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February 4, 2010 for yesterday's ticker entries click here



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February 4, 2010

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GAO-10-387T, NASA: Key Management and Program Challenges, February 3, 2010
Ben S. Bernanke formally sworn in to second term as chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Colorado Physicians Group Agrees to Stop Alleged Price-Fixing Tactics
A Colorado physicians’ group has settled Federal Trade Commission charges of price-fixing by agreeing to halt its use of allegedly anticompetitive negotiating tactics against health insurers.

VIDEO: UK Prime Minister's Questions
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown responded to critics and reports from the Iraq War Inquiry, that he cut defense spending in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion. The Prime Minister also answered questions on employment, job training and spending on nuclear power.
Length: 32 min.

Published: Wednesday at 7am (ET)


VIDEO: Rep. John Spratt (D-SC)
Budget Committee Chairman Rep. John Spratt goes over the spending proposals in President Obama's FY 2011 budget. The Budget Committee held its first hearing on the budge Tuesday afternoon, at which OMB Chairman Peter Orzag testified.
Length: 45 min.

Published: Wednesday at 7:45am (ET)


VIDEO: Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers
AFT President Randi Weingarten talks about federal education reform efforts including the revamping of the No Child Left Behind act and AFT's effort to develop a new model for how public school teachers should be evaluated, promoted and removed.
Length: 45 min.

Published: Wednesday at 8:30am (ET)


VIDEO: State Department Special Briefing on Afghanistan
Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke brief reporters about their recent trips to Afghanistan.
Length: 32 min.

Published: Wednesday at 9:45am (ET)


VIDEO: State Department Briefing on Human Trafficking
Ambassador-at-Large Luis CdeBaca, Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons briefed reporters on President Obama's Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.
Length: 26 min.

Published: Wednesday at 12:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: State Department Press Briefing Wed Feb 3 2010
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley conducts a daily briefing at the State Department.
Length: 28 min.

Published: Wednesday at 1pm (ET)


VIDEO: Pres. Obama Attends Senate Democratic Retreat
Pres. Obama met with the Senate Democratic Caucus at their annual retreat where he urged Senate Democrats to support his ideas on various policies including job creation efforts, health care and climate change. The senators gathered to strategize on policy issues and define their political message ahead of the Congressional elections later this year.
Length: 1 hr. 22 min.

Published: Wednesday at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: House Ways & Means Cmte. Hearing on FY 2011 Budget with Sec. Geithner
Treasury Sec. Tim Geithner outlined the Administration’s tax proposals and other aspects of the FY 2011 budget at a House Ways & Means Cmte. hearing.
Length: 1 hr. 59 min.

Published: Wednesday at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: White House Briefing with Dpty. Press Secretary Bill Burton
Standing in for Robert Gibbs, Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton conducted a daily White House briefing. One of the main topics at this briefing was the investigation into the Christmas day attempted bombing of Flight 253. The suspect in that case has reportedly begun talking again with investigators.
Length: 44 min.

Published: Wednesday at 1pm (ET)


VIDEO: Pres. Obama Remarks on Energy Policy
President Obama and Vice President Biden made remarks as they met with Republican and Democratic governors in the White House to discuss energy policy.
Length: 9 min.

Published: Wednesday at 2pm (ET)


VIDEO: House Science and Technology Subcommittee Hearing on Airline Passenger Screening
Rep. David Wu (D-OR) chaired this House Science and Technology subcommittee hearing on airline passenger screening. Topics included new technologies, deploying new screening systems and passenger privacy.
Length: 1 hr. 41 min.

Published: Wednesday at 2pm (ET)


VIDEO: House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcmte. Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military
The Sec. of Defense should take responsibility for the military’s sexual assault and prevention program. So recommends a Task Force created by Congress in 2005 to report on the DoD’s progress in addressing sexual assault. Task Force members will discuss their recommendation today before the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcmte.
Length: 1 hr. 13 min.

Published: Wednesday at 3pm (ET)


VIDEO: Senate Finance Cmte. Hearing on Health Care Proposals
Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) chaired a Senate Finance Committee hearing during which HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testified on health care proposals.
Length: 1 hr. 53 min.

Published: Wednesday at 3:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: Medical Facilities at Bagram Air Base Afghanistan
Bagram is the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan. Freelance journalist David Axe visited there late last year, where he looked at the medical facilities that treat wounded U.S. and coalition troops, as well as some Afghan civilians.
Length: 15 min.

Published: Wednesday at 6pm (ET)


VIDEO: Michigan State of the State Address
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) delivered the State of the State Address from the State Capitol in Lansing.
Length:

Published: Wednesday at 7pm (ET)


Presidential Memorandum -- A Comprehensive Federal Strategy on Carbon Capture and Storage
Obama Announces Steps to Boost Biofuels, Clean Coal
Briefing by White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton, 2/3/10
Remarks by the President at the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Issues Conference
Remarks by The President and The Vice President at Meeting with Governors on Energy Policy
"The Engine of Job Growth in America"
Posted by Jesse Lee on February 2, 2010 at 3:15 PM EST
Innovation and the Budget
Posted by Diana Farrell on February 3, 2010 at 1:58 PM EST
Gameday: The President in Ohio
Posted by Jason Djang on February 3, 2010 at 2:42 PM EST
As We Approach the One-Year Anniversary of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships -- An Update
Posted by Joshua DuBois on February 3, 2010 at 6:14 PM EST
Moving America’s Clean Energy Economy Forward: Boost for Biofuels, Clean Coal
Posted by Heather Zichal on February 3, 2010 at 7:05 PM EST
Eligible Foreign Establishments for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The Eligible Foreign Establishment List for Canada, Germany, and New Zealand have been revised. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
Recovery Act Information: Financial and Activity Report Weekly Update: February 1, 2010
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:54:31 -0600
Building upon the success of its on-line disclosure map, the Federal Election Commission has developed a new map that offers state-specific reporting and compliance information
. You'll find it on our "Tips for Treasurers" page and under "Help with Reporting and Compliance" on the FEC's home page.
Report to the Secretary of the Treasury from the Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee of the Securi
February 3, 2010
tg528
February 2010 Quarterly Refunding Statement
February 3, 2010
tg527
Sec. Gates on Budget
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:10:45 -0600
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates spoke about the distribution plans for the proposed FY 2011 defense budget.
1st Female to Head Guard
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:14:10 -0600
The first female has been sworn in as the head of California's National Guard.
ODNI Congressional Testimony: House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:00:00 ET
FEC Introduces New Compliance Map
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:13:22 -0600
WASHINGTON - The Federal Election Commission today introduced a Compliance Map on its website, which sets out key dates and timeframes for disclosure of campaign finances in each state. This new feature provides a quick reference for citizens and for the candidates, party committees and political action committees participating in elections.
CANADA newsbrief journal has been updated and posted

Afghanistan and Pakistan Regional Stabilization Strategy

Office of the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan

Washington, DC

January 21, 2010


2/4/2010 - Human Capital Wants Your Ideas
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 -0600
Have a great idea related to human capital? During my presentation at the MHS Conference, “Human Capital: Achieving Greatness in a Mission-Focused Organization,” I introduced our new e-mail box as a means to communicate your great ideas or issues with us in the Chief Human Capital Office.

Saturday Phone Bank for Loretta
Start Time: Saturday, February 6 at 12:00am
End Time: Saturday, February 6 at 6:00pm

To see more details and RSVP


Saturday Block Walk for Loretta
Start Time: Saturday, February 6 at 10:00am
End Time: Saturday, February 6 at 2:00pm
Where: Starbuck's

To see more details and RSVP


Global Zero Summit

Ellen Tauscher
Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security
Paris, France

February 3, 2010


Addressing the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Internationalizing Enrichment Services and Solving the Problem of Spent Fuel Storage

Ellen Tauscher
Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security
Hoover Institution, Stanford University

Stanford, CA

January 19, 2010


2/3/2010 - Help Us Tweak the New Health.mil
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:00:00 -0600
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner Written Testimony House Ways and Means Committee
February 3, 2010
TG-531
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:27:00 -0600
Highlights: Nuclear Arms Agreement With Russia
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:00:00 -0600

Legislative Lunch
"Brown Bag with Senator Nicole LeFavour"
What: Informational Meeting
Start Time: Tuesday, February 9 at 11:45am
End Time: Wednesday, February 10 at 1:00am
Where: Idaho Statehouse

To see more details and RSVP


The Record for Federal Election Commission. The February issue of the Record is now available.
Enforcement Report for February 3, 2010
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:44:00 -0600
The FDA Enforcement Report is published weekly by the Food and Drug Administration. It contains information on actions taken in connection with agency regulatory activities. Inquiries about individual actions should be directed to the companies involved.

Stonewall Membership Meeting
What: Club/Group Meeting
Start Time: Thursday, February 11 at 7:00pm
End Time: Thursday, February 11 at 8:30pm
Where: Valley Title Company

To see more details and RSVP


Former Detroit Public School Official and Former Employee Plead Guilty
Former City Official Pleads Guilty to Bribery Scheme Related to Sales of Camp Brighton and 8th Precinct

Statistics for the U.S. Department of Labor. This information has recently been updated.
The following statistics were updated:
Productivity (P)

View the latest DOL statistics.


The latest Productivity and Costs news release
(http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/prod2.pdf)
was issued today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Highlights are below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Productivity increased 6.2 percent in the nonfarm business sector during the
fourth quarter of 2009 as unit labor costs fell 4.4 percent (seasonally
adjusted annual rates, preliminary). In manufacturing, productivity rose
7.8 percent while unit labor costs fell 7.4 percent.


Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report for the U.S. Department of Labor. This information has recently been updated.
In the week ending Jan. 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 480,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 472,000. The 4-week moving average was 468,750, an increase of 11,750 from the previous week's revised average of 457,000.
Read the full news release.
Regulation Updates from the United States Department of Labor. The current regulations are currently open for comment:
Hazard Communication, Proposed Rule
Criteria and Procedures for Proposed Assessment of Civil Penalties/Reporting and Recordkeeping: Immediate Notification of Accidents; Final Rule and Proposed Rule
Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirement, Proposed Rule
Interim Final Rules Under the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
Request for Information Regarding Lifetime Income Options for Participants and Beneficiaries in Retirement Plans
Rescission of Form T–1, Trust Annual Report; Require Subsidiary Organization Reporting on the Form LM-2, Labor Organization Annual Report; LMRDA Coverage of Intermediate Labor Organizations; Proposed Rule
Proximity Detection Systems for Underground Mines; Request for Information
For more information or to comment, please go to http://www.dol.gov/regulations/.
Stavridis Praises Afghans
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:22:59 -0600
NATO's top commander is praising Afghan security forces for stopping an insurgent attack on a number of key buildings in the Afghan capitol.
Immigration Information and Resources Available in Response to Haiti Earthquake
DOD News Briefing with Lt. Gen. Stanton and Kathleen Miller on Fiscal Year 2011 Budget for the Army
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:20:00 -0600
CFR Defense Review
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:02:07 -0600
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michèle Flournoy speaks on the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC.

Support for PAYGO, Fiscal Responsibility

“For a long time it's been clear that, unless the government changes course, the nation will accumulate so much debt that prosperity will decline, future generations will suffer and America will forfeit its role as a global leader.”
– Fred Hiatt, Washington Post, 2/1/10

Tomorrow, the House will vote to send statutory “pay-as-you-go” (PAYGO) legislation to the President, a major step in Democratic efforts to strengthen fiscal responsibility. Experts, the media and some Republicans have expressed support for PAYGO, because it is a proven tool for turning deficits into surpluses and a necessary step in our efforts to cut wasteful spending, address the deficit, and reduce the national debt.
“A well-designed pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rule can contribute significantly to the fiscal discipline needed to address the nation’s serious long-term budget problems…. The nation’s fiscal situation would be far healthier had policymakers adhered to such policies over the past decade. Supporters of the PAYGO proposal should be commended for pursuing this action.”
– Robert Greenstein, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 1/27/10
“‘I can't tell you why [Republicans] are taking this approach,’ said Jim Kolbe, a former [Republican] member of Congress and longtime fiscal hawk from Arizona. ‘…I think that certainly the pay-go and the commission have some merit and we should be supporting those. I don't have an answer to this. Whether this is just part of them being philosophically opposed or are they just being obstructionists, I don't know?’”
– Huffington Post, 1/29/10
“The reality is the things where consistently the Republicans have been in the past, like pay as you go, I think we should be supportive of. That is the place where we should go.”
– Ed Rollins, Republican Strategist, 1/29/10
“One of the hallmarks of the Clinton presidency was its focus on fiscal responsibility. It turned a federal budget deficit into a surplus. One of the tools used to accomplish that was so-called ‘pay-as-you-go’ legislation…. This was abandoned during the past Bush presidency, under which government spending rose by 8.4 percent, as compared to a 3.5 percent growth in the Clinton years. President Obama has urged Congress to revive pay-as-you-go as a way to limit future deficit growth. The House passed a bill last year. Last week, the Senate followed through on a 60-40 vote — 60 Democrats yes and 40 Republicans no. Once upon a time the GOP was in favor of fiscally responsible government spending. Now it's just against anything Democrats propose. Nonsense.”
– Times Herald-Record (NY), 1/30/10
“While the Senate voted Thursday to authorize a new national spending limit, House Blue Dog Democrats successfully included a tough new “pay-as-you-go” budget item. This is a step in the right direction…. The ‘pay-as-you-go’ budget law makes it harder for Congress to implement new tax cuts or federal benefits programs without balancing it out with appropriate offsetting funding or budget cuts…. [T]his is a simple and necessary first step in the battle ahead of significantly reducing the federal deficit.”
– West Central Tribune (MN), 1/29/10
“In the 1990s, Congress enacted ‘pay-as-you-go’ to rein in deficits, a system in which every new spending program had to be paid for, either through new revenues or reduced spending elsewhere. Those rules lapsed during the Bush administration. Last week, the Senate voted, 60-40, to bring them back, with not a single Republican voting in favor. A week from now, with Scott Brown replacing Sen. Paul Kirk, even that basic pillar of fiscal responsibility might not have survived.”
– Daily News Tribune (MA), 2/3/10
“To help stem the flood of red ink, Obama also called for a return to ‘pay-go,’ in which funding must be found to pay for any new federal program before it goes forward. Pay-go is a positive concept that was developed and promoted by Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez.”
– Contra Costa Times (CA), 1/29/10
“[President Obama] commendably supported creating a bipartisan fiscal commission to propose solutions to America’s deficits and he backed reinstating pay-as-you-go rules.”
– Providence Journal (RI), 1/31/10

Click here for PDF/printable version.

###


In celebration of our third year publishing CDC's global health e-brief, the latest issue revisits previously published articles highlighting CDC programs that have pioneered integrations of public health interventions, and cross program and agency collaborations. Evidence-based integration of activities across disease-specific programs has been critical in helping CDC reach more people in need and use scarce resources efficiently.
Read the E-Brief here: http://www.cdc.gov/washington/globalhealth_ebrief.html
Background Notes : Libya (02/10)
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:35:06 -0600

Obama Announces Steps to Boost Biofuels, Clean Coal
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama today announced a series of steps his Administration is taking as part of its comprehensive strategy to enhance American energy independence while building a foundation for a new clean energy economy, and its promise of new industries and millions of jobs.

At a meeting with a bipartisan group of governors from around the country, the President laid out three measures that will work in concert to boost biofuels production and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to implement the long-term renewable fuels standard of 36 billion gallons by 2022 established by Congress. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a rule on the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) that would provide financing to increase the conversion of biomass to bioenergy.

The President’s Biofuels Interagency Working Group released its first report – Growing America’s Fuel. The report, authored by group co-chairs, Secretaries Vilsack and Chu, and Administrator Jackson, lays out a strategy to advance the development and commercialization of a sustainable biofuels industry to meet or exceed the nation’s biofuels targets.
In addition, President Obama announced a Presidential Memorandum (linked below) creating an Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage to develop a comprehensive and coordinated federal strategy to speed the development and deployment of clean coal technologies.

Our nation’s economy will continue to rely on the availability and affordability of domestic coal for decades to meet its energy needs, and these advances are necessary to reduce pollution in the meantime. The President calls for five to ten commercial demonstration projects to be up and running by 2016.

President Obama said, “Now, I happen to believe that we should pass a comprehensive energy and climate bill. It will make clean energy the profitable kind of energy, and the decision by other nations to do this is already giving their businesses a leg up on developing clean energy jobs and technologies. But even if you disagree on the threat posed by climate change, investing in clean energy jobs and businesses is still the right thing to do for our economy. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is still the right thing to do for our security. We can’t afford to spin our wheels while the rest of the world speeds ahead.”

“Advancing biomass and biofuel production holds the potential to create green jobs, which is one of the many ways the Obama Administration is working to rebuild and revitalize rural America,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Facilities that produce renewable fuel from biomass have to be designed, built and operated. Additionally, BCAP will stimulate biomass production and that will benefit producers and provide the materials necessary to generate clean energy and reduce carbon pollution.”

“President Obama and this Administration are strongly committed to the development of carbon capture and storage technology as a key part of the clean energy economy. We can and should lead the world in this technology and the jobs it can create,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

“The actions President Obama has taken today will create jobs, slash greenhouse gas emissions and increase our energy security while helping to put America at the leading edge of the new energy economy,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The renewable fuel standards will help bring new economic opportunity to millions of Americans, particularly in rural America. EPA is proud to be a part of the President’s effort to combat climate change and put Americans back to work – both through the new renewable fuel standards and through our co-chairmanship with the Department of Energy of the Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage.”

Background on today’s announcements:
Renewable Fuels Standard. EPA has finalized a rule implementing the long-term renewable fuels mandate of 36 billion gallons by 2022 established by Congress. The Renewable Fuels Standard requires biofuels production to grow from last year’s 11.1 billion gallons to 36 billion gallons in 2022, with 21 billion gallons to come from advanced biofuels. Increasing renewable fuels will reduce dependence on oil by more than 328 million barrels a year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions more than 138 million metric tons a year when fully phased in by 2022. For the first time, some renewable fuels must achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions - compared to the gasoline and diesel fuels they displace – in order to be counted towards compliance with volume standards. To read the full rule, please click HERE.

Biomass Crop Assistance Program. USDA has proposed a rule for Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) to convert biomass to bioenergy and bio-based products. USDA provides grants and loans and other financial support to help biofuels and renewable energy commercialization. BCAP has already begun to provide matching payments to folks delivering biomass for the collection, harvest, storage, and transportation of biomass to eligible biomass conversion facilities. To read the full rule, please click HERE.

Biofuels Working Group: In May, President Obama established the Biofuels Interagency Working Group – co-chaired by USDA, DOE, and EPA, and with input from many others – to develop a comprehensive approach to accelerating the investment in and production of American biofuels and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Today the Working Group released its first report: Growing America’s Fuel – a new U.S. Government strategy for meeting or beating the country’s biofuel targets. The report is focused on short term solid government solutions supporting the existing biofuels industry, as well as accelerating the commercial establishment of advanced biofuels and a viable long-term market by transforming how the U.S. Government does business across Departments and using strategic public-private partnerships. To read the full report, please click HERE.

Presidential Memorandum for a Comprehensive Federal Strategy on Carbon Capture and Storage: Charting the path toward clean coal is essential to achieving the Administration’s clean energy goals, supporting American jobs and reducing emissions of carbon pollution. Rapid development and deployment of clean coal technologies, particularly carbon capture and storage (CCS), will help position the U.S. as a leader in the global clean energy race. The President’s memorandum establishes an Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage to develop a comprehensive and coordinated federal strategy to speed the development and deployment of clean coal technologies.

The Task Force will be co-chaired by representatives of from DOE and EPA and include participants from at least 9 different agencies and offices. The Task Force shall develop within 180 days a plan to overcome the barriers to the deployment of widespread affordable CCS within 10 years, with a goal of bringing five to ten commercial demonstration projects on line by 2016. The plan should address incentives for CCS adoption and any financial, economic, technological, legal, institutional, or other barriers to deployment. The Task Force should consider how best to coordinate existing federal authorities and programs, as well as identify areas where additional federal authority may be necessary. The Task Force shall report progress periodically to the President, through the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. To read the full memorandum, please click HERE.

-DOE-


Friends and Supporters of PAYD --

This weekend, please join the Pennsylvania Young Democrats for DEMFEST and the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee in Lancaster!

The State Committee meeting this weekend will prove to be the most exciting, interesting and important of 2010. Debates, informational sessions, State Committee endorsements for governor and senate, and an appearance by Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be the highlights, among other things.

Will you join us?

If you're interested, but are still suffering from the economic failures of the Bush administration, that's ok -- the Pennsylvania Young Democrats will help you out: We've got rooms available for you to crash in. Please e-mail us for more information at: info@payd.org

If you'd like more info on DEMFEST, please click here: http://www.padems.com/About/Demfest.php

Thanks, PAYD! On behalf of the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Young Democrats: Thanks for all you do! And we hope to see many of you this weekend in Lancaster.

With friendship,

Chris Benson, Corresponding Secretary
Pennsylvania Young Democrats
--------------------


Attorney General Letter to Senators on Detention, Interrogation of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:28:57 -0600

Remarks on President Obama's Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Jefferson Room

Washington, DC

February 3, 2010


Statement by the Director of Communications
Arthur House


The article published by Politico today regarding testimony of the Director of National Intelligence before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is inaccurate and irresponsible. The DNI did not criticize the Administration in any way – the assertion that he did is simply wrong.

The DNI stated that the combination of reality and politics regarding the December 25 attempted terrorist attack is surprising and that the Intelligence Community is trying to bring intelligence and law enforcement to bear on those who threaten our country. To suggest that his statement is a “blast” at the White House distorts words clearly spoken and seeks to create a conflict where none exits.

 

# # #


Afghan Web Project
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:48:09 -0600
A new web-based public affairs project, aimed at bringing a better picture of counter insurgency operations in Afghanistan, kicks off next Monday.
Treasury Welcomes PNC's Plan to Repay TARP Funds
February 3, 2010
TG-532
Highlights: Recent Trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:00:00 -0600
Background Notes : El Salvador (01/10)
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:59:20 -0600
Obama Administration Announces enhancements for TARP Initiative for Community Development
February 3, 2010
TG-533
Remarks to the Homeland Security Advisory Council on Partnerships with Faith-Based and Community Groups
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:00:00 -0600

Hoyer Remarks on Statutory PAYGO at Press Conference with Blue Dog Leaders

WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined Blue Dog Leaders and Members today for a press conference on statutory “pay-as-you-go” (PAYGO), which will be considered on the House Floor tomorrow. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Tomorrow, the House will have the opportunity to take one of the most important votes for fiscal responsibility in a long time—and I want to thank my Blue Dog friends for working so long to make it possible. We will be voting to send statutory pay-as-you-go legislation to President Obama’s desk.

“I’ve been a longtime supporter of PAYGO, because it has had proven success when it comes to reducing our deficit. PAYGO requires Congress to find savings to balance the money it spends and keeps our deficit from growing. With statutory PAYGO in place, any new tax cuts or entitlement spending will have to be paid for—there will be no more passing the cost on to future generations.

“PAYGO has a long history of bipartisan support. It was first enacted under a Republican President and a Democratic Congress, and it was renewed under a Democratic President and Republican Congress. I was sorry to see Senate Republicans reject it unanimously despite the fact that several of them had supported it in the past—but I hope it will win bipartisan approval in the House, where it secured 24 Republican votes last summer.

“PAYGO has won that kind of support because it works. Under President Clinton, PAYGO helped turn huge deficits into a $5.6 trillion projected surplus. Under President Bush, PAYGO was waived and allowed to expire—and his administration's record borrowing, combined with the economic downturn, has put our country in a deep fiscal hole.

“Today, more and more Americans understand that deficits and debt are not just threats on paper—they threaten our prosperity, our way of life, and our country's place in the world. By passing PAYGO tomorrow, we can stop digging our hole and start making the hard choices necessary to get our budget back under control.”

###


February 4, 2010 - DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 32 pages - 211 KB)
James McJunkin Named Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division

Bill White for Tarrant County DEBATE WATCH PARTY at Rahr Brewery
What: Movie/TV Night
Start Time: Monday, February 8 at 6:45pm
End Time: Monday, February 8 at 9:45pm
Where: Rahr & Sons Brewery, FW

To see more details and RSVP


C-SPAN Daily Alert
Programming Information for Weds. 2/3 - Thurs. 2/4, 2010
**********************************************************************

C-SPAN Highlights

Tonight:
* Pres. Obama Address at Senate Democratic Retreat (11pm)
* House Hearing on FY 2011 Transportation and HUD Budget with Sec. LaHood (12:25am)
* House Ways & Means Cmte. Hearing on FY 2011 Budget with Sec. Geithner (2:20am)

Tomorrow:
* U.S. House: In Session (10am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN2 Highlights

Tonight:
* Pres. Obama at Senate Democratic Retreat & LIVE Viewer Calls (8pm)
* Briefing with Agriculture Sec. Vilsack & Amb. Holbrooke on Afghanistan (9:45pm)
* Afghanistan Vignette: Medical Facilities at Bagram Air Base (10:20pm)

Tomorrow:
* Pres. Obama Address at the National Prayer Breakfast (8am) - LIVE
* Senate Democratic Leaders on Jobs Legislation (9:45am) - LIVE
* House Homeland Security Subcmte. Hearing on DHS Travel Policies (10am) - LIVE
* U.S. Senate: In Session (2pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN3 Highlights

Tonight:
* Gov. Granholm (D-MI) State of State Address (7pm) - LIVE
* Budget Hearings: Sec. Geithner; Sec. Sebelius; Sec. LaHood (8pm)

Tomorrow:
* House Hearing on the Proposed Comcast and NBC Universal Merger (9:30am) - LIVE
* House Hearing FAA Airline Safety and Pilot Training (2pm) - 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
* David Corn, Mother Jones, Washington Bureau Chief
* Discussion on Aid to Small Businesses
* Discussion on the Proposed Comcast and NBC Universal Merger
**********************************************************************


DoD Contracts for February 03, 2010
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:13:00 -0600
Early Voting for the Democratic Primary
"Vote!! Young people make your voice heard!"
What: Rally
Start Time: Tuesday, February 16 at 8:00am
End Time: Tuesday, February 16 at 6:00pm
Where: Bexar County

Preview to Annual Meeting of the President's Interagency Taskforce to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

Luis CdeBaca
Director, Office To Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
Washington, DC

February 3, 2010


CFTC Releases Rule Enforcement Review of ICE Futures US
U.S. Department of State : Daily Press Briefing - February 3
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:30:18 -0600
Highlights: Middle East Peace
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:00:00 -0600

Phonebank at Mochalux in Arlington
Start Time: Saturday, February 6 at 3:00pm
End Time: Saturday, February 6 at 6:00pm
Where: 1101 E. Bardin Rd. Suite 101, Arlington, TX 76018 (817) 468-0488

To see more details and RSVP


Letter to the Editor on the FBI's Scientific Work in the Anthrax Case
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:54:32 -0600
D. Christian Hassell, the Director of the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, submitted a letter to the editor of 'The Wall Street Journal' in response to an article entitled 'The Anthrax Attacks Remain Unsolved.'
Consular Access to American Citizens in Pakistan
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:09:07 -0600
Texas State Representative Terri Hodge Pleads Guilty, Agrees to Resign
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:53:50 -0600
Texas State Representative Gladys E. Hodge, also known as "Terri Hodge," who was to go on trial early next month on charges outlined in a 31-count indictment charging 14 public officials and their associates with various offenses related to a bribery and extortion scheme involving affordable housing developments in the Dallas area, has pled guilty. Hodge has agreed to resign her office and never seek or hold future public office.
Oklahoma Accountant Sentenced for Bribing Public Official
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:17:21 -0600
Stuart Jay Franklin, of Claremore, Oklahoma, an accountant for a local engineering firm, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for bribing a Tulsa public works official.
Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Twitter Threat
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:13:43 -0600
Daniel Knight Hayden, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to eight months in prison for making a threat via Twitter to kill or injure police officers at a public tax protest assembly called a "Tea Party."
Florida Medical Equipment Company Exec Convicted on Health Care Fraud Charges
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:26:46 -0600
Maria A. Aloise, the former president and owner of Atenas Medical Equipment, Inc., based in Hialeah, Florida, was convicted in connection with the submission of approximately $1,421,346 in fraudulent claims to Medicare seeking reimbursement for various types of durable medical equipment.
Former City Official Pleads Guilty in Michigan to Bribery Scheme
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:39:03 -0600
DeDan C. Milton, of Detroit, the former executive assistant to the former mayor of Detroit, pled guilty to participating in a bribery scheme related to the sales of Camp Brighton and the 8th Precinct police station.
Former Detroit Public School Official and Former Employee Plead Guilty in Michigan
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:35:12 -0600
Toni D. Gilbert, a former payroll manager of the Detroit Public Schools(DPS) pled guilty to conspiring with Anton V. Carter, a retired DPS employee, to fraudulently obtain money from the DPS.
Remarks With Bahraini Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa After Their Meeting
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:44:38 -0600
HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR FEBRUARY 3, 2010
Unfinished Business:
H.R. 4061 - Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009 (Rep. Lipinski – Science and Technology)
- Amendments – Passed (21):
· Hastings (FL)/Rodriguez Amendment
· Polis Amendment
· Flake Amendment
· Matheson Amendment
· Roskam Amendment
· Edwards (MD) Amendment
· Paulsen Amendment
· Dahlkemper Amendment
· Garamendi Amendment
· McCarthy (NY)/Kratovil
· Smith (WA) Amendment
· Langevin Amendment
· Loretta Sanchez Amendment
· Cuellar Amendment
· Shea-Porter Amendment
· Clarke Amendment
· Bright Amendment
· Connolly Amendment
· Kratovil Amendment
· Nye Amendment
· Heinrich Amendment

- Amendments – Recorded Votes Pending (4):
· Halvorson/Shea-Porter Amendment
· Kilroy Amendment
· Kissell Amendment
· Owens Amendment

Bills Adopted Under Suspension of the Rules (3):

1) H.Res. 1043 - Recognizing Brescia University for 60 years of leadership in higher education. (Rep. Guthrie - Education and Labor)
2) H.Res. 901 - Recognizing the 49th anniversary of the first day of integrated schools in New Orleans, Louisiana (Rep. Moore (WI) - Education and Labor)
3) H.Res. 1044 - Commemorating the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a Nazi concentration and extermination camp, honoring the victims of the Holocaust, and expressing commitment to strengthen the fight against bigotry and intolerance (Rep. Ros-Lehtinen - Foreign Affairs)

Postponed Suspension Votes (4):

1) H.Res. 1022 - Honoring the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers and congratulating the United States Navy for naming a supply ship after Medgar Evers (Rep. Johnson (GA) - Judiciary)
2) H.Res. 960 - Expressing support for designation of January 2010 as "National Stalking Awareness Month" to raise awareness and encourage prevention of stalking (Rep. Poe - Judiciary)
3) S. 2950 - To extend the pilot program for volunteer groups to obtain criminal history background checks (Sen. Schumer - Judiciary)
4) H.R. 4532 - Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010 (Rep. Tanner - Ways and Means)

US-CERT Current Activity

Microsoft Releases Security Advisory 980088

Original release date: February 3, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Last revised: February 3, 2010 at 8:39 pm

 

Microsoft has released Security Advisory 980088 to alert users of a
vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer. The advisory indicates
that exploitation of this vulnerability may allow an attacker to
harvest user credentials and other sensitive information by enticing
users to visit a maliciously crafted web page.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Microsoft
Security Advisory 980088 and apply the suggested workarounds of
running Internet Explorer in Protected Mode and setting the Internet
zone security setting to High to mitigate the risk of unwanted
information disclosure.

Relevant Url(s):
<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/980088.mspx>

====
This entry is available at
http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#microsoft_releases_security_advisory_980088


FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2010
House Meets At… First Vote Predicted… Last Vote Predicted…
10:00 a.m.: Legislative Business 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

***Members are advised that votes could occur as early as 10:00 a.m.

“One Minutes” (5 per side)

Complete Consideration of H.R. 4061 - Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009 (Rep. Lipinski – Science and Technology)

Amendments – Recorded Votes Pending (4):
· Halvorson/Shea-Porter Amendment
· Kilroy Amendment
· Kissell Amendment
· Owens Amendment

Senate Amendments to H.J.Res. 45 – To Establish Statutory PAYGO Requirements and Permit Continued Financing of Government Operations (Rep. Rangel – Ways and Means) (Subject to a Rule)

Postponed Suspension Votes (4 Bills):
1) H.Res. 1022 - Honoring the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers and congratulating the United States Navy for naming a supply ship after Medgar Evers (Rep. Johnson (GA) - Judiciary)
2) H.Res. 960 - Expressing support for designation of January 2010 as "National Stalking Awareness Month" to raise awareness and encourage prevention of stalking (Rep. Poe - Judiciary)
3) S. 2950 - To extend the pilot program for volunteer groups to obtain criminal history background checks (Sen. Schumer - Judiciary)
4) H.R. 4532 - Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010 (Rep. Tanner - Ways and Means)

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


NASA and GM Create Cutting Edge Robotic Technology
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:00:00 -0600
Glow-in-the-Dark Plants are Highlight of International Space Station Science Briefing
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:00:00 -0600
NASA will shed light on plant investigations aboard the International Space Station in a briefing at 1 p.m. EST, Friday, Jan. 5



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