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March 03, 2009

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AUSTRALIA: Act now on climate change, Garnaut urges Govt

from ABC News: Top Stories
The Federal Government's climate change adviser Ross Garnaut says the global financial crisis is no reason to delay the start of the emissions trading scheme.


UK: Treasury committee to hear evidence from UKFI

from BBC News | Latest Published Stories | World Edition
MPs on the treasury select committee are set to hear evidence from the bosses of UK Financial Investments, the company established by the government to manage its investments.


UK: New model 'to secure Nissan jobs'

from BBC News | Latest Published Stories | World Edition
About 1,100 jobs will be secured at the Nissan plant in Sunderland with production of a new car, says the firm.


TARP overseer joins board of firm with bank ties

from AP Top Political News At 5:39 a.m. EST by By JIM KUHNHENN
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Sen. John Sununu, a member of the government watchdog panel that oversees the financial sector rescue fund, is joining the board of managers of a firm affiliated with a bank that has received $3 billion from the fund....


Israel's interests

from JPost Front Page Top Stories
The decision to go into the opposition may come back to haunt Livni.


Chinese-made one trillion ops per second desktop computer launched

from China
China's first desktop supercomputer that can perform over 1 trillion calculations per second, "Yitian," was formally launched on March 2. The computer, developed by the Inspur Group, is the size of normal desktop computer, with a maximum computing speed of four trillion operations per second, equal to 40 servers or 200 personal computers. Its cost is one-fifth of a traditional high-performance computing system retailing at around 50,000 yuan. Its launch will advance China's scientific researc ...


China opens political advisory session

from China
The Second Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top advisory body, started in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Tuesday afternoon. About 2,000 CPPCC National Committee members, coming throughout the country, will underline major concerns of the nation's development during the annual meeting scheduled to conclude on March 12. Zhao Qizheng, spokesman of the session, told press Monday economic re ...


Highlights of Jia Qinglin's work report of China's top political advisory body

from China
Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin delivered a report on the work of the country's top political advisory body at the opening meeting of its annual full session which started here in the Great Hall of the People Tuesday afternoon. Following are the highlights of the Report on the Work of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which was distributed to journalists upon the opening of the session: &$ ...


CHINA: Kerry Media sells 14.4% of SCMP to three banks

from China
The controlling shareholder of SCMP Group placed 14.4 percent shares of the company to three banks to restore the required minimum public float, the newspaper South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday. Kerry Media, the controlling shareholder of SCMP Group, the publisher of the newspaper, sold 75 million shares, or a 4.8 percent stake, each separately to JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank and Bank of East Asia. They each paid 127.5 million Hong Kong dollars (16.4 million US dollars), the newspaper ...


Shanghai World Expo tickets set to go on sale

from China
On March 2, the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination signed license agreements with four local authorized ticketing agencies and nine ticketing agents outside the Chinese mainland, formally initiating ticket sales for the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The four authorized agencies for domestic ticket sales are China Mobile, China Telecom, Bank of Communications and the China Post Group. The nine enterprises designated for ticket sales outside the Chinese mainland including the China Trave ...


Police: Banks In Western Ukraine Lack Basic Security

from Rferl.org
A police investigation on bank security in western Ukraine has found that half of 500 banks were not enforcing even basic security measures.


World Economic Forum on the Middle East- online media accreditation opens

from Business
The World Economic Forum has opened media accreditation for its annual World Econmic Forum On the Middle East, which will return to the Dead Sea, Jordan, on 15-17 May 2009. Under the theme "Implications of the Global Economic Crisis for the Middle East: Home-grown Strategies for Success", the meeting will focus on the growing role of the Middle East in addressing critical global challenges. For this part of the world, the global economic predicament is coupled with highly volatile energy mar ...


Chinese steel products exported to US face high duties

from Business
On February 19, 2009, the US International Trade Commission issued a final ruling, stating that circular welded stainless steel pressure pipes from China have caused material damage to US domestic industry. The US Department of Commerce will soon issue an anti-dumping duty order and a countervailing duty order on the above-mentioned product that China exports to the US. China's Ministry of Commerce reported. According to the final ruling issued by the US Department of Commerce on January 21, ...


Leading economist: China may attain 8%, or even higher growth this year

from Business
China may attain its targeted 8 percent economic growth, or even higher, this year, prominent Chinese economist Li Yining told Xinhua Tuesday. The Chinese economy is also very likely to recover before other major economies, even though the world economy is still shrouded in uncertainty, said Li, a member of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the nation's top political advisory body. "The economic slowdown is beginning to bottom ...


Swedish exports to China soared in 2008

from Business
Data from Sweden Statistics show that the country's exports to China increased significantly by 17 percent to 2.9 billion USD in 2008, while its imports from China grew by 3 percent to some 4.1 billion USD. As a result, Sweden's trade deficit with China reduced by 19.5 percent. China remains one of Sweden’s largest trading partners. China is Sweden's 14th biggest export markets and ranks the 11th largest source of Sweden's imports. "As two countries that advocate trade liberalization, ...


China-Denmark trade grows fast

from Business
According to statistics of Denmark, trade with China has been growing faster than with any of its other major trading partners. Trade in the service industry has become an important part of the bilateral trade. In 2007 China became the fourth largest importer of Danish products and services. According to statistics of China's customs, trade between China and Denmark reached 6.4 billion USD in 2007. By the end of 2007, Denmark had 504 companies in China, with contracts of 2.2 billion ...


Clinton: US will work with any Israeli government

from AP Top International News At 5:48 a...
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the U.S. will work closely with any new Israeli government....


UK: What the papers say

from BBC News | Latest Published Stories | World Edition
A look at what's making the headlines in Tuesday's morning newspapers.


UK: 'Huge need' for bus lanes in city

from BBC News | Latest Published Stories | World Edition
Translink defends the opening of a new bus lane on one of Belfast's busiest roads after it caused massive tailbacks.


AU: Govt to spend $100k on SAS pay audit

from ABC News: Top Stories
The Federal Government will spend $100,000 on an external audit into the pay bungle affecting SAS troops.


Japanese evening newspaper headlines

from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
TOKYO, March 3 (AP) - (Kyodo)—(EDS: UPDATING) Tuesday evening newspaper headlines: -- Prosecutors eye probe into group linked to opposition leader Ozawa over donations from Nishimatsu Constructio...


Japan condemns killing of Guinea-Bissau president

from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
TOKYO - Japan on Tuesday strongly condemned the assassination of Guinea-Bissau's President Joao Bernardo Vieira, who was shot and killed as he fled his residence.


US monitoring N Korea missile activity from Japan

from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The U.S. military is closely monitoring activities in North Korea from its bases in Japan ahead of the expected launch of a long-range missile that could be capable of strik...


Toyota talking on Japan government loan

from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
TOKYO -- Toyota's financing unit is in talks with a Japanese government-backed bank on possible lending, the automaker said Tuesday, underlining the serious woes facing the car industry amid plunging...


Market Chatter -- Corporate finance press digest

from Reuters: Mergers News
LONDON, March 3 (Reuters) - The following corporate finance-related stories were reported by media on Tuesday:


Pudong says possible Citi stake sale won't hurt business

from Reuters: Mergers News
BEIJING, March 3 (Reuters) - Citigroup's possible sale of its stake in Shanghai Pudong Development Bank would not have any impact on its business, Pudong Bank's chairman, Ji Xiaohui, said on Tuesday.


Vimpelcom future CEO sees co expanding in Asia-state TV

from Reuters: Mergers News
VIENNA, March 3 (Reuters) - Russia's No. 2 mobile carrier Vimpelcom is likely to focus its future expansion strategy on Asia, future chief executive of Vimpelcom Boris Nemsic told Austrian state television.


Pfizer to license generics from India's Aurobindo

from Reuters: Mergers News
NEW YORK, March 3 (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc has agreed to license an array of generic pills and injectable medicines from India's Aurobindo Pharma Ltd as the world's largest drugmaker looks to off-patent medicines for growth.


China Life says still looking for overseas buys

from Reuters: Mergers News
BEIJING, March 3 (Reuters) - China Life is still looking for chances to invest overseas, though it has withdrawn its bid for the Asian unit of American International Group , the chairman of the Chinese insurer said on Tuesday.


Iran to start presidency vote registration in May

from Reuters: International News
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Politicians planning to contest Iran's June presidential election will be able to register their candidacies from May 5, a senior Interior Ministry official said in comments published on Tuesday.


POLITICAL HOT TOPICS: Tuesday, March 3, 2009

from CNN Political Ticker by emilyes
WASHINGTON/POLITICAL For the latest political news: www.CNNPolitics.com. CNN: GOP chairman Steele backs off Limbaugh criticism Over the weekend, Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele called Rush Limbaugh's rhetoric "incendiary" and "ugly" and insisted that he, not Limbaugh, is in charge of the GOP. CNN: Jindal on Obama: I'm 'not nearly as good of a speaker' CNN's Larry King talked with Republican [...]


Clinton meets Israeli leaders in Jerusalem

from AP Top Headlines At 4:24 a.m. EST by By MATTI FRIEDMAN
JERUSALEM (AP) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised Tuesday to work with the incoming Israeli government, easing tensions ahead of a meeting with the country's hardline prime minister-designate, Benjamin Netanyahu....


Emergency summit in Guinea-Bissau

from BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition
Regional leaders visit the West African state of Guinea-Bissau in an effort to defuse the crisis sparked by the president's assassination.


VIDEO: Inside the Obama administration

from CNN.com - Video
CNN.com's Reggie Aqui talks with Deputy White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.


VIDEO: Obama presidency: Day 42

from CNN.com - Video
President Obama spent part of his 42nd day in office making nominations for key health care posts.


Latvia's Crisis Mirrors Eastern Europe's Woes

from BusinessWeek.com --


AU: Defence threw Fitzgibbon out 'without a parachute'

from ABC News: Top Stories
Former Defence Force chief Chris Barrie says there is no excuse for the Defence Department's inability to provide details of an SAS pay bungle to Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.


President Fernandez fires 700 police in Dominican Republic

from CNN.com - World
Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez fired 700 police officers Sunday and forced the retirement of 31 military and police generals, two days after he promised in a state-of-the-nation speech to cleanse the government of corruption.


Idea of Afghan Women’s Rights Starts Taking Hold

from NYT > Home Page by By KIRK SEMPLE
Advocates are fighting entrenched traditions of forced marriage by providing shelters for abused women.


VIDEO: Obama embarks on health reform

from Reuters Video: Top News
Mar. 2 - Leading that effort will be Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius-- who was nominated by President Obama to be Secretary of Health and Human Services.


VIDEO: Obama's health care team

from CNN.com - Video
CNN's Dan Lothian reports on Obama's Healthcare push as he names his HHS nominee and Health Czar.


VIDEO: New Facebook worm threat

from CNN.com - Video
CNN's Errol Barnett looks into a new worm infecting users of Facebook and other social networking sites.


Why AIG Matters

from The Businessweek Video Library
American International Group just posted the largest loss in history, and taxpayers are furious at the prospect of further billions going to the insurer. Senior Editor Diane Brady explains the danger of letting AIG fail.


Blackstone buyout fund written down 35 pct- source

from Reuters: Private Equity
NEW YORK, March 2 (Reuters) - Private equity firm Blackstone Group wrote down the value of its Buyout Fund V by 35 percent for 2008, a source who has seen a letter it sent to investors said on Monday.


Foreign tax havens targeted in U.S. bills

from Reuters: Politics
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Offshore tax havens used by rich Americans in Switzerland, the Cayman Islands and other nations are targeted for shutdown by bills offered on Monday by Democrats in both chambers of Congress.


Is it true that the USGS released a report that states 3 to 4.3 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil assessed in North Dakota and Montana's Bakken Formation - - 25 times more than 1995 estimate?

from USGS Frequently Asked Questions by ask@usgs.gov (Ask USGS)
Read for the answer to this question.


U.S. SEC charges Sunwest Management with fraud

from Reuters: Business News
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators charged Sunwest Management and its former chief executive with securities fraud on Monday, alleging the retirement home operator lied to investors and eventually operated the business as a kind of Ponzi scheme.


UK: Voting fraud crackdown promised

from BBC News | UK | World Edition
The government announces it will introduce individual electoral registration to help curb fraud.


AUSTRALIA: $32 million program to research soil carbon storage

from ABC News: Breaking Stories
Nine research programs across the country will begin looking at effective ways to store carbon in soil in a bid to reduce emissions.


Hydrogen Permitting Workshops Planned for 2009

from AFDC RSS Feed
The U.S. Department of Energy, through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is planning several 2009 workshops to address the permitting of certain facilities to use hydrogen and other renewable energy technologies. These free workshops target code officials and other interested parties and focus on hydrogen applications and operations involving hydrogen fueling stations and fuel cell applications.


Piedmont Natural Gas Recognized for Improving Air Quality

from AFDC RSS Feed
Piedmont Natural Gas was awarded the North Carolina Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition’s 2008 Clean Cities Award. This annual honor is awarded to a business or organization that best demonstrates excellence in clean transportation and fuel activities.


Sweden, South Korea top countries in information technology

from South Korea News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
New York - Sweden leads an index of countries' information and communication technology development, followed by South Korea, a UN ranking published Monday said. The ICT Development Index (IDI) produc...


Canada Condemns Assassination of President of Guinea-Bissau

from Canada News Centre - General public
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today condemned the assassination of the President of Guinea-Bissau, João Bernardo Vieira, which followed that of the chief of staff of the country's armed forces, General Batista Tagmé Na Waié, on Sunday.


Russia Questions Type Of Rocket Involved In North Korea Launch

from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
"No one forbids anyone to launch satellites, but on the other hand, we must understand what kind of missile this is," Lavrov said. "We monitor the situation and expect that everyone will employ rest...


Russia to donate food, medicine, vehicles for Gaza restoration

from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
(Adds Israel's position, background in last three paras# SHARM EL-SHEIKH, March 2 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will donate food, medication, armored vehicles and civilian helicopters to the Palestini...


German defense minister to visit Russia for political talks

from Germany News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Berlin, Mar 2, IRNA -- German Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung is to head for Moscow Tuesday for political talks for the first time since last summer's war in Georgia.


German Anti-Trust Authorities OK Aker

from Germany News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Aker Solutions' acquisition of Wirth GmbH has received anti-trust clearance today, and Wirth formally became a part of Aker Solutions. Wirth's technology complements Aker Solutions' portfolio of dr...


Pacific Energy Withdraws Acquisition of New Mexico Natural Gas Assets

from Mexico News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Pacific Energy & Mining Company has announced the withdrawal of the acquisition of a 50% operating interest in 16 natural gas wells in the State of New Mexico. After review of the well conditions ...


AFGHANISTAN: Major General Bertolini answers your questions

from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
KABUL: Ask ISAF is an initiative designed to allow those of you based here in Afghanistan and those abroad to ask questions of an ISAF General Officer. This week, March 4, the ISAF Chief of Staff, Ma...


Spanta stresses US-Iran ties

from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
WASHINGTON (NNI): The Afghan Foreign Minister urges the US administration to restore relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran as an "important regional player." Afghan Foreign Minister, Rangeen Da...


Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan to Join Forces, Launch Regional Persian-Language TV Channel

from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Email this article Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan are planning to convene a summit of Persian-speaking countries later in March. The gathering will mark the launch of a regional Persian-language te...


Nippon Steel, Sumitomo Metal to integrate stainless steel businesses

from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
TOKYO — Nippon Steel Corp and Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd said Monday they will integrate their arc-welded stainless steel pipe and tube businesses to achieve high competitiveness amid fallin...


China's new geo-stationary weather satellite finishes testing

from China
China's new geo-stationary meteorological satellite, Fengyun-2E, finished in-orbit testing at the end of February, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said Monday. "Fengyun-2E demonstrated stable operation and successfully performed all its functions, including image capture and broadcast, data collection and space environment monitoring," said CMA official Zhao Licheng. Fengyun-2E would replace Fengyun-2C, which was due for retirement, said Zhao. The satellite, ...


CHINA: 'Red card' polluters face credit crunch

from China
Sixteen firms in Guangdong have been warned they may be denied further access to loans by local banks after receiving their second red card in the environmental protection credit ratings. The companies were among 28 given the worst rating in 2006 by the provincial environmental protection bureau and were found to have made little progress before the deadline for improvements last year, said the watchdog on its website. In total, 269 businesses were given environmental protection ratings ...


CANADA: B.C. moves to regulate payday lenders

from CBC | Ticker
Payday lenders' interest rates and fees will be capped in B.C. to protect people who require short-term financial supports, the provincial government announced Monday.


R 261325Z FEB 09

from CGMS Internet Releasable OTHER Messages
CLASS "C" TRAINING AVAILABLE: BEGINNING 02MAR09


VIDEO: Strategy session: new budget

from CNN.com - Video
CNN's Wolf Blitzer and panel discuss President Obama's budget proposal.


New U.S. labor secretary meets unionists in Miami

from Reuters: U.S.
MIAMI (Reuters) - After just five days on the job, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis made her first public speech as a member of President Barack Obama's cabinet at an open meeting with labor unions on Monday and said "there's a new sheriff in town."


125/09

from CGMS Internet Releasable ALCOAST Messages
NONAPPROPRIATED FUND (NAF) YEAR 2009 BUDGET UPDATE


Dish Network Moves On Without Sirius XM

from BusinessWeek -- Most Popular Stories


ISRAEL - USA: Clinton to meet Israeli leaders on first official Mideast trip

from France24 - Middle East by By Olivier FARRY (video)
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton flew to Israel from Egypt. She is meeting Israeli leaders on Tuesday for talks which are expected to cover the Iranian nuclear threat and the possibility of a Palestinian state.


Federal Aid Programs For Oregon Disaster Recovery

from FEMA: News Releases
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 Oregon.


Security Guards Become the Front Lines in India

from NYT > World Business by By HEATHER TIMMONS
While private security workers outnumber police and armed forces almost four to one in India, many are unarmed and ill trained.


R 261810Z FEB 09

from CGMS Internet Releasable VOLSOL Messages
SOLICITATION FOR FY09 RUSSIA/EURASIA ORIENTATION COURSE (REOC)


Czech council supports China's white paper on Tibet's democratic reform

from China
The Czech Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China has expressed support for the Chinese government's publication of a white paper on 50 years of democratic reform in Tibet. In an interview with Xinhua on Monday, Nijian, president of the council, said that the white paper revealed 50 years of historical change and development in Tibet since the Chinese government launched a democratic reform. The paper showcased the progress of Tibet's democratic reform, socia ...


VIDEO: Washington Journal for Tuesday

from C-SPAN Recent Video
7am - Eamon Javers, The Politico, Financial Correspondent
8am – Mark Fitzpatrick, Int'l Institute for Strategic Studies, Senior Fellow
8:30am – Bruce Vincent, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Vice Chairman
9am – Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Financial Services Cmte, Member
9:30am – Paul Atkins, Former Securities & Exchange Commission, Commissioner, 2002-08
Length:

Published: Today at 7am (ET)


Musharraf says US needs dialogue for resolution of Afghan issue

from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Lahore, Mar 2 : A troop surge will not solve the Afghanistan issue, and the US will have to initiate dialogue to achieve peace, former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said.


Japan Monetary Base +6.4% on Year in Feb

from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
(RTTNews) - Japan's monetary base was up 6.4 percent on year in February, the Bank of Japan said on Tuesday, standing at 93.653 trillion yen. That follows a 3.9 percent annual advance in January to ...


Japan to Use Reserves to Ease Credit Squeeze

from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Japan will use some of its large foreign exchange reserves to ease a squeeze in corporate financing, the finance minister said on Tuesday, as the annual balance date looms for many companies.


Japan may deploy missile defence ships - Kyodo

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


Japan investors offered support

from Japan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Deputy King yesterday received Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasutoshi Nishimura and discussed his country's economic situation and steps taken to overcome the global crisis....


U.S. grant to support new Mexico airport

from Mexico News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a $630,000 grant Friday to OIB Aeropuerto to promote the construction of a new airport in Northwest Mexico. The grant will be used to develop a "roadmap"...


Travellers to Mexico urged to be cautious

from Mexico News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
REGINA -- While Luc Poissant is heeding the Foreign Affairs’ travel warning to tourists heading to Mexico, it hasn’t deterred the Regina man from fleeing the frigid temperatures in Saskatchewan fo...


Mexico regulator mulls US aid to Citigroup

from Mexico News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Mexico's National Banking and Securities commission is analyzing the legal implications for Mexican bank Banamex after the U.S. government took a 36 percent stake in its owner, Citigroup.A law in Mexi...


Mexican troops reinforce besieged border city

from Mexico News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico -- Nearly 2,000 Mexican soldiers poured into Ciudad Juarez on Saturday to restore law and order to the country's most violent city, which has been ravaged by drug gangs.This mont...


FAA settles with Southwest Airlines for $7.5M

from AP Top Political News At 5:39 a.m. EST by By JOAN LOWY
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Southwest Airlines will pay a fine of $7.5 million for flying planes that had missed critical safety checks - $2.7 million less than government regulators initially ordered....


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ticker timeline 03:59 Eastern Time Tuesday March 3, 2009

GE-Backed Spanish Renewable Energy Co Buys US Solar Farms

from Spain News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
General Electric Co. (GE) said Monday it has agreed to buy several U.S. solar farms from Municipal Mortgage & Equity LLC unit MMA Renewable Ventures.


Spanish regions vote amid economic crisis, violence

from Spain News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Published Date: March 02, 2009 MADRID: Spain's Socialist government yesterday faced its first test of voter sentiment since the economy plunged into recession last year, when Galicia and the troubled...


French Colonies in the Caribbean Demand Decent Pay, End to Racism

from France News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Guadeloupe, a French colony in the Caribbean, has been brought to a standstill as a result of trade union actions over the last several weeks. The underlying reasons for the work stoppage stem from th...


French minister says NATO committed in Afghanistan

from France News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
French Defense Minister Herve Morin says the NATO alliance should remain militarily engaged in Afghanistan as long as is necessary.Morin said in a speech Monday at a Washington think tank that NATO al...


FRANCE: France return to NATO does not risk independence

from France News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
WASHINGTON - French Defense Minister Herve Morin said on Monday that Paris could reform its ties with the NATO alliance without sacrificing the country's independence.


Financial crisis to dominate Obama, Brown talks

from Reuters: Top News
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will press President Barack Obama for details on his plans to fix the ailing U.S. financial sector in talks on Tuesday that will focus on the global economic crisis.


Italian MPs withhold fingerprints, for fear of having to vote

from Italy News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
About a third of Italian MPs are refusing to take part in a new electronic fingerprint voting system. They are now being offered coffee breaks to try to persuade them to use the system, which is due ...


ITALY: Gadhafi to attend G-8 summit in Italy

from Italy News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi accepted an invitation from Italy on Monday to travel to the island of Sardinia to attend the G-8 summit in July.Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi invited Gadhafi to the ...


ITALY: Vatican hosts Darwin conference

from Italy News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
The Vatican is sponsoring a five day conference to mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin's Origin of Species. The subject is the compatibility of evolution and creation. It...


UNC, N. Korea Hold Rare Talks

from South Korea News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
The United Nations Command and North Korea on Monday held general-grade talks at the truce village of Panmunjom for the first time in over six years. But talks ended after 30 minutes without any tangi...


KOREA: Ruling and Opposition Parties in Dramatic Agreement on Media Bills

from South Korea News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
The ruling and opposition parties have avoided a collapse of the National Assembly by reaching an agreement on how to proceed with the disputed media bills. Ruling Grand National Party leader Park He...


US to go ahead with military drills in S Korea

from South Korea News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Seoul: The US military said Tuesday it will push ahead with plans to hold joint exercises with South Korea next week despite North Korea's warning that it would consider the drills preparation for an ...


GUINEA-BISSAU: World leaders call for constitutional rule after assassinations

from France24 - World by By Luke BROWN (video)
The United Nations, the African Union and various nations have called for constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau after Monday's assassination of President Joao Bernardo Vieira and the killing of the nation's chief of staff.


U.K. tightens visa rules for 5 non-European countries

from RIA Novosti
The United Kingdom is set to impose new visa restrictions for citizens of five countries including South Africa and Venezuela, the home secretary announced.


Russia, Spain leaders to discuss credit crunch, bilateral ties

from RIA Novosti
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Spanish Prime Minister Louis Rodriguez Zapatero will meet in Madrid on Tuesday to discuss steps to tackle the global financial crisis and to improve bilateral relations.


33 Wash. counties declared disaster assistance applicable areas

from AP Top Washington Headlines At 2:30...
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Thirty-three Washington counties have been declared a federal disaster area due to severe winter weather....


China plans oil refinery in Tianjin with Russia

from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
China and Russia may jointly build a $4-billion oil refinery in the northern Tianjin municipality next year to cater to the rising domestic demand, according to the local government.The project, devel...


Russia not responsible for closure of Manas air base

from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said here Monday that his country was not responsible for the closure of the Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, the only U.S. facility in central Asia and a key logistic c...


Spain, Russia To Sign Wide-Reaching Energy Agreement

from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
"We will tomorrow sign a broad energy cooperation agreement in the areas of prospecting, exploration, transportation and the sale of hydrocarbons," Zapatero said. The agreement will cover electricit...


Russia Will Issue Visas to Georgians

from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
TBILISI, Georgia -- Russia will resume issuing visas to Georgian citizens this week, seven months after diplomatic relations were cut in the aftermath of a brief war, Georgian and Russian officials sa...


Russia sends Palestinians armored vehicles

from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
Russia's foreign minister is reportedly saying the country will soon deliver 50 armored vehicles to the Palestinian Authority.The Interfax news agency quoted Sergey Lavrov as saying Monday that Russia...


RUSSIA: Kudrin Says GDP Could Grow in

from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
By Jessica Bachman / The Moscow Times The economy could grow 2 percent to 3 percent next year, but recovery will depend on a resurgence of private demand, Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said Monday. ...

RUSSIA: U.S. should talk to Iran

from Russia News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
(Getty Images) MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's foreign minister is urging the U.S. to talk to Iran.Russian news agencies report that Sergey Lavrov also wants Washington and Tehran to establish diplomatic rel...


Papua New Guinea creates first conservation area

from Reuters: Environment
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea has created its first conservation area to save an area of pristine rainforest larger than Singapore and to protect rare animals such as a bear-like tree kangaroo, conservationists said on Tuesday.


South Korea, New Zealand launch Free Trade Agreement negotiations

from Business
Visiting South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and New Zealand Prime Minister JohnKey announced in Auckland on Tuesday that the two countries will launch bilateral free trade agreement negotiations. The two leaders made the announcement at a press conference following their talks. The South Korean President arrived in Auckland on Tuesday morning to begin a 24-hour visit to New Zealand. New Zealand is the first leg of the South Korean president's three-nation tour which wi ...


Japan to use $5 bln to help credit-strapped companies

from Business
Japan will provide 5 billion U.S. dollars of foreign reserves later this month to help companies with credit crunch raising dollars through the state-backed Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano said Tuesday. "Due to the deteriorating economic conditions toward the end of the current business year on March 31, as an unusual and extraordinary measure, we will lend funds from foreign reserves to JBIC so that the money can supplement the bank's fund ...


Thai Minister: China willing to import Thai agricultural products

from Business
China has affirmed to import agricultural commodities and by-products from Thailand to accommodate high demand among China's huge population, Minister of Prime Minister's Office Veerachai Veeramethikul said Tuesday. Speaking after visiting China, Veerachai said he had received a written affirmation from the Chinese government that China had no policy to restrict imports of farm products from Thailand, the Thai News Agency quoted Veerasak as saying. China has the population of nea ...


Obama Writes Russian President About Iran, Missiles

from Rferl.org
U.S. President Barack Obama has offered to back off deploying a new missile-defense system in Eastern Europe if Russia helps stop Iran from building nuclear weapons, "The New York Times" has reported.


Obama Makes Overtures to Russia on Missile Defense

from washingtonpost.com - Politics by Michael A. Fletcher
President Obama has sent a letter to his Russian counterpart that raises the prospect of the United States halting development of its missile defense program in Eastern Europe if Russia helps resolve the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program, senior administration officials said last night.


Clinton meeting with Israeli, Palestinian leaders

from AP Top International News At 5:48 a... by By MATTI FRIEDMAN
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel's prime minister-designate, Benjamin Netanyahu, planned to tell visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday that his government will continue peace talks with the Palestinians, a lawmaker from Netanyahu's party said....


China Life says no longer bidding for AIG's Asia unit

from Reuters: Deals
BEIJING (Reuters) - China Life is no longer bidding for the Hong Kong-based AIA unit of U.S. insurer American International Group , chairman of the Chinese insurer said on Tuesday.


HSBC open to buys in South Korea, other Asia markets

from Reuters: Deals
HONG KONG (Reuters) - HSBC Holdings, which walked away from a $6.3 billion agreement to buy a South Korean bank last year, continues to keep an eye open for deals in the country, its Asia chief executive said on Tuesday. Sandy Flockhart also said the UK-based lender remains on the lookout for potential buys in core markets China, India, Indonesia and Taiwan, but said the bank's strategy remains focused on building on its existing platform.


Intel, TSMC form tech alliance, target new markets

from Reuters: Deals
SAN FRANCISCO/TAIPEI (Reuters) - Intel Corp will develop its low-cost chips for ultra-small laptops with Taiwan's TSMC for a range of electronic devices, helping both firms expand into new markets amid a deepening global recession.


DisabilityInfo.gov Benefits News & Events Update: Social Security Economic Recovery One-Time Payments

President Obama recently signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This act provides for the one-time payment of $250 to individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security benefits. Eligible beneficiaries should receive this payment no later than the first week of June 2009. The one-time payment will be a separate payment that will not be included in the regular monthly benefit payment.

This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=165.


Napolitano's Statement on the Retirement of Ralph Basham, Commissioner of CBP

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on the retirement of Ralph Basham, Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection on February 27, 2009.


Clinton: US firm on commitment to two-state solution
Ha'aretz - Tel Aviv,Israel
By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent The visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Israel this week may give an early indication of any ...

Scheduled Events for U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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


The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has issued the following news release today:
Personal income increased $44.8 billion, or 0.4 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI)increased $183.0 billion, or 1.7 percent, in January, according to 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/pi/pinewsrelease.htm


Treasury Department Public Engagements Schedule
March 2, 2009

Senate panel to study details of setting up electric 'smart grid'
New York Times - United States
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will examine the smart grid dilemma in a hearing tomorrow with discussion on what exactly a smart grid is ...
Navy Doctor to Follow Granger as TRICARE Deputy Director
Texas Cleared to Fine Employers for Illegal Hiring
Posted: 01 Mar 2009 04:00 PM PST
By Brandi Grissom, El Paso Times, Texas
Mar. 2--AUSTIN -- Texas businesses caught hiring undocumented workers could face stiff penalties if legislators approve employer sanctions modeled after an Arizona law.

SECRETARIES DONOVAN AND CHU ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP
TO HELP WORKING FAMILIES WEATHERIZE THEIR HOMES

HUD NEWS
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Shaun Donovan, Secretary
Office of Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20410

HUD No. 09-016 FOR RELEASE
Melanie Roussell Friday
(202) 708-0685 February 27, 2009
http://www.hud.gov/news/index.cfm

HUD-DOE Agreement Will Help Spur a New Industry to Create Jobs for the Middle Class

PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu today announced a major partnership between HUD and DOE that will streamline and better coordinate federal weatherization efforts to make it much easier for families to weatherize their homes and spur a new home energy efficiency industry that could create tens of thousands of jobs.

Vice President Joe Biden, joined by Secretary Donovan and Secretary Chu, praised the announcement during his remarks at a meeting of the White House Task Force on Middle Class Families in Philadelphia.

"Today in Philadelphia, I am proud to announce that the Energy and HUD Secretaries are joining together in an historic partnership to create thousands of jobs in the retro-fitting and weatherization industry," said Vice President Biden. "This partnership is exactly the type of leadership and ingenuity we need to get this economy going again."

HUD and DOE have created a high level interagency task force to coordinate home weatherization efforts under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and to leverage those funds to build a home energy efficiency industry in the U.S. that will: create or retain tens of thousands of jobs, lower energy costs of vulnerable low-income households, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"This partnership will help build an industry and save or create thousands of jobs," said Secretary Donovan. "In addition to saving and creating jobs, we have an opportunity to make our affordable housing stock, as well as all housing, energy efficient with the funds provided through the President's Recovery Plan. I look forward to working with Secretary Chu in the very important partnership."

"This partnership will help put Americans back to work while saving families hundreds of dollars on their energy bills," Secretary Chu said. "It reflects the Obama-Biden Administration's commitment to moving swiftly to restore our economy and offer real help to hardworking families who are struggling to make ends meet."

HUD and DOE will allocate $16 billion in economic recovery funds to retrofit existing homes. HUD's programs include $4.5 billion to renovate and upgrade public and Native American housing (a good portion of which will be invested in energy improvements) as well as $250 million for energy retrofits of privately owned federally assisted housing. DOE will invest $5 billion in weatherization funds; $3.2 billion for a new Energy and Environment Block Grant that cities and states can use to retrofit homes; $3.1 for the State Energy Program; and other programs.

These economic recovery funds provide an historic opportunity for the two agencies to work together to accelerate deployment of energy efficient and green building technologies in millions of homes - and at the same time to help create a highly qualified, highly trained, and high-performing workforce.

The new interagency task force will:

Provide guidance to public and assisted housing. HUD and DOE will work together to provide a common set of guidelines and specifications for retrofitting public housing, as well as privately owned, federally-subsidized rental properties. These guidelines will assist the nation's 3,300 housing authorities, housing 1.2 million families, on how to use about $4 billion in Recovery Act funds to "go green" through sound energy efficient building practices.
Coordinate expenditure of economic recovery funds. HUD and DOE will sign an Interagency Agreement within 30 days on coordinating the use of weatherization assistance, energy efficiency and conservation block grant and other recovery funds in local communities. These include, for example, exploring ways to increase the use of weatherization funds in public and assisted housing, and coordinating the use of CDBG and EECBG funds in local communities. The HUD/DOE collaboration will help catalyze a home performance/energy retrofit industry in the U.S.

Develop common baseline for measuring energy efficiency measures. HUD and DOE will lead a government wide effort to develop a common baseline for measuring home energy use and the gains from efficiency improvements. The goal of this effort is to provide the information base and metrics necessary to help support a national energy efficiency market for the housing sector. In order to assure that homeowners get the savings that they have invested in, HUD and DOE will work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and industry experts to develop and disseminate a tool that will provide homeowners and consumers with an easy way to assess the relative energy efficiency of their homes, and the effectiveness of investments in energy efficiency.
Develop new home energy financing products. HUD and DOE will also explore home energy disclosure and audit standards as well as new financing tools that will enable national scale investment in residential energy efficiency. These include greater use of revolving funds, expanded energy mortgage financing tools through the Federal Housing Administration, as well as exploring the use of DOE loan guarantee authority in the residential sector.

HUD and DOE will report monthly to the Vice President on the progress under this collaborative effort.

###


PRESIDENT'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE TO MAKE MORE FAMILIES ELIGIBLE FOR FHA-INSURED MORTGAGES

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Shaun Donovan, Secretary
Office of Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20410

HUD No. 09-013 FOR RELEASE
(202) 708 - 0685 Wednesday
http://www.hud.gov/news/index.cfm

February 25, 2009

FHA implements temporary higher loan limits to help families keep their homes

WASHINGTON - More American families will be eligible this year to purchase or refinance their homes using affordable, FHA-insured mortgages, thanks to the economic stimulus package signed into law by President Obama last week. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will allow HUD's Federal Housing Administration to temporarily increase its maximum loan limit, allowing FHA to insure larger mortgages at a more affordable price in high-cost areas of the country.

"This is one of many elements of the President's recovery plan that will help homeowners and homebuyers in these high cost areas secure lower cost mortgage financing," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "These loan limit increases will help FHA continue to provide safe, affordable mortgage products to families in all areas of the nation. Today's announcement is just one example of how the President's recovery and homeowner affordability plans work together to make homeownership more affordable for those looking to buy a house or refinance their current loans."

HUD will increase FHA loan limits up to $729,750 in high-cost metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. There are 73 counties in the U.S. that will now be eligible for the highest loan limit of $729,750. Previously, FHA's loan limits in these high-cost areas were capped at $625,500. The change in loan limits is applicable to all FHA-insured mortgage loans originated until December 31, 2009.

Increasing loan limits will help FHA continue to provide needed stability to housing markets across the country. As conventional sources of mortgage credit have contracted, FHA has been filling the void. From September to December 2008, FHA facilitated $97 billion of much-needed mortgage activity in the housing market, $35 billion of which was through FHA's refinancing products. By focusing on 30-year fixed rate mortgages, FHA helps homeowners avoid and escape the risks associated exotic subprime mortgage products, which have resulted in rising default and foreclosure rates.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages

FHA's reverse mortgage product known as the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) will have a new national mortgage limit of $625,500, up from the previous limit of high of $417,000. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners age 62 and older to borrow against the value of their homes without selling them or having to make any monthly repayments. Homeowners can select a lump-sum payment, monthly payments or tap into a line of credit. No repayment is required as long as a homeowner lives in a home with a reverse mortgage. The reverse mortgage is repaid, with interest, when a homeowner sells the home or dies.

FHA loan limits are based on the county in which the property is located. However, for properties located in metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas, the limit is set for the county with the highest median home price within the metropolitan or micropolitan area.

The new temporary FHA loan limits are posted on the HUD website: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm.

Additional details on these new temporary loan limits, including FHA's mortgagee letter and attachments, are available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/letters/mortgagee/index.cfm

###


Small Business Procurement Assistance for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Added new resource:
Small Business Online Community Resources


Jackson Announces EPA Schools Monitoring Initiative
Administrator Jackson: ‘Our job is to protect the American public where they live, work and play – and that certainly includes protecting schoolchildren where they learn.’

Contact: Cathy Milbourn, 202-564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. – March 2, 2009) Lisa Jackson, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced today a new initiative to further measure levels of toxic air pollution near many schools across the country for better protection. EPA and its state partners will prioritize and monitor schools for more extensive air quality analysis, looking closely at schools located near large industries and in urban areas.

“I’m a mother first, and like all parents, I want to be sure my children are breathing healthy air at school,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Questions have been raised about air quality around some U.S. schools, and those questions merit investigation. EPA will work quickly to make assessments and take swift action where necessary. Our job is to protect the American public where they live, work and play – and that certainly includes protecting schoolchildren where they learn.”

Administrator Jackson has outlined an aggressive timeline for prioritizing and monitoring schools to determine any which are exposed to high levels of toxic air pollution. EPA anticipates monitoring at some schools will begin within the next 30 days. Directed by EPA, the monitoring will be conducted primarily by state and local governments. Some states have already begun monitoring.

Recent media reports have raised critical questions about air quality outside schools near large industrial facilities. At Administrator Jackson’s confirmation hearings, she was asked about this issue by Congress and pledged to take swift action to investigate and remediate if necessary any potential high-risk exposure for our nation’s school children.

EPA will work with states, tribes, and local communities to ensure that monitors are deployed quickly to get high-quality data and to share results with American families. This partnership will help EPA maximize its monitoring and analytical capabilities to develop a clearer picture of any potential risks to children from toxic air pollution. This action is particularly critical in some low-income areas, which are sometimes disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation.

From 1990 to 2005, emissions of air toxics in the United States declined 41 percent. Levels of air toxics, however, can vary widely from place to place depending upon a number of factors including the amount and types of industry nearby, proximity to heavily traveled or congested roadways, and weather patterns.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/air/toxicair/newtoxics.html


EBSA Newsroom Main Page for United States Department of Labor

This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
U.S. Department of Labor publishes information to help employers,workers and families understand the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Stimulus provisions [02/26/09]


Grant Reports from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General regarding the Office of Justice Programs (OJP)

This page has recently been updated with a link to the following report:
Office of Justice Programs National Institute of Justice Cooperative Agreements Awarded to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jefferson City, Missouri, Audit Report GR-50-09-002, February 2009


CSMS# 09-000096 - OGA-FDA Revisions to Melamine-related Import Alerts 72-05, 99-29, 99-30, and 99-31
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:49:14 -0600
VACANCY: Civil Engineer, GS-0810-12 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:53:00 -0600
AN223858 (Closing Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
VACANCY: Ordering Unit Leader (Logistics), GS-0346-12/13 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:49:23 -0600
DE-09-243-BPD2 (Closing Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
VACANCY: Training Specialist, GS-1712-9/11 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:37:41 -0600
KAT-09-MS-TRO-4188-KAS (Closing Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

San Diego Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


Congressional Appearances for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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


SAMHSA Accepting Applications for $1.5 Million in Grants for Supportive Housing Services
The purpose of this program is to help prevent or reduce chronic homelessness by funding services in coordination with existing permanent supportive housing programs and resources for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness. More...


You are subscribed to HHS.gov News for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.


What's New at CBER for U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
VACANCY: Veterinary Medical Officer/Lead/Supervisory (Direct Hire) FDA.GOV CBER
Posted: 3/2/2009


USA.gov News
From USA.gov, the U.S. government's official web portal
Vol. 9, No. 3
March 2, 2009

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March Features on USA.gov
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
2. Tax Time
3. National Consumer Protection Week
4. Women’s History Month
5. National Nutrition Month

Reminder: Turn clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 8, 2009.


HHS.GOV Recovery Act: Community Health Center Funds Announced
President Obama announced the release of $155 million in Recovery Act grant funds to support 126 Community Health Centers across the country. These grants alone will help provide health services to 750,000 Americans and create 5,500 jobs.

Find information about patients helped, jobs created and grants for your state.
Find information about patients helped, jobs created and grants for all states.
Learn about the Community Health Center program.

New Haven Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


eMDR Updates
We have made some updates to the HL7 ICSR Files. Updates include addition of new FAQs, correction of typos and errors. Please visit http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/emdr/healthlvl7files.html to download the latest package. Check the ChangeLog sheet in the ReadMeFirst.xls file for information on what has changed. Please note that this does not affect CeSubmitter Users.
Any questions, please write to us at eMDR@fda.hhs.gov.
Thank you for your interest in eMDR!

NIH News in Health, the monthly newsletter bringing you practical health news and tips based on the latest NIH research, is now on Facebook!

Please join us there and post comments on our wall or start a discussion. Share your ideas about how you use the newsletter and suggest topics you’d like us to cover. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/NIH-News-in-Health/45385547967 and become a fan.


The American Veteran
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:37:54 -0600
A video news magazine designed to inform vetarans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned through their srvice to America.

Current Press Releases for the U.S. Department of Justice

This page has recently been updated with the following:


Department of Justice Releases Nine Previously unreleased Office of Legal Counsel Memoranda and Opinions

Memorandum Regarding Status of Certain OLC Opinions Issued in the Aftermath of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001 (01-15-2009)

Memorandum Regarding Constitutionality of Amending Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to Change the "Purpose" Standard for Searches (09-25-2001)

Memorandum Regarding Authority for Use of Military Force to Combat Terrorist Activities within the United States (10-23-2001)

Memorandum Regarding Authority of the President to Suspend Certain Provisions of the ABM Treaty (11-15-2001)

Memorandum Regarding the President's Power as Commander in Chief to Transfer Captured Terrorists to the Control and Custody of Foreign Nations (03-13-2002)

Memorandum Regarding Swift Justice Authorization Act (04-08-2002)

Memorandum Regarding Determination of Enemy Belligerency and Military Detention (06-08-2002)

Memorandum Regarding Applicability of 18 U.S.C. § 4001(a) to Military Detention of United States Citizens (06-27-2002)

Memorandum Regarding October 23, 2001 OLC Opinion Addressing the Domestic Use of Military Force to Combat Terrorist Activities (10-06-2008)


Publications and Products (NIOSH) for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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


NEVADA GOVERNOR CREATES STIMULUS PACKAGE WORKING GROUP
PURPOSE IS TO ADDRESS TECHNICAL DETAILS OF STIMULUS BILL

Carson City - Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the formation of a special Stimulus Package Working Group to provide coordination regarding the technical details of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), informally called the Stimulus Package.
“The stimulus dollars must be used create jobs and kick-start the economic recovery,” Gibbons said, “These economic issues are so important and so complex, and the bill itself is equally complex. I want to make sure we have the technical input we need from the agencies that will primarily be overseeing stimulus funds.”
The Stimulus Package Working Group will be made of representatives from the Governor’s Office, the State Budget Office, the Department of Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), the Department of Education, the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Department of Business and Industry’s Housing Division, the Governor’s Energy Office, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Nevada’s Washington D.C. Office. Representatives from the Legislative Counsel Bureau were invited to be part of the working group, but declined (see attached response).
The Stimulus Package Working Group will be responsible for ensuring that the various elements of the ARRA will be implemented in a manner that will allow Nevada to take full advantage of Stimulus Package funds. The Group will delve into the details and finer points of the Stimulus Package to make sure Nevada follows all guidelines and meets all deadlines for these critical funds.

LCB Response (pdf)

# # #


Ventura County, California Housing Market Analysis

HUD USER has posted a Comprehensive Housing Market
Analysis (CHMA) report for the Ventura County,
California area. This housing market area is located on
the Pacific Ocean between Santa Barbara County to the
north and Los Angeles County to the south. It includes
two submarkets wherein housing sales are weakening, the
rental market is tight, and population growth is slower
than it was in the 1990s.

Compiled by field economists in HUD's Office of Policy
Development and Research, this report presents data that
are useful in foreseeing changes in the demand for new
housing. Our analysis describes the economic,
demographic, and housing inventory characteristics of
the Ventura County housing market area from 1990 to
2000, from 2000 through July 2008, and makes projections
regarding anticipated market activity during the period
of August 1, 2008 to August 1, 2011.

This CHMA report includes valuable information for
builders, mortgage lenders, borrowers, local planners,
and others who need to keep up with area housing
conditions and trends. It, as along with previous CHMA
reports examining housing market areas across the
nation, is available
at www.huduser.org/publications/econdev/mkt_analysis.html.
All HUD USER CHMA reports are available as free downloads.

--------------------------------------
Please contact us at:
HUD USER
P.O. Box 23268
Washington, DC 20026-3268
1-800-245-2691
1-800-927-7589 (TDD)
202-708-9981 (fax)
--------------------------------------


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health & Safety Features Update

New CDC.gov feature articles on health and safety topics that affect you are now available.

Summaries are below; visit CDC.gov to learn more.


What's New at AHRQ for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

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


What's New at HCUP User Support for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

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


Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy
Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:00:00 -0600
NASA's Great Observatories are celebrating the International Year of Astronomy.

Hazmat Interpretations for Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

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


Why Money Alone Will Not Fix Gaza
TIME - USA
Money will not fix the problem in Gaza, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned on Monday, despite the largesse of Western and Arab donors in ...
Workshops raise consciousness about money
San Francisco Chronicle - CA, USA
The Sebastopol financial planner tells the story as part of his workshop on raising consciousness about money, a theme being explored by an eclectic set of ...
Crane 100 Money Fund Index
Crane Data LLC - Westboro,MA,USA
The BIS Quarterly says, "?That a loss of confidence in dollar money market funds amplified the financial instability arising from the Lehman Brothers ...
CBP Agricultural Specialist Awarded for Efforts Interdicting Asian Gypsy Moth
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:47:26 -0600
Salem, Ore. - Six Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists and two agriculture technicians from the Area Port of Portland, Ore., were recent recipients of the Ten Fingers in the Dike Award, which is presented yearly by the Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC). (more)
Increase your Chances of Passing the CBP Officer Pre-Employment Fitness Test (PFT)
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:47:26 -0600
Consult with your physician or medical caregiver as to your ability to participate in an exercise program.Once your physician or medical caregiver clears you to participate in an exercise program:View the current CBP Officer Pre-employment Fitness Test Video. (more)
U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve Board Announce Participation in AIG Restructuring Plan

Release No. 23

Personnel desktop application expanded to group and wing commanders
By 2nd Lt. Gina M. Vaccaro, Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS – Group and wing commanders will now have access to vital personnel information right at their fingertips according to officials at the Air Force Personnel Center, here. The Base Level Service Delivery Model commander’s tool now provides personnel information, such as manning documents and family care rosters, to all commanders.

“Ensuring all commanders have access – with ease and efficiency – to specific personnel information is a priority for AFPC,” said Lee Shick, chief, field operations branch. “We’ll continue to seek feedback and adapt as necessary to improve our products and services.”

The BLSDM tool allows commanders to pull up standardized personnel reports they need to manage their unit. The recent enhancement expands access to the tool to group and wing commanders. With the BLSDM tool, group and wing commanders will now have direct access to unit rosters, like evaluation, Air Expeditionary Force association, and promotion rosters. Commanders no longer have to rely on an individual to provide that information. The tool is more efficient and user-friendly than the previous version, which first debuted for squadron commanders in the fall of 2007.

“With the enhancements, the products delivered in BLSDM are now clearer, easier to use, and customized to meet the customer’s needs,” said Master Sgt. Zachary Swann, superintendent of personnel systems management and employment. “These improvements are a direct result of commanders telling us what they need in a tool.”

Sergeant Swann was also a member of the Airmen’s Time Assessment Team. In August 2008, the Airmen’s Time Assessment Team visited numerous installations seeking out concerns from commanders and Airmen.

“We listened to the concerns squadron commanders had in the original BLSDM, and really worked to ensure this enhanced tool gives the commanders what they need, when they need it,” said Sergeant Swann. “Our aim is to give commanders more data and keep the wing and group commanders empowered with personnel data.”

For more information about the BLSDM commander’s tool or other AFPC automation tools, visit AFPC’s “Ask Web” and type “BLSDM” into the search engine.

-30-


Obama releases internal Bush Justice Department memos
CNN - USA
By Terry Frieden WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Obama administration Monday released nine previously secret internal Justice Department memos and opinions defining ...
UN Says April Afghan Elections Nearly Impossible
Voice of America - USA
By Margaret Besheer A senior United Nations official said it will be very difficult for Afghanistan to hold credible elections earlier than July. ...
War act would ensure that president, Congress consult
USA Today - USA
The legislation would set forth a constructive and practical way in which the judgment of the president and Congress can be brought to bear when making the ...
Iran asks Interpol to arrest Israeli war criminals
Prison Planet.com - USA
Interpol begins studying Iran’s request for the arrest of 15 senior Israeli officials over war crimes committed during the Gaza offensive. ... (read latest update on this report)

Leadership for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
Commissioner (acting), United States Customs and Border Protection, Jayson Ahern


DoS: Opening of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
Robert Wood

Acting Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

March 1, 2009


Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Annual Financial Statement, Fiscal Year 2008, Audit Report 09-15, February 2009
Director Gambrell Keynotes at 2009 CDFI Institute
March 2, 2009
[CDFI-2009-10}

DoS: Intervention at the International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruction of Gaza
Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

March 2, 2009


VACANCY: Foreign Service Office Management Specialist U.S. Department of State

We are pleased to inform you that we are accepting applications for Foreign Service Office Management Specialist positions.
Click here (http://careers.state.gov/specialist/opportunities/officemgt.html) for more information, and to start the online application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is March 27, 2009.
Applicants must be American Citizens and at least 20 years old to apply, and at least 21 years of age to be appointed. By law, all career candidates must be appointed to the Foreign Service prior to the month in which they reach age 60.
We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State.


Remarks by FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair to the Institute of International Bankers Annual Washington Conference delivered on March 2, 2009

USA.gov Home Page Update

This page has been updated with two new links: the President's 2010 Budget and Women's History Month.


Financial Institution Letter
Modification of Temporary Liquidity Guarantee
Program Interim Final Rule on Mandatory Convertible Debt Under the TLGP FIL-11-2009
March 2, 2009

Summary: On February 27, 2009, the FDIC adopted an interim rule that allows entities participating in the debt guarantee portion of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP) to issue certain mandatory convertible debt (MCD). No FDIC-guaranteed MCD may be issued without the FDIC's prior written approval.

Distribution:
All FDIC-Insured Institutions
Complete Financial Institution Letter: http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2009/fil09011.html


Consumer Alert: Keeping Food Safe During An Emergency
Mon, 2 Mar 2009 16:44:02 -0600
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing recommendations to the regions affected by severe winter weather in Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states.
BIS publishes Federal Register Notice Reminding U.S. Defense Firms to Submit Data for BIS's Annual Offset Report
Please visit http://www.bis.doc.gov/ for more information.

FIL-12-2009: Final Rule on Assessments; Amended FDIC Restoration Plan; Interim Rule on Emergency Special Assessment

Financial Institution Letter
Deposit Insurance Assessments
Final Rule on Assessments; Amended FDIC Restoration Plan; Interim Rule on Emergency Special Assessment FIL-12-2009
March 2, 2009

Summary: On February 27, 2009, the FDIC: (1) adopted a final rule modifying the risk-based assessment system and setting initial base assessment rates beginning April 1, 2009, at 12 to 45 basis points; (2) due to extraordinary circumstances, extended the period of the Restoration Plan to seven years; and (3) adopted an interim rule with request for comments imposing an emergency 20 basis point special assessment on June 30, 2009, which will be collected on September 30, 2009, and allowing the Board to impose possible additional special assessments of up to 10 basis points thereafter to maintain public confidence in the Deposit Insurance Fund.

Distribution:
All FDIC-Insured Institutions
Complete Financial Institution Letter: http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2009/fil09012.html


New Open Solicitations for Office of Justice Programs

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


Space is still available for the following BIS "Complying with US Export Controls" seminars:

March 9-10 in Smithfield, RI

April 1-2 in Denver, CO
April 21-22 in Kansas City, MO
April 22-23 in Portland, OR

Space is still available for the following BIS "How to Develop an Export Management and Compliance Program" seminar:
April 23 in Kansas City, MO

The Office of Exporter Services
Bureau of Industry and Security
www.bis.doc.gov
DoD Announces Force Adjustments
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:54:00 -0600
Freedom Watch Afghanistan
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:27:30 -0600
The latest from Operation Enduring Freedom showing the activities of American troops in country. Produced by AFN-Afghanistan.
Gates/Iraq Withdrawal
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:04:50 -0600
Defense Secretary Robert Gates outlined the U.S. military's role in Iraq after the bulk of American troops withdraw by August 2010.
Presidential Remarks
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:28:54 -0600
Commander in Chief Barack Obama delivers an address at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC.
Freedom Journal Iraq
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:43:26 -0600
A daily news program produced by American Forces Network Iraq. The program focuses on military missions, operations and U.S. military forces in Iraq.
President Interview
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:42:42 -0600
President Obama, in an exclusive interivew with The Pentagon Channel, said the most important and sobering decision he makes is to send troops into harms way.
Commander In Chief
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:16:46 -0600
President Barack Obama said in an exclusive interview with The Pentagon Channel the increase in troops to Afghanistan will bolster the mission there.
Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Closing March 3
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:38:35 -0600
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) announce the closing of the remaining two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. They are:

IRS.GOV How to Find Free Tax Services Issue Number: TT-2009-41
Inside This Issue

How to Find Free Tax Services
The IRS provides free publications, forms and other tax material and information to help taxpayers meet their tax obligations. Free help is available on the IRS Web site, by phone, at local IRS offices and at many community locations.
• IRS.gov You can access free tax information at IRS.gov. At 1040 Central on the Individuals page, you can obtain forms, instructions and publications, learn about IRS e-file, determine your eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit, read about the latest tax changes and find answers to Frequently Asked Questions. In the Online Services section, you can access numerous applications to help with your taxes, including Free File, the IRS Withholding Calculator, the Alternative Minimum Tax Assistant, the EITC Assistant and more. You can also check the status of your refund by clicking on Where’s My Refund?
• Telephone Call the IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals, 800-829-1040, to get answers to your federal tax questions. To order free forms, instructions and publications call 800-829-3676. To hear pre-recorded messages covering various tax topics or check on the status of your refund, call 800-829-4477. TTY/TDD users may call 800-829-4059 to ask tax questions or to order forms and publications.
• Taxpayer Assistance Centers When you believe your tax issue cannot be handled online or by phone, and you want face-to-face assistance, you can find help at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Locations, business hours and an overview of services are available at IRS.gov. Just go to the “individuals” tab and click on the link for Contact My Local Office in the left tool bar section under IRS Resources.
• Community Resources Free tax preparation is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs in many communities. Volunteer return preparation programs provided through IRS and its partners offer free help in preparing simple tax returns for low- to moderate-income taxpayers. Call 800-906-9887 to find the VITA or TCE site nearest you. You may also call AARP — the largest TCE participant — at 888-227-7669 (888-AARPNOW) or access www.aarp.org to find the nearest Tax-Aide site.

For more information about services provided by the IRS, review Publication 910, IRS Guide to Free Tax Services available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Links:
Free File
AARP Tax-Aide

Forms and Publications
Frequently Asked Questions
Small Business/Self-Employed
Contact My Local Office
Publication 910, Guide to Free Tax Services (PDF 21,524K)


Attorney General's Speeches for U.S. Department of Justice

This page has recently been updated with the following:
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Attorney General Eric Holder at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs Plenum


VACANCY: Grant Management Specialist, GS-1101-09 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:46:54 -0600
AN226976 (Closing Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
VACANCY: Civil Engineer, GS-0810-12 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:53:00 -0600
AN223858 (Closing Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
VACANCY: Purchasing Agent, GS-1105-07/08/09 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:52:47 -0600
WN/MP-09-MW-029-EAH1 (Closing Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
VACANCY: Ordering Unit Leader (Logistics), GS-0346-12/13 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:49:23 -0600
DE-09-243-BPD2 (Closing Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
VACANCY: Service Branch Director, GS-0346-13/14 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:45:16 -0600
DE-09-242-BPD2 (Closing Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
VACANCY: Program Specialist (Disaster Processing and Review), GS-301-9/11 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:50:45 -0600
WN-09-2C-0085-SLC1 (Closing Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
VACANCY: Emergency Support Branch Director, GS-0301-13/14 FEMA
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:38:48 -0600
DE-09-241-BPD2 (Closing Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

DoS: Assassinations in Guinea-Bissau
Robert Wood

Acting Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

March 2, 2009


DONOVAN ISSUES STATEMENT ON OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2010 HUD BUDGET

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Shaun Donovan, Secretary
Office of Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20410

HUD No. 09-015
Melanie Roussell Thursday
(202) 708-0685 February 26, 2009
http://www.hud.gov/news/index.cfm

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan released the following statement today in response to President Barack Obama's proposed FY 2010 budget announcement:

"Today, President Obama announced general budget direction for HUD and I am very pleased with the outcome and focus. The President has designed a fiscally responsible budget that stresses the need for transparency and accountability from all agencies. HUD will be a leader in providing accountability to American taxpayers as we move forward with the budget process.

"In tough fiscal times, we will be given the resources and flexibility to put this agency back on track: to be a resource for homeowners who are trying to buy or refinance their homes; to be a catalyst for the production and preservation of affordable rental housing, thru new vehicles like the affordable housing trust fund; to give HUD the tools to combat mortgage fraud and predatory loans; to make energy efficiency and sustainable development a significant part of housing policy; and, to support and enhance programs and policies such as vouchers and community development block grants that play an important role in the lives of low income families and communities.

"We have also been charged to change the way we do business: to become more transparent and accountable; to ensure that we subject all our activities to rigorous evaluation so we can support what works and modify what doesn't; and, to become the best partner we can be with the states and localities and private sector firms and nonprofits that do the real work on housing.

"I look forward to working closely with the Administration to finalize our budget and then with Congress on giving HUD the resources and the reforms to make HUD an effective part of the housing solution."

(For a summary of the proposed FY 2010 HUD budget, visit HUD's website).

###


NRC INVITES NOMINATIONS FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MEDICAL USE OF ISOTOPES

NRC NEWS
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200

Washington, D.C. 20555-0001

E-mail: opa@nrc.gov

Site: http://www.nrc.gov


No. 09-039
March 2, 2009

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is seeking nominations for the position of radiation oncologist on the Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI).

Committee members currently serve a four-year term and may be considered for reappointment to an additional term.

The ACMUI advises NRC on policy and technical issues that arise in the regulation of the medical use of radioactive materials. Responsibilities include providing comments on changes to NRC rules, regulations, and guidance documents; evaluating certain non-routine uses of radioactive material; providing technical assistance in licensing, inspection, and enforcement cases; and bringing key issues to the attention of NRC for appropriate action.

ACMUI members possess the medical and technical skills needed to address evolving issues. The current membership is comprised of the following positions: nuclear medicine physician; nuclear cardiologist; medical physicist in nuclear medicine [unsealed byproduct material]; therapy medical physicist; radiation safety officer; nuclear pharmacist; two radiation oncologists; patients' rights advocate; Food and Drug Administration representative; state representative; and health care administrator.

Nominees must be U.S. citizens and be able to devote approximately 160 hours per year to Committee business and have current radiotherapy experience using a Gamma Knife®. Members who are not federal employees are compensated for their service. In addition, non-federal members are reimbursed for travel, secretarial and correspondence expenses. Full-time federal employees are reimbursed for travel expenses only. The selected nominee will undergo a thorough security background check. Security paperwork may take the nominee several weeks to complete. Nominees will also be required to complete a financial disclosure statement to avoid conflicts of interest.

Interested candidates should submit an electronic copy of their resume or curriculum vitae to Ashley M. Tull, Ashley.Tull@nrc.gov. Please ensure that the resume or curriculum vitae includes the following information, if applicable: education; certification; professional association membership and committee membership activities; and duties and responsibilities in current and previous clinical, research, and/or academic position(s).

The notice was published in the Federal Register Feb. 23; nominations will be accepted until April 21. For more information, contact: Ashley M. Tull, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management Programs, Mail Stop T8-F3, Washington, DC 20555; (240) 888-7129; Ashley.Tull@nrc.gov.

###


www.regulations.gov

NRC PROPOSES TO AMEND LICENSING, INSPECTION AND ANNUAL FEES RULE

NRC NEWS
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200

Washington, D.C. 20555-0001

E-mail: opa@nrc.gov

Site: http://www.nrc.gov


No. 09-040
March 2, 2009

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing to amend its regulations for the licensing, inspection and annual fees it charges applicants and licensees for fiscal year (FY) 2009.

The agency is required by Congress to recover for the U.S. Treasury most of its annual

appropriated budget through two types of fees. One is for specific NRC services, such as

licensing and inspection activities, that apply to a specific license; the other is an annual fee paid that recovers generic regulatory expenses and other costs not recovered through fees for specific services. These fees are contained in NRC regulations 10 CFR Part 170 (fees for license-specific services) and 10 CFR Part 171 (annual fees). These fees are paid to the U.S. Treasury and go into the general fund.

By law, the NRC must recover, through fees to applicants and licensees, 90 percent of its budget authority for FY 2009 (Oct. 1, 2008 - Sept. 30, 2009), less the amounts appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund for high-level radioactive waste activities and from general funds for waste-incidental-to-reprocessing and generic homeland security activities. The total amount of fees to be recovered by Sept. 30 is approximately $870.6 million, about $91.5 million more than in FY 2008. The increase in FY2009 fees is due primarily to an increase in reactor license renewals and new uranium enrichment and recovery licensing activities.

Approximately one third of the fees will be billed for specific services (Part 170) and the remaining two thirds will be billed to annual fees (Part 171). The hourly rate for Part 170 activities will increase about 8 percent from $238 to $257 per hour. Although proposed annual fees increase for most licensees, NRC will be reducing the fee for small entities.

The NRC is continuing its efforts to keep its fees as low as possible by ensuring its programs are conducted efficiently and effectively and requesting from Congress only the resources necessary to perform its mission of protecting people and the environment.

The proposed FY 2009 annual fees are categorized by types of licensees/applicants and include the following:

 

Class/Category FY 2009 Annual Fee

Operating Power Reactors (including Spent Fuel Storage/

Reactor Decommissioning annual fee) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,735,000

Spent Fuel Storage/Reactor Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $127,000

Test and Research Reactors (Non-power Reactors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $124,500

High-Enriched Uranium Fuel Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,721,000

Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,659,000

UF6 Conversion Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $975,000

Conventional Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,000

Typical Materials Users:

Radiographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,100

Well Loggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,900

Gauge Users (Category 3P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,800

Broad Scope Medical (Category 7B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $36,800

 

NRC estimates that the FY2009 annual fees will be paid by 104 nuclear power plant

licensees, 4 non-power reactors, 19 spent fuel storage/reactor-in-decommissioning facilities, 11

fuel cycle facilities, 7 uranium recovery facilities and approximately 3,800 material licensees.

The FY 2009 proposed fee rule, published today in the Federal Register, includes fees

based upon the bill reported by House Appropriations Committee (H.R. 7324). Written comments on the proposed fee changes should be submitted within 30 days. They should be addressed to the Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555-0001, ATTN: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff. Comments may also be submitted by e-mail to rulemaking.comments@nrc.gov, faxed to (301) 415-1101, or submitted online via the

Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.Regulations.gov under Docket ID NRC2008-0620.

###

US-CERT Cyber Security Bulletin SB09-061 -- Vulnerability Summary for the Week of February 23, 2009
DoS: Background Notes : Djibouti (03/09)
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:27:22 -0600
DoS: Background Notes : Eritrea (03/09)
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:29:43 -0600
DoS: Background Notes : Mauritania (03/09)
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:28:54 -0600
DoS: Background Notes : Ghana (03/09)
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:00:37 -0600
Today in the Department of Defense, 3/3/2009
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:16:00 -0600
Obama on Iran
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:27:45 -0600
Defense Secretary Robert Gates called Iran's nuclear program a growing concern for Commander in Chief Barack Obama.
Around the Services
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:52:04 -0600
An interview with President Barack Obama. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates appears on Meet The Press. The Air Force hopes the new Nascar season will lead to more recruits.
DoS Background Notes : Kenya (03/09)
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:55:13 -0600

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:59:24 -0600
DoS: United States Assistance to the Palestinians
Office of the Spokesman

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Washington, DC

March 2, 2009


Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:28:07 -0600
DoS: Special Representative Bosworth's Travel to the Region
Washington, DC

March 2, 2009


C-SPAN Daily Alert Programming Information for Mon. 3/2 - Tues. 3/3, 2009
**********************************************************************

C-SPAN Highlights

Tonight:
* Attorney Gen. Holder Addresses NAAG Annual Conference (8pm)
* CPAC Address by American Civil Rights Inst. Co-Founder Ward Connerly (8:45pm)
* Pres. Obama Nominates Gov. Sebelius (D-KS) as HHS Sec. (9pm)

Tomorrow:
* U.S. House: In Session (10:30am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN2 Highlights

Tonight:
* The Communicators: Neil Portnow, The Recording Academy, President (8pm)
* Middle Class Task Force Meeting on Green Jobs with V.P. Joe Biden (8:30pm)
* Cmsn. on Civil Rights Fmr. Chair. Mary Francis Berry on Civil Rights (10:15pm)

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

Tonight:
* Programming TBA. Check Schedule for Updates - http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/index.php?main_page=schedule

Tomorrow:
* Senate Budget Cmte. Hearing with Federal Reserve Chair. Ben Bernanke (10am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Radio Highlights

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

Tomorrow:
* Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE
* Senate Budget Cmte. Hearing with Federal Reserve Chair. Bernanke (10am) - LIVE
* House Ways and Means Cmte. Hearing with Treasury Sec. Geithner (12:30pm)- LIVE
**********************************************************************
Politics Highlights

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

* Newspaper Articles
* Viewer Calls
* Paul Atkins, Fmr. Securities & Exchange Commission Commissioner (2002-08)
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Capitol Spotlight

* President Obama’s cabinet, and his team to push health care reform, took one step closer to completion Monday when he officially nominated Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as secretary...- Full Story at www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight/

* How many presidents were born in the month of March? - Answer at www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight/


Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:13:32 -0600
DoS: Press Availability at the End of the Gaza Reconstruction Conference
Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt

March 2, 2009


U.S. Department of State: Daily Press Briefing - March 2
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:38:06 -0600
Gordon Duguid

Acting Deputy Department Spokesman
Daily Press Briefing


Contact: Stephanie Lundberg
202-225-3130For Immediate Release
March 02, 2009

Hoyer Statement on Nomination of Kathleen Sebelius as HHS Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (Md.) applauded the nomination of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

“Governor Sebelius is a knowledgeable and experienced executive who I believe is an exceptional choice to head the Department of Health and Human Services. I have no doubt that she will bring to the Department the brand of effective leadership and tough problem-solving that have marked her years in public office.

“Furthermore, her skill in bipartisan consensus-building will be an incredible asset in working with Congress to achieve fundamental health care reform and address the growing costs of Medicare and Medicaid. I congratulate Governor Sebelius, and look forward to working with her on these goals and other critical health care issues impacting American families.”

###


VACANCY: 09-009, Information Technology Specialist (Project Manager), CT-2210 CTFC.GOV
Office of the Executive Director, Office of Information and Technology Services, Multiple Locations
Closes March 12, 2009

search all current VACANCIES at CTFC.GOV


Obama views huge agenda as asset, not burden; Emanuel calls ...
USA Today - USA
A USA TODAY analysis of campaign contributions identified 175 members of Congress who received half or more of their campaign cash from political action ...
Bush Administration Memos Claimed Vast War Powers
Bloomberg - USA
“The release of these memos only underscores the need for a serious investigation into the Bush administration national security policy,” Jaffer said in a ...

Today's top Air Force stories

Personnel desktop application expanded
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123137802

Squadron continues tradition, honors fallen comrades
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123137717

386th Airmen contribute to Victoria wildfire relief
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123137708

Airmen deliver 1 million pounds of supplies in 42 days
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123137740

Rescue crews join search for missing NFL players, boaters
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123137704


VACANCY: FY2009 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO Programs Benefiting Refugees in Pakistan DoS
Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration

Funding Announcement

March 2, 2009


VACANCY: Attorney Vacancies for U.S. Department of Justice

This page has recently been updated with the following new vacancies:

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FRESNO, CALIFORNIA MARCH 2, 2009 09-EDCA-04A

Applications should be postmarked no later than March 6, 2009.


Contact: Katie Grant
Stephanie Lundberg
202-225-3130
March 02, 2009

Hoyer Statement on Women's History Month

WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today commemorating Women's History Month, which is observed in March:

“This month is Women’s History Month: We honor the generations of women who fought for a full and equal share in our Nation’s life, from the voting booth to the workplace. Some of them were historic leaders; many more were the women who proved, with their daily dignity, that they could be the equal of any man. To the extent that America has put sexism behind it, that is their living legacy.

“But when our country turns a still-critical eye on itself, that is their legacy too—because they taught us to live up to the highest standards of justice. We fail to meet those standards whenever women are harassed on the job, whenever they are held back on account of their gender, whenever they are denied equal pay for equal work. I am proud, this month especially, that we have Congressional leaders and an Administration committed to fighting those injustices. And I’m grateful, as the father of three daughters, that the first bill President Obama signed was aimed at ending pay discrimination. It was a reminder that the best way to honor our equality pioneers is not with memory, but with action.”

###


FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 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 no votes are expected before 3:00 p.m.

Suspensions (4 Bills)
1) H.Res. 91 - Honoring the life and service of Dr. William Spoelhof, president emeritus of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Rep. Ehlers – Education and Labor)
2) H.Res. 146 - Designating March 2, 2009, as "Read Across America Day” (Rep. Markey (CO) – Education and Labor)
3) H.Res. 153 - Commending the University of Southern California Trojan football team for its victory in the 2009 Rose Bowl (Rep. Watson – Education and Labor)
4) H.Res. 77 - Congratulating the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, for more than 100 years of service and leadership to the United States (Rep. Wittman – Education and Labor)

Postponed Suspension Votes (2 bills)
1) H.R. 146 - Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Protection Act (Rep. Holt - Natural Resources)
2) H.R. 548 - Civil War Battlefield Preservation Act of 2009 (Rep. Gary Miller (CA) – Natural Resources)


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