usdemocrats.com political news ticker/weblog
March 04, 2010 for yesterday's ticker entries click here



Thursday
March 04, 2010

make sure to click CTRL F5 or click here to refresh the page to view the most current updates

click here to search ticker archives by keyword or go to the weblog archive index

This newsticker is archived daily. To search back archives dating back to 1999, search for the article using keywords by title, names, video or headline at www.usdemocrats.com/search
GOV source feeds are always available in realtime 24 hours a day 7 days a week by accessing the homepage at www.usdemocrats.com

CNN Cable TV LIVE FEED

AM 1090 PROGRESSIVE TALK RADIO LIVE FEED

C-SPAN LIVE FEED


GOV JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS are posted at www.usdemocrats.com/ticker/jobs/
Book meeting conference hotels and travel accommodations at www.usdemocrats.com/travel


Yesterday's newsbrief journal is archived here

US Marshalls Special Auction Announcement, March 2, 2010
Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:12:03 -0600
Aero Mod Service, Inc.

Viewing Dates: March 22 & 23, 2010, 8:00AM until 4:00PM, CST

Bid Closing: 11:00 AM CST, March 24, 2010

Bid Opening: 11:01 AM CST, MARCH 24, 2010 AT Aero Mod Hangar, Midland Int’l Airport, Midland, TX 79711

Tel: (432) 563-1666 Fax: (432) 563-1914


Reporting Dates for Federal Election Commission. The election date to fill the vacant seat in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District has been set. The Special General Election will be held on May 22, 2010. Filing deadlines to be announced soon.
Click here to access the updated page.
DAILY WHIPLINE | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010

Tech Student Democrats General Meeting and Officer Elections
What: Club/Group Meeting
Start Time: Tuesday, March 9 at 6:00pm
End Time: Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30pm
Where: Caprock Room, Student Union Building

To see more details and RSVP


US-CERT Current Activity

U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Census Campaign Warning

Original release date: March 3, 2010 at 11:21 am
Last revised: March 3, 2010 at 11:21 am

 

US-CERT asks users to be vigilant during the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010
Census campaign and to watch for potential census scams.

According to the U.S. Census 2010 website, they began delivery of the
printed census forms to every resident in the United States on March
1, 2010. The only way to complete the census is by filling in the form
using pen and ink; in some instances, census takers will be visiting
households to complete the form face-to-face. It is important to
understand that the U.S. Census Bureau will not, under any
circumstances, be providing an online option to complete the 2010
census form.

US-CERT encourages all residents in the United States to take the
following measures to protect themselves:

* Review available information about the 2010 U.S. Census on the
website.
* Familiarize yourself with what information the U.S. Census Bureau
is collecting on the census form.
* Do not follow unsolicited web links of attachments in email
messages.
* Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf) document
for more information on avoiding email scams.
* Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
document for more information on social engineering attacks.

Relevant Url(s):
<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-014.html>

<http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/emailscams_0905.pdf>

<http://2010.census.gov/2010census/index.php>

<http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/about-the-form.php>

====
This entry is available at
http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#u_s_census_bureau_2010


Tech Student Democrats.

--------------------
Subject: Meeting Thursday! Be there!

Hey All,

Just wanted to send this message out reminding to please attend Thursdays Tech Dems meeting we want everyone there! This meeting will we will be discussin the primary election results and what they mean and how we move forward.

Remember this meeting will be in HOLDEN HALL! NOT THE SUB!

HOLDEN HALL, RM 5! 6 pm be there or be a Republican.

Your Pres.,
Stuart

P.S. Whoever heard of a good piece of elephant?
--------------------


WHIP PACK : BILL TEXT & BACKGROUND : WEEK OF MARCH 2, 2010
USDOL: DOL releases state-by-state figures on number of Americans who stand to lose unemployment benefits without congres... http://bit.ly/dbxvu3
SEC_News: On Investor.gov - "For Seniors: In Depth Information on Investing." Feel free to R/T or pass on to a loved one - http://bit.ly/bHlYjw
PressSec: Obstruction ended as Senate extends unemployment benefits http://bit.ly/ajPLtn
PressSec: POTUS has signed unemployment benefits bill into law at White House
NVSenateDems: LVRJ: "SPECIAL SESSION: Session adjourns with balanced budget deal approved in Carson City" ... http://ow.ly/1cY5C
NVSenateDems: LVRJ: "SPECIAL SESSION: Bill designed to create jobs passes" ... http://ow.ly/1cY9O
HouseDemocrats: Blue Dog Dems introduce bill for gov't to pay down national debt and balance the budget by 2020 http://bit.ly/d6XWT1
GovContracts: GSA 1122 Program Expansion for State & Local Governments to include homeland security & emergency response activities: http://bit.ly/bh4cPH
GovContracts: 70--Enterprise-Wide Personal Computer (PC) Monitor and Refresh: Department of Veterans Affairs VA Center for Acqui... http://bit.ly/9nbiv0
dscc: @SenArlenSpecter surges into seven-point lead over Pat Toomey: http://bit.ly/aLTwkQ
dscc: Sen. Richard Burr votes against assistance to hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians. http://bit.ly/bgYQSW
dscc: @SenGillibrand leads all prospective GOP opponents (including Pataki) in latest poll: http://bit.ly/8eJnGo
DNCYouthCouncil: Congratulations to all of Tuesday's Democratic Party winners, including DNC Vice Chair Linda Chavez-Thompson! http://bit.ly/bZRfCS
DNCYouthCouncil: Join the final march for health care reform! #OFA #HCR http://bit.ly/au1NfI
Dennis_Kucinich: On Thursday, I will introduce a privileged resolution that will require House debate on contin. the war in Afghanistan. see www.kucinich.us
DemocratsDotOrg: .@MittRomney seems okay with big insurance companies hiking your premiums by 30, 40 or 50%: http://j.mp/9MdeuV #HCR
DemocratsDotOrg: It's time for a vote on health reform. Show your commitment to work for reform in these final, crucial days: http://j.mp/9MlVE9
DemocratsDotOrg: Write your GOP member of Congress—ask them to say whether they sought money from the #RecoveryAct they voted against. http://j.mp/9CCaJ3
DemocratsDotOrg: RT DNC communications director @WoodhouseB: This is a new low - even for the GOP: http://bit.ly/9Nfkie
dccc: VA Dem Chair: "This year, Democrats have already won 2 special elections in districts that Gov. McDonnell carried by double-digits"
dccc: Dems Go After GOP Stimulus Requests | WSJ http://bit.ly/bWeTEX
cqpolitics: Crawford: Public Insurance Option Still Doable http://bit.ly/am02xb
BarackObama: Another remarkable demonstration of grassroots support for health reform: http://j.mp/g-w
BarackObama: It's time for a final vote. Please join with me to help take health reform across the finish line: http://j.mp/9MlVE9
AZHouseDems: Republicans' proposed wrong-track budget bill could leave Arizonans without access to health care. http://tinyurl.com/yhfmn3c
AmbassadorRice: US joins thousands at UN today to observe International Women’s Day http://bit.ly/d6bWLE
AmbassadorRice: US opening statement at the Commission on the Status of Women http://bit.ly/cqoNvR
South and Central Asia: Terrorism, Political Violence, and Governance in Bangladesh
The South and Central Asia Regional Policy Overview has been updated with reports from the International Crisis Group examining the threats associated with the Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh terrorist organization and assessing the state of the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora, New America Foundation reports analyzing the nature of terrorist activity along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and evaluating the threat posed by al Qaeda in the border region, a Royal United Services Institute report providing recommendations for the enhancement of security along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, an International Peace Institute report analyzing terrorism, political violence, and governance in Bangladesh, and reports from the Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior evaluating transatlantic policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan during the Obama Administration. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
Europe and Eurasia: Analysis of the Partnership between the U.S., NATO, and the EU
The Europe and Eurasia Regional Policy Overview has been updated with a Portuguese Institute of International Relations and Security article assessing prospects for the future of the European Union-Latin America partnership, a special State Department briefing on the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as the Secretary of State's remarks at the NATO Strategic Concept Seminar, a European Policy Centre report analyzing the challenges facing the President of Ukraine, an Atlantic Council of the United States report evaluating the partnership between the U.S., NATO, and the European Union, a German Institute for International and Security Affairs report analyzing the European External Action Service as a tool for the empowerment of the European Union's foreign policy, reports from the Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior examining the transatlantic security relationship and assessing Europe's role in the Obama Administration's multilateral vision, and a European Union Institute for Security Studies article analyzing Ukraine's perspective on the European Union. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
Near East and North Africa: Political Situation in Egypt
The Near East and North Africa Regional Policy Overview has been updated with a statement by a State Department official on the United Nations fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict, remarks by Israel's Minister of Defense presenting his perspective on current strategic threats and strategic opportunities, a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace article assessing the political situation in Egypt, a Chatham House report analyzing the current situation in Jerusalem, and an International Institute for Strategic Studies article evaluating the nuclear ambitions of the United Arab Emirates. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
India: U.S.-India Cooperation on Trade, Energy, and Technology
The India MiPAL has been updated with a Jamestown Foundation article assessing the Indian Navy's agenda for maritime security in the Indian Ocean, remarks by the Foreign Secretary of India concerning India's external relations policy, and remarks by a State Department official detailing U.S.-India cooperation on trade, energy, and technology. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
Russia: Energy Relations between Russia and Europe
The Russia MiPAL has been updated with an International Crisis Group report analyzing the Georgian region of Abkhazia's dependence on Russia, a Heritage Foundation report assessing prospects for the use of targeted U.S. public diplomacy as a tool against anti-Americanism in Russia, a Chatham House report featuring ten recommendations for the improvement of the political and economic sectors in Russia, a Center for Strategic and International Studies report evaluating energy relations between Russia and Europe, and a Congressional Research Service report providing an overview of the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
Central Asia: Arms Transfers to Central Asia
The Central Asia MiPAL has been updated with remarks by the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan on his recent visit to Central Asia, a Jamestown Foundation article analyzing energy relations in Central Asia, a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report assessing the state of arms transfers to Central Asia, and a EUCAM: EU-Central Asia Monitoring report examining the European Union's Central Asia strategy. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
Iran: Analysis of the State of Iran's Relations with the United Arab Emirates
The Iran MiPAL has been updated with a series of Washington Institute for Near East Policy publications assessing the prospects for U.S. information activities in Iran, analyzing the state of Iran-United Arab Emirates relations, and evaluating the emerging multilateral consensus on Iran, a Council on Foreign Relations article providing recommendations for handling Iran's nuclear program, a National Interest article examining Iran's nuclear activities, a Harvard International Review article calling for a strategy for ending Iran's human rights violations, a Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments report analyzing Iran's air and maritime capabilities in comparison with those of the U.S., and Middle East Quarterly articles evaluating the political situation in Iran and regional perspectives on Iran's behavior. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
Terrorism: Combating Nuclear Terrorism
The Terrorism MiPAL has been updated with an International Crisis Group report assessing the threat associated with the Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh terrorist organization, remarks by the U.S. Senate Republican Leader on the state of the War on Terrorism and on the threat posed by al Qaeda, reports from the New America Foundation presenting a profile of the Lashkar-e-Taiba organization, analyzing the nature of terrorist activity along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, and evaluating the threat posed by al Qaeda in the border region, and a Government Accountability Office report examining the actions needed to protect the U.S. from the threat of potential radiological or nuclear terrorist attacks. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic - the newest updates are in bold.
Homeland Security: Response to Biological Threats, Enhanced Passenger Screening Checkpoint Technologies, and Implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act
The Homeland Security MiPAL has been updated with publications from the Heritage Foundation analyzing the Fiscal Year 2011 budget for homeland security and evaluating the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009, a Congressional hearing featuring the Secretary of Homeland Security's testimony on budget issues, a Department of Homeland Security report assessing the future direction of the Container Security Initiative, a Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists article analyzing the U.S. approach to biological threats, a Department of Justice report concerning the implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act, and a series of Government Accountability Office reports calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop a greater focus on community preparedness programs, assessing the actions needed to prepare for possible radiological or nuclear terrorist attacks, and urging better use of terrorist watchlist information and enhanced passenger screening checkpoint technologies to strengthen security. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic - the newest updates are in bold.
National Security Strategy: Forging a U.S. Policy Toward Fragile States
The National Security Strategy MiPAL has been updated with a series of articles from the latest issue of PRISM: A Journal of the Center for Complex Operations, including articles analyzing adjustments necessary to stabilization and reconstruction operations, assessing the proper balance of efforts between security and governance and development, evaluating U.S. policy toward fragile states, and examining challenges of effective peace-building, Congressional hearings presenting private sector perspectives on Department of Defense information technology and cybersecurity activities and featuring testimony on the Department of the Navy's budget for Fiscal Year 2011, a Government Accountability Office report assessing the missile defense transition, and a Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists article analyzing the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic - the newest updates are in bold.
mayoungdems: Sen. @JohnKerry "Americans might think everything that happens in DC is a game. But look, this is anything but a game." http://bit.ly/arK2Al
mayoungdems: Call Sen @ScottBrownMA 202-224-4543 tell him you support Sen. @JohnKerry efforts to pass strong clean energy & climate legislation. #MaPoli
mayoungdems: Congrats to our newest chapter Worcester County Young Dems! They R ready to help reelect @MassGovernor & @TimMurray2010 #MaGov #MaPoli #YDM
mayoungdems: Call @ScottBrownMA 202-224-4543 & @JohnKerry 202-224-2742 and ask them to support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act. #DADT #YDM #MAPOLI
DNC CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE PRAISES PRESIDENT'S HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM PROPOSAL
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Statement on Election of Roslyn M. Brock as the new Chairwoman of the N.A.A.C.P.
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Praises New CBO Report Confirming The Recovery Act Created Up To 2.1 Million Jobs In The Final Quarter Of 2009
KAINE CONGRATULATES THE SENATE ON PASSING A BIPARTISAN BILL TO CREATE JOBS
Chair Kaine: "Final March for Reform" Begins Today
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine today echoed the President’s call for Congress to take swift action to finish the job and deliver hard-working Americans the health insurance reforms they so desperately need.
SEC and IRS Agree to Work More Closely Regarding Municipal Bond Enforcement
The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal Revenue Service today announced that the two agencies agreed to work more closely to monitor and regulate the municipal bond market and industry.
SEC Charges Executives of Iowa Insurance Company With Misleading Proxy Disclosures to Investors
The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged an Iowa insurance company and two executives with proxy disclosure violations, alleging that they inadequately disclosed details about the acquisition of another company and the resulting financial boon to the then-CEO.
Democrats queue final push for healthcare bill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional Democrats prepared to launch a final push on Tuesday to pass healthcare reform without Republicans this month, and predicted it could gain new support from Democrats who opposed it last year.
Senate works to restore jobless, highway aid
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional Republicans, nervous over the fallout from an impasse over jobs legislation, said on Tuesday they were nearing a deal to end a standoff that has disrupted highway construction projects and unemployment benefits for hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Obama again offers Republicans chance to work with WH on health bid
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama made a last-ditch effort on Tuesday to seek a compromise with opposition Republicans on overhauling healthcare, one day before he was due to make an announcement on the way forward.
Jerry Brown announces run for California governor
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California Attorney General Jerry Brown formally announced on Tuesday his run for governor of the economically troubled state, becoming the only high-profile Democrat facing a Republican field led by former eBay Inc CEO Meg Whitman.
House lawmakers target health insurer CEOs
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic lawmakers put new pressure on the health insurance industry on Tuesday, asking the chief executives of the nation's four largest for-profit health insurers to testify at a public hearing later this month.
Senate breaks logjam to restore jobless aid
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Highway money and jobless funds were set to flow again after the Senate ended a standoff on Tuesday that disrupted benefits for hundreds of thousands of unemployed Americans.
White House brings healthcare to final vote
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama began a final push for healthcare reform on Wednesday, urging Congress to vote on the plan in the next few weeks even if it means passing the measure with a narrow Democratic majority and no Republican support.
CFTC, House chairman aim to fix swap reform law
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A central Congressional player in financial reform legislation on Wednesday said he is willing to close a potential loophole that might allow big derivatives traders to avoid public scrutiny of their deals.
U.S. lawmakers challenge Army decisions on KBR
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday questioned the Army's continued use of KBR Inc for logistics work in Iraq in the face of confirmed reports of poor past performance.
House to vote on modified $15 billion jobs bill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives will vote on a $15 billion jobs bill on Thursday after modifying it to address the concerns of centrist Democrats, a House aide said on Wednesday.
Frank: Dodd deal like 'a bad joke'
by Eamon Javers,Victoria McGrane
Massachusetts Dem slams proposal to place consumer protection agency inside the Fed.
Rangel: Gavel handoff 'temporary'
by Jake Sherman,James Hohmann
Rangel strongly rejects the notion that his leave of absence might be permanent.
W.H. warns Dems: Don't flip-flop
by Carrie Budoff Brown,Patrick O'Connor
Administration tells those wavering on health care it's in their best-interest to finish the job.
ORI Announce the Quest for Research Excellence Conference 2010 (PDF)
Held in Washington DC on November 1-3, the conference aims to enhance the role of individuals in the research enterprise. Attendees will learn from Nobel Laureates, distinguished researchers, and others on how to get funding, get published, and get connected and interact with others in the research enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions about California's Social Media Policy
New York Fed announces March 19 CMBS TALF operation
New York Fed posts loan rates for March 4 TALF operation
Commerce Announces Recovery Act Investment in California
NTIA announced a $7.25 million Recovery Act grant for vulnerable and low-income communities in Los Angeles, the Central Valley, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire in California. The grant to the California Emerging Technology Fund will fund digital literacy training for more than 675,000 individuals, enabling them to make use of key educational, employment, and health resources online.
Commerce Department Announces Recovery Act Investments to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth
Secretary Locke announced 23 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to increase broadband access and adoption in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Commerce Department Announces Recovery Act Investment in Nevada’s Clark County
Commerce Secretary Locke announced a $4.7 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) investment to help bridge the technological divide and increase economic opportunities in Clark County, Nevada.
Congressional Testimony: Hearing on Human Rights Challenges Facing the Technology Industry
Testimony of Daniel J. Weitzner, Associate Administrator for Policy Analysis and Development, NTIA, Before the Senate Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law, Committee on the Judiciary. (Delivered March 2) (Acrobat PDF 133 Kb)
European Union: Reorganization of Intelligence Services
Government organization - Catharine Ashton, who is the newly appointed European Union High Representative for Foreign Security and Policy, is reportedly working on restructuring the EU's External Action Service (EAS). EAS is a diplomatic corps with 130 delegations in... The Global Legal Monitor from the Law Library of Congress covers legal news and developments worldwide.
China: Public Opinion Solicited for Draft Implementing Regulations of Government Procurement Law
Government finance - On January 11, 2010, China's State Council published the draft Implementation Regulations of the Government Procurement Law (Draft Regulations) on its website, in order to solicit public opinion on its provisions. The 116-article regulations will clarify... The Global Legal Monitor from the Law Library of Congress covers legal news and developments worldwide.
GAO-10-358, State and Local Governments' Fiscal Outlook: March 2010 Update, March 2, 2010

GAO-10-468SP, The Federal Government's Long-Term Fiscal Outlook: January 2010 Update, March 2, 2010

GAO-10-437, Recovery Act: One Year Later, States' and Localities' Uses of Funds and Opportunities to Strengthen Accountability, March 3, 2010

GAO-10-463R, Emergency Communications: Establishment of the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center and Related Interagency Coordination Challenges, March 3, 2010

GAO-10-485T, Nuclear Security: DOE Needs to Fully Address Issues Affecting Protective Forces' Personnel Systems, March 3, 2010

GAO-10-481T, Medicare Part D: CMS Oversight of Part D Sponsors' Fraud and Abuse Programs Has Been Limited, but CMS Plans Oversight Expansion, March 3, 2010

Federal Reserve announces proposed rules to protect credit card users from certain practices

Debt Collectors Will Pay More Than $1 Million to Settle FTC Charges
Claimed Debts Were Owed Despite Consumers’ Disputes

DARPA Program Manager, Robbie Mandelbaum, discusses BigDog on FedNews Radio.

DARPA's Efforts on Mobile Apps for the Military in nextgov.

World Leaders - Updates for 12 Feb - 1 Mar 2010
March 2, 2010 - Posted updated Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments with updated entries for Bolivia, Colombia, Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Croatia, Denmark, Ghana, Honduras, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela. Changes reflect updates in leadership, positions, or the spelling of officials' names in the country listings during the period 12 Feb - 1 Mar 2010.

H.R. 4003, Hudson River Valley Special Resource Study Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Hose Committee on Natural Resources on February 24, 2010

H.R. 1769, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Prattand Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on February 24, 2010

S. 1749, Cell Phone Contraband Act of 2010
Cost estimate for the bill as reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on February 2, 2010

H.R. 4691, Temporary Extension Act of 2010
Cost estimate for the amendment in the nature of a substitute for H.R. 4691 as proposed by Senator Bunning on March 2, 2010

H.R. 2554, National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2009
Cost estimate for the pay-As-You-Go Effects for H.R. 2554 as introduced on May 21, 2009, and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services

H.R. 4213, American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010
Cost estimate for Senate Amendment 3336, as introduced by Senator Baucus as a substitute for H.R. 4213, updated for enactment of H.R. 4691

VIDEO: Senate Judiciary Subcmte. Hearing on Internet Freedom
Following Google’s announcement that they would no longer abide by the Chinese government’s censorship laws, the Senate Judiciary Subcmte. looked at business practices in China and discussed the issue of global Internet freedom. Google representatives testified on the rights of their business partners and censorship of Google’s online products.
Length: 1 hr. 49 min.

Published: Tuesday at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: Pres. Obama Remarks on Jobs and the Economy
President Obama visited Savannah Technical College in Georgia and made remarks on jobs and the economy.
Length: 21 min.

Published: Tuesday at 2:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: State Department Press Briefing
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley conducts a daily briefing at the State Department.
Length: 25 min.

Published: Tuesday at 1:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: State Dept. Special Briefing with Amb. Holbrooke
Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke spoke about his recent trip to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia, Georgia and Germany with reporters at a special State Dept. briefing.
Length: 47 min.

Published: Tuesday at 1pm (ET)


VIDEO: House Education and Labor Cmte. Hearing on Child Nutrition Programs
Rep. George Miller (D-CA) chaired a hearing on strengthening the federal nutrition and school meal programs through the upcoming the child nutrition reauthorization. The hearing focused on issues regarding access to and the quality of the child nutrition programs.
Length: 1 hr. 40 min.

Published: Tuesday at 2:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: House Spkr. Pelosi (D-CA) Press Conference on Health Care
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) spoke to reporters about health care legislation. In a letter to Congress the President listed a number of new provisions in his version of the bill designed to attract Republican support.
Length: 5 min.

Published: Tuesday at 4:15pm (ET)


VIDEO: United States Postal Service Hearing on Future of USPS
Postmaster General John Potter hosted a meeting to address the future of the U.S. Postal Service and to announce a new business model.
Length: 2 hr. 18 min.

Published: Tuesday at 9am (ET)


VIDEO: Senate Commerce Hearing on Toyota Recalls
Hearings into Toyota’s vehicle recall continued as Toyota executives testified to explain the handling of the vehicle acceleration problems. In a recent letter to the Department of Transportation, Commerce Cmte. Chair Rockefeller (D-WV) requested further investigation into NHTSA's oversight of the company.
Length:

Published: Tuesday at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)
Rep. Dennis Kucinich gives his opinion on what the future of health care legislation in Congress will be.
Length: 47 min.

Published: Wednesday at 8:30am (ET)


VIDEO: House Foreign Affairs Cmte. Hearing on USAID FY 2011 Budget
Rajiv Shah, administrator of the U.S. Agency for Int’l Development, outlined plans for the agency’s 2011 budget before a House Foreign Affairs Cmte. hearing. This fiscal year’s budget request is focused on securing frontline states in the Middle East, meeting urgent global challenges and enhancing aid effectiveness.
Length: 1 hr. 48 min.

Published: Wednesday at 10am (ET)


VIDEO: NATO Monthly News Conference
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen conducted a monthly news conference in Brussels. He discussed the potential impact of the scheduled August withdrawal of 2,000 Dutch troops from Afghanistan. Following the Secretary General, Lt. Gen. William Caldwell discussed pay increases for Afghan army and police forces aimed at reducing attrition levels.
Length: 1 hr. 15 min.

Published: Wednesday at 9am (ET)


VIDEO: Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) Memorial Service
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and senior Members of Congress held a memorial service in the Capitol honoring the life of Congressman John Murtha (D-PA), who passed away last month at the age of 77. Speakers included Vice Pres. Joe Biden, Defense Sec. Robert Gates and others.
Length: 1 hr. 7 min.

Published: Wednesday at 11am (ET)


VIDEO: UK Prime Minister's Questions
Standing in for Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Deputy Labor Party Leader Harriet Harmon responded to questions posed by members of Parliament in the House of Commons.
Length: 34 min.

Published: Wednesday at 7am (ET)


VIDEO: Defense Department Press Briefing
Pentagon Spokesman Geoff Morrell conducts a daily briefing at the Defense Department.
Length: 33 min.

Published: Wednesday at 1pm (ET)


VIDEO: Congressional Democrats Press Conference on GOP Obstructionism
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) held a press conference to discuss Republican obstructionist tactics.
Length: 25 min.

Published: Wednesday at 1:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: House Democratic Caucus Press Conference
House Democrats spoke with reporters at the Capitol after a caucus meeting on health care and other issues. Appearing after the meeting were Rep. John Larson (D-CT), Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Xavier Becerra (D-CA).
Length: 9 min.

Published: Wednesday at 2pm (ET)


VIDEO: Rep. Rangel Leave of Absence from Chairman's Seat Announcement
House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY) announced that he will step down as Chairman of the committee until the Ethics Committee completes its investigation on his alleged acceptance of corporate-funded travel.
Length: 3 min.

Published: Wednesday at 9am (ET)


VIDEO: Pres. Obama Remarks on Revised Health Care Plan
President Obama said starting over on health care legislation would do no good because of policy differences between Republicans and Democrats. He called for a final vote on health care legislation during an event in the White House East Room.
Length: 21 min.

Published: Wednesday at 1:45pm (ET)


VIDEO: State Department Press Briefing
Assistant Sec. for Public Affairs Philip Crowley spoke to reporters at the State Department about the announcement that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will move forward with four months of indirect talks with Israel, to be brokered by Special Envoy Fmr. Sen. George Mitchell. Also discussed were ongoing Haitian relief efforts and the situation in Chile following the recent earthquake.
Length: 23 min.

Published: Wednesday at 1:30pm (ET)


VIDEO: Senate Homeland Security Subcmte. Hearing on Medicare Prescription Drug Program
Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE) chaired a Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing to explore significant instances of fraud and abuse in the Medicare prescription drug program, as well as opportunities to recover wasted taxpayer dollars and prevent it in the future.
Length: 2 hr. 9 min.

Published: Wednesday at 2:30pm (ET)


Senate rejects Social Security bonus payment
by By ANDREW TAYLOR
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate on Wednesday rejected a proposal by President Barack Obama to give people on Social Security a $250 bonus check....

Executive Council Approves Action to Create New, Good Jobs
by James Parks

New Push to Organize the South Focuses on Jobs
by admin

Chavez-Thompson Wins Texas Lt. Governor Primary
by James Parks

Jobless Benefits Extended After Sen. Bunning Relents
by James Parks

Solis: Let’s Roll Up Our Sleeves and Work Together to Get America Back to Work
by James Parks

Greed, Not Need, Drives Health Insurance Costs Up
by James Parks

Remarks by the President on Energy Efficiency in Savannah, Georgia

Remarks by the President on Health Care Reform

Incorporating the Best Ideas from Both Parties
Posted by Dan Pfeiffer on March 3, 2010 at 11:16 AM EST

Yesterday the President sent a letter to Congressional leaders outlining four additional Republican ideas he’d be willing to include. These ideas were identified as priorities by GOP members attending Thursday’s bipartisan meeting:


Investing in Innovation to Reach "Education's Moonshot"
Posted by Jim Shelton on March 3, 2010 at 12:02 PM EST

In February 2009, President Obama stood before a joint session of Congress and announced that by 2020 the United States would once again have the highest percentage of college-educated adults in the world.


Open 311
Posted by Vivek Kundra on March 3, 2010 at 12:48 PM EST

Moving Forward to Put the American People Ahead of Insurance Companies
Posted by Jesse Lee on March 3, 2010 at 3:32 PM EST

Back In the Classroom; This Time with Teach For America
Posted by Secretary Ray LaHood on March 3, 2010 at 5:40 PM EST

You may know that I started professional life as a teacher. So last week it was a pleasure to spend an afternoon back in the classroom as part of Teach For America Week .


HHS Secretary Sebelius & Health Reform Director Nancy-Ann DeParle
Posted by Jesse Lee on March 3, 2010 at 8:38 PM EST

Public Assistance Funds Strengthen Communities
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:20:47 -0600
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- "Public Assistance (PA) helps to strengthen communities that do not have the means or resources to bounce back quickly from a natural disaster," according to Richard Griffin, state coordinating officer. "It reimburses local governments for costs they&#146;ve had to expend because of a disaster and it allows them to plan for rebuilding with prevention in mind."

Let’s Move! Mississippi
Posted by Kori Schulman on March 3, 2010 at 10:12 PM EST

Secretary Clinton and Brazilian Foreign Minister Amorin Announce Increased Cooperation on Climate Change
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:31:38 -0600

FSIS Notice 12-10
Export Library Revisions for February 2010

Get Lucky Early With HCYD
What: Cocktail Party
Start Time: Tuesday, March 16 at 5:30pm
End Time: Tuesday, March 16 at 7:00pm
Where: Kennealy's Irish Pub

To see more details and RSVP


Petraeus on Afghanistan
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:05:25 -0600
General David Petraeus, Commander of U.S. Central Command, predicts a long, hard year in Afghanistan.

JEC February Employment Report: Bad News Likely Due to Effect of Snow Storms Across the Northeast


On Friday, March 5, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release its February 2010 employment report, showing the net number of jobs created or lost during the month of February, as well as the unemployment rate. Currently, the consensus forecast is that 50,000 jobs were lost in February, although estimates range from 150,000 jobs lost to 30,000 jobs gained. Despite hiring for the 2010 Census, the pessimistic forecast is partly due to the severe weather experienced during the second week of February, when most employers were asked about employment for the month.

In January 1996, when the Northeast experienced a storm of similar magnitude, BLS initially reported, “Unusually severe weather in the eastern part of the country affected the number of payroll jobs in January and also caused a particularly large drop in the average workweek” and reported an employment decline of over 200,000 for the month. BLS followed the next month with a report that 705,000 jobs were gained in February 1996. These data were subsequently revised to show 19,000 jobs lost in January 1996 and 434,000 jobs gained in February 1996.

What leading economists have said about the effect of snow on Friday’s employment report:

Larry Summers in CNBC interview:
“The blizzards that affected much of the country during the last month are likely to distort the statistics and in past blizzards those statistics have been distorted by one hundred to two hundred thousand jobs. So it’s going to be very important to know- very important to look past whatever the next figures are to gauge the underlying trend.” – March 1, 2010

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in Senate Banking hearing:
“The harsh weather is unlikely to have any permanent effects on the economy, but it does seem likely that there will be some impact on the employment statistics… It’s very hard to know exactly how much but the snowstorms were during the week in which the information is gathered about payrolls. It may also affect unemployment insurance claims and some other kinds of information. So, we’ll have to be particularly careful about not over interpreting the data that we receive…” – February 25, 2010

Deutsche Bank's Chief Economist Joseph LaVorgna:
“In January 1996, 1.8 million people said they had a job but couldn't go because of the weather… If we translate that into payroll impact this time around, we can see an impact of equal or greater than [in] 1996, when payrolls fell by approximately 160,000… Growth will resume pretty strongly once we move past February.” – February 11, 2010

Barclays Capital Weekly Global Economics Report:
“While we see weather as having only modest effects on the quarterly profile, we think it will have a much more dramatic effect on the monthly data… We expect nonfarm payrolls to decline 75,000 in February, reflecting a drag of about 125,000 from poor weather conditions and a trend of 50,000 absent the weather.” – February 26, 2010

Floyd Norris, the Chief Financial Correspondent for The New York Times:
“A lot of people who had jobs may report they did not work during the week, and companies may say they had fewer people on the payroll than they would have cited a week earlier or later. If so, we may get a truly horrid job number.” – February 22, 2010

Harm Bandholz, Economist at UniCredit Research in New York:
“The two blizzards will perceptibly weigh on major economic data releases for the month of February… [However] it has to be kept in mind that the likely declines in retail sales, nonfarm payrolls and construction activity understate the true economic situation. Barring another series of blizzards in March, the series will most likely show a rebound in the upcoming month.” – February 11, 2010


Gates Asks Entire Department to Reinforce Trust
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:05:00 -0600

Media Advisory: Deputy Secretary Poneman to Participate in International Conference on Civil Nuclear Energy in Paris

Washington, D.C. – On Monday, March 8th and Tuesday, March 9th, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman will participate in the International Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear Energy in Paris, France. Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dr. Warren “Pete” Miller will also participate.

Deputy Secretary Poneman will address the plenary session and participate in the roundtable, “The responsible development of nuclear energy: What is an appropriate framework?” Assistant Secretary Miller will participate in the roundtable, “The medium and long-term outlook for nuclear power.”

Information on the conference can be found at: www.conferenceparis-nucleairecivil.org

Media interested in attending the conference must register by March 4, 2010 at 5:00pm Paris time. A press accreditation request form is available on-line at:

www.conferenceparis-nucleairecivil.org
Login: CONFERENCE_PARIS
Password: 8rE55al!

-DOE-

Majority Leader Hoyer: Disappointed by Republican Gameplay on Fiscal Commission undermining Americans

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today:

“I am extremely disappointed by the transparently political statement released by Republican Leader John Boehner today. I ask him again to take the work of the bipartisan fiscal commission seriously, and appoint thoughtful members who will work in a bipartisan way to set our country on sound fiscal footing. The two bipartisan legislative proposals from Sen. Conrad and Sen. Gregg and Rep. Cooper and former Rep. Wolf both had the same procedures in place, and called for a commission to issue their report after the election, to avoid partisan grandstanding. If scoring political points is the Republican Leader’s objective, then his proposal is consistent with that objective. Our objective ought to be creating consensus for essential but, admittedly, difficult decisions on how to return our nation to fiscal health. Republicans need to decide if they’re going to put politics ahead of what’s good for our country.”

###




US-CERT Current Activity

Microsoft Re-Releases Security Bulletin MS10-015

Original release date: March 3, 2010 at 10:02 am
Last revised: March 3, 2010 at 10:02 am

 

Microsoft has re-released the security update described in Microsoft
Security Bulletin MS10-015. This release contains an updated
installation package that does not allow the security update to be
installed on computers infected with malicious code. Microsoft has
also released a Fix-It Tool to determine if systems are compatible
with the update.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Microsoft
Knowledge Base Article 977165, Microsoft Knowledge Base Article
980966, and the MSRC Blog Post. Users who have already successfully
installed the update for MS10-015 do not need to take any action.

Relevant Url(s):
<http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2010/03/02/update-ms10-015-security-update-re-released-with-new-detection-logic.aspx>

<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/980966>

<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS10-015.mspx>

<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/977165>


Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS): An Update

Enforcement News for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Regional Overview of East Asia and the Pacific
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:57:52 -0600

Free Tax Preparation
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:22:00 -0600
Many members of the military may be eligible for free tax preparation.

Privacy Office Reports and Statements for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
Quarterly Report, September 1 to November 30, 2009 (PDF, 11 pages - 164 KB) - contains 1st quarter findings for 2010.

--------------------
Subject: A Message from Loretta Haldenwang

A message from Loretta Haldenwang:

Friends,

Thank you! It is an honor to be your nominee for State House District 105. I look forward to working with you, with Irving Democratic friends, and with individuals across our community as we enter the general election.

After a year of meeting with the hardworking families of Irving -- at town hall meetings, at community events, during our block walks and at Democratic clubs -- it is humbling to have received their clear support in this campaign.

Though the primary is now behind us, the real work of this campaign -- holding Linda Harper-Brown and the Republican establishment in Austin accountable for their failed leadership and misguided priorities -- begins today. Working together, we will bring true representation for the people of Irving to Austin, and refocus our Legislature on the issues that truly matter to Texas families.

Sincerely,

Loretta Haldenwang
Democratic Nominee for State Representative, District 105
--------------------


FDA Issues Final Guidance to Boost Development of Cell-based Viral Vaccines
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0600

Texas State College Democrats

--------------------
Subject: Tonight's meeting

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are meeting at 5:30pm in the LBJ Student Center 3-9.1.

We had a wonderful night for Democrats last night, but now it is time to reset and start working for the next nine months to make sure Democrats make gains in November!

We will be talking about last nights victories, student issues, bobcat build and so much more.

Also, we will be voting on Historian at this evening's meeting.

See you at 5:30pm in LBJ 3-9.1.

-Adrian


NEW GOV JOB VACANCIES, GRANT SOLICITATIONS and CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES are posted at www.usdemocrats.com/ticker/jobs/

Support the 2010 Caucus
"Make sure Ada County is fairly represented!"
What: Fundraiser
Start Time: Today, March 3 at 6:50pm
End Time: Wednesday, March 10 at 9:50pm
Where: Online Donation

To see more details and RSVP


U.S. Drawdown to Proceed
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:24:00 -0600

Passport Day in the USA
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:45:55 -0600

DoD Contracts for March 03, 2010
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:02:00 -0600

DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

DOD News Briefing with Geoff Morrell from the Pentagon
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:10:00 -0600

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

C-SPAN Highlights

Tonight:
* Pres. Obama Remarks on Revised Health Care Plan (11pm)
* Sen. McConnell (R-KY) Response to Pres. Obama's Health Plan (11:20pm)
* Rep. Rangel Announces Retirement from Chairmanship (11:35pm)

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

Tonight:
* Pres. Obama Remarks on Revised Health Care Plan (8pm)
* Senate Floor Debate on Health Care (8:20pm)
* NATO Monthly News Conference with Gen. Caldwell on Training Missions (9pm)

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

Tonight:
* Pres. Obama & Sen. McConnell on Health Care; Rep. Rangel Briefings (7pm)
* House GOP on Health Care; House Dems Briefing; Rep. Murtha Memorial (7:50pm)

Tomorrow:
* Congressional Oversight Panel Hearing on TARP Funds & Citigroup (10am) - LIVE
* House Approps Subcmte. Hearing on TSA FY2011 Budget (2pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Radio Highlights

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

Tomorrow:
* Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE

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

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

* Discussion on FY2011 Budget & Low-Income Americans
* Discussion on Oversight of Wall Street
* Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)
* Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT)
**********************************************************************


A final vote on health reform

Last Thursday's first-of-its-kind summit capped off a debate that has lasted nearly a year. Every idea has now been put on the table. Every argument has been made. Both parties agree that the status quo is unacceptable and gets more dire each day. Today, I want to state as clearly and forcefully as I know how: Now is the time to make a decision about the future of health care in America.

The final proposal I've put forward draws on the best ideas from all sides, including several put forward by Republicans at last week's summit. It will put Americans in charge of their own health care, ensuring that neither government nor insurance company bureaucrats can ration, deny, or put out of financial reach the care our families need and deserve.

I strongly believe that Congress now owes the American people a final vote on health care reform. Reform has already passed the House with bipartisan support and the Senate with a super-majority of sixty votes. Now it deserves the same kind of up-or-down vote that has been routinely used and has passed such landmark measures as welfare reform and both Bush tax cuts.

Earlier today, I asked leaders in both houses of Congress to finish their work and schedule a vote in the next few weeks. From now until then, I will do everything in my power to make the case for reform. And now, I'm asking you, the members of the Organizing for America community, to raise your voice and do the same.

The final march for reform has begun, and your participation is crucial. Please commit to join with me to take reform across the finish line.

Essentially, my proposal would change three things about the current health care system:

First, it would protect all Americans from the worst practices of insurance companies. Never again will the mother with breast cancer have her coverage revoked, see her premiums arbitrarily raised, or be forced to live in fear that a pre-existing condition will bar her from future coverage.

Second, my proposal would give individuals and small businesses the same choice of private health insurance that members of Congress get for themselves. And my proposal says that if you still can't afford the insurance in this new marketplace, we will offer you tax credits based on your income -- tax credits that add up to the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history.

Finally, my proposal would bring down the cost of health care for everyone -- families, businesses, and the federal government -- and bring down our deficit by as much as $1 trillion over the next two decades. These savings mean businesses small and large will finally be freed up to create jobs and increase wages. With costs currently skyrocketing, reform is vital to remaining economically strong in the years and decades to come.

In the few crucial weeks ahead, you can help make sure this proposal becomes law. Please sign up to join the Organizing for America campaign in the final march for reform:

http://my.barackobama.com/commit

When I talked about change on the campaign, this is what I was talking about: coming together to solve a huge problem that has been troubling America for 100 years and standing up to the special interests to deliver a brighter, smarter future for generations to come.

I look forward to signing this historic reform into law. And when I do, it will be because your organizing played an essential role in making change possible.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama


International Organizations: International Law and the United Nations
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:27:32 -0600

Momentum Shifts in Helmand, Pentagon Spokesman Says
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:21:00 -0600

National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of March 2, 2010
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:29:00 -0600

FDA Issues Final Guidance to Boost Development of Cell-based Viral Vaccines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued final guidance to help manufacturers who are developing safe and effective cell-based viral vaccines to address emerging and pandemic threats.

Morrell Briefing
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:03:54 -0600
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell speaks with reporters at the Pentagon.

The Big Tent Event! Democratic Primary Election Night Watch Party.

--------------------
Subject: Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who made it out to last night's Big Tent event! We appreciate your involvement in local Democratic activities.

All the best,

Capital Area Democratic Women


U.S.-India High Technology Cooperation Group Meeting (3/15/2010)

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing - March 3
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:00:45 -0600

2nd MEB Commander to Brief Live From Afghanistan
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:26:00 -0600

St Croix County Democrats March Membership Meeting
What: Club/Group Meeting
Start Time: Wednesday, March 10 at 7:00pm
End Time: Wednesday, March 10 at 8:30pm
Where: Hudson Municipal Building (located at 911 4th St)

To see more details and RSVP


Second U.S. Science Envoy Begins Travel to North Africa
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:38:31 -0600

Opening Statement by Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli, Co-chair of the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:22:04 -0600
I view today’s hearing as a listening session for the federal officials here. We are going to spend today listening to you and hearing what you think the federal government can and should be doing to work with the people of Puerto Rico.

Today in the Department of Defense, 3/4/2010
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:06:00 -0600

Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration To Speak About His Recent Trip
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:04:11 -0600

Broward Young Democrats.

--------------------
Subject: Discounted Tickets to Broward Democratic Unity Dinner

***Attention all members***

We have a few discounted tickets to the Broward Democratic Party
2010 Democratic Unity Dinner (Formerly the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner)

Ticket = $75 (normal price is $150)

This Saturday, March 6, 2010

Please e-mail treasurer@byd.org if you would like to join us that evening.

***Tickets are first come, first serve as they will sell out fast***

Marriott Coral Springs Hotel
Golf Club and Convention Center
11775 Heron Bay Boulevard
Coral Springs, Florida
Dinner, Awards, and Speeches 7:30 pm
Black Tie Optional

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


Hoyer Statement on President Obama's Call to Move Forward on Health Reform

WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after President Obama called on Democrats to move forward on health reform legislation that already incorporates both Republican and Democratic ideas:

“We are at a pivotal moment in the effort to pass health insurance reform that will make insurance more affordable for American families and businesses, and give patients – not insurance companies – greater control over their health care. The President has put forward a proposal that builds on the work we have done over the past year and pulls together the best ideas from the House and the Senate, Democrats and Republicans.

“He also made clear, however, that when it comes to protecting patients, our position is non-negotiable; Democrats strongly believe that reform must set some common sense rules to protect people from unfair insurance company practices.

“And so we will move forward with an up-or-down vote on improvements to legislation the Senate has already passed with a super-majority. We know what the cost of inaction is; for decades we have seen it take its toll on families, businesses and our country, and we simply can’t afford it. Now is the time to act.”

###


Highlights: International Law and the UN
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0600

Hoyer Statement on the 2010 Census

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) spoke at a Congressional Kick-Off Event for the 2010 Census. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Every ten years, as long as we have been a nation under the Constitution, the United States has taken a Census of everyone who lives here. The Founding Fathers ordered regular census-taking because they understood that, in order to govern ourselves fairly, we have to know how many people live here, and where.

“As you all know, Census numbers don’t just determine how many representatives get to speak for each state in Washington. They help determine how much federal money goes to support the roads we drive on, the schools our children learn in, the police and fire departments that protect our homes, and much more.

“That’s why the 2010 Census is so important: it’s about every community in America getting its fair share. Figuring out what makes up a fair share takes the hard work and dedication of Census employees. But, above all, it takes the participation of ordinary families.

“Participating in the Census is about sticking up for our fair share. And it’s about being a good neighbor. Because if some of us sit out, the result could be bigger class sizes for our sons and daughters, roads in our neighborhoods that can’t stand up to the traffic that drives on them, and too few police officers to handle crime. That’s why the Census is about community—because the harms of sitting it out stretch further than many of us might think.

“We want everyone in America to know: participating in the Census can’t hurt you in any way, not because of immigration status or any other reason. But sitting it out can and does hurt your neighbors.

“Thank you for all of your work to make the 2010 Census a success. All year, we will urge everyone in America to stand up and be counted. And just as importantly, we’ll be living by the principle that our Founders laid out, which is still true today: in this country, everyone counts.”

###


ADM Mullen Speech
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:19:14 -0600
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen speaks as part of the Landon Lecture series at Kansas State University.

Transplant Recipient Sees Potential for Wounded Warriors
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:01:00 -0600

A Petition to STOP Abuse !
"Your signing can save a child."
What: Protest
Start Time: Today, March 3 at 3:50pm
End Time: Saturday, July 3 at 6:50pm
Where: At your home from your computer, no travel.

To see more details and RSVP


Remarks With Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:20:58 -0600

HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR MARCH 3, 2010

Considered and Passed:

H.R. 4247 - Keeping All Students Safe Act (Rep. George Miller – Education and Labor) (262 – 153)

Amendments – Passed (2):
George Miller Manager’s Amendment
Flake Amendment

Bills Adopted Under Suspension of the Rules (9):

H.Res. 747 - Congratulating the United States Military Academy at West Point on being named by Forbes magazine as America's Best College for 2009 (Rep. Hall (NY) - Armed Services)
H.Res. 1096 - Encouraging individuals across the United States to participate in the 2010 Census to ensure an accurate and complete count beginning April 1, 2010, and expressing support for designation of March 2010 as Census Awareness Month (Rep. Reyes - Oversight and Government Reform)
H.Res. 1082 - Supporting the goals and ideals of the fourth annual America Saves Week (Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson - Financial Services)
H.R. 2554 - National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2009 (Rep. Scott (GA) - Financial Services)
H.Con.Res. 239 - Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (Rep. Davis (CA) - House Administration)
H.Con.Res. 236 - Permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust (Rep. Klein - House Administration)
S. 2968 - Making certain technical and conforming amendments to the Lanham Act (Sen. Leahy - Judiciary)
H.Res. 1127 - Expressing concern regarding the suicide plane attack on Internal Revenue Service employees in Austin, Texas (Rep. Doggett - Ways and Means)
H.Res. 1117 - Commending and congratulating the California State University system on the occasion of its 50th anniversary (Rep. Lofgren - Education and Labor)

Postponed Suspension Votes (4):

H.Res. 699 - Expressing the appreciation of Congress for the service and sacrifice of the members of the 139th Airlift Wing, Air National Guard (Rep. Graves - Armed Services)
H.Res. 1111 - Designating March 2, 2010, as "Read Across America Day" (Rep. Markey (CO) - Education and Labor)
H.Res. 362 - Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of the National School Lunch Program (Rep. Watson - Education and Labor)
H.Res. 1079 - Congratulating the National Football League Champion New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV and for bringing New Orleans its first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history (Rep. Cao - Oversight and Government Reform)




USBP in the News
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:13:10 -0600
For archived news releases, please visit CBP News Releases located under Newsroom.

Mullen Urges More 'Soft Power' in Afghanistan
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:00:00 -0600

Sebelius to Meet with Insurance Company Leaders, Discuss Health Insurance Premiums
Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:01:00 -0600
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will meet with the CEOs of UnitedHealth Group Inc., WellPoint Inc., Aetna Inc., Health Care Service Corporation and CIGNA HealthCare Inc. along with leaders from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners at the White House at 11:00 AM.

Highlights: Passport Day in the USA
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0600

Highlights: Syrian and Hamas Opposition to the Arab League Decision
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0600

FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2010
House Meets At… First Vote Predicted… Last Vote Predicted…

10:00 a.m.: Legislative Business 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

“One Minutes” (5 per side)

Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendments with an Amendment to H.R. 2847 - Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (Subject to a Rule)

Suspension (1 Bill)
H.Res. 1086 - Recognizing the importance and significance of the 2010 Census and encouraging each community within the Indian Country to name an elder to be the first member of that community to answer the 2010 Census (Rep. Baca – Oversight and Government Reform)

Postponed Suspension Votes (4 Bills):
H.Res. 699 - Expressing the appreciation of Congress for the service and sacrifice of the members of the 139th Airlift Wing, Air National Guard (Rep. Graves - Armed Services)
H.Res. 1111 - Designating March 2, 2010, as "Read Across America Day" (Rep. Markey (CO) - Education and Labor)
H.Res. 362 - Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of the National School Lunch Program (Rep. Watson - Education and Labor)
H.Res. 1079 - Congratulating the National Football League Champion New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV and for bringing New Orleans its first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history (Rep. Cao - Oversight and Government Reform)

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


CANADA newsbrief journal has been updated and posted




a new ticker page has started for Thursday March 04, 2010

Yesterday's ticker items are archived here


ticker timeline 00:45 Eastern Time March 04, 2010

new ticker page started 00:01 Eastern Time March 04, 2010

today's ticker page 1

for previous yesterday's ticker page click here


view previous page:::::page one
CNN Cable TV LIVE FEED
 www.usdemocrats.com
TO SEARCH PREVIOUS TICKER PAGES BY KEYWORD SEARCH CLICK HERE
Conference hotels and accommodations booking engine
CNN.com LIVE VIDEO FEED
AUSTRALIA TICKER
AL JAZEERA TICKER
ALSUMARIA IRAQ TICKER
ASSOCIATED PRESS TICKER
ASSOCIATED PRESS POLITICAL TICKER
ASSOCIATED PRESS U.S. TICKER
BBC UK TICKER
CANADA GENERAL TICKER
CANADA POLITICAL TICKER
CBC GLOBAL TICKER
CBO LATEST DOCUMENTS
CHINA TICKER
CNN POLITICAL TICKER
C-SPAN RECENT VIDEOS
FMS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
FRANCE TICKER
GAO REPORTS TICKER
GERMANY TICKER
JAPAN TICKER
JERUSALEM POST TICKER
KREMLIN RUSSIA ANNOUNCEMENTS
LOS ANGELES TIMES MIDDLE EAST TICKER
NY FEDERAL RESERVE LATEST RELEASES
POLITICO POLITICS TICKER
RECENT CBO COST ESTIMATES
REUTERS MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
REUTERS POLITICAL TICKER
REUTERS PRIVATE EQUITY TICKER
REUTERS TOP NEWS
RADIO FREE EUROPE TICKER
RIA NOVOSTI
SAUDI ARABIA TICKER
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION TICKER
THE JAPAN TIMES TICKER
UNITED NATIONS TICKER
UNITED STATES WHITE HOUSE
USDA ECONOMIC RESEARCH TICKER
VENEZUELA TICKER
WASHINGTON POST POLITICAL TICKER
politicalwire.com
CNN Political Ticker
weblog index video and web media resource Library public officials gallery twitter.com/usdemocrats live chat home page rss xml
copyright (c) 2010 usdemocrats.com