usdemocrats.com political news ticker/weblog
July 31, 2009 for yesterday's ticker entries click here
Friday
July 31, 2009
make sure to click CTRL F5 or click here to refresh the page to view the most current updates
click here to search ticker archives by keyword or go to the weblog archive index
|
This newsticker is archived daily. To search
back archives dating back to 1999, search for the article using
keywords by title, names, video or headline at www.usdemocrats.com/search |
|
GOV source feeds are always available in
realtime 24 hours a day 7 days at week by accessing the homepage
at www.usdemocrats.com |
|
CNN
Cable TV LIVE FEED |
|
|
|
New
Deadline Set for Health Care Bill Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) "has set a new deadline of Sept. 15 to complete bipartisan health care talks," Roll Call reports. |
|
Health
reform: The Autumn playbook From CNNMoney.com Senior Writer Jeanne Sahadi NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — A lot was
supposed to happen on health reform before Congress went on summer
vacation. Turns out, a lot didn't. End result: The heavy lifting
on health reform legislation has been pushed to Autumn. |
|
Take
back KBR bonuses, senators urge Pentagon Posted: 06:46 PM ET From Abbie Boudreau and Scott Bronstein CNN Special Investigations Unit WASHINGTON (CNN) — Two Democratic senators Friday called on the Pentagon to take back more than $83 million in bonuses paid to military contractor KBR after a Defense Department report criticized its electrical work on U.S. bases overseas. |
|
Fired
by Bush Administration, U.S. attorney gets second chance After being pushed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, for several months, President Barack Obama is nominating Daniel Bogden to again hold the post of U.S. attorney for Nevada. “I am extremely honored that President Obama has nominated me,” Bogden told CNN in an e-mail message. “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity this nomination presents for me to return to public service … so I can again pursue justice on behalf of the citizens of Nevada and the American people.” Bogden is one of four picks for U.S. attorney
posts the White House announced Friday. |
|
Pakistan’s
high court rules Musharraf’s 2007 emergency decree illegal Posted: 12:23 PM ET ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) — The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday declared that the 2007 emergency decree imposed on the country by former President Pervez Musharraf was unconstitutional, Pakistan’s attorney general said. |
|
Hoboken
mayor resigns following corruption arrest Posted: 11:55 AM ET (CNN) — Hoboken, New Jersey, Mayor Peter Cammarano III — one of dozens of politicians and rabbis arrested last week in a corruption scandal — has resigned, the city attorney said Friday. |
|
House
votes to spend $2 billion for on ‘Cash for Clunkers’
program Posted: 01:51 PM ET WASHINGTON (CNN) — The U.S. House voted Friday to spend an additional $2 billion on the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program. |
|
FDA
Enforcement Report for July 29, 2009 |
|
|
|
Vilas
County Democrats Statewide Canvass for Russ Feingold's 2010 Reelection
Campaign To see more details and RSVP |
|
Welcome
Home, Endeavour Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500 Endeavour kicked up dust as it touches down on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on... |
|
Los
Angeles County Young Democrats Fundraising Committee Mtg To see more details and RSVP |
|
DA-09-19
- Hurricane Katrina Activities for Pass Christian Public School
District (PDF, 7 pages - 427
KB) |
|
GI
Bill Transferability Set to Begin Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:11:00 -0500 |
|
Principles,
Innovation Reveal Marines' Success, Petraeus Says Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:22:00 -0500 |
|
United
States Department of Defense Image Gallery |
|
Kenya
and the U.S. - Meeting the Growing Challenge in East Africa Assistant Secretary of State Bureau of African Affairs National Endowment for Democracy Washington, DC |
|
Contact: Katie Grant Hoyer: GDP Report Shows Promising Signs for Economic Recovery WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement on today’s 2nd quarter GDP report: “Today’s news on America’s gross domestic product includes some promising signs for our economic recovery. According to the Commerce Department, the decline in our GDP is tapering off, an indication that our economy is stabilizing after the severe recession that began in 2007. GDP fell at a rate of 1 percent from April to June, compared with a 50-year record decline of 6.4 percent in the first quarter of this year. Those numbers show that we are not out of the woods yet—but they give reason for hope that the worst is over, and that our recovery is underway. “Combined with a rebound in the housing market, a stock market that has steadily grown since January, and a decline in the rate of job losses, today’s news is further evidence that Democrats were right to pass economic recovery legislation. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act continues to fund job-creating infrastructure projects across America, help state governments keep public servants from police officers to teachers employed, and stimulate economic demand. The road to a full recovery will, no doubt, have more bumps in it, but we are heading in the right direction.” ### |
|
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY TOM VILSACK PROCLAIMS AUGUST 2-8 NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK WASHINGTON, July 31, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today encouraged consumers to visit their local farmers markets in honor of National Farmers Market Week, which will take place from August 2-8. "One of the Obama Administration's top priorities is to make sure that all Americans - especially children - have access to fresh, nutritious food, and USDA's ongoing support of farmers markets is important to reaching that goal," Secretary Vilsack said. "At the same time, farmers markets help support small family farms, help revitalize rural communities, and often promote sustainable agricultural practices." Currently, nearly 4,900 farmers markets operate nationwide, up from 4,685 in 2008. To make it easier for consumers to locate farmers markets in their states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service posts The National Directory of Farmers Markets online at www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets. USDA is a leader in government efforts to encourage healthier eating, has operated a farmers market at its Washington, D.C., headquarters since 1996. Open to the general public every Friday, June through October, as many as 14 farmer-vendors set up stands that feature their locally produced items. USDA supports farmers markets through several programs in addition to National Farmers Market Week. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) awards grants, provides technical assistance, and helps with marketing and promotion. Meanwhile, the Food and Nutrition Service also supports farmers markets through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program by providing coupons that many low-income Americans can exchange for eligible foods at farmers markets and similar outlets. # |
|
Gen
David Petraeus Remarks Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:31:20 -0500 Gen David Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command, speaks at the 3rd Annual Marine Corps Association Foundation Dinner in Arlington, VA. |
|
FEC Weekly Digest for Federal Election Commission This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
GEN
Casey at Fort Jackson Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:56:16 -0500 Army Chief of Staff General George Casey was on hand Thursday to watch graduating Soldiers at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. |
|
HHS
Secretary Sebelius, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announce New
Strategies to Keep America's Food Supply Safe Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:01:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that prevention and partnership will guide their departments’ efforts to safeguard the food Americans eat every day. Both Secretaries announced new strategies that focus on prevention and depend on working closely with growers, food processors and consumers to achieve their goals. |
|
USDA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE NEW CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM New Program To Be Available Nationwide With Continuous Enrollments WASHINGTON, July 31, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking public comment on the new Conservation Stewardship Program, which is designed to encourage agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation practices and adopt additional ones in their operations. The public can submit comments for 60 days and must be submitted on or before Sept. 28, 2009. For full details about the new Conservation Stewardship Program, please visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/new_csp/ or visit your local NRCS field office. "It is important for Americans to provide feedback about the programs that their government provides on their behalf and they now have this opportunity to comment on the Conservation Stewardship Program," Vilsack said. "We developed the interim final rule for this program in order to appeal to our diverse customers and offer them an equal chance to participate." The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) authorized the Conservation Stewardship Program. Congress renamed and revamped the former Conservation Security Program to improve its availability and appeal to agricultural and forestry producers. The Conservation Stewardship Program will be offered in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups with announced cut-off application dates for ranking periods. Congress capped the annual acreage enrollment at 12,769,000 acres nationwide. Comments on the Conservation Stewardship
Program interim final rule can be submitted online, or through
regular mail, e-mail, fax or in person. Information on how to
submit comments is available at the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation
Service's Web site at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2008/index.html |
|
VACANCY:
Human Resources Specialist, GS-0201-12 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:46:20 -0500 DE-09-449-SSM2 (Closing Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
|
VACANCY:
External Affairs Officer, GS-1035-13 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:24:05 -0500 DE-09-451-MAF3 (Closing Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
|
Energy, Treasury Now Accepting Applications
for Funding for Renewable Energy Projects Direct Cash Payments Will Advance Economic Development, Expand Renewable Energy Use WASHINGTON – With the goal of expanding development of renewable energy projects throughout the United States and creating new jobs, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced they are now accepting applications for a program that will make direct payments in lieu of tax credits to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities. The two Departments estimate distributing at least $3 billion in financial support to approximately 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities. The funding for this effort is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Said Secretary Chu: "This program will play a major role in encouraging private sector capital to invest in clean energy development, creating new jobs that can't be outsourced. It is an investment that will continue to help our economy grow and ensure advancement in clean and renewable energy development." “As we move quickly to get our economy back on track and to repair the financial system, we must make investments that lay the foundation for a stronger economic future,” said Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. “Too many renewable energy projects have stalled due to a lack of financing. The Recovery Act program will lead to investment in our long-term energy needs, move us towards energy independence, increase jobs at energy-specific businesses, and protect our environment.” The Recovery Act authorized Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009. Previously, these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project’s cost; under the new program, applicants would agree to forgo future tax credits in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. The Energy Department will assist Treasury in implementing this program by reviewing the technical merits of the applications. In previous years, the tax credit has been widely used. The rate of new renewable energy installations has fallen since the economic downturn began, as projects had a more difficult time obtaining financing. The Departments of the Treasury and Energy expect a fast acceleration of businesses applying for the direct cash payment in lieu of the tax credit, allowing for an immediate stimulus in local economies. Earlier this year, Energy and Treasury held a stakeholder outreach conference call to assist companies in applying for the program. They also made available in advance the program’s terms and conditions, guidance, and a sample application so that companies could prepare applications in advance of the launch of the web-based application, aimed at expediting the distribution of program funds to eligible businesses. Companies interested in applying for the program can visit here for more information. -DOE- |
|
Focus
on Fire Safety from the U.S. Fire Administration This information has recently been updated and is now available. |
|
Codex News & Comments Requested for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service This information has recently been updated.
(See "Other U.S. Codex News." The U.S. Delegate has
issued a report of the 32nd session.) |
|
FSIS
Notice 51-09 Routine Sampling and Testing of Beef Manufacturing Trimmings Derived from Cattle Not Slaughtered in That Establishment (Bench Trim) for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 |
|
VACANCY:
Program Specialist (Outreach), GS-301-11/12 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:04:37 -0500 AN271186 (Closing Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
|
VACANCY:
Electronics Technician (SW), GS-0856-11/12 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:50:41 -0500 AN266674 (Closing Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
|
House
Panel Prepares to Wrap Up Health Care Bill Posted: 30 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT By ERICA WERNER WASHINGTON - As recently as two weeks ago it might not have looked like much of a victory. But after a series of delays and some rancorous disputes over President Barack Obama's top domestic priority, final House committee action on a health overhaul bill is sure to be hailed as a big step forward. |
|
House
Passes Far-Reaching Food Safety Bill Posted: 30 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT By MARY CLARE JALONICK WASHINGTON - The House has passed a far-reaching food safety bill requiring more government inspections and imposing new penalties on those who violate the law, reacting strongly to an outbreak of salmonella in peanuts that killed at least nine people. |
|
Congress
Wants Say on Wall Street Pay Posted: 30 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT By ANNE FLAHERTY WASHINGTON - Congress wants to give the government a direct role in deciding how much executives on Wall Street are paid, after the nation's biggest banks accepted billions in taxpayer money and still managed to distribute $1 million bonuses to thousands of employees. |
|
U.S.
Department of State Remarks With Chief of the Federal Department
of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Federation Micheline Calmy-Rey
Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC July 31, 2009 |
|
USDA PROPOSES BIOBASED PRODUCT CONSUMER LABEL RULE New Label Will Make it Easier for Consumers to Identify Biobased Products WASHINGTON, July 31, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making it easier for consumers to identify biobased products through the release of its proposed BioPreferredSM labeling rule. USDA's BioPreferred labeling program, published today in the Federal Register, intends to create a product label that would appear on qualifying BioPreferred biobased products. When final, this regulation will allow biobased product manufacturers to participate in a voluntary labeling program to identify biobased products on retail store shelves. "Increasing the purchase and use of biobased products is a priority of the Obama Administration because it helps increase our nation's energy security and independence by using American agricultural products, while spurring economic development in rural areas," said Vilsack. "Consumers want to make more informed product choice decisions and BioPreferred will help them. This label will help consumers, businesses and Federal government purchasers easily identify biobased products." Manufacturers will be able to utilize the BioPreferred label, when finalized, to help customers identify their products as biobased. Currently, USDA has identified more than 15,000 commercially available biobased products across approximately 200 categories, from cleaning products to construction materials. Biobased products are available to consumers today and the new label will help make these sustainable products more accessible and serve as a valuable marketing tool for manufacturers and vendors of biobased products. Biobased products are products that are composed wholly or significantly of biological ingredients - renewable plant, animal, marine or forestry materials. A BioPreferred designated item is one that meets or exceeds USDA-established minimum biobased content requirements. This Federal Register notice announces
the program's intent to create and make available a voluntary
product label for increased commercial and consumer promotion
of biobased products. USDA, through the publication of this draft
rule, seeks to notify and gather feedback from interested groups
and the public-at-large on this process. |
|
GEN
Petraeus Honors Marines Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:18:05 -0500 Commander of U.S. Central Command, General David Petraeus, honored Marines Thursday at the 3rd Annual Marine Corps Association Foundation dinner. |
|
USCIRF Sends Letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Africa Visit WASHINGTON, D.C. – USCIRF sent the following letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her Africa visit. *****
July 30, 2009
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Dear Secretary Clinton, As you embark on your trip to Africa, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) asks that you raise religious freedom issues during your bilateral discussions with officials from Nigeria and Somalia. USCIRF is an independent U.S. government commission established by Congress to monitor religious freedom worldwide and make policy recommendations to the executive and legislative branches. Recognizing Nigeria’s strategic importance to the United States and to Africa, USCIRF has long been concerned with the recurrent episodes of communal and sectarian violence, the expansion of sharia law into the criminal codes of several northern Nigerian states, and discrimination against minority communities of Christians and Muslims. USCIRF traveled to Nigeria in March 2009 to further examine these issues, subsequently recommending for the first time that Nigeria be designated as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. USCIRF concluded that the government of Nigeria has done little to prevent sectarian violence and that there have been no serious efforts to investigate or prosecute the perpetrators of the numerous sectarian killings and crimes that have occurred over the past ten years, most recently in Bauchi (February 2009) and Jos (November 2008). Well over 12,000 people have been killed in communal violence in Nigeria since 1999 and sectarian tensions, exacerbated by inadequate government prevention and response, threaten to further destabilize the country. Sadly, in the months following USCIRF’s CPC determination, there has been further evidence of sectarian violence, underscoring the need for the Nigerian government to prevent violent incidents before they occur. Numerous news agencies have reported that Muslim rebels demanding a stricter adoption of sharia law in all of Nigeria have been attacking security forces, reporting over 300 dead at this point in the crisis. A senior leader of the rebel group has threatened further attacks as a means of achieving its goal of introducing sharia law more deeply and broadly into Nigeria. As you said in your remarks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Phuket, Thailand, it is vital that the United States stand with those who oppose violent extremism and we urge you to discuss further avenues of cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, including USCIRF’s recommendations on this issue. In particular, the United States should urge the Nigerian government to ensure that sharia codes, as applied, comply with international human rights standards with regard to every individual’s right to due process of law, equal treatment of law, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion or belief, including freedom from prosecution and reprisals for blasphemy and apostasy. The severe violations of religious freedom and sectarian violence in Nigeria must be addressed for that country to realize lasting progress, security, and prosperity as a democracy. However, to end the cycle of impunity and the needless deaths and destruction, the will of the Nigerian government to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of sectarian violence must be bolstered. We urge you to raise these concerns and to discuss the attached recommendations in your conversations with Nigerian officials. USCIRF also urges you to raise issues of freedom of religion or belief when you meet with Somali President Sheik Sharif Ahmed in Nairobi. For the first time, USCIRF placed Somalia on its Watch List in 2009, finding that in the absence of the rule of law, freedom of religion or belief, like all other human rights, is circumscribed by insurgents, warlords, self-appointed officials, local authorities, and prevailing societal attitudes. While the international community is focused on piracy, terrorism, and the security situation in Somalia, problems of religious extremism and the rule of law must also be addressed. USCIRF believes that improving freedom of religion and related human rights and governance will help to address many of the problems in Somalia. We also urge you to raise with President Sharif the unresolved issue of the implementation of sharia law in Somalia. We ask that you communicate to President Sharif that Somali legal institutions and systems must respect universal human rights, including the individual’s right to freedom of religion or belief in both the public and private spheres. This past spring, President Sheik Sharif announced that Islamic law, or sharia law, would be the basis for law in Somalia; this was subsequently unanimously approved by the Transitional Federal Parliament. However, other than a few statements by President Sheik Sharif that sharia law in Somalia would respect human rights, no further concrete information has been provided as to how it would be implemented in the country. In some areas controlled by the Islamic militia al-Shabaab, that group’s sharia court rulings have implemented the harshest of sharia punishments, including amputations and stoning, without proper due process of law. It must be made clear that such punishments violate universal human rights standards and are unacceptable. While Somalis have traditionally practiced a Sufi-influenced version of Islam, Islamic militants groups are increasingly forcing implementation of their more radical social and religious norms on Somali society. Islamic militants have attacked Sufi clerics, students, and mosques. USCIRF believes that your meeting in Nairobi is an appropriate venue to discuss with President Sheik Sharif efforts to ensure that all religious communities are treated equally, that religious freedom and related human rights are protected in a new Somali constitution, and that education programs to limit religious extremism and promote religious tolerance are expanded. Thank you for your consideration of these important issues. We wish you a safe and productive journey. Sincerely, Leonard Leo |
|
DEPUTY AGRICULTURE SECRETARY MERRIGAN UNVEILS NATIONAL PSA TO PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING Sesame Workshop releases Public Service Announcement Featuring Cookie Monster, Broccoli, and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack BOSTON, July 31, 2009 - Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today unveiled a public service announcement (PSA) promoting healthy eating habits to children and families at the Resources to End America's Child Hunger (REACH) regional meeting in Boston. The PSA, produced in conjunction with Sesame Workshop, features Cookie Monster, Broccoli and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack discussing importance of eating a "rainbow" of foods, especially fruits and vegetables, everyday. "We must lead by example and teach our children how to live a healthier lifestyle. This is critical in our to fight the stop the childhood obesity epidemic," said Merrigan. "USDA is working with organizations like the Sesame Workshop, as well as children, parents and teachers to encourage America's children to consume a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet and lead active lifestyles." The PSA was shown at the REACH Child Nutrition, Food and Health regional meeting hosted by Mayor Thomas Menino. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization that created Sesame Street, produced the PSA with Secretary Vilsack featuring its healthy eating message. The current statistics on obesity show: More than 60 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese. This puts them at risk for other serious health problems like diabetes. The numbers for children are no less troubling. An estimated 17 million children in the U.S. are either overweight or obese. About 35 percent of young people are at risk of overweight or are already overweight. Today's announcement with Sesame Workshop is part of USDA's wide-ranging effort to reach out to children to combat this childhood obesity epidemic. For instance, USDA has developed 'MyPyramid for Preschoolers' to help children between the ages of two and five grow up healthy, develop healthy eating habits, try new foods, play actively every day and follow food safety rules. Additional information about MyPyramid for Preschoolers is available at www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/index.html. USDA is also expanding the food choices available to WIC's diverse populations, especially fruits and vegetables, whole grain products and reduced-fat dairy options. Finally, USDA will be using the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Programs to stress the paramount importance of healthy and nutritious eating. USDA's nutrition assistance programs serve nearly one in five Americans. Sesame Workshop also has undertaken several
efforts to encourage children to develop lifelong healthy eating
habits. Earlier this year, Sesame Workshop partnered with the
National WIC Association to help children and their families
have healthier options and encourage them to make healthier food
choices as part of their daily routines. The partnership is an
extension of Sesame Workshop's Healthy Habits for Life initiative,
which was launched in 2004, in response to the growing crisis
of childhood obesity. The initiative uses the power of Sesame
Street to guide children and their caregivers through lessons
related to healthy eating, the importance of physical activity,
and other healthy habits such as hygiene and rest. |
|
Hoyer Op-Ed: Health Reform Too Good to Pass Up Click here to read Majority Leader Hoyer's op-ed
on health reform on CNN.com. That's why Democrats are subjecting their plan to bring affordable health care to all Americans to intense scrutiny, and that's why we're going home to hear from our constituents, adding to the more than 550 health care town hall meetings and public events that have already taken place this year. But there is also a distinct urgency to our work -- an urgency fired by an understanding that the most disastrous health plan is a simple extension of the status quo. If reform splutters, we'll be left with a broken, unsustainable system, with health costs set to double over the next 10 years, and millions of more Americans projected to lose their coverage. As rising costs and rapidly-consolidating insurance giants strip coverage from more middle-class families, the costs of inaction will mount every year. The failure of reform might hold political
benefits for Republicans, like the senator who claimed that a
health care stall is "going to be a huge gain for those
of us who want to turn this thing over in the 2010 election."
But for those Americans with more serious concerns -- including
small business owners, the 47 million uninsured Americans, and
the families in danger of joining their ranks -- health insurance
reform must pass this year. The first principle is stability for the middle class. The Democratic plan will mean peace-of-mind and an end to fears of lost coverage and financial disaster. It will prevent medical bills from driving Americans into bankruptcy, and it will stop insurance companies from denying patients coverage because of what they consider pre-existing conditions, such as pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease or cancer. It will also mean truly secure coverage that doesn't end if a worker loses a job, changes jobs or decides to start a new business. The second principle is affordable coverage for every American. At the center of our cost-lowering plan is a public insurance option that will strengthen competition in the insurance market and pressure private insurers to lower costs. For doctors, the Democratic plan includes research on health outcomes to inform treatment choices and electronic records to improve collaboration -- both of which can make treatment more cost-effective. For seniors, it means an end to the infamous
Medicare Part D "doughnut hole," which prevents seniors
with prescription drug costs of $2,700 to $6,100 per year from
receiving Medicare support. And for small businesses, lower health
care costs will remove a crippling burden that stifles their
productivity and competitiveness. Americans without insurance regularly forego
the care that can keep chronic problems from turning into major
illnesses, and even patients with insurance are often discouraged
by out-of-pocket costs. The fourth and last principle is patient choice. President Obama has been adamant on this point: Americans who like their coverage can keep it. In fact, the Democratic plan will expand choice by freeing doctors and patients to make the choices that maximize healthy outcomes, not insurance profits. We are confident that these principles can stand up to the strongest criticism. For most of the 20th century, and into the 21st, America has struggled to create a health care system that is worthy of its most valued ideals: equality, opportunity and a strong middle class. Today, we are closer than ever. ### |
|
U.S.
Department of State Background Notes : Thailand (07/09) Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:15:54 -0500 |
|
VACANCY:
Information Technology Specialist (CUSTSPT), GS-2210-11 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:11:34 -0500 SA2-09-434-RZB3 (Closing Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
|
Gold
little changed after GDP data NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Gold futures
remained nearly flat Friday after the government said the U.S.
economy shrank 1% in the second quarter, less than the 1.2% contraction
economists had expected. August gold futures rose 20 cents to
$935.10 an ounce, up less than 0.1%. |
|
CANADA:
The Daily - July 31, 2009 from Canada News Centre - National News The Daily is Statistics Canada's official release bulletin, the Agency's first line of communication with the media and the public. |
|
Washington
Post swings to a profit from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories Washington Post says it swung to a second-quarter profit against a prior-year quarter that included significant restructuring charges, as revenue increased modestly on growth at its education and cable operations. |
|
Nasdaq
Composite up 0.1 points at 1,984 from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
U.S.
stocks open higher after GDP NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- U.S. stocks rose
at the open Friday after the government said U.S. gross domestic
production fell a not-as-bad-as-expected 1% in the second quarter.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 46 points, or 0.5%, to
9,201, with 22 of its 30 components opening higher. Shares of
Disney bucked the trend on the Dow, falling 3.5%, after it posted
its quarterly results. The S&P 500 index rose 4.6 points,
or 0.5%, to 991, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 8 points,
or 0.4%, to 1,992. |
|
Airbus
urges airlines to swap plane speed sensors CNN LONDON, England (CNN) — Airbus has
urged airlines to replace most of the European-made speed sensors
on their A330 and A340 planes for more “consistent”
ones made in the United States. |
|
British
military ends Iraq mission Posted: 09:38 AM ET BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) — There wasn’t much fanfare this week when, more than six years after they entered Iraq as an invading force, the last British troops left the country. |
|
Civilian
casualties have spiked in Afghanistan, UN says CNN KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) – Civilian
casualties resulting from Afghanistan’s bloody war have
spiked, jumping some 24 percent above figures from last year,
the United Nations reported Friday. |
|
July
31, 2009 - DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 17 pages - 150 KB) |
|
Inspector General Press Releases for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Statistics for the U.S. Department of Labor This information has recently been updated.
View the latest DOL statistics. |
|
Former
Congressional Chief of Staff Sentenced for Honest Services Fraud
Conspiracy Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:19:05 -0500 A former chief of staff to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry H. Kennedy Jr. to three years of probation, including 170 days of home detention, and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. |
|
Two
Individuals Charged with Attempting to Bribe U.S. Army Contracting
Official Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:05:19 -0500 Two dual Afghan/U.S. citizens were charged today with conspiracy and bribery in connection with a scheme to offer $1 million in bribes to a U.S. Army contracting official in order to influence the award of a road construction contract in Afghanistan. |
|
FEMA
Approves $1.2 Million Grant For Property Acquisition Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:20:35 -0500 PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Jonathan Sarubbi, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Philadelphia Office, announced today the awarding of more than $1.2 million in funding to acquire five homes in Temple Hills, Maryland. The five properties are located in areas of unstable soil. |
|
U.S.
Department of State Schedule for July 31, 2009 July 31, 2009 |
|
Legacy Loans Program – Test of Funding Mechanism FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The FDIC is taking the next step in the
development of the Legacy Loans Program (LLP). The LLP is part
of the Public-Private Investment Program announced in March by
the Secretary of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and the FDIC,
and was designed to help banks remove troubled loans and other
assets from their balance sheets so that banks could raise new
capital and be better-positioned to provide lending to further
the recovery of the U.S. economy. |
|
Pacific
Missile Intercept Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:52:10 -0500 The U.S. Navy successfully shot down a ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean. |
|
GEN
McChystal Meets German Troops Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:37:26 -0500 The Commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan traveled to the northern province of Kunduz Thursday to meet with German troops and local Afghan officials. |
|
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR STRUGGLING DAIRY PRODUCERS Obama Administration to raise dairy support prices, will increase dairy farmers' revenue by $243 million WASHINGTON, July 31, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Vilsack today announced that the Obama Administration is taking immediate action to support struggling dairy farmers by increasing the amount paid for dairy products through the Dairy Product Price Support Program (DPPSP). USDA estimates show that these increases, which will be in place from August 2009 through October 2009, will increase dairy farmers' revenue by $243 million. "The Obama Administration is committed to pursuing all options to help dairy producers," said Vilsack. "The price increase announced today will provide immediate relief to dairy farmers around the country and keep many on the farm while they weather one of the worst dairy crises in decades." The increase announced today will raise the price paid for nonfat dry milk from $0.80 per pound to $0.92 per pound, the price paid for cheddar blocks from $1.13 per pound to $1.31 per pound, and the price of cheddar barrels from $1.10 per pound to $1.28 per pound. This increase in the support price will have an immediate effect upon dairy farmers' bottom line. Temporarily raising the price of these dairy products increases the price that dairy farmers receive for their milk. USDA estimates that today's announcement is expected to increase the all milk price received by dairy producers. The increase will result in the government purchase of an additional 150 million pounds of non-fat dry milk (NDM) and an additional 75 million pounds of cheese. Prior to today's announcement, USDA had taken several steps to provide support for dairy farmers, including the following: In March, USDA transferred approximately
200 million pounds of nonfat dry milk to USDA's Food and Nutrition
Service, which will not only remove inventory from the market,
but also support low-income families struggling to put nutritious
food on their tables. |
|
Los Angeles Most Wanted for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
THE
DAILY WHIPLINE | FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2009 |
|
ADM
Stavridis in Kosovo Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:39:36 -0500 |
|
Registration and Listing information from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) The July 2009 update newsletter is now
available. |
|
HHS
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released funds to help states reduce
infection rates in stand-alone or same-day surgical centers |
|
School,
Bridge Highlight Progress in Afghanistan Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:48:00 -0500 |
|
Basra
Continues Provincial Cleanup Campaign Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:02:00 -0500 |
|
Navy
Task Force Assesses Changing Climate Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:17:00 -0500 |
|
FDIC Makes Public June Enforcement Actions; No Administrative Hearings are Scheduled FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC) today released a list of orders of administrative enforcement
actions taken against banks and individuals in June. No administrative
hearings are scheduled. |
|
Axelrod
Heads to the Hill White House political adviser David Axelrod is set to hold a "private messaging session" with House Democrats today on the Hill before lawmakers leave for the August recess, Greg Sargent reports. |
|
CDC:
Advisors Make Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against Novel
H1N1 The committee met to develop recommendations on who should receive vaccine against novel influenza A (H1N1) when it becomes available, and to determine which groups of the population should be prioritized if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities. |
|
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
has issued the following news release today: Real gross domestic product -- the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States -- decreased at an annual rate of 1.0 percent in the second quarter of 2009, (that is, from the first quarter to the second), according to the "advance" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The full text of the release on BEA's Web site can be found at http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdpnewsrelease.htm. |
|
China
to tighten lending 'selectively' from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories Chinese authorities are likely to unveil a mixture of policies in coming months to fine-tune the pace of credit growth without shifting far from its current easy policy on lending. |
|
Alcatel-Lucent
shares jump after unexpected profit from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories |
|
Sumitomo
Mitsui Financial Group quarterly net profit $767 million HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Sumitomo Mitsui
Financial Group Inc. (SMFG) reported Thursday quarterly net profit
of 72.8 billion yen ($767 million), up 25.3% from 58.10 billion
yen a year earlier. SMFG, Japan's third-largest bank by assets,
kept its group earnings forecast for the fiscal year through
March 2010 unchanged, calling for a profit of 220 billion yen.
|
|
Kellogg
profit up 13% from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories |
|
General
Electric shares up 7% from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Colgate's
profit rises 14% from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories |
|
Nasdaq
tops 2,000, first time since October 2008 from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
MasterCard
reports profit, shares rise from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories Shares of MasterCard rises more than 10% as it becomes the second payments company in less than 24 hours to beat analysts' expectations, posting a second-quarter profit on the back of rising revenues and lower costs. |
|
Fed
buys $6.5 billion in Treasurys NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The Federal Reserve
Bank of New York bought $6.496 billion in Treasurys maturing
between 2012 and 2013 on Thursday, its latest operation in a
program intended to keep a lid on borrowing costs. Dealers submitted
$20.308 billion to the central bank to buy. The amount purchased
was roughly the same as at the Fed's last buyback in this maturity
range. Treasury yields remained higher on the day, pushing prices
down, ahead of the government's sale of 7-year notes. Benchmark
10-year note yields rose 5 basis points to 3.71%. |
|
U.K.
regulator to discuss oil market with traders from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories |
|
Treasury
sells $28 billion in 7-yr debt at 3.369% from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Indirect
bidders take 60% of 7-year note sale from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Ford
Motor Credit selling $1.75 billion in debt NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Ford Motor Credit
is selling $1.75 billion in debt, Informa Global Markets said
Thursday. The CCC-plus rated debt from the financing unit of
the automaker is expected to pay about 10.875% on 3-year notes,
Informa said. On Monday, Standard & Poor's revised its ratings
outlook on parent company Ford to developing from negative because
the automaker has significantly slowed its cash use. Ford Motor
Credit last sold debt in May, according to Dealogic. Shares of
parent company Ford rose 4% on Thursday to $7.40. |
|
Sharp
shares climb 1.9% in Tokyo morning trade from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Former
B.C. Green party leader seeks NDP nomination in Ontario from The Georgia Straight - News And Views |
|
DJIA
futures up 28 at 9,118 from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
S&P
500 futures up 1.30 at 983.50 from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Nikkei
sees best finish of 2009, leads Asia higher from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories |
|
August
gold rises 0.3% to $937.20 an ounce from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
GAO-09-924,
Motor Carrier Safety: Reincarnating Commercial Vehicle Companies
Pose Safety Threat to Motoring Public; Federal Safety Agency
Has Initiated Efforts to Prevent Future Occurrences, July ... |
|
GAO-09-747,
Biological Research: Observations on DHS's Analyses Concerning
Whether FMD Research Can Be Done as Safely on the Mainland as
on Plum Island, July 30, 2009 |
|
from GAO Reports |
|
GAO-09-790T,
U.S. Postal Service: Broad Restructuring Needed to Address Deteriorating
Finances, July 30, 2009 |
|
GAO-09-746R,
U.S. Agriculture: Retail Food Prices Grew Faster Than the Prices
Farmers Received for Agricultural Commodities, but Economic Research
Has Not Established That Concentration Has ... from GAO Reports Over the past 25 years, farmers have received a decreasing share of the consumer food dollar. Some analysts and farm interest groups are concerned that this decline can be attributed, in part, to increasing concentration in agriculture. They believe that firms in highly concentrated markets may be able to exert market power by raising retail food prices while also depressing prices farmers receive for agricultural commodities. Others have ... |
|
from GAO Reports |
|
from GAO Reports |
|
from GAO Reports |
|
from GAO Reports |
|
from GAO Reports |
|
GAO-09-442,
Improper Payments: Significant Improvements Needed in DOD's Efforts
to Address Improper Payment and Recovery Auditing Requirements,
July 29, 2009 |
|
GAO-09-870R,
United Nations: Renovation Still Scheduled for Completion in
2013, but Risk to Its Schedule and Cost Remain, July 30, 2009 |
|
GAO-09-836,
Reverse Mortgages: Policy Changes Have Had Mostly Positive Effects
on Lenders and Borrowers, but These Changes and Market Developments
Have Increased HUD's Risk, July 30, 2009 |
|
GAO-09-749,
Homeland Security: Federal Protective Service Should Improve
Human Capital Planning and Better Communicate with Tenants, July
30, 2009 |
|
GAO-09-727,
Federal Law Enforcement Retirement: Information on Enhanced Retirement
Benefits for Law Enforcement Personnel, July 30, 2009 |
|
GAO-09-700,
Energy Markets: Refinery Outages Can Have Varying Gasoline Price
Impacts, but Gaps in Federal Data Limit Understanding of Impacts,
July 30, 2009 |
|
GAO-09-520,
Defense Acquisitions: Opportunities Exist to Achieve Greater
Commonality and Efficiencies among Unmanned Aircraft Systems,
July 30, 2009 |
|
GAO-09-752R,
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: CMS Should Develop
an Agencywide Policy for Translating Medicare Documents into
Languages Other Than English, July 30, 2009 |
|
Federal
Reserve approves final amendments to Regulation Z that revise
disclosure requirements for private education loans |
|
VIDEO: House Armed Services Subcmte. Hearing on Stress in the Military from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Wednesday at 2pm (ET) |
|
VIDEO: House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Weekly Legislative Briefing from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 10:45am (ET) |
|
from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 8am (ET) |
|
VIDEO: Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), Blue Dog Coalition, Member from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 9:30am (ET) |
|
VIDEO: Senate Armed Services Cmte. Hearing on Army and Navy Nominations from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 9:30am (ET) |
|
VIDEO: State Department Briefing on Sec. Clinton's Travel to Africa from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 12pm (ET) |
|
VIDEO: White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 1:15pm (ET) |
|
VIDEO: Congressional Progressive Caucus Press Conference on Health Care from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 2:30pm (ET) |
|
VIDEO: Pres. Obama Meets with Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Phillipines from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 3pm (ET) |
|
VIDEO: Pres. Obama Meets with Sgt. James Crowley and Prof. Henry Louis Gates from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 6pm (ET) |
|
Statement
from the President following his conversation with the Vice President,
Professor Gates and Sergeant Crowley I am thankful to Professor Gates and Sergeant Crowley for joining me at the White House this evening for a friendly, thoughtful conversation. Even before we sat down for the beer, I learned that the two gentlemen spent some time together listening to one another, which is a testament to them. |
|
President
Obama Announces Intent to Nominate Anne Northup as CPSC Commissioner Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate former Congresswoman Anne Northup as a Commissioner to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. |
|
Statement
by the President on House Passage of the Food Safety Enhancement
Act of 2009 Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, legislation that will raise food safety standards, allow the FDA to issue mandatory recalls of harmful products, and enhance our oversight of imported food. |
|
Notice
and Message regarding Lebanon, 7-30-09 On August 1, 2007, by Executive Order 13441, the President declared a national emergency and ordered related measures blocking the property of certain persons undermining the sovereignty of Lebanon |
|
President
Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 7-30-09 Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: |
|
President
Obama to celebrate educational benefits for post 9/11 service
members On Monday, August 3, President Obama will join VA Secretary Shinseki, Senator Webb and other administration officials to mark the implementation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. |
|
Joe
Biden Hosts Conference Calls with Governors and Local Officials
to Discuss Recovery Act Implementation, 7-30-09 Joe hosted two conference calls with Governors and Mayors/County Executives from across the country to discuss implementation of the Recovery Act. |
|
President
Obama Signs Maine Emergency Declaration, 7-30-09 The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Maine and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, and landslides during the period of June 18 to July 8, 2009. |
|
President
Obama Names Medal of Freedom Recipients President Obama today named 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom. America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. |
|
Statement
from the President on Health Insurance Reform Efforts in Congress I want to thank the members of both the Senate and House of Representatives for continuing their work on health reform to provide more stability and security for Americans who have insurance, and quality, affordable coverage for those who don’t. |
|
Briefing
by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 7-30-09 |
|
Remarks
by the President at Town Hall in Raleigh, North Carolina |
|
Valerie
Jarrett & Ambassador Rice on the UN Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities |
|
2009
Medal of Freedom Recipients Posted by Katherine Brandon |
|
DHS
Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Posted by Bev Godwin |
|
The
President Highlights Health Insurance Consumer Protections Posted by Katherine Brandon |
|
Full
Videos: The Health Care Stakeholder Discussions Posted by Jesse Lee |
|
New
Vacancies at the United States Department of Labor Complete Listing |
|
VACANCY:
Human Resources Specialist |
|
VACANCY:
Policy Advisor (Senior) |
|
VACANCY:
Wage & Hour Compliance Specialist (Gov. Contract Enforcement)
|
|
VACANCY:
Supervisory Wage and Hour Investigator |
|
VACANCY:
Safety Engineer |
|
VACANCY:
Workforce Development Specialist |
|
VACANCY:
Management Assistant (OA) USDOL |
|
VACANCY:
Equal Opportunity Specialist USDOL |
 |
|
An update from Special Envoy to Sudan
Scott Gration’s recent trip to Darfur: HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IDP RETURNS DARFURI CIVIL SOCIETY LOOKING AHEAD This week I will be testifying about the
current situation in Sudan in front of the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee. I’ll be in touch soon to let you know about the
rest of my trip to Sudan, and to update you on my testimony in
the Senate. Thank you for your dedication to achieving
peace, stability, and prosperity in Sudan, Scott. |
|
Federal Election Commission New Advisory Opinions Advisory Opinion 2009-18, Issued to Penske Truck Leasing, http://saos.nictusa.com/saos/searchao?AONUMBER=2009-18 Advisory Opinion 2009-16, Issued to Libertarian Party of Ohio, http://saos.nictusa.com/saos/searchao?AONUMBER=2009-16 Advisory Opinion 2009-15, Issued to Bill
White for Texas, http://saos.nictusa.com/saos/searchao?AONUMBER=2009-15
|
|
The Federal Election Commission has posted
final rules transferring regulations on the National Voter Registration
Act to the Election Assistance Commission. The final rules are
available at http://www.fec.gov/law/cfr/ej_compilation/2009/notice_2009-17.pdf.
|
|
FEMA
Urges Caution For Those Returning Home After Wildfires Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:32:18 -0500 SEATTLE, Wash. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges residents and business owners to take extra precautions when returning after wildfire-caused evacuations. Dennis Hunsinger, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington warns that unseen dangers may linger long after the flames die down. |
|
Joint
Forces Command Interagency Experiment Prepares for Crises Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:17:00 -0500 |
|
Embassy
Tel Aviv, Israel (ISP-I-05-13A) Aug 05 |
|
Review
of State Department’s Compliance With the State First Policy
for Acquisitions (AUD/PP-05-42) Aug 05 |
|
Independent
Accountant’s Report on the Application of Agreed-Upon Procedures
for Federal Intragovernmental Activity and Balances (AUD/FM-07-09)
Jan 07 |
|
U.S.
Department of State Financial Statement and Independent Auditor’s
Report September 30, 2006 and 2005 (AUD/FM-07-12) June 07 |
|
Management
Letter Related to the Audit of the Department of State’s
Restated 2006 and 2005 Financial Statements (AUD/FM-07-11) June
07 |
|
Application
of Agreed-Upon Procedures Relating to DECO, Inc., Task Order
No. SALMEC-04-F-0996 (AUD/IQO-06-17) Feb 06 |
|
Concerns
About Changes in Cyber Security Roles and Responsibilities (AUD/FM-05-40)
Sept 05 |
|
Embassy
Chisinau, Moldova (ISP-I-05-12A) Feb 05 |
|
Export
Licensing of Chemical and Biological Commodities (AUD/PR-05-29)
April 05 |
|
California
Courts Ordered Closed One Day Per Month Posted: 28 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT SAN FRANCISCO - State officials have ordered California state courts to close one day each month to save money. |
|
U.S.
Officials Warned Pakistan on Taliban Spillover Posted: 29 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT By ROBERT BURNS WASHINGTON - The two top U.S. officials in Afghanistan have repeatedly visited Pakistan in recent weeks to ensure that the Pakistani army is prepared for any Taliban insurgents retreating from a new coalition military offensive, the Obama administration special envoy to the region said Wednesday. |
|
Democrats
Press Committee Action on Health Care Posted: 29 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR and ERICA WERNER WASHINGTON - Congressional Democrats are determined to show progress on health care overhaul by pushing President Barack Obama's top domestic priority through two critically important committees before they head home for their August break. |
|
Defense
Sec. Gates: Some U.S. Troops May Be Leaving Iraq Early Posted: 29 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT By ANNE GEARAN ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT - A combat brigade of 5,000 American troops may be brought home early from Iraq if the trend of reduced violence holds, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday. |
|
Democrats
Warn GOP of Backlash for Opposing Sotomayor Posted: 29 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS WASHINGTON - The Senate debate over Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor turned bitter Wednesday, after Democrats warned the GOP it would pay a steep price for opposing the judge who would be the first Hispanic justice, and a top Republican charged they were playing destructive racial politics. |
|
Tampa Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Army
Secretary Hearings Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:13:53 -0500 |
|
Jacksonville Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Scheduled Events for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
FDA
Consumer Health Information Updates Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:36:00 -0500 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today released its latest listing of consumer health information updates. |
|
Colonel
Discusses Multinational Airlift Operations from Hungary Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:55:00 -0500 |
|
Manhattan
U.S. Attorney Charges Bureau of Prisons Employee with Lying in
Connection with Federal Criminal Investigation |
|
U.S.
Department of State Highlights: United Nations Peacekeeping Operations Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500 |
|
U.S.
Department of State Remarks With Luxembourg Vice Prime Minister
and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn Before Their Meeting
Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC July 30, 2009 |
|
Common Fraud Schemes investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Envoy
Cites Need to Increase Afghan Security Forces Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:10:00 -0500 |
|
Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
United
States Department of Defense Image Gallery |
|
Iraq
Social Media Experience Sparks Training for Future Leaders Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:43:00 -0500 |
|
Contact: Stephanie Lundberg Hoyer Statement on the 44th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in
recognition of the 44th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid: ### |
|
Social
Networking in Afghanistan Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:27:30 -0500 The Defense Department is using the popularity of social neworking sites Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to connect with the world's virtual communities. |
|
Timothy
F. Geithner Economic Track Opening Session Statement |
|
Wilkins
Confirmed as Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service,
Assistant General Counsel |
|
Treasury
Secretary Timothy F. Geithner's Strategic and Economic Dialogue
Closing Statement |
|
Treasury
Designates North Korean Entity Tied to Weapons of Mass Destruction
Development |
|
Secretary
Geithner S&ED Opening Ceremony Statement |
|
U.S.
Department of the Treasury Op-Ed: A New Strategic and Economic
Dialogue with China |
|
Technical
Assistance, Information, and Training for Adult Corrections:
All Corrections Disciplines, Jails, Prisons, [and] Community
Corrections (7/29/09) |
|
Disproportionate
Minority Contact Technical Assistance Manual, 4th Edition (7/30/09) |
|
U.S.
Department of the Treasury Fact Sheet: First Cabinet-level Meeting
of Economic Track of U.S.-China S&ED |
|
U.S.
Department of the Treasury Strategic and Economic Dialogue Press
Schedule |
|
Treasury
Announces Sanctions of Mexican Drug Lords |
 |
|
The
First U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue Economic Track
Joint Fact Sheet |
|
Cotton-on-Call
for CFTC.gov. The Cotton On-Call Report # 30 is now available. See previous weeks in Historical Cotton On-Call Reports. |
|
OIG-09-90
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' Progress in Modernizing
Information Technology (PDF,
59 pages - 3 MB) NEW 7/30/2009 |
|
VACANCY:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CRIMINAL DIVISION OFFICE OF OVERSEAS
PROSECUTORIAL DEVELOPMENT, ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING EXPERIENCED
ATTORNEY / GS-14 to GS-15 Applications
will be accepted until October 15, 2009. |
|
DoD
Watchdog a "Little Known National Jewel" Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:00:00 -0500 |
|
F35-C
Unveiled Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:58:12 -0500 Lockheed Martin rolled out the first of the Navy's new Joint Strike Fighters during a ceremony July 28 in Fort Worth, Texas. |
|
Gates
Meets with Kurds Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:58:05 -0500 Defense Secretary Robert Gates wrapped up his trip to Iraq July 28 with a vist to Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. |
|
Treasury
Releases Build America Bonds Update |
|
Treasury
Announces $600 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Working Families
in Puerto Rico |
|
U.S.
Department of the Treasury Fact Sheet: Administration's Regulatory
Reform Agenda Moves Forward |
|
Dallas Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
CFTC
Announces Inclusion of ICE Futures Europe Data in Weekly Commitments
of Traders Reports, July 30,
2009 |
|
Deputy
Secretary Wolin before the American Bankers Association |
|
Health
and Human Services Secretary Kathleen G. Sebelius US Signing
of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:01:00 -0500 |
|
VACANCY:
Program Support Assistant, GS-0303-7/8 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:52:21 -0500 DE-09-444-SSM2 (Closing Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
|
Ron
Bloom Testimony Before the House Judiciary Commercial and Administrative
Law Subcommittee |
|
Secretary
Geithner before the House Financial Services Committee |
|
Assistant
Secretary Allison before the House Financial Services Committee |
|
U.S.
International Reserve Position July 28, 2009 2009-7-28-14-9-24-7220 |
|
Minneapolis Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Treasury
Announces Nearly $90 Million in Recovery Act Funds |
|
Statement
before the Congressional Oversight Panel Regarding Treasury’s Automotive Industry
Financing Program (AIFP) |
|
Moldovas
Recent Elections: Prospects for Change in Europes Poorest Country |
|
Detroit Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Columbia Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Buffalo Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Recent News Releases for Federal Election Commission This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
The
U.S. Security Relationship with Russia and Its Impact on Transatlantic
Security Assistant Secretary Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Statement before the House Armed Services Committee Washington, DC July 30, 2009 |
|
New Orleans Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
C-SPAN Daily Alert C-SPAN Highlights Tonight: Tomorrow: Tonight: Tomorrow: Tonight: Tomorrow: |
|
US-CERT Current Activity Adobe Releases Shockwave Player Update and Flash Player Update Original release date: July 29, 2009 at
10:12 am
Adobe has released Shockware Player 11.5.1.601
because previous US-CERT encourages users and administrators
to review Adobe security Relevant Url(s): <http://blogs.adobe.com/psirt/2009/07/impact_of_microsoft_atl_vulner.html> <http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa09-04.html> <http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-11.html> ==== |
|
Managing
Calls and Call Centers during a Large-Scale Influenza Outbreak:
Implementation Tool Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0500 During a response to a large-scale influenza outbreak such as the current H1N1 outbreak, a community’s 9-1-1 and healthcare systems may experience a surge in calls or walk-in visits for care, advice, and information. In fact, call volumes or walk-in visits could reach the point of overwhelming the 9-1-1 and healthcare systems, rendering them unable to respond to other emergencies in an efficient and effective manner. In those instances, community planners should take steps to divert unnecessary calls away from the community 9-1-1 system and non-critically ill patients away from the healthcare system to reserve both for actual emergency situations. This implementation tool provides a step-by-step approach to achieving this objective by focusing on alternative call center resources. |
|
Briefing
on Secretary Clinton's Upcoming Trip to Africa Assistant Secretary Bureau of African Affairs Washington, DC July 30, 2009 |
|
U.S.
Department of State Highlights: America Is Committed to Africa Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500 |
|
DoD
Contracts for July 30, 2009 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:17:00 -0500 |
|
U.S.
Department of State : Daily Press Briefing - July 30 Department Spokesman Washington, DC July 30, 2009 |
|
The quarterly Milk Shippers update is now
available. July 2009 Update |
|
Connecticut
Young Democrats 5th Annual Robert F. Kennedy Dinner To see more details and RSVP |
|
Louisiana
Woman Charged with Defrauding American Red Cross Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:21:20 -0500 Leandra Thorton, of Slidell, Louisiana, was charged in connection with fraudulent applications she made to the American Red Cross for financial assistance during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. |
|
Indiana
Man Sentenced for Hurricane Katrina Fraud Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:09:25 -0500 Jimmy Alexander, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 57 months in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to steal public money by making false statements to FEMA in order to obtain funds meant for victims of Hurricane Katrina. |
|
Eleven
Members of Internet Drug Organization Sentenced in Florida Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:38:37 -0500 Eleven members of an Internet drug organization that distributed controlled substances and other prescription drugs to customers located across the United States who did not have prescriptions were sentenced in Orlando, Florida. |
|
Today
in the Department of Defense, 7/31/2009 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:37:00 -0500 |
|
DoD
Identifies Army Casualty Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:45:00 -0500 |
|
DoD
Identifies Army Casualty Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:16:00 -0500 |
|
Contact: Stephanie Lundberg Hoyer Statement on the Food Safety Enhancement Act WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the Food Safety Enhancement Act, which passed the House 283-142: “Today, the House passed a critical bill that gives the Food and Drug Administration the authority and resources it needs to ensure that all Americans can be confident that the food they are putting on their family tables is free of contamination. “A string of recent food safety scares shows that this bill is overdue—from the discovery of E. coli in spinach to salmonella in peppers and peanut butter. In fact, Time magazine reports that contaminated food causes 5,000 deaths and 325,000 hospitalizations each year. Unsafe food does not only put health and lives at risk; it undermines confidence across the board and poses a real threat to Americans’ trust in our food industry. And that lack of trust is harmful to both families’ peace of mind and the food industry’s economic future. So it is in the interest of consumers and industry alike to see safety regulations faithfully enforced. “This bill speeds up the inspection schedule, ensuring that the FDA checks up on high-risk food facilities every six to 12 months, and on lower-risk facilities at least once every 18 months to three years. It requires all food facilities operating in the U.S. or exporting to the U.S. to develop and submit food safety plans. It strengthens safeguards against unsafe imported food products. And it provides for a faster, more effective FDA response in case we do see a food emergency: with an up-to-date registry of food facilities, better traceability of contaminated food, and stronger authority to quarantine and recall dangerous products, the FDA will be empowered to take quick action that can nip outbreaks in the bud and save lives. “These steps, and more, combine to make this what many have called the most sweeping reform of food safety laws in 50 years. One only needs to watch the news to see that this reform is highly needed.” ### |
|
Where
is my local social security office? Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:10:19 -0500 Visit USA.gov for a link to a social security office near you, plus a quick guide to services and frequently asked questions about social security's future. |
|
VACANCY:
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM SPECIALIST, GS-301-09/11/12 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:24:27 -0500 AN259268 (Closing Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
|
FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, JULY 31,
2009 9:00 a.m.: Legislative Business H.R. 3269 - Corporate
and Financial Institution Compensation Fairness Act of 2009 (Rep.
Frank – Financial Services) (Subject to a Rule) |
|
STS-127
MCC Status Report #31 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500 Leaving behind in orbit a new porch for the International Space Station, two pair of small research satellites, and a new space station resident, the crew of the space shuttle Endeavour is turning its attention toward home. |
|
STS-127
MCC Status Report #30 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500 Twin satellite deployments and a check of the systems that will control Endeavour?s return home to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, are on tap today as the shuttle leads the International Space Station in orbit. |
|
NASA
And Jaxa Sign Agreement For Future Earth Science Cooperation Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 -0500 NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) President Keiji Tachikawa signed an agreement defining the terms of cooperation between the agencies on the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. |
|
U.S.
stocks end session at new highs for year NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- U.S. stocks trimmed
gains into the close but still finished at new highs for the
year on Thursday, as the latest batch of earnings continued to
top forecasts while jobless data rose in line with expectations.
A drop in the final hour of trade was affected by the healthcare
sector amid ongoing debates over healthcare reform, according
to Art Hogan, market strategist at Jefferies & Co. The Dow
Jones Industrial Average was up 83 points, or 1%, at 9,154, well
off an intraday high of 9,246, but still its highest close since
early November. The S&P 500 index rose 11 points, or 1%,
to 986, off an intraday high of 996, but also its highest close
since early November. The Nasdaq Composite gained 14 points,
or 0.7%, to 1,984, off a high of 2,009. The index hadn't crossed
the 2,000 mark since Oct.3. (Corrects the closing level of the
Nasdaq Composite). |
|
Hanover
Insurance posts $64.4 million profit SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Hanover
Insurance Group reported Thursday afternoon it swung to a profit
of $64.4 million, or $1.25 a share. The profit included 43 cents
a share from a debt restructuring. In the year-earlier quarter,
Hanover posted a net loss of $10.2 million, or 20 cents a share.
Net premiums written during the quarter rose 3.5% to $663 million.
Hanover shares closed at $39.92 ahead of the earnings report. |
|
Obama
expects GDP data will show contraction from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Pitney
Bowes Q2 revenue $1.38 bln from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
TSX
gains more than 200 points from CBC | Ticker The TSX bounced back strongly in trading Thursday, boosted by some decent earnings reports and a good economic report from the Conference Board of Canada. |
|
Japan's
Topix climbs 0.9% in early trading from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Sony
shares jump 4.8% in early Tokyo action from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Australia's
S&P/ASX 200 up 0.7% in early minutes from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
South
Korea's Kospi up 0.5% in early trading from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Hong
Kong H shares rise 1.7% in early trading from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Hang
Seng Index rises 1.6% in opening minutes from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
China's
Shanghai Composite rises 1.4% to 3,367.02 from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Daiwa
Securities Q1 net rises to 17.9 billion yen from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Asahi
Breweries first-half group net profit rises TOKYO (MarketWatch) -- Japan's Asahi Breweries
Friday posted a first-half group net profit of 22.1 billion yen
($232 million), up from 18.9 billion yen in the year-earlier
period. Revenue rose to 670.2 billion yen from 666.2 billion
a year earlier. For the full year, the company expects net profit
of 50 billion yen. The company's acquisition of shares of Schweppes
Holding Pty Ltd. to make it a wholly owned subsidiary, as well
as its acquisition of Tsingtao Brewery, boosted its soft-drink
and beer segments, it said. |
|
Bank
of America reportedly plans China subsidiary from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories |
|
Japan's
Nikkei ends morning up 1.4% at 10,304.90 from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Anglo
American 6-month profit $2.97B from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
|
Mitsubishi
Financial Group 1Q net profit $794 million HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Mitsubishi Finanicial
Group Inc. said Friday its quarterly net profit totaled 75.94
billion yen ($794.2 million, or 6.52 yen a share, compared to
a year-earlier 51.2 billion yen, or 4.91 yen a share. The bank,
Japan's largest by assets, reported revenue for April through
June of 1.336 trillion yen, compared to 1.438 trillion yen. The
bank said it expects a net profit for the year ending March 2010
of 300 billion yen. |
|
Hutchison
Backs Off Resignation Statement In a "bizarre series of interviews,"
Hutchison later told reporters that what she really wanted was
for Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) to get out of the race. |
|
Americans
Still Prefer a Democratic Congress Though a couple polls yesterday showed Republicans taking an edge in the generic 2010 congressional ballot, the latest WSJ/NBC News poll shows Americans still prefer a Democratic-controlled Congress over a Republican-controlled one, 46% to 39%. |
|
Marshall
Considering Senate Bid in North Carolina Here's an interesting twist: North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall (D) is "pretty seriously leaning towards" running against Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) in 2010, campaign strategist Thomas Mills tell CQ Politics. |
|
Emails
Implicate Rove in Prosecutor Firings "Political adviser Karl Rove and other high-ranking figures in the Bush White House played a greater role than previously understood in the firing of federal prosecutors almost three years ago, according to e-mails obtained by the Washington Post, in a scandal that led to mass Justice Department resignations and an ongoing criminal probe." |
|
Pelosi
agrees to key aspect of health care deal Posted: 12:55 PM ET House Speaker Nancy Pelosi agreed Thursday to the health care deal reached Wednesday with conservative Democrats. WASHINGTON (CNN) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed off Thursday on a key component of a health care deal reached with conservative Democrats earlier in the week, potentially paving the way for a new consensus among the fractured House majority. |
|
Sixteen
to get Presidential Medal of Freedom Posted: 02:49 PM ET Sen. Kennedy is one of the 16 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom named by the White House Thursday. WASHINGTON (CNN) — The White House announced Thursday the 16 recipients of this year's Presidential Medal of Freedom, who include researchers, activists and athletes. |
|
Voters
willing to cut Obama some slack From CNN Senior Political Analyst Gloria Borger WASHINGTON (CNN) – The giveaway was
when they started calling him "Barack." |
|
Democratic
leaders blame insurance industry as health care roadblock From CNN Congressional Producer Deirdre Walsh
|
|
Obama
thanks Crowley, Gates for 'thoughtful conversation' Posted: 07:24 PM ET (CNN) — The White House released a statement Thursday from President Obama on his meeting with Sergeant James Crowley and Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. |
|
NASA
shuttle to land Friday Posted: 02:23 AM ET (CNN) — The crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour is set to land Friday morning in Florida, after spending 16 days in space. |
|
ticker timeline 04:40 Eastern Time Friday
July 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
new ticker page started 00:01 Eastern Time Friday July 31, 2009 today's ticker page 1 |
| view previous page:::::page one |
rss xml
