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December 15, 2009

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FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009
House Meets At… First Vote Predicted… Last Vote Predicted

9:00 a.m.: Legislative Business 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Evening
“One Minutes” (15 per side)

H.Res. 973 - Same Day Consideration Rule - Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules (Rep. Slaughter – Rules)

Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment with a House Amendment to H.R. 3326 – Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 (Rep. Murtha – Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule)

H.J.Res. __ - Making further continuing appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2010, and for other purposes (Rep. Obey – Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule)

H.R. __ - To Permit Continued Financing of Government Operations (Rep. Rangel – Ways and Means) (Subject to a Rule)

H.R. __ – Jobs for Main Street Act (Rep. Obey – Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule)

Postponed Suspension Votes (6 Bills):
H.Con.Res. 160 - Honoring the American Kennel Club on its 125th anniversary (Rep. Price (NC) - Oversight and Government Reform)
H.R. 1110 - PHONE Act of 2009 (Rep. Scott (VA) - Judiciary)
H.Res. 905 - Recognizing the 70th anniversary of the retirement of Justice Louis D. Brandeis from the United States Supreme Court (Rep. Yarmuth - Judiciary)
H.R. 4194 - Law Student Clinic Participation Act of 2009 (Rep. Lungren - Judiciary)
H.R. 1147 - Local Community Radio Act of 2009 (Rep. Doyle - Energy and Commerce)
H.R. 3714 - Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 (Rep. Schiff - Foreign Affairs)

* Conference Reports may be brought up at any time.
* Motions to go to Conference should they become available.
* Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.


Obama urges Senate to pass health-care bill; Lieberman signals support
from washingtonpost.com - In Congress by Lori Montgomery and Shailagh Murray
President Obama urged Senate Democrats on Tuesday to overcome lingering disputes and push a health-care overhaul through the chamber before Christmas, as vigorous negotiations continued behind the scenes to lock down the last votes needed for final passage.
China: foreign direct investment up 32 pct in Nov
from France24 - Business by admin
Foreign direct investment in China leapt 32 percent year-on-year in November for the fourth straight monthly increase, the commerce ministry said Wednesday.
NATO chief in first Russia visit to rebuild trust
from France24 - Business by admin
NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen was to meet Russian leaders Wednesday in Moscow, the first visit by a head of the Western military alliance since the Georgia war blew a Cold War chill through ties.
U.S. steps up special operations mission in Afghanistan
from Los Angeles Times - Top News
Under the shift in strategy, the teams now focus on targeting key Taliban figures rather than mainly hunting Al Qaeda leaders, and have increased the number of raids they conduct, officials say.
Japan needs more time for decision on US base
from AP Top International News At 5:48 a... by By SHINO YUASA
TOKYO (AP) -- Japan needs several more months to decide on the relocation of a major U.S. military base on the southern island of Okinawa, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said Tuesday, a delay likely to frustrate Washington....
Russia's industrial output rises 1.5 percent in November
from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Russia's industrial output in November increased for the first time since October 2008 at an annual rate of 1.5 percent, the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) said on Tuesday. Industrial outp..
Gore: Polar ice may vanish in 5-7 years
from AP Top Science News At 5:42 a.m. EST by By CHARLES J. HANLEY
COPENHAGEN (AP) -- New computer modeling suggests the Arctic Ocean may be nearly ice-free in the summertime as early as 2014, Al Gore said Monday at the U.N. climate conference. This new projection, following several years of dramatic retreat by polar sea ice, suggests that the ice cap may nearly vanish in the summer much sooner than the year 2030, as was forecast by a U.S. government agency eight months ago...
Boeing's 787 jetliner makes first test flight
from AP Top Headlines At 4:24 a.m. EST by By GEORGE TIBBITS
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- Boeing's new 787 jetliner finally got airborne Tuesday, the long-delayed inaugural flight of the world's first commercial plane mostly constructed from lightweight composite materials....
Biden: Stabilizing Pakistan Long-Term Goal of Afghan Troop Surge
by VOA News
US VP Joe Biden says Obama administration is focused on improving Pakistan's stability, safeguarding its nuclear weapons program and defeating al-Qaida militants -- but officials first must ensure that the Afghan government does not fail.
Obama: Senate Close To Passing Health Reform
by VOA News
Human Rights Official Says Kenyans Want an Accountable Government
by Peter Clottey
The deputy president of Kenya’s National Human Rights Commission says Kenyans want more checks and balances in their government.
The Way Forward in Afghanistan
The Afghanistan MiPAL has been updated with a Joint Force Quarterly article assessing the importance of civil-military integration in Afghanistan, a series of Congressional hearings featuring testimony from top Obama Administration leaders on the strategy in Afghanistan, a Center for Strategic and International Studies report evaluating the potential evolution of the Afghan National Security Forces under the Obama Administration's new strategy, a joint press conference by the Secretary of Defense and the President of Afghanistan, remarks by the National Security Advisor detailing the future of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, a message to the troops by the Commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, a release from the Office of the President of Afghanistan welcoming the new U.S. strategy, and a Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments report estimating funding for operations in Afghanistan. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
Wheat Outlook
Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for wheat, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Contains data and information on U.S. wheat by class.
China Is Using More Corn for Industrial Products
China’s corn imports are minimal, even though it is using a growing proportion of its corn to produce starch, ethanol, and other industrial products. The corn-processing industry’s growth was encouraged by Chinese government policy, but the industry now has excess capacity. Many of the corn-based industrial products are exported. China’s price support for corn during 2008/09 increased raw material costs for the industry and slowed its growth.
Aquaculture Data
Aquaculture is the production of aquatic animals and plants under controlled conditions for all or part of their lifecycle. This data product provides statistics on domestically grown catfish and trout and U.S. imports and exports of fish and shellfish that may be products of aquaculture, such as salmon, shrimp, and oysters.
Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators
Statistical Indicators previously published in Agricultural Outlook addressing a broad spectrum of agriculture-related issues. Includes commodity and food prices, general economic indicators, government program expenditures, farm income estimates, and trade and export statistics.
Feed Outlook - Monday, December 14, 2009
Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for feed grains, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Focuses on corn; also contains information on sorghum, barley, oats, and hay.
Press Conference by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at United Nations Headquarters
Economic and Social Council Briefed by Top UN Officials on Work of Global Food Crisis Task Force, Outcome of November World Summit on Food Security
Israel's Violations Risk Undermining International Legal System, Warns Statement Adopted by Bureau of Palestinian Rights Committee
Treasury Department Announces Public Offering of Warrants To Purchase Common Stock
December 14, 2009
TG-442
Treasury International Capital Data for October
December 15, 2009
TG-443
U.S. Israel Joint Economic Development Group Mid-Year Review Joint Statement
December 15, 2009
TG-445
Administration Officials Promote Enhanced Financial Capability
December 15, 2009
TG-446
Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts, 3rd quarter 2009
Real spending on travel and tourism increased at an annual rate of 6.4 percent in 2009:3 after increasing 0.2 percent (revised) in 2009:2. By comparison, real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 2.8 percent (second estimate) in 2009:3 after decreasing 0.7 percent in 2009:2. Despite the rebound, real travel and tourism spending was still below its 2007:3 peak. Travel and tourism prices increased 6.7 percent in 2009:3 after decreasing 3.7 percent (revised) in 2009:2. Transportation was the largest contributor to growth in travel and tourism spending in 2009:3.
SEC Announces $418 Million Fair Fund Distribution to Harmed Investors in Invesco Mutual Funds
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the Fair Fund distribution of approximately $418 million to more than one million investors who were affected by undisclosed market timing in certain Invesco mutual funds advised by Invesco Funds Group, Inc. (IFG).
SEC Re-Opens Public Comment Period for Shareholder Director Nomination Proposal
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it is re-opening the public comment period for its shareholder director nomination proposal to seek views on additional data and related analyses received by the Commission at or after the close of the original public comment period on August 17.
House to vote on jobs bill this week
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives aims to pass legislation this week to create jobs and reduce the impact of the worst recession since the 1930s, Democratic leaders said on Tuesday.
Clinton says Afghan surge cost to be in U.S. budget
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration will include the cost of the military surge in Afghanistan as part of its budget request next year, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday.
U.S. preparing to revisit trade pact with South Korea
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. officials are preparing for talks with South Korea to address autos and other concerns that have blocked approval of a bilateral free trade agreement, the top U.S. trade official said on Tuesday.
House passes Iran gasoline sanctions bill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives approved legislation on Tuesday to impose sanctions on foreign companies that help supply gasoline to Iran, a move lawmakers hope will deter Tehran from pursuing its nuclear program.
Obama pushes Senate Democrats to pass health bill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama pushed fractious Senate Democrats on Tuesday to pass a broad healthcare overhaul and said he was cautiously optimistic they could iron out their differences to win the 60 votes needed.
Gore sets deadline for climate bill
by Lisa Lerer
He calls Obama to pass a climate bill by April 22 -- the next Earth Day – during Copenhagen speech.
Obama: 'Cautiously optimistic' on bill
by Carrie Budoff Brown,Mike Allen
Obama meets for an hour with Senate Dems.
Durbin sees 60 votes 'next week'
by Andy Barr
Senate whip says Dem leaders are eager to cut deal that would get any other senators on board.
Hoyer: Health care reform will pass
by Jake Sherman
He predicts bill approval, even without public option.
Bishops press Senate on abortion
by Jeanne Cummings
Catholic clerics write senators urging last minute language blocking taxpayer money for abortions.
Dems move to overhaul immigration
by Jake Sherman
House Dems aim to reform the country's laws.
NSA/CSS National Cryptologic Museum Unveils New Interactive Games
The National Security Agency’s (NSA) National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) added two new interactive children’s game kiosks to its list of attractions. The donated items are the result of a continued partnership between the NSA and the National Cryptologic Museum Foundation. The interactive kiosks provide a new and exciting aspect to the visitor experience with the intent to encourage, stimulate and promote interest in linguistics and statistical analysis – two disciplines that are critical to developing the cryptologists of the future.
CONVERSATION-PRESIDENT-USA-OBAMA
Dmitry Medvedev had a telephone conversation with U.S. President Barack Obama.
ANNOUNCEMENT-VISIT-SECRETARY GENERAL-NATO
Dmitry Medvedev will meet with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on December 16, 2009.
GAO-10-73, Influenza Pandemic: Monitoring and Assessing the Status of the National Pandemic Implementation Plan Needs Improvement, November 24, 2009
GAO-10-189, VA Construction: VA Is Working to Improve Initial Project Cost Estimates, but Should Analyze Cost and Schedule Risks, December 14, 2009
GAO-10-78, U.S. Postal Service: The Program for Reassessing Work Provided to Injured Employees Is Under Way, but Actions Are Needed to Improve Program Management, December 14, 2009
GAO-10-141, Anti-Money Laundering: Improved Communication Could Enhance the Support FinCEN Provides to Law Enforcement, December 14, 2009
GAO-10-131, Department of Homeland Security: Actions Taken Toward Management Integration, but a Comprehensive Strategy Is Still Needed, November 20, 2009
GAO-10-318T, Department of Homeland Security: A Comprehensive Strategy Is Still Needed to Achieve Management Integration Departmentwide, December 15, 2009
Federal Reserve offers $75 billion in 28-day credit through its Term Auction Facility
Federal Reserve announces results of auction of $75 billion in 28-day credit held on December 14, 2009
H.R. 1174, FEMA Independence Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on November 5, 2009
H.R. 2221, Data Accountability and Trust Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on September 30, 2009
H.R. 3433, An act to amend the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to estabish requirements regarding payment of the nonfederal share of the costs of wetlands conservation projects in Canada that are funded under that act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on December 10, 2009
H.R. 3537, Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Reauthorization Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on December 10, 2009
H.R. 509, Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Comittee on Environment and Public Works on December 10, 2009
S. 1067, Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on November 17, 2009
S. 139, Data Breach Notification Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on November 5, 2009
S. 1397, Electronic Device Recycling Research and Development Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Health on December 10, 2009
S. 1739, Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on November 17, 2009
S. 1965, Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Environemnt and Public Works on December 10, 2009

VIDEO: Peterson-Pew Commission Budget Reform Discussion
The Peterson-Pew Commission on Budget Reform released a report on the federal debt and looked at ways to change the budget process. The group is a joint venture of the Peter G. Peterson, Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Cmte. for a Responsible Federal Budget and includes former members of Congress and two former directors of the OMB.
Length: 1 hr. 27 min.

Published: Monday at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: News Conference on 2010 Energy Outlook
The School of Advanced International Studies sponsored a discussion on the Energy Information Agency's (EIA) energy forecast report. The updated report projects energy supply, demand and prices to the year 2035. Richard Newell, Administrator of the U.S. Energy Information Administration delivered remarks on the report.
Length: 1 hr. 10 min.

Published: Monday at 9:30am (ET)


VIDEO: Pres. Obama Meeting with Financial Services Industry Members
President Obama met at the White House with members of the financial services industry to encourage executives at 12 of the largest U.S. banks to increase the number of loans given to consumers and small businesses.
Length: 1 min.

Published: Today at 11:10am (ET)


VIDEO: British P.M. Gordon Brown Remarks on Afghanistan & Climate Issues
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made remarks in the House of Commons and responded to questions on Afghanistan and meetings with the Euorpean Council on climate issues.
Length: 1 hr. 16 min.

Published: Monday at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: NPC Luncheon Address by U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills
Karen Mills, head of the Small Business Administration talked at a National Press Club luncheon about efforts to increase capital for small businesses, and the potential impact of health care legislation.
Length: 1 hr.

Published: Monday at 1pm (ET)


VIDEO: White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
President Obama’s meeting with top banking executives was the main topic at this White House briefing. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs spoke with reporters for about 45 minutes.
Length: 45 min.

Published: Monday at 1:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: Defense Dept. Briefing on Afghanistan Mon Dec 14
Former Commander of NATO's Internation Security Assistance Force Regional Command South, Royal Netherlands Army Maj. Gen. Mart de Kruif conducted a press briefing at the Pentagon to discuss his experiences leading 40,000 coalition troops in sothern Afghanistan from November 2008-November 2009.
Length: 48 min.

Published: Monday at 1:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: State Department Press Briefing Mon Dec 14
Spokesman Ian Kelly conducts a daily briefing at the State Department.
Length: 32 min.

Published: Monday at 1pm (ET)


VIDEO: Pres. Obama Meeting with Pres. Michel Sleiman of Lebanon
President Obama met with President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon in the Oval Office to disuss U.S.-Lebanon relations.
Length: 22 min.

Published: Monday at 1:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: Pres. Obama Statement on the Economy
President Obama met with executives from twelve of the largest banks to encourage them to increase lending consumers and small businesses. Following the meeting, the President made a statement on the economy from the Diplomatic Reception Room.
Length: 8 min.

Published: Monday at 12:10pm (ET)


VIDEO: Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) Discussion on Education Achievement Gap
House Education Committee member Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) hosted a conference to examine ways to eliminate the so-called education “achievement gap” among low-income and minority children. Education, government and civil rights leaders discussed the consequences of these educational disparities, and their recommendations for improvements.
Length: 4 hr. 20 min.

Published: Monday at 1pm (ET)


VIDEO: Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), the author of a drug-importation amendment to the Senate health care bill, believes American citizens should have access to cheaper prescription drugs from Canada and Europe. He was our guest on the Washington Journal.
Length: 30 min.

Published: Today at 8am (ET)


VIDEO: Pres. Obama Remarks on Energy Saving and Home Retrofits
President Obama made remarks from a Home Depot in Northern Virginia about the economic impact of energy saving home retrofits.
Length: 15 min.

Published: Today at 11:10am (ET)


VIDEO: House Homeland Subcmte. Hearing on Extremist Thought & Actions
A House Homeland Security Subcmte. received testimony from the private sector and academic experts on ways to detect and prevent terrorist attacks while respecting Constitutionally protected thought. The Subcommittee explored the implications of these legal limitations in light of policing efforts.
Length: 1 hr. 49 min.

Published: Today at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) Press Conference on Fort Hood Shooting & Health Care
Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) was joined by Committee Ranking Member Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) to discuss the ongoing investigation into the shooting at Fort Hood. The two senators also answered questions about health care reform legislation.
Length: 25 min.

Published: Today at 11am (ET)


VIDEO: Defense Dept. Briefing on Afghanistan
Marine Corps Commandant General James Conway conducted a press briefing to discuss his recent trip to Afghanistan.
Length: 57 min.

Published: Today at 1pm (ET)


VIDEO: Sen. Judiciary Cmte. Hearing on DNA Evidence and Rape Cases
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled, "Ensuring the Effective Use of DNA Evidence to Solve Rape Cases Nationwide." The hearing was held to take a look the backlogs in some communities across the country in testing DNA evidence collected as part of rape investigations.
Length: 1 hr. 47 min.

Published: Today at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: State Department Press Briefing
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley conducts a daily briefing at the State Department.
Length: 37 min.

Published: Today at 1pm (ET)


VIDEO: Pres. Obama Statement on Health Care Reform
After a meeting with Democratic senators at the White House, President Obama made remarks about the ongoing process of crafting health care reform legislation.
Length: 8 min.

Published: Today at 3pm (ET)


VIDEO: House Democrats Press Conference on Jobs
House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Democratic Leaders held a press conference following a Democratic leadership meeting to discuss the House Democrats’ jobs package.
Length: 14 min.

Published: Today at 2pm (ET)


VIDEO: Gov. Pat Quinn (D-IL) & Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) on Guantanamo Bay Detainees
Pres. Obama has ordered the federal government to acquire the Thomson Correctional Center prison in Thomson, IL, to house a limited number of detainees from the Guantanamo Bay prison. The Administration has sent a letter to Gov. Pat Quinn (D-IL) informing him that the government wishes to purchase and run the facility.
Length:

Published: Today at 3pm (ET)


VIDEO: Senate Floor Debate on Health Care Bill - Day 14
Debate on health care reform legislation H.R. 3590 continued for the sixteenth day on the Senate Floor on Capitol Hill.
Length:

Published: Today at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs spoke with reporters at this White House briefing about the decision to send Guantanamo Bay detainees to a prison in Illinois and the President’s support for the Senate Health Care bill.
Length: 42 min.

Published: Today at 3:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: U.S. Census Bureau on 2010 Census Operations
U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves delivered remarks on 2010 census preparations. He provides an assessment of the Master Address File, which serves as the source of addresses for mailing and delivering more than 130 million 2010 Census forms next March. He also gives updates on outreach activities and other logistical operations under way.
Length: 45 min.

Published: Monday at 9pm (ET)


VIDEO: Council on Foreign Relations Conversation with Amb. Richard Holbrooke
Speicial Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke participated in a conversation about U.S. policy toward Afghanistan at an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations.
Length:

Published: Today at 6:30pm (ET)


Senate rejects plan to import low-cost drugs
by By ALAN FRAM
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate rejected a plan Tuesday to allow Americans to import low-cost prescriptions from abroad, handing drug makers a victory that may help secure passage of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul....
Democrats propose $50B for jobs-boosting projects
by By ANDREW TAYLOR
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Responding to calls among rank-and-file Democrats for more infrastructure spending, House leaders Tuesday unveiled a plan to add almost $50 billion in spending on highways, housing and school repair as part of a year-end plan to create jobs....
To Create Jobs, Let’s Help Small Business, Not Just Big Banks
by Seth Michaels
Hundreds Rally in Washington State for Health Care Reform
by Seth Michaels
Immigration Reform Bill Protects All Workers
by James Parks
Union Members Keep Focused on a Just Transition to Green Economy
by admin
Executive Order -- Half-Day Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies on Thursday, December 24, 2009
Presidential Memorandum - Eleventh Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation
Presidential Memorandum--Closure of Dentention Facilities at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base
Background on President Obama's Meeting with Members of the Financial Services Industry
Readout of Joe Biden's Meeting with President Sleiman of Lebanon
Readout of the President’s calls with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia
Background on The President's Meeting on Energy Efficiency & Job Creation
Remarks by The President on Energy Efficiency and Job Creation

Restoring Emails and Restoring Openness
Posted by Norm Eisen on December 14, 2009 at 2:29 PM EST

From day one of his Administration, a top priority for President Obama has been changing the way Washington works by making government more open, accountable and accessible to all Americans. Today, the President took another important step toward bringing that change to Washington—and toward fulfilling his promise to have the most transparent government in history—by successfully resolving a longstanding dispute about missing White House emails dating from the previous Administration.


Reality Check: Another Day, Another Deceptive "Analysis" from the Insurance Industry
Posted by Linda Douglass on December 14, 2009 at 2:50 PM EST
The President on the Economy: Protecting Americans, Holding Financial Institutions Accountable
Posted by Jesse Lee on December 14, 2009 at 4:08 PM EST

The History and Significance of the Cabinet
Posted by Chris Lu on December 14, 2009 at 5:09 PM EST

The President has stated on many occasions that one of his proudest accomplishments has been assembling a Cabinet of such high caliber. As the Cabinet Secretary in the White House, I have the privilege of interacting with this amazing group every day, and can attest first-hand that his pride is more than merited. Every day, the President calls on the Cabinet to provide him with advice on pressing national and international issues. He also values their work in running the federal departments and agencies, ensuring that the government always works on behalf of the American people.


On the Ground in Copenhagen: Energy Secretary Chu
Posted by Jake Levine on December 14, 2009 at 5:55 PM EST

Ed. Note: See previous installments from Interior Secretary Salazar, EPA Administrator Jackson and Assistant Secretary of Energy Sandalow, and Secretary of Commerce Locke


AARP Announces Support for Senate Health Reform Bill
Posted by Dan Pfeiffer on December 15, 2009 at 1:13 PM EST

For decades, Americans have talked about fixing our broken health care system. Presidents from Truman to Nixon to Clinton have attempted and come up short. Now, though, we’re far closer than ever before to signing into law real health insurance reform – reform that will give insured Americans unprecedented stability and security, make quality, affordable insurance available to every American, and lower costs for American families, businesses, and the country as a whole.


The President on Retrofitting Buildings: "Here's What’s Sexy About It: Saving Money"
Posted by Jesse Lee on December 15, 2009 at 3:20 PM EST

Yesterday the Vice President sent a memo (pdf) to the President demonstrating how the new foundation for a clean energy economy has been laid this year. The memo is thorough and solid - take a look to get a shapshot of how the future will unfold as a result of the investments in the Recovery Act and the President's budget.


The Health Reform Rumor Mill Targets Nebraskans
Posted by Dan Pfeiffer on December 15, 2009 at 6:31 PM EST

Proving that they will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to undermine health reform, some blogs opposing reform are now trafficking an absurd rumor that Nebraska's Offutt Air Force Base is being threatened over Senator Ben Nelson's vote on the Senate reform bill.


CNN Exclusive: Obama weighs ordering new debt commission
Posted: December 15th, 2009 06:39 PM ET

From CNN Senior White House Correspondent Ed Henry


The Obama administration is considering ordering a debt commission after Sens. Gregg and Conrad proposed a similar move last week.
Washington (CNN) - CNN has learned President Obama is seriously considering an executive order to create a bipartisan commission that could weigh sweeping tax increases and spending cuts to popular programs like Social Security and Medicare in order to try slash the soaring federal deficit.


Registration information has been posted for the following upcoming seminars:
April 20-21, 2010 in Portsmouth, NH - Complying with U.S. Export Controls
April 22, 2010 in Portsmouth, NH - Complying with the ITAR
For program information and registration, please go to http://www.bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/newhampshire_april_2010.htm and http://www.bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/newhampshire_aprilokitar_2010.htm
We look forward to seeing you at a BIS event soon.
The Office of Exporter Services
Bureau of Industry and Security
Office of Exporter Services
BTS Releases 3rd-Quarter 2009 Airline Financial Data; Airlines Report Improved Operating Margins

The network, low-cost and regional airline groups all reported improved operating margins in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation reported today in a release of preliminary data.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the airline industry collected at least $2.0 billion through ancillary fees in the third quarter of 2009, up 36.4 percent from the third quarter of 2008. The ancillary fees constituted 6.9 percent of the total revenue of the 26 carriers that reported receiving ancillary fees.
The airlines collected $740 million in baggage fees, $614 million from reservation change fees, and $601 million from other ancillary fees, such as pet transportation fees and frequent flyer award program mileage sales. Revenue from seating assignments and on-board sales of food, drink, pillows, blankets, entertainment, or any other ancillary items are reported in a different category with other items.
Delta Air Lines collected $447.5 million in the third quarter ancillary fees, the most of any carrier. Delta collected $24 of ancillary fees per passenger, the most of any airline. See BTS Airline Financials Release for the 10 airlines that collected the most in total ancillary fees in the third quarter. For other carriers and additional historic data, go to Passenger Baggage, Reservation Cancellation Fees or Miscellaneous Operating Revenue at BTS Schedule P-12.
Network carriers as a group posted their first operating profit margin since September 2007 while the low-cost and regional groups continued to report profit margins. The regionals’ profit margin of 8.3 percent was its largest since the fourth quarter of 2006.
See BTS Airline Financials Release for summary tables and additional data.
NASA's WISE Eye on the Universe Begins All-Sky Survey Mission
Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, lifted off over the Pacific Ocean this morning on its way to map the entire sky in infrared light.
Challenges of Living and Working Aboard the Space Station: NASA Astronaut Nicole Stott Available for TV Interviews
Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
After three months living aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Nicole Stott will be available for satellite interviews from Houston between 6 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. CST on Thursday, Dec. 17.
Chu Presentation at Copenhagen Available on Facebook

WASHINGTON, DC – Today at the Copenhagen climate conference, on behalf of President Obama, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the launch of a new initiative to promote clean energy technologies in developing countries.

Secretary Chu's Powerpoint is posted on his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/stevenchu

More information about today's announcement is available at: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8391.htm


-DOE-

FEMA Administrator Fugate Meets With HBCU Leadership To Discuss Partnership In Preparedness
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:49:22 -0600
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today addressed presidents, provosts, chancellors, and deans from a number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from across the country at FEMA?s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Emmitsburg, Md.
To read the December IRS 2009 Edition, please visit the Current Edition of the FSLG Newsletter page in the Government Entities section of the IRS.gov Web site.
DoD Announces Recruiting And Retention Numbers for November 2009
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:04:00 -0600
Full Implementation of New Law Providing Permanent Residence Eligibility for Surviving Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600
The Department of Homeland Security has fully implemented recent legislation allowing USCIS to approve immigrant petitions for permanent resident status in the United States filed by or on behalf of widows and widowers of U.S. citizens and their unmarried children under 21 years old.
Lifting Off to Study the Sky
Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket at 9:09 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. WISE will scan the entire sky in infrared light, picking up the glow of hundreds of millions of objects and producing millions of images. Image Credit: Bill Hartenstein/United Launch Alliance
Today in the Department of Defense, 12/15/2009
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:07:00 -0600

Press Availability With Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Borodavkin

Stephen W. Bosworth
Special Representative for North Korea Policy
Moscow, Russia

December 14, 2009


December 15, 2009 - DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 21 pages - 160 KB)
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has issued the following news release today:
Real spending on travel and tourism increased at an annual rate of 6.4 percent in 2009:3 after increasing 0.2 percent (revised) in 2009:2.
The full text of the release on BEA's web site can be found at http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/industry/tourism/tournewsrelease.htm.

Secretary Clinton to Commemorate 15th Anniversary of International Conference on Population and Development

Washington, DC

December 15, 2009


The latest Producer Price Index news release
(http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ppi.pdf)
was issued today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Highlights are below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods rose 1.8 percent in November, seasonally adjusted.
This increase followed a 0.3-percent advance in October and a 0.6-percent decrease in
September. The index for finished goods less foods and energy rose 0.5 percent in November.

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View the latest DOL statistics.
De Kruif Briefing
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:33:38 -0600
U.S. Department of State Schedule for December 15, 2009
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:38:05 -0600
Treasury International Capital Data for October
December 15, 2009
TG-443
Afghanistan Deployments
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:09:51 -0600
U.S. and NATO troops deploying to Afghanistan over the next eleven months will be spending significant time working with Afghan security forces.
U.S. Fire Administration Coffee Break Training Update 2009-50
The Record for Federal Election Commission. The December 2009 Record is now available.
Global Digital Elevation Model
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
THE DAILY WHIPLINE | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2009

U.S. - Israel Joint Economic Development Group Mid-Year Review Joint Statement

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC

December 15, 2009


Secretary Clinton Calls for Broad Operational Agreement on Climate Change

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC

December 15, 2009


The U.S. Is on Board

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Op-Ed

The New York Times

December 15, 2009


Presidential Task Force on Controlled Unclassified Information Releases Report and Recommendations
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Attorney General Eric Holder today announced two major steps in their efforts to implement reforms to enhance information sharing among federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies and safeguard sensitive information used by the government—designed to expand joint capabilities to protect the United States from terrorist activity, violent crime and other threats to the homeland.

US-CERT Current Activity

Adobe Reader and Acrobat Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Original release date: December 15, 2009 at 10:29 am
Last revised: December 15, 2009 at 10:29 am

 

Adobe has stated that they are investigating public reports of a
vulnerability affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat. Public reports
indicate that exploitation of this vulnerability may occur when a user
opens a specially crafted PDF file. Exploitation of this vulnerability
may result in arbitrary code execution. Public reports currently
indicate active exploitation of this vulnerability.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to do the following to
help mitigate the risks until the vendor is able to provide an update:
* Review the Adobe blog entry regarding this issue.
* Use caution when opening PDF files from untrusted sources.
* Disable JavaScript in Adobe Acrobat and Reader. To do this, click
"Edit," then "Preferences" and then "JavaScript," and uncheck
"Enable Acrobat JavaScript."

US-CERT will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Relevant Url(s):
<http://blogs.adobe.com/psirt/2009/12/new_adobe_reader_and_acrobat_v.html>


Chairman of Joint Chiefs Says Most of Surge Troops Will Arrive by August
Posted: 14 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By ANNE GEARAN
KABUL - The top U.S. military officer said Tuesday that he's confident that most of the 30,000 additional troops that are being sent to Afghanistan will be there by August.
Supreme Court to Rule on Private Messaging on Company Equipment
Posted: 14 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By David G. Savage
WASHINGTON The Supreme Court said Monday it would rule on whether employees have a right to privacy when they send messages on devices supplied by their employers.
Sacramento Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK, DAIRY PRODUCERS SIGN HISTORIC AGREEMENT TO CUT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 25% BY 2020

Memorandum of Understanding Will Promote Innovative Steps to Turn Dairy Waste into Electricity and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 15, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced an agreement with U.S. dairy producers to accelerate adoption of innovative manure to energy projects on American dairy farms. The agreement represents a dynamic public/private partnership and is another demonstration of the Obama Administration's commitment to curb the emissions of greenhouse gases.

"This historic agreement, the first of its kind, will help us achieve the ambitious goal of drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions while benefitting dairy farmers," said Vilsack. "Use of manure to electricity technology is a win for everyone because it provides an untapped source of income for famers, provides a source of renewable electricity, reduces our dependence on foreign fossil fuels, and provides a wealth of additional environmental benefits."

 

With this Memorandum of Understanding, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy - part of the Dairy Management Inc. - the USDA and U.S. dairy producers will work together to reach a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020. USDA will do so by undertaking research initiatives, allowing implementation flexibility, and enhancing marketing efforts of anaerobic digesters to dairy producers.

 

Anaerobic digester technology is a proven method of converting waste products, such as manure, into electricity. The technology utilizes generators that are fueled by methane captured from the animal manure. Currently, only about 2 percent of U.S. dairies that are candidates for a profitable digester are utilizing the technology. Dairy operations with anaerobic digesters routinely generate enough electricity to power 200 homes.

 

Through the agreement, USDA and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy will increase the number of anaerobic digesters supported by USDA programs. Beyond promoting the digesters, the agreement will encourage research, and development of new technologies to help dairies reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Thomas P. Galleagher, CEO of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and Dairy Management Inc., added, "This memorandum came about because of the commitment of U.S. dairy farmers and the dairy industry to a sustainable future that includes both environmental and economic viability," said Gallagher. "Sustainability goes hand in hand with our heritage of taking care of the land and natural resources while producing nutritious products that consumers want."

 

#


Two Sentenced to Prison in Tulsa Public Works Bribery Case
Flu and antivirals
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:01:00 -0600
In some cases, there’s more you can do for the flu than treat the symptoms. Prescription antiviral drugs can make you feel better a bit faster or make the symptoms a bit milder.
BTS Passenger Airline Employment
Please see http://www.bea.gov/international/bp_web/revisions_dec2009.htm for information on revisions to historical periods that will be included in statistics for the U.S. International Transactions Accounts that will be released on December 16, 2009.
Highlights: Climate Change: Broad Operational Accord
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0600
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announces the following:
You can now access the December 2009 Survey of Current Business at http://www.bea.gov/scb/index.htm.
Administration Officials Promote Enhanced Financial Capability
December 15, 2009
TG-446

FDIC Board Approves 2010 Operating Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2009 Media Contact:
Andrew Gray
Office: (202) 898-7192
Cell: (202) 494-1049
E-mail: angray@fdic.gov

The Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today approved a $4.0 billion Corporate Operating Budget for 2010. The Board also revised the current 2009 budget to $2.6 billion.
"The 2010 budget is a prudent and measured response to current conditions in the banking industry," said FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair. "It will ensure that we are prepared to handle an even-larger number of bank failures next year, if that becomes necessary, and to provide regulatory oversight for an even larger number of troubled institutions."
The 2010 operating budget will increase more than $1.4 billion (55%) from 2009, primarily due to the cyclical nature of bank failures. The receivership funding component of the 2010 budget, the vast majority of which is funded by receiverships, will be $2.5 billion, up from $1.3 billion in 2009. This includes funding for the continuing work associated with bank failures that have occurred over the past two years. The budget also contains contingency funding for the possible continuation of an elevated number of bank failures in 2010. The 2010 budget increase also is partially attributable to increased supervisory activity related to the rising number of troubled banks which the FDIC oversees.
In conjunction with its approval of the 2010 operating budget, the Board also approved an authorized 2010 staffing level of 8,653 employees, up from 7,010 in 2009. Almost all the additional staff will be hired on a temporary basis. They will be hired primarily to assist with bank closings; to perform follow-on work related to the management and sale of failed bank assets; and to conduct bank examinations and perform other bank supervisory activities.
There were 25 bank failures in 2008 and 133 so far this year.
"It is important for the American people to know that none of the increase we are approving today will involve in any way the use of taxpayer funds," said Chairman Bair. "All of the FDIC's operating expenses are paid from the Deposit Insurance Fund—the DIF, which is fully funded by the deposit insurance premiums paid by individual banks around the country."
# # #


House Democrats Support America’s Priorities
Majority of Republicans Oppose America’s Calls for Change

In the first session of the 111th Congress, Democrats worked on issues of importance to Americans, sending major legislation to the President’s desk and passing numerous others through the House. While Democrats continue to make progress on growing the economy and creating jobs, they are also addressing other priorities, including energy independence, reforming health care, and reforming and investing in education. However, during these important votes, the majority of House Republicans voted against America’s future, siding with special interests over their constituents on Main Street.

Economic Recovery & Job Creation

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – H.R.1 – (Signed into law)
Is on track to create or save 3.5 million jobs, gave 95% of American families a tax cut, and invests in the future – in clean energy, health care, and infrastructure – to put our nation back on the road to recovery and transform it for long-term growth and stability.
*NOTE: 100% of House Republicans voted against job creation and tax cuts.

Helping Families Save Their Homes Act – H.R. 1106 – (Signed into Law)
Provides key incentives to encourage lenders to negotiate affordable mortgages for responsible homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure.
*NOTE: 96% of House Republicans voted against helping their constituents stay in their homes.

Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act – H.R. 3221 – (Passed by House)
Strengthens higher education and puts our country on a better fiscal footing by ending wasteful subsidies to banks and instead lending directly to students. Those savings are then invested in increased financial aid for college students, better community colleges, and paying down the deficit.
*NOTE: 96% of House Republicans voted against providing access to an affordable education for America’s students.

Consumer Protection

Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act – H.R. 4173 – (Passed by House)
Creates tough new rules and brings accountability to Wall Street, protects Americans from the abusive and predatory lending practices that contributed to the crisis, and helps ensure that taxpayers will never be asked to bailout big Wall Street banks again.
*NOTE: 100% of House Republicans voted against the best interests of their constituents on Main Street to protect Wall Street big banks and the financial sector.

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – H.R. 11 – (Signed into Law)
Restores the rights of women and other workers to challenge unfair pay – to help close the wage gap where women earn 78 cents for every $1 a man earns in America.
*NOTE: 98% of House Republicans voted against their female constituents’ right to equal pay for equal work.

Affordable, Quality Health Care

Affordable Health Care For America Act – H.R. 3962 – (Passed by House)
Lowers health care costs for families and small businesses, preserves and provides choice of doctors and health plans, expands access to coverage for an additional 36 million Americans, enhances benefits and services for seniors, and includes significant new protections that will benefit all health care consumers.
*NOTE: 99.5% of House Republicans voted against affordable, quality health care for their constituents.

State Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization – H.R.2 – (Signed into Law)
Provides health care coverage for 11 million children, including an additional 4 million uninsured but eligible.
*NOTE: 77% of House Republicans voted against providing health care to low income children.

Family Smoking Prevention & Tobacco Control Act – H.R. 1256 – (Signed into Law)
Grants the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the advertising, marketing, and manufacturing of tobacco products.
*NOTE: 59% of House Republicans voted against helping prevent the #1 cause of preventable U.S. death.

Clean Energy

American Clean Energy and Security Act – H.R.2454 – (Passed by House)
Creates millions of new clean energy jobs, keeps energy costs low for Americans, increases our national security by reducing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and preserves our planet by reducing the pollution that causes global warming.
*NOTE: 95% of House Republicans voted against creating millions of clean energy jobs here in America.

Fiscal Responsibility

Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act – H.R. 2920 – (Passed by House)
Restores the law that turned record deficits into surpluses in the 1990s, addresses the deficit by holding America to the principle that the government ought to pay for what it buys, and helps reverse years of reckless spending by the Bush Administration.
*NOTE: 86% of House Republicans voted against restoring fiscal responsibility and addressing the deficit.


Click here to view in pdf.

 

###


First of its Kind Federal-State Cybersecurity Partnership Announced
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm today announced a first-of-its-kind federal-state cybersecurity partnership—deploying the federally-developed cybersecurity technology EINSTEIN 1 to Michigan's cyber networks.
The schedule of witnesses for the Commission's December 16, 2009, hearing on proposed rules regarding the definition of federal election activity is online now at http://www.fec.gov/pages/hearings/shaysfea09hearing.shtml.
General Officer Announcement
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:32:00 -0600
Flag Officer Announcement
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:41:00 -0600
Judiciary To Get $6.9 Billion In FY 2010 Appropriations
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:44:00 -0600
Commanders Look to Boost Security Force Training
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:42:00 -0600
The Role of Religion in Sri Lanka's Post-War Recovery
USIP's Susan Hayward reports on how religious leaders are working to build peace in Sri Lanka after 26 years of civil war between the government and separatist rebels.
USIP Trains Sudanese Delegation on Prevention of Electoral Violence
Members of USIP's Sudan team offered an electoral violence prevention training on December 8 to a delegation from the Sudan People's Liberation Army. USIP's Dorina Bekoe and Linda Bishai led the group in a discussion of the principles of democratic transformation and a discussion of African election case studies. The officers were participating in a week-long visit hosted by the Defense Institute for International Legal Studies focusing on military justice and the protection of human rights.
Withdrawal and Beyond in Iraq: A Discussion with General Caslen
Major General Robert Caslen, recently returned from Iraq, where he served as commanding general of Multinational Division - North, discussed the strategic relationship between the U.S. and Iraq post-2011.

ACD Holiday Party.

Subject: Party tonight!

"Hope to see you at 6:30 at the IBEW building at 225 N. 16th."


Bahrain National Day

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC

December 15, 2009


Crime Lab Casts Net Ahead of Cyber Criminals
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:37:00 -0600
Afghan Outpost
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:26:02 -0600
The Marines in southern Afghanistan's Helmand Province continue their push against the Taliban and al Qaeda.

USDA INVITES STATE PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL EFFORT TO CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES, REDUCE BARRIERS IN BRINGING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TO MARKET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today invited state departments of agriculture, state agricultural experiment stations and other state agencies to submit proposals that help to market, transport and distribute United States-produced food and agricultural products domestically and internationally. Selected proposals will be funded through the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP).

"This program is a great way for state agencies to tackle some of the distribution and market issues our farmers are facing," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "We hope to see many proposals that reflect USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, projects that will help create wealth in rural communities through the development of local and regional food systems and value-added agriculture, and that develop direct marketing opportunities for producers or producer groups."

The FSMIP is a matching grant program administered by AMS, with funds allocated on the basis of one round of competition. USDA is particularly interested in proposals that involve collaboration among the states, academia, producers and other stakeholders and in proposals that have state, regional or national significance. Federal funds awarded to any project must be matched by non-federal funds or in-kind resources.

"Given the broad flexibility of this program there are endless possibilities for creative projects, such as increasing consumption of locally produced foods in hospitals or to exploring opportunities for sales of locally grown and processed products in school vending machines," said Edward Avalos, Under Secretary for USDA's Marketing and Regulatory Programs. "These funds are used to focus on barriers, challenges, and opportunities in marketing, transporting, and distributing food across the United States."
USDA has recently funded projects as diverse as helping to develop strategies to increase the number of consumers who participate in direct marketing; determining optimum strategies for marketing source-verified beef in high-end restaurants in major metropolitan areas; and developing an analytical model of use by state departments of agriculture to more efficiently and cost-effectively allocate state resources for promoting locally grown food.

States interested in applying for FSMIP funds may submit proposals to FSMIP Staff Officer, USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1800 M Street, NW, Room 3002-South Tower, Washington, D.C. 20036, or call (202) 694-4002. Program guidelines, application forms and other related information are posted on the Internet at www.ams.usda.gov/FSMIP . Applicants have the option of submitting their applications through the federal grants web site: www.grants.gov. The deadline for submitting applications is Feb. 10, 2010.

The notice inviting applications for FSMIP funds for FY 2010 appeared today in the December 15, 2009, Federal Register.
#


Statement of Comptroller Dugan on the FDIC’s ANPR on Securitizations
WASHINGTON — Comptroller of the Currency John C. Dugan discussed an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Securitizations at a meeting of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Board of Directors today.
Related Links:
Statement (http://www.occ.gov/ftp/release/2009-158a.pdf)
###
Secretary Napolitano Highlights DHS' Major Accomplishments in 2009
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today highlighted the Department’s 2009 accomplishments in an address to employees—emphasizing the major steps the Department has taken this year to enhance America’s capabilities to guard against terrorism; secure the nation’s borders; engage in smart and enforcement of our immigration laws; prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; and unify and mature the Department and its 230,000-employee global workforce.
Brain Research
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:44:20 -0600
Traumatic brain injury is so common among OEF and OIF vetetans, it's become known as the &quot;signature injury&quot; of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Additional Troops
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:44:24 -0600
Marines from Camp Lejeune are the first of thousands set to deploy to Afghanistan.

Monday, December 21, 4:15 – 5:15 PM (EST)
Critical Infrastructure Resiliency: The Next Frontier in Homeland Security
Presenter: Rand Beers, Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs Directorate
Under Secretary Beers will discuss the Infrastructure Protection mission and the important role of resiliency. He will address the complex interdependencies and important steps the Department of Homeland Security and its partners are taking to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure.
To register for this event please go to: https://connect.hsin.gov/e33382319/event/registration.html

Coming Soon
January 2010: Infrastructure Protection for the 21st Century: Making effective use of visualization technology
February 2010: Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards: An Update


Stonewall Democrats Christmas Social Celebration
NASA Partners with Saudi Arabia on Moon and Asteroid Research
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
NASA and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) have signed a joint statement that allows for collaboration in lunar and asteroid science research.

Message on the Indictment of Chinese Activist Liu Xiaobo

Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman
Washington, DC

December 15, 2009


Federal Election Commission Draft Advisory Opinion 2009-28, http://saos.nictusa.com/aodocs/1091422.pdf
Mullen Stresses Building U.S.-Pakistan Trust
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:47:00 -0600
Attorney General Eric Holder at the Installation Ceremony for Assistant Attorneys General Laurie Robinson and Ronald Weich
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:54:31 -0600
"Laurie and Ron are not only valued colleagues, they are leaders in the Department and throughout this Administration," said Attorney General Holder.
Searching for New Vaccines and Studying Butterflies in Space; NASA Offers TV Interviews about Latest Space Station Science Research
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
NCTR Research Highlights for U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This information has recently been updated and is now available.

Remarks With Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic Before Their Meeting

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Treaty Room

Washington, DC

December 15, 2009


Mullen Tours Bases, Outposts in Afghanistan
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:13:00 -0600
The Disability Statistics Compendium is the first of what is intended to be an annual publication of statistics on people with disabilities and government programs that serve them. The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics compiled the data, which include statistics from federal sources and surveys on disability prevalence, population size, including break-downs by state and disability type, employment and earnings, education, health and health care coverage, rehabilitation, and participation in benefit programs.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disability.gov/employment/research_%26_statistics.

C-SPAN Daily Alert
Programming Information for Tues. 12/15 - Weds. 12/16, 2009
**********************************************************************

C-SPAN Highlights

Tonight:
* Gov. Quinn (D-IL) & Sen. Durbin (D-IL) on Guantanamo Bay Detainees (Time TBA)
* Sens. Lieberman (I-CT) & Collins (R-ME) on Fort Hood & Health Care (Time TBA)
* Council on Foreign Relations Conversation with Amb. Richard Holbrooke (Time TBA)

Tomorrow:
* U.S. House: In Session (9am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN2 Highlights

Tonight:
* Pres. Obama Statement on Health Care Reform (8:30pm)
* Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) on Fort Hood Shooting & Health Care (8:35pm)
* Senate Floor Debate on Health Care Legislation (8:45pm)

Tomorrow:
* British House of Commons Prime Minister's Questions (7am) - LIVE
* U.S. Senate: In Session (Time TBA) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN3 Highlights

Tonight:
* Council on Foreign Relations with Amb. Richard Holbrooke (6:30pm) - LIVE
* Health: Sens. Lieberman & Collins Briefing; Pres. Obama Remarks; GOP Rally (7:30pm)
* House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) & Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) Briefing (8:45pm)

Tomorrow:
* House Hearing on Live Sports Broadcasts & Internet Piracy (10am) - LIVE
* House Hearing on the Accidental Release of TSA Security Information (2pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************


Fifteen Miami-Area Residents, Including Doctors and Nurses, Charged in $40.8 Million Home Health Care Fraud Scheme
U.S.-South Korean Alliance Gains Strength
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:42:00 -0600
Help Us To Improve USA.gov
You are invited to participate in a new USA.gov dialog, Your Voice Matters.
We're asking: How can we improve USA.gov, the U.S. government's official web portal? Please tell us how you prefer to get government information and services.
This dialog, which will be open until January 8, 2010, provides a great opportunity to influence how USA.gov is improved, so please share your ideas and vote on ideas posted by others.
Thank you in advance for joining the discussion!
New Orleans Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Contact: Katie Grant
202-225-3130For Immediate Release
December 15, 2009

Hoyer Statement on the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) spoke on the House Floor today in support of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Every Member in this chamber understands the deep danger inherent in a nuclear Iran. That danger includes a new nuclear arms race, as Iran’s regional rivals scramble to build competing arsenals, plunging the Middle East into an even greater instability and the world into a new era of proliferation. The danger includes, as well, a ‘nuclear umbrella’ for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah—terrorists who may take advantage of their state sponsor’s protection to stage more brazen and deadly attacks, especially on our ally Israel. And the danger includes, on a more basic level, a new era of fear for all those in range of Iran’s missiles—fear that could equal or surpass what we ourselves experienced during the worst days of the Cold War.

“And all of those consequences, Mr. Speaker, will be felt even if Iran’s missiles remained on the launch pad, or if its nuclear weapons remained buried. Could we imagine those weapons being used? We would be foolish not to, as long as those weapons are in the hands of a regime whose president denies the Holocaust, stokes hatred, and openly threatens neighbors. In the months since last summer’s election, we have seen the character of the Iranian regime more clearly than ever: we have seen it in dissent silenced, in opposition leaders threatened and jailed, in peaceful protestors beaten and shot for the crime of demanding that their votes be counted. We have seen a regime founded on violence, and on violent disregard for the opinion of its people and the world.

“Even so, our administration has—correctly, in my view—pursued a policy of engagement with Tehran. That engagement reversed years of diplomatic silence that did little to slow Iran’s growing nuclear program. It showed the world our patience and our commitment to addressing this common threat through diplomacy. And it gauged Tehran’s honest willingness to resolve the crisis at the negotiating table.

“America’s policy of engagement always came with a time limit—time for Tehran to negotiate in good faith, or to show that it was only using talk as cover for continuing enrichment of uranium. Sadly, time is running short, and there is still no diplomatic agreement; the enrichment continues, and the threat continues to grow. The past months have brought revelations of secret Iranian nuclear facilities, a lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and a refusal to comply with Security Council demands to suspend enrichment. Just today, the Washington Post reported that ‘Iran has…learned how to make virtually every bolt and switch in a nuclear weapon, according to assessments by U.N. nuclear officials…as well as Western and Middle Eastern intelligence analysts and weapons experts.’

“That is why this is the right time to bring strong economic pressure to bear on the Iranian regime. This bill was designed by Chairman Berman and his committee to target Iran’s economy at one of its weakest points—by penalizing companies that help Iran import or produce refined petroleum products. Even though it is an oil producer, Iran imports a great deal of the refined petroleum that powers its economy, so these sanctions will increase the high cost of Iran’s self-imposed isolation from the international community. They are also a proportional response, because they are exclusively tied to Iran’s nuclear program.

“We should never take sanctions like these lightly. Even as we stand with the protestors facing down repression at the hands of their own government, we understand that these sanctions will affect the lives of many ordinary Iranians for the worse. But we know that economic pressure has worked before to alter the behavior of outlaw regimes, especially when such pressure is widely supported by the international community. We know that these sanctions are our best tool against the nuclear proliferation that risks the security of millions in the Middle East. And we know that Tehran can choose, at any point, to negotiate in good faith, abandon its aggressive nuclear pursuit, and rejoin the community of nations.

“We shouldn’t hope for a change of heart from that regime, but we can hope for a change of behavior: a cold understanding that, as long as Iran builds the capacity to catastrophically attack its neighbors, its economy will suffer deeply. These sanctions have the power to force that choice. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, which clearly serves American and international security.”

 

###


FEC HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING ON DEFINITION OF FEA ACTIVITY
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:40:14 -0600
WASHINGTON&#151;The Federal Election Commission will hold a public hearing on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) addressing the definition of Federal Election Activity on Wednesday, December 16 at 9:30 a.m. This NPRM is intended to implement part of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Opinion in Shays v. FEC (Shays III) that found invalid aspects of some of the rules the Commission promulgated to implement the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA).

OYD's Dec. Newsletter

Get in the holiday spirit with OYD and ODP holiday gatherings, an update on Governor Strickland's courageous stand against Republicans and Senate Democrats' progress on health care. Also, read about local efforts to knockout Republicans for 2010 and learn how you can help less fortunate Ohioans.


End of Semester Announcements: Parties and Internships

Hey Everyone,

It's the end of another year for the UF College Democrats, and the old and new executive boards would like to thank everyone for their tireless work from defeating Charter Amendment 1 to phonebanking for health care. There's just a few things we thought you'd like to know before you evacuate Gainesville.

1.) The Alachua County Young Democrats are inviting you to their Year-End Holiday Party on Thursday, December 17 from 7 pm to 9 pm at the home of Danielle Emenhiser and Meredith Johnson (1412 SW 25th Place). Come on out and celebrate the end of an amazing year in Alachua County democratic politics with like-minded friends. Guests are encouraged to byob or their favorite dish. The link below will allow you to view additional details and RSVP.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=216770927596&index=1

Directions: Danielle and Meredith live right behind City College on SW 13th St. We're asking guests to park along SW 25th Place directly in front of their apartment building.

2.) The Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee is having its Year-End Holiday Party at the Reiskind's home, 213 SW 41st Street on Friday, December 18 starting at 7. Everyone is encouraged to bring an appetizer, entree, salad, or dessert of your choice.

3.) And finally, Craig Lowe, candidate for mayor of Gainesville, is looking for motived interns for his campaign. It is a great opportunity to gain first hand experience in voter contact, event management, fundraising, and message communication. This internship is worth 3 credits in the Spring semester toward political science, public relations, english, advertising, and sociology major coursework.

If you have any questions about any of these topics, please feel free to contact me, Mitchell Norton, at (321) 704-4007, mitchell.norton@gmail.com, or simply Facebook message me.

Happy Holidays,

Mitchell Norton
Vice-President for Political Affairs
UF College Democrats
Internship Director
Craig Lowe for Mayor
--------------------


Two Doctors, More Than 100 Others Charged in Scheme to Defraud AFLAC
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:42:21 -0600
More than 100 individuals, including two doctors, were indicted in San Juan, Puerto Rico on charges of mail fraud conspiracy and mail fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC), which paid out over $800,000 to its policyholders as a result of the fraudulent scheme.
DoD Contracts for December 15, 2009
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:04:00 -0600
Two Pennsylvania Men, Four Police Officers Indicted for Hate Crime, Related Corruption
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:16:20 -0600
A federal grand jury returned multiple indictments arising out of a fatal racially motivated beating and related police corruption in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. The three indictments include federal hate crime, obstruction of justice, conspiracy, official misconduct, and extortion charges.
NASA Buys Additional Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motors
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
NASA has purchased two reusable solid rocket motors from ATK Launch Systems Inc. of Brigham City, Utah, to provide a "launch on need" rescue capability for the final planned space shuttle mission, targeted for September 2010.
U.S. Department of State: Daily Press Briefing - December 15
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:38:40 -0600
DoD News Briefing with Gen. Conway at the Pentagon
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:23:00 -0600

HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR DECEMBER 15, 2009

Bills Adopted Under Suspension of the Rules (8):

H.R. 1517 - To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who serve under an overseas limited appointment for at least 2 years, and whose service is rated fully successful or higher throughout that time, to be converted to a permanent appointment in the competitive service (Rep. Engel - Homeland Security)
H.R. 3978 - First Responder Anti-Terrorism Training Resources Act (Rep. Rogers (AL) - Homeland Security)
H.Res. 894 - Honoring the 50th anniversary of the recording of the album "Kind of Blue" and reaffirming jazz as a national treasure (Rep. Conyers - Judiciary)
S. 1472 - Establishing a section within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice to enforce human rights laws, to make technical and conforming amendments to criminal and immigration laws pertaining to human rights violations (Sen. Durbin - Judiciary)
H.Res. 150 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that A. Philip Randolph should be recognized for his lifelong leadership and work to end discrimination and secure equal employment and labor opportunities for all Americans (Rep. Rangel - Judiciary)
H.R. 1084 - Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (Rep. Eshoo - Energy and Commerce)
H.Res. 971 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding guidelines for breast cancer screening for women ages 40 to 49 (Rep. Wasserman Schultz - Energy and Commerce)
H.R. 2194 - Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009 (Rep. Berman - Foreign Affairs)

Postponed Suspension Votes (6):
H.Con.Res. 160 - Honoring the American Kennel Club on its 125th anniversary (Rep. Price (NC) - Oversight and Government Reform)
H.R. 1110 - PHONE Act of 2009 (Rep. Scott (VA) - Judiciary)
H.Res. 905 - Recognizing the 70th anniversary of the retirement of Justice Louis D. Brandeis from the United States Supreme Court (Rep. Yarmuth - Judiciary)
H.R. 4194 - Law Student Clinic Participation Act of 2009 (Rep. Lungren - Judiciary)
H.R. 1147 - Local Community Radio Act of 2009 (Rep. Doyle - Energy and Commerce)
H.R. 3714 - Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 (Rep. Schiff - Foreign Affairs)


Cardin, Hastings Hail Passage of Human Rights Enforcement Act

United States Participation in the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC

December 15, 2009


Special Press Briefing by Special Representative for North Korea Policy Ambassador Stephen Bosworth

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC

December 15, 2009


The Lisbon Treaty: Implications for Future Relations Between the European Union and the United States

Philip H. Gordon
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Statement before the Subcommittee on Europe of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Washington, DC

December 15, 2009


Medicare Fraud Strike Force Expands Operations into Brooklyn, N.Y.; Tampa, Fla.; and Baton Rouge, La.

Democrats Regain Edge in Congressional Ballot
The latest Gallup generic congressional ballot finds Democrats have regained the slim edge they enjoyed earlier this year over Republicans for the 2010 House elections, 48% to 45%.


Missing Bush White House Emails Found
The AP reports computer technicians "have found 22 million missing White House e-mails from the administration of President George W. Bush, according to two groups that are settling lawsuits they filed over the failure by the Bush White House to install an electronic record keeping system."
Obama vs. Wall Street
Posted: December 15th, 2009 08:45 AM ET

Poll: Paterson's poll numbers inch up
Posted: December 15th, 2009 11:17 AM ET

From CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser


Poll: Paterson's numbers are inching up.
(CNN) – Two new surveys suggest that David Paterson's poll numbers are inching up - but that the New York governor still trails state attorney general Andrew Cuomo by a wide margin in a hypothetical Democratic primary race.


DCCC targets GOP members over exec bonus votes
Posted: December 15th, 2009 01:09 PM ET
Washington (CNN) – Congressional Democrats are looking to harness public rage over executive pay, launching a new radio ad campaign that hits Republicans for voting against measures that would limit some corporate bonuses.

Obama: Congress on verge of passing health care bill
Posted: December 15th, 2009 03:28 PM ET

Some Guantanamo detainees to be moved to Illinois
Posted: December 15th, 2009 06:06 PM ET

Obama National Security Adviser James Jones and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn spoke with reporters Tuesday about the administration's decision to move some detainees to Illinois.
Washington (CNN) - Some terrorism suspects held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, will be moved to an Illinois prison that the federal government will buy to hold them, the Obama administration announced Tuesday.

Why Liberals Should Back the Health Care Bill
Ezra Klein: "On its own terms, the bill is the largest social policy achievement since the Great Society. It will save a lot of lives and prevent a lot of suffering. But moving forward, it also makes future improvements and expansions easier. A lot of the hard work of health-care reform -- in particular, the money for subsidies -- will finish this year. If reformers want to come back for the public option or more subsidies in a future year, they won't be doing it atop a $900 billion price tag that's being battered by tea parties and industry and everyone else. This bill doesn't have all the good stuff it should have, but reformers can stop fighting for what good stuff it does have and concentrate more intently on what good stuff is left to achieve."

Nate Silver: "For any 'progressive' who is concerned about the inequality of wealth, income and opportunity in America, this bill would be an absolutely monumental achievement. The more compelling critique, rather, is that the bill would fail to significantly 'bend the cost curve'. I don't dismiss that criticism at all, and certainly the insertion of a public option would have helped at the margins. But fundamentally, that is a critique that would traditionally be associated with the conservative side of the debate, as it ultimately goes to mounting deficits in the wake of expanded government entitlements."

Jonathan Cohn: "Disappointed progressives may be wondering whether their efforts were a waste. They most decidedly were not. The campaign for the public option pushed the entire debate to the left -- and, to use a military metaphor, it diverted enemy fire away from the rest of the bill. If Lieberman and his allies didn't have the public option to attack, they would have tried to gut the subsidies, the exchanges, or some other key element. They would have hacked away at the bill, until it left more people uninsured and more people under-insured. The public option is the reason that didn't happen."


DeLauro Wants Lieberman Recalled
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) said that Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) "should be recalled from office over his opposition to the Senate health care bill," Politico reports.

Said DeLauro: "No individual should hold health care hostage, including Joe Lieberman, and I'll say it flat out, I think he ought to be recalled."


Texans for Obama Holiday Party!

Join us tomorrow for our holiday party, and help those in need in Central Texas!

Celebrate with Texans for Obama, Organizing for America, and the Travis County Democratic Party as we reflect on this past year. We'll have special guests, a few surprises, and great opportunities to build our grassroots momentum into 2010 and beyond.

If you haven't signed up to bring a gift for a needy family, please visit http://www.austinhopefortheholidays.com today. You can bring your gift to the party, or drop it off at the Travis County Democratic Party HQ, 1311 E. 6th Street, this week.

Please note the location change: we'll be at Jovita's, at 1617 South First Street.

Thanks for all of your hard work to turn Texas blue!
--------------------


Race Enters Debate over Redrawing Political Districts
Posted: 12 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By Brandon Larrabee, The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville
Pres. Obama to Push Banking Executives on Protection Agency
Posted: 13 Dec 2009 04:00 PM PST
By PHILIP ELLIOTT and DANIEL WAGNER
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is asking bank executives to support his efforts to tighten the financial industry, while bankers are prepared to tell the president he should stop oversimplifying their concerns if he wants good-faith collaboration.
Federal Court's Web Site Wins "Outstanding" Award
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:13:00 -0600
Afghanistan Briefing
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:42:19 -0600
Newark Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
NATO/ISAF
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:55:25 -0600
NATO/ISAF briefing at the Pentagon.
Enforcement News for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
Small Business Procurement Assistance for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
CBP Trade Symposium 2009
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:27:14 -0600
Information, agenda and presentations from Trade Symposium 2009

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing - December 14
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:58:34 -0600

Ian Kelly

Department Spokesman
Daily Press Briefing

Washington, DC

December 14, 2009


NASA Launches Web Site for Teenagers That Want More Class

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
NASA has launched a new Web site created specifically for teenagers that provides teens access to current NASA spacecraft data for use in school science projects, allows them to conduct real experiments with NASA scientists, and helps them locate space-related summer internships.


Burma: Kyaw Zaw Lwin Update (Taken Question)

Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC

December 14, 2009


NASA Astronaut, Food Scientist Available for Interviews about Holiday Feasts in Space
Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600
Irradiated smoked turkey, thermostabilized yams and NASA's own special stuffing recipe can mean only one thing -- holiday season aboard the International Space Station.
DoD Contracts for December 14, 2009
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:07:00 -0600

C-SPAN Daily Alert
Programming Information for Mon. 12/14 - Tues. 12/15, 2009
**********************************************************************

C-SPAN Highlights

Tonight:
* Pres. Obama Meeting with Financial Services Industry Members (10pm)
* White House Press Briefing with Press Sec. Robert Gibbs (10:15pm)
* Defense Department Press Briefing on Afghanistan (11pm)

Tomorrow:
* U.S. House: In Session (9am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN2 Highlights

Tonight:
* The Communicators: Ralph De La Vega of AT&T Mobility (8pm)
* Senate Floor Debate on Health Care Legislation (8:30pm)
* RNC Chairman Michael Steele Press Briefing on Health Care (9pm)

Tomorrow:
* U.S. Senate: In Session (Time TBA) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN3 Highlights

Tonight:
* Pres. Obama with Bank Execs.; White House Press Briefing; SBA Mills Address (7pm)
* RNC Chair Steele Address; Senate Democrats on Health Care; Panel on the Deficit (8pm)

Tomorrow:
* House Hearing on "Extremist Thought & Actions" (10am) - LIVE
* High Noon Coalition Rally on Capitol Hill (1:30pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Radio Highlights

Tonight:
* Programming TBA. Check the Schedule for Updates - http://www.c-span.org/Schedules/C-SPAN-Radio-Schedule.aspx

Tomorrow:
* Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE

**********************************************************************
Politics Highlights

* C-SPAN Political Programming - Sunday on C-SPAN at 6:30pm ET
**********************************************************************
Washington Journal Highlights

* Newspaper Articles & Viewer Calls
* Beth Chappell, Detroit Economic Club, President & CEO
* Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
* Barbara Ehrenreich, Author, “Nickel and Dimed”
**********************************************************************


Press Conference with Maj. Gen. Mart de Kruif of the Royal Netherlands Army
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:17:00 -0600

Remarks on the Human Rights Agenda for the 21st Century

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Georgetown University's Gaston Hall

Washington, DC

December 14, 2009


United States Funds Post-Conflict Cleanup in Georgia

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC

December 14, 2009


NASA's WISE Eye on the Universe Begins All-Sky Survey Mission

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0600


Solar System News for NASA. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

ODP Holiday Party This Saturday -- OYDCares Project

Hello Young Democrats and Friends!

As we get closer to the ODP Holiday Party this Saturday, 2-5, we wanted to remind you that OYDCares, our community service program, will be collecting items for the Homeless Families Foundation in Columbus.

Suggested Items:
Fisher Price toys/Lego Sets
Learning toys (all ages)
Board games (monopoly, sorry, checkers, operation)
Popular DVD’s
Basketballs, Footballs, Soccer Balls
Dairy’s with gel pens
Books (Harry Potter, Junie B Jones, Box Car Children etc)
Disposable cameras
Teenagers tend to get left out so we are asking for gift cards from: (Target, Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Bath & Body Works, AMC movies)

Thanks for your generosity, and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Sarah and the OYD Exec Board
--------------------


FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2009
House Meets At… First Vote Predicted… Last Vote Predicted…

9:00 a.m.: Morning Hour
10:00 a.m.: Legislative Business 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

“One Minutes”

Suspensions (13 Bills)
H.R. 1517 - To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who serve under an overseas limited appointment for at least 2 years, and whose service is rated fully successful or higher throughout that time, to be converted to a permanent appointment in the competitive service (Rep. Engel - Homeland Security)
H.R. 3978 - First Responder Anti-Terrorism Training Resources Act (Rep. Rogers (AL) - Homeland Security)
H.Res. 894 - Honoring the 50th anniversary of the recording of the album "Kind of Blue" and reaffirming jazz as a national treasure (Rep. Conyers - Judiciary)
S. 1472 - Establishing a section within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice to enforce human rights laws, to make technical and conforming amendments to criminal and immigration laws pertaining to human rights violations (Sen. Durbin - Judiciary)
H.Res. 150 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that A. Philip Randolph should be recognized for his lifelong leadership and work to end discrimination and secure equal employment and labor opportunities for all Americans (Rep. Rangel - Judiciary)
H.R. 1110 - PHONE Act of 2009 (Rep. Scott (VA) - Judiciary)
H.Res. 905 - Recognizing the 70th anniversary of the retirement of Justice Louis D. Brandeis from the United States Supreme Court (Rep. Yarmuth - Judiciary)
H.R. 4194 - Law Student Clinic Participation Act of 2009 (Rep. Lungren - Judiciary)
H.R. 1147 - Local Community Radio Act of 2009 (Rep. Doyle - Energy and Commerce)
H.R. 1084 - Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (Rep. Eshoo - Energy and Commerce)
H.Res. __ - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding guidelines for breast cancer screening for women ages 40 to 49 (Rep. Wasserman Schultz - Energy and Commerce)
H.R. 3714 - Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 (Rep. Schiff - Foreign Affairs)
H.R. 2194 - Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009 (Rep. Berman - Foreign Affairs)

Postponed Suspension Vote (1 Bill):
H.Con.Res. 160 - Honoring the American Kennel Club on its 125th anniversary (Rep. Price (NC) - Oversight and Government Reform)

* Conference Reports may be brought up at any time.
* Motions to go to Conference should they become available.
* Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.


HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR DECEMBER 14, 2009

Bills Adopted Under Suspension of the Rules (4):

S. 303 - Reauthorizing and improving the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999 (Sen. Voinovich - Oversight and Government Reform)
H.Res. 779 - Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month (Rep. Biggert - Oversight and Government Reform)
H.Res. 942 - Commending the Real Salt Lake soccer club for winning the 2009 Major League Soccer Cup (Rep. Matheson - Oversight and Government Reform)
H.R. 4284 - Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2009 (Rep. Rangel - Ways and Means)

Postponed Suspension Vote (1):

H.Con.Res. 160 - Honoring the American Kennel Club on its 125th anniversary (Rep. Price (NC) - Oversight and Government Reform)


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