usdemocrats.com * July 14, 2009 keynote news, current events, political news ticker, democratic daily weblog

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July 14, 2009

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CNN
Cable TV LIVE FEED

VIDEO:
British Defense Secretary Q&A on Afghanistan Military Operations

from C-SPAN Recent Video

British Defense Secretary Bob Ainsworth answered dozens of questions
from members in the House of Commons on military operations in
Afghanistan and combating the Taliban. The debate came after
the deaths of eight British soldiers within a 24 hour period
in Afghanistan. 184 British soldiers have died in Afghanistan
so far.

Length: 59 min.

Published: Today at 9am (ET)

VIDEO:
Sen. Russ Feingold's (D-WI) Questions on 9/11, Executive Power
& Individual Rights

from C-SPAN Recent Video

During his questioning of Judge Sotomayor, Sen. Russ Feingold
(D-WI) asks about her perspective on judicial rulings after 9/11,
and her perspective on Executive power & individual rights.

Length:

Published: Today at 2:32pm (ET)

VIDEO:
Pres. Obama Remarks on Community Colleges

from C-SPAN Recent Video

President Obama made remarks on community colleges at Macomb
Community College in Warren, Michigan.

Length: 30 min.

Published: Today at 3:40pm (ET)

VIDEO:
House Democrats Press Conference on Health Care Proposal

from C-SPAN Recent Video

House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Democratic Leaders,
and Committee Chairs held a press conference to discuss legislation
introduced by the Tri-Committees on health care reform.

Length: 40 min.

Published: Today at 2:45pm (ET)

Sotomayor:
Foreign law cannot be used to interpret Constitution

Posted: 04:44 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Judge Sonia Sotomayor asserted Tuesday
that foreign law cannot be used to assist judges in their interpretation
of the U.S. Constitution.

Hearings
set on Obama plan to overhaul lending regulations

Posted: 05:54 PM ET

From Bob Costantini

CNN Radio

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Obama administration’s
plan to overhaul lending regulations — stemming from the
housing and credit meltdowns, as well as the current recession
— moves to Capitol Hill Wednesday with the start of three
straight days of hearings. The House Financial Services Committee
will get the banking community’s input first.

Joe
Biden to Travel to Virginia to Highlight Progress of the Recovery
Act

On Thursday, July 16, Vice President Biden will travel to the
Richmond, VA area, where he will highlight the progress of the
Recovery Act at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. The Vice
President will discuss how the Recovery Act is building a 21st-century
economy in the Richmond area and across the nation.

Presidential
Nominations Sent to the Senate, 7-14-09

Dennis K. Burke, of Arizona, to be United States Attorney for
the District of Arizona for the term of four years, vice Diane
J. Humetewa.

Joe
Biden, Secretary Sebelius, and AARP to Hold Middle Class Task
Force Meeting on Health Care Reform

On Thursday, July 16, Vice President Biden will travel to Alexandria,
Virginia, to hold the next meeting of the Middle Class Task Force.
The Vice President will be joined by Health and Human Services
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, White House Office of Health Reform
Director Nancy-Ann DeParle and Barry Rand, CEO of the AARP.

Excerpts
of the President's remarks in Warren, Michigan and fact sheet
on the American Graduation Initiative

The hard truth is that some of the jobs that have been lost in
the auto industry and elsewhere won’t be coming back. They
are casualties of a changing economy. And that only underscores
the importance of generating new businesses and industries to
replace the ones we’ve lost, and of preparing our workers
to fill the jobs they create.

Statement
by the President on the Health Care Reform Legislation Introduced
in the House Today

For decades, Washington failed to act as health care costs continued
to rise, crushing businesses and families and placing an unsustainable
burden on governments. But today, key committees in the House
of Representatives have engaged in unprecedented cooperation
to produce a health care reform proposal that will lower costs,
provide better care for patients, and ensure fair treatment of
consumers by the insurance industry.

adsense

President
Obama Announces Intent to Nominate Aaron Williams as Director
of the Peace Corps

President Obama today announced his intent to nominate Aaron
Williams to be Director of the Peace Corps. President Obama said,
“America was built on a belief that the best progress comes
from ordinary citizens working to bring about the change they
believe in. Through a lifetime of service, Aaron Williams has
embodied the very best of that American ideal. I am grateful
for his service and honored to nominate him to direct the critical
work of the Peace Corps.”

Gaggle
by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs aboard Air Force One en route
Michigan, 7-14-09

Remarks
by the President on the American Graduation Initiative in Warren,
MI

Remarks
by President Obama and Prime Minister Balkenende of the Netherlands
after meeting

A
First Pitch for Service

Posted by Katherine Brandon

Over
at OSTP: Suggestions from the Declassification Policy Forum on
Technology

Posted by Katherine Brandon

Investing
in Education: The American Graduation Initiative

Posted by Katherine Brandon

Judge
Sotomayor's Opening Statement

Posted by Cammie Croft

CEA
Chair Christina Romer Takes Your Questions

Posted by Katherine Brandon

A
New Vision for Urban and Metropolitan Policy

Posted by Katherine Brandon

FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 15,
2009

House Meets At… Last Vote Predicted…

10:00 a.m.: Legislative Business

Fifteen “One Minutes” Per Side Evening

***Members are advised that procedural
votes are possible throughout the day and could occur as early
as 10:00 a.m.

H.R.
3183 - Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2010 (Rep. Pastor – Appropriations)
(Subject to a Rule)

Postponed Suspension Votes (9 Bills)

H.Res.
476 - Celebrating the 30th anniversary of June as "Black
Music Month" (Rep. Cohen - Oversight and Government Reform)

H.R.
1044 - Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement
Act of 2009 (Rep. George Miller - Natural Resources)

H.R.
934 - To convey certain submerged lands to the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands in order to give that territory
the same benefits in its submerged lands as Guam, the Virgin
Islands, and American Samoa have in their submerged lands (Rep.
Sablan - Natural Resources)

H.R.
762 - Affirming patent number 27-2005-0081 and its associated
land reconfiguration issued by the Bureau of Land Management
(Rep. Heller - Natural Resources)

H.R.
1442 - To provide for the sale of the Federal Government's
reversionary interest in approximately 60 acres of land in Salt
Lake City, Utah, originally conveyed to the Mount Olivet Cemetery
Association under the Act of January 23, 1909 (Rep. Matheson
- Natural Resources)

H.R.
2188 - Joint Ventures for Bird Habitat Conservation Act of
2009 (Rep. Kratovil - Natural Resources)

H.R.
129 - To authorize the conveyance of certain National Forest
System lands in the Los Padres National Forest in California
(Rep. Gallegly - Natural Resources)

H.R.
409 - To provide for the conveyance of certain Bureau of
Land Management land in the State of Nevada to the Las Vegas
Motor Speedway (Rep. Heller - Natural Resources)

H.Res.
543 - Expressing support for designation of June as "Home
Safety Month" (Rep. Halvorson - Energy and Commerce)

Hoyer Statement on Introduction of America’s
Affordable Health Choices Act

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on
the House Tri-Committee’s introduction of America’s
Affordable Health Choices Act:

“From President Obama to every Democrat
in Congress, we are committed to reforming health care. The House
is passing a reform bill this summer, and today’s introduction
of legislation is progress on the way towards that goal.

“This legislation will ensure peace
of mind, quality care, and reliable coverage that can never be
taken away. It will protect and expand patients’ rights
to choose their own doctor and health plan. And it will bring
down health care’s crippling costs. Today, those costs strain
the budgets of middle-class families and threaten our businesses’
competitiveness; but through an expanded pool of insured Americans,
a focus on preventive care, and investments in research to help
patients and doctors choose the best treatments, we can get those
costs under control.

“Of course, health care reform is
a major undertaking – we always expected strong debate and
discussion along the way, and that’s what we’re getting.
Moving forward, Members will continue working on this legislation.
In a process this critical and this complex, we will no doubt
see changes as we work to achieve the goal of quality, affordable
care for all.

“But what is more important is that
every member of our Caucus wants health care reform to pass.
And we will be tireless in making sure that happens—because
our economy, our budget, and the health and security of millions
of middle-class families are riding on the outcome.”

18-YEAR REPAYMENT TERMS AVAILABLE FOR
U.S. EXPORTS TO RENEWABLE-ENERGY, WATER AND NUCLEAR-POWER PROJECTS

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. exports to renewable-energy,
water and nuclear-power projects are now eligible for a maximum
repayment term of up to 18 years under export financing provided
by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank).
The new maximum term is available for these transactions approved
on or after July 1, 2009.

The longer repayment term may be applied to Ex-Im Bank's direct-loan
or loan-guarantee financing in accord with agreements of the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
that permits export-credit agencies of OECD countries to offer
enhanced terms for renewable-energy, water and nuclear-power
projects. Financing for these projects is also eligible for more
flexible definitions of repayment schedules. A revised fixed-interest
rate regime applies to the longer loan durations. The changes
are in effect until 2013, when the agreements are scheduled to
be reviewed and revised.

The OECD recently extended the maximum repayment term from 15
to 18 years and adopted the other changes to facilitate financing
to these types of projects, which are associated with higher
capital costs. Hydropower and nuclear-power projects also have
longer construction periods than projects employing more conventional
technologies.

"The 18-year and flexible repayment terms offer greater
financing flexibility for U.S. exporters of goods and services
to renewable-energy, water and nuclear-power projects,"
said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. "The
new terms provide incentives and will help to make these projects
more competitive and enable us to support more American jobs
in these industries."

The changes apply to financing for U.S. exports to the following
renewable-energy projects: wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal,
hydroelectric, geothermal, ocean thermal, tidal and tidal-stream
power, wave power and bio-energy. Also eligible are U.S. exports
associated with the following types of water projects: treatment
and distribution of drinking water for human consumption, collection
and treatment of residential and industrial wastewater, water
recycling and treatment of water-related sludge.

U.S. exports related to new nuclear-power projects are eligible
for the same terms. Eligible exports include all components,
equipment materials and services, including the training of personnel,
directly required for the construction and commissioning of nuclear-power
stations. Exports for modernization of existing nuclear-power
plants are also eligible in cases where the economic life of
the plant is likely to be extended by at least the repayment
period.

Ex-Im Bank created its Office of Renewable Energy and Environmental
Exports in 2007 to conduct proactive outreach to U.S. exporters
of renewable-energy technologies and other environmentally beneficial
goods and services. The Bank's Environmental Exports Program
has supported more than $3 billion of U.S. environmentally beneficial
exports since its inception in 1994.

In fiscal year 2008, Ex-Im Bank authorized a total of $14.4 billion
in financing to support an estimated $19.6 billion of U.S. exports
worldwide. The Bank authorized $227 million, including more than
$30 million for renewable-energy exports, to support an estimated
$434 million of U.S. exports of environmentally beneficial goods
and services.

Ex-Im Bank is the official export-credit
agency of the United States. The independent, self-sustaining
federal agency, now in its 75th year, helps to create and maintain
U.S. jobs by financing the sale of U.S. exports, primarily to
emerging markets throughout the world, by providing loan guarantees,
export-credit insurance and direct loans. For more information,
visit www.exim.gov.

Effectiveness
of 17-OH Progesterone (17-OHP) for Prevention of Preterm Birth

U.S.
Department of State Remarks With Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime
Verhagen Before Their Meeting

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

July 14, 2009

U.S.
Department of State: Daily Press Briefing - July 14

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:38:34 -0500

Ian Kelly

Department Spokesman

Daily Press Briefing

Washington, DC

July 14, 2009

Department
of Defense Media Schedule for 7/15/2009

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:51:00 -0500

DownRange

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:39:02 -0500

The Commander in Chief visits Ghana. Get a behind the scenes
look at how U.S. servicemembers prepare for the president. Plus,
a security update from Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S.
Department of State Remarks With Latvian Foreign Minister Maris
Riekstins Before Their Meeting

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

July 14, 2009

DOE Fossil Energy NEWSALERT

----------------------------

The Department of Energy has issued a

National Environmental Policy Act Record

of Decision to move forward toward the

first commercial scale, fully-integrated,

carbon capture and sequestration project

in the country. For more details, link to

the Energy Department's Fossil Energy Web

site at:

http://www.fossil.energy.gov/news/techlines/2009/09045-DOE_Signs_FutureGen_ROD.html

U.S.
Department of State Highlights: Secretary Clinton's Travel to
India and Thailand

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500

New
Community Emergency Preparedness Toolkit Available on Serve.gov

U.S.
Department of State Highlights: Secretary Clinton Meets With
Latvian Foreign Minister

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Which
national parks will waive their fees this weekend?

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:38:02 -0500

More than 100 national parks across the country will waive their
fees July 18-19, 2009. Locations include Grand Canyon, Yosemite,
and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Visit the link at USA.gov
for a list of all the "free free" national parks this
weekend.

Today's top Air Force stories include:

Hobby earns Spangdahlem Airman $10K

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158583

New approach to PTSD offers servicemembers
greater privacy, reduced stigma

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158585

Veterans wheelchair games kick off in Spokane

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158521

17th Air Force members support presidential
visit to Ghana

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158423

1st Combat Comm Airmen support presidential
visit to Ghana

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158430

DoD
Identifies Army Casualty

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:43:00 -0500

National Cyber Alert System

Technical Cyber Security Alert TA09-195A

Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities

Original release date: July 14, 2009

Last revised: --

Source: US-CERT

Systems Affected

* Microsoft Windows and Windows Server

* Microsoft DirectShow

* Microsoft Virtual PC and Server

* Microsoft Office Publisher

* Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server

Overview

Microsoft has released updates that address
vulnerabilities in

Microsoft Windows, Windows Server, DirectShow, Virtual PC and

Server, Office Publisher, and ISA Server.

I. Description

As part of the Microsoft Security Bulletin
Summary for July 2009,

Microsoft has released updates that address several vulnerabilities

in Microsoft Windows, Windows Server, DirectShow, Windows Virtual

PC and Server, Office Publisher, and ISA Server. Microsoft

indicates that two of these vulnerabilities, CVE-2009-1537 and

CVE-2008-0015, are being actively exploited.

II. Impact

A remote, unauthenticated attacker could
execute arbitrary code,

gain elevated privileges, or cause a vulnerable application to

crash.

III. Solution

Microsoft has provided updates for these
vulnerabilities in the

Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for July 2009. The security

bulletin describes any known issues related to the updates.

Administrators are encouraged to note these issues and test for
any

potentially adverse effects. Administrators should consider using

an automated update distribution system such as Windows Server

Update Services (WSUS).

IV. References

* Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for
July 2009 -

<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-jul.mspx>

* Microsoft Windows Server Update Services
-

<http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/default.aspx>

* New vulnerability in quartz.dll Quicktime
parsing -

<http://blogs.technet.com/srd/archive/2009/05/28/new-vulnerability-in-quicktime-parsing.aspx>

* CVE-2009-1537 -

<http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2009-1537>

* VU#180513 - Microsoft Video ActiveX control
stack buffer overflow -

<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/180513>

* TA09-187A - Microsoft Video ActiveX Control
Vulnerability -

<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-187A.html>

* CVE-2008-0015 -

<http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-0015>

Obama
TV

President Obama's health care push continues tomorrow as the
White House has arranged interviews with all of the television
networks, reports Politico.

U.S.
House unveils health care reform proposal

Posted: 03:11 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The House announced its version of health
care reform Tuesday, offering a proposal that includes a government-funded
health insurance option, requires both individuals and employers
to participate, and taxes the wealthy to help cover costs.

Sotomayor:
WWII internment decision ‘inconceivable’

Posted: 03:27 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Judge Sonia Sotomayor said Tuesday that
a World War II ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing for
the detention of Japanese-Americans was “inconceivable.”

USNS
Comfort Wraps

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:45:34 -0500

The USNS Comfort is wrapping up a 4- month humanitarian and civic
assistance mission to Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Forces
To Leave Basra

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:45:56 -0500

A U.S. commander in Iraq says some extremist elements still exist,
but Basra now has a sense of optimism thanks to the capabilities
of the Iraqi Security Forces.

Top
News

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:45:45 -0500

U.S. Forces drawdown their numbers in Basra. Also, new troop
rotations are announced for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

COL
Butch Kievenaar

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:41:00 -0500

COL Butch Kievenaar, Commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, speaks via satellite with reporters at
the Pentagon.

U.S.
Forces Korea Commander

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:46:07 -0500

The Commander of U.S. Forces Korea says recent provocations from
North Korea have only served to strengthen ties between the U.S.
and South Korea.

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO CONTINUE ‘RURAL
TOUR’ IN WISCONSIN ON THURSDAY

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Transportation Secretary LaHood
to Host Community Forum on Rural Economic Development

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2009 — On Thursday, July 16, U.S. Secretary
of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
will hold a rural community forum near La Crosse, Wis., as part
of the Obama Administration’s Rural Tour. At the forum,
the two officials will share information with local residents
about the work the Obama Administration is doing to revitalize
and rebuild rural America and ask local residents how the departments
can be helpful in supporting and initiating other programs and
projects to help the community participate fully and successfully
in the new, 21st century economy. They will also highlight American
Renewal and Reinvestment Act projects improving communities in
Wisconsin and benefiting people throughout rural America.

In June, President Obama announced that Secretary Vilsack will
lead the Administration’s Rural Tour, during which Vilsack
and other top officials will visit rural communities in states
throughout the country. Rural Tour events are currently scheduled
in Alaska, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. These upcoming events
follow the rural listening sessions that Secretary Vilsack held
earlier this year in Concord, N.H., Danville, Ind., Geneseo,
Ill., Harrodsburg, Ky., Ludowici, Ga., Portageville, Mo., and
Brush, Colo.

All Americans can follow the Rural Tour’s progress online
at www.RuralTour.gov
or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RuralTour.

WHAT: ‘Rural Tour’ Community Forum on rural economic
development with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Transportation
Secretary Ray LaHood. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle will also
attend the forum.

WHEN: Thursday, July 16, 2009

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: La Crosse Interstate Fairgrounds

N 4985 County Road M

West Salem, WI

South
Asian Seeds of Peace Participants Visit Department of State

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:29:01 -0500

Mullen
Thanks Servicemembers in Afghanistan

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:37:00 -0500

Missile
Defense Diversity Equals Strength, General Says

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:46:00 -0500

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

The export requirements for Costa Rica
and St. Lucia have been revised.

You may view a copy of the updated information.

Department of Energy Takes Another Step
Forward on FutureGen Project in Mattoon, IL

Record of Decision Issued for First US Commercial Scale Carbon
Capture and Storage Project

Washington, D.C. – The Department of Energy today issued
a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Record of Decision
to move forward toward the first commercial scale, fully integrated,
carbon capture and sequestration project in the country. The
Department’s decision is based on careful consideration
of the proposed project’s potential environmental impacts,
as well as the program goals and objectives.

“The carbon capture and sequestration technologies planned
for this flagship facility are vitally important to America and
the world,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “This
step forward demonstrates the Administration’s commitment
to developing clean energy technologies, creating jobs, and reducing
emissions of greenhouse gases.”

The Record of Decision and a cooperative agreement signed by
DOE and the FutureGen Alliance allow the Alliance to proceed
with site-specific activities for the project. Over the next
eight to ten months, the Alliance will complete a preliminary
design, refine its cost estimate, develop a funding plan, expand
the sponsorship group, and, if needed, conduct additional subsurface
characterization.

Following these activities, which will be completed in early
2010, the Department and the Alliance will decide whether to
continue the project through construction and operation. Both
DOE and the FutureGen Alliance agree that a decision to move
forward is the preferred outcome and anticipate reaching a new
cooperative agreement for the full project. Funding will be phased
and conditioned based on completion of necessary NEPA reviews.

The Department of Energy’s total anticipated financial contribution
for the project is $1.073 billion, $1 billion of which would
come from Recovery Act funds for carbon capture and sequestration
research. The FutureGen Alliance’s total anticipated financial
contribution is $400 million to $600 million. The total cost
estimate of the project is $2.4 billion, consequently, the Alliance,
with support from DOE, will pursue options to raise additional
non-federal funds needed to build and operate the facility, including
options for capturing the value of the facility that will remain
after conclusion of the research project, potentially through
an auction of the residual interests in the late fall.

When fully operational, the facility will use integrated gasification
combined cycle technology with carbon capture and sequestration
into a deep saline geologic formation. It will be designed to
capture 90% of the carbon emissions by the third year of operations
but may be operated at 60% capture in the early years to validate
plant integration and sequestration capability. This technology
should sequester one million tons of CO2 annually when it reaches
full commercial operations.

The Record of Decision can be found online at http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/powersystems/futuregen/futuregen_rod_071409.pdf

-DOE-

FEMA
Administrator Meets With Law Enforcement Representatives

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:34:55 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate
and other senior officials met today with top law enforcement
representatives from across the country.

Los
Angeles Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

NASA
Seeks Undergrads to Defy Gravity for Science and Engineering

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500

San
Diego Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Human
Rights Conference Adds to Optimism in Iraq

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:13:00 -0500

Diplomatic
Security Passport Fraud Investigation Results in Jail Sentence
and fined $35,000

Washington, DC

July 14, 2009

Around
the Services

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:52:33 -0500

Family and friends remember two soldiers who deaths marked the
start of the Vietnam War. Plus, Army Ranger Pat Tillman is honored
with the grand re-opening of a USO.

Milwaukee
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Southwest
Minnesota State University College Democrats Event: Paul Thissen
for Governor

"Come meet the Candidate"

What: Club/Group Meeting

Host: Southwest Minnesota State University College Democrats

Start Time: Monday, July 20 at 7:00pm

End Time: Monday, July 20 at 8:30pm

Where: Legion Field picnic shelter

To see more details and RSVP

Chicago
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

GEN
Walter Sharp

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:05:49 -0500

CDC's
Registry (IIS): Programmatic and Technical Contact List

The contact information for Connecticut
has recently been updated, and is now available.

Special
Press Briefing on Upcoming Secretary of State Travel to India
and Thailand

Bureau of Public Affairs

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

July 14, 2009

US-CERT Current Activity

Oracle Releases Critical Patch Update
for July 2009

Original release date: July 14, 2009 at
4:08 pm

Last revised: July 14, 2009 at 4:08 pm

Oracle has released its Critical Patch
Update for July 2009 to address

30 vulnerabilities across several products. This update contains
the

following security fixes:

* 10 for the Oracle Database Server

* 2 for Oracle Secure Backup

* 2 for the Oracle Application Server

* 5 for Oracle Applications

* 2 for Oracle Enterprise Manager

* 3 for the Oracle PeopleSoft and JDEdwards Suite

* 1 for the Oracle Siebel Suite

* 5 for the Oracle BEA Products Suite

US-CERT encourages users and administrators
to review the July

Critical Patch Update and apply any necessary updates.

Relevant Url(s):

<http://www.oracle.com/technology/deploy/security/critical-patch-updates/cpujul2009.html>

====

This entry is available at

http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#oracle_releases_critical_patch_update7

Final
Audit Report - "The Richmond Redevelopment & Housing
Authority, Did Not Adequately Administer Its Housing Assistance
Payments for Its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program ,"
report number 2009-PH-1009, dated July 10, 2009

Peach
Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Summary of June
16, 2009, Meeting with Exelon to Discuss Management of Boraflex
Degradation and the Associated License Amendment Request Under
Review to Revise the Technical Specifications for the Spent F

NASA
Plays Audio "Time Capsule" of Historic Apollo 11 Mission

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500

NASA will provide a unique audio "time capsule" in
observance of the 40th anniversary of the first human landing
on the moon.

C-SPAN Daily Alert

Programming Information for Tues. 7/14 - Weds. 7/15, 2009

**********************************************************************

C-SPAN Highlights

Tonight:

* House Republican Press Briefing on Health Care (10pm)

* House Majority Leader Pelosi (D-CA) Briefing on Health Care
(10:30pm)

* House Republican Leaders Response to Democratic Health Care
Proposal (11:15pm)

Tomorrow:

* U.S. House: In Session (10am) - LIVE

**********************************************************************

C-SPAN2 Highlights

Tonight:

* Judge Sotomayor's Confirmation Hearing Q&A with Sens. Leahy,
Session & Kohl (7pm)

* Washington Journal: Janet Murguia, Nat'l Council of La Raza,
Pres. & CEO (8:30pm)

* Encore of Judiciary Confirmation Hearing for Judge Sonia Sotomayor
(10:05pm)

Tomorrow:

* British House of Commons Prime Minister's Questions (7am) -
LIVE

* U.S. Senate: In Session (Time TBA) - LIVE

**********************************************************************

C-SPAN3 Highlights

Tonight:

* Highlights: Democratic & Republican House Members on Health
Care (7pm)

* Senate HELP Cmte. Markup of Health Care Legislation (7:40pm)

* Events: Senate Hearing on Creation of a Financial Protection
Agency (8:25pm)

Tomorrow:

* Senate Judiciary Hearing on Supreme Court Nominee Judge Sotomayor
(9:30am) - LIVE

**********************************************************************

DoD
Contracts for July 14, 2009

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:02:00 -0500

NASA
Stirs Up the First Development Dome Welds for Ares I Upper Stage

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500

The Ares Projects team has completed welding on a critical liquid
hydrogen tank dome for the upper stage of the Ares I.

Social
Media in Government

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:00:00 -0500

VIDEO:
Judge Sotomayor Swearing-In & Opening Statement

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Judge Sonia Sotomayor delivered her opening statement after she
was sworn-in by Judiciary Cmte. Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT).

Length:

Published: Today at 4pm (ET)

VIDEO:
Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) Introduction of Judge Sotomayor

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) introduces Judge Sonia Sotomayor
to the Senate Judiciary Cmte.

Length:

Published: Today at 3:30pm (ET)

VIDEO:
Senate Health Care Markup - Day 11

from C-SPAN Recent Video

The Senate HELP Cmte. continued it's markup of health care legislation.
Senators debatee amendments with the hope of a final committee
vote this week.

Length: 3 hr. 24 min.

Published: Monday at 2pm (ET)

VIDEO:
House Rules Committee Hearing on Antimicrobial Animal Drugs

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) chaired a House Rules Committee
hearing on a bill that would restrict approval and use of antimicrobial
drugs for animals. The legislation is designed to ensure that
the effectiveness of antibiotics is preserved for the treatment
of human diseases.

Length: 2 hr. 49 min.

Published: Monday at 2:30pm (ET)

VIDEO:
House Democratic Leaders Press Conference on Health Care Reform

from C-SPAN Recent Video

House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Democratic Leaders
held a press conference in the Capitol with Americans who represent
struggles with our current health care system and how they will
benefit from much-needed health care reform.

Length: 39 min.

Published: Monday at 3pm (ET)

VIDEO:
Pres. Obama Remarks at Urban Metropolitan Policy Roundtable

from C-SPAN Recent Video

President Obama made remarks at the Urban Metropolitan Policy
roundtable in the Old Executive Office Building.

Length: 15 min.

Published: Monday at 4pm (ET)

VIDEO:
Senate Judiciary Confirmation Hearing for Judge Sonia Sotomayor
- Day 2

from C-SPAN Recent Video

President Obama's nominee to the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor
responded to senators on the first full day of direct questioning
in a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. Committee
Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein
(D-CA) made remarks to the media during breaks in the proceedings.

Length:

Published: Today at 10am (ET)

VIDEO:
Pres. Obama Meeting with P.M. Balkenende of the Netherlands

from C-SPAN Recent Video

President Obama met in the Oval Office with Prime Minister Jan
Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands to discuss U.S.-Netherlands
relations. The two leaders also discussed troop deployment to
Afghanistan, climate change, and the upcoming G-20 summit in
Pittsburgh, PA.

Length: 16 min.

Published: Today at 10am (ET)

VIDEO:
State Department Press Briefing

from C-SPAN Recent Video

Spokesman Ian Kelly conducts a daily briefing at the State Department.

Length: 28 min.

Published: Today at 12:30pm (ET)

India's
Reliance eyes direct fuel sales in U.S.

from India Business News | India Business
Headlines | Business News

Reliance Industries, owner of world's biggest oil complex, aims
to directly sell fuel in the United States, the world's biggest
oil consumer, a top company official said on Tuesday.

ExxonMobil
Bets $600 Million on Algae based biofuels

from Scientific American

Oil giant Exxon Mobil Corp. is making a major jump into renewable
energy with a $600 million investment in algae-based biofuels.

House
Intelligence Committee lays groundwork for CIA probe

from AP Top Political News At 5:39 a.m.
EST by By PAMELA HESS

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House Intelligence Committee has asked
the CIA to provide documents about the now-canceled program to
target al-Qaida leaders, congressional officials said Tuesday....

Obama
invites Netherlands to Pittsburgh G20 summit

from Reuters: Politics

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday
invited the Netherlands to attend the G20 meeting in Pittsburgh
in September, saying Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende
had expertise relevant for the leaders' summit.

Canadian
envoy leaves Afghanistan confident of success

from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com

Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan Ron Hoffman, at left, talks
with Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the top Canadian military commander
in Afghanistan, middle, and U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenbery last
month...

Canadian
home sales up in 2nd quarter

from CBC | Ticker

Canada's resale housing market "bounced back strongly"
in the second quarter of 2009, above levels reported for the
same period last year, says the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Costa
Rica will mediate Honduras crisis

from Costa Rica News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com

Pedro Jul 7th, 2009 - 19:57:06 Yes, I am proud that the Honduras
people will defend the Constitution of the Republic of Honduras
and I agree with the position that his ouster was under Constitutional
...

Tadawul
index ends 2.36% higher

from Saudi Arabia News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com

Shares of DP World jump 10% Tadawul index ends 2.36% higher NBK
shares gain 1.66% Balancing gold and oil: Part 2 Dubai sees sharp
fall in job vacancies

U.S.
urges patience on Honduras crisis talks

from Reuters: Politics

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday
all parties in Honduras' political crisis should give talks a
chance to succeed and not set deadlines.

Statutory
Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009

from Director's Blog by Douglas Elmendorf

Iranian
Nobel laureate calls for Europe-Iran talks

from Iran News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com

Bonn (Germany), July 13 : Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Shirin Ebadi called Monday for European nations to open direct
talks with Tehran rather than criticise its policies from afar.

Tokyo
stocks rally 2.34 points to 9,261.81

from Japan News latest RSS headlines -
Big News Network.com

Tokyo stocks rebounded sharply Tuesday, snapping a nine-day losing
streak. The benchmark Nikkei-225 index gained 211.48 points,
or 2.34 percent, from Monday to 9,261.81. The broader Topix index
of all...

Barclays
launches premier life banking in the UAE

from UAE News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com

Barclays has launched a new proposition in the UAE that offers
the mass affluent segment of the market an unparalleled personalised
banking service for a nominal fee. The Premier Life offering
is desi...

Citibank
and Emirates Group boost partnership

from UAE News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com

Citibank, a member of Citi, and the Emirates Group today extended
their strategic partnership with the Installation of a state-of-the-art
ATM at Emirates Group's new Headquarters, and the placement of...

Israel
stocks up led by strength in technology and real estate

from Palestinian News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com

TEL AVIV (MarketWatch) -- Israel stocks rose on Tuesday, led
by strength in technology and real estate. Late in the trading
day, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange's benchmark TA-25 Index rose
0.67% to ...

Geithner:
Aggressive efforts to counter a global financial crisis are starting
to work

from Reuters Video: Most Watched Videos

Jul 14 - U.S. treasury secretary Timothy Geithner says aggressive
efforts to counter a global financial crisis are starting to
work.

U.S.
Human Space Flight Review Committee Announces Public Meetings

from NASA Breaking News

The Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee will hold
three public meetings July 28-30. The meetings are open to news
media representatives. No registration is required, but seating
is limited to location capacity.

Goldman
Sachs pockets $2.7B led by a strong recovery in trading revenues

from Reuters Video: Latest Videos US

Jul. 14 - U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs topped quarterly
earnings forecasts led by a strong recovery in trading revenues.

Arroyo
leaves for NAM summit in Egypt

from Sudan News latest RSS headlines -
Big News Network.com

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left
for Egypt on Tuesday afternoon to address the Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM) summit. The President and her delegation left on board
Philippine...

Chinese
Vice FM to attend NAM summit in Egypt

from Sudan News latest RSS headlines -
Big News Network.com

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei is heading a governmental
delegation to attend the 15th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit
on July 15 and 16 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Foreign Ministry
spokesman...

Treasury
boss courts Mideast, sees gradual rebound

from AP Top International News At 5:48
a... by By ADAM SCHRECK

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy
Geithner reached out to Gulf Arab leaders Tuesday, stressing
to some of America's top creditors that his country has a "special
responsibility" to steer the world through a global recession
that may finally be showing signs of easing....

Mars
flight simulation experiment ends in Moscow

from AP Top International News At 5:48
a... by By MANSUR MIROVALEV

MOSCOW (AP) -- Russian engineers broke a red wax seal and six
men emerged from a metal hatch beaming and waving Tuesday after
105 days of isolation in a Soviet-era mock spacecraft testing
the stresses space travelers may one day face on the journey
to Mars....

EPA
announces more than $121 million in Recovery Act Funds for water
infrastructure projects in Indiana to protect public health,
boost economy and create jobs

from U.S. EPA News

EPA
Awards Puerto Rico Nearly $72 Million in Recovery Act Funds for
Water Infrastructure Projects

Money will boost economy, create jobs and
protect human health and the environmentfrom U.S. EPA News

WASHINGTON – In a move that stands to create jobs, boost
local economies, and protect human health and the environment,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Lisa P

New
Advisory Brigades to Deploy to Iraq During Troop Rotations

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:56:00 -0500

Two
Charged in United Nations Fraud Case

HUD ANNOUNCES
$113 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING TRANSFORMATION, COMMUNITY
REVITALIZATION

U.S.
Department of State: Situation in Abyei, Sudan

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:11:03 -0500

Oyster
Creek Nuclear Generating Station - Environmental Assessment and
Finding of No Significant Impact (TAC No. ME0756)

U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CRIMINAL DIVISION OFFICE OF OVERSEAS PROSECUTORIAL
DEVELOPMENT, ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING INTERMITTENT LEGAL ADVISOR
IN TAIWAN Applications will
be accepted until August 14, 2009.

CFTC
Charges Weston, Florida Man Sean Nathan Healy with Operating
a $14 Million Dollar Fraudulent Commodities Scheme; Investors’
Money Allegedly Used to Buy a $2.4 Million Home, Luxury Cars,
and Jewelry, July 14, 2009

Enforcement
Actions for CFTC.gov.

Fraudsters
Continue to Exploit Telecommunication Relay Services

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:25:00 -0500

Economic Recovery on Track

Even before passage of the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act, President Obama cautioned Americans that
economic recovery would take time. Since passage of the Recovery
Act, the pace of job loss has eased substantially and the economy
is no longer in a freefall. While there is still significant
work to be done to restore our economy and bring relief to American
families, economic experts agree that the recovery is working
as designed and on track to meet its goals. Nearly a quarter
of the recovery funds have been obligated in under a quarter
of the days allotted.

Click
here to read more on economic recovery.

###

Small
Plant News for the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

A new issue of the newsletter (Vol. 2,
No. 11) is now available.

Training
from the National Institute of Justice for Office of Justice
Programs

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

AT
Notice FAAO 7210.56 for U.S. Federal Aviation Administration

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

USIP
Fellow Named Registrar of U.N. Tribunal

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on July 9, 2009
appointed USIP Senior Fellow David Tolbert as the next registrar
of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, charged with prosecuting
crimes related to the murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Assessing
Reconciliation Efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Amid an uptick in violence, the U.S. ramps up its military surge
in Afghanistan. At the same time, U.S. and coalition commanders
have also made clear that military means alone will not create
the conditions for long-term stability. Learn about a recent
USIP event about efforts to promote sustained peace.

U.S.,
Russia Agree to Nuclear Arms Reductions

Watch USIP's Paul Hughes talk about the importance of re-engaging
Russia on arms control, the urgent need for international agreements
on nuclear weapons and technology, and other key points from
the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the
United States.

Federal
Aid Programs for Tennessee Emergency Recovery

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:31:30 -0500

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that
can be made available as needed and warranted under President
Obama?s major disaster declaration issued for Tennessee.

NASA
TV's This Week @NASA, July 13

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:00 -0500

U.S.
Human Space Flight Review Committee Announces Public Meetings

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500

Codex News & Comments Requested for USDA
Food Safety and Inspection Service. This information has recently
been updated. See "Comments
Requested."

Buzz
words for Sotomayor hearings

Posted: 09:55 AM ET

Sotomayor
says New Haven firefighters ruling based on judicial precedent

Posted: 10:10 AM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Judge Sonia Sotomayor said Tuesday that
her ruling in the hotly contested 2008 case Ricci v. DeStefano,
where she backed the city of New Haven's decision to throw out
the results of a firefighter promotion exam because almost no
minorities qualified for promotions, was based strictly on well-established
legal precedent.

Sotomayor:
Congress must take lead on affirmative action

Posted: 11:03 AM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Judge Sonia Sotomayor said Tuesday that
the question of whether affirmative action is needed is "always
first a legislative determination."

Sotomayor
calls Roe v. Wade abortion ruling 'settled' law

Posted: 11:18 AM ET

Sonia Sotomayor said Tuesday that the 1973 Supreme Court ruling
in Roe v. Wade is a matter of settled law.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Judge Sotomayor said Tuesday the 1973
Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade, which established a constitutional
right to abortion, is a matter of "settled" law.

Obama
anticipates unemployment to rise in short term for next several
months during adjustment period

Posted: 01:42 PM ET

President Obama said Tuesday that he expects the unemployment
rate to rise for 'several months.'

(CNN) — More than a week after the Labor Department announced
the nation's unemployment rate had reached a 26-year high, President
Obama warned Tuesday he expects the figure will continue to increase
for "several months."

Sotomayor:
validity of presidential ’signing statements’ must
be considered case by case

Posted: 01:24 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The legality of presidential “signing
statements” has to be decided on a case-by-case basis, Judge
Sonia Sotomayor said Tuesday.

Obama:
Community colleges can help boost ailing economy

Posted: 01:58 PM ET

By Dan Lothian

CNN White House Correspondent

(CNN) — Community colleges are only two-year institutions,
but the Obama administration says they could play a key role
in helping to boost the ailing economy for years to come.

Browns
Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2, And 3 - Request For Supplemental
Information Regarding Extension Of Technical Specification Completion
Time For Emergency Diesel Generators

U.S.
Department of State : Daily Press Briefing - July 13

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:03:54 -0500

Ian Kelly

Department Spokesman

Daily Press Briefing

Washington, DC

July 13, 2009

US-CERT Current Activity

Microsoft Releases July Security Bulletin

Original release date: July 14, 2009 at
1:17 pm

Last revised: July 14, 2009 at 1:17 pm

Microsoft has released an update to address
vulnerabilities in

Microsoft Windows, Virtual PC, Virtual Server, ISA Server, and
Office

as part of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for July 2009.

These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary
code

or operate with elevated privileges.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators
to review the bulletins

and follow best-practice security policies to determine which
updates

should be applied.

Relevant Url(s):

<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-jul.mspx>

====

This entry is available at

http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#microsoft_releases_july_security_bulletin1

Statement
from Treasury Secretary Geithner on the Presidential Task Force
on the Auto Industry

July 13, 2009

TG-207

$1
Million Federal Grant Awarded For Texas Health And Human Services
Commission

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:53:56 -0500

TEXAS CITY, Texas -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) has awarded more than $1 million to the Texas Health and
Human Services Commission (HHSC) for overtime labor associated
with assisting survivors of Hurricane Ike during the storm and
in the weeks following landfall.

USCIS
Form Updates for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

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

USCIS
Federal Register Announcements for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services

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

Guardsmen
Battle Wildfires in Two States

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:35:00 -0500

New
York Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Adm.
Mullen Visits USS Reagan

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:17:43 -0500

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff paid a visit to the
sailors of the USS Ronald Reagan Monday.

Today's
Top News

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:20:28 -0500

Coalition forces engaged terrorists in Afghanistan Monday. Also,
tens-of-thousands of servicemembers have already applied for
benefits available through the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.

Omaha
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

U.S.
Department of State : Daily Press Briefing - July 13

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:03:54 -0500

Ian Kelly

Department Spokesman

Daily Press Briefing

Washington, DC

July 13, 2009

C-SPAN Daily Alert

Programming Information for Mon. 7/13 - Tues. 7/14, 2009

**********************************************************************

C-SPAN Highlights

Tonight:

* House Democratic Leaders Press Conference on Health Care Reform
(11pm)

* Pres. Obama Announces Surgeon General Nominee Dr. Regina Benjamin
(11:40pm)

* Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) Press Conference on Nuclear Energy
(11:55pm)

Tomorrow:

* Senate Judiciary Confirmation Hearing for Judge Sonia Sotomayor
(9:30am) - LIVE

* U.S. House: In Session (10:30am) - LIVE

**********************************************************************

C-SPAN2 Highlights

Tonight:

* Communicators: Discussion on Vulnerabilities in U.S. Computer
Systems (8pm)

* Senate Judiciary Confirmation Hearing for Judge Sonia Sotomayor
(8:30pm)

* Senate HELP Health Care Markup - Day 11 (12am)

Tomorrow:

* U.S. Senate: In Session (Time TBA) - LIVE

**********************************************************************

C-SPAN3 Highlights

Tonight:

* Highlights: House Democrats Press Briefing; Pres. Obama on
Health Care (7pm)

* Sens. Levin & McCain on Defense; Sen. Alexander on Nuclear
Power (7:45pm)

* Today's Events: Senate HELP Cmte. Markup of Health Care Legislation
(9pm)

Tomorrow:

* Senate Judiciary Hearing on Supreme Court Nominee Judge Sotomayor
(9:30am) - LIVE

WHO
recommendations on pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccines

New
Haven Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Highlights:
Reports of Iranian-American Scholar Being Unjustly Detained in
Iran

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500

HHS
Purchases Additional H1N1 Vaccine Ingredients

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:01:00 -0500

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the department
will commit $884 million to purchase additional supplies of two
key ingredients for potential H1N1 vaccine to further prepare
the nation for a potential resurgence of the 2009 H1N1 virus.

Vulnerability Summary for the Week of
July 6, 2009

This bulletin provides a summary of new
vulnerabilities that have been

recorded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST)

National Vulnerability Database (NVD) the week of July 6, 2009.
It is

available here:

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/bulletins/SB09-194.html

Philadelphia
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Atlanta
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Honolulu
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

FEMA
Administrator Meets With Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:50:09 -0500

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Administrator Craig Fugate recently met with Ms. Helena Lindberg,
Director General of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB),
to discuss the importance of international partnerships and preparedness.
Sweden began its six-month term as president of the European
Union (EU) on July 1, 2009.

Miami
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Today
in the Department of Defense, 7/14/2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:19:00 -0500

DoD
Contracts for July 13, 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:18:00 -0500

Kansas
City Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Brigade
Commander to Brief Live From Iraq

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:20:00 -0500

Thank
You Ceremony

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:28:53 -0500

Citizen Soldiers got a big thank you this weekend for putting
their lives at home on hold to make life easier for troops on
the battlefield.

50th
Anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

July 13, 2009

Notice
of Funding Availability: Broadband Technology Opportunity Program
(BTOP) Grants

Mission
& Budget for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

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

Kidnapping
& Missing Persons Investigations for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Contract
Solicitations for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
(AHRQ)

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

USBP
in the News

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:07:28 -0500

For archived news releases, please visit CBP News Releases located
under Newsroom.

Sacramento
Most Wanted for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Long-Term
Care for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

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

Primary
Care Practice-Based Research Networks for Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ)

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

Nursing
Research for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

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

Office
of International Trade Contact Numbers

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:07:28 -0500

For questions regarding importing, exporting or the status of
your shipment, please contact the local service port. The ports
are listed by each state and provide the contact information.
Also, you may take advantage of CBP's Questions and Answers database
to research your questions. (more)

New
TRICARE Regional Managed Care Support Contractors Selected

July 13, 2009

Hoyer: Containing Health Care Costs
for Families and Businesses Key to Reform

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined House Democratic Leaders and a group
of Americans impacted by our current health care system for a
press conference on the need for health care reform. Below are
his remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Reforming health care is an economic imperative, a budget
imperative, and a moral imperative.

“It is an economic imperative because health insurance premiums
have more than doubled since 2000, straining family budgets across
America. And with our companies spending twice as much on health
care as their foreign competitors, the cost of health care translates
into a less productive economy and fewer jobs.

“Reform is a budget imperative, because, unless we find
a way to control the growth of health care costs, our country
will plunge further and further into debt.

“And reform is a moral imperative, because millions of Americans
live without the security of health care that they can rely on
and that can never be taken away.

“Those are some of the reasons why we are so dedicated to
solving this problem this year. And our resolve has been bolstered
by the stories of ordinary Americans who have seen our health
care system’s deep flaws first-hand.

“Phil Feaster, a constituent of mine, is one of those Americans.
He is with us today from Fort Washington, Maryland, and he represents
the affordable health care challenges that so many of our seniors
face – specifically on what we call the Medicare Part D
donut hole, which keeps them from getting affordable prescription
drugs. We’re glad Mr. Feaster is with us today.”

###

Kirkuk
Progress is 'Impressive,' Mullen Says

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:12:00 -0500

Budget
& Finance Documents for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human
Services

Due to a recent FDA Web site update, the links to the FDA 2009
Congressional Justification and On-line Performance Appendix
have changed.

This links to these FDA budget documents have recently been updated,
and are now available.

Pharmacist
Pleads Guilty in Connecticut to Health Care Fraud

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:37:18 -0500

Joby George, of Cliffwood, New Jersey, a pharmacist, licensed
in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, pled guilty in New
Haven, Connecticut to one count of health care fraud and agreed
to pay $344,085 to resolve allegations that he violated the False
Claims Act.

Morgan
Stanley Executive Sentenced on Securities Fraud, Other Charges

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:10:27 -0500

Darin Demizio, a former executive director at Morgan Stanley
and the head of its domestic securities lending desk, was sentenced
to 38 months' imprisonment and three years of supervised release
for conspiring to commit securities fraud and wire fraud and
making a false statement to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Florida
Man Sentenced in Michigan on Health Care Fraud Charges

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:59:27 -0500

Geoffrey Ramseur, of Rockledge, Florida (formerly of Northville,
Michigan), was sentenced to 20 months in prison and ordered to
pay restitution in the amount of $121,000 after having pleading
guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud against Blue Cross/Blue
Shield of Michigan.

THE
WHIP PACK | BILL TEXT & BACKGROUND | WEEK OF JULY 13, 2009

Today's top Air Force stories include:

Total force cross-cultural competence examined
at DEOMI symposium

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158496

CMSAF discusses force priorities, continued
support for families, wounded

warriors

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158494

Lakenheath air traffic controllers pick
up NATO training mission

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158421

Academy officials continue flu treatment,
response

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158500

Officials announce Predator, Reaper additional
formal training location

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123158467

Coalition,
Afghan Forces Reclaim Village, Disrupt Taliban

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:26:00 -0500

DownRange

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:09:21 -0500

NATO forces are working with the Afghan National Army to provide
a banking system, which in turn, boosts the morale of troops
and families alike.

Signing
Ceremony for Intergovernmental Agreement on Nabucco Pipeline

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Texas College Democrats: Another Campaign
Opportunity

**This is for informational purposes only.
The distribution of this material does not constitute an endorsement
by the Texas College Democrats. Participation in all Democratic
Party campaigns and causes is highly encouraged.

Bill White for Texas is currently accepting
applications across Texas for unpaid internships. Start and end
dates are flexible. Interns should be college students or very
qualified high school juniors and seniors. This is great campaign
experience and you will be playing a critical role in building
a successful campaign.

Please fill out the following application
by August 31. 2009. The campaign will be in touch with you on
a rolling basis.

http://action.billwhitefortexas.com/page/s/bwftintern

--Your TCD Executive Board

--------------------

United
States Department of Defense Image Gallery

FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, JULY 14,
2009

House Meets At… Last Vote Predicted…

10:30 a.m.: Morning Hour

12:00 p.m.: Legislative Business

Unlimited “One Minutes” Per Side 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

***Members are advised that procedural
votes are possible throughout the day and could occur as early
as 12:00 p.m.

Suspensions (24 Bills)

H.R.
402 - To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient
Clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, as the "William C. Tallent
Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic" (Rep.
Duncan - Veterans' Affairs)

H.R.
1037 - Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act
of 2009 (Rep. Herseth Sandlin - Veterans' Affairs)

H.Res.
612 - Expressing the profound sympathies of the House of
Representatives for the victims of the tragic Metrorail accident
on Monday, June 22, 2009, and for their families, friends, and
associates (Rep. Norton - Oversight and Government Reform)

H.Res.
469 - Honoring the life of Wayman Lawrence Tisdale and expressing
the condolences of the House of Representatives on his passing
(Rep. Cole - Oversight and Government Reform)

H.Res.
476 - Celebrating the 30th anniversary of June as "Black
Music Month" (Rep. Cohen - Oversight and Government Reform)

H.R.
1044 - Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement
Act of 2009 (Rep. George Miller - Natural Resources)

H.R.
2188 - Joint Ventures for Bird Habitat Conservation Act of
2009 (Rep. Kratovil - Natural Resources)

H.R.
129 - To authorize the conveyance of certain National Forest
System lands in the Los Padres National Forest in California
(Rep. Gallegly - Natural Resources)

H.R.
409 - To provide for the conveyance of certain Bureau of
Land Management land in the State of Nevada to the Las Vegas
Motor Speedway (Rep. Heller - Natural Resources)

H.R.
762 - Affirming patent number 27-2005-0081 and its associated
land reconfiguration issued by the Bureau of Land Management
(Rep. Heller - Natural Resources)

H.Res.
543 - Expressing support for designation of June as "Home
Safety Month" (Rep. Halvorson - Energy and Commerce)

S.Con.Res.
30 - A concurrent resolution commending the Bureau of Labor
Statistics on the occasion of its 125th anniversary (Sen. Schumer
- Education and Labor)

H.Con.Res.
123 - Recognizing the historical and national significance
of the many contributions of John William Heisman to the sport
of football (Rep. Thompson (PA) - Education and Labor)

H.Res.
607 - Celebrating the Fortieth Anniversary of the Apollo
11 Moon Landing (Rep. Hall (TX) - Science and Technology)

H.R.
2729 - To authorize the designation of National Environmental
Research Parks by the Secretary of Energy (Rep. Lujan - Science
and Technology)

H.Con.Res.
156 - Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community
Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994 (Rep. Ros-Lehtinen
- Foreign Affairs)

H.Res.
538 - Supporting Olympic Day on June 23, 2009, and encouraging
the International Olympic Committee to select Chicago, Illinois,
as the host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games (Rep.
Schakowsky - Foreign Affairs)

H.R.
1511 - Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2009
(Rep. Smith (NJ) - Foreign Affairs)

H.Res.
519 - Expressing appreciation to the people and Government
of Canada for their long history of friendship and cooperation
with the people and Government of the United States and congratulating
Canada as it celebrates "Canada Day" (Rep. Stupak -
Foreign Affairs)

H.R.
1933 - A Child Is Missing Alert and Recovery Center Act (Rep.
Klein - Judiciary)

S.Con.Res.
29 - A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the
Congress that John Arthur "Jack" Johnson should receive
a posthumous pardon for the racially motivated conviction in
1913 that diminished the athletic, cultural, and historic significance
of Jack Johnson and unduly tarnished his reputation (Sen. McCain
- Judiciary)

H.R.
2632 - Korean War Veterans Recognition Act (Rep. Rangel -
Judiciary)

FDA Data Standards Council’s website
was updated Sunday, July 12, 2009, to included updated terminology
lists:

UNIIs (now over 10,000 UNIIs publically
available) - http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DataStandards/StructuredProductLabeling/ucm162523.htm

Terminology XML Files (include updated UNII XML file) - http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DataStandards/StructuredProductLabeling/ucm169455.htm

Lonnie Smith

Project Manager

FDA Data Standards Council

Kuna
Days Parade

"Yes, there are Democrats in Kuna! Let's say "hi"."

What: Festival

Host: Ada County Democrats

Start Time: Saturday, August 8 at 9:30am

End Time: Saturday, August 8 at 11:00am

Where: Kuna Middle School parking lot

To see more details and RSVP

NASA
Holds Briefing to Release Restored Apollo 11 Moonwalk Video

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500

NASA will hold a media briefing at 11 a.m. EDT on Thursday, July
16, at the Newseum in Washington to release greatly improved
video imagery from the July 1969 live broadcast of the Apollo
11 moonwalk.

NRC
Cites Southern Nuclear Operating Co. for Farley Nuclear Plant
Emergency Plan Violation

Secretary
of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's Travel to India and Thailand

Ian Kelly

Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman

Bureau of Public Affairs

Washington, DC

July 14, 2009

VACANCY:
Reports Analyst, GS-0343-12

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:20:21 -0500

DE-09-385-SLC2 (Closing Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

Committee
Chair Sets Teleconference To Discuss Space Flight Review

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500

Norman Augustine, chairman of the Review of U.S. Human Space
Flight Plans Committee, will hold a media teleconference Friday,
July 17, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. EDT, to give a status report and
discuss the progress of the independent review.

NASA
Announces Apollo Astronauts Media Briefing

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500

NASA will hold a news briefing with astronauts from the Apollo
program at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Monday, July 20, to commemorate the
40th anniversary of the first lunar landing.

Disaster
Briefings Set For Local Government Officials

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:01:07 -0500

MARION, Ill. -- State disaster officials will hold three briefings
to help representatives from state and local governments and
certain private nonprofit organizations in six Illinois counties
apply for federal disaster assistance in the wake of May?s severe
storms.

Brigade
Makes 'Huge Difference' in Iraq, Commander Says

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:07:00 -0500

LCROSS
Webcast- Experiments with the Vertical Gun

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:00:00 -0500

An interview with Dr. Peter Schultz about experiments he's conducting
using the Vertical Gun at NASA Ames Research Center.

8th
Vilas County Democrats Executive Board Meeting and Vilas/Oneida
Picnic on Sunday, August 2 at 11:00am.

Event: 8th CD Executive Board Meeting and
Vilas/Oneida Picnic

"Meeting at 11 a.m. and Picnic at Noon"

What: Club Party

Host: Vilas County Democrats

Start Time: Sunday, August 2 at 11:00am

End Time: Sunday, August 2 at 3:00pm

Where: Boulder Junction Community Center

To see more details and RSVP

U.S.
Department of State Cuba Migration Talks

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

July 14, 2009

FDA
Requires Labeling Change for Some Drugs Used to Prevent Rejection
of Kidney Transplants

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:28:00 -0500

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today said that it will
require manufacturers of some immunosuppressant drugs used in
kidney (renal) transplantation to update their labeling to reflect
an increased risk of infections.

United
States Department of Defense Image Gallery

Wednesday: Commerce and USDA Officials
to Hold National Broadband Forum in Memphis

WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, July 15, the
Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural
Utilities Service (RUS) will hold one of 10 nationwide public
broadband grant and loan workshops in Memphis, Tennessee. The
workshops are designed to help prospective applicants learn how
to apply for the first round of American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access to bridge the
technological divide, create jobs and build Internet infrastructure.
Earlier this month, Vice President Biden announced the availability
of $4 billion in Recovery Act loans and grants to help bring
broadband service to unserved and underserved communities across
America.

U.S. Representative Steve Cohen will open
the forum with a video introduction and Delta Regional Authority
Federal Co-Chair Pete Johnson will welcome participants. Commerce
Department NTIA Senior Advisor Mark Seifert will join USDA RUS
Chief of Staff Lisa Zaina in making opening remarks. Attendees
may pre-register for the event online at www.broadbandusa.gov.

WHO: Commerce Department NTIA Senior Advisor
Mark Seifert

USDA RUS Chief of Staff Lisa Zaina

WHAT: Broadband grant and loan workshop

WHEN: Wednesday, July 15, 2009

9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Opening remarks begin at 9 a.m. (followed by breakout sessions)

WHERE: Holiday Inn Hotel University of
Memphis

3700 Central Avenue

Memphis, Tenn. 38111

Tel: 888-465-4329

This event is open to the press. To RSVP,
please email MTolbert@ntia.doc.gov. For more information, contact
NTIA's public affairs office at 202-482-8176 or USDA's public
affairs office at 202-379-8400. Additional forums will be held
this month: July 16, Lonoke, Ark.; July 17, Billings, Mont.;
July 21, Minneapolis, Minn.; July 23, Albuquerque, N.M.; and
July 24, Los Angeles, Calif.

###

Jobs
at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)

Regulatory Counsel (OD), Posted:
7/14/2009

Biomedical Engineering Technician (OVRR), Posted: 7/14/2009

Three Committee Management Specialist vacancies (OM), Posted:
7/14/2009

TTB Expo 2009 was a HUGE success with over
700 people in attendance. The theme of this Expo was Compliance
Through Education. If you couldn’t make it in person to
the Expo, you may still read the remarks made by TTB Administrator
John Manfreda during the Keynote Address by clicking here.

July
14, 2009 - DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 20 pages - 163 KB)

Review
period extended on draft TA

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:40:00 -0500

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 June, seasonally

adjusted. This advance followed increases of 0.2 percent in May
and 0.3 percent in April.

Prices for finished goods other than foods and energy rose 0.5
percent in June after

falling 0.1 percent in the prior month.

Statistics
for the U.S. Department of Labor

This information has recently been updated.

The following statistics were updated:

Producer Price Index (PPI)

View the latest DOL
statistics.

Coweta
County Democratic Party Picnic

"Rain or Shine! Hope to see you there."

What: Club/Group Meeting

Host: Coweta County Democrats

Start Time: Saturday, July 18 at 12:00pm

End Time: Saturday, July 18 at 4:00pm

Where: Carl Miller Park (Newnan Utilities Park)

To see more details and RSVP

Town
Hall Meeting at United States Agency for International Development

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

July 13, 2009

System
of Records Notices (SORNs) for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

Department-Wide

Department
of Homeland Security Personal Identity Verification Management
System, DHS/ALL-026 June 25, 2009, 74 FR 30301

ICE:

Removable
Alien Records DHS/ICE-011, May 5, 2009, 74 FR 20719

Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking for Privacy Act Exemptions, June 25,
2009 74 FR 30240

Coast Guard:

Marine
Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE), DHS/USCG-013
June 25, 2009 74 FR 30305

Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking for Privacy Act Exemptions, June 25,
2009 74 FR 30241

Merchant
Seamen's Records DHS/USCG-030, June 25, 2009 74 FR 30308

Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking for Privacy Act Exemptions June 25,
2009 74 FR 30243

Assistant
Secretary for Financial Institutions Barr Written Testimony

July 14, 2009

TG-208

Guard
Member Earns Chaplain of Year Award

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:18:00 -0500

Reporter's
Notebook: Hundreds Endure Heat for Health Care

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:17:00 -0500

US-CERT Current Activity

Microsoft Releases Security Advisory
973472

Original release date: July 13, 2009 at
11:20 am

Last revised: July 14, 2009 at 8:37 am

Microsoft has released Security Advisory
973472 to alert users about a

vulnerability in Microsoft Office Web Components. Exploitation
of this

vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary
code.

The advisory indicates that Microsoft is aware of attacks attempting

to exploit the vulnerability.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators
to review Microsoft

Security Advisory 973472 and implement the suggested workaround.

Additionally, a Microsoft Fix it tool has been released to assist

users in mitigating the risks associated with this vulnerability.

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

Relevant Url(s):

<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/973472>

<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/973472.mspx>

====

This entry is available at

http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#microsoft_releases_security_advisory_973472

US-CERT Current Activity

Mozilla Firefox 3.5 Vulnerability

Original release date: July 14, 2009 at
8:38 am

Last revised: July 14, 2009 at 8:38 am

US-CERT is aware of reports of a vulnerability
affecting Mozilla

Firefox 3.5. This vulnerability is due to an error in the way

JavaScript code is processed. Exploitation of this vulnerability
may

allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. Additionally, exploit

code is publicly available for this vulnerability.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators
to disable JavaScript as

outlined in the Securing Your Web Browser document to help mitigate

the risks associated with this vulnerability.

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

Relevant Url(s):

<http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/securing_browser/#Mozilla_Firefox>

====

This entry is available at

http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#mozilla_firefox_3_5_vulnerability

Four
Members of Casino-Cheating Criminal Enterprise Sentenced for
Targeting Casinos in the United States and Canada

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Microgrants
Assist Growing Economy in Iraq

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:39:00 -0500

Tangherlini
Opening Statement before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance

July 14, 2009

TG-210

Common
Fraud Schemes for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Treasury
Secretary Timothy F. Geithner's Speech at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce

July 14, 2009

TG-211

U.S.
Department of State Schedule for July 14, 2009

Washington, DC

July 14, 2009

Calendar of Events section within the Federal
Transit Administration website. This information has recently
been updated with the Alaska Community Transportation (ACT) Conference
on October 27-29th, and is now
available.

St.
Louis Top Stories for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack Congratulates NAACP on 100 Year Anniversary
at National Convention

Saturn
I Booster Tests

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500

A Saturn I booster model is set up for testing in NASA Lewis
(now Glenn) Research Center's Supersonic Wind Tunnel in 1960.
The model had eight working...

THE
DAILY WHIPLINE | TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO CONTINUE 'RURAL
TOUR' IN WISCONSIN ON THURSDAY

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Transportation
Secretary LaHood to Host Community Forum on Rural Economic Development

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2009 - On Thursday,
July 16, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Transportation
Secretary Ray LaHood will hold a rural community forum near La
Crosse, Wis., as part of the Obama Administration's Rural Tour.
At the forum, the two officials will share information with local
residents about the work the Obama Administration is doing to
revitalize and rebuild rural America and ask local residents
how the departments can be helpful in supporting and initiating
other programs and projects to help the community participate
fully and successfully in the new, 21st century economy. They
will also highlight American Renewal and Reinvestment Act projects
improving communities in Wisconsin and benefiting people throughout
rural America.

In June, President Obama announced that
Secretary Vilsack will lead the Administration's Rural Tour,
during which Vilsack and other top officials will visit rural
communities in states throughout the country. Rural Tour events
are currently scheduled in Alaska, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico,
North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
These upcoming events follow the rural listening sessions that
Secretary Vilsack held earlier this year in Concord, N.H., Danville,
Ind., Geneseo, Ill., Harrodsburg, Ky., Ludowici, Ga., Portageville,
Mo., and Brush, Colo.

All Americans can follow the Rural Tour's
progress online at www.RuralTour.gov
or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RuralTour.

WHAT: 'Rural Tour' Community Forum on rural
economic development with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle
will also attend the forum.

WHEN: Thursday, July 16, 2009

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: La Crosse Interstate Fairgrounds

N 4985 County Road M

West Salem, WI

USDA News

oc.news@usda.gov

202 720-4623

Joint
Missions Lay Groundwork for Brighter Future in Afghanistan

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:08:00 -0500

VACANCY:
Management Analyst, GS-0343-11/12

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:01:27 -0500

AN267885 (Closing Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

VACANCY:
Preparedness, Planning & Analysis Specialist, GS-0301-13

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:00:28 -0500

AN244985 (Closing Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

VACANCY:
Public Affairs Specialist, GS-1035-13/14

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:22:44 -0500

AN253372 (Closing Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

FOIA
Request Report for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

This information has been updated for June
2009, and is now available.

Comanche
Peak Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Individual Notice
of Consideration of Issuance of Amendment

Adams Accession No. ML091670510

Houston
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Vietnam
Veterans Remembered

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:23:04 -0500

Master Sergeant Chester Ovnond and Major Dale Bice are being
remembered as the first killed in action during the Vietnam War.

COL
Kievenaar Briefing

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:22:52 -0500

U.S. forces are withdrawing from the southern Iraqi city of Basra,
with fewer than 200 Soldiers remaining to support Iraqi security
forces.

Hope
Creek Generating Station - Safety Evaluation of Relief Request
for the Third 10-Year Interval of the Inservice Inspection Program
(TAC No. MD9336)

ADAMS Accession No.: ML091870040

Increase
in Reverse Mortgages Prompts Fraud Warning

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:25:25 -0500

Reverse mortgages, also known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages,
have increased more than 1,300 percent between 1999 and 2008,
creating significant opportunities for fraud perpetrators.

Rosa
G. Rios, Nominee for Treasurer Opening Statement before the U.S.
Senate Committee on Finance

July 14, 2009

TG-209

New
York Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

DoD
Identifies Marine Casualties

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:36:00 -0500

Hi Everyone -

I just wanted to send an e-mail to invite
you and your staffs to the

Department of the Interior Library on Wednesday, July 22nd from
2:00 to

4:00 pm for a free DOI Library Training Session, "Searching
Through the

Invisible Web: Finding Hidden Resources on the Internet."

While the explosion of information on the
World Wide Web has been a

tremendous benefit to researchers, many don't know about other
data that

they might be missing. This class will cover information that
can be found

on the mysterious "hidden web," how to access it, and
why it is important.

Learn why some information is inaccessible to web search engines
and what

might be overlooked in researching the Internet. Search techniques
and

recommended sources will also be covered. This program will be
conducted by

Reference Librarian Jennifer Klang.

All that are interested are invited. The
DOI Library is located in the

Main Interior Building, located at 1849 C Street, NW, Room 1151
in

Washington. Space is limited so please contact the Library by
phone at

(202) 208-5815 or by e-mail at library@nbc.gov to let us know
you will be

coming. For more information about future DOI Library Training
Sessions,

we encourage you to visit our Training Sessions website at

http://library.doi.gov/programs/training/index.html
.

We hope to see you here on July 22nd!

George Franchois

Director

U.S. Dept. of the Interior Library

1849 C Street, NW, MS 1151

Washington, DC 20240

george_d_franchois@nbc.gov

Phone: (202) 208-3796

Fax: (202) 208-6773

URL: http://library.doi.gov

Please join us for the next in our regular
monthly series of free

Department of the Interior Library Park Ranger Speaker Series
lectures on

"Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens" on Tuesday, July
21st from 1:00 -

1:45 pm in the Department of the Interior Library.

The beauty of land, water, and wind combine
as one at Kenilworth Park

Aquatic Gardens and marsh. This natural area of Anacostia Park
has its

origins in a 1926 act authorizing parks to preserve forests and
natural

scenery. Although Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens are locally

important today as a part of Washington's park system, its greater

significance lies in its contribution to the botanical study
and

development of water plants and gardens under the direction of
its founder,

W.B. Shaw and his daughter, L. Helen Fowler. It continues today
as a noted

water garden under the Park Service.

Please join Park Rangers Ian Lothian and
Wayne Phillips for an examination

of the history and natural beauty of Kenilworth Park and Aquatic
Gardens.

Find out why these wetlands along the Anacostia River provide
such an

important natural and educational resource to the city of Washington.

All that are interested are invited. The
DOI Library is located in the

Main Interior Building, located at 1849 C Street, NW, Room 1151
in

Washington. Space is limited so please contact the Library by
phone at

(202) 208-5815 or by e-mail at library@nbc.gov to let us know
you will be

coming. For more information about future DOI Library Park Ranger

Speaker Series programs, we encourage you to visit our Park Ranger
Speaker

Series website at http://library.doi.gov/programs/speaker/index.html.

We hope to see you here on July 21st!

George Franchois

Director

U.S. Dept. of the Interior Library

1849 C Street, NW, MS 1151

Washington, DC 20240

george_d_franchois@nbc.gov

Phone: (202) 208-3796

Fax: (202) 208-6773

URL: http://library.doi.gov

US
DOT Secretary's Blog - Welcome to the Fast Lane, from the US
Department of Transportation

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

National
Guard Battle Wildfires

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:29:45 -0500

National Guardsmen from Texas and Oklahoma are helping to fight
wildfires in both of those states.

Post
9/11 GI Bill

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:56:58 -0500

The Department of Veterans Affairs has already received more
than 90,000 applications for new benefits offered under the Post
9/11 GI Bill.

Coast
Guard Tackles New Role

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:57:10 -0500

The Coast Guard is expanding its role beyond search and rescue
to face the challenges posed by smuggling, piracy and terrorism.

Mullen
in Iraq

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:48:30 -0500

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen
was in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Monday to get a progress
report from U.S. commanders and local leaders.

USDA
Provides $71 Million to Rehabilitate Farmland Damaged by Floods,
Hurricanes and Other Disasters

Secretary
Napolitano Announces 60-Day Review of Homeland Security Advisory
System

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0500

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced the formation
of a task force to conduct a 60-day review of the Homeland Security
Advisory System (HSAS).

Good Morning,

Yesterday, Judge Sonia Sotomayor made her
opening statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee and moved
another step closer to taking a seat on the United States Supreme
Court. In case you missed it, watch the video of her
opening statement here.

As President, there are few responsibilities
more serious or consequential than the naming of a Supreme Court
Justice, so I want to take this opportunity to tell you about
the qualifications and character that informed my decision to
nominate Judge Sotomayor.

Judge Sotomayor's brilliant legal mind
is complemented by the practical lessons that can only be learned
by applying the law to real world situations.

In the coming days, the hearings will cover
an incredible body of work from a judge who has more experience
on the federal bench than any incoming Supreme Court Justice
in the last 100 years. Judge Sotomayor's professional background
spans our judicial system — from her time as a big-city
prosecutor and a corporate litigator, to her work as a federal
trial judge on the U.S. District Court, and an appellate judge
on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

And then there is Judge Sotomayor's incredible
personal story. She grew up in a housing project in the South
Bronx — her parents coming to New York from Puerto Rico
during the Second World War. At the age of nine, she lost her
father, and her mother worked six days a week just to put food
on the table. It takes a certain resilience and determination
to rise up out of such circumstances, focus, work hard and achieve
the American dream.

This character shined through in yesterday's
opening statement: Watch
the video.

In Judge Sotomayor, our nation will have
a Justice who will never forget her humble beginnings, will always
apply the rule of law, and will be a protector of the Constitution
that made her American dream and the dreams of millions of others
possible. As she said so clearly yesterday, Judge Sotomayor's
decisions on the bench "have been made not to serve the
interests of any one litigant, but always to serve the larger
interest of impartial justice."

In anticipation of today's first round
of questioning, I hope you'll share this email widely, because
Judge Sotomayor's confirmation is something that affects every
American. It's important for these hearings to be about Judge
Sotomayor's own record and her capacity for the job — not
any political back and forth that some in Washington may use
to distract you. What members of the Judiciary Committee, and
the American people, will see today is a sharp and fearless jurist
who does not let powerful interests bully her into breaking from
the rule of law.

Thank you,

Barack Obama

DOT
News for Department of Transportation

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

BTS
Releases May Airline Fuel Cost and Consumption Data

FTA
Grants Digest for Federal Transit Administration

This information has recently been updated
with ARRA-funded grants, and is now available.

DoD
Announces Upcoming Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:53:00 -0500

Treasury
Sec. Geithner Focusing on Investment, Economic Prosperity

Posted: 11 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER

WASHINGTON - On his first trip to the Middle East as Treasury
Secretary, Timothy Geithner's message this week will be similar
to the one he delivered to Chinese officials a month ago: your
investments in the United States are safe.

Officials
Progressing Health Care Reform

Posted: 11 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT

By PHILIP ELLIOTT

WASHINGTON - Legislation to overhaul the nation's health systems
is unlikely to make it through the House and Senate before the
August target set by President Barack Obama and other Democratic
leaders, lawmakers said Sunday.

Obama
Orders Review of Alleged Afghan Mass Grave during Bush Administration

Posted: 11 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has ordered his national
security team to investigate reports that U.S. allies were responsible
for the deaths of as many as 2,000 Taliban prisoners of war during
the opening days of the war in Afghanistan.

Pres.
Obama Unifying Support for Healthcare Overhaul

Posted: 12 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT

WASHINGTON _ With divisions among congressional Democrats threatening
to stall his healthcare drive, President Obama moved aggressively
Monday to steady support, meeting with senior Democratic lawmakers
and labor leaders at the White House and amplifying his calls
for action.

Democrats
Seek Probe of Bush Administration Anti-Terror Policies

Posted: 12 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT

By PETE YOST

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has been reluctant to probe
Bush-era torture and anti-terrorism policies, but his Democratic
allies aren't likely to let the matters rest.

"I've always preferred my idea of a commission of inquiry
to look at all these issues," Senate Judiciary Committee
Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said Sunday.

Pres.
Obama Proposes $12 Billion for 2-Year Diploma Colleges

Posted: 13 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is proposing a multibillion-dollar
investment in the nation's community colleges, a $12 billion
effort to help the two-year institutions reach, teach and train
more people for "the jobs of the future."

Denver
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

San
Diego Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Richmond
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Oklahoma
City Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $300 Million
Rebate Program to Encourage Purchases of Energy Efficient Appliances

Program Benefits Every U.S. State and Territory

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu
today announced the availability of nearly $300 million in funding
from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for state-run
rebate programs for consumer purchases of new ENERGY STAR qualified
home appliances. The new program underscores the Obama Administration’s
commitment to make American homes more energy efficient, while
helping to support the nation’s economic recovery.

“Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so
there’s enormous potential to both save energy and save
families money every month,” said Secretary Chu. “These
rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient
appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the
economy and create jobs.”

The new funding will be awarded to states and territories, through
their energy offices, using a formula set forth in the Energy
Policy Act of 2005. Each state or territory is required to submit
a plan that specifies which ENERGY STAR appliance categories
will be included in their rebate program, the rebate level for
each product type, how the rebates will be processed, and their
plan for recycling old appliances. States and territories must
first file an initial application expressing their intent to
participate by August 15, 2009, followed by a full application
by October 15, 2009. Approximately 10-25 percent of each award
will be spent on administrative costs.

States and territories will receive 10 percent of the funds after
submitting the initial application with the balance awarded after
their program plans are approved. DOE anticipates that a vast
majority of funding will be awarded by November 30, 2009. The
complete Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) number DE-FOA-0000119
can be viewed at grants.gov.
Funding allocations for each state and territory can be viewed
here.

Eligible Appliances

States have the flexibility to select which residential ENERGY
STAR qualified appliances to include in their programs and the
individual rebate amount for each appliance. DOE recommends that
states and territories focus their program efforts on heating
and cooling equipment, appliances, and water heaters as these
products offer the greatest energy savings potential. ENERGY
STAR qualified appliance categories eligible for rebates include:
central air conditioners, heat pumps (air source and geothermal),
boilers, furnaces (oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes
washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

The Recovery Act appropriated funds for the program to help achieve
the national goals of spurring economic growth, creating jobs,
saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. States and
territories can use these funds to leverage the utility companies
and energy efficiency program sponsors in their area.

This program will also leverage the power of the ENERGY STAR
program, a well-known labeling program that helps consumers make
energy smart choices by identifying the most energy efficient
products. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that covers
more than 60 product categories and is supported by a network
of almost 600 utility and state and government partners serving
more than 74 million households, over 2,000 retail partners representing
more than 27,000 storefronts, and 2,645 manufacturers of ENERGY
STAR qualified products.

For more information on these and other Recovery Act related
funding opportunities, visit www.energy.gov/recovery.

Soldiers
Capture 'High-value' Terror Suspect in Baghdad

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:49:00 -0500

Federal
Election Commission: Update Your Software Now to Prepare for
This Month's Reporting

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:30:01 -0500

The latest version of FECFile (Build 6.4.1.2) was released on
July 8, 2009 and can be downloaded at http://www.fec.gov/elecfil/updatelist.html.
Any report filed after that date (including those due this month)
must be filed using the new version. If you use commercial software,
contact your vendor to ensure they are using the latest electronic
filing format.

Phoenix
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Leadership
for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

Under Secretary, National Protection & Programs Directorate,
Rand
Beers

DoD
Announces Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:42:00 -0500

Waterford
Steam Electric Station, Unit 3 - Summary of June 29, 2009, Conference
Call with Entergy Operations, Inc.,

El
Paso Top Stories for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Pittsburgh
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) for
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

Department
of Homeland Security Web Portals June 15, 2009, ( PDF, 16
pages – 188 KB)

Calvert
Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Unit Nos. 1 And 2-Withdrawal Of An
Amendment Request (TAC Nos. MD9776 And MD9777)

ADAMS Accession: ML091910109

Immigration Statistics for U.S. Department
of Homeland Security

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

Immigration
Enforcement Actions: 2008 (PDF, 4 pages - 196 KB )

This report presents information on the apprehension, detention,
return and removal of foreign nationals during fiscal year 2008.

Data
on Enforcement Actions

Access data on enforcement actions for fiscal year 2008

Immigration
Statistics -- Publications for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

ADM
Mullen Visits USS Reagan

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:20:58 -0500

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff paid a visit to the
Sailors of the USS Ronald Reagan July 13.

GI
Bill Latest

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:28:51 -0500

The latest information on the new Post 9/11 GI Bill, and where
you can go to get your questions answered.

Mullen
in Iraq

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:28:37 -0500

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen
was in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk July 13 to get a progress
report from U.S. commanders and local leaders.

A new tip for treasurers has been posted at
http://www.fec.gov/info/TipsforTreasurers.shtml#tip20090713.

Links to the latest updated Guide supplements are now available
at http://www.fec.gov/info/TipsforTreasurers.shtml#Publications

Kansas
City Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Sacramento
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

Baltimore
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

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