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Regulatory
reform poised to pass House
Posted: December 11th, 2009 11:10 AM ET
From CNNMoney.com Senior Writer Jennifer
Liberto
Washington (CNNMoney.com) - The House is
poised to pass legislation aimed at preventing the next big financial
crisis and usher in the most sweeping set of changes to the banking
regulatory system since the New Deal.
|
Giannoulias
Leads in Illinois
A new Rasmussen Reports survey finds Alexi Giannoulias (D) has
now crept past Rep. Mark Kirk (R) in Illinois' 2010 U.S. Senate
race, 42% to 39%.
|
Public
Supports Cap and Trade
An Ipsos Public Affairs survey finds that 52% of respondents
support a cap and trade plan, similar to that working through
Congress, with 41% opposing the measure.
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ECONOMY WEEKLY WEEK OF DECEMBER 7, 2009
“Looking at the situation we face
today, what's clear is that our economy is in a very different
place than it was when I took office last year. Our economy at
that time was on the brink of collapse… Because of the Recovery
Act and a number of other measures, and because of distasteful
but necessary steps to help our auto industry recover and stabilize
our banks, we've pulled our economy back from the abyss. And
while there's a lot of work left to do, our economy is now growing
for the first time in over a year and we just received the best
jobs report in over two years.”
– President Barack Obama, 12/9/2009
Economy Highlights:
• In a speech on Tuesday, President
Obama outlined some of the steps he believes should be taken
to accelerate job growth in areas that will generate the greatest
number of jobs while generating the greatest value for our economy,
including: “tax cuts for small businesses, incentives to
hire new workers … a fresh round of infrastructure spending”
and a new proposal to provide rebates for consumers who weatherize
their homes. [Washington
Post, 12/9/09]
• The Congressional Oversight Panel
released a year-end review of the Troubled Asset Relief Program
(TARP) and the effect it had on holding off a deeper economic
crisis. “There is broad consensus that the TARP was an important
part of a broader government strategy that stabilized the U.S.
financial system by renewing the flow of credit and averting
a more acute crisis.” [Congressional
Oversight Panel, 12/9/09; New
York Times, 12/10/09]
• The Department of the Treasury released
a report on the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) “[demonstrating]
that Treasury’s investments to stabilize the system are
delivering higher returns than anticipated and that Treasury
does not anticipate having to draw upon the full $700 billion
in TARP authority. The impact of lower overall TARP investments
and higher investment returns is projected to cut the impact
of TARP on the deficit by about 60 percent or more from the August
2009 Mid-Session Review.” [Department
of the Treasury, 12/10/09]
• The Federal Reserve announced that for the second straight
quarter, the net worth of U.S. households rose 5% in the third
quarter. “The data showed households and firms continuing
to reshape their balance sheets -- paying down debt even as assets
regain value -- as they recover from the recession… Household
debt contracted at a 2.6% annual rate, the largest decline on
record, as mortgage and credit-card borrowing fell. Nonfinancial
business debt also declined at a 2.6% pace.” [Wall
Street Journal, 12/11/09]
Recovery Highlights:
• President Obama announced Recovery
Act awards to build and renovate existing community health centers
in more than 30 states. These awards will “support major
construction and renovation projects at 85 community health centers
nationwide and help networks of health centers adopt Electronic
Health Records (EHR) and other Health Information Technology
(HIT) systems. The awards are expected to not only create new
job opportunities in construction and health care, but also help
provide care for more than half a million additional patients
in underserved communities.” [White
House, 12/9/09]
• The Kaiser Family Foundation released a report indicating
that the Recovery Act has helped states sustain and expand access
to health insurance for families in need. “‘The renewal
of CHIP and the fiscal relief and eligibility and enrollment
protections for Medicaid in the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act (ARRA) proved critical to enable states to continue their
commitment to providing coverage to millions of low-income families,’
said Diane Rowland, Executive Vice President of the Foundation
and Executive Director of the [Kaiser Commission on Medicaid
and the Uninsured].” [Kaiser
Family Foundation, 12/8/09]
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Valley
Democrats United Holiday Party
Start Time: Tuesday, December 15 at 6:00pm
End Time: Tuesday, December 15 at 9:00pm
Where: Encino Glen Bar and Grill
To see more details and RSVP
|
Afghanistan
Tops Agenda at Gates Town Hall
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:46:00 -0600
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Pittsburgh
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Pop-up
Advertisements Offering Anti-virus Software Pose Threat to Internet
Users
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:00:00 -0600
|
Conference
Explores Trauma's Impact on Families
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:51:00 -0600
|
Philadelphia
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Gates
In Iraq
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:40:42 -0600
Defense Secretary Gates pays a visit to troops in Iraq.
|
Army
Suicide Rate Increases Five Straight Years
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:36:00 -0600
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Former
New Jersey Assemblyman Indicted for Allegedly Accepting $10,000
Cash Bribe
|
Jersey
City Council Candidate Lori Serrano Indicted for Allegedly Accepting
$10,000 in Corrupt Payments
|
Justices
Make New Push to Abolish Elected Judges
Posted: 09 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By KRISTEN WYATT
DENVER - An old debate about whether judges should be elected
or appointed is heating up again.
|
House
Scales Back Proposed Wall Street Rules
Posted: 10 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By JIM KUHNHENN
WASHINGTON - House Democrats head into the final stretch on a
long-awaited Wall Street regulation bill with two crucial and
contentious votes looming before they can declare victory on
one of President Barack Obama's legislative priorities.
|
House
Approves $1.1 Trillion Spending Measure
Posted: 10 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By ANDREW TAYLOR
WASHINGTON - Democrats are muscling through a deficit-swelling
spending bill, giving domestic programs their third major boost
this year and awarding lawmakers with more than 5,000 home-state
projects.
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BIS publishes Proposed Rule on Issuance of
Electronic Document and Related Recordkeeping Requirements. Comments
must be received by BIS no later than February 2, 2010.
Please visit http://www.bis.doc.gov/
for more information.
|
From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
A listing of the latest
publications from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is now available
at
http://www.bls.gov/opub/update.htm
Please refer questions to
blsdata_staff@bls.gov .
|
FBI’s
Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending December 11, 2009
|
Highlights:
The New Global Communications Environment
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0600
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U.S.
Department of State Schedule for December 11, 2009
Washington, DC
December 11, 2009
|
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Contact: Katie Grant
202-225-3130For Immediate Release
December 11, 2009
Hoyer Statement on the Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on
the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act:
“Millions of Americans have felt the
effects of the near-meltdown that jeopardized our economy last
fall. We felt the effects in jobs lost, in homes foreclosed,
in dreams deferred. But while those results are all too concrete,
the causes are almost vanishingly abstract, expressed in a jargon
that few Americans ever imagined had such power over their lives:
phrases like ‘credit default swap’ or ‘unregulated
over-the-counter derivatives.’ It’s hard to imagine
the steps that led from recklessness on Wall Street to unemployment
in Maryland, or in any of our districts. But this much is indisputable:
that recklessness, and a failure to responsibly regulate it,
caused real and lasting damage to the lives of millions. Never
again should Wall Street greed bring such suffering to our country.
And never again should Washington, as it did for years under
President Bush, stand by as that greed goes unchecked.
“When President Obama entered the White House, on the verge
of what looked like a second Great Depression, he was faced with
two great tasks: to stem the damage of the crisis, and to prevent
anything like it from happening again. The Recovery Act, and
the other economic measures taken by the president and the Democratic
Congress, have been our response to the first task. The aftershocks
of the crisis remain severe for many struggling families; but
with our economy growing again and job losses last month slowing
to a near halt, there is good reason to believe that Democrats
have our economy back on the right track. Today’s legislation
is our answer to the second task: it will staunch the irresponsible
practices of the big banks and others that caused last fall’s
crisis. No bill can create an economy without risk—but this
bill will bring accountability to Wall Street and Washington,
protect and empower consumers, forestall future financial meltdowns,
and prevent taxpayer money from being put on the line again to
bail out Wall Street excess.
“First, this bill protects Americans from some of the most
abusive practices that led up to the crisis, including predatory
credit card and mortgage lending that saddles consumers with
loans they have no chance of paying back. Just like Wall Street
firms, Americans have an obligation of responsibility when it
comes to borrowing—but by creating a Consumer Financial
Protection Agency and ensuring that loans are fair, transparent,
and written in plain language, we can help them know clearly
what their responsibilities are. The Consumer Financial Protection
Agency will strengthen and modernize oversight of Wall Street
by putting the functions of seven different agencies in one accountable
place.
“In addition to these high standards
for loans, institutions like AIG and Lehman Brothers will no
longer be able to make the kind of reckless gambles that put
the health of our entire economy on the line. The institutions
that place the biggest economic bets will be required to keep
capital on hand to meet their obligations should those bets fail,
as they did all over Wall Street last fall. This bill also reduces
the conflicts of interest that allowed credit rating agencies
to falsely declare such institutions in good health long after
they were dangerously overleveraged. And should a major firm
still find itself on the verge of collapse, this bill allows
for an orderly dissolution process that insulates the rest of
the economy from the fallout and keeps taxpayers off the hook
for future bailouts.
“Last year, a Republican policy of deliberate neglect brought
our economy to the brink. Now, it is in our power to end that
neglect. And if we succeed by passing this bill, the effects
will not only be felt on trading floors and in boardrooms: they
will be felt in every one of the communities we speak for. If
a bill like this had been in place a little more than half a
decade ago, how many more families would still be in their homes?
How many retirements would be on sounder footing? How many millions
of Americans would still be at work? For all the irresponsibility
that failed those families and caused the crisis, the greatest
irresponsibility would be a failure to learn from it.”
###
|
Obama
plans TARP aid for small businesses - report
by Reuters
As an alternative, officials would also be prepared to ask Congress
to modify TARP itself by easing pay limits and other restrictions
that would be imposed ...
|
|
VIDEO:
Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA)
from C-SPAN Recent Video
Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) reacts to Senate efforts on health
care. Rep. Schwartz had supported the public option but also
supports the Senate Democratic idea of expanding Medicare to
people age 55 and up, though she has questions about how the
Senate would develop that idea. She's on Ways & Means Cmte,
one of the three House committees that produced health care bills.
Length: 25 min.
Published: Today at 7:30am (ET)
|
Russia
has no plans to sell emission quotas - Kremlin
from RIA Novosti
Russia currently has no plans to sell its greenhouse gas emission
quotas, the Kremlin climate change adviser told reporters on
Friday.
|
Oceans
absorb a quarter of annual emissions: report
from Reuters: Environment
COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - The world's oceans absorb about a quarter
of all carbon dioxide emitted by humans each year and it is making
the water so acidic it could start dissolving some cold water
corals, scientists said on Thursday.
|
China
says to subsidize buyers of green cars
from Reuters: Environment
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China will subsidize sales of green vehicles
in five cities selected for a pilot programme as the government
steps up efforts to promote environmentally friendly vehicles
in a bid to cut fuel emissions.
|
|
Clinton
puts best face on North Korea meeting
Posted: December 10th, 2009 01:39 PM ET
From CNN Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Jill Dougherty
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that recent
talks with North Korea were 'quite positive.'
Washington (CNN) - The Obama administration's first high-level
direct talks with North Korea yielded no promise by Pyongyang
to return to Six- Party negotiations aimed at ending its nuclear
program, but Secretary of State Hillary Clinton nonetheless Thursday
called the meeting "quite positive."
|
|
U.S.
House passes $447 billion government spending bill
Posted: December 10th, 2009 03:32 PM ET
From CNN Congressional Producer Deirdre
Walsh
Washington (CNN) - The House of Representatives
on Thursday passed a $447 billion spending bill that funds several
Cabinet departments and other agencies for the 2010 budget year
- money needed to keep government funded after next week.
|
Grayson
to Cheney: Time to 'STFU'
Posted: December 10th, 2009 03:41 PM ET
Grayson to Cheney: Time to ‘STFU’
Washington (CNN) – Outspoken Rep. Alan Grayson has a message
for blunt-speaking former Vice President Dick Cheney: stop talking.
|
|
Geithner
defends AIG bailout
Posted: December 10th, 2009 04:45 PM ET
From CNNMoney.com Senior Writer Jennifer
Liberto
Treasury Secretary Geithner defended the federal government's
bailout of AIG on Capitol Hill Thursday.
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney.com) – Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner
said on Thursday that he had no choice but to pay top dollar
to business partners of troubled insurer AIG to avert a deeper
financial panic last year.
|
|
Treasury:
Only about 4% get long-term mortgage help
Posted: December 10th, 2009 06:25 PM ET
From CNNMoney.com Senior Writer Tami Lubhy
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Only about 4%
of troubled borrowers have received long-term help under the
Obama administration's foreclosure prevention program, Treasury
officials said Thursday.
|
|
Biden
heads to Connecticut Friday to help out one of the Senate's Chris
Dodd
Posted: December 11th, 2009 10:20 AM ET
From CNN Deputy Political Director Paul
Steinhauser
Dodd faces a tough 2010 re-election fight.
Washington (CNN) – Joe Biden heads to Connecticut Friday
to help out one of the Senate's Chris Dodd.
|
Treasury
Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Warrants
December 11, 2009
TG-440
|
|
Remarks
to Vilnius University
Judith A. McHale
Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
Vilnius, Lithuania
December 11, 2009
|
|
US-CERT Current Activity
HP Releases Update to Address OpenView
Network Node Manager Vulnerabilities
Original release date: December 11, 2009
at 9:03 am
Last revised: December 11, 2009 at 9:03 am
HP has released a security bulletin to
address multiple
vulnerabilities in OpenView Network Node Manager. Exploitation
of
these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary
code.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators
to review HP security
bulletin c01950877 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate
the risks.
Relevant Url(s):
<http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c01950877>
====
This entry is available at
http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#hp_releases_update_to_address
|
Freezing
WISE's Hydrogen
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
A scaffolding structure built around NASA's Wide-field Infrared
Survey Explorer, or WISE, allows engineers to freeze its hydrogen
coolant. The WISE infrared instrument is kept extremely cold
by a bottle-like tank filled with frozen hydrogen, called the
cryostat. The cryostat can be seen at the top of the spacecraft.
Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Dynamics Lab
|
Gates
Meets Iraq Prime Minister
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:59:52 -0600
The recent surge in violence plaguing the Iraqi capitol of Baghdad
dominated talks between Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Iraqi
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
|
Afghan
Farmers
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:14:52 -0600
The Army and Afghan government are helping local farmers take
care of their futures.
|
Army
Suicide Numbers
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:17:08 -0600
The Army has released its suicide numbers for November.
|
THE
DAILY WHIPLINE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009
|
DOT
Secretary's Blog - Welcome to the Fast Lane for Department of
Transportation. This information
has recently been updated, and is now available.
|
Request
for Withholding Information from Public Disclosure - Proposed
License Amendment for Extended Power Uprate Operation, supplement
dated August 28, 2009 Re: C.D.I Proprietary Documents - Nine
Mile Point Nuclear Station Unit No. 2 (TAC NO. ME1476)
ADAMS Accession: ML093430003
|
Wall
Street Opens Higher After Retail Report
from NYT > World Business by By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The report showing a rise in retail sales increased hopes that
consumers are starting to feel more comfortable opening their
wallets after months of building up savings.
|
New
house prices higher in October
from CBC | British Columbia News
Statistics Canada says housing prices were on the rise in October.
|
Japan-U.S.
Open-Skies Discussions Extended
from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
TOKYO -(Dow Jones)- Japan and the U.S. extended talks toward
an "open-skies" agreement by an extra day Thursday,
as the two sides work toward a deal that could give U.S. carriers
more landing slots at..
|
Nikkei
Stock Average closed at 10,107.87, up 245.05 points
from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
TOKYO The Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues closed at 10,107.87
on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Friday, up 245.05 points or 2.48
per cent.
|
Solar
power coming to a store near you
from AP Top Science News At 5:42 a.m. EST by By CHRIS KAHN
NEW YORK (AP) -- Solar technology is going where it has never
gone before: onto the shelves at retail stores where do-it-yourselfers
can now plunk a panel into a shopping cart and bring it home
to install..
|
Chinese
economy recovering
from CBC | Ticker
China's exports are making a comeback after a jarring slump threw
millions out of work, a sign of improving global demand that
is helping the Chinese economy recover.
|
EU
pledges billions in climate aid
from ABC News: Top Stories
European leaders have pledged to provide more than $10 billion
over the next three years to help developing nations adapt to
climate change.
|
Treasury
to earn $936.1 mln from JPMorgan warrants
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
|
|
Retail
stocks rise after a rise in November sales
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Retail stocks
rose Friday after the Commerce Department data showed U.S. retail
sales rose a better-than-expected 1.3% in November, marking the
third increase in the past four months. The S&P Retail Index
rose 0.7% to 410.21. Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. shares
jumped 3.5% after the children's clothing retailer named Jan
Elfers as president and chief executive, effective Jan. 4, replacing
Chuck Crovitz, who has been serving as interim CEO since September
2007.
|
|
Tech
stocks edge higher led by Yahoo
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Technology
stocks edged higher as shares of Yahoo Inc. rose more than 1%
after Kaufman Bros. upgraded to stock to buy from hold. The Nasdaq
Composite Index added 0.4% to 2,199, while the Morgan Stanley
High Tech 35 Index gained 0.3%, but the Philadelphia Semiconductor
Index was down a fraction. Shares of National Semiconductor fell
more than 3% a day posting a higher quarterly profit. One analyst
cited concerns over shift in emphasis on revenue growth.
|
|
Energy
stocks rise in early action
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Energy stocks
posted mild gains in early action on Friday. The NYSE Arca Oil
Index rose 0.2% to 1,051. The NYSE Arca Natural Gas Index rose
0.1% to 500. The Philadelphia Oil Service Index rose 0.3% to
186.
|
|
Stocks
rise for 3rd day after upbeat retail sales
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- U.S. stocks opened
higher Friday, extending gains into a third day, after the government
reported better-than-expected retail sales in November. The Dow
Jones Industrial Average added 36.42 points to 10,443.16. The
S&P 500 Index rose 3.52 points to 1,105.87. And the Nasdaq
Composite climbed 8.08 points to 2,198.94.
|
|
Financials
rise as banks and TARP issues dominate
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Shares of U.S.
financial stocks rose Friday amid a mixed performance for large
cap banks, which dominated the news as they continue to wrestle
with repaying TARP investments from the government. Share of
Wells Fargo slipped 0.2% as reports surfaced on CNBC TV that
the firm is sounding out the markets on a possible equity issue,
with the proceeds presumably targeted for TARP repayment. Shares
of J.P. Morgan Chase , which has repaid its TARP investment;
fell about 0.5% on Friday. The U.S. government expects net proceeds
of $936 million from the sale of warrants to purchase the company's
common stock, the Treasury Department said Friday. Bank of America
, which repaid its TARP take earlier this week rose 0.5%, while
Citigroup , which is widely expected to repay TARP in the near
future, added 1.4% on Friday. The KBW Bank ETF , which tracks
the big bank sector, rose 0.8%. KeyCorp , which rose 1.4%, also
highlighted in the banking sector. Representing the broader financial
sector of the S&P 500, the Financial Select Sector SPDR ,
rose o.2%.
|
Dow
industrials gain 36.35 points to 10,442.18
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
|
Nasdaq
Composite rises 8.25 points to 2,199.11
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
|
|
Geithner
defends TARP, says turnaround remarkable
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Treasury Secretary
Timothy Geithner defended the government's $700 billion bank
bailout program on Thursday, saying the turnaround in U.S. financial
and economic conditions has been remarkable. Geithner's comments
came in testimony he will make to the Congressional Oversight
Panel that was set up to review the Troubled Asset Relief Program,
or TARP. In a recent report, the COP said the TARP may have stopped
a global financial meltdown but hasn't achieved other goals.
Geithner, who announced on Tuesday that he is extending TARP
until next October, agreed that the government needed to find
ways to help mitigate foreclosures and get credit to small businesses.
He stressed that TARP successfully achieved its "primary
purpose" to avert a collapse of the financial system.
|
Economic
Report: U.S. debts grow at slowest pace on record
from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories
The outstanding debt of U.S. companies, households and governments
rose at the slowest rate on record in the third quarter, as households
reduced debts for the fifth straight quarter, the Federal Reserve
reports.
|
Bidders
offer $2.45 for each $1 of 30-yr debt sold
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
|
Treasury
sells $13 bln in 30-year bonds at 4.52%
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
|
Stephanopoulos
joins ABC's morning crew
from L.A. Times - Entertainment News
The former Clinton administration official is moving from 'This
Week' to 'Good Morning America.'
|
Japan's
Nikkei up 1% at 9,958.00 in early trade
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
|
Hang
Seng Index rises 1.8% to 22,099.54
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
|
|
Chinese
bank lending rises in November
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Chinese financial
institutions disbursed 294.8 billion yuan ($43.2 billion) in
new loans in November, data released by the central bank showed
Friday. The closely watched figure marked a rise over the 253
billion yuan worth of loans in October, but were lower than the
average monthly loans extended this year after record lending
in the first half of 2009.
|
ING
to exercise early aid repayment option
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
|
North
Korea hints ready to return to nuclear talks
from canada.com World News
North Korea indicated on Friday it was ready to end its year-long
boycott of nuclear negotiations, following talks in the reclusive
state this week with a U.S. envoy trying to revive a disarmament-for-aid
deal.
|
|
IEA
raises forecast for 2010 oil demand
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
FRANKFURT (MarketWatch) -- The International
Energy Agency has revised up by 130,000 barrels a day its forecast
for 2010 global oil demand, which is now expected to average
86.3 million barrels a day. In its monthly oil report released
Friday, the IEA also left its forecast for this year's oil demand
virtually unchanged at 84.9 million barrels a day, a decline
of 1.6% year-on-year. "Growth continues to be driven by
non-OECD countries, notably in Asia and the Middle East,"
the IEA said. "Nonetheless, OECD prospects have improved
to some extent, particularly in the Pacific." The IEA also
updated its medium-term forecast released in June. Oil demand
is now expected to be some 1.9 million barrels a day higher over
2009-2014 when compared with the June forecast. In recent trading,
January crude futures gained 51 cents, or 0.7%, to $71.05 a barrel
in electronic trading on Globex.
|
Miners
help European shares to sharp gains
from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories
European shares rose on Friday, with miners lifted by hopes for
rising demand for metals after data indicated that China’s
economic recovery continues to strengthen.
|
UN
Afghan head to quit post in March
from CBC | Ticker
The top United Nations official in Afghanistan has asked UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon to start looking for his replacement.
|
Zelaya
to leave Honduras by Jan. 27
from CBC | Ticker
Manuel Zelaya, the ousted president of Honduras, says he will
leave the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa by Jan. 27.
|
|
Mercedes-Benz
sales in China seen up 60% in 2009
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
FRANKFURT (MarketWatch) -- German car maker
Daimler AG said Friday it expects sales of its Mercedes-Benz
brand in China to increase by more than 60% in 2009 compared
to last year. In November, Mercedes-Benz again set a sales record
in China, tripling the number of vehicles sold to 8,700 units,
Daimler said. As a result, the brand has sold a total of 60,700
passenger vehicles in China, including Hong Kong, representing
an increase of 56%. Mercedes-Benz also posted growth in the other
so-called BRIC countries in November. Sales of Mercedes-Benz
vehicles were up 81% in Brazil and 25% in India. However, the
brand grew by only 3% in Russia, whose car market has seen a
dramatic decline this year.
|
U.S.
Nov retail sales up 1.3% vs up 0.5% expected
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
|
U.S.
retail sales up for a third month in four
from MarketWatch.com - MarketWatch Breaking News Bulletins
U.S. retail sales up for a third month in four
|
Movers
& Shakers: Friday's biggest gaining and declining stocks
from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories
Shares of companies making noteworthy moves in U.S. pre-market
trading include Boeing, Citigroup and National Semiconductor.
|
Economic
Report: Retail sales sparkle in November
from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories
U.S. retail sales rose an encouraging 1.3% in November, marking
the third increase in the past four months, according to the
Commerce Department.
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U.S.
stock futures rise on retail sales gain
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- U.S. stock futures
gained Friday after the government reported retail sales climbed
1.3% in November, better than expected. Futures for the Dow Jones
Industrial Average gained 50 points to 10,393. Those for the
S&P 500 Index climbed 6.8 at 1,104.00. Nasdaq 100 futures
advanced 11 points to 1,809.
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Dollar
recovers from loss after retail sales jumps
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The dollar recovered
from earlier losses versus major currencies on Friday after government
data showed retail sales jumped more than twice as much as expected,
up 1.3% in November. Excluding autos, sales rose 1.2%, also more
than forecast. The dollar index , a measure of the buck against
a trade-weighted basket of rival currencies, traded at 76.064,
from 75.934 before the data and compared to 75.996 on Thursday.
Still to come is a report on consumer sentiment.
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Safeway
boosts stock buyback plan by $1 billion
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Safeway Inc.
on Friday said it'll increase its stock buyback plan by $1 billion
to $6 billion. Through the end of the third quarter, the Pleasanton,
Calif. supermarket giant had repurchased approximately $4.3 billion
of its stock and had approximately $720 million remaining under
its stock repurchase program. The company said the timing and
volume of future repurchases will depend on market conditions.
Safeway also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 10
cents per share payable on Jan. 14 to stockholders of record
at the close of business on Dec. 24.
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Treasury
to earn $936 mln from JPMorgan warrants
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The U.S. government
expects net proceeds of $936 million from the sale of warrants
to purchase common stock of JPMorgan Chase, the Treasury Department
announced Friday. The secondary public offering of 88.4 million
warrants was priced in an auction at $10.75 per warrant. Closing
of the sale is expected at December 16. The government received
the warrants in return for its investment in JP Morgan Chase
under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
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U.S.
Retail Sales Exceed Forecasts
from NYT > Home Page by By REUTERS
Consumers spent more on gasoline and a wide range of other goods,
data showed, raising hopes of a self-sustaining economic recovery.
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Strong
U.S. retail sales rise boosts recovery hopes
from Reuters: Top News
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sales at U.S. retailers rose more than
expected in November as consumers stepped up spending on gasoline
and a wide range of other goods, data showed on Friday, raising
hopes of a self-sustaining economic recovery.
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EU
nations commit $3.6 billion to climate fund
from AP Top Headlines At 4:24 a.m. EST by By AOIFE WHITE
BRUSSELS (AP) -- EU leaders agreed Friday to commit euro2.4 billion
($3.6 billion) a year until 2012 to help poorer countries combat
global warming, as they sought to rescue their image as climate
change innovators and bolster the talks in Copenhagen....
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November
retail sales rise more than expected
from Los Angeles Times - Top News
Retail sales rose more than expected in November, boosting hopes
that the all-important consumer sector will support the fragile
recovery.
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New
Discoveries Could Improve Climate Projections
from USGS Newsroom by OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications
Web Group)
|
House
Passes FY 2010 National Service Budget
from Learn and Serve America - Newsroom Feed
A few minutes ago, the House of Representatives passed the FY
2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act, bringing us a step closer
to a final budget for national service.
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New
York Fed announces $3 billion in TALF loans settled for December
3 facility
from NY Fed | News
|
S
Korea's central bank revises up growth outlook for 2010 to 4.6%
from South Korea News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
The South Korean economy is likely to post a gross domestic product
(GDP) growth rate of 4.6 percent next year on the back of robust
consumer spending and exports, thecentral bank said Friday, revisin...
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North
Korean Assessment of US Visit Seen as Positive in South Korea
from South Korea News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency says the meeting
with U.S. envoy Stephen Bosworth produced 'a series of common
understandings on the need to resume the six-party talks.'
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Treasury
Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Warrants
from U.S. Treasury - Press Releases - All
December 11, 2009
TG-440
|
Treasury
Department Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Warrants to
Purchase Common Stock
from U.S. Treasury - Press Releases - All
December 11, 2009
TG-441
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CVM
What's New, for newly posted information on the U.S. Food &
Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine's
(CVM) Website. This information
has recently been updated, and is now available.
|
FEC Draft Advisory Opinion 2009-28, http://saos.nictusa.com/aodocs/1089895.pdf
|
Troops,
Government Team Up to Rebuild Bridge
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:39:00 -0600
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CANADA
GOV newsbrief has been updated
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Meeting this Sunday and Habitat for
Humanity
Happy Holidays to all!
The last meeting of the year is this Sunday
at Panera in West Hartford at 6pm. We will discuss some upcoming
events and our thoughts on 2010 as well as some things our chapter
can do to help those indeed in this holiday season.
Speaking of which, in the holiday spirit
we have been rescheduled for Habitat for Humanity next Saturday
December 19th I know this is last minute but just think of the
family that we are going to be helping out this holiday season.
I am asking if you are interested in doing
Habitat to please RSVP to this email ASAP or call me at 860-803-5103.
I need 15 people locked in for the 19th.
This will be a great way for our chapter to come together for
the holiday season and help those that are less fortunate then
ourselves.
I hope to see you all this Sunday at 6pm
and Happy Holidays!
Best,
Liam
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Dot
Mil Docs on TRICARE Overseas
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:00:00 -0600
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"No,
No, No" Not Helping Republicans
David Frum thinks the Republican's "no, no, no" policy
is a losing strategy.
"The furious rejectionist frenzy of
the past 12 months is exacting a terrible price upon Republicans.
We're getting worse and less conservative results out of Washington
than we could have negotiated, if we had negotiated... Even if
we gain seats in 2010, the actions of this congressional session
will not be reversed. Shrink Medicare after it has expanded?
Hey, we said we'd never do that."
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Mullen
on Afghanistan
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:56:09 -0600
Transition will occur as soon as Afghanistan is in position to
take the lead according to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, ADM
Michael Mullen.
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Afghan
Security Leaders Thank Gates for Support
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:04:00 -0600
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Miami
Most Wanted for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Accredited
Laboratory Program (ALP) Directory for the USDA Food Safety and
Inspection Service. The listing
has been updated for December, and is now available.
|
FDA
Enforcement Report for December 9, 2009
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:11:00 -0600
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Registration is Now Open for the 4th Annual
HAZUS Conference
August 23-25, 2010
Downtown Indianapolis
Click here to register!
The HAZUS Conference provides a unique opportunity for users
of all levels in a wide variety of professions (e.g., first responders,
local government decision makers, planners, GIS specialists)
to share expertise and experience in the development and use
of HAZUS-MH.
Visit the HAZUS Website at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus for
other available HAZUS resources.
|
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report
for the U.S. Department of Labor. This information has recently
been updated.
In the week ending Dec. 5, the advance figure for seasonally
adjusted initial claims was 474,000, an increase of 17,000 from
the previous week's unrevised figure of 457,000. The 4-week moving
average was 473,750, a decrease of 7,750 from the previous week's
revised average of 481,500.
Read
the full news release.
|
Most
Surge Troops Identified, Official Says
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:16:00 -0600
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Petraeus
on Capitol Hill
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:19:04 -0600
The Commander of U.S. Central Command told lawmakers Wednesday
progress in Afghanistan will be slower than it was in Iraq.
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GEN
McChrystal on PBS
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:47:38 -0600
The Commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan says policies
on fighting terrorism have evolved since the military began fighting
al Qaeda.
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SOFIA
Aloft
Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
An F/A-18 mission support aircraft shadows NASA's Stratospheric
Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, 747SP during a
functional check flight Dec. 9, 2009. The flight included an
evaluation of the aircraft's systems, including engines, flight
controls and communication. Image Credit: NASA/ Jim Ross
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Science
and Technology Snapshots for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
New
Orleans Most Wanted for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Statistics for the U.S. Department of Labor. This information has recently been updated.
The following statistics were updated:
U.S. Import Price Index (USIPI)
View the latest DOL
statistics.
|
DHS
Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 21 pages - 151
KB)
|
Grand
Gulf Nuclear Station, Unit 1 - Request for Withholding Information
from Public Disclosure
Adams Accession No. ML093170770
|
Oklahoma
City Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
FOIA
Request Report for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. This information has recently been updated for
November 2009, and is now available.
|
Petraeus
on Capitol Hill
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:40:46 -0600
The Commander of U.S. Central Command says progress in Afghanistan
will be slower than it was in Iraq.
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Gates
in Afghanistan
Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:07:41 -0600
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said this week's press conference
with Afghan President Hamid Karzai got the attention of the Afghan
security forces and civilian population.
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Former
Director on Redstone Arsenal Sentenced for $1.6 Million Procurement
Fraud and Bribery Scheme
|
GEN
Petraeus Testimony
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:50:44 -0600
GEN David Petraeus, CENTCOM commander, says the situation in
Afghanistan is likely to get worse before it gets better.
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Marines
in Helmand
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:55:27 -0600
On the ground in Afghanistan, Marines routinely patrol the area
around their outposts in an effort to further secure the region
and win the trust of Afghans.
|
San
Diego Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Houston
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
AHRQ
Draft TA for review
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:13:50 -0600
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Afghan
Government Must Be Credible, McChrystal Says
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:33:00 -0600
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Gates
to Discuss Progress, Drawdown in Baghdad
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:30:00 -0600
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Time
Right to Transfer Security to Iraqis, Odierno Says
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:36:00 -0600
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DoD
General Officer Announcements
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:30:00 -0600
|
FBI
Top Stories for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Terror
Attacks Dominate Gates' Meetings in Baghdad
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:44:00 -0600
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Judge
Informs Congress About Recusal Standards
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:39:00 -0600
|
McChrystal
Concludes Hearings on Afghanistan
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:07:00 -0600
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NRC
to Hold Enforcement Conference Dec. 17 with Department of Veterans
Affairs
|
Drawdown
Tracks With Iraqi Progress, General Says
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:29:00 -0600
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The latest U. S. Import and Export Price
Indexes news release
(http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ximpim.pdf)
was issued today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Highlights
are below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The U.S. Import Price Index advanced 1.7
percent in November, led by a 7.3 percent rise
in fuel prices. The increase followed a 0.8 percent advance in
October. U.S. export prices
rose 0.8 percent in November after a 0.2 percent increase the
previous month.
|
Request
for Withholding Information from Public Disclosure - Proposed
License Amendment for Extended Power Uprate Operation dated May
27, 2009 Re: GEH Proprietary Documents - Nine Mile Point Nuclear
Station Unit No. 2 (TAC NO. ME1476)
|
GEN
McChrystal on National Guard
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:27:33 -0600
GEN McChrystal praises the accomplishments of National Guardsmen
in Afghanistan.
|
Cotton-on-Call
for CFTC.gov.
The Cotton On-Call Report # 49 is now available.
See previous weeks in Historical
Cotton On-Call Reports.
|
Anchorage
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
What's
on Americans' Minds?
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Khartoum Crackdown Threatens Sudan Peace
Process as USCIRF Watches
KHARTOUM, Sudan – During an official
visit to Sudan by the U.S. Commission on International Religious
Freedom (USCIRF), government police and security personnel arrested
and abused opposition members of Sudan’s National Assembly
during their attempt to peacefully present a letter urging the
enactment of human rights reforms and other key legislation necessary
to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
USCIRF today urged U.S. Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton to take action to ensure the full implementation
of the CPA.
“We are thoroughly distressed and
shocked by these most unfortunate and appalling events. The ruling
party’s lack of good faith and fair dealing on CPA-required
agreements in recent months has reached a new low,” said
USCIRF Chair Leonard Leo on his way back from Khartoum. Leo led
the USCIRF delegation from Dec. 6-10, 2009. “We watched
the CPA being hijacked in front of our eyes.”
Leo noted that there is a widespread perception
in Sudan that the U.S. Special Envoy and the European Union Special
Representative, as well as African Union countries, China and
others with a special relationship with Sudan, have emboldened
the National Congress Party.
“What we heard and saw in Sudan confirms
this, with the ruling party now ignoring the constitution and
laws and using security forces to arrest and beat senior government
officials with impunity in the capital city,” said Leo.
“Leadership will come only from the top, and many of the
officials we met were urging the Commission to take home a plea
for greater U.S. strength and pressure on recalcitrant signatories.
We call upon Secretary Clinton in the next two weeks to send
a strong message to the CPA signatory parties, as well as the
international community, by personally standing with the peace
process and seeking to reestablish a level playing field for
fair and full implementation of the CPA.”
In meetings with senior Sudan People’s
Liberation Movement (SPLM) officials following the events on
December 7th, including a meeting with SPLM National Assembly
Caucus Leader Yassir Arman and other members of parliament, the
Commission was told of physical beatings. An SPLM official revealed
bruises, which he said were the result of being struck with batons
and kicked repeatedly. In addition to Arman, officials detained
included six other National Assembly members, three state parliamentarians
and one state minister.
In addition to the detention of 11 SPLM
government officials, USCIRF was told that approximately 120
women were detained as they peacefully demonstrated against the
actions of the security officials and called for the release
of those leaders being held in custody. Reportedly, dozens of
women were beaten with batons once they were loaded into the
police transport vehicles. USCIRF was also told that several
SPLM officers elsewhere in Sudan were arrested, denied legal
representation, and prevented from holding press conferences
in response to the arrests in Khartoum.
USCIRF demands a prompt, impartial and
effective investigation into the physical abuse and de facto
detention of SPLM parliamentarians outside the National Assembly.
“It was shameful for NCP officials
to subject one party to the peace negotiations and of the government
to this kind of unlawful treatment,” said Commissioner Felice
Gaer, who helped to lead the mission to Sudan.
Prior to their detention, the SPLM officials
tried to present a memorandum to the Speaker of the National
Assembly demanding action on outstanding bills necessary to reform
Sudan’s laws to bring them into compliance with international
human rights standards and to implement key provisions of the
2005 CPA, which ended more than 20 years of civil war between
the North and the South.
Reforms of the national security law and
the criminal procedures laws are vital to ensuring free, fair,
and credible elections in April 2010. USCIRF has urged that prompt
adoption of outstanding laws on the referendum for self-determination
for Southern Sudan in 2011, the Abeyei referendum in 2011, and
popular consultations for Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State
and Blue Nile State is imperative to prevent a return to civil
war in Sudan. These bills need to be adopted in the current National
Assembly session that is scheduled to end on December 21.
“The Speaker of the National Assembly
was aware of this memorandum and stated to the national media
that he would welcome its receipt. The fact is that the immunity
that members of parliament legally enjoy was apparently of no
consequence to the ruling party,” said Imam Talal Eid, who
also was on the delegation. “What these beatings and arrests
of elected officials tell us, along with the allegations that
media photos of the incident were confiscated, is that the ruling
party cannot be trusted to participate in the implementation
of free and fair elections without additional and substantial
international pressure.”
The Commission conducted its consultations
in Khartoum December 6-10, having met with a number of high-ranking
officials from the Government of South Sudan as well as the government
in Khartoum, the SPLM and opposition parties, and the Assessment
and Evaluation Commission, among others. However, the Minister
of Interior canceled his meeting with Commissioners shortly after
the crackdown at the parliament, and the Minister of Justice
rejected repeated requests to meet.
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S.
federal government commission. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed
by the President and the leadership of both political parties
in the Senate and the House of Representatives. USCIRF’s
principal responsibilities are to review the facts and circumstances
of violations of religious freedom internationally and to make
policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State
and Congress.
To interview a USCIRF Commissioner, contact
Tom Carter, Communications Director tcarter@uscirf.gov, or (202)
523-3257.
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Yellow
Ribbon Summit Tackles Top Issues
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:26:00 -0600
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Chicago
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
CDC
Genomics & Health Weekly Update
|
Pittsburgh
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Army,
Marines Adjust 'Reset' for Afghan Buildup
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:44:00 -0600
|
Richmond
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Woonsocket,
Rhode Island, Police Officer Indicted on Federal Civil Rights
Charges
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:16:39 -0600
A federal grand jury in Providence, R.I., has indicted an officer
with the Woonsocket Police Department, charging him with violating
the civil rights of a 16 year-old juvenile by physically assaulting
him, as well as obstruction of justice.
|
Boston
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
CFTC
News Room for the latest news
and events or News
Room Archives for previous releases.
|
MSB
Registration List Updated as of November 2009 is now available.
|
Enforcement
Actions for CFTC.gov.
|
Publications
and Products (NIOSH) for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). This information has
recently been updated, and is now available.
|
Dallas
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Vaccines
and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Briefing Documents
|
NRC
Seeks Public Comment on Draft Envirionmental Reports for Three
Proposed Uranium Recovery Facilities
|
Boston
Top Stories for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Export
Requirements for Meat & Poultry Products for USDA Food Safety
and Inspection Service. The
export requirements for Canada have been revised. This information
has recently been updated.
You may view a copy of the updated information.
|
Eligible
U.S. Establishments by Country for USDA Food Safety and Inspection
Service. The Eligible Plant
Lists for Australia and Russia (Pork) have been revised. 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.
|
President
In Norway
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:33:06 -0600
President Obama confirms to reporters his commitment to transition
control of Afghanistan to Afghan Forces starting July 2011.
|
Walter
Reed Patients Test Next-generation Prosthesis
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:34:00 -0600
|
Dallas
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
BIS publishes Final Rule on Implementation
of the Wassenaar Arrangement's Task Force on Editorial Issues
Revisions.
Please visit http://www.bis.doc.gov/
for more information.
This email was sent at your request, based upon your subscription
to the BIS Email Notification service.
The BIS Web Site Team
|
OIP
FOIA Post for U.S. Department of Justice. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
2009
H1N1 and Seasonal Flu and African American Communities: Questions
and Answers
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:20:00 -0600
|
The
Estimated Number of U.S. 2009 H1N1 Cases, Hospitalizations and
Deaths
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:20:00 -0600
CDC developed a method to provide an estimated range of the total
number of 2009 H1N1 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the
United States by age group using data on flu associated hospitalizations
collected through CDC's Emerging Infections Program.
|
Highlights:
Rising Tensions in Sudan
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0600
|
High-Level
Government Employee Sentenced in $1.6 Million Bribery Scheme
Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:41:08 -0600
Michael L. Cantrell, of Huntsville, Alabama, a former high-level
government employee with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense
Command in Huntsville, was sentenced to five years in prison
for a procurement fraud scheme that netted him $1.6 million in
bribes.
|
|
The National Center for Education Statistics
(NCES), Institute of Education Sciences is sponsoring a 3-day
advanced studies seminar on the use of the Early Childhood Longitudinal
Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) database. The ECLS-B is designed
to support research on a wide range of topics pertaining to young
children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development
and their health status across multiple contexts (e.g., home,
child care and kindergarten). The seminar will take place from
January 20-22, 2010 in Washington, DC.
http://www.disability.gov/health/research_%26_statistics
|
The
DOL Newsletter - December 10, 2009
|
|
Fahrenkamp Luncheon
"Our speaker this week will be John
Carlson, Principal of the Watershed School in Fairbanks. He has
taught public school since 1980 in both elementary and high school.
In 1992 he taught two years in the Bristol Bay area in a Yupik
village called Togiak. It was there he became interested in hands-on
learning. He moved to Fairbanks in 1994 to teach with the FNSBSD
and complete his masters degree in cross cultural education.
His masters project was on place-based education with a focus
on our Noyes Slough. He then completed an additional graduate
degree in school administration. Combining his interest in place-based
education and school administration the Watershed school was
conceived.
The Watershed School is the outcome of a group of parents, community
experts, and local teachers. More information on Watershed is
available at http://www.thewatershedschool.com.
John will be discussing what it takes to open a charter school."
|
The
American Veteran
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:32:25 -0600
A video news magazine designed to inform veterans, their families
and their communities about the services and benefits they have
earned through their service to America.
|
NASA
Marks the Joint Typhoon Warning Center's 50th Anniversary
Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
|
Scarce
Water, Our Quiet Sun and Space Rocks Among NASA News Highlights
at American Geophysical Union Meeting
Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
|
|
Citizen
Hope's 2nd Annual Holiday Love Party
"What are the holidays really about? Love. Come get some."
What: Holiday Party
Start Time: Friday, December 25 at 9:00pm
End Time: Saturday, December 26 at 2:00am
Where: Manor West
To see more details and RSVP
|
NEW GOV JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS have
been posted at www.usdemocrats.com/ticker/jobs/
|
U.S.
Role in Iraq Remains Critical, Gates Says
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:40:00 -0600
|
Statement
by Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne
Duncan on Joint Study on School Crime and Safety
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:40:59 -0600
|
|
Help the DFL this Saturday!!!!
Hey Everyone,
This Saturday Eleven DFL Caucuses are combining
their candidate screening in
one day.
All of the Gubernatorial candidates will
be at Patrick Henry High School
(4320 Newton Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55412) from about 8am to
3:30pm. We
need about ten volunteers to ensure that each candidate makes
it to the
appropriate room at the precise times. We also need eleven MYDFL'ers
to
keep the time so candidates addresses each Constituency for exact
intervals. If either of these jobs are not done in an efficient
manner, the
entire schedule will break down.
So long story short, we need twenty volunteers
to make this event a
success. We hope that many more than twenty will show, so they
can meet all
the candidates in one place!
Please email this to anyone you think would
be interested, and reply if you
know that you will be attending and would like to volunteer.
Thanks,
Arron Olson
|
Transcript
of Obama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech
|
Remarks
by the President after Nobel Peace Prize signing ceremony
|
Remarks
by President Obama and Prime Minister Stoltenberg of Norway during
Joint Press Availability
|
Statement
by the Press Secretary on the Comprehensive Energy Framework
Announced by Senators Kerry, Lieberman, and Graham
|
President
Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 12/10/09
|
Declaraciones
del Presidente al aceptar el Premio Nobel de la Paz
|
Remarks
by the President at the Acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize
|
Toast
Remarks by the President at the 2009 Nobel Banquet
|
|
Why
an Open Government Matters
Posted by Norm Eisen, Beth Noveck on December 9, 2009 at 3:16
PM EST
Each year millions of visitors stream through
the rotunda of the National Archives in Washington, DC, to view
the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of
Independence. These foundational documents of our democracy are
on public display because of the importance of openness in government.
|
Obama:
Three New Initiatives to Help Community Health Centers
Posted by Molly Fedick on December 9, 2009 at 5:11 PM EST
|
|
The
First Days of Copenhagen
Posted by Jake Levine on December 10, 2009 at 10:40 AM EST
The UN climate conference in Copenhagen
(COP-15) kicked off on Monday and activity at the conference
has increasingly picked up as the global community, with the
United States in a leading role, works towards securing the strongest
possible outcome in Copenhagen.
|
|
War
and Peace in Oslo
Posted by Jesse Lee on December 10, 2009 at 11:31 AM EST
This morning the President spoke at the
Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony at the Oslo City Hall
|
|
On
the Ground in Copenhagen: Interior Secretary Salazar
Posted by Jake Levine on December 10, 2009 at 12:00 PM EST
We just caught up with Interior Secretary
Ken Salazar as he was getting ready to headline today's keynote
event at the U.S. Center in Copenhagen. The Secretary has had
a packed schedule since he arrived in Copenhagen -- including
his first tour of an offshore wind facility, which, he said,
was an incredible educational experience and will inform his
thinking as he initiates programs to begin standing up renewable
energy operations on our public lands and off our public waters.
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Hearing
from the Kennedy Center Honorees
Posted by Jason Djang on December 10, 2009 at 6:37 PM EST
|
Policy
Forum on Public Access to Federally Funded Research: Implementation
Posted by Diane DiEuliis and Robynn Sturm on December 10, 2009
at 8:43 PM EST
|
Europe
and Eurasia: Assessing the State of U.S.-Turkish Relations
The Europe and Eurasia Regional Policy Overview has been updated
with the Secretary of State's remarks with the Ukrainian Foreign
Minister, remarks by the President with the Prime Minister of
Turkey, a State Department briefing on the Turkish Prime Minister's
visit to the U.S., articles from the Council on Foreign Relations
and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy covering the
visit and assessing the state of U.S.-Turkish relations, a German
Institute for International and Security Affairs report presenting
a systematic assessment of European Security and Defence Policy
(ESDP) missions and operations, a Danish Institute for International
Studies report analyzing the foreign and regional policy objectives
of French President Sarkozy, a French Institute of International
Relations report assessing the future of Ukraine's role in energy
transit, a Chatham House report examining the state of energy
security in Europe, and a Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute report evaluating the European Union's policy on nuclear
non-proliferation. Please see the Recently Added Documents section
for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
|
Saudi
Arabia: Impact of the Saudi Oil Industry and Political Economy
on the Nation's Climate Policy
The Saudi Arabia MiPAL has been updated with a Finnish Institute
of International Affairs report analyzing the impact of Saudi
Arabia's oil industry and political economy on the nation's climate
policy and a Jamestown Foundation article providing details on
the tactics used by leaders of al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia. Please
see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this
country - the newest updates are in bold.
|
Iraq's
Revised Election Law and Upcoming Parliamentary Elections
The Iraq MiPAL has been updated with a statement by the Secretary
of State on recent bombings in Iraq, a statement by the White
House Press Secretary on the passage of Iraq's revised election
law, a Council on Foreign Relations article assessing the state
of Iraq's election law, and an Institute for the Study of War
report analyzing prospects for Iraq's upcoming parliamentary
elections. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for
the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
|
Homeland
Security: The Implementation of the Obama Administration's Cyber
Security Policy
The Homeland Security MiPAL has been updated with a series of
Senate hearings examining oversight issues in the Department
of Homeland Security and evaluating efforts to stop the travel
of terrorists, a RAND Corporation report assessing the role of
deterrence in counterterrorism security, a Department of Homeland
Security report reviewing major management challenges facing
the Department, the White House's National Strategy for Countering
Biological Threats, and an Internet Security Alliance report
on the implementation of the Obama Administration's cyber security
strategy. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for
the latest on this topic - the newest updates are in bold.
|
Iran's
Nuclear Weapons Capability
The Iran MiPAL has been updated with a State Department briefing
on U.S. and Turkish foreign policy on Iran and Iran's nuclear
program, a statement by the Secretary of State on an American
citizen missing in Iran, a series of Arms Control Association
articles evaluating Iran's nuclear weapons capability, the potential
effectiveness of stronger sanctions against Iran, and the International
Atomic Energy Agency's perspective on Iran's nuclear facilities,
a Netherlands Institute of International Relations 'Clingendael'
report analyzing Iran's relations with China and the west, and
articles from the China and Eurasia Forum Quarterly examining
Iran's relations in Central Asia and in the South Caucasus. Please
see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this
country - the newest updates are in bold.
|
North
Korea: Special Representative's Visit to North Korea
The North Korea MiPAL has been updated with a briefing by the
Special Representative for North Korea Policy on his recent visit
to Pyongyang, articles from the Carnegie Endowment for International
Peace and the Arms Control Association on the Special Representative's
visit to North Korea, a Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute report analyzing the implications of North Korea's
nuclear testing initiatives in 2009, and a United States Institute
of Peace report examining the revaluation of North Korea's currency.
Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest
on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
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World
Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates
Issued monthly, WASDE provides the most current USDA forecasts
of U.S. and world supply-use balances for major grains, soybeans
and products, and cotton, and U.S. supply and use data for sugar
and livestock products.
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FY
2010 Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Conference
The annual Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Conference
identifies emerging research issues related to domestic food
assistance and nutrition programs administered by USDA. Recently
completed research will also be discussed. This year’s conference—Emerging
Issues and Recent Findings—will be held on December 10,
2009, in the Frederick Waugh Auditorium at the Economic Research
Service, 1800 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. Information
on registration and a preliminary agenda is available.
|
Latest
U.S. Agricultural Trade Data
This data product announces USDA's monthly release of calendar
year, fiscal year, year-to-date, and monthly value of U.S. agricultural
exports, imports, and trade balance.
|
Season-Average
Price Forecasts
A futures-price forecasting model is used to provide season-average
price forecasts for corn, soybeans, and wheat. In addition to
the monthly forecasts for prices received, the model computes
a forecast for the counter-cyclical payment rate for each commodity.
The 2002 Farm Act provides for counter-cyclical payments when
prices are below specified levels.
|
U.S.
International Trade in Goods and Services, September 2009
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis,
through the Department of Commerce, announced today that total
October exports of $136.8 billion and imports of $169.8 billion
resulted in a goods and services deficit of $32.9 billion, down
from $35.7 billion in September, revised. October exports were
$3.5 billion more than September exports of $133.4 billion. October
imports were $0.7 billion more than September imports of $169.0
billion.
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SEC
Charges Attorney in Insider Trading Scheme
The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged an additional
attorney who worked at international law firm Ropes & Gray
LLP in the agency's ongoing investigation into a $20 million
insider trading ring involving Wall Street traders, lawyers,
and hedge fund managers.
|
Gates,
Clinton to testify on cost of Afghan surge
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and
Defense Secretary Robert Gates will face questioning next week
from lawmakers who control government spending about the cost
of the Obama administration's surge of troops into Afghanistan,
congressional aides said on Thursday.
|
U.S.
poll shows many Israelis positive on Obama
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama has a higher
approval rating among Israelis than is widely believed, undercutting
arguments he has lost Israeli public support for new peace efforts,
a poll said on Thursday.
|
Debt
limit to rise with Defense bill: Pelosi
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Legislation to increase the federal debt
limit got a boost on Thursday when House of Representatives Speaker
Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday that it would be combined with
a must-pass military spending bill.
|
Pelosi
backs expansion of Medicare in Senate plan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's bid to overhaul
the U.S. healthcare system appeared to get a boost on Thursday
when the top Democrat in the House of Representatives signaled
interest in a Senate Democratic compromise.
|
Pelosi
hopes to pass House jobs bill next week
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - House of Representatives Speaker Nancy
Pelosi said on Thursday that she hopes to pass a jobs package
next week that would extend unemployment benefits, provide aid
to troubled U.S. states and small businesses, and boost infrastructure
spending.
|
House
nears passage of financial rules overhaul
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives worked its
way closer on Thursday to passage of the most sweeping changes
in financial regulation proposed since the Great Depression,
voting on key parts of a bill hammered out in response to last
year's financial crisis.
|
Defense
contracts raise eyebrows
by Jen DiMascio
A new inspector general report is adding fuel to demands calling
for tougher conflict-of-interest rules
|
Obama
to meet with bank chiefs again
by Eamon Javers
Financial industry officials expect Obama to push strongly for
more lending.
|
Statements
by OPM and OMB on President Obama's Signing of an Executive Order
Creating Labor-Management Forums to Improve Delivery of Government
Services
by Office of Communications
|
Joe
Meinhardt Named Director of Ombudsman Operation
by Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Ombudsman Larry Hattix
recently announced Joe Meinhardt to be the Director of Ombudsman
Operation.
|
Comptroller
of the Currency Announces Community Bank Directors Workshops
for 2010
by Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
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.
|
Senior
Deputy Comptroller Testifies on the State of Loan Modifications
by Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Senior Deputy Comptroller for Large Bank Supervision Douglas
W. Roeder today testified before the House Committee on Financial
Services about the state of homeowner assistance.
|
Comptroller
of the Currency Hosts Community Bank Directors Workshops in Miami
by Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will host workshops
for directors of nationally chartered community banks in Miami,
at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, January 12-13, 2010.
|
New
York Fed purchases $16 billion net ($27.3 billion gross) in agency
mortgage-backed securities
|
GAO-10-34,
Telecommunications: FCC Needs to Improve Oversight of Wireless
Phone Service, November 10, 2009
|
GAO-10-297T,
Smithsonian Institution: Governance and Facilities Reforms Progressing,
but Work Remains, December 10, 2009
|
GAO-10-312T,
Recovery Act: States' Use of Highway and Transit Funds and Efforts
to Meet the Act's Requirements, December 10, 2009
|
GAO-10-43,
Transportation Worker Identification Credential: Progress Made
in Enrolling Workers and Activating Credentials but Evaluation
Plan Needed to Help Inform the Implementation of Card ...
|
GAO-10-314T,
Rail Transit: Observations on FTA's State Safety Oversight Program
and Potential Change in Its Oversight Role, December 10, 2009
In Process
|
GAO-10-231,
Recovery Act: Status of States' and Localities' Use of Funds
and Efforts to Ensure Accountability, December 10, 2009
|
FRB
Duke, Envisioning a Future for Housing Finance
Speech at the Mortgage Foreclosure Policy Conference, Federal
Reserve Bank of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
|
S.
2778, Economic Development Revitalization Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Seante
Committee on Environment and Public Works on November 18, 2009
|
S.
592, Local Community Radio Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on November
19, 2009
|
Additional
Information on the Effects of Tort Reform
Letter to the Honorable John D. Rockefeller IV
|
H.R.
1084, CALM Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Energy and Commerce on November 19, 2009
|
H.R.
2611, A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize
the Securing the Cities Initiative of the Department of Homeland
Security, and for other purposes
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Homeland Security on November 20, 2009
|
H.R.
3845, USA PATRIOT Amendments Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on the Judiciary on November 5, 2009
|
H.R.
4061, Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
on Science and Technology on November 18, 2009
|
|
VIDEO:
Pres. Obama accepts Nobel Peace Prize
President Obama accepted the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo,
Norway. The Nobel committee said that they chose the President
of the United States because of his “extraordinary efforts
to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between
peoples."
Length:
Published: Today at 7am (ET)
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|
VIDEO:
Elizabeth Warren, Congressional TARP Oversight Panel
Chairman of the Congressional TARP Oversight Panel Elizabeth
Warren previews a hearing with Treasury Sec. Geithner about the
Obama Administration's latest strategy for financial markets
before the Congressional Oversight Panel. She also goes over
the COP's latest report on funds for the Troubled Relief Assets
Program.
Length: 29 min.
Published: Thursday at 9am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Senate Banking Subcmte. Hearing on Public Transportation Safety
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood testified at a Senate hearing
on the federal role in overseeing the safety of public transportation
systems. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) chairs the Senate Banking,
Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Housing, Trasportation
and Community Development.
Length: 1 hr. 31 min.
Published: Thursday at 9:30am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Weekly Legislative Briefing
House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) conducts a weekly briefing
on legislative issues in the 111th Congress.
Length: 18 min.
Published: Thursday at 11am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
House Democrats on Global Warming and Hacked Climate Emails
House Democrats conducted a press conference at the Capitol to
address the recent efforts to cast doubt on the science linking
global warming to human activity. Select Committee on Energy
Independence and Global Warming Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA)
delivered a detailed analysis of emails written by climate scientists
leaked to the public recently by computer hackers.
Length: 39 min.
Published: Thursday at 1:15pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
State Department Press Briefing Thurs Dec 10
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley conducts
a daily briefing at the State Department.
Length: 35 min.
Published: Thursday at 1pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Defense Department Briefing with JCS Chair Adm. Michael Mullen
Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
conducted a press briefing at the Pentagon to discuss President
Obama's strategy for Afghanistan and responded to reporters'
questions.
Length: 31 min.
Published: Thursday at 2pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Congressional Oversight Panel Hearing on Troubled Asset Relief
Program
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner testified today before the Congressional
panel overseeing the Troubled Asset Relief Program or TARP. The
panel also reviewed the findings of a TARP year-end study, which
credits the program with "stopping an economic panic."
In addition, the report cites ongoing problems with the program.
Length: 1 hr. 57 min.
Published: Thursday at 10am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
House Foreign Relations Cmte. Hearing on Afghanistan Strategy
Gen. Stanley McChrystal, Commander of NATO troops in Afghanistan,
and U.S. Amb. Karl Eikenberry wrapped up their Congressional
visits with testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Cmte.
In the hearings this week, Gen. McChrystal stressed the importance
of enlisting Afghan citizens in the fight against the Taliban
and capturing or killing Osama bin Laden to neutralize the al-Qaeda
terrorist threat.
Length: 2 hr. 31 min.
Published: Thursday at 9:30am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Senate Bipartisan Press Conference on Climate Change Legislation
Senator John Kerry (D-MA) outlined the elements of climate change
legislation in the Senate, saying Majority Leader Harry Reid
(D-NV) has set a deadline for passage of early spring next year.
The Massachusetts Democrat was joined by Senators Lindsey Graham
(R-SC) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).
Length: 29 min.
Published: Thursday at 2pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Senator Floor Debate on Health Care: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) responds to Republican
comments over health care, saying they are a personal attack.
Length: 5 min.
Published: Thursday at 2:30pm (ET)
|
Report:
Blackwater guards linked to CIA raids
by By PAMELA HESS
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Private security guards working for Blackwater
USA participated in clandestine CIA raids against suspected insurgents
in Iraq and Afghanistan, The New York Times reported Thursday....
|
Trumka:
Open for Questions on the Jobs Crisis
by Seth Michaels
On Dec. 15, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will host a live
online conversation on the nation’s jobs crisis–and
you can take part.
|
Shuler:
Unions Need Young Workers—and Young Workers Need Unions
by Seth Michaels
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler spoke at the winter conference
of Union Plus, where she focused on the special challenges faced
by young workers who are at risk of becoming the first generation
to be worse off than their parents.
|
Bill
Would Create Agency to Protect Consumers from Big Banks
by James Parks
The global financial meltdown demonstrated how vulnerable workers
and consumers are to abuses in consumer lending practices and
Wall Street’s recklessness. A package of reforms now on
the House floor would help protect Americans from a laundry list
of risky Wall Street practices from predatory lending to unregulated
derivatives.
|
CJCS
ADM Mullen Briefing
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:55:50 -0600
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen briefs
the media in the Department of Defense briefing room.
|
|
From the Brunner Campaign: Women's Forums
Ohio Young Democrats
A Women’s Forum Panel Discussion hosted
by Ohio Secretary of State and U.S. Senate Candidate Jennifer
Brunner, part of a series of events throughout Ohio to hear from
women and men about their views and experiences on issues specific
to women’s health care, flexibility in the workplace, child
care and elder care.
There are two 2 forums left:
Cincinnati 12/14
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=195245354640
Steubenville 12/15
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201823463632
The forums will highlight the recent findings
of a study conducted by the Center for American Progress, "The
Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything."
For the first time in our nation’s history, women are more
than half of all U.S. workers, and mothers are the primary breadwinners
or co-breadwinners in nearly two-thirds of American families.
Join Jennifer and a panel of local women
to discuss how we can make a difference, influence Washington
to develop comprehensive policies and speak with a clearer voice
on women's health care, elder care and child care for our working
families.
For more information visit http://www.bit.ly/4AdZTm
or contact the Jennifer Brunner Committee at 614-255-4255 or
jennifer_brunner@jenniferbrunner.com.
--------------------
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Friend --
This year, when you're writing holiday
cards to your friends and loved ones, there are two more people
who need to hear from you: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senator
Chuck Schumer.
With the Senate deep in final negotiations
-- and a compromise just introduced that increases choice and
drives costs down -- your senators need to understand how urgent
reform really is.
So we've come up with a unique way for
you to get the message across -- by sending your senators a card
with your holiday wish for the season.
Send a holiday card to your senators, telling them
that your wish this season is for them to pass health insurance
reform.
Since the full Senate began debating reform
just over two weeks ago, approximately 224,000 Americans have
lost their health insurance, while spiraling costs have forced
countless more into bankruptcy or foreclosure.
That's a big number -- it's as many people
as live in a city like Baton Rouge, and more than live in Reno.
This crisis affects everyone in our community.
It could be a father down the street who now won't be able to
pay for care when his son breaks his leg playing soccer, or a
daughter who must watch helplessly as her newly-uninsured mother
gets a breast cancer diagnosis she can't afford to treat.
Every day brings thousands more stories
of heartbreak and struggle that just shouldn't be in a nation
as blessed as ours.
So please take a moment to cut through
the noise in D.C. with your simple holiday wish: affordable,
quality health care for every American family.
Send your holiday card for health reform
today:
http://my.barackobama.com/HolidayCard
Thanks,
Mitch
Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America
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|
Assistant
Secretary Arturo Valenzuela Travels to the Southern Cone
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
December 10, 2009
|
|
Martin
Luther King Parade
What: Festival
Start Time: Saturday, January 9 at 10:30am
End Time: Saturday, January 9 at 1:30pm
Where: 8 Lee Street, Newnan (Parking Lot)
To see more details and RSVP
|
|
Madagascar's
AGOA Eligibility
Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman
Washington, DC
December 10, 2009
|
|
FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER
11, 2009
House Meets At… First Vote Predicted… Last Vote Predicted…
9:00 a.m.: Legislative Business 11:00 a.m.
– 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
“One Minutes” (5 per side)
Complete Consideration of H.R.
4173 – Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
of 2009 (Rep. Frank – Financial Services)
Amendments – Recorded Votes Pending (2):
Kanjorski/Frank/Sarbanes/Cohen Amendment
McCarthy (CA) Amendment
Amendments – Pending Consideration (13):
Cohen/Frank Amendment
Peters Amendment
Watt Amendment
Frank/Kanjorski Amendment
Conyers/Turner/Lofgren/Marshall/Waters/Cohen/Miller (NC)/ Delahunt/Nadler/Fudge
Amendment
Garrett Amendment
Wittman Amendment
Minnick Amendment
Bartlett Amendment
Schakowsky/Titus Amendment
Kilroy Amendment
Minnick/Schock/Shuler/Castle/Childers/Campbell/Markey (CO)/Reichert/
Teague/Bright/Boren/Griffith Amendment
Bachus Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute
* Conference Reports may be brought up at any time.
* Motions to go to Conference should they become available.
* Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.
|
Former
DOD Contracting Officer Sentenced to 110 Months in Prison for
Filing False Tax Returns
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:14:10 -0600
A former civilian employee of the U.S. Department of Defense
was sentenced today to 110 months in prison for filing false
tax returns in which he failed to report more than $2.4 million
in income, announced Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal
Division Lanny A. Breuer and Assistant Attorney General of the
Antitrust Division Christine A. Varney.
|
|
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
(BEA)
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau
of Economic Analysis, through the Department of Commerce, announced
today that total October exports of $136.8 billion and imports
of $169.8 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of
$32.9 billion, down from $35.7 billion in September, revised.
The full text of the release on BEA's Web site can be found at
http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/international/trade/tradnewsrelease.htm.
|
|
Human
Rights Day
Esther Brimmer
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs
Washington, DC
December 10, 2009
|
DoD
Identifies Marine Casualty
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:02:00 -0600
|
Secretary
Geithner Written Testimony before the Congressional Oversight
Panel
December 10, 2009
TG-437
|
|
Press
Availability After Meeting at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade
Stephen W. Bosworth
Special Representative for North Korea Policy
Seoul, Korea,South
December 10, 2009
|
New
Report Shows Higher Returns, Lower Spending Under TARP
To view or print the PDF content on this page, download the free
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®.
December 10, 2009
TG-438
|
|
Strengthening
the Transatlantic Economy: Moving Beyond the Crisis
Robert D. Hormats
Under Secretary for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs
Statement Before the Subcommittee on European Affairs of the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Washington, DC
December 9, 2009
|
|
Republicans Stand With Wall Street Instead
of Main Street
Last Fall, as we faced the near-collapse
of our economy, Republicans joined Democrats in calling for needed
reforms to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring again. Now
that the time of extreme crisis has passed, Republicans are abandoning
their constituents on Main Street so that they can protect Wall
Street big banks and the financial sector – those who caused
the crisis in the first place.
Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R, VA-7: “Cantor … voted
in favor of the bailout package…. Apart from the bailout,
Cantor said, Congress should aim to improve the economy by working
to … modernize Wall Street.” [Charlottesville Daily
Progress, 10/7/2008]
Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R, TX-19: “Certainly, we need to
consider some regulatory improvements. This committee started
regulatory hearings this year in the industry and Treasury and
others have put forward regulatory proposals.” [Congressional
Transcript, 10/21/2008]
Rep. Donald Manzullo, R, IL-16: “This committee needs to
examine ways to ameliorate the impact of this crisis, while examining
long-term solutions to ensure that a crisis of this magnitude
never happens again. . . It's obvious that new regulations are
necessary both to ease this crisis and to ensure that it never
happens again.” [Congressional Transcript, 10/21/2008]
Rep. Judy Biggert, R, IL-13: “I think that our ultimate
goals should be to bolster integrity and confidence in the U.S.
financial system, invigorate U.S. competition, enhance consumer
protections, and arm consumers with financial education and information,
and never again have the taxpayers pay for Wall Street mistakes.”
[Congressional Transcript, 10/21/2008]
Rep. Scott Garrett, R, NJ-05: “As you all know, we are facing
very challenging times for our nation's financial service industry.
It is important that we work in a bipartisan fashion to move
forward to ensure that we put in place the proper regulatory
framework to allow our economy to grow once again. . . In creating
these new regulations, reform is not a partisan project. It's
really about making sure American families are protected in the
future from the kind of financial crisis that we're experiencing
now.” [Congressional Transcript, 10/21/2008]
Senator John McCain, R-AZ: “We've got to fix the system.
We've got fundamental problems in the system. Main Street is
paying a penalty for the excesses and greed in Washington, D.C.,
and in Wall Street there is no doubt that we have a long way
to go.” [Presidential Debate, 9/26/2008]
Senator Susan Collins, R-ME: “Collins, who's seeking a third
term, sees a need to reform a ‘Depression-era regulatory
system’ and says the crisis grew from a culture of greed
and risk taking.” [The Associated Press, 10/11/2008]
Click
here to view in pdf.
###
|
Obama
Cites Military's Contributions to Peace
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:12:00 -0600
|
|
Defense
Trade Cooperation Treaties
Andrew J. Shapiro
Assistant Secretary, Political-Military Affairs
Statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Washington, DC
December 10, 2009
|
|
The
United States and the Western Hemisphere: Partnership and Shared
Responsibility
Bureau of Public Affairs
Fact Sheet
December 10, 2009
|
Obama
Administration Releases New Data on Modification Program
To view or print the PDF content on this page, download the free
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®.
December 10, 2009
TG-439
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|
The following new blogs have been added
to the Reference and General Government Blogs page on USA.gov:
Office of the United States Trade Representative
Blog (http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/blog)
– Stay current on U.S. trade issues with Ambassador Ron
Kirk.
United States Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) Director's Forum (http://www.uspto.gov/blog/)
– David Kappos, the director of the USPTO, discusses the
work of the agency.
White House Office of Public Engagement (http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ope/blog)
– This blog helps advance the dialogue between the Obama
Administration and the American public, while bringing new voices
to the table and ensuring that everyone can participate and inform
the work of the President.
|
|
The following new blogs have been added
to the Business and Economics Blogs page on USA.gov:
Inside Adams
(http://blogs.loc.gov/inside_adams/)
– This blog from the Library of Congress will point readers
to the Library’s large and diverse collections of books,
journals, prints, photographs, digital collections, finding aids,
and Webcasts related to science, technology, and business.
President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board Blog (http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/perab/blog)
– The advisory board meets periodically and solicits information
and ideas from all sectors to promote the growth of the economy,
establish a stable and sound financial and banking system, and
create jobs.
The Small Business Watchdog (http://weblog.sba.gov/blog-advo/)
– The official blog of the U.S. Small Business Administration's
Office of Advocacy.
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The following new blogs have been added
to the Environment,
Energy, and Agriculture Blogs page on USA.gov:
Energy Empowers
(http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/energyempowers/)
– Learn more about how Americans are building a new energy
economy by improving efficiency, building sustainable businesses
that create new jobs, and using old skills in new ways to generate
clean energy.
White House Council on Environmental
Quality (http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/blog)
– This blog discusses the Council's efforts to coordinate
Federal environmental efforts.
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Stonewall
Democrats Christmas Social Celebration
What: Holiday Party
Start Time: Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00pm
End Time: Tuesday, December 15 at 10:00pm
Where: Lumen Lounge
To see more details and RSVP
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Remarks
With Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Jandrokovic After their
Meeting
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
December 10, 2009
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Contact: Katie Grant
202-225-3130For Immediate Release
December 10, 2009
Hoyer Statement on Full-Service Community
School Funding
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on
funding for full-service community schools in the Consolidated
Appropriations Act:
“I am pleased that as part of the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, the House approved investing $10 million in the Full-Service
Community Schools program. This investment will support 10 community
school projects currently receiving funding, and will allow us
to expand support to 10 additional projects.
“We’ve seen from schools already part of the program
that the full-service community school model works. Children
can be more successful in the classroom when services that address
non-academic factors like physical and mental health, financial
problems, housing and other issues are made available to families.
By coordinating academic and non-academic services such as health
care, career counseling for parents, nutrition, and early childhood
education, we make sure that children can come to school every
day ready to learn and succeed.
“This year, I introduced legislation with Senator Ben Nelson
that would expand support for these types of schools across the
country. I will work with Secretary Arne Duncan next year to
include this legislation in our reauthorization of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act.”
###
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Secretary Chu to Attend Copenhagen Climate
Talks
Will also meet with senior energy officials in Oslo
Washington, DC – The Department of Energy announced today
that U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu will be traveling to Copenhagen
from Sunday, December 13th to Tuesday, December 15th to attend
the international climate negotiations currently underway. Secretary
Chu is in Oslo, Norway to meet with senior energy officials and
tour a variety of clean energy sites before arriving in Copenhagen
on Sunday.
In Copenhagen, Secretary Chu will participate in the United Nations
Climate Change Conference, where he will discuss U.S. efforts
to lead in energy efficiency and renewable energy at the U.S.
Center on Monday, December 14th. Secretary Chu will also deliver
a keynote address on Sunday to the Bright Green Expo, where a
range of U.S. and international clean energy companies will be
showing their work.
Bright Green Expo Keynote Address
WHO: U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu
WHEN: Sunday, December 13, 2009
3:30 PM Copenhagen local time
WHERE: Forum Copenhagen
Julius Thomsens Plads 1
DK-1925 Frederiksberg C
RSVP: Media should register for credentials with the Bright Green
Expo by visiting http://www.brightgreen.dk/
Leading in Energy Efficiency and Renewables Keynote Address to
the U.S. Center
WHO: U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu
WHEN: Monday, December 14, 2009
12:45 PM Copenhagen local time
WHERE: U.S. Center
Bella Conference Center
For full details on the U.S. Center and scheduled events or to
watch the event streamed live online, visit www.cop15.state.gov.
###
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Highlights:
Six-Party Talks
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0600
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C-SPAN Daily Alert
Programming Information for Thurs. 12/10 - Fri. 12/11, 2009
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Highlights
Tonight:
* House Hearing on Afghanistan with Gen. McChrystal & Amb.
Eikenberry (11pm)
* Congressional Oversight Panel Hearing on TARP (1:35am)
* House Floor Debate on Financial Regulatory Reform Legislation
(3:30am)
Tomorrow:
* U.S. House: In Session (9am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN2 Highlights
Tonight:
* Senate Debate on Health Care (8:30pm)
* Congressional Oversight Panel Hearing on TARP with Sec. Geithner
(9:10pm)
* Senate Democratic Briefing on Climate Change (11:05pm)
Tomorrow:
* U.S. Senate: In Session (Time TBA) - LIVE Tentative
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN3 Highlights
Tonight:
* TARP Hearing with Sec. Geithner; House Debate on Financial
Regulations (7pm)
* Senate Briefing on Climate Change; Hearings on Afghanistan
& Aviation Safety (8pm)
Tomorrow:
* Programming TBA. Check the Schedule for Updates - http://www.c-spanvideo.org/schedule?timezone=Eastern&date=Dec+11%2C+2009
**********************************************************************
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
* Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Ways & Means Committee, Member
* Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen, Fmr. Commander Multinat'l Division
North - Iraq
* William Millar, American Public Transportation Association,
Pesident
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Capitol Spotlight
* Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she
wouldn’t rule out keeping the House in session for part
of Christmas week, if that could lead to final action this year
on a health care overhaul. Right now, however, such a scenario
appears unlikely. The Senate is marking time on its version of
the health legislation... - Full Story at http://www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight
**********************************************************************
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U.S.-Japan
Open Skies Meetings
Philip J. Crowley
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
December 10, 2009
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DoD
Contracts for December 10, 2009
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:01:00 -0600
|
Secretary
Napolitano's Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee,
Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security
Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600
Testimony of Secretary Napolitano before the Senate Committee
on the Judiciary, "Oversight of the Department of Homeland
Security" (Written Testimony) at the Hart Senate Office
Building December 9, 2009.
|
Mullen
Briefing
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:02:01 -0600
Troops and the equipment to support them are already on the way
to Afghanistan as part of President Obama's new war strategy.
|
Former
Broward County Vice-Mayor and Commissioner Pleads Guilty to Conspiring
to Launder Money and to Filing a False Tax Return
|
DoD
News Briefing with Adm. Mullen from the Pentagon
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:41:00 -0600
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Army
Releases November Suicide Data
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:40:00 -0600
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DoD
Identifies Army Casualty
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:41:00 -0600
|
FEC
TAKES FINAL ACTION ON FOUR CASES
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:29:39 -0600
WASHINGTON -The Federal Election Commission recently made public
its final action on four matters under review (MURs). In one
matter, respondents agreed to conciliation agreements providing
for them to undertake remedial actions. In another matter, the
Commission dismissed one allegation and found no reason to believe
a violation occurred in relation to another allegation. The Commission
dismissed the third matter, and closed the file in the fourth
matter.
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Compliance
Releases for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
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Contact: Katie Grant
202-225-3130 For Immediate Release
December 10, 2009
Hoyer Statement on the Consolidated
Appropriations Act
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on
the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act:
“The Fiscal Year 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act combines
appropriations bills for Transportation and HUD; Commerce, Justice,
Science, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General
Government; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and
Related Agencies; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and
Related Agencies; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs—a total of $446.8 billion in discretionary budget
authority.
“Highlights of the Consolidated Appropriations Act include
significant, job-creating investments in our nation’s highway
and transportation infrastructure; crime-prevention and community
policing grants; funding for cutting-edge scientific research;
stronger enforcement to protect our financial markets from fraud;
job-training programs that, with millions out of work, matter
now more than ever; better health care for our veterans; and
assistance to states like Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose stability
is threatened by terrorism.
“Those are just some of the key components of this legislation.
Not only are these wise and needed policies—much of the
funding in this bill goes to programs that will speed our economic
recovery. The bulk of spending increases in this legislation
go toward necessities like providing for our veterans, funding
the Census, and repairing our infrastructure—and toward
honestly budgeting the cost of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,
a change from years of Republican policy that hid those wars’
true cost.
“It is easy for Republicans to rail against spending in
the abstract, but which spending increases in this bill would
they actually reject? Would they cut funds for our veterans?
For education? For our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan? For meeting
our constitutional requirement to conduct a census? When essential
commitments like those are factored out, this legislation only
raises spending by 1% over last year.”
###
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HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR DECEMBER 10,
2009
Considered and Passed:
Conference Report on H.R.
3288 – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (Rep. Obey
– Appropriations) (221 - 202, 1 Present)
Bills Adopted Under Suspension of the Rules (3):
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.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)
Unfinished Business:
H.R.
4173 – Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
of 2009 (Rep. Frank – Financial Services)
Amendments – Passed (16):
Frank Manager’s Amendment
Peterson/Frank Amendment
Peterson Amendment
Matsui/Sutton/Castor Amendment
Lynch Amendment
Murphy (NY)/McMahon(NY)/Kratovil (MD) Amendment
Paulsen Amendment
Burgess Amendment #20
Burgess Amendment #21
Burgess Amendment #22
Burgess Amendment #23
Burgess Amendment #24
Herseth Sandlin Amendment
Dent Amendment
Moore (KS)/Garrett Amendment
Murphy (NY) Amendment #34
Amendments – Failed (4):
Sessions Amendment
Frank Amendment #7
Stupak/Van Hollen Amendment #8
Stupak/DeLauro/Larson/Van Hollen Amendment
Amendments – Recorded Votes Pending (2):
Kanjorski/Frank/Sarbanes/Cohen Amendment
McCarthy (CA) Amendment
Amendments – Pending Consideration (13):
Cohen/Frank Amendment
Peters Amendment
Watt Amendment
Frank/Kanjorski Amendment
Conyers/Turner/Lofgren/Marshall/Waters/Cohen/Miller (NC)/ Delahunt/Nadler/Fudge
Amendment
Garrett Amendment
Wittman Amendment
Minnick Amendment
Bartlett Amendment
Schakowsky/Titus Amendment
Kilroy Amendment
Minnick/Schock/Shuler/Castle/Childers/Campbell/Markey (CO)/Reichert/
Teague/Bright/Boren/Griffith Amendment
Bachus Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute
Amendments – Not Offered (1):
· Marshall Amendment
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