct a vehicle maintenance
building at the vehicle maintenance branch of the Smithsonian
Institution located in Suitland, Maryland (Rep. Becerra - House
Administration)
15. H.R.
2221 - Data Accountability and Trust Act (Rep. Rush - Energy
and Commerce)
16. H.R.
1319 - Informed P2P User Act (Rep. Bono Mack - Energy and
Commerce)
17. H.R.
4217 - Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act (Rep.
Rangel – Ways and Means)
18. H.R.
4218 - To amend titles II and XVI of the Social Security
Act to prohibit retroactive payments to individuals during periods
for which such individuals are prisoners, fugitive felons, or
probation or parole violators (Rep. Tanner - Ways and Means)
Postponed Suspension Votes (6):
1. H.R.
3951 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 2000 Louisiana Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana,
as the "Roy Rondeno, Sr. Post Office Building" (Rep.
Cao - Oversight and Government Reform)
2. H.R.
4017 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 43 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts,
as the "Ann Marie Blute Post Office" (Rep. McGovern
- Oversight and Government Reform)
3. H.Res.
35 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that Congress should provide increased Federal funding for continued
type 1 diabetes research (Rep. Gene Green - Energy and Commerce)
4. H.Res.
55 - Expressing support for the designation of a National
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of and
promote research into this challenging disorder (Rep. Royce -
Energy and Commerce)
5. H.R.
3603 - To rename the Ocmulgee National Monument (Rep. Marshall
- Natural Resources)
6. H.R.
86 - To eliminate an unused lighthouse reservation, provide
management consistency by bringing the rocks and small islands
along the coast of Orange County, California, and meet the original
Congressional intent of preserving Orange County's rocks and
small islands (Rep. Campbell - Natural Resources)
|
|
National Cyber Alert System
Technical Cyber Security Alert TA09-342A
Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date:
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
* Microsoft Windows and Windows Server
* Microsoft Internet Explorer
* Microsoft Office Word, Works, and Project
Overview
Microsoft has released updates to address
vulnerabilities in
Microsoft Windows, Windows Server, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft
Office.
I. Description
Microsoft has released multiple security
bulletins for critical
vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Windows Server, Internet
Explorer, and Microsoft Office. These bulletins are described
in
the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2009.
II. Impact
A remote, unauthenticated attacker could
execute arbitrary code,
gain elevated privileges, or cause a vulnerable application to
crash.
III. Solution
Apply updates from Microsoft
Microsoft has provided updates for these
vulnerabilities in the
Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2009. The security
bulletin describes any known issues related to the updates.
Administrators are encouraged to note these issues and test for
any
potentially adverse effects. Administrators should consider using
an automated update distribution system such as Windows Server
Update Services (WSUS).
IV. References
* Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for
December 2009 -
<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS09-dec.mspx>
* Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
-
<http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/updateservices/default.mspx>
____________________________________________________________________
The most recent version of this document
can be found at:
<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-342A.html>
____________________________________________________________________
|
|
Alaska
Dems Club/Group Meeting
Start Time: Tomorrow, December 9 at 6:30pm
End Time: Tomorrow, December 9 at 9:30pm
Where: Big Daddy's BBQ
To see more details and RSVP
|
|
Contact:
Katie Grant - Hoyer - 202-225-3130
Max Gleischman - Durbin - 202-228-5244For Immediate Release
December 08, 2009
HOYER, DURBIN ANNOUNCE PLAN TO RESOLVE
DISPUTES WITH TERMINATED AUTO DEALERS
Plan Expands Arbitration, Protects Company Viability
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick
Durbin (D-IL) today announced new legislative language to address
the ongoing dispute between GM, Chrysler and dealerships that
were closed during the companies’ restructuring.
The Hoyer-Durbin language expands the binding
arbitration offer GM and Chrysler presented to dealers last week
by requiring the arbitrator to balance the economic interests
of the terminated dealership, the company and the general public
when considering dealer reinstatement. It further preserves the
right of dealers and companies to enter into agreements outside
binding arbitration.
“It is imperative for both auto dealers
and auto companies to have a transparent process that gives dealers
a chance to make their case for remaining open, while respecting
the companies’ need to return to profitability. Profitable
dealerships that were closed for possibly unfair reasons deserve
the opportunity to hear why they were closed and discuss the
merits of reopening with an independent arbitrator who can make
a binding decision. This is a fair process that protects the
rights of both sides and protects our national interest of having
both successful auto dealers and successful auto companies,”
Hoyer said.
“Closed dealerships across the country
deserve a transparent review of their termination and the right
to get back in business if they were terminated on faulty grounds.
GM and Chrysler have the right to determine the size and scope
of their business. But Congress has a responsibility to protect
taxpayer’s money when addressing the future of companies
like GM and Chrysler,” Durbin said. “The compromise
we announced today is balanced and responsible. It allows closed
dealerships to enter binding arbitration to review their termination,
but requires the arbitrator to take the economic interests of
the dealership, the company and the general public into account
when considering dealer reinstatement.”
Under the new compromise language, an arbitrator
will be required to balance the following:
• Dealership Profitability –
Requires an arbitrator to consider a dealer’s profitability
over the last four years. This provision addresses concerns that
the companies terminated dealerships that were otherwise profitable.
• Manufacturer’s Overall Business
Plan – Requires an arbitrator to consider how a dealership
supports the company’s post-bankruptcy viability plans.
• Dealership’s Current Viability
– Requires consideration of a dealership’s economic
viability - addressing concerns that some dealerships were adequately
capitalized at the time of their termination.
• Dealership Performance In Relation
to Manufacturer’s Performance Criteria – Requires arbitrator
to consider how a dealership performed in relation to the manufacturer’s
customary and regular business objectives, including vehicle
sales, capitalization, profitability and customer service.
• Local Conditions – Requires
an arbitrator to consider local conditions that have contributed
to poor dealership performance like natural disasters and other
local economic realities, on which, companies have based previous
reinstatements. It also requires an arbitrator to consider the
impact that reinstating a particular dealership would have on
other dealerships in close proximity.
The compromise language provides terminated
dealers with a swift remedy. If an arbitrator finds in favor
of a dealership, the manufacturer would be required to send the
dealer a letter of reinstatement for the same geographic area
within 7 business days of receiving the arbitrator’s determination.
National Automobile Dealers Association,
the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers and the
Automobile Trade Association Executives have endorsed the new
language. House Majority Leader Hoyer and Assistant Senate Majority
Leader Durbin have led negotiations between GM, Chrysler and
auto dealer groups since September.
###
|
Obama
Announces New Jobs Programs
from NYT > World Business by By JEFF ZELENY
To spur jobs, Obama has more plans for targeted growth.
|
Karzai:
Afghan Army Will Need Help Until 2024
from The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com by The Huffington
Post News Editors
KABUL — Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Tuesday it will
be at least 15 years before his government can bankroll a security
force strong enough to protect the country from the threat of
insurgency.
|
Iraqi
presidency sets March 6 elections date
from Iraq News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Baghdad, Dec 8 (DPA) The Iraqi presidential council Tuesday set
March 6 as the new date for parliamentary elections, Baghdad's
Aswat al-Iraq news agency reported, citing state television.
|
Goldman
Sachs to Start Malaysia Unit in 2010
from Malaysia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
KUALA LUMPUR -(Dow Jones)- Goldman Sachs (GS) said Tuesday it
expects to start its fund management and corporate finance operations
in Malaysia in the first half of 2010 after its application was
appr...
|
|
Cooperation
with Pelosi pivotal to Obama
Posted: December 8th, 2009 08:30 AM ET
From CNN.com's Kristi Keck
(CNN) - The day after President Obama's
inauguration, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi described herself as
"on a high."
"I am very excited about the prospect
of serving as the Speaker of the House with President Barack
Obama because of the power of his ideas, the strategic thinking
that he brings to it and the leadership that he provides to speak
to the American people," the California Democrat said.
|
Open
Solicitations for Office of Justice Programs. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Scheduled
Events for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
11:00 a.m. EST - Secretary Napolitano will announce fiscal year
2010 grant application guidance.
Washington, D.C.
|
U.S.
Department of State Schedule for December 8, 2009
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:46:12 -0600
|
H.R.
3759, BLM Contract Extension Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Natural Resources on November 18, 2009.
|
"Exit
Strategy" for Fiscal Policy
CBO Director Doug Elmendorf's presentation to The Group of Thirty
|
H.R.
3644, Ocean, Coastal, and Watershed Education Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Natural Resources on November 18, 2009
|
H.R.
3804, National Park Service Authorities and Corrections Act of
2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Natural Resources on November 18, 2009
|
H.R.
3890, Accountability and Transparency in Rating Agenicies Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Financial Services on October 28, 2009
|
H.R.
515, Radioactive Import Deterrence Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Energy and Comerce on November 19, 2009
|
H.R.
984, State Secret Protection Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on the Judiciary on November 5, 2009
|
S.
1224, Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement
Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on November
19, 2009
|
S.
1472, Human Rights Enforcement Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as reported by the Senate Committee
on the Judiciary on November 6, 2009
|
S.
1490, Personal Data Privacy and Security Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate
Committee on the Judiciary on November 5, 2009
|
S.
2768, National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act
of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on November
19, 2009
|
S.
850, Shark Conservation Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on November
19, 2009
|
|
NEW GOV JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS have
been posted at www.usdemocrats.com/ticker/jobs/
|
|
VIDEO:
Senate Floor Debate on Health Care: Sen. Baucus Remarks on Sen.
Gregg's Amendment
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) gave floor remarks on Sen. Gregg's amendment
to prevent Medicare from being raided for new entitlements and
to use Medicare savings to save Medicare.
Length: 15 min.
Published: Monday at 11am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
EPA Press Conference on Greenhouse Gases
The Environmental Protection Agency formally announced that greenhouse
gases including carbon dioxide, are a danger to human health.
The finding brings the agency one step closer to regulating greenhouse
gases.
Length: 23 min.
Published: Monday at 1:15pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
State Department Press Briefing Mon Dec 7
Spokesman Ian Kelly conducts a daily briefing at the State Department.
Length: 45 min.
Published: Monday at 1pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Mon Dec
7
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs conducts a daily briefing at the
White House.
Length: 57 min.
Published: Monday at 1:15pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Fed Chair Bernanke Remarks to the Economic Club of Washington,
DC
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke spoke at a meeting of the
Economic Club of Washington on "Federal Reserve, Frequently
Asked Questions". He discussed the status and how the Fed
is working to stabilize the economy. Chairman Bernanke is currently
awaiting approval for another term as head of the Federal Reserve.
Length: 40 min.
Published: Monday at 12:45pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Pres. Obama Meeting with P.M. Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey
President Obama met in the White House Oval Office with Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss U.S.-Turkey
relations.
Length: 26 min.
Published: Monday at 11:30am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
CQ/Roll Call Group Update - 4:52 pm ET
Alex Wayne, a staff writer for Congressional Quarterly, discussed
the progress of the Senate health bill debate.
Length:
Published: Monday at 4:45pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
U.N. Climate Change Conference Opening Ceremony in Copenhagen
Delegates from 192 countries gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark
for the opening of the U.N. Climate Change Conference. The opening
ceremony included speeches from the Danish Prime Minster, the
Mayor of Copenhagen and the Chairman of the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change.
Length: 59 min.
Published: Monday at 4:30am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Senate Floor Debate on Health Care Bill - Day 8
Debate on health care reform legislation H.R. 3590 continued
on the Senate Floor on Capitol Hill.
Length:
Published: Monday at 10am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Freelance Journalist David Axe on U.S. Training of Afghan Army
and Police
Freelance Journalist David Axe was embedded with the U.S. Army
in Afghanistan in October and November. He followed U.S. troops
as they trained the Afghan National Army and Afghan National
Police on security checkpoints and patrolling. This was in Logar
Province, a mostly agricultural region south of Kabul.
Length: 21 min.
Published: Monday at 8pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Senate Health Care Debate - Day 9
Today is day 9 of the Senate health care reform debate. Senators
are expected to continue discussion of an amendment, submitted
by Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), restricting the use of Federal funds
for abortions and Sen. John McCain’s motion to commit on
Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.
Length:
Published: Today at 10am (ET)
|
U.S.
Unions Join Climate Change Talks in Copenhagen
by admin
Bob Baugh, executive director of the AFL-CIO Industrial Union
Council and co-chair of the AFL-CIO Energy Task Force, is in
Copenhagen, Denmark, to ensure that labor’s input helps
shape a global climate change treaty. This is his first report
on the meeting.
|
Study:
Extending Benefits for Jobless Helps Us All
by James Parks
|
Obama
Gets Surge in War Approval
A new Quinnipiac poll finds public support for the war in Afghanistan
is up nine points in the last three weeks, as American voters
say 57% to 35% that fighting the war is the right thing to do.
President Obama's approval for handling of the war is up seven
points in the same period.
|
Voters
Head to the Polls in Massachusetts
"For three months, the candidates for US Senate have tried
to generate voter excitement for a special primary election that
has often seemed to be off the public's radar. Today, with low
turnout expected across the state, their campaign organizations
will pull out all the stops to get those voters who were paying
attention into the polling booths," the Boston Globe reports.
|
Gates
Meets With Karzai, Other Afghan Leaders
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:07:00 -0600
|
Gates:
NATO Steps Up, Pakistan Makes Strides
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:26:00 -0600
|
Gates
to Check Readiness for Incoming Forces
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:49:00 -0600
|
Surge
Shows Enduring Commitment, Gates Says
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:29:00 -0600
|
Justice
Department Releases Video Explaining Federal Protections Against
Immigration-Related Discrimination in the Workplace
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:54:08 -0600
The Department released a new video aimed at educating employers
about worker rights and employer responsibilities under the anti-discrimination
provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
|
|
The Commission has posted the following
items on its rulemakings page at http://www.fec.gov/law/law_rulemakings.shtml:
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Federal Officeholders' and Candidates'
Participation in Nonfederal Fundraising Events, available at
http://www.fec.gov/law/law_rulemakings.shtml#solicitationshays3.
Comments are due February 8, 2010.
Final Rules on Campaign Travel, available at http://www.fec.gov/law/cfr/ej_compilation/2009/notice_2009-27.pdf
|
CJCS
Town Hall in NC
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:04:39 -0600
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen speaks
during a town hall meeting at Camp Lejeune, NC.
|
Flournoy
at AEI
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:45:58 -0600
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy addresses
the American Enterprise Institute at the Wohlstetter Conference
Center in Washington, DC.
|
|
Quote
of the Day
"Instead of joining us on the right side of history, all
the Republicans can come up with is, 'slow down, stop everything,
let's start over.' If you think you've heard these same excuses
before, you're right. When this country belatedly recognized
the wrongs of slavery, there were those who dug in their heels
and said 'slow down, it's too early, things aren't bad enough.'"
-- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV),
quoted by Fox News, during the health care reform debate in the
Senate.
|
President
Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 12/7/09
|
|
Previewing
Tuesday's Economic Speech
Posted by Dan Pfeiffer on December 7, 2009 at 4:00 AM EST
There is no topic the President brings
up more in the Oval Office than putting Americans back to work,
and this Tuesday the President takes another step as part of
his overall effort to jumpstart job growth for Americans
|
|
Voting
Now Open for the President's SAVE Award
Posted by Peter Orszag on December 7, 2009 at 6:00 AM EST
At the end of September, the Office of
Management and Budget launched the President’s SAVE Award
- a contest for Federal employees to come up with the best idea
to save taxpayer dollars and make the government perform more
effectively and efficiently.
|
|
Kennedy
Center Honorees Light Up the White House
Posted by Molly Fedick on December 7, 2009 at 10:30 AM EST
Last night in the White House’s East
Room, five legendary artists and performers were honored for
their unparalleled contributions to America’s cultural heritage.
Comedian Mel Brooks, jazz musician David Brubek, opera singer
Grace Brumby, rocker Bruce Springsteen and actor Robert DeNiro
accepted the award, bestowed upon recipients once a year by the
center's trustees and by past honorees.
|
Watch,
Discuss, Engage at 2:00: Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis Answers
Questions on New Regulatory Agenda
Posted by Jesse Lee on December 7, 2009 at 1:42 PM EST
|
The
US and Turkey: Moving Forward Together
Posted by Molly Fedick on December 7, 2009 at 5:20 PM EST
|
|
CTO
Chopra and CIO Kundra Launch Open Government Plan
Posted by Jesse Lee on December 7, 2009 at 7:57 PM EST
In an appropriate first for the White House,
we'll be announcing the White House's Open Government Plan in
a live online chat with Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra
and Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra. Watch the announcement,
then ask your questions and make your suggestions live.
|
Ahead
of Copenhagen, a Meeting with Al Gore
Posted by Kori Schulman on December 7, 2009 at 8:50 PM EST
|
|
President
Obama to propose $200 billion for jobs creation
Posted: December 7th, 2009 01:00 PM ET
From CNN White House Correspondent Suzanne
Malveaux
Washington (CNN) – President Obama
will propose using $200 billion from the Troubled Asset Relief
Program (TARP) to support creating jobs, White House officials
confirmed Monda
|
|
EPA
to announce greenhouse gases pose public health threat
Posted: December 7th, 2009 01:06 PM ET
From CNN White House Correspondent Suzanne
Malveaux
Before heading overseas for the Copenhagen climate talks, EPA
chief Lisa Jackson will make an announcement about greenhouse
gases.
Washington (CNN) - The Environmental Protection Agency will announce
Monday that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and
welfare, two senior administration officials told CNN.
|
|
AFL-CIO
expands health care reform effort
Posted: December 7th, 2009 02:01 PM ET
From CNN's Lauren Kornreich
Washington (CNN) – The AFL-CIO is
urging Congress to pass health care reform with a public option
that doesn't tax workers' benefits, in a new television ad out
this week.
|
|
Bernanke:
Fed will make profit on bailout
Posted: December 7th, 2009 02:29 PM ET
From CNNMoney.com Senior Writer Chris Isidore
Bernanke: Fed will make profit on bailout.
New York (CNNMoney.com) - Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke
said Monday he's confident the Federal Reserve will make money
on the trillions ithas pumped into the economy since the start
of 2008.
|
Spokesman:
Obama hopes to help secure climate deal
Posted: December 7th, 2009 03:56 PM ET
A White House spokesman said Monday that the president hopes
to secure a deal at the Copenhagen climate talks.
Washington (CNN) - President Barack Obama rescheduled his trip
to climate-change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, so that he can
help push for a possible deal closer to the end of the meeting,
his spokesman said Monday.
|
Democrats
Likely to Take Delaware House Seat
Rep. Mike Castle's (R-DE) decision to run for the U.S. Senate
put into play his House seat and a new Public Policy Polling
survey shows Democrats likely to take it over.
|
Treasury
Projects Smaller Losses for TARP
The Treasury Department "expects to recover all but $42
billion of the $370 billion it has lent to ailing companies since
the financial crisis began last year, with the portion lent to
banks actually showing a slight profit," reports the New
York Times.
|
Obama
To Propose New Jobs Program
The real significance of the Treasury's announcement that most
of the bank bailout money will be returned to the government
is that it can now be used to support a new jobs program.
|
Hardball
on Climate Change
The Financial Times notes that a new ruling issued by the Environmental
Protection Agency today finds "that carbon dioxide and five
other gases pose a danger to human health clears the way for
the agency to regulate emissions from large industrial sources
without waiting for legislation from Congress."
|
December
7, 2009 - DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 24 pages - 170 KB)
|
St.
Lucie Unit 2 - Request For Withholding Information From Public
Disclosure Nuclear Station (TAC No. ME1883)
Accession No ML093310391
|
Proctor
Crater, Mars
Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
This view from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment
(HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is of the
Proctor Crater. The relatively bright, small ridges are ripples.
From their study on Earth, and close-up examination by the MER
rovers (roving elsewhere on Mars), scientists surmise that the
ripples are composed of fine sand (less than 200 microns in diameter)
or fine sand coated with coarser sand and granules. The larger,
darker bedforms are dunes composed of sand, most likely of fine
size. Ripples tend to move slower than dunes. Because of this,
over time, ripples get covered with dust, possibly explaining
the bright tone visible here. The dunes are dark probably because
they are composed of basaltic sand (derived from dark, volcanic
rock) that is blown by the wind enough that dust does not sufficiently
accumulate to change their color. This area in Proctor Crater
is being monitored by HiRISE to document any changes over time.
This image is a portion of the HiRISE observation taken on Feb.
9, 2009. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
|
NASA's
WISE Sky Surveying Spacecraft Ready for Launch Dec. 11
Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
The launch of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or
WISE, aboard a Delta II rocket is scheduled for Friday, Dec.
11, between 9:09 a.m. and 9:23 a.m. EST from Vandenberg Air Force
Base in California.
|
|
U.S.
Department of State December 7, 2009
Washington, DC
December 7, 2009
|
CDC's
News: Immunization-related MMWRs.
This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
Hint: MMWR on the safety of H1N1 vaccine.
|
Joe Meinhardt Named Director of Ombudsman
Operation
WASHINGTON — Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Ombudsman
Larry Hattix recently announced Joe Meinhardt to be the Director
of Ombudsman Operation.
In his new role, Mr. Meinhardt will develop systems and programs
that promote cooperation and efficiency and ensure that goals
and objectives for the Ombudsman’s office support overall
agency objectives.
“Joe has an extensive and varied background in bank supervision
and OCC operations,” said Mr. Hattix. “He is an excellent
choice to help carry out the mission of the Ombudsman’s
Office.”
Prior to his new duties, Mr. Meinhardt was appointed Assistant
Deputy Comptroller (ADC) for the Milwaukee/Iron Mountain Field
Offices of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in May
of 2006. In this role, he oversaw the supervision of 35 institutions
located throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Previously, he held positions in the OCC’s district headquarters
in Chicago as a Deputy Comptroller Analyst and examiner positions
in the Large Bank and Community Bank divisions of the agency.
He is a graduate of Marquette University and received an MBA
from Northern Illinois University.
###
|
Gates
on ABC This Week
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:47:09 -0600
President Obama meets with the U.S. commander in Afghanistan
General Stanley McChrystal and the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan
Karl Eikenberry Monday at the White House.
|
FDIC Minority Depository Institutions list
has been updated for September 30, 2009, and is available on
our website. The link to the list is being provided for your
convenience.
http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/resources/minority/MDI.html
|
Secretary
Timothy Geithner Remarks at the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task
Force Event
|
Administration
Releases New Data on Making Home Affordable Program
|
Treasury
Announces Additional Initial Closing of Legacy Securities
|
Collyns,
Opening Statement before the Senate Finance Committee
|
Public
Offering of Warrants to Purchase Common Stock of Capital One
Financial Corporation
|
President
Obama establishes Interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task
Force
TG-409
|
Miller,
Opening Statement before the Senate Finance Committee
TG-417
|
Treasury
Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Warrants
TG-427
|
Brainard,Opening
Statement before the Senate Finance Committee
2009-11-20-9-56-40-3728
|
Treasury,
SBA Host Small Business Financing Forum
|
Treasury
Secretary Timothy Geithner Opening Remarks - Small Business Conference
November 18, 2009
TG-412
|
Obama
administration Kicks off Mortgage Modification Conversion Drive
November 30, 2009
TG-421
|
Geithner
Written Testimony before the Joint Economic Committee
November 19, 2009
TG-413
|
Geithner
before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
November 17, 2009
TG-410
|
Secretary
Geithner Written Testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee
December 2, 2009
TG-425
|
Remarks
by Acting Assistant Secretary Mark Sobel Transatlantic Legislators'
Dialogue
December 7, 2009
TG-429
|
U.S.
International Reserve Position
November 9, 2009
2009-11-9-12-29-54-14593
|
Columbia
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
DOT
Secretary's Blog - Welcome to the Fast Lane for Department of
Transportation. This information
has recently been updated, and is now available.
|
Upcoming
Meetings and Recently Posted Materials web page for Advisory
Committees of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
|
USCIRF Urges President Obama to Raise
Religious Freedom Issues
with Turkish Prime Minister
WASHINGTON, D.C. – USCIRF sent the
following letter to President Obama regarding his meeting with
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan.
*****
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Mr. President, As you prepare for
your upcoming meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
urges you to make freedom of religion a key component of your
discussions. In particular, we strongly recommend that, among
other issues outlined here, you ask the Prime Minister to commit
to a date certain for return of ownership and control of the
Halki Seminary to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Orthodox
Christian Church, and to commit to eliminating the state controls
on the internal governance of that Church and the Greek Orthodox
community.
During your speech to the Turkish parliament
in April you noted that “[f]reedom of religion and expression
lead to a strong and vibrant civil society that only strengthens
the state,” and that “[a]n enduring commitment to the
rule of law is the only way to achieve the security that comes
from justice for all people . . . . Robust minority rights let
societies benefit from the full measure of contributions from
all citizens.” We welcomed those remarks and believe it
is most fitting again to raise these important points when you
meet with Prime Minister Erdogan.
While Turkey has a democratic government,
the state has applied the concept of secularism to fully control
religion in public life in a manner that has resulted in many
restrictions on freedom of thought, conscience, and religion
or belief amounting to violations for persons living in Turkey,
for its majority Muslim as well as its minority religious communities.
Ensuring greater respect for freedom of religion or belief will
foster a strong and secular Turkish state, while protecting the
human rights of those living there.
The Turkish government places major restrictions
on freedom of religion or belief for its non-Muslim religious
minority communities, including state policies and actions that
effectively deny them the right to own and maintain property,
to train religious clergy, and to offer religious education.
These policies have led to the decline—and in some cases
virtual disappearance—of some religious minorities on lands
they have inhabited for millennia. Several legal cases in 2009
highlight the continued difficulties of Turkish religious minority
communities in regaining or retaining their property, including
the historic Mor Gabriel Syrian Orthodox Monastery in eastern
Turkey. In addition, since the summer of 2009 the Turkish government
has refused to allow worship at the Catholic pilgrimage site
of St. Paul’s Church in Tarsus. Moreover, although the Ecumenical
Patriarchate and Greek Orthodox foundations have received favorable
rulings from the European Court, the church has not recovered
confiscated communal property, including the orphanage on the
island of Buyukada. The Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate’s
proposal to open a university department for the Armenian language
and the training of clergy has been pending for a number of years,
without resolution.
We ask that these points be included in
your discussion, and hope you will urge Prime Minister Erdogan
to follow-up on his January 2008 statement that the Ecumenical
status of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate should be an internal
church issue by granting official recognition to the Ecumenical
status of the Patriarch.
We hope, as well, that you will raise the
issue of freedom of expression as it pertains to the Muslim community.
Despite legislative efforts in early 2008 to remove prohibitions
on wearing Islamic headscarves in public institutions, the Turkish
Constitutional Court ruled the ban should continue. We hope that
the United States will explore ways to cooperate with Turkish
authorities on allowing women the freedom to express religious
or non-religious views through dress, so as to respect their
beliefs and the secular status of the Turkish republic. In addition,
the Directorate of Religious Affairs, or the Diyanet, an agency
in the Turkish Prime Minister’s office, controls all 80,000
mosques in Turkey and employs all imams as state functionaries.
Muslim religious practice and education follow Hanafi doctrine
as promulgated by the Diyanet. Individual or communal practice
of Islam outside of government-regulated institutions is not
permitted; several Muslim groups, such as the Sufi orders, exist
but are officially banned.
The Turkish government also does not officially
recognize the Alevi, Turkey’s largest minority religious
community. In 2007, the European Court of Human Rights ruled
that the compulsory religious education in Turkish schools should
be optional for Alevis, since the curriculum only taught Sunni
Islam. Although that curriculum was modified in 2008, Alevis
maintain that the new texts do not accurately present their community.
We ask that you encourage the Prime Minister to address this
issue and work with the Alevi community regarding their numerous
concerns and to grant official status to those Alevi houses of
worship that apply for such status.
On a potentially positive note, the Turkish
Interior Minister announced in November the formation of a new,
independent National Human Rights Institution in 2010, and a
separate commission against discrimination. The Commission hopes
that the new anti-discrimination commission will examine cases
of discrimination, including anti-Semitism, as well as hate crimes
based on religious prejudice. So far, according to the 2009 report
on hate crimes of the OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions
and Human Rights, Turkey has a low rate of prosecution of such
crimes. For example, the trial of the alleged killer of noted
Armenian journalist Hrant Dink and the separate trial of five
alleged killers of three Protestants have continued since 2007;
no verdicts are in sight and allegations of official collusion
have not been addressed. The Commission hopes that the Turkish
authorities will provide police protection if requested, as in
the recent case of Turkish-Armenian journalist Sevan Nisanyan.
The Commission placed Turkey on its “Watch
List” in May 2009. We very much hope to be able to revisit
this designation in the spring, in the event that the Turkish
government properly addresses the problems I have identified
here. Your meeting, by strongly and specifically raising the
issue of freedom of religion or belief, could be a very productive
first step in achieving the necessary progress.
Sincerely,
Leonard Leo, Chair
cc: Philip H. Gordon, Assistant Secretary
of State for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Michael
H. Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy,
Human Rights, and Labor
Samantha Power, Senior Director of Multilateral Affairs, National
Security Council
Click here to view the pdf
version of the letter
|
Secretary Chu Announces $100 Million for
Advanced Research Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced
today that a second round of funding opportunities for transformational
energy research projects that will be made available through
the Department’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy
(ARPA-E). At an event today with Commerce Secretary Gary Locke,
Secretary Chu announced $100 million in Recovery Act funding
will be made available to accelerate innovation in green technology,
increase America’s competitiveness and create jobs. Today’s
announcement comes in advance of the United Nations Climate Change
Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“I am pleased to announce ARPA-E’s second funding opportunity
because it demonstrates our commitment to lead the next Industrial
Revolution in clean energy technologies, creating thousands of
new jobs while helping cut carbon pollution,” said Secretary
Chu. “This solicitation focuses on three cutting-edge technology
areas which could have a transformational impact.”
ARPA-E’s first solicitation, announced earlier this year,
was highly competitive and resulted in funding 37 projects aimed
at transformational innovations in energy storage, biofuels,
carbon capture, renewable power, building efficiency, vehicles,
and other areas. Today’s announcement, which represents
the Agency’s second round of funding opportunities, is focused
specifically on three areas of technology representing new approaches
for biofuels, carbon capture, and batteries for electric vehicles:
Areas of focus included under today’s funding opportunity
include:
Electrofuels. ARPA-E is seeking new ways to make liquid transportation
fuels - without using petroleum or biomass - by using microorganisms
to harness chemical or electrical energy to convert carbon dioxide
into liquid fuels. Many methods of producing advanced and cellulosic
biofuels are under development to lessen our dependence on petroleum
and lower carbon emissions. Most of the methods currently under
development involve converting biomass or waste, while there
are also approaches to directly produce liquid transportation
fuels from sunlight and carbon dioxide, typically using photosynthesis.
The objective of this topic is to develop an entirely new paradigm
for the production of liquid fuels that could overcome the challenges
associated with current technologies. Although photosynthetic
routes show promise, overall efficiencies remain low. ARPA-E
requests innovative proposals which can overcome these challenges
through the utilization of metabolic engineering and synthetic
biological approaches for the efficient conversion of carbon
dioxide to liquid transportation fuels. ARPA-E specifically seeks
the development of organisms capable of extracting energy from
hydrogen, from reduced earth-abundant metal ions, from robust,
inexpensive, readily available organic redo active species, or
directly from electric current. Theoretically such an approach
could be 10 times more efficient than current photosynthetic-biomass
approaches to liquid fuel production.
Innovative Materials & Processes for Advanced Carbon Capture
Technologies (IMPACCT). Coal-fired power plants currently generate
approximately 50% of the electricity in the United States. While
coal is a cheap and abundant resource, the continued reliance
upon coal as an energy source could potentially have serious
consequences in terms of global warming. The objective of this
topic is to fund high risk, high reward research efforts that
will revolutionize technologies that capture carbon dioxide from
coal-fired power plants, thereby preventing release into the
atmosphere. ARPA-E seeks to complement existing DOE efforts in
the field of carbon capture, led by the Office of Fossil Energy
and National Energy Technology Laboratory, by accelerating promising
ideas from the basic research stage towards large-scale demonstrations
and ultimately, commercialization. Areas of interest include:
low-cost catalysts to enable systems with superior thermodynamics
that are not currently practical due to slow kinetics; robust
materials that resist degradation from caustic contaminants in
flue gas; and advanced capture processes that dramatically reduce
the parasitic energy penalties and corresponding increase in
the cost of electricity required for carbon capture.
Batteries for Electrical Energy Storage in Transportation (BEEST).
In this topic, ARPA-E seeks to develop a new generation of ultra-high
energy density, low-cost battery technologies for long electric
range plug in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles
(EVs). The development of high energy, low cost batteries represents
the critical barrier to wide-spread deployment of EVs, which
if achieved would have a profound impact on U.S. oil security,
greenhouse gas emissions, and economic growth. The ambitious
goals for this program are largely based upon the aggressive
long term EV battery goals set forth by the United States Automotive
Battery Consortium, a public-private collaboration between the
U.S. Department of Energy and leading U.S. automotive companies.
If successful, new battery technologies developed under this
program will give electrified light-duty vehicles range, performance,
lifetime, and cost required to shift transportation energy from
oil to the domestically powered U.S. electric grid. ARPA-E's
objective is to fund high-risk, high reward research efforts
that will promote leadership in this emerging EV battery market.
To submit a concept paper, please visit: https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Default.aspx.
For more information about ARPA-E and previously announced awards
please visit: http://arpa-e.energy.gov/.
-DOE-
|
DOD
Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:34:00 -0600
|
DOT Awards Funds to Dallas, San Diego for
New Technology Initiative to Fight Congestion
In an historic step towards ending gridlock in urban areas across
the country, the U.S. Department of Transportation today announced
that the Dallas and San Diego areas will receive $14 million
as the nation's first demonstration sites for new Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technologies that help fight congestion
and enhance travel. The Integrated Corridor Management (ICM)
initiative will help the Dallas and San Diego metro areas become
"living laboratories" in the fight against congestion.
“These communities are leading the way by using state-of-the-art
technologies to create a commute that is safer, less congested
and more convenient.” said U.S. Transportation Secretary
Ray LaHood. “America can’t simply build our way to
a more modern and efficient transportation infrastructure. These
projects will show the rest of the nation that bumper-to-bumper
traffic doesn’t have to be the status quo.”
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will contribute $3 million for
an $8.3 million project. DART will use a transportation management
model to predict travel conditions 30 minutes into the future,
allowing diversion of traffic to other routes during freeway
incidents and special events along US-75. Travelers will have
access to real-time information about traffic, public transit
and expected travel times, through wireless and web-based alerts.
The San Diego Association of Governments and its partnering agencies
will contribute $2.2 million for a $10.9 million project. San
Diego will use ITS investments along I-15 to enable a “smart”
traffic management system that combines road sensors, video and
traveler information to take steps to reduce congestion. It will
deliver information to commuters via the internet and message
signs and will enable managers to adjust traffic signals and
ramp meters to direct travelers to HOV lanes, HOT lanes, bus
rapid transit and other options.
Since 2005, ICM has laid the groundwork for transportation agencies
to use existing roads, intersections and other elements of urban
transportation networks more efficiently.
The demonstrations will build on past findings about ICM to provide
a first-hand evaluation of the real-world impact. The new technology
will avoid the dangers of text-messaging and other distractions
behind the wheel that result in distracted driving.
The initiative is jointly sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Research
and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).
# # #
For ITS updates, follow the ITS Joint Program Office on twitter
at https://twitter.com/ITSJPO
|
BTS Releases North American Transportation
Statistics;
Over 107 Million Personal Vehicles Entered the U.S. in 2008
More than 107 million personal vehicles entered the United States
in 2008, 28.7 million from Canada and 78.9 million from Mexico,
according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau
of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Additionally, 10.8 million
trucks, 394,000 buses, and 40,000 trains entered the U.S. in
2008.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration,
released the data today as part of the fifth annual update of
the North American Transportation Statistics (NATS) online database.
The NATS
online database also includes data on U.S. trade and transportation
with Canada and Mexico. Goods valued at more than $964 billion
crossed the U.S. border in trade with Canada and Mexico in 2008,
6.1 percent higher than the previous record set in 2007, despite
the economic downturn that began in the middle of the year, according
BTS.
U.S. merchandise trade with Canada and Mexico, its two largest
trading partners, rose by more than $335 billion or by 53.2 percent
in the five years between 2003 and 2008.
This fifth annual update of the NATS database contains the most
comparable transportation-related data available from the United
States, Canada, and Mexico in a one-stop online resource. The
NATS database is co-sponsored by BTS and the U.S. Census Bureau
with the federal-level transportation and statistical agencies
of Canada and Mexico.
See BTS
North American Transportation Statistics press release for
summary tables and additional data.
|
Insufficient
Rest or Sleep in Adults, United States, 2008 ~ 11.1% of U.S. adults reported insufficient sleep
or rest for all 30 of the preceding 30 days. Sufficient sleep
is not a luxury—it is a necessity—and should be thought
of as a "vital sign" of good health.
|
Comptroller of the Currency Announces Community
Bank Directors Workshops for 2010
WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
today announced its 2010 schedule of workshops to be held around
the country for directors of nationally chartered community banks.
“Bank directors play an important role in the management
of national community banks and it is critical that they fully
understand their duties and the risks their banks face in the
current economy,” said Comptroller of the Currency John
C. Dugan. “These workshops give bank directors the opportunity
to interact with experienced bank examiners to learn more about
their responsibilities, compliance risk, credit risk, and risk
management.”
The OCC offers four different workshops: “A Director’s
Challenge: Mastering the Basics” ($100), “Compliance
Risk: What Directors Need to Know” ($65), “Directors:
Where is the Risk in Your Bank” ($65), and “Credit
Risk: A Director’s Focus” ($65).
Offered throughout the country, the workshops are targeted to
outside directors of nationally chartered community banks with
assets of less than $1 billion. Management directors may also
find the workshops beneficial. Workshops are limited to 35 participants
each. Attendees receive pre-course reading and course materials,
an OCC telephone seminar CD, other supervisory material, a continental
breakfast, and lunch.
To view the complete schedule of workshops and register online,
visit http://www.occ.gov/conference.htm.
###
|
Team
Celebrates 60 Years of Advancing Technology
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:41:00 -0600
|
|
U.S.
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Launches Five-Year
Strategy Annexes
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
December 7, 2009
|
|
Remarks
at the Kennedy Center Honors Dinner
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Benjamin Franklin Room
Washington, DC
December 6, 2009
|
Officials
Announce First Afghanistan Surge Units
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:23:00 -0600
|
CJCS
Town Hall
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:58:59 -0600
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen speaking
during a town hall meeting at Fort Campbell, KY.
|
Afghanistan
Deployments
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:07:31 -0600
The Department of Defense announced the deployment of about 16,000
troops to Afghanistan - the first elements of the 30,000 man
increase.
|
ADM
Mullen at Camp Lejeune
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:59:18 -0600
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen
held a town hall at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, December 7.
Some of the Marines attending could deploy soon to Afghanistan.
|
Gates
on ABC This Week
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:54:36 -0600
President Obama meets with the U.S. commander in Afghanistan
General Stanley McChrystal and the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan
Karl Eikenberry at the White House.
|
Leadership
for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection, Todd Keil
|
Soldiers
Invest in Iraq's Next Generation
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:37:00 -0600
|
|
Background
Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Turkish Prime
Minister Erdogan's Trip to D.C.
Washington, DC
December 4, 2009
|
Petraeus
on Afghanistan
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:21:14 -0600
General David Petraeus says the history and culture of Afghanistan
differs greatly from that of Iraq, and poses very different challenges.
|
|
Background
Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Turkish Prime
Minister Erdogan's Trip to D.C.
Washington, DC
December 4, 2009
|
|
USDA LAUNCHES TOLL-FREE HELP DESK FOR
SMALL MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSORS
WASHINGTON, December 7, 2009 - The U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service
(FSIS) today announced the opening of its new small plant help-desk,
which will provide for operators of small and very small meat,
poultry and processed egg products establishments seeking help
with agency requirements with direct access to knowledgeable
staff specialists. The help-desk also will provide assistance
to state and local food regulatory agencies - FSIS' partners
in keeping meat, poultry and egg products safe for consumers.
"USDA's Food Safety and Inspection
Service is committed to providing assistance to businesses of
all sizes that provide American consumers with access to a safe
and healthy food supply," said Deputy Under Secretary for
Food Safety Jerold R. Mande. "The small plant help-desk
will help the development of small, local producers by offering
a one-stop shop for questions about how to make sure their meat,
poultry and processed egg products are safe, wholesome and properly
labeled."
The new help-desk will support USDA's "Know
Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative by helping small
processors to reduce the time and expense of dealing with agency
requirements. "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" is
designed to continue the national conversation about developing
local and regional food systems and finding ways to support small
and mid-sized producers. It emphasizes the need for a fundamental
and critical reconnection between producers and consumers, building
on the 2008 Farm Bill, which provides additional flexibility
for USDA programs to promote local foods. More information on
the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative can
be found at: www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer
.
The FSIS small plant help-desk will serve
as a "one-stop shop" for plant owners and operators
with questions. More than 90% of the 6,000 plants inspected by
FSIS are small or very small. FSIS staff will assess callers'
requests and provide information and guidance materials that
best meet their needs. In situations where the answer is not
readily available, the staff will research the issue and follow-up
with the caller. As appropriate, the help-desk will provide a
portal to other services, such as AskFSIS, FSIS' existing internet
service offering official agency responses to inquiries on agency
policy.
Inquiries can be made to the small plant
help-desk by toll-free telephone or by email. The help-desk is
open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, excluding
Federal holidays. To speak to a staff specialist during this
time, call 1-877-FSISHelp (1-877-374-7435). Customers may also
contact the help-desk by email at InfoSource@fsis.usda.gov .
#
|
Scheduled
Events for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
Information on scheduled events for the week of December 5-11,
2009 now available.
|
NASA
and Arab Youth Venture Foundation Launch Student Program
Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
NASA and the Arab Youth Venture Foundation in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates (UAE) have partnered to provide three to 12 UAE engineering
students each year the opportunity to work with U.S. students,
scientists, and engineers on NASA missions.
|
U.S.
Attorney News Release: Former New Hampshire Registered Nurse
Pleads Guilty for Tampering With Dilaudid and Demerol Syringes
at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center
Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
On December 3, 2009, in U.S. District Court, Trinidad Smith,
28, of Manchester, NH, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging
her with violations involving consumer product tampering and
obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deception.
|
FDA
Makes Interim Recommendations to Address Concern of Excess Radiation
Exposure during CT Perfusion Imaging
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:53:00 -0600
As part of an ongoing investigation into cases of excess radiation
during CT perfusion imaging of the brain, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration today provided imaging facilities and practitioners
with interim recommendations to help prevent additional problems.
|
Justice
News for the U.S. Department of Justice.
|
Task
Force Finds Improvement in Sexual Assault Response
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:03:00 -0600
|
Gates
on Helmand Operation
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:05:17 -0600
U.S. and International Security Forces conducted multiple operations
against the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan Monday.
|
Soldiers
Support Base Expansion in Afghanistan
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:46:00 -0600
|
Iraq
Election Vote
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:19:40 -0600
Iraqi lawmakers on Sunday approved a law that officials say clears
the way for parliamentary elections early next year.
|
Highlights:
Building a New Architecture of Global Cooperation
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0600
|
|
Top Five Ways the Wall Street Reform
& Consumer Protection Act Helps You
This week, the House will consider the Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act, legislation to protect American consumers
and prevent the irresponsible behaviors and practices that contributed
to the financial crisis last Fall. This legislation restores
responsibility and accountability to Wall Street through tough
rules and regulation of risky practices; it protects consumers
on Main Street by ensuring that bank loans, mortgages, and credit
cards are fair and transparent; and it ensures that taxpayers
will never have to bail out Wall Street banks by putting an end
to “too big to fail” financial firms.
TOP 5:
The Wall Street Reform & Consumer Protection Act
Protects Consumers
1) Ensures that the credit cards you use and the mortgage you
sign are fair, transparent, and understandable by creating a
Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Your finances should not
be put at risk due to fine print that hides fees and other things
you should be aware of.
2) Helps protect your 401(k) and pension by stopping institutions
from taking risks that threaten the financial system and can
cause a crash like the one that happened last Fall.
3) Helps ensure that taxpayers will never again need to bail
out Wall Street banks by putting an end to “too big to fail”
firms and preventing their risky behavior from threatening to
bring down the entire economy.
4) Ends predatory lending practices so that lenders can’t
put you or your neighbor into an unaffordable or difficult to
understand loan.
5) Makes sure that Wall Street banks have to play by the same
rules when they provide the same thing, like a home mortgage
loan. This will ensure that you can have faith that wherever
you go, you can expect a minimum level of fairness.
Click
here to view in pdf.
###
|
Recon:
Game On
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:44:01 -0600
They are Soldiers and Airmen - and world class athletes. They
represent their country and their brothers in arms. Their orders?
Protect, defend and bring home the gold.
|
|
Airport News and New Resources page (www.faa.gov/airports/news_information/news/)
on the FAA website:
Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program
Update 61-10: Common Use Terminal Equipment Eligibility
|
|
Happy Holidays to Everyone!
Join the Arapahoe County Young Dems
and House District 38 for a Potluck Holiday Party
Holiday Pot Luck
Wednesday December 9th
6:00 to 8:00 PM
At the home of Barb & Arne McDaniel's
4475 W Aberdeen Place
Littleton 80123
COST: FREE, just bring a dish to share!
For questions please call, Gena at 720-984-4612
or Barb at 303 759 4012
We can't wait to see you there!
OTHER EVENTS IN THE COUNTY
US Congressional Candidate John Flerlage
at Living Liberally!
Monday December 14
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Where: Bistro Al Vino
15352 E Ida Dr #E, Centennial (Corner of Orchard, one block east
of Parker Rd)
Living Liberally Centennial, invites you
to stop by Bistro Al Vino to meet John Flerlage and hear what's
going on with his campaign.
Take advantage of this opportunity to get to know John, ask him
questions about the issues important to you, and mix and mingle
with his staff and friends, old and new. Bring your friends,
make an evening of it!
For RSVP or questions, RSVP@FlerlageforCongress.com.
We hope to see you soon!
--------------------
|
|
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1
Vulnerability Summary for the Week of November
30, 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 November 30,
2009. It is
available here:
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/bulletins/SB09-341.html
|
Chicago
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
General
Officer Announcement
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:31:00 -0600
|
|
Contact: Katie Grant
Stephanie Lundberg
202-225-3130For Immediate Release
December 07, 2009
Leader Hoyer Delivers Speech on the
Republican "Party of No" at the
Center for American Progress Action Fund
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) delivered a speech today at the Center for
American Progress Action Fund on the minority party's role in
Congress and the current Republican leadership's record of pushing
them to be the "Party of No." Below are his remarks
as prepared for delivery:
“‘While the Democratic Party has won a great victory
tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination
to heal the divides that have held back our progress.’
“Just over a year later, those words from President-elect
Obama still stand out to me as the most hopeful promise of his
victory—and the most elusive. While this year has seen lasting
accomplishments in Congress, we should be honest about what this
year has not seen: it has not seen a new civility, and it has
not seen a minority party that’s serious about joining in
the work of governing at a time of crisis.
“One of our two great parties is now an organization committed
to an unprecedented level of lockstep opposition to the president:
a ‘Party of No,’ whose political strategy is an investment
in failure for our country and paralysis for its institutions.
Even conservatives have criticized the transformation; as David
Brooks wrote last spring, ‘The G.O.P. leaders have adopted
a posture that allows the Democrats to make all the proposals
while all the Republicans can say is ‘no.’
“No one expects Republicans to roll over for President Obama.
But the ‘Party of No’ strategy is so disappointing
because the history of Congress is full of loyal oppositions
that shared responsibility for governing in trying times and
shaped some of the most important legislation of their eras.
It is not asking too much for today’s Republicans to rise
to those examples. The history of constructive minorities shows
how much more we should expect and demand of them. It shows us
that healing the divide is, at crucial moments, entirely possible.
“That’s what President Obama believed when he took
office, when he opened up the White House to repeated meetings
with members of both parties, and when he urged Congress to incorporate
Republican ideas in the Recovery Act. The G.O.P.’s answer?
House Republicans voted unanimously against the Recovery Act—and
then broke out in applause for themselves. In the Senate, one
of the three Republicans to support it, Arlen Specter, was essentially
driven out of his party. Those moments showed a party that, even
with the economy facing collapse, put the highest value on group
loyalty and ideologically defining votes. Rather than working
to shape the Recovery Act, Republicans chose a strategy that
could only profit from failure.
“Republicans again and again have chosen slogans and symbolism
over constructive contributions. When President Obama proposed
a budget with a detailed focus on education, clean energy, and
health care reform, Republicans could have worked to put their
stamp on it. Or they could have proposed a substantive alternative.
Instead, House Republicans spent most of their energy lambasting
Democrats—releasing an 18-page document that famously included
more pictures of windmills than charts of numbers.
“Again, on health care, the Democratic plan faced months
of debate before it came up for a House vote; but from the beginning,
Republicans made clear to the Democratic leadership and chairmen
that they were not interested in participating. What’s especially
remarkable about Republican obstructionism on health care is
that a central plank of the Democratic plan—an individual
insurance mandate—was the Republican alternative during
the Clinton administration. Since then, millions more Americans
have lost their health coverage, and the average premium has
more than doubled—and Republicans now argue against the
policy they once supported. Similarly, after proposing hundreds
of billions of dollars in Medicare cuts, Republicans are now
protesting our plans to save Medicare money as part of health
care reform. That looks to me like a party determined to ‘break’
Democratic presidents, in the words of Senator DeMint—even
as its constituents continue to suffer under a broken system.
“In the Senate, of course, the minority’s obstructive
power is even greater. The filibuster has turned from an exceptionally
rare tool of passionate opposition, into a routine hurdle. Political
scientist Barbara Sinclair found that the last Congress, with
a Republican minority in the Senate, set a filibuster record—and
that while just 8% of major bills faced filibusters in the 1960s,
70% do today. That goes far beyond the Founders’ plan for
the Senate’s ‘cooling’ function—that is a
recipe for a Senate practically paralyzed. As a result, we have
seen non-controversial nominations held hostage, action on global
warming stalled, and, while families struggled in this crisis,
unemployment insurance delayed and denied for weeks—unemployment
insurance that was finally approved by a unanimous vote.
“Just last week, Republican Senator Judd Gregg circulated
to his colleagues an ‘obstruction manual’ full of helpful
tips for taking advantage of Senate rules to stall debate on
health care reform—tips like offering ‘an unlimited
number of amendments—germane or non-germane—on any
subject,’ or making ‘a point of order…with or
without cause.’ This was the same senator who, three years
ago, blasted ‘obstruction for the purpose of obstruction.’
“In the same way, Senator Jeff Sessions chose to filibuster
President Obama’s first nominee for appellate judge, saying:
‘This side cannot acquiesce into a philosophy that says
that Democratic presidents can get their judges confirmed with
50 votes.’ The key words there are ‘Democratic presidents’—because
when the President was from his party, judicial filibusters were
‘unprecedented, obstructive tactics.’
“That is the deep irresponsibility of our minority party.
And I’m not the only one to see it. One observer complained
that Republicans are ‘not consistently, methodically, offering
positive alternatives.’ Another called on Republicans to
‘offer, based on their own principles, solutions to these
problems.’ A third said, ‘The Republican leadership
in the House right now is constantly trying to play a political
game to get a headline.’ Those aren’t liberal bloggers:
they are Newt Gingrich, Jeb Bush, and Republican Congressman
Dana Rohrabacher.
“But as much as it disappoints me,
this refusal to participate is kept in place by a number of powerful
forces. There is a media that so often finds it more profitable
to incite than to inform—including media figures who are
eager to punish any Republican who deviates from the party line,
and eager to celebrate Members who break Congress’s basic
standards of decorum. There is the assumption—pioneered
by Newt Gingrich himself, as early as the 1970s—that the
minority wins when Congress accomplishes less. And, as Republican
strategist Ed Rollins said, obstruction ‘allows [the party]
to stay unified and will help rebuild their financial base.’
The ‘Party of No’ strategy also stems, in part, from
Republicans’ allegiance to special interests determined
to keep Bush-era policies favorable to them in place.
“In fact, any party that finds itself
on the losing end of an election has to struggle with similar
forces. But we can still look to times when the minority party
has tied its success not to Congress’s failure, but to the
shared work of governing—when it has helped to create legislation
that still marks our lives.
“In 1964, when LBJ needed to defeat
a Senate filibuster of the landmark Civil Rights Act, he turned
to Minority Leader Everett Dirksen. Sen. Dirksen worked for months
to put together a bipartisan civil rights coalition. In his final
speech before the vote, after 57 days of debate, he said this:
‘Stronger than all the armies is an idea whose time has
come.’ It was the first civil rights filibuster ever to
be broken.
“In 1965, when some members of his party were denouncing
Medicare as ‘brazen socialism,’ the ranking Republican
on the House Ways and Means Committee, John Byrnes, chose to
help write the bill instead. He proposed a voluntary program
to cover doctor expenses; today, it’s the basis of Medicare
Part B.
“In 1983, Social Security faced a crisis as its trust fund
was heading into the red. President Reagan and Congress agreed
on bipartisan reforms to save it for the next generation. Minorities
in both chambers would have found the issue easy to exploit;
but instead, Republicans gave up their ideological opposition
to Social Security, and Democrats gave up a powerful campaign
issue against President Reagan. The compromise had the key backing
of Republican Minority Leader Bob Michel—a man whose decency
and seriousness about the legislative process are still a powerful
example of constructive opposition, loyal to principle and country.
“In 1986, Republicans and Democrats compromised on a major
tax reform bill to simplify the tax code, lower tax rates, and
close loopholes.
“In 2001, Ted Kennedy helped President Bush pass major,
standards-based education reform: No Child Left Behind. Again,
Senator Kennedy was negotiating from the minority for most of
the months leading up to the bill’s passage. It’s true
that he later criticized the president for failing to fully fund
NCLB—but that just shows how the minority can benefit from
staying involved. It was exactly Senator Kennedy’s involvement
that gave him such strong standing to criticize and push for
further funding.
“Finally, we can add to that list the great accomplishments
of loyal oppositions that controlled Congress but were willing
to work with, instead of block, a president of the other party:
the Marshall Plan; the Interstate Highways; historic clean air
and clean water laws under President Nixon; President Reagan’s
and Speaker Tip O’Neill’s work to save Social Security;
and welfare reform and a balanced budget under President Clinton
and Speaker Gingrich. In fact, even though Speaker Gingrich began
his climb to leadership on the strength of obstructionism, at
the end of his career in the House he had strong words for Republicans
in what he called the ‘perfectionist caucus’: ‘my
fine friends who are perfectionists, each in their own world
where they are petty dictators could write a perfect bill….But
that is not the way life works in a free society.’
“I’ve tried to live by that principle
myself: under President Bush, I worked long and hard on intelligence
reform with my friend Roy Blunt. And when the global economy
faced collapse, it was Democrats who provided the votes for a
painful financial rescue that I believe averted disaster.
“I understand that each of these examples is unique; many
of them took place in a less ideologically rigid Washington—one
many of us still remember fondly. But all of these stories have
something in common: they all happened at times when the pressures
on our nation were felt more strongly than the pressures that
so often make Congress a place of lockstep opposition. They all
prove that, when it matters most, the opposition can make a true
difference—while staying true to its principles.
“Today, when it matters so much, I hope that a principled
Republican party will once again step up to its responsibilities.
I know I don’t have much power myself to bring about that
change. But I can keep reminding my colleagues of what our country
needs and expects of them, and how much we will honor their willingness
to stand up to the forces of extremism in their own party—as
Minority Whip Cantor did when he criticized Rush Limbaugh for
comparing President Obama to Hitler.
“I also know, in closing, how easy it is to accuse me of
being disingenuous for even making this argument. It’s easy
to say that Democrats actually want extremism to be the face
of the opposition—that we would be happy for the ‘Party
of No’ to keep saying no. But that’s not true. When
we say no to the work of legislating, we do real harm to the
institution of Congress and our nation’s future.
“First, when one party takes itself out of the process,
it means that less substance is debated openly—and that
the debates that do happen are empty exercises. When that happens,
Congress is truly less accountable to the people; it fails in
its role as the deliberative, representative branch.
“Second, when Congress is deadlocked, and especially when
the Senate is, the representative branch becomes less relevant
every day. I think the Washington Post’s Ezra Klein explained
it very well: when ‘the minority party has a continual stake
in Congress not really working…it’s bad for Congress
and bad for democracy. It means power devolves from the legislature
and towards unelected, unaccountable organizations like the Federal
Reserve, the EPA…or the courts.’
“Finally, the hard choices that are being forced on our
country demand engagement from both parties. I’m thinking
of challenges like reforming our massive entitlement programs,
controlling the growth of health care spending, and responding
to climate change—issues that are fraught with political
risk and so easy to demagogue that it is almost impossible for
one party to take them on alone. Those challenges are dangerously
likely to stay untouched as long as at least one party is willing
to be a ‘Party of No.’
“In times with less at stake, saying no to the work we were
elected to do may be an affordable luxury. Today, though, the
price is far too high. That is why it is so crucial to make the
president’s election night promise come belatedly true:
to govern along with a loyal opposition that puts the progress
of our country ahead of the politics of its party; to heal the
divides that still hold our progress back, at greater cost to
the American people each day.”
###
|
|
Contact: Stephanie Lundberg
202-225-3130For Immediate Release
December 07, 2009
Hoyer Statement on the United Nations
Climate Change Conference and EPA Announcement
WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today as
the UN 2009 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen gets underway
and following the release of an “endangerment finding”
by the Obama Administration declaring that greenhouse gas emissions
pose a risk to public health and the environment:
“As world leaders gather in Copenhagen
to map out a strategy for a cleaner, more energy-efficient future,
there has never been greater momentum for change – or a
stronger case for why it is so imperative. Today’s EPA announcement
that greenhouse gas emissions pose a significant threat both
to public health and the environment gives greater urgency to
the need to act.
“The responsibility of the United
States in this effort is great, and as the Conference convenes,
we are engaged in the challenging process of modifying our energy
policy in order to meet our clean energy goals. The American
Clean Energy and Security Act passed by the House offers a clear
strategy for our nation to invest in a new clean energy economy
that creates jobs, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and
protects future generations from the harmful impacts of an increasing
level of carbon emissions.
“We look forward to Senate action
in the months ahead, and in the meantime, reaffirm our commitment
to marshalling the American spirit of innovation to make the
United States a leader on one of the greatest global challenges
we have ever faced.”
###
|
|
FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER
8, 2009
House Meets At… First Vote Predicted… Last Vote Predicted…
9:00 a.m.: Morning Hour
10:00 a.m.: Legislative Business 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
“One Minutes”
Motion to Go to Conference on H.R. 3288 - Department of Transportation,
and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2010 (Rep. Olver – Appropriations) Motion to Instruct
Conferees.
Suspensions (18 Bills)
H.R.
2278 - To direct the President to transmit to Congress a
report on anti-American incitement to violence in the Middle
East (Rep. Bilirakis - Foreign Affairs)
H.R.
2134 - Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act of 2009
(Rep. Engel - Foreign Affairs)
H.Res.
915 - Encouraging the Republic of Hungary to respect the
rule of law, treat foreign investors fairly, and promote a free
and independent press (Rep. Donnelly - Foreign Affairs)
H.Con.Res.
213 - Expressing the sense of Congress for and solidarity
with the people of El Salvador as they persevere through the
aftermath of torrential rains which caused devastating flooding
and deadly mudslides (Rep. Mack - Foreign Affairs)
H.Con.Res. __ - Expressing sympathy for the 57 civilians who
were killed in the southern Philippines on November 23, 2009
(Rep. Berman - Foreign Affairs)
H.R.
3951 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 2000 Louisiana Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana,
as the "Roy Rondeno, Sr. Post Office Building" (Rep.
Cao - Oversight and Government Reform)
H.R.
4017 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 43 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts,
as the "Ann Marie Blute Post Office" (Rep. McGovern
- Oversight and Government Reform)
H.R.
2711 - FBI Families of Fallen Heroes Act (Rep. Rogers (MI)
- Oversight and Government Reform)
H.Res.
907 - Recognizing the Grand Concourse on its 100th anniversary
as the preeminent thoroughfare in the borough of the Bronx and
an important nexus of commerce and culture for the City of New
York (Rep. Serrano – Transportation and Infrastructure)
H.R.
4165 - To extend through December 31, 2010, the authority
of the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed
by non-Federal public entities to expedite the processing of
permits (Rep. Larsen – Transportation and Infrastructure)
H.R.
1854 - To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1992
to modify an environmental infrastructure project for Big Bear
Lake, California (Rep. Lewis (CA) – Transportation and Infrastructure)
H.R.
3224 - To authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian
Institution to plan, design, and construct a vehicle maintenance
building at the vehicle maintenance branch of the Smithsonian
Institution located in Suitland, Maryland (Rep. Becerra - House
Administration)
H.Res.
35 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that Congress should provide increased Federal funding for continued
type 1 diabetes research (Rep. Gene Green - Energy and Commerce)
H.Res.
55 - Expressing support for the designation of a National
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of and
promote research into this challenging disorder (Rep. Royce -
Energy and Commerce)
H.R.
2221 - Data Accountability and Trust Act (Rep. Rush - Energy
and Commerce)
H.R.
1319 - Informed P2P User Act (Rep. Bono Mack - Energy and
Commerce)
H.R. __ - Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act (Rep.
Rangel – Ways and Means)
H.R. __ - To amend titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act
to prohibit retroactive payments to individuals during periods
for which such individuals are prisoners, fugitive felons, or
probation or parole violators (Rep. Tanner - Ways and Means)
Postponed Suspension Votes (6 Bills):
H.Con.Res.
199 - Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the activation
of Echo Company of the 100th Battalion of the 442d Infantry,
and the sacrifice of the soldiers and families in support of
the United States (Rep. Sablan - Armed Services)
H.Con.Res.
206 - Commending the soldiers and civilian personnel stationed
at Fort Gordon and their families for their service and dedication
to the United States and recognizing the contributions of Fort
Gordon to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
and its role as a pivotal communications training installation
(Rep. Broun - Armed Services)
H.Res.
940 - Recognizing and honoring the National Guard on the
occasion of its 373rd anniversary (Rep. Latta - Armed Services)
H.Res.
845 - Recognizing the United States Air Force and Dyess Air
Force Base for their success in achieving energy savings and
developing energy-saving innovations during Energy Awareness
Month (Rep. Neugebauer - Armed Services)
H.R.
3603 - To rename the Ocmulgee National Monument (Rep. Marshall
- Natural Resources)
H.R.
86 - To eliminate an unused lighthouse reservation, provide
management consistency by bringing the rocks and small islands
along the coast of Orange County, California, and meet the original
Congressional intent of preserving Orange County's rocks and
small islands (Rep. Campbell - Natural Resources)
* Conference Reports may be brought up at any time.
* Motions to go to Conference should they become available.
* Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.
|
|
Remarks
to U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Grand Hyatt Hotel
Washington, DC
December 7, 2009
|
 
|
|
a new ticker page has started for Tuesday
December 8.
Yesterday's ticker items are archived here
|
ticker timeline 00:09 Eastern Time December
8, 2009
|
|
click to support
adsense
|
|
new ticker page started 00:01 Eastern
Time December 8, 2009
today's ticker page 1
for previous
yesterday's ticker page click here
|
 
|
|
view
previous page:::::page one |