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March 10, 2009 for yesterday's ticker entries click here
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Tuesday
March 10, 2009
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CNN
Cable TV LIVE FEED |
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www.usdemocrats.com |
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politicalwire.com |
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CNN
Political Ticker |
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Presidential
Nominations Sent to the Senate |
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Fact
Sheet: Expanding the Promise of Education in America “In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity, it is a pre-requisite. That is why it will be the goal of this Administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education – from the day they are born to the day they begin a career.” |
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Briefing
by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 3/10/09 |
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Ethics
Update Norm Eisen, special counsel to the president for ethics and government reform, gives an update on the President’s Executive Order on Ethics. |
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Van
Jones to CEQ Van Jones, an early green jobs visionary, joins the team at CEQ to help oversee the creation of green jobs where they are needed most. |
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The
Vice President on Afghanistan at NATO Vice President Biden discusses his views on America's alliances and the new strategy being developed for Afghanistan. |
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Taking
on Education The President explains the urgency of changing the way we educate our children, and offers four pillars of reform. |
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Vote
Scheduled on Kirk Nomination According to CQ's Cabinet Tracker, Kirk
is one of three nominees not yet confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
The others are Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to be secretary
of Health and Human Services and former Washington Gov. Gary
Locke to be Commerce secretary. |
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Sebelius
Nomination on Track When asked if Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
(D) is on track to be confirmed as Health and Human Services
secretary, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), the ranking Republican
on the Senate Finance Committee, said, "If she doesn't have
tax problems, it'll go pretty fast." |
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Biden warns Afghanistan deteriorating from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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NATO plots Afghan-Pakistan strategy from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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Biden
weary of Afghan situation from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com Brussels: US Vice-President Joe Biden urged Nato members to jointly confront Al Qaida and other extremist groups in Afghanistan where he said instability threatens all of the alliance's members equall... |
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Chinese, Russia FMs agree to further strategic cooperative partnership from China |
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CANADA: McKenna encouraging aid for Haiti from Jamaica News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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Taiwan, Dominican Republic to talk Free Trade from Jamaica News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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Franken Meets With Senate Dems, Gets Standing Ovation from Google Alerts - senate by The Huffington
Post News Team |
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Obama, UN chief to discuss concerns at White House from AP Top Political News At 5:39 a.m.
EST by By JOHN HEILPRIN |
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Philippines to hold tripartite meeting from Philippines News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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Philippines poll automation to frustrate cheats from Philippines News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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How much oil and gas are actually in the Bakken Formation? from USGS Frequently Asked Questions by
ask@usgs.gov (Ask USGS) |
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What are the realistic chances to retrieve oil and gas from the Bakken Formation? from USGS Frequently Asked Questions by
ask@usgs.gov (Ask USGS) |
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What companies are drilling in the Bakken Formation? from USGS Frequently Asked Questions by
ask@usgs.gov (Ask USGS) |
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Dubai healthcare set for major growth from UAE News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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Biden Asks NATO Allies for More Support in Afghanistan from washingtonpost.com - Intelligence
by Edward Cody |
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Cubans applaud US bill easing trade, travel by Reuters - USA |
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Egypt: Palestinian Reconciliation Talks Begin from NYT > World by By TAGHREED EL-KHODARY |
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ticker timeline 22:59 Eastern Time Tuesday March 10, 2009 adsense |
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Iran: Ex-Premier Announces Candidacy from NYT > World by By NAZILA FATHI |
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Bill Clinton offers Haiti encouraging words from Haiti News latest RSS headlines -
Big News Network.com |
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Iranian Supreme leader receives Pak president from Iran News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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Al Baradei says Arabs hold key to Iran from Iran News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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UN committee accuses Iran of violating arms embargo from Iran News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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from Iran News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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Interpol reviews Iran request for Israeli arrests from Iran News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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Whistleblower speaks out on KBR electrocutions by Raw Story - Cambridge,MA,USA |
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Iraqi president arrives in Iran for regional summit from Iraq News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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Britain to start Iraq troop withdrawals in April from Iraq News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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Iraq is stable enough for U.S. troops to leave from Iraq News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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Saudi King Abdullah to meet with Syrian, Egyptian leaders from Saudi Arabia News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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VACANCY: Operations Research Analyst - GS-1515-09 EIA from EIA: Jobs |
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US Embassy in Sudan warns Americans to leave from AP Top International News At 5:48
a... by By SARAH EL DEEB |
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Iran accused of violating UN sanctions from AP Top International News At 5:48
a... by By EDITH M. LEDERER |
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Obama calls violence in Darfur 'not acceptable' from AP Top Political News At 5:39 a.m.
EST by By JOHN HEILPRIN |
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U.S. ambassador: Iran nuke program 'troubling' from CNN.com - World |
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Congress approves massive $410B spending bill from AP Top Headlines At 4:24 a.m. EST
by By ANDREW TAYLOR |
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Officials: Iran does not have key nuclear material from AP Top Headlines At 4:24 a.m. EST
by By PAMELA HESS |
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Standard Chartered predicts UAE GDP growth of 0.5% this year from UAE News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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UAE: Private equity firms urged to be cautious from UAE News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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UAE: Merger to create new mega-bank from UAE News latest RSS headlines - Big
News Network.com |
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USBP
in the News |
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Federal Emergency Management Agency
Cooperating Technical Partners 2008 Year-in-Review A full list of current CTPs is located at http://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/scripts/ctp_list.asp. Two major CTP training events occurred in FY08, the E241 CTP Special Topics training and the debut of CTP 101 training which was offered this year using MS Live Meeting. This technology allowed students to use their phones and internet connections to participate in the training from across the nation without having to invest in travel costs and time away from the office. Forty-eight States, local and FEMA representatives participated remotely in this newly developed CTP 101 training. The CTP Mapping Activity Statement (MAS) template underwent major updates. The MAS defines the roles and responsibilities of all Partners involved in a study/mapping project. The most notable update to the FY08 revision was aligning the MAS with the MIP workflow. The most recent version of the MAS can be found on FEMA’s web site at http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2190. The November 2008 ListServ article detailed the results of FEMA’s Key Performance Indicators (KPI) over the last several years. KPIs 3 and 4 were developed to measure the percentage of leverage contributions toward digital flood data and the percentage of funds sent to CTPs, respectively. Both targets were exceeded in 2008. In addition, a step-by-step leverage guide for MIP users was developed in 2008 and posted on MIP User Care https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/wps/portal >MIP User Care> Guides and Documentation. This guidance document describes how to properly enter information into the MIP Leverage Screens and provides guidelines for those responsible for reporting leverage. Supplemental material was also created and distributed to the Regional Management Centers and other MIP Ad Hoc Reporting System (MARS) users that describe how to generate a leverage report using MARS. FEMA would like to thank all of our partners
for their hard work and invaluable contributions to making 2008
another successful year. |
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AFFTC Technical Library Excess List #09-36 Excess List #09-36 Documents GAO/AIMD-96-28 – Embedded Computers B-1B Computers Must Be Upgraded to Support Conventional Requirements, Feb 1996 GAO/AIMD-96-29 – Weather Forecasting NWS Has Not Demonstrated that New Processing System Will Improve Mission Effectiveness, Feb 1996 GAO/AIMD-96-33 – Telecommunications Network NASA Could Better Manage its Planned Consolidation, Apr 1996 GAO/AIMD-97-2 – Air Traffic Control Good Progress on Interim Replacement for Outage-Plagued System, but Risks Can be Further Reduced, Oct 1996 GAO/AIMD-97-9 – Defense Communications Performance Measures Needed to Ensure DISN Program Success, Nov 1996 GAO/AIMD-97-30 – Air Traffic Control Complete & Enforced Architecture Needed for FAA Systems Modernization, Feb 1997 GAO/AIMD-97-39 – Defense IRM Investments at Risk for DOD Computer Centers, Apr 1997 GAO/AIMD-97-41 – Defense Financial Management Immature Software Development Processes at Indianapolis Increase Risk, Jun 1997 GAO/AIMD-97-59 – Financial Management Improved Reporting Needed for DOD Problem Disbursements, May 1997 GAO/AIMD-97-71 – Financial Management the Prompt Payment Act & DOD Problem disbursements, May 1997 GAO/AIMD-97-79 – Veterans Benefits Computer Systems Risks of VBA’s Year 2000 Efforts, May 1997 GAO/AIMD-97-94 – Small Business Administration Better Planning & Controls Needed for Information Systems, Jun 1997 GAO/AIMD-97-97 – Financial Management Profile of DOD Comptroller/CFO Financial Managers, Jun 1997 GAO/AIMD-97-146 – Managing for Results Using the Results Act to Address Mission Fragmentation & Program Overlap, Aug 1997 GAO/AIMD-97-163 – Executive Guide Measuring Performance & Demonstrating Results of Information Technology Investments, Sep 1997 GAO/AIMD-98-5 – Defense IRM Poor Implementation of Management Controls Has Put Migration Strategy at Risk, Oct 1997 GAO/AIMD-98-16 – Financial Reporting DOD’s Fiscal Year 1996 Financial Statements Inventory Reporting Does Not Meet Standards, Dec 1997 (2 copies) GAO/AIMD-98-21 – Executive Guide Information Security Management Learning From Leading Organizations, Nov 1997 GAO/AIMD-98-21.2.9 – Managerial Cost Accounting System Checklist Systems Reviewed Under the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996, Jul 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-25 – Financial Management Issues to Be Considered by DOD in Developing Guidance for Disclosing Deferred Maintenance on Aircraft, Dec 1997 (2 copies) GAO/AIMD-98-32 – Financial Management DOD’s Liability for the Disposal of Conventional Ammunition Can Be Estimated, Dec 1997 (2 copies) GAO/AIMD-98-40 – Financial Management Seven DOD Initiatives That Affect the Contract Payment Process, Jan 1998 Carol Lahoski AFFTC Technical Library 812 TSS/ENTL 306 E. Popson Ave, Bldg 1400, Rm 110 Edwards AFB, CA 93524-3360 661 277-3606 Email: carol.lahoski@edwards.af.mil |
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AFFTC Technical Library Excess List #09-35 Excess List #09-35 Documents GAO-01-213SP - Month in Review: Oct 2000 GAO-01-276SP – Month in Review: Nov 2000 GAO-01-319SP – Month in Review: Dec 2000 GAO-01-403SP – Month in Review: Jan 2001 GAO-01-504SP – Month in Review: Feb 2001 GAO-01-613SP – Month in Review: Mar 2001 GAO-01-830SP – Month in Review: May 2001 GAO-01-954SP – Month in Review: Jun 2001 (2 copies) GAO-01-1057SP – Month in Review: Jul 2001 GAO-01-1130SP – Month in Review: Aug 2001 GAO-02-169SP – Month in Review: Sep 2001 GAO-02-250SP – Month in Review: Oct 2001 GAO-02-286SP – Month in Review: Nov 2001 GAO-02-364SP – Month in Review: Dec 2001 GAO-02-436SP – Month in Review: Jan 2002 GAO-02-516SP – Month in Review: Feb 2002 GAO-02-718SP – Month in Review: Apr 2002 GAO-02-921SP – Month in Review: Jun 2002 GAO-02-1010SP – Month in Review: Jul 2002 GAO-02-1091SP – Month in Review: Aug 2002 GAO-02-6121SP – Month in Review: Mar 2002 GAO-03-320SP – Month in Review: Sep 2002 GAO/A-GAGAS-1 – Government Auditing Standards Amendment No. 1, May 1999 GAO/AFMD-91-13 –Financial Audit First Audit of the Library of Congress, Aug 1991 GAO/AIMD-10.1.14 – Year 2000 Computing Crisis: an Assessment Guide, Feb 1997 GAO/AIMD-10.1.15 – Business Process Reengineering Assessment Guide, Apr 1997 (Version 3) (2 copies) GAO/AIMD-10.1.19 – Year 2000 Computing Crisis: Business Continuity & Contingency Planning, Mar 1998 GAO/AIMD-10.1.21 – Year 2000 Computing Crisis: a Testing Guide, Nov 1998 (2 copies) GAO/AIMD-95-132 – Weather Forecasting Radar Availability Requirement Not Being Met, May 1995 GAO/AIMD-96-4 – Financial Management Implementation of the Cash Management Improvement Act, Jan 1996 GAO/AIMD-96-7 – CFO Act Financial Audits Increased Attention Must be Given to Preparing Navy’s Financial Reports, Mar 1996 GAO/AIMD-96-14 – Deficit Reduction Better Targeting Can Reduce Spending & Improve Programs & Services, Jan 1996 Carol Lahoski AFFTC Technical Library 812 TSS/ENTL 306 E. Popson Ave, Bldg 1400, Rm 110 Edwards AFB, CA 93524-3360 661 277-3606 Email: carol.lahoski@edwards.af.mil |
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EPA settles with Anderson Development
on hazardous waste violations CONTACT: Karen Thompson, 312-353-8547,
thompson.karen@epa.gov
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Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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The
USS Wally Schirra Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500 A new Navy supply ship, dedicated to Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronaut Wally Schirra, was launched into San Diego Bay on Sunday, March 8, 2009. The... |
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DOI Library Training Session - "Advanced Legal Research on LexisNexis" - Wednesday, March 18th, 10:00 am Hi Everyone - I just wanted to send an e-mail to invite
you and your staffs to the This training program builds on techniques
presented in earlier All that are interested are invited. The
DOI Library is located in the We hope to see you here on March 18th! George Franchois |
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Inspector General Reports and Resources for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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AFFTC Technical Library Excess #09-37 Excess List #09-37 Documents GAO/AIMD-98-45 – FAA Computer Systems Limited Progress on Year 2000 Issue Increases Risk Dramatically, Jan 1998 GAO/AIMd-98-48 – Year 2000 Computing Crisis Actions Needed to Address Credit Union Systems’ Year 2000 Problem, Jan 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-53 – Defense Computers Army Needs to Greatly Strengthen Its Year 2000 Program, May 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-57 – Budget Issues budget Enforcement Compliance Report, Jan 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-58 – Financial Management Profile of Army Financial Managers, Feb 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-67 – Budget Function Classifications Origins, Trends, & Implications for Current Uses, Feb 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-68 – Executive Guide Information Security Management Learning From Leading Organizations, May 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-89 – Executive Guide Measuring Performance & Demonstrating Results of Information Technology Investments, Mar 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-92 – Information Security Serious Weaknesses Place Critical Federal Operations & Asses at Risk, Sep 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-138R – FAA/s Host Computer System, May 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-145 – Computer Security Pervasive, Serious Weaknesses Jeopardize State Department Operations, May 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-155 – Air Traffic Control Weak Computer Security Practices Jeopardize Flight Safety, May 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-175 – Information Systems VA Computer Control Weaknesses Increase Risk of Fraud, Misuse, & Improper Disclosure, Sep 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-182 – DOD Information Services Improved Pricing & Financial Management Practices Needed for Business Area, Sep 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-185 – Year-End Spending Reforms Underway But Better Reporting & Oversight Needed, Jul 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-202 – Defense Networks Management Information Shortfalls Hinder Defense Efforts to Meet DISN Goals, Jul 1998 GAO/AIMD-98-213R – PAYGO Offsets, Jul 1998 GAO/AIMD-99-11 – Foreign Military Sales Millions of dollars of Nonrecurring Research & Development Costs Have Not Been Recovered, Oct 1998 GAO/AIMD-99-20 – Defense IRM alternatives Should Be Considered in Developing the New Civilian Personnel System, Jan 1999 GAO/AIMD-99-21.2.2 – Core Financial System Requirements Checklist Systems Reviewed Under the Federal financial Management Improvement Act of 1996, Aug 1999 GAO/AIMD-99-32 – Executive Guide Leading Practices in Capital Decision-Making, Dec 1998 GAO/AIMD-99-44 – Financial Management Analysis of DOD’s first Biennial Financial Management Improvement Plan, Jan 1999 GAO/AIMD-99-45 – Executive Guide Creating Value Through World-Class Financial Management, Aug 1999 Carol Lahoski AFFTC Technical Library 812 TSS/ENTL 306 E. Popson Ave, Bldg 1400, Rm 110 Edwards AFB, CA 93524-3360 661 277-3606 Email: carol.lahoski@edwards.af.mil |
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CDRH web pages on March 9, 2009 Previous CDRH New Items can be found on
the CDRHNew Page. Class I Medical Device Recall: Covidien Inc., Shiley 3.0PED Cuffless Pediatric Tracheostomy Tube Consumer Information on: LifeStent FlexStar and FlexStar XL Vascular Stent - P070014 Summary Information for: LifeStent FlexStar and FlexStar XL Vascular Stent System |
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HHS.gov Spotlight Update: Executive Order
on Stem Cell Research On March 9, President Obama signed an Executive Order removing barriers to responsible scientific research involving human stem cells and a Presidential memo on scientific integrity. Research involving human embryonic stem cells and human non-embryonic stem cells has the potential to lead to better understanding and treatment of many disabling diseases and conditions. Executive Order President Obama's Remarks White House Blog |
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Leadership for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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National Fire Academy Course Vacancies for U.S. Fire Administration This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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HUD
Multifamily Property Sales Invitation for Bid: Findlay Plaza
Apts., Bronx, NY 10456 |
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Financial
Data for Futures Commission Merchants from CFTC.gov Selected FCM financial data as of January 31, 2009 (from reports filed by February 28, 2009) is now available. |
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Pittsburgh Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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New Orleans Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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This page has recently been updated with
a link to the following report: |
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Special Reports from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General This page has recently been updated with
a link to the following report: |
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Freedom
Watch Afghanistan Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:36:02 -0500 The latest from Operation Enduring Freedom showing the activities of American troops in country. Produced by AFN-Afghanistan. |
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USBP
in the News Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:19:43 -0500 For archived news releases, please visit CBP News Releases located under Newsroom. |
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CBP
Officers Note Trend in Smuggling: Young Men as Body Carriers Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:19:43 -0500 San Diego - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at San Diego area ports of entry have noticed a disturbing new trend in the past several months involving an upswing in the use of boys and young adult males to smuggle narcotics taped to their bodies as they enter the U. (more) |
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This page has recently been updated with
a link to the following report: |
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Training from the National Institute of Justice for Office of Justice Programs This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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VACANCY:
D92076 (Public - U.S. Citizens) Librarian, YA-1410-02 DTIC.MIL DTIC offers competitive salaries, flexible
work schedules, family Want more information about DTIC? Go to: Thank You! |
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FECFile Electronic Filing Software for Federal Election Commission An updated version of the software is now
available. |
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Rulings and/or Money Services Businesses (MSBs) for FinCEN Updates This information has recently been updated,
and is now
available. |
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The latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover
Survey news release There were 3.0 million job openings in
the U.S. on the last |
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DOT 27-09 U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Signs $900 Million Agreement to Fund Wiehle Avenue Extension of Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project WASHINGTON—U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today committed $900 million in U.S. Department of Transportation funds through 2016 to the $3.1 billion Wiehle Avenue Extension of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. Participating in the full funding grant agreement ceremony at Transportation headquarters were Secretary LaHood, Governor Tim Kaine, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Chairman H.R. Crawford, members of the Virginia congressional delegation and other MWAA officials. “This project comes at a pivotal point as the Obama Administration begins to make vast improvements to our nation’s top transit systems,” Secretary LaHood said. “It will create construction jobs, encourage economic development opportunities, and help Tysons Corner become a more livable community.” “On behalf of the Airports Authority
board of directors, I want to thank all of our partners who have
worked so hard to make this project happen,” Crawford said.
“This is one of the most important transportation projects
to be developed in this region and will finally extend Metrorail
along the Dulles Corridor and help relieve traffic congestion
in Northern Virginia.” When complete, this project will consist of five new stations, improvements to an existing rail yard, 64 new rail cars, and 2,300 parking spaces at the Wiehle Ave. station. The Metrorail project would expand capacity to and from Reston and the Tysons Corner regional activity centers, and provide a direct rail link for commuters from northwest Fairfax and Loudoun Counties to employment opportunities in Tysons Corner, the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, and downtown Washington. The extension is projected to serve 85,700 daily riders by 2030, including an estimated 10,000 new daily transit riders. -END- |
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Baltimore Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Chicago Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Salt Lake City Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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EPA Proposes First National Reporting
System on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Contact: Cathy Milbourn, 202-564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov (Washington, D.C. – March 10, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States. “Our efforts to confront climate change must be guided by the best possible information,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Through this new reporting, we will have comprehensive and accurate data about the production of greenhouse gases. This is a critical step toward helping us better protect our health and environment – all without placing an onerous burden on our nation’s small businesses.” In developing the reporting requirements, EPA considered the substantial amount of work already completed and underway in many states, regions and voluntary programs. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, are produced by the burning of fossil fuels and through industrial and biological processes. Approximately 13,000 facilities, accounting for about 85 percent to 90 percent of greenhouse gases emitted in the United States, would be covered under the proposal. The new reporting requirements would apply to suppliers of fossil fuel and industrial chemicals, manufacturers of motor vehicles and engines, as well as large direct emitters of greenhouse gases with emissions equal to or greater than a threshold of 25,000 metric tons per year. This threshold is roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from just over 4,500 passenger vehicles. The vast majority of small businesses would not be required to report their emissions because their emissions fall well below the threshold. The direct emission sources covered under the reporting requirement would include energy intensive sectors such as cement production, iron and steel production, and electricity generation, among others. The first annual report would be submitted to EPA in 2011 for the calendar year 2010, except for vehicle and engine manufacturers, which would begin reporting for model year 2011. EPA estimates that the expected cost to comply with the reporting requirements to the private sector would be $160 million for the first year. In subsequent years, the annualized costs for the private sector would be $127 million. EPA is developing this rule under the authority of the Clean Air Act. The proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Two public hearings will be held during the comment period. More information on the proposed rule: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html R049 |
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Issue Number: TT-2009-47 Additional Standard Deduction for Real
Estate Taxes |
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CDC's ACIP-VFC: Vaccine Resolutions The Vaccine Resolution for Pneumococcal
has recently been updated, and is now available. |
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Milwaukee Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Atlanta Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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President Obama has launched the White House Internship Program Applications are
currently being accepted for the summer of 2009. Those selected
to participate in the program will gain valuable job experience
and an inside look at the life of White House staff while building
leadership skills. The 2009 Summer Internship program runs from
May 22 - August 14, and the submission deadline is March 22,
2009. |
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Los Angeles Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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San Antonio Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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FIRE PROTECTION FOR BULK TRANSFER FACILITIES
Your Coffee Break can be downloaded from http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/coffee-break/cb_fp_2009_10.pdf Always refer to nationally recognized design
and installation standards, the product manufacturer or listing
details for specific information. |
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Military Medical Digest for Military Health System This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Philadelphia Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Portland Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Indianapolis Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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NRC NEWS Prepared Remarks of NRC Chairman Dale E. Klein Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200 Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 E-mail: opa@nrc.gov Site: http://www.nrc.gov 21st Annual Regulatory Information Conference March 10, 2009 Welcome, to this 21st Regulatory Information Conference. There are a few thousand people here, so as you can imagine, this is the biggest event we sponsor every year. I want to begin, therefore, by thanking all the staff for their enormous hard work in putting this together. The NRC has been hosting the RIC for 21 years, and each year it seems to get bigger, which means of course, that it is a bit more challenging to plan and organize. But the staff always seems to rise to the occasion and make sure everything goes smoothly. Speaking of the NRC staff, many of you know that the agency has undergone significant changes in our senior leadership in the past year. Luis Reyes, our former EDO, is now Regional Administrator in Atlanta. And Bill Borchardt moved up from the Office of New Reactors to become the new EDO. Several other senior positions also changed. But despite those changes, there has been very good continuity, because the agency has benefitted from an excellent depth of talent. There will be more management changes in 2009. Despite being selected as the Best Place to Work in the federal government, people still want to retire. Yesterday, Karen Cyr, our General Counsel, who many of you have worked with, indicated she plans to retire this year after 31 years at the NRC. She is the longest-serving General Counsel in NRC history, and we will all miss her. These kinds of changes are always hard,
but we have a very good talent pool to draw from and which we
worked hard to develop. I hope all of you in industry are doing
the same thing. Because whatever happens with applications for
new plants, there will continue to be a need for sound leadership
that is committed to our shared objective of ensuring the safe
and secure operation of the existing fleet. On the subject of new builds, you may remember that in 2007 and 2008 many of my speeches were about toning down expectations. Our concern was about how many license applications we would be receiving, and having adequate staff to review them. The concerns I repeatedly mentioned then were that the enthusiasm for new builds could eclipse the need to ensure high quality parts and components, and make adequate plans for workforce development. Today, of course, the picture looks a little different. Quality assurance and workforce development are still long-term concerns, but it seems like the global economy has resolved the issue of what I referred to as an “excessive exuberance” to be in line for the first new reactor builds. I would say, however, that being forced to take a breath is not necessarily a bad thing. It gives everyone a chance to refocus on first priorities, re-evaluate their long-term expectations, and to ensure that we have a firm foundation for the future. A major part of that foundation is a focus on safety and sharing knowledge—which are the themes of this year’s conference. Let me touch on a few areas where I think we need to be proactive, rather than passive. Safety Culture The first is safety culture. Let me be clear in saying that the safety record of the nuclear power industry in the U.S. is on the whole very impressive. And despite some problems, there have been measurable, industry-wide improvements in safety. In part, this is because industry has been very proactive in creating and supporting the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), which emphasizes the importance of safety culture to its members through their plant evaluations and other programs. You may remember that Admiral Ellis was here last year and spoke from this podium. He also accompanied me to present the U.S. Report at the Convention on Nuclear Safety. I think the complementary roles that INPO and the NRC play is one of the great strengths of nuclear safety in the U.S. And I have often encouraged other nations to implement similar institutions and practices. But let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that everything is fine. We have continued to see incidents over the last few years that indicate that safety culture was not a priority throughout all the staff, at all the plants. In fact, even an excellent plant can have problems because—paradoxically—excellence can have its own risks. An excellent record can sometimes invite complacency, and make it hard to manage expectations. At the NRC we are proud that in 2008 we did even better on the survey that is used to determine the Best Place to Work in the federal government. This is an honor, but also a challenge. It took a lot of hard work to get to where we are, and a lot of our newer employees, especially, may not appreciate how hard it was, and have the expectation that every issue can be easily resolved, and every problem can easily be fixed. One way to combat complacency is to have a clear plan for promoting safety culture. The NRC recognizes that implementing the day-to-day details of safety culture is the responsibility of the licensees. Nevertheless, the agency is taking a more active role. The staff is working at the Commission’s direction to develop a safety culture policy statement that better articulates our safety culture expectations for all licensees and certificate holders, and addresses the unique aspects of security. Let me emphasize, as I did at our first public workshop on this subject, that we are not doing this to point fingers. The NRC is devoted to improving its own internal safety culture as well, and we are expecting a Task Force Report to be given to the Commission on April 28. In addition, the Office of the Inspector General is currently undertaking its fourth safety culture survey of the NRC. Overall, I think while both the NRC and industry have a strong foundation, there is room for improvement. And there are still things I see here and there that resemble complacency. One way to help avoid complacency is through communication and sharing knowledge. The U.S. pioneered the splitting of the atom for energy, and for a long time neither the industry nor regulators had to look abroad for technology, expertise, or components. There was a sense of “We know what we are doing, we don’t need to look abroad.” The nuclear resurgence was a wake-up call that nuclear energy could no longer be seen as a strictly home-grown industry. In some respects, the world had been moving on without the U.S. In fact, as many of you know, the first concrete for an AP1000 plant will be poured in China in a few weeks. So it became clear to us at the NRC that if we wanted to improve our regulatory practices in this environment, we had turn to others in the international arena and we also felt that there were some useful things we could offer them. International communication and cooperation. In fact, I consider expanding the NRC’s international programs and outreach to be one of the things I am most proud of as Chairman. When I joined the NRC, there was already the beginning of a trend toward more international cooperation. I don’t take the credit for it, but I did push hard to support this trend, accelerate it, fund it, and engage personally in more international dialogue. I think it is fair to say that, today, the NRC is internationally proactive in a way it never was before. We have the attitude that we can learn from other nations, and share what we have learned, in a way we never had before. This is especially important now, when we see so many nations expressing an interest in either expanding their nuclear power capacity, or building nuclear power plants for the first time. If these plans move forward, the picture for nuclear energy in ten or twenty years will look very different. One area where the whole world will benefit from greater international cooperation has nothing to do with power plants, however. I am referring to medical isotopes. Medical Isotopes As many of you are aware, the global production capacity of radioactive isotopes used in nuclear medicine is a very serious concern. Two of the reactors that have been significant suppliers of medical isotopes—the Chalk River plant in Canada, and the High Flux Reactor in Netherlands—have both faced challenges recently that raise long-term concerns about meeting the future global supply. And while there have been some expressions of interest in creating new production facilities, these plans are still tentative, and would—in any event—take time to construct and come online, if approved. Clearly, a coordinated international focus on this problem would be extremely helpful. In fact, I hope that this conference will provide a forum for ideas, partnerships, and information-sharing to address this challenge, which is so important to the health and happiness of millions of people around the world. I always point out that as a regulator I am not an advocate for nuclear activities. But that does not mean I cannot recognize or emphasize the value of nuclear medicine. Within our own NRC family, my friend and colleague—the late NRC Commissioner Ed McGaffigan, who died in September 2007—was able to extend his life by many precious months thanks to the Gamma Knife technology that was available to treat his cancer. McGaffigan Award In memory of Ed’s long and exemplary service to the cause of nuclear safety, and the deep, positive influence he had on the agency, the Commission last year created the Edward McGaffigan Jr. Award. The award seeks to honor an NRC employee whose career is marked by an extraordinary commitment to public service and exemplifies the integrity, professional dedication, and moral character that Commissioner McGaffigan exhibited. One purpose of this award is to reward the quality that unites everyone in this room: a commitment to excellence. That, after all, is the business we are all in: technical excellence, excellence in quality assurance, and excellence in setting and maintaining high standards of safety and security. That is certainly a quality that Ed encouraged here at the NRC; and it is a quality he personally cultivated and embodied as well. The first recipient of the award will be honored at the agency employee awards ceremony in April. But I would like to take this occasion to acknowledge him today. William J. Raymond has been with the NRC since 1975, and is currently the Senior Resident Inspector at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station in New Hampshire. We were hoping he could be here so that I could ask him to stand up and let us give him a round of applause. Unfortunately, he could not be with us personally. But technology is a wonderful thing. This conference is being broadcast live over the Internet. So if you are watching Bill—and I hope you are—please stand up wherever you are. And let’s all give him round of applause. Ladies and gentlemen. Bill Raymond, and all of us at the NRC, are devoted to building “A Safer Tomorrow.” We are doing that by cultivating excellence, and by committing ourselves to better cooperation and better communication—within the NRC, within the United States, and around the world. I hope all of you here today will benefit from the many workshops, poster sessions, seminars, and other opportunities available over the next few days. Please enjoy the rest of the conference. Thank you. ### |
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Kepler:
Searching for Other Earths Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0600 This webcast takes you behind the scenes to learn more about Kepler's exciting mission to discover other Earth-like planets in our galaxy. |
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Kansas City Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Delta
II Ready to Launch NOAA-N Prime Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:00:00 -0600 New polar-orbiting satellite will help with weather forecasting worldwide. |
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Charlotte Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Tampa Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Selected New Postings on U.S. Department of Justice Web sites This page has recently been updated with the following new items:
FBI Seeking Victims in the Stanford Financial Group
Case (3/09/09) UST BAPCPA Updated Uniform Final Reports (3/09/09) National Drug Code Dictionary
(3/09/09) FBI History: The Year of the Gangster Part I -
Dillinger Crosses a Line (3/06/09) |
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USAF Manpower, Personnel and Services News New records viewing system improves access to unit records Mar. 10, 2009 By Maj. Beth Kelley Horine “PRDA greatly enhances leadership’s ability to accomplish personnel actions on their Airmen by reducing the time spent tracking down records, reports and career data—ultimately giving our supervisors and commanders time back to do their primary job,” said Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, AFPC commander. One of AFPC’s Virtual Personnel Services Center new initiatives, PRDA provides a role-based function to allow commanders, supervisors, first sergeants and other approved positions access to view enlisted and officer personnel records in ARMS for the performance of their official duties. Currently, ARMS only allows electronic record viewing by the individual service member and a small number of military personnel experts. “PRDA will provide much wider access to personnel records, based on approved roles in the member’s chain-of-command,” said Christine Stingley, a senior specialist in AFPC’s Personnel Services directorate. “In some cases, the access and/or jurisdiction to view records will have to be manually assigned by base PRDA administrators, while in other cases, the access is given automatically to certain positions based on data in the Military Personnel Data System,” Ms. Stingley added. Automatically, PRDA gives access to the member, the member’s rater, senior rater, command chief master sergeant, wing commander, group commander, squadron commander and first sergeant. Base PRDA administrators can also manually load access for other approved leadership positions, like unit PRDA administrators, human resource specialists, investigators, legal personnel, superintendents, acting first sergeants and for division, branch and section chiefs. “Global, base and unit administrators of the program are being trained to scrutinize and actively control access to only those people in a member’s leadership chain who have an official need to view the record,” Ms. Stingley said. “Protection of personally identifiable information is an ingrained feature of PRDA and the training of PRDA role based administrators,” she added. “If all goes well, PRDA will eventually become the primary records viewing system for military personnel records in the Air Force. ARMS will continue to be used by deployment locations” Ms. Stingley added. For more information on PRDA, contact your
base Military Personnel Section’s Customer Support Section,
or visit the Personnel Services Delivery homepage and handbook
by searching for “PSD Handbook” in the Ask AFPC Web
site. |
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Federal Election Commission Resources for Committee Treasurers Update A new tip for treasurers has been posted
at http://www.fec.gov/info/TipsforTreasurers.shtml#tip20090310.
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Homeland Security Leadership Journal for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Depository Institutions for FinCEN Updates This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Notices
and Outbreaks (Travel) for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) A new travel notice entitled "Meningococcal Disease in India" has been added to the Travelers' Health site. You may access the notice under "Outbreaks" on the Travelers' Health travel notices page. |
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FSIS
Notice 17-09 (PDF Only) Alternative Methods for Ensuring 12 Percent Lean Tissue in Meat Trimmings |
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US-CERT Current Activity Microsoft Releases March Security Bulletin Summary Original release date: March 10, 2009 at
1:30 pm Microsoft has released updates to address
vulnerabilities in Microsoft US-CERT encourages users and administrators
to review the bulletins Relevant Url(s): ==== |
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Kidnapping
& Missing Persons Investigations for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated, and is now available. |
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Press Releases for CFTC.gov See the CFTC
News Room for the latest news and events or News
Room Archives for previous releases. |
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What's
New and/or News Releases on the Federal Transit Administration
website This information has recently been updated with, U.S. Transportation Sec'y LaHood Signs $900M Agreement to Fund Wiehle Ave. Extension of Dulles Corridor Metrorail, and is now available. |
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New Vacancies at the Federal Election Commission This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. Recently posted were these vacancy announcements:
09-014, Public Affairs Specialist (Communication
Specialist), GS-1035-9/11/12, (multiple vacancies), Office of
Communications, Information Division, Closing Date: 03-30-2009
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Phillippa Cannon (EPA), 312-353-6212 The presentation is part of the Chicago Federal Leadership Forum series and will take place at the Metcalfe Federal Building, Room 331, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The program is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $75 and includes a continental breakfast. Register online at http://www.chicago.feb.gov (Supervisory and Managerial Training link). Stasch is vice present of the Program on
Human and Community Development at the John D. and Katherine
T. MacArthur Foundation. Prior to joining the foundation in 2001,
Julia served as chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago
as well as deputy administrator of the General Services Administration
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U.S.
Department of State Africa: Daily Press Briefing - March 10 Acting Department Spokesman March 10, 2009 |
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U.S.
Department of State: 50th Anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Acting Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 10, 2009 |
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New ticker page started. For previous
news ticker page 00:01-21:09 ET (03/10/2009) click here |
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ticker timeline 21:11 Eastern Time Tuesday
March 10, 2009 |
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click to support adsense |
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new ticker page started 21:08 Eastern Time Tuesday March 10, 2009 today's ticker page 2 for previous
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