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MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
Senate Floor Today
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A new newsbrief journal has been started
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FULL
TEXT OF BILL: AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA
H.R. 4872 - Reconciliation Act of 2010
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Weekly
Address: Time for Action on Financial Reform for the Economy
Posted by Jesse Lee on March 20, 2010 at 6:00 AM EDT
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Health
Care Reform Passes
In a historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a comprehensive
health care reform bill that will now go to President Obama's
desk for his signature.
The budget reconciliation package -- which
contains fixes to the bill -- also passed the House and will
be sent to the Senate for debate. The Senate is expected to take
up the measure on Tuesday.
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Special
Election Set in Georgia
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue set April 27 for the special election
to replace Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA), who officially resigned his
seat representing Georgia's 9th Congressional District following
Sunday's health care reform legislation vote, the Atlanta Journal
Constitution reports.
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Health Reform Update
FACT CHECK: Improvements Bill Does Not Violate Congressional
Budget Act
What Republicans are Saying
Senate Republicans are using a cynical scare tactic to assert
that the reconciliation bill will be subject to a fatal point
of order in the Senate.
Who’s the latest to say it?
The Senate Republican Policy Committee
circulated a memo asserting that the bill will be struck down
on a point of order in the Senate, saying it “violates the
clear language of Section 310g of the Congressional Budget Act,
and the entire reconciliation bill is subject to a point of order
and rejection in the Senate should it pass the House.”
Here’s the Truth
The bill does not increase Social Security taxes or make any
changes in the Social Security Act. In fact, the increased Social
Security revenues are an indirect result of the health insurance
reforms in the legislation. The provision being cited, Section
310(g) of the Congressional Budget Act specifically prohibits
a reconciliation bill from making changes in the Social Security
program established in Title II of the Social Security Act. That
language has always been understood to apply to direct amendments
to Title II of the Social Security Act, not indirect effects
on the Social Security trust fund resulting from changes in other
laws outside the Social Security Act, such as is the case with
the health care reconciliation legislation.
###
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Texas
State College Democrats.
Adrian Zamora March 21, 2010 at 8:31pm
Subject: Tonight's Historic Vote
To Our Fellow Democrats,
Tonight, the United States House of Representatives
voted on and passed, with 219 votes, the health care bill that
was passed by the Senate in the early morning hours of Christmas
Eve. This historic piece of legislation will help many of our
fellow Americans, who have been shut-out by big insurance, gain
access to health coverage. Now, if you ever decide to upgrade
your job you will not have to lose your health insurance. Now,
there will no longer be exclusions because of a pre-existing
condition. Now, senior's prescription drug prices will lower.
Now, small businesses will receive tax credits to purchase coverage.
Now, young people will be allowed to stay on their parent's health
plan till the age of 26.
These are all benefits that the American
people will be able to see and touch, starting this year when
President Obama signs this historic legislation. With all the
discussion about the potential backlash that Democrats will face
in November by passing health care reform, it is clear that there
is only one winner that comes of this monumental moment and that
is the American people.
Democratically Yours,
Adrian Zamora
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Pakistan
Day
Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:59:17 -0500
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CANADA
newsbrief journal has been updated and posted
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UF
College Democrats Meeting + Movie Screening!
What: Club/Group Meeting
Start Time: Thursday, March 25 at 7:00pm
End Time: Thursday, March 25 at 10:00pm
Where: Dauer Hall 215 and the Enclave
To see more details and RSVP
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Friend --
For the first time in our nation's history,
Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America
waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment.
Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.
Consider the staggering scope of what you
have just accomplished:
Because of you, every American will finally
be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.
Every American will be covered under the
toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes,
insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing
conditions will now be gone forever.
And we'll finally start reducing the cost
of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and
businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a
trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.
But the victory that matters most tonight
goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.
It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every
American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.
It is the workers and entrepreneurs who
are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without
fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.
And it is the immeasurable joy of families
in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier
lives together because they can finally receive the vital care
they need.
This is what change looks like.
My gratitude tonight is profound. I am
thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought
this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for
the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes
made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I
am thankful for you.
This day is not the end of this journey.
Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to
do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence
of those who have moved mountains.
Our journey began three years ago, driven
by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible.
We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that
belief.
We have shared moments of tremendous hope,
and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to
ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted
to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became
a test of whether the American people could still rally together
when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we
believe in.
Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts,
the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
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Texas Young Democrats.
Jace Reeder March 21, 2010 at 10:22pm
Subject: 2010 Texas Young Democrats Convention
Would you like to get more information about the TYD Convention?
Do you have a question about the chartering process? Are you
wondering what to expect at this year’s convention? These
questions and more can be answered during our Q and A Conference
Calls on Wednesday, March 24th and Sunday, March 28th 9 p.m.
TYD officers will be on the call to answer any question or concern
that you might have about the TYD Convention. This is the log-in
information for the conference call:
Conference call #: 218.339.269
Access Code: 705488
Please join us for these fun and informative
calls. If you have a question about the TYD Convention but can
not attend the call, please send us an e-mail to convention@texasyds.com.
Thanks.
Jace Reeder
TYD Convention Membership Outreach and Communications Committee
Co-Chair.
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HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR MARCH 21, 2010
Considered and Passed:
Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendments to H.R.
3590 - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Reps.
Waxman/Levin/George Miller – Energy and Commerce/Ways and
Means/Education and Labor) (219 – 212)
H.R.
4872 - Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Rep. Spratt – Budget)
(220 – 211)
- Motion to Recommit – Failed:
· Offered by Rep. Camp (MI) (199 - 232)
Bills Adopted Under Suspension of the Rules (7):
1. H.R.
4840 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 1979 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, as
the "Clarence D. Lumpkin Post Office" (Rep. Tiberi
- Oversight and Government Reform)
2. H.Res.
1174 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women's
History Month (Rep. Woolsey - Oversight and Government Reform)
3. H.Res.
1075 - Commending the members of the Agri-business Development
Teams of the National Guard for their efforts, together with
personnel of the Department of Agriculture and the United States
Agency for International Development, to modernize agriculture
practices and increase food production in war-torn countries
(Rep. Luetkemeyer - Armed Services)
4. H.Res.
1099 - Recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Battle of
Iwo Jima (Rep. Braley - Armed Services)
5. H.Res.
925 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
regarding the meritorious service performed by aviators in the
United States Armed Forces who were shot down over, or otherwise
forced to land in, hostile territory yet evaded enemy capture
or were captured but subsequently escaped (Rep. DeFazio - Armed
Services)
6. H.Res.
900 - Supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans
Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made
by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War and encouraging
the people of the United States to participate in local and national
activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those
individuals (Rep. Israel - Armed Services)
7. H.Res.
1119 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that all people in the United States should participate in a
moment of silence to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of
members of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad
(Rep. Peters - Armed Services)
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Marin
County Young Democrats General Meeting
What: Club/Group Meeting
Start Time: Thursday, March 25 at 7:00pm
End Time: Thursday, March 25 at 8:30pm
Where: College of Marin, Kentfield Cafeteria
To see more details and RSVP
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MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010
First Vote of the Week… Last Vote Predicted…
Monday 6:30 p.m. Friday p.m.
Legislative Program - 51600 | Floor Information
- 57400 | Whip Information - 63210
MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:30 p.m. for Morning Hour
debate and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business with votes postponed
until 6:30 p.m.
Suspensions (6 Bills)
1. H.R.
4810 - End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2010 (Rep. Filner
- Veterans' Affairs)
2. H.R.
1879 - National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2009 (Rep.
Coffman - Veterans' Affairs)
3. H.J.Res.
80 - Recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans Association
on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded veterans and
their families (Rep. Halvorson - Veterans' Affairs)
4. H.R.
3976 - Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2009 (Rep.
Perriello - Veterans' Affairs)
5. H.R.
4667 - Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act
of 2010 (Rep. Perriello - Veterans' Affairs)
6. H.R.
4592 - To provide for the establishment of a pilot program
to encourage the employment of veterans in energy-related positions
(Rep. Teague - Veterans' Affairs)
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010 AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:30 a.m. for Morning Hour
debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Wednesday
and Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative
business. On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative
business.
Suspensions (5 Bills)
1. H.Res.
1186 - Expressing support for designation of April as National
Distracted Driving Awareness Month (Rep. Markey (CO) - Transportation
and Infrastructure)
2. H.Res.
1125 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public
Works Week (Rep. Perriello - Transportation and Infrastructure)
3. H.Res.
917 - Recognizing the Florida Keys Scenic Highway on the
occasion of its designation as an All-American Road by the U.S.
Department of Transportation (Rep. Ros-Lehtinen - Transportation
and Infrastructure)
4. H.R.
3562 - To designate the Federal building under construction
at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the "Chaney,
Goodman, Schwerner Federal Building" (Rep. Thompson (MS)
- Transportation and Infrastructure)
5. H.R.
4098 - Secure Federal File Sharing Act (Rep. Towns - Oversight
and Government Reform)
H.R.
4849 - Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of
2010 (Rep. Levin – Ways and Means) (Subject to a Rule)
H.R.
4899 – Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010 (Rep.
Obey – Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule)
* Conference Reports may be brought up at any time.
* Motions to go to Conference should they become available.
* Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.
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Gary D. Harrell for VP of Membership
of Young Democrats of Georgia.
Gary D. Harrell March 22, 2010 at 12:41am
Subject: Update
Good morning everyone!
A very good morning after the HCR Bill
passing last night!
I just wanted to thank you all for your
support and joining my facebook group. I look forward to seeing/meeting
you all at convention this year.
My website is online now, please visit
it at http://www.garydharrell.com.
I welcome your endorsement, which can be completed on my website.
If you have any questions, please feel
free to contact me.
Have an awesome day!
Gary
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|
FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, MARCH 22,
2010
House Meets At… First Vote Predicted… Last Vote Predicted…
12:30 p.m.: Morning Hour
2:00 p.m.: Legislative Business 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
“One Minutes”
Suspensions (6 Bills)
1. H.R.
4810 - End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2010 (Rep. Filner
- Veterans' Affairs)
2. H.R.
1879 - National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2009 (Rep.
Coffman - Veterans' Affairs)
3. H.J.Res.
80 - Recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans Association
on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded veterans and
their families (Rep. Halvorson - Veterans' Affairs)
4. H.R.
3976 - Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2009 (Rep.
Perriello - Veterans' Affairs)
5. H.R.
4667 - Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act
of 2010 (Rep. Perriello - Veterans' Affairs)
6. H.R.
4592 - To provide for the establishment of a pilot program
to encourage the employment of veterans in energy-related positions
(Rep. Teague - Veterans' Affairs)
* Conference Reports may be brought up at any time.
* Motions to go to Conference should they become available.
* Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.
|
Tricare
Meets Health Care Bill's Standards, Gates Says
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:06:00 -0500
|
The following items are available on the FEC's
web site:
Final Rules repealing regulations affected by the EMILY's List
litigation, available at http://www.fec.gov/law/law_rulemakings.shtml#emilyslistrepeal
Comments received in response to a request made during the Commission's
hearing on coordinated communications, available at http://www.fec.gov/law/law_rulemakings.shtml#coordinationshays3
|
Highlights:
Secretary Clinton To Speak at AIPAC Meeting
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0500
|
March
22, 2010 - DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 25 pages - 180 KB)
|
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Rollout
of the Smart Global Health Policy's Final Report
Jacob J. Lew
Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources
Remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
Washington, DC
March 18, 2010
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|
Tech
Student Democrats General Meeting
Start Time: Thursday, March 25 at 6:00pm
End Time: Thursday, March 25 at 7:00pm
Where: Caprock Room, Student Union Building
To see more details and RSVP
|
Highlights:
Secretary Clinton's Trip to Mexico
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0500
|
House
Sends Health Care Overhaul Bill to Pres. Obama
Posted: 21 Mar 2010 05:00 PM PDT
By ERICA WERNER
|
Supreme
Court to Hear Case on Discrimination by Student Groups
Posted: 21 Mar 2010 05:00 PM PDT
By Tom Krattenmaker
|
House
Boosts College Aid for Students in Need
Posted: 21 Mar 2010 05:00 PM PDT
|
Interview
With Vladimir Pozner of First Channel Television
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:42:27 -0500
|
THE
DAILY WHIPLINE | MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010
|
|
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1
Vulnerability Summary for the Week of
March 15, 2010
This bulletin provides a summary of new
vulnerabilities that have been
recorded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST)
National Vulnerability Database (NVD) the week of March 15, 2010.
It
is available here:
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/bulletins/SB10-081.html
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Tech
Student Democrats.
Stuart Williams March 21, 2010 at 9:41pm
Subject: A HISTORIC NIGHT FOR AMERICA!
My dear Democratic Friends,
We did it. YES WE DID! They said we couldnt.
For a year and a half they dragged their feet, came up with every
concievable cock-a-mamie excuse, and whipped up McCarthy era
fear of supposed "socialism." But tonight, ALL OF US,
not just those brave members of Congress, but the AMERICAN people
stood up and said no more to healthcare as usual and brought
the biggest change to the system in almost 50 years.
As Democrats at Texas Tech University,
this victory is all the sweeter! Be proud of your Congress and
your president and as your president, I encourage you to let
everyone on campus know just how excited you are!
So with this overwhelmingly exciting period
to our Spring Break, lets come back to the organization, excited,
refreshed, ready to work, and to use this victory to help move
our organization and the Democratic party is general forward.
This week's meeting will be at 6pm, Thursday, March 25th in the
Caprock Room of the SUB. Please be there. Let build on this momentum
and channel our excitement and energy into doing even better
and brighter things here at Texas Tech!
Your Democratic President,
Stuart
P.S. YES WE DID!
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CALL
TO ACTION FOR ALL SANTA CLARA COUNTY DEMOCRATS
What: Convention
Start Time: Saturday, March 27 at 9:30am
End Time: Sunday, March 28 at 1:00am
Where: IBEW Hall
To see more details and RSVP
|
Secretary
Geithner's Remarks at an Announcement about the Impact of Recovery
Act Tax Cuts
March 22, 2010
TG-597
|
NVAC
Upcoming Meetings for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
U.S.
Department of State Schedule for March 22, 2010
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 06:00:00 -0500
|
Public
Meeting to Address Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:39:28 -0500
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Food Safety and
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) are sponsoring a public meeting
to provide information and receive public comments on agenda
items and draft U.S. positions that will be discussed at the
4th Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF),
to be held in Izmir, Turkey, April 26 - 30, 2010.
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Glynn
County Democrats.
Charles Hill March 22, 2010 at 2:44am
Subject: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
To each and every one of you thank you
for calling, writing, texting, e-mailing, visiting and making
your voices heard. While it is true that Kingston voted against
the PASSED Health Care Bill, that surely can be no surprise.
He is in lockstep with the Republican Leadership and has been
bought and paid for by the Insurance lobby. Now is the time to
think about unseating him, he truly does not represent the people.
It is also the time to be on the lookout
for new Republican tactics, they [republicans] are between a
rock and a hard place, they either need to admit that they lied
about the measures in this Bill, or dream up new scare tactics,
my money is on scare tactics. It will play out like this:
1st. Character assassination they will stop at nothing to demonize
any and all that voted yea.
2nd. Every State and Local budget cut will be blamed on the Health
Care Bill.
3rd. They will start the Socialism chant, keep an eye on the
Bills before the House; Immigration, Cap and Trade, Education,
they will be the new tactics, and linked to the Heal Care Bill
as a road to Socialism.
This has been a brutal and testy fight, but rejoice the American
People won, and they have you to thank for it.
Sincerely,
Charlie Hill
|
Secretary
Tim Geithner's Remarks Before the American Enterprise Institute
on Financial Reform
March 22, 2010
TG-598
|
Scheduled
Events for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
March 22-26, 2010
|
DOD
Identifies Navy Casualty
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:29:00 -0500
|
Service
Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) Opportunities
for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
Historically
Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) for U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. This information
has recently been updated, and is now available.
|
8(a)
Competitive Program Opportunities for U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. This information
has recently been updated, and is now available.
|
|
Mills
for Secretary of State Fundraiser
Start Time: Wednesday, March 31 at 7:00pm
End Time: Wednesday, March 31 at 9:00pm
Where: Manuel's Tavern
To see more details and RSVP
|
Press
Availability at Brookings Institute
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:04:25 -0500
|
Remarks
at the 2010 AIPAC Policy Conference
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:18:25 -0500
|
Department
Authorizes Non-Chargeable Rest and Recuperation for Iraq and
Afghanistan
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:47:00 -0500
|
Media
Availability with Secretary Gates and Canadian Minister of National
Defense MacKay from the Pentagon
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:41:00 -0500
|
Command
Supports Peace, Prosperity Along Korean DMZ
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:31:00 -0500
|
The
Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship, April 26-27, 2010, Washington,
D.C.
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:25:24 -0500
|
Updates have been made to the U.S.-India
High Technology Trade Pages
Please visit http://www.bis.doc.gov/
for more information.
This email was sent at your request, based upon your subscription
to the BIS Email Notification service.
The BIS Web Site Team
|
Gulf
Security Dialogue
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:55:35 -0500
|
|
Hoyer Statement at AIPAC Policy Conference
Washington, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) spoke today at AIPAC’s annual policy
conference at the Washington Convention Center. Below are his
remarks as prepared for delivery:
“In 1780, when our nation was struggling
to be born, and John Adams was far from home, he wrote this in
a letter to his wife: I must study politics and war, so that
my sons have the liberty to study commerce, so that their sons
have the right to study literature, and art, and music.
“John Adams understood that so much
of what we value, so much of what makes us human, rests on a
slender foundation: that we can rest safely and soundly at night.
That no one will trouble the sleep of our children.
“It is a universal dream. It was the
dream of the generation that forged our country in war. And for
centuries, it was a Jewish dream—a dream denied and deferred,
in land after land of exile, as home turned to hell time and
again. Generations of Jews were born and died while that dream
lived unfulfilled, while their homes, their futures, their lives
were in someone else’s hand, at someone else’s whim—a
people of guests, and an uprooted nation.
“But in our time, the Jewish people
has seen two answers, two true homes. Israeli Ambassador Michael
Oren called them two ‘Jewish utopias’: America and
Israel.
“America: a nation mixed from every
people, a nation that has made citizens out of strangers, a home
where the talents of Jews have been unleashed out of all proportion
to their numbers.
“And Israel: the state where Jews
entered into world history again as ‘a nation like all other
nations,’ in the words of the Tanakh; the state where Jews
took up again, after two millennia, the precious burden of nationhood.
“Our nations’ friendship is more
than six decades old, and, like all friendships, it has its trials
and tensions. We can say candidly: this is one of those times.
But the disagreements of the moment cannot undo the bond of generations.
Today, we are reminded again why that bond is unbreakable.
“And we are reminded again that both
homes, America and Israel, are indispensible to the Jewish future.
If the Jewish future in one of these homes is more secure than
ever, the future of the other is under grave threat.
“I’ve traveled to Israel eleven
times. I’ve gone in times of celebration and times of sorrow,
times of threatening war and of uneasy peace. Last summer, thanks
to AIPAC’s sister organization, the American Israel Educational
Foundation, I traveled there again. In the King David Hotel I
met with Rabbi Daniel Gordis, an American from Baltimore who
had made aliyah, and he spoke to me about Jewish fear. He said
that Israel meant this to him: that for the first time in memory,
Jews were responsible for their own safety, that they had to
beg no prince or sovereign for the right to live their lives.
And he asked me to imagine life in Israel, two or three years
from today, if that right was hanging on a button in a bunker
under Tehran.
“I’m a child of the Cold War,
so I know something of that bone-deep fear. I know how it throws
a dark cloud over life, even in the best times. I lived for 40
years under mutually assured destruction—but not with a
religious fanatic on the other end. Not with a nuclear umbrella
for terrorism, or the threat of nuclear terrorism here in America.
Not with the prospect of an explosive regional arms race. Some
of what threatens Israel, and the Middle East, and America, the
world has seen before. Some, it has never seen.
“But we know two things. We know that,
just last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency told
the world that Iran has enriched enough low-enriched uranium
for two nuclear bombs. And we know that this cannot stand.
“Under years of diplomatic silence,
Iran’s nuclear program grew. Under President Obama’s
patient engagement, it has continued to grow—even as Iran’s
unwillingness to negotiate in good faith was exposed to the world.
We can’t expect a change of heart from a regime founded
in violence, and in violent disregard for world opinion—but
we can demand a change of behavior. So Congress will soon take
final action on sanctions to target the Iranian economy at its
weakest point, the refined petroleum it depends on. These sanctions
will demonstrate the high cost of Iran’s self-imposed isolation
from the community of nations.
“But we know, even as we debate these
measures, that the true face of Iran is not Mahmoud Ahmadinejad—it
is Neda Agha-Soltan, shot through the heart for demanding that
her vote count. “It is in dissent silenced, in a peaceful
Green opposition threatened and beaten and jailed, even as it
demands freedom at home and openness to the world. And we know
that sanctions are, in some ways, a tragic choice: they are never
a perfectly precise instrument, and they may mean hardship for
ordinary Iranians, including the brave dissenters we cheer in
our hearts.
“Knowing all that, I still speak for
sanctions. Because millions of lives are at stake. Because sanctions
can work when the international community recognizes that an
outlaw nation poses a common threat to us all—the case that
America is making strongly at the United Nations. Because Tehran
can choose, at any time, to negotiate in good faith and set aside
its aggressive nuclear pursuit. And because the alternative to
sanctions is far worse.
“This matters to you, as it matters
to me, because it is an issue of Israeli survival. But survival
is not enough. Survival is not Zionism, any more than breathing
is life. Zionism is democracy. Zionism is Tohar HaNeshek—’Purity
of Arms.’ Zionism is pluralism and tolerance and curiosity
and openness, even in the face of hate. And today, the fate of
Zionism is tied to the peace process—because that is the
only way to preserve a Jewish, democratic Israel. What is at
stake in peace between Israel and the Palestinians is the survival
of the Jewish state’s deepest values. In that sense, it
is a matter of life and death.
“In Israel, I met leaders, Jewish
and Arab, who understand the urgency of peace. Prime Minister
Netanyahu, the first Likud leader to recognize the necessity
of two states, spoke of the promise of economic peace—the
opened bridges and checkpoints that are making possible remarkable
growth in the West Bank, showing Palestinians, there and in Gaza,
that life holds more possibility than unending violence. Prime
Minister Fayyad spoke of the day when all of his people would
honor Israel’s right to exist, and said that ‘moderates
gain standing when they show results—delivering services,
leading by example, and being honest about failure.’
“And yet, despite that leadership,
there are those in Israel and the territories who would sacrifice
peace to their extremist vision. There are hard-line settlers
who resort to violence and stand in the way of a settlement.
And there are Hamas terrorists who hold more than a million hostage
in Gaza. There are Palestinian leaders who countenance textbooks
depicting Jews as subhuman, as thugs and thieves—who are
working to sow a new generation of hatred. And there are the
rockets that pound towns like Sderot—each one of them a
war crime.
“In Sderot, at the armored playground
where its children are forced to play indoors under electric
light, I spoke with Eeki Elner. After the rockets began falling
on Sderot—he moved there. After one crashed through his
roof—he stayed. Because there is no purer resistance than
living every day in proud defiance of fear.
“Eeki Elner and Rabbi Gordis are remarkable,
but they are not unique—because, surrounded by a sea of
hate, there is a nation of them. They are why I know in my heart
that Israel will live, and endure, and have peace. They are the
ones who, in the words of Abba Eban, have ‘given nationhood
its deepest significance and its most enduring grace.’
“John Adams imagined one generation
dedicating itself to survival, so that those to come could have
commerce and culture. But in Israel, those impulses are united
in one generation—in each generation. Israel has made itself
remarkable even under threat of death, even while fighting for
its life. Israelis can teach every man and woman in the world
how to love their country.
“Some nations have monuments and basilicas
left over from great ages of the past. But in Jerusalem, I have
stood with head bowed at the Wall—a Wall that is also an
open book, where men and women place into the cracks in the mortar,
on rolled-up scrolls of paper, their dreams, their fears, their
prayers. They are writing, even now, the story of a reborn nation’s
enduring life—and the enduring life, I hope and trust, of
its holiest values.”
###
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Around
the Services
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:10:12 -0500
Fallen medical personnel are honored at Arlington National Cemetery.
Plus, Soldiers in Iraq gather for the ''Soldier of the Quarter''
Competition.
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GOES-P
Roars into Space
Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:00:00 -0600
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Cleveland
Top Stories for Federal Bureau of Investigation. This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
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How the People in My District Got Stupak
to Change His Mind -- and Thus Saved the Health Care Bill ...a letter from Michael Moore
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Friends,
Well, our full court press on my congressman, Bart Stupak worked!
Hundreds of my neighbors here in his Michigan district spent
the weekend organizing thousands of voters to get busy and save
the health care bill. We called Stupak's congressional office
non-stop and we
got thousands of people up here to flood his email box.
And then a rare thing happened: An elected representative did
what the people told him to do. It was nothing short of amazing.
Stupak, and his seven "right to life"
Democrats who had said they would vote against the bill, reversed
themselves after what Stupak said Sunday afternoon was a week
of his staff having "really taken a pounding." Hey,
all we did here in northern Michigan was let him know that we
would be unceremoniously tossing him out of Congress in this
August's Democratic primary. One of our group announced she would
oppose him in the Dem primary. That seemed to register with him.
All of this made Stupak look pretty worn
down at his press conference yesterday, pleading with people
like us to stop calling his house and waking his wife "at
two or three in the morning." Hey! That's not us. We never
call during Carson Daly!
Obama needed 216 votes in the House last
night -- and he barely got them (219 was the final number). Had
Stupak not done a 180 in the last 24 hours, the health care bill
would have gone down in flames. Thank you, to all of you here
in northern Michigan who did what had to be done. You and you
alone saved this bill in the final moments.
Stupak stood on the floor of the House
last night and, in a surreal moment, spoke against the "Stupak
Amendment"! Once he got through his medieval meanderings
about where babies come from, he gave one helluva speech.
And, that's when Republican congressman
Randy Neugebauer
of Texas shouted out: "Baby killer!" Wow. I guess
the fertilized egg police felt betrayed by Bart.
Those of us here in Michigan will now decide
what to do about our misguided congressman. We're a forgiving
lot, but maybe not this time. We shall see.
Bart, I'm glad you discovered you didn't
have a uterus. And, like the scarecrow, I'm glad you found a
bit of your brain.
A good night it was -- important little
steps were taken to bring our country into the civilized world.
Now, we have some real work to do if we really want to say we
have universal health care. The sharks who run the insurance
companies have every intention of turning this lemon into some
very profitable lemonade.
Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
P.S. Someday, the Hyde Amendment is going
to have to go. No Democratic president should ever agree to anything
that discriminates against women.
|
Statement
of Treasury Geithner on Senate Banking Committee Passage of Financial
Reform Bill
March 22, 2010
TG-602
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SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER
For all of the months of debate over health
insurance reform, one thing is beyond debate: for far too long,
American health care has been on an unsustainable course. We
have seen it in many families bankrupted, and many more paying
greater amounts for less coverage each year. We have seen it
in businesses rapidly dropping their employees’ expensive
coverage. And we have seen it in a budget sent deeper and deeper
into debt by the world’s most expensive health care system.
Last night, we voted to change that unsustainable course.
In voting for reform, we accomplished a task that has been on
America’s agenda for more than a century: bringing affordable
health care to all. It was a goal of presidents of both parties
and of both parties’ nominees in the last election.
Last night, we passed a bill that includes the goals of those
who tried before us. Passage of this bill means more control
for consumers, and less for insurance companies. It ends discrimination
against Americans with pre-existing conditions, and ends medical
bankruptcy and caps on benefits. It guarantees coverage you can
rely on whether you lose your job or become your own boss—coverage
that reaches 95% of Americans.
Health insurance reform creates a free, competitive, transparent
marketplace where individuals and small businesses can pool together
to buy private insurance at low rates. It closes the prescription
drug “donut hole” for seniors and makes coverage more
affordable for the middle class.
Finally, health insurance reform is the biggest deficit-reducing
measure since the Clinton budgets of the 1990s, which ushered
in a budget surplus and historic prosperity. According to the
nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill we passed saves
America $143 billion over the first decade and more than $1 trillion
over the decade to follow.
It is a bill that can stand beside Social Security and Medicare
in its accomplishment for our families and our country. And it
will create a more prosperous, more just future—a future
we can be proud to hand our children.
Sincerely yours,
STENY H. HOYER
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C-SPAN Daily Alert
Programming Information for Mon. 3/22 - Tues. 3/23, 2010
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Highlights
Tonight:
* Senate Banking Cmte. Markup on Financial Regulations (10pm)
* AIPAC Policy Conf. Addresses by Sec. Clinton & Israeli
PM Netanyahu (11:30pm)
* Vice President Biden on Tax Benefits for Middle Class (12:45am)
Tomorrow:
* U.S. House: In Session (10:30am) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN2 Highlights
Tonight:
* The Communicators: Reps. Rick Boucher (D-VA) & Cliff Stearns
(R-FL) (8pm)
* Addresses from the AIPAC Annual Policy Conference (8:30pm)
* Senate Floor Remarks on Health Care (10:15pm)
Tomorrow:
* U.S. Senate: In Session (Time TBA) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN3 Highlights
Tonight:
* VP Biden on Stimulus; Sec. Clinton at AIPAC Conf.; Senate on
Health Care (7pm)
* WJ Interview on Education in Health Bill; British PM Brown
Briefing (8:35pm)
Tomorrow:
* Senate Hearing on DoJ Oversight with Atty. Gen. Holder (9:30am)
- LIVE
* Senate Commerce Cmte. Hearing on the FCC's National Broadband
Plan (2:30pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
|
Federal
Grand Jury Charges Hammond Woman with Defrauding American Red
Cross
|
EMI
Independent Study for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). This information has recently been updated, and
is now available.
|
World
Water Day
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:19:44 -0500
|
DOD
Identifies Army Casualty
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:41:00 -0500
|
St.
Louis Top Stories and/or St. Louis Press Releases for Federal
Bureau of Investigation. This
information has recently been updated, and is now available.
|
Treasury
Secretary Timothy F. Geithner Remarks before the American Enterprise
Institute on Financial
March 22, 2010
tg-600
|
U.S.
Attorney Announces Civil Rights Unit for Arizona
|
DoD
Contracts for March 22, 2010
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:20:00 -0500
|
|
Friend --
President Barack Obama will soon sign comprehensive
health care reform into law. A century-long fight will finally
be won.
As the President wrote last night, it was
you who made this improbable victory possible. It was volunteers
knocking on doors, talking to neighbors, and proving once again
that Americans, standing together, can change the course of a
nation.
Supporters like us now have a chance to
add
our names as "Co-signers" of this historic legislation
-- adding our names next to President Obama's to show our pride
in helping to bring about this great achievement.
Organizing for America will establish a
permanent archive with all the signatures, so that generations
to come will have a record of those who stood together in this
moment and won this fight for our future. And I will personally
present all the names we collect to the President.
Will you add your name?
This is the most significant domestic achievement
in decades. And this movement of Americans, committed to improving
their country, made it possible.
We turned out for that first cold morning
in Springfield, for the canvasses in New Hampshire, for the phone
banks in Iowa. We kept fighting when no one gave us a chance
and the cynics told us we were clinging to a false hope.
We organized for health reform. We spread
the facts on doorsteps, in town halls, and through millions of
conversations. Your voice rang through the halls of Congress
and filled the pages of local newspapers.
It took many months and tremendous resolve,
but we built a national network of support so strong that when
the deceptive attack ads choked the airwaves and the pundits
declared our effort defeated -- we had what it took to fight
our way back.
And we won: the toughest insurance regulations
in history, affordable coverage for 32 million without it, relief
from skyrocketing costs for small business owners and from rising
deficits for our children.
That's the story of how change really happens.
And now, hundreds of millions will have better lives because
of it.
It's rare to be part of something so meaningful
that will help change the course of history. But you are.
Please consider adding your name as co-signer
today to commemorate your efforts:
http://my.barackobama.com/Cosign
Thank you,
David Plouffe
|
NEW GOV JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS are posted
at www.usdemocrats.com/ticker/jobs/
|
FBI
Establishes Economic Stimulus Fraud Tip Line in Buffalo
|
U.S.
Department of State Daily Press Briefing - March 22
Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:45:32 -0500
|
Statement
from Treasury Secretary Geithner Welcoming Consensus Reached
at IDB Annual Meeting
March 22, 2010
TG-601
|
Assistant
Secretary Marisa Lago Address to the Plenary Session of the IDB
Annual Meeting
March 22, 2010
TG-599
|
|
|
a new ticker page has started for Monday
March 22, 2010
Yesterday's ticker items are archived here
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ticker timeline 18:25 Eastern Time March 22,
2010
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new ticker page started 00:01 Eastern
Time March 22, 2010
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yesterday's ticker page click here
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