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Tuesday March 24 2009 for yesterday's ticker entries click here



Tuesday
March 24, 2009

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VIDEO:
    Pres. Obama News Conference On The Economy

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Pres. Obama held his second prime-time news conference on the
    economy Tuesday. "This budget," he said, "is inseparable
    from this recovery because it is what lays the foundation for
    a secure and lasting prosperity."

    Length:

    
Published: Today at 8pm (ET)
 

    
Today's top Air Force stories include:

    
Innovative brain therapies offer hope to
    injured troops 

    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123141112

    
Equal opportunity crosses service lines


    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123140909

    
Airmen train Iraqi maintainers 

    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123140895

    
American servicemembers provide battlefield
    forensics 

    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123141060

    
Total force keeps air mobility in the fight


    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123141008

    


    
Contact: Katie Grant

    202-225-3130For Immediate Release

    March 24, 2009

    
Hoyer Statement on President Obama's
    Press Conference

    
WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader
    Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement tonight
    after President Obama's press conference:



    “Tonight, President Obama made a strong case for his budget
    priorities and his Administration’s plan to confront this
    recession. It was reckless, short-term thinking that brought
    us to this point—and it is only the long-term perspective
    offered by President Obama that will help us build a real foundation
    for lasting prosperity. Building that foundation means moving
    toward energy independence, reining in the cost of healthcare,
    and creating the best-prepared workforce in the world; without
    that foundation in place, any recovery will likely be short-lived
    and to the benefit of just a privileged few.



    “But just as importantly, we must return to a policy of
    fiscal responsibility to undo the recklessness of the Bush Administration
    and the economic crisis it left behind. The Obama budget does
    just that, cutting our deficit in half by 2013. President Obama
    joins House Democrats in insisting on reinstating the pay-as-you-go
    rule in law—meaning that our government will pay for what
    it buys. And he has led by example by spelling out how he would
    pay for his major initiatives.



    “I look forward to beginning Congressional debate on the
    President’s budget proposal next week. It will be a debate
    over the priorities and values we want America to embrace—foremost
    among them, the values of responsibility and shared prosperity.
    And I look forward to continuing Democrats' comprehensive effort
    to bring the recession to an end."

    
###

    Press
    Briefing by Secretary Napolitano on U.S.-Mexico Border Security
    Policy

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:00:00 -0500

    Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Deputy Secretary
    of State Jim Steinberg and Deputy Attorney General David Ogden
    discuss the steps we are taking on both sides of the border,
    working with our Mexican partners to support the Mexican government's
    campaign against the violent cartels and to reduce contraband
    in both directions across the border.
 

    
UN
    Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Calls for Release of Political
    Prisoners in Burma 

    Robert Wood

    
Acting Department Spokesman, Office of
    the Spokesman

    
Washington, DC

    
March 24, 2009

    
U.S.
    Government Support for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
    

    Robert Wood

    
Acting Department Spokesman, Office of
    the Spokesman

    
Washington, DC

    
March 24, 2009

    Obama
    Ready for Prime Time

    President Obama will take questions from reporters during his
    second prime time press conference tonight at 8 pm ET.

    


    
Kennedy,
    back on the Hill, calls for health care overhaul

    Posted: 11:15 AM ET

    
From CNN's Lauren Kornreich

    Sen. Edward Kennedy is back on Capitol Hill for two weeks.

    WASHINGTON (CNN) - Sen. Edward Kennedy made his first appearance
    on Capitol Hill in weeks on Tuesday to continue his fight for
    universal health care.

    

    
Polls
    show Americans largely approve of Obama's performance

    Posted: 12:40 PM ET

    
From CNN Deputy Political Director Paul
    Steinhauser

    A new CNN poll of polls indicates that more than six in ten Americans
    are happy with the job he's doing as president.

    WASHINGTON (CNN) – As President Obama prepares for his second
    prime time White House news conference, a new CNN poll of polls
    indicates that more than six in ten Americans are happy with
    the job he's doing as president.

    

    
Obama:
    Banking firm Smith Barney offered some good advice

    Posted: 01:28 PM ET

    
From CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby

    Obama apparently liked the famous Smith Barney ad campaign.

    WASHINGTON (CNN) – Wall Street banks aren't the most popular
    institutions at the moment, but President Obama thinks one investment
    firm used a slogan that all Americans can live by.

    


    
Blagojevich
    to host radio show

    Posted: 01:30 PM ET

    
From CNN's Lauren Kornreich

    Before Rod Blagojevich was ousted from office, WLS-AM had offered
    him his own radio show on Sundays if he agreed to voluntarily
    step down.

    WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will
    be back on the airwaves Wednesday, serving as a fill-in host
    on a Chicago talk radio station. 

    

    
Kaine
    defends DNC's cash haul

    Posted: 05:51 PM ET

    
From CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby

    Virginia governor Tim Kaine became DNC chairman in January.

    WASHINGTON (CNN) – Democratic National Committee chairman
    Tim Kaine on Tuesday dismissed the committee's disappointing
    February cash haul, arguing that his fundraising efforts were
    handicapped by a Virginia law that prohibits officials from raising
    money during the state's legislative session.

    

    Czech
    parliament votes for prime minister to go

    Posted: 02:39 PM ET

    (CNN) — The Czech government lost a confidence vote in parliament
    Tuesday, forcing the prime minister and his Cabinet to resign,
    Czech media reported.

    


    
100
    Historians Sign On to Support Employee Free Choice Act

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by Seth Michaels

    
Some of the nation’s top historians
    have signed a petition asking Congress to pass the Employee Free
    Choice Act and protect the freedom to form unions and bargain.

    

    
Minnesota
    Electricians Harness Renewable Energy

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by admin



    Dennis Thayer teaches a training class in solar energy. 





    This cross-post from the April 2009 edition of Electrical Workers
    magazine demonstrates again how union workers are taking the
    lead in preparing for the green jobs of the future.

    

    
VIDEO:
    GWU Discussion on "Journalism in Crisis"

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Four of journalism's most influential executives, AP President
    Tom Curley, NPR President Vivian Schiller, CNN President Jon
    Klein, and Knight Foundation President Alberto Ibarguen, participated
    in a panel to discuss where their profession is headed. Marvin
    Kalb hosted the panel discussion on "Journalism in Crisis."

    Length: 55 min.

    
Published: Monday at 8pm (ET)
 

    
VIDEO:
    Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA), Financial Services Committee, Member

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA) continues our discussion on today's
    Financial Services Cmte. hearing about oversight of federal aid
    to the American International Group (AIG). 

    Length: 25 min.

    
Published: Today at 8am (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association, President & CEO

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Harry Johns goes over the release of the 2009 Alzheimer’s
    Disease Facts & Figures. The report looks at the health care
    costs, the prevalence of the disease, the implications on families
    & the future of treatment for those with the disease. 

    Length: 27 min.

    
Published: Today at 8:30am (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    Maj. Gen. John MacDonald, U.S. Forces - Afghanistan, Deputy Commanding
    General

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Maj. Gen. John MacDonald gives an update on operations in Afghanistan.
    Major General MacDonald joins us from Kabul, with an update on
    the war on terror, the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban,
    surge in troop deployment, troop mission and security. 

    Length: 30 min.

    
Published: Today at 9am (ET)
 

    
VIDEO:
    Pres. Obama Telephone Call to NASA Astronauts

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    President Obama made a telephone call and spoke with astronauts
    aboard the space shuttle Discovery and International Space Station.
    The president was joined by members of Congress and school children
    who asked the astronauts questions about their mission and daily
    life in space.

    Length: 28 min.

    
Published: Today at 9:40am (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    Dept. of Homeland Security Press Conference on U.S.-Mexico Border
    Security

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Deputy
    Secretary of State Jim Steinberg and United States Deputy Attorney
    General David Ogden held a press conference at the White House
    to announce the U.S.-Mexico Border Security Policy. 

    Length: 32 min.

    
Published: Today at 10:15am (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    State Department Press Briefing

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Acting Spokesman Robert Wood conducts a daily briefing at the
    State Department.

    Length: 18 min.

    
Published: Today at 11am (ET)
 

    
VIDEO:
    Pres. Obama Meeting with Australian P.M. Kevin Rudd

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    President Obama met in the Oval Office with Australian Prime
    Minister Kevin Rudd to discuss the international financial crisis,
    climate change, Afghanistan/Pakistan policy, nuclear nonproliferation,
    and arms control.

    Length: 21 min.

    
Published: Today at 11am (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    NASA Press Conference with Space Shuttle Discovery & Int'l.
    Space Station Crews

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    The 10 members of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the International
    Space Station held a news conference from outer space. The team
    discussed their mission of installing the final set of solar
    arrays that will fully power science experiments and support
    the station's expanded crew of six in May, 2009.

    Length: 31 min.

    
Published: Today at 1:50pm (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    House Financial Services Cmte. Hearing with Sec. Geithner &
    Fed. Chair. Bernanke

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Treasury Sec. Geithner and Fed. Reserve Chair. Bernanke testified
    at a House Financial Services Cmte. hearing on efforts to prevent
    AIG from collapsing. In prepared testimony, Sec. Geithner said
    the regulatory system must be corrected after it failed to rein
    in excesses at AIG and other companies.

    Length: 3 hr. 16 min.

    
Published: Today at 10am (ET)
 

    
VIDEO:
    House Hearing on FTC' s Role in Consumer Credit and Debt Protection

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz testified at a House Energy Subcmte.
    to explain the Agency's enforcement efforts of predatory practices
    against consumers. Chairman Bobby Rush (D-IL) chaired the hearing
    on "Consumer Credit and Debt: The Role of the Federal Trade
    Commission (FTC) in Protecting the Public."

    Length: 2 hr. 25 min.

    
Published: Today at 10am (ET)

    B-400829,
    SEI Group, Inc., February 13, 2009

    B-400623.3,
    ACCESS Systems, Inc., March 4, 2009
 

    B-317423,
    U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach--Use of Appropriated Funds to Purchase
    Food for Participants in Antiterrorism Exercises, March 9, 2009

    B-317450,
    Antideficiency Act--Applicability to Statutory Prohibitions on
    the Use of Appropriations, March 23, 2009

    GAO-09-511T,
    Social Security Administration: Further Actions Needed to Address
    Disability Claims and Service Delivery Challenges, March 24,
    2009
 

    GAO-09-503T,
    Private Pensions: Conflicts of Interest Can Affect Defined Benefit
    and Defined Contribution Plans, March 24, 2009

    GAO-09-462T,
    Coast Guard: Observations on Changes to Management and Oversight
    of the Deepwater Program, March 24, 2009

    
GAO-09-363R,
    Private Health Insurance: 2008 Survey Results on Number and Market
    Share of Carriers in the Small Group Health Insurance Market,
    February 27, 2009

    
from GAO Reports 

    As a follow-up to our 2005 and 2002 reports on the competitiveness
    of the small group health insurance market, Congress requested
    updated information on each state and the District of Columbia.
    Specifically, this report provides information from states and
    the District of Columbia (hereafter referred to as a state) on
    the number of carriers licensed in the small group market, the
    largest carriers, and their market share. The median number ...
 

    GAO-09-294SP,
    Iraq: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight, March 24, 2009

    U.S.
    exchanges call on SEC for modified uptick rule

    The Securities and Exchange Commission, the federal market watchdog,
    is currently working with exchange operators and others on proposals
    to mitigate the dramatic, mortgage market-inspired drop in capital
    markets. ...

    
Geithner
    Gets Good Press Over Bank Plan

    
by U.S. News & World Report - Washington,DC,USA

    It's an approach to do something that I think almost all economists
    regard as essential, restarting the capital market, because restarting
    the capital ...
 

    
Winds
    Shifting For European Banks

    
by Forbes - NY,USA

    ... the losses from the crisis while banks which are big balance
    sheet lenders are now feeling the strain," said Kepler Capital
    Markets analyst Dirk Becker. ...

    

    Linamar
    CEO says supplier will survive crisis - Automotive News

    Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz dismissed comments by RBC Capital
    Markets analyst Nick Morton, who said in a note last week that
    the slump in the auto sector could cause the autoparts company
    to breach covenants when it has to repay $80 ...

    

    Credit
    union taken over by feds gets a new leader - Kansas City Star
 

    
Daily
    Open Source Infrastructure Report for U.S. Department of Homeland
    Security

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

    March
    24, 2009 - DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF,
    15 pages - 132 KB) 

    
Homeland
    Security Leadership Journal for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

    Radio
    Marti Highlights the Plight of Political Prisoners in Cuba 


    
Boston
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
New
    Orleans Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    U.S.
    Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has issued the following news
    release today: 

    U.S. personal income growth slowed to 3.9 percent in 2008 from
    6.0 percent in 2007 with all states except Alaska sharing in
    the slowdown, according to preliminary estimates released today
    by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The U.S. growth was
    the slowest since 2003. 


    Transportation
    Secretary Ray LaHood Announces Recovery Act Funding for Tribal
    Transit

    


    
Issue Number: TT-2009-57 

    Inside This Issue

    
Ten Tips for Deducting Charitable Contributions

    
When preparing to file your federal tax
    return, don’t forget your contributions to charitable organizations.
    Your donations could add up to a sizeable tax deduction if you
    itemize on IRS Form 1040, Schedule A. 

    Here are a few tips to ensure your contributions pay off on your
    tax return: 

    Contributions must be made to qualified organizations to be deductible.
    You cannot deduct contributions made to specific individuals,
    political organizations and candidates. 

    You cannot deduct the value of your time or services. Nor can
    you deduct the cost of raffles, bingo or other games of chance.


    If your contributions entitle you to merchandise, goods or services,
    including admission to a charity ball, banquet, theatrical performance
    or sporting event, you can deduct only the amount that exceeds
    the fair market value of the benefit received. 

    Donations of stock or other property are usually valued at the
    fair market value of the property. Special rules apply to donation
    of vehicles. 

    Clothing and household items donated must generally be in good
    used condition or better to be deductible. 

    Regardless of the amount, to deduct a contribution of cash, check,
    or other monetary gift, you must maintain a bank record or a
    written communication from the organization containing the name
    of the organization, the date of the contribution and amount
    of the contribution. 

    To claim a deduction for contributions of cash or property equaling
    $250 or more you must obtain a written acknowledgment from the
    qualified organization showing the amount of the cash and a description
    of any property contributed, and whether the organization provided
    any goods or services in exchange for the gift. One document
    from the organization may satisfy both the written communication
    requirement for monetary gifts and the written acknowledgement
    requirement for all contributions of $250 or more. 

    If you claim a deduction of more than $500 for all contributed
    property, you must attach IRS Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions,
    to your return. 

    Taxpayers donating an item or a group of similar items valued
    at more than $5,000 must also complete Section B of Form 8283,
    which requires an appraisal by a qualified appraiser. 

    Contributions made for relief efforts in a Midwest disaster area
    receive special benefits. For more information, see Publication
    4492-B, Information for Affected Taxpayers in the Midwest Disaster
    Areas. 

    For more information on charitable contributions, check out Publication
    526, Charitable Contributions, which is available at IRS.gov
    or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

    
Links: 

    Search
    for Charities or download Publication 78, Cumulative List
    of Organizations 

    Publication 526, Charitable Contributions (PDF
    178K) 

    Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property (PDF 101K)


    Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF
    176K) 

    Schedule A, Itemized Deductions (PDF
    116K) 

    Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions (PDF)


    Instructions for Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions
    (PDF)
    

    
Military
    Medical Digest for Military Health System

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


    NRC
    to Reduce Palo Verde Oversight

    FSIS
    Notice 20-09 (PDF) 

    Mailing Unused FSIS Form 10,210-3 to Laboratories 

    Sec.
    Geithner to Unveil Plan to Combat Banking Crisis 

    Posted: 22 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By MARTIN CRUTSINGER 

    WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is hoping it has finally
    come up with the right formula to resolve the nation's worst
    banking crisis in 70 years. 


    Pres.
    Obama Links Budget to Environment 

    Posted: 22 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By PHILIP ELLIOTT 

    WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's aides say the administration
    will work with Congress on his budget proposal, but energy independence
    is not subject to wheeling and dealing. 

    EPA
    Closer to Global Warming Warning 

    Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By H. JOSEF HEBERT 

    WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency has taken the
    first step on the long road to regulating greenhouse gases under
    the Clean Air Act. 

    Senate
    Delays Vote on Measure to Tax Bonuses 

    Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    The Washington Post 

    WASHINGTON 

    Jarred by a cool reception from the White House and fears of
    unintended consequences across the financial world, Senate leaders
    are likely to delay until late next month legislation to punitively
    tax bonuses at banks and investment firms that receive federal
    aid. 


    Supreme
    Court Hears Arguments over Anti-Hillary Movie 

    Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By JESSE J. HOLLAND 

    U.S.
    Leaders Say Afghan War Stalemated 

    Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By ANNE GEARAN 

    
Contact: Bryan Hubbard

    (202) 874-5770 

    Comptroller of the Currency Hosts Community Bank Directors
    Workshops in Oakbrook, Illinois

    WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
    will host workshops for national community bank directors in
    Oakbrook, Illinois, at the Doubletree, May 19-20, 2009.

    The workshops provide practical information that expands bank
    directors' skills and understanding of issues facing their banks.
    The workshops cover risk assessment (“Directors: Where is
    the Risk in Your Bank”) and credit risk (“Credit Risk:
    A Director’s Focus”).

    Workshops will be held on consecutive days and cost $65 each.
    Individuals may register for one or both of the workshops. Attendees
    receive pre-course reading and course materials, an OCC telephone
    seminar CD, a community bank supervision handbook, other supervisory
    material, a continental breakfast, and lunch. Workshops are limited
    to the first 50 registrants and are geared primarily to outside
    directors of national community banks with assets of less than
    $1 billion. Management directors may also find the workshops
    beneficial.

    For information or to register online, visit http://www.occ.gov/conference.htm
    or call 336-451-0557.

    
###
 

    


    
Issue: Spring 2009 Edition

    
Inside This Issue 

    Thank you for subscribing to the Employee Plans News. 

    This is the Spring 2009 edition of the newsletter. 

    This edition contains the following articles: 

    Know a Nonamender? Here's what you need to know NOW... 

    Final Regulations Issued for Automatic Contribution Arrangements


    Sample Plan Language - Transfer of an ESOP’s S Corporation
    Shares to Prevent a Nonallocation Year 

    The EPCU Insider -The Multiemployer Actuarial Certification Project
    – Defined Benefit Plan Actuarial Certification Errors 

    ERPA - CPE Sponsor Program 

    Web Spins - The Retirement Plans Site 

    Employee Plans Published Guidance 

    Critical Priorities…With Monika Templeman - Today’s
    Discussion: Update on the Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent Program


    Attention All 2009 Form 1099-R Issuers 

    Highlights of the Retirement News for Employers 

    The Corner of Forms & Pubs 

    We’re Glad You Asked! 

    403(b) Phone Forum 

    DOL Corner 

    PBGC Insights 

    Calendar of EP Benefits Conferences 

    To read the Spring Edition, please access the newsletter
    file directly or visit the Current
    Edition of the Employee Plans News page in the Retirement
    Plans Community section of the IRS.gov Web site.

    
 

    
Issue Number: IR-2009-028 

    Inside This Issue

    
IRS Seeks Volunteers for Taxpayer Advocacy
    Panel 

    WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service seeks civic-minded
    volunteers to serve on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), which
    listens to taxpayers, identifies key issues and makes recommendations
    for improving IRS service. 

    “TAP members are your friends and neighbors, walking in
    the shoes of the average taxpayer. A better understanding of
    how to serve the taxpayer well is a key to sound tax administration,”
    said Doug Shulman, IRS Commissioner. 

    TAP provides a forum for taxpayers from all 50 states as well
    as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. TAP is a federal
    advisory committee that reports annually to the Treasury Department,
    the IRS and the National Taxpayer Advocate, which is an independent
    organization within the IRS. The National Taxpayer Advocate provides
    oversight and funding of TAP. 

    “As the IRS continues to examine taxpayers’ needs in
    the area of service, the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel has emerged
    as a vital source for gathering and providing information from
    the perspective of taxpayers,” said Nina E. Olson, National
    Taxpayer Advocate. “TAP’s role will ultimately aid
    taxpayers by helping the IRS to provide them with the top quality
    service they deserve." 

    To be a member of TAP you must be a U.S. citizen, current with
    your tax obligations, able to commit 300 to 500 hours during
    the year and pass an FBI criminal background check. New TAP members
    will serve a three-year term starting in December 2009. Anyone
    chosen as an alternate would be considered to fill any vacancies
    that open during the next two years. 

    TAP members are being sought for the following states: Arkansas,
    California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky,
    Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, North
    Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee
    and Texas. 

    Alternates are being sought for: Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, District
    of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan,
    Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, South
    Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. 

    Applications to become a member of TAP will be accepted until
    April 30. Applications are available online at www.improveirs.org.
    Applications can also be received through the mail by calling
    toll-free 1-888-912-1227. 

    
Media
    Advisories for U.S. Federal Aviation Administration

    
A new media advisory, 34th
    Annual Aviation Forecast Conference, is now available. 

    HUD Webcasts—March 2009 Disaster Housing
    Assistance Program

    Wednesday, Mar 25, 2009

    2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (11:00 AM Pacific)

    --View the webcast here: http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/index.cfm


    The webcast will appear on this page on the day of the scheduled
    program. 

    --Slides for this program will be posted on the page when they
    become available.

    --If you won’t be available to view the program live, the
    archive will be available within 24-48 hours after the program
    ends: http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/archives/

    --If you are OUTSIDE the HUD network, please view our tips on
    watching a HUD webcast: http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/troubleinst.cfm

    --If you have trouble viewing the webcast please call 1 (888)
    652-6811 for technical assistance.

    --If you are INSIDE the HUD network, please view the webcast
    on HUD's intranet. 


    
NASA
    Image of the Day: Crescent Moon in Kazakhstan

    Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    The crescent moon rises in the early morning hours shortly before
    the Soyuz rocket is rolled out to the launch pad Tuesday, March
    24, 2009, at the Baikonur...

    

    
PRESS PREVIEW OF ORIGINAL NATO TREATY
    AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES MARCH 26

    In advance of NATO's 60th Anniversary

    
WHAT: The National Archives will unveil,
    for media only, the original

    North Atlantic Treaty, known as the Washington Treaty, signed
    by

    representatives of 12 nations on April 4, 1949. This is the only

    opportunity to view the Treaty before it is sent to Strasbourg,
    France,

    as part of the 60th Anniversary Summit of the North Atlantic
    Treaty

    Organization, which will take place on April 4, 2009.

    
The Washington Treaty provides that the
    treaty shall be deposited in

    the Archives of the United States. The treaty is preserved in
    a secure,

    environmentally-controlled records storage area along with other

    treaties and international acts.

    
This will be the only opportunity for the
    media to view the original

    Treaty before it is taken to the NATO summit.

    
The countries that were original signers
    of this treaty are: Belgium,

    Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,

    Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    Countries which have joined NATO since 1949 are: Greece, Turkey,

    Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria,
    Estonia,

    Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In July 2008,

    Albania and Croatia signed Accession Protocols. They are expected
    to

    become official members of the Alliance in the course of 2009.

    
WHO: Assistant Archivist of the United
    States Michael Kurtz will

    discuss the history of the NATO Treaty and the role

    of the National Archives in safeguarding it.

    
WHERE: Room 105, National Archives Building

    700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

    Washington, DC

    
WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 2009, 11 A.M.

    Camera pre-set 10:45 A.M.

    
PLEASE NOTE: CAMERAS MAY USE AVAILABLE
    LIGHT ONLY

    
* * *

    For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs

    Staff at 202-357-5300.

    
To RSVP for this event, please contact
    Jean Duggan at the Foreign Press

    Center at dugganjc@state.gov.

    
09-64

    
Africa:
    Daily Press Briefing - March 24 

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:07:31 -0500 

    Robert Wood

    
Acting Department Spokesman 

    Daily Press Briefing

    
March 24, 2009 


    NRC
    Completes Virginia Agreement to Regulate Certain Radioactive
    Materials

    
DOE Fossil Energy NEWSALERT

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

    
Two fuel cell stacks developed by FuelCell
    Energy

    in partnership with Versa Power Systems achieved

    5,000 hours of service in February, meeting a goal

    of the U.S. Department of Energy's Solid State

    Energy Conversion Alliance. For more details,

    link to the Energy Department's Fossil Energy

    Web site at:

    
http://www.fossil.energy.gov

    Excess List #09-43



    Documents



    GAO/NSIAD-95-47 – Electronic Warfare Most Air Force ALQ-135
    Jammers Procured Without Operational Testing, Nov 1994

    GAO/NSIAD-95-64 – Defense Inventory Opportunities to Reduce
    Warehouse Space, May 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-84 – National Security Impact of China’s
    Military Modernization in the Pacific Region, Jun 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-91 – Army National Guard Combat Brigades’
    Ability to Be Ready for War in 90 Days Is Uncertain, Jun 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-97 – Military personnel High Aggregate Personnel
    Levels Maintained Throughout Drawdown, Jun 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-119BR – Peace Operations DOD’s Incremental
    Costs & Funding for Fiscal Year 1994, Apr 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-133S – Military Bases Letters & Requests
    Received on Proposed Closures & Realignments, May 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-138BR – Peace Operations Estimated Fiscal Year
    1995 Costs to the United States, May 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-141BR – Cassini Mission Estimated Launch Costs
    for NASA’s Mission to Saturn, May 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-96-33 – Depot Maintenance Opportunities to Privatize
    Repair of Military Engines, Mar 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-37 – Former Soviet Union Information on U.S.
    Bilateral Program Funding, Dec 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-96-38 – Peace Operations U.S. Costs in Support
    of Haiti, Former Yugoslavia, Somalia, & Rwanda, Mar 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-40 – Promoting Democracy Progress Report on
    U.S. Democratic Development Assistance to Russia, Feb 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-43 – Strategic Airlift Improvements in C-5
    Mission Capability Can Help Meet Airlift Requirements, Nov 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-96-44 – Military Training Cost-Effective Development
    of Simulations Presents Significant Challenges, Nov 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-96-45 – Combat Air Power Assessment of Joint Close
    Support Requirements & Capabilities Is Needed, Jun 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-47 – Marine Corps Improving Amphibious Capability
    Would Require Larger Share of Budget Than Previously Provided,
    Feb 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-49 – Navy Aviation AV-8B Harrier Remanufacture
    Strategy Is Not the Most cost-Effective Options, Feb 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-56 – Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
    Questions Related to Organizational Restructuring, Feb 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-59 – Army & Marine corps M198 Howitzer
    Maintenance Problems Are Not Severe Enough to Accelerate Replacement
    System, Dec 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-96-60 - Defense Transportation Streamlining of the
    U.S. Transportation Command Is Needed, Feb 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-63 – Army National Guard Validate Requirements
    for Combat Forces & Size Those Forces Accordingly, Mar 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-65 – Military Exports Offset Demands Continue
    to Grow, Apr 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-67 – Military Bases Closure & Realignment,
    but Not Easily Quantified, Apr 1996



    Carol Lahoski

    AFFTC Technical Library

    812 TSS/ENTL

    307 E. Popson Ave

    Bldg 1400, Rm 110

    Edwards AFB, CA 93524-6630

    661 277-3606

    Email: carol.lahoski@edwards.af.mil
 

    NASA
    and Microsoft to Make Universe of Data Available to the Public

    Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    NASA and Microsoft Corp. announced Tuesday plans to make planetary
    images and data available via the Internet under a Space Act
    Agreement.

    Excess List #09-42



    Documents



    GAO/HEHS-98-231R – Comparison of Federal Health Program,
    Aug 1998

    GAO/HEHS/GGD-97-138 – Managing for Results Analytic Challenges
    in Measuring Performance, May 1997

    GAO/HR-99-2R – Open Recommendations in High-Risk Areas,
    Apr 1999

    GAO/NSIAD-86-148 – Acquisition DOD’s Defense Acquisition
    Improvement Program: A Status Report, Jul 1986

    GAO/NSIAD-86-178BR – Acquisition Status of the Defense Acquisition
    Improvement Program’s 33 Initiatives, Sep 1986

    GAO/NSIAD-86-193FS – Acquisition DOD’s Acquisition
    Improvement Program – Program Managers’ View, Sep 1986

    GAO/NSIAD-92-5 – Aerospace Plane Technology Research &
    Development Efforts in Japan & Australia, Oct 1991

    GAO/NSIAD-92-10 – Strategic Defense Initiative Options for
    Revising Program Elements Used to Fund Program, Nov 1991

    GAO/NSIAD-92-13 – Defense Industrial Base DOD Needs Better
    Method of Identifying Critical Technology Funding, Feb 1992

    GAO/NSIAD-92-42 – Defense Force Management Limited Baseline
    for Monitoring Civilian Force Reductions, Feb 1992

    GAO/NSIAD-92-97 – Defense Management Implementation of the
    Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Ace, Jan 1992

    GAO/NSIAD-93-46 – B-2 Bomber Status of Compliance With the
    1992 & 1993 Defense Authorization Ace, Dec 1992

    GAO/NSIAD-95-1 – Defense Supply Inventories Contain Nonessential
    & Excessive Insurance Stocks, Jan 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-9 – Army Aviation Modernization Strategy Needs
    to Be Reassessed, Nov 1994

    GAO/NSIAD-95-17 – Navy’s Aircraft Carrier Program Investment
    Strategy Options, Jan 1995 (2 copies)

    GAO/NSIAD-95-20 – Defense Budget Capital Asset Projects
    Undergo Significant Change Between Approval & Execution,
    Dec 1994

    GAO/NSIAD-95-36 – Army Inventory Reparable Exchange Items
    at Divisions Can Be Reduced, Dec 1994

    GAO/NSIAD-95-43 – Force Structure Army’s Support Requirements
    Process Lacks Valid & Consistent Data, Jan 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-44 – Defense Supply controls Over Hand Tools
    Can Be Improved, Jan 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-95-46 – Missile Development Status & Issues
    at the Time of the TSSAM Termination Decision, Jan 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-96-30 – Navy Maintenance Assessment of the Public-Private
    Competition Program for Aviation Maintenance, Jan 1996

    GAO/NSIAD-96-31 – Depot Maintenance the Navy’s Decision
    to Stop F/A-18 Repairs at Ogden Air Logistics Center, Dec 1995

    GAO/NSIAD-96-32 – Environmental Cleanup Progress in Resolving
    Long-standing Issues at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Mar 1996



    Carol Lahoski

    AFFTC Technical Library

    812 TSS/ENTL

    307 E. Popson Ave

    Bldg 1400, Rm 110

    Edwards AFB, CA 93524-6630

    661 277-3606

    Email: carol.lahoski@edwards.af.mil

    
Page Updates for U.S. Federal Aviation
    Administration

    
A new speech, IT/ISS
    Conference, “This is for Real”, is now available.
    


    EPA
    Awards $800,000 in Environmental Justice Grants to Communities
    in 28 States 

    Conflict
    Management Education and Training Courses

    The United States Institute of Peace is proud to unveil its new
    conflict management education and training program. The courses
    offered through USIP’s education and training center include
    a mix of theory and practice, with a heavy dose of applied exercises,
    including case studies, simulations, and practical and small
    group exercises. Courses are currently enrolling interested participants
    in the upcoming 

    
USIP's
    Abiodun Williams attends Global Policy Council

    
USIP’s Abiodun Williams attended the
    Global Policy Council in Germany this month hosted by The Bertelsmann
    Stiftung, an independent, politically nonpartisan, nonprofit
    organization whose main goal is to promote social change. The
    Global Policy Council brings together strategic thinkers from
    different parts of the world to tackle the challenges and opportunities
    associated with the dynamics of globalization, the rise of new
    powers and the emergence of new security threats. This year’s
    guests included Henry Kissinger and Helmut Schmidt and other
    luminaries. There were five sessions: "Crafting an Inclusive
    Global Agenda: Issues and Priorities", "Approaching
    Global Governance: Principles, Instruments and Actors",
    "Regulating Markets: How to Deal with the Financial Crisis
    and its Implications?", "Expanding Opportunities: How
    to reduce Poverty, Promote Equality and Stimulate the World Economy?",
    and "Building Global Governance: How to Deal with Climate
    Change and Energy?"
 

    Former
    United Nations Special Envoy for Darfur Joins USIP

    On March 18, 2009, USIP welcomed as a senior visiting scholar
    Ambassador Jan Eliasson, who served until July 1, 2008 as Special
    Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Darfur. His
    focus here will be on strengthening transatlantic relations in
    the face of global challenges. 

    Conducting
    Elections in Darfur: Looking ahead to Sudan’s 2009 Elections

    The 2005 Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between North
    and South Sudan requires elections across all levels – local,
    state and national – by July 2009. Preparations for these
    elections have been slowly inching along. As the CPA deadline
    for elections approaches, the question of how Darfur can and
    should participate remains unclear. This new USIPeace Briefing
    explores these issues and delves into an analysis of the upcoming
    election. 

    
JMD
    Publications page for the U.S. Department of Justice

    
The following new publication has recently
    been added and is now available. 

    Fleet
    AFV Program Report for FY 2008 


    
C-SPAN Daily Alert

    Programming Information for Tues. 3/24 - Weds. 3/25, 2009

    **********************************************************************

    
C-SPAN Highlights

    
Tonight:

    * President Obama News Conference (8pm) - LIVE

    * House Hearing on AIG with Sec. Geithner & Fed. Chair. Bernanke
    (9pm)

    * House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) Briefing on FY 2010
    Budget (12:15am)

    
Tomorrow:

    * U.S. House: In Session (10am) - LIVE

    **********************************************************************

    C-SPAN2 Highlights

    
Tonight:

    * DHS Sec. Napolitano Press Conference on U.S.-Mexico Border
    Security (8pm)

    * House Hearing on FTC's Role in Consumer Credit and Debt Protection
    (8:35pm)

    * Pres. Obama Telephone Call to NASA Astronauts (10:20pm)

    
Tomorrow:

    * British House of Commons Prime Minister's Questions (8am) -
    LIVE

    * U.S. Senate: In Session (Time TBA) - LIVE

    **********************************************************************

    C-SPAN3 Highlights

    
Tonight:

    * Leonard Downie, Washington Post, VP-at-Large on "Politics
    and the Press" (10pm)

    
Tomorrow:

    * House Budget Cmte. Mark Up of Fiscal 2010 Budget (10:30am)
    - LIVE

    
**********************************************************************

    C-SPAN Radio Highlights

    
Tonight:

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

    
Tomorrow:

    * Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE

    **********************************************************************

    Politics Highlights

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

    **********************************************************************

    Washington Journal Highlights

    
* Newspaper Articles & Viewer Calls

    * Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)

    * Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA)

    * Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon

    
**********************************************************************

    C-SPAN Capitol Spotlight

    
* The administration proposal would allow
    the Treasury Department to provide financial assistance to make
    loans to an institution, purchase its obligations or assets,
    assume or guarantee its liabilities...- Full Story at www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight/

    
* What was Barack Obama's highest vote
    share in one congressional district? - Answer at www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight/

    NATIONAL
    ARCHIVES HOSTS FIFTH GENEALOGY FAIR, APRIL 22-23, 2009

    Louisiana
    Organization Awarded EPA Environmental Justice Grant 

    Group expects to improve public awareness on unauthorized discharges
    from refineries 


    
News
    Releases for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

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

    Texas
    Organization Awarded EPA Environmental Justice Grant 

    Local community health workers will promote environmental protection
    

    Alamosa
    Citizens’ Water Supply Better Protected Due to EPA Grant
    


    Albuquerque
    Organization Awarded EPA Environmental Justice Grant 

    Group expects to improve public awareness on air quality compliance
    and waste disposal 

    EPA
    Grant Engages Southwest Colorado Communities in Environmental
    Decision-Making

    DoD
    Contracts for March 24, 2009 

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:00:00 -0500 


    
What's
    New section on the National Security Division's home page on
    the U.S. Department of Justice web site

    
This section has recently been updated

    New
    Mexico Organization Awarded EPA Environmental Justice Grant 

    Group expects to increase awareness on state permitting process
    for tribal communities 

    Secretary
    Napolitano to Visit Texas Gulf Coast

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:00:00 -0500

    As part of an ongoing emphasis on Gulf Coast storm rehabilitation,
    U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano
    will travel to Texas on Thursday, March 26 to meet with Governor
    Rick Perry and hold conversations with business representatives
    and state and local officials on disaster recovery and renewal.
    She will also tour Port Arthur to view the Hurricane Ike recovery
    progress, hold a media availability with Governor Perry, and
    host a press conference in Galveston.
 

    EPA
    Grant Provides Capacity-Building Skills to Fort Collins Hardrock
    Mining Watershed Groups 

    EPA
    Grant Empowers Denver Community to be Energy Efficient 

    EPA
    Acts to Reduce Harmful Impacts from Coal Mining 


    
Inspector
    General Management Reports for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

    OIG-09-34
    - U.S. Coast Guard's Management of 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes
    Mission Assignment Funding (PDF, 27 pages - 1.41 MB) New
    03/23/2009 

    HOME
    Expiring Funds reports 03/22/09

    USDA
    CONSUMER ALERT: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:02:26 -0500

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing recommendations
    to the regions affected by severe weather and anticipating flooding
    in Minnesota and North Dakota. USDA is hopeful that this information
    will help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due
    to power outages and other problems that are often associated
    with severe weather events.
 

    NASA
    Awards Construction Contract For Rocket Engine Testing

    Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    NASA signed a contract with Roy Anderson Corp. of Gulfport, Miss.,
    for a general construction package on the A-3 test stand.

    U.S.
    HELSINKI COMMISSION TO HOLD BRIEFING ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFGHANISTAN

    
Sacramento
    Top Stories for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    
El
    Paso Top Stories for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    NRC
    Employee Recognized as an Agent of Change in the Federal 100
    Awards

    NRC
    Accepts Areva Application for Uranium Enrichment Facility in
    Idaho
 

    NRC
    to Conduct Open House on March 31 Regarding Annual Assessment
    of Performance for Beaver Valley Nuclear Plant

    President
    Obama Calls Discovery, Space Station Astronauts

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0500

    The President, schoolchildren and members of Congress talk with
    the astronauts.

    
Radiation
    Protection News for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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


    
Citizenship
    and Immigration Services Ombudsman for U.S. Department of Homeland
    Security

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

    USCIS
    Response to CIS Ombudsman Recommendation 36 - "Improving
    the Processing of 'Schedule A' Nurse Visas (PDF, 6 pages
    - 383 KB) - New 3/23/2009 

    United
    States Department of Defense Image Gallery

    
Aircraft
    Certification Draft Documents Open for Comment for U.S. Federal
    Aviation Administration

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


    
Press
    Releases for Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

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

    Statement
    of Christine F. Sizemore, Ph.D., Barbara E. Laughon, Ph.D., and
    Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
    Diseases, National Institutes of Health on World TB Day March
    24, 2009 

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:05:00 -0500 

    Students
    and Science Educators To Get Boost from NIH ARRA Initiative 

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:05:00 -0500 


    Rising
    to the Challenge: NIH Will Use $60 Million in Recovery Act Funds
    to Support Strategic Autism Research 

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:25:00 -0500 

    
USAID Collaborates with Iraqis to Reopen
    Vocational Training School

    
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 24, 2009 

    Press Office: 202-712-4320

    Public Information: 202-712-4810 

    www.usaid.gov 

    BAGHDAD, IRAQ-The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),
    in collaboration with the Mada'in District Council, reopened
    Salman Pak Industrial School today. The school's mission is to
    improve Iraqis' skills that will enable them to find a better
    life through further employment and improved businesses in their
    communities. 

    The Iraqi Ministry of Education (MoE) offers technical and vocational
    training in the last three years of secondary education. There
    are about 154 industrial vocational education schools in Iraq,
    according to the ministry. The renovated Salman Pak school has
    the capacity to train up to 700 students in eight courses: sewing,
    generator maintenance; welding; automotive repair; plumbing;
    electrical installation; masonry; and carpentry. 

    In his remarks at the opening, USAID's country director Christopher
    D. Crowley said, "The reopening of the school will provide
    Iraqis with useful skills in a competitive job market and local
    employers with a qualified labor force that increases their productivity."
    He also said that he hoped the Iraqis who receive training at
    the school will contribute to an expanding and diversified private
    sector and help the Iraqi government in its reconstruction efforts.


    Local Iraqi officials identified the renovation of Salman Pak
    Industrial School as an important community priority, after insurgent-led
    attacks had destroyed much of the building. The MoE and the Mada'in
    District Council worked in partnership with the embedded Provincial
    Reconstruction Team, the U.S. military, and the local security
    officials to complete the project, which created short-term jobs
    for unemployed laborers and long-term jobs for the staff.

    USAID invested $600,000 in the project, as a part of its country-wide
    efforts to help create an environment for stability and establish
    the conditions for long-term development to take hold in violence-affected
    areas. The Government of Iraq contributed approximately $58,000
    in labor to remove and dispose of trash and debris from the grounds,
    and drain the standing water that had accumulated in the garden.
    Moving forward, the MoE will maintain the building grounds, provide
    a full-time guard and hire and retain qualified teachers for
    the school. 

    Since 2003, USAID has partnered with Iraq in more than $6 billion
    of programs; all designed to stabilize communities; foster economic
    and agricultural growth; and build the capacity of the national,
    local, and provincial governments to respond to the needs of
    the Iraqi people. 

    For more information about USAID programs, please visit our website
    at www.usaid.gov. The American
    people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development,
    have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide
    for nearly 50 years. 

    The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic
    and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years. 

    
NEW
    VACANCIES AT FINCEN

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

    Facilities and Property Management Specialist, GS-301-09/11 (FPL:
    GS-12); 

    opens: March 24, 2009 closes: April 23, 2009 

    (You must apply online via Career Connector) 

    Facilities and Property Management Specialist, GS-301-09/11 (FPL:
    GS-12); [All Sources] 

    opens: March 24, 2009 closes: April 23, 2009 

    (You must apply online via Career Connector) 


    
FTA 05-09 

    Tuesday, March 24, 2009 

    Contact: Paul Griffo 

    Tel.: 202-366-4064

    
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
    Announces Recovery Act Funding for Greenhouse Gas and Energy
    Reduction 

    Washington, DC—The U.S. Secretary of Transportation today
    announced the availability of $100 million in federal funding
    under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009 for the
    Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction grant
    program. 

    Projects will compete for a portion of the funds on the basis
    of how much their proposed capital investment is expected to
    reduce either energy consumption or greenhouse gases, or both.


    “This grant program establishes the transit industry as
    a leader in reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil,
    addressing global climate change and creating green jobs,”
    said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. 

    Transit agencies may apply under this grant program. Additionally,
    other public organizations such as State Departments of Transportation
    can submit consolidated project proposals on behalf of transit
    agencies. Grants will be made for particular projects directly
    to public transportation agencies. 

    In addition to the anticipated reduction in energy or greenhouse
    gasses, the projects will be rated on their return on investment,
    readiness to implement, the capacity of the applicant, the degree
    of innovation, and their national applicability. 

    FTA will post application instructions, answers to common questions,
    and a calculator to assist in developing information on energy
    consumption or greenhouse gas emission reduction on its website
    at www.fta.dot.gov. Potential
    applicants may also register for updates to program information
    at this site. 

    ### 

    Department
    of Justice Announces Resources for Fight Against Mexican Drug
    Cartels 

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0500 

    "For more than a quarter century, U.S. law enforcement agencies
    have recognized that the best way to fight the most sophisticated
    and powerful criminal organizations is through intelligence-based
    investigations to target the greatest threats," said Deputy
    Attorney General David Ogden. "The Department's Mexican
    Cartel Strategy confronts those cartels as criminal organizations.
    As we've found with other large criminal groups, if you take
    their money and lock up their leaders, you can loosen their grips
    on the vast organizations they use to carry out their criminal
    enterprises. The Department of Justice is committed to taking
    advantage of all available resources to target the Mexican cartels
    and to help our Mexican counterparts in their courageous effort
    to take on these criminal organizations." 

    
Tax
    Division Injunctions for U.S. Department of Justice

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

    
Tax
    Division Employment for U.S. Department of Justice

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

    
EX-IM BANK HELPS U.S. RAILWAY EQUIPMENT
    MAKERS SUCCEED IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE 

    

    
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. makers of locomotives,
    railway equipment and services are rolling into several foreign
    markets despite the current economic crisis, backed by loans,
    loan guarantees and insurance from Export-Import Bank of the
    United States (Ex-Im Bank).

    
"We can help U.S. railway manufacturers
    export despite tightened liquidity with a variety of financing
    alternatives from short-term to long-term," said John A.
    McAdams, Ex-Im Bank chief operating officer and senior vice president,
    Export Finance. "This financing helps maintain the flow
    of U.S. exports to international buyers and in the process supports
    U.S. jobs in this important industrial sector." 

    

    
L. B. Foster Company, Pittsburgh, Penn.,
    is exporting railroad track equipment to Peru with the help of
    a $12 million Ex-Im Bank guarantee of a loan by PNC Bank National
    Association, also headquartered in Pittsburgh.

    "The fact that this transaction is being supported by Ex-Im
    Bank is immensely helpful to us," said Lia Turner, L. B.
    Foster manager, International District. "This makes us competitive
    on financing with Chinese and European manufacturers."

    

    
Ferrocarril Transandino, S.A., Peru (Ferrocarril),
    a private rail concession operator, is using the financing to
    buy rail tracks, joint bars, track bolts and rail anchors from
    L. B. Foster to renovate its track network. The transaction is
    part of a $25 million project to upgrade Ferrocarril's rail system.

    Ex-Im Bank also approved an $86.5 million long-term loan to support
    the sale by GE Transportation, Erie, Penn., of 38 AC44i diesel-electric
    locomotives to MRS Logistica in Brazil. The privately-owned railway
    company, one of Brazil's largest, is using the exports to expand
    and modernize its locomotive fleet, buying the first alternating
    current locomotives in Brazil. It is the largest financing done
    by Ex-Im Bank for a Brazilian railroad. GE Capital Markets Services
    Inc. is acting as financial advisor on the transaction.

    

    
MRS Logistica operates a 1,674-kilometer
    rail network linking the Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro,
    Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo. The railroad operates 576 locomotives
    and 14,117 rail cars to transport such commodities as iron ore,
    steel, cement, coal/coke and agricultural products. 

    In another successful railway export case, Nucor Corporation,
    Charlotte, N.C., is selling steel plate manufactured in its Tuscaloosa,
    Ala., facility to a Mexican railcar manufacturer with the help
    of an Ex-Im Bank Financial Institutional Buyer Credit policy.

    
The policy insures a $20 million revolving
    line of credit from Hencorp Becstone Capital LLC, Miami, Fla.,
    to Mexican buyer Gunderson-Gimsa, S de R.L. de C.V.

    

    
Additional U.S. suppliers across the country
    will participate in the transaction by providing steel wheels,
    coupling, braking systems and related materials and parts to
    Gunderson-Gimsa.

    

    
Ex-Im Bank has enhanced several of its
    trade finance products to help counter the tightening of credit
    and the lack of liquidity in the export marketplace. Among the
    changes is expanded access to the Bank's working capital loan
    guarantees. These loan guarantees are now available for indirect
    exporters, which are U.S. companies that provide goods and services
    destined for export by other U.S. companies. 

    

    
Ex-Im Bank is the official export-credit
    agency of the United States. The independent, self-sustaining
    federal agency, now in its 75th year, helps create and maintain
    U.S. jobs by financing the sale of U.S. exports, primarily to
    emerging markets throughout the world, by providing loan guarantees,
    export-credit insurance and direct loans.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
    

    
School
    Lunch and Breakfast Programs for GovBenefits.gov

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


    
Special
    Milk Program for GovBenefits.gov

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

    
Summer
    Food Service Program for GovBenefits.gov

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

    
Arizona
    Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
    Children (WIC) for GovBenefits.gov

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

    
Kansas
    Medicaid for GovBenefits.gov

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

    
Idaho
    Special Milk Program for GovBenefits.gov

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

    
Texas
    Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for GovBenefits.gov

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


    
Maryland
    Children's Health Program (SCHIP) for GovBenefits.gov

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

    
Georgia
    Summer Food Service for GovBenefits.gov

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

    
Michigan
    Medicaid Health Care Program for GovBenefits.gov

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


    
Economic
    Recovery, Federal Register and/or What's New updates on the Federal
    Transit Administration website

    
This information has recently been updated
    with a Federal Register Notice on Greenhouse Gas & Energy
    Reduction Grants and the EIS for Proposed Transit Improvements
    in the Regional Connector Transit Corridor, Los Angeles, CA,
    and is now available. 

    
Wanted
    by the FBI Podcast for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
FBI
    Podcast for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    
Phoenix
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
Milwaukee
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
Atlanta
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    
Sacramento
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
Houston
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
New
    York Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    
Minneapolis
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    STS-119
    MCC Status Report #17

    Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    The International Space Station is ready for space shuttle Endeavour?s
    STS-127 mission in a few months now that spacewalking astronauts
    have completed all of the mandatory tasks in preparation for
    its crew size growth to six and the addition of the Japanese
    exposed facility.

    NASA
    Sets Teleconference To Discuss Recovered Meteorites

    Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    NASA will hold a media teleconference on Wednesday, March 25,
    at 2 p.m. EDT to reveal science findings from recently discovered
    meteorites
 

    STS-119
    MCC Status Report #16

    Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    Readying the International Space Station for a larger crew by
    moving an equipment cart and completing the deployment of a cargo
    carrier will be the hub of today?s activities outside the station
    for the third and final spacewalk by Discovery's astronauts.

    
National
    Fire Academy Course Vacancies for U.S. Fire Administration

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

    
Annual Fire and Emergency Services Higher
    Education (FESHE) Conference Announcement and Preliminary Agenda
    



    ATTENTION: The deadline for receiving FESHE applications is March
    30, 2009. 



    FESHE Conference Update 

    Every year, USFA hosts the annual Fire and Emergency Services
    Higher Education (FESHE) Conference on its campus in Emmitsburg,
    Maryland. Representatives from fire-related degrees programs,
    State and local fire service training agencies, and national
    fire service organizations attend the three-day conference. There
    are significant products from these conferences resulting from
    the group work by the participants and presentations by national
    leaders and experts. Participation at the FESHE conferences is
    by invitation only to those in the target audiences. 



    11th Annual Conference 

    We are pleased to announce that the 11th annual Fire and Emergency
    Services Higher Education (FESHE) Conference will be held May
    30 – June 1, 2009 at the U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA)
    National Fire Academy (NFA) campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Please
    see the attached preliminary agenda for the upcoming conference.




    Costs and Enrollment Information 

    Lodging and Meals 

    As in the past, travel and meals ($97.25) are borne by the attendees;
    however, USFA will provide lodging at no charge and scheduled
    bus transportation to and from a regional airport. Do not book
    your travel plans until confirmation of your acceptance is received
    from our Admissions Office. 

    Lodging on campus is limited. One other representative from your
    institution or agency may attend the conference provided he/she
    submits a separate application; however, depending on room availability,
    additional representatives from your organization may need to
    stay off campus at their own expense. 



    Selection Criteria 

    Priority No. 1 

    Those active in fire service professional development, including
    official representatives of regionally accredited academic fire
    programs, State and local fire service training, national and
    State fire associations, and those responsible for developing
    fire and emergency service personnel. Candidates within this
    audience will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.


    Priority No. 2 

    Those with interest in the field of fire and emergency services
    professional development. Candidates within this audience will
    be reviewed for acceptance after the application closing date.




    Application Information for the FESHE Conference 

    FESHE applicants should download and complete the General
    Admissions Application Short Form (75-5a). 

    Application information needs to be completed through block 18b.


    When completing the application to attend the FESHE Conference,
    please enter this information in Blocks 12a-c: 

    Block 12a: R178 FESHE Conference 

    Block 12b: NETC Emmitsburg, MD 

    Block 12c: May 30 – June 1, 2009 

    Application Information for the FESHE Conference and the Emergency
    Management Higher Education Conference 



    For those interested, the Emergency Management Institute (EMI)
    is hosting its 12th Annual Emergency Management Higher Education
    Conference (E392) on campus June 1-4, 2009. Applicants planning
    to attend both should indicate their first choice and second
    choice on the application in this manner: 

    Block 12a: 

    First Choice: R178 FESHE Conference Second Choice: E392 Emergency
    Mgmt Higher Ed Conference

    
or 

    First Choice: E392 Emergency Mgmt Higher Ed Conference Second
    Choice: R178 FESHE Conference

    
Block 12b: Enter NETC Emmitsburg, MD 

    Block 12c: Leave Blank. 



    Applicants that plan to attend the EMI Higher Ed Conference will
    need to complete a separate application as instructed on webpage
    http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/edu/ 



    Important Lodging Information 

    Along the top border of your application, specify the actual
    dates you will need lodging, particularly if you plan to leave
    early or arrive late. If you will not need lodging, please note
    that along the top border of your application. We have very limited
    bed space and need to know your precise on-campus lodging plans.
    Rooms will be assigned to applicants on a first come, first served
    basis.

    




    Application Deadline, Submission Information 

    The deadline for receiving applications is March 30, 2009. Applications
    must be mailed to: 

    NETC Admissions Office 

    Attn: FESHE Conference 

    16825 South Seton Ave., Bldg I 

    Emmitsburg, MD 21727 



    Applications can also be faxed to the Admissions Office at (301)
    447-1441. If you have any questions about the FESHE conference,
    please contact Lori Welch at (301) 447-1013 or Lori.Welch@dhs.gov.
    Please contact the Admissions Office at (301) 447-1035 with enrollment
    questions. 


    # 5638-09, CFTC
    Publishes Concept Release Regarding Review of Exemptions for
    Swap Dealers, March 24, 2009 

    Federal
    Register Notices for CFTC.gov

    The following Final
    Rules has been published: 

    CITATION# 74 FR 12178 

    Summary : The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (``CFTC''
    or ``Commission'') is promulgating final rules to implement those
    provisions of the CFTC Reauthorization Act of 2008 (``Reauthorization
    Act'') \1\ relating to exempt commercial markets (``ECMs'') on
    which significant price discovery contracts (``SPDCs'') are traded
    or executed. In addition to promulgating regulations mandated
    by the Reauthorization Act, the Commission also is amending existing
    regulations applicable to registered entities in order to clarify
    that such regulations are now applicable to ECMs with SPDCs.\1\
    Incorporated as Title XIII of the Food, Conservation and Energy
    Act of 2008, Public Law 110-246, 122 Stat. 1624 (June 18, 2008)
    DATES: Effective Date: April 22, 2009. 

    Napolitano
    Announces Major Southwest Border Security Initiative

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:00:00 -0500

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano
    announced several Southwest border initiatives designed to crack
    down on Mexican drug cartels through enhanced border security
    on March 24, 2009. The plan calls for additional personnel, increased
    intelligence capability and better coordination with state, local
    and Mexican law enforcement authorities.
 

    U.S.
    Department of State: Daily Appointments Schedule for March 24,
    2009

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:07:19 -0500

    


    
Hoyer Statement on House Schedule

    
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
    Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today regarding
    the schedule for the U.S. House of Representatives this spring
    and summer:



    “After passing major legislation through Congress already
    this year, our Committees are continuing work on critical legislation
    that will be considered later this spring and summer. To accommodate
    this work, the House of Representatives will be in session two
    additional days that were not on the calendar: Friday, June 19,
    and Monday, July 13. The House will not be in session on Friday,
    April 24, as originally scheduled. Adding these days will allow
    us time to work through the appropriations process and other
    important legislation that the House will be considering this
    year.”

    
###

    
FDIC Appoints Joseph A. Jiampietro as
    Senior Advisor to the Chairman for Markets

    
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    March 24, 2009 Media Contact: 

    Andrew Gray (202) 898-7192 

    angray@fdic.gov

    
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
    (FDIC) today announced the hiring of Joseph A. Jiampietro as
    Senior Advisor for Markets to FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair. In this
    new position, Mr. Jiampietro will provide the Chairman with policy
    and legal advice relating to complex financial transactions,
    bid structures, and capital markets. 

    

    
In announcing the position, Chairman Bair
    said, "I believe that the FDIC will benefit greatly from
    Mr. Jiampietro's extensive markets and transactional expertise
    as the Corporation assumes broader responsibilities in significant
    and complex financial programs. We are pleased to have him join
    our team." 

    

    
Mr. Jiampietro previously served as Managing
    Director of the Financial Institutions Group at J.P. Morgan in
    New York since 2007, with responsibility for delivering merger
    and acquisition and corporate finance advice to depository institutions.
    Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Mr. Jiampietro was a Managing Director
    in the Financial Institutions Group of UBS Investment Bank, where
    he was also head of Financial Institution Capital Markets. Mr.
    Jiampietro has spent 11 years in investment banking, providing
    strategic advice to financial institutions. Prior to his career
    in investment banking, he was an associate practicing corporate
    law at Simpson Thatcher and Bartlett. Mr. Jiampietro served as
    Legal Counsel with the United States Senate Committee on Banking,
    Housing and Urban Affairs during the 104th Congress. 

    

    
Mr. Jiampietro received a B.A. in government,
    magna cum laude, from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from Columbia
    University School of Law, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.
    Prior to law school, he participated in the Junior Fellows Program
    of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the internship
    program at the Arms Control Association. 

    # # # 


    U.S.
    International Reserve Position

    March 24, 2009

    2009-3-24-14-14-14-29399

    
Vulnerability Summary for the Week of
    March 16, 2009

    
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 16, 2009.
    It is

    available here:

    
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/bulletins/SB09-083.html

    5637-09, CFTC
    Grants Exemption to Chicago Mercantile Exchange to Clear Certain
    Agricultural Swap Contracts, March 24, 2009 


    
Remarks
    With Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd After Their Meeting
    

    Hillary Rodham Clinton

    
Secretary of State

    
Benjamin Franklin Room

    
Washington, DC

    
March 24, 2009

    
New
    Attorney Vacancies for U.S. Department of Justice

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

    U.S.
    DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TAX DIVISION, CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT SECTIONS
    WASHINGTON, D.C. EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS/ GS-13 to GS-15 The
    positions will remain open until filled. Please submit applications
    by April 22, 2009.

    
EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS / GS-12 to GS-15 CORPORATE/FINANCIAL
    LITIGATION SECTION COMMERCIAL LITIGATION BRANCH U.S. DEPARTMENT
    OF JUSTICE / CIVIL DIVISION Applications
    should be submitted as soon as possible and, in any event, no
    later than May 15, 2009.

    
TRIAL ATTORNEYS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, TAX
    DIVISION WASHINGTON, D.C. Materials
    should be submitted by April 20, 2009. Positions will be open
    until filled. 

    FEC
    Conference for Trade Associations, Membership Organizations and
    Labor Organizations
 

    U.S.
    Department of State Background Notes : Georgia (02/09) 

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:14:25 -0500 

    
Coffee
    Break Training for U.S. Fire Administration

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

    
Adriatic-Baltic-Atlantic
    Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs 

    Joint Press Statement

    
Riga, Latvia

    
March 24, 2009
 

    


    
Democratic Budget Priorities Say “Yes”
    to Nation

    Budget Shows Commitment to Addressing Country’s Challenges,
    Continues To Restore Fiscal Responsibility

    
Tomorrow, the House Budget Committee will
    mark up the budget resolution, continuing the budget process
    between the White House and the Congress as we set our priorities
    for the upcoming year. The Democratic budget resolution will
    serve as a responsible guideline, and reaffirms President Obama’s
    and the Democratic Congress’ commitment to fixing the economy
    in the short-term, while also putting our nation on a long-term
    path to a sustainable fiscal future.



    Click
    here to read more about the Democratic budget plan.

    
###

    
World
    Tuberculosis Day 2009 

    Hillary Rodham Clinton

    
Secretary of State

    
Washington, DC

    
March 24, 2009

    
U.S.
    Department of State Daily Press Briefing -- March 24

    Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:54:00 -0500

    Robert Wood

    
Acting Department Spokesman

    Daily Press Briefing
 

    
The
    Hague Conference on Afghanistan 

    Richard A. Boucher

    
Assistant Secretary

    
Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs

    
With NRC Handelsbald

    
Washington, DC, United States

    
March 20, 2009

    
Secretary
    Clinton Travel to the Netherlands 

    Robert Wood

    
Acting Department Spokesman, Office of
    the Spokesman

    
Washington, DC

    
March 23, 2009

    Global
    markets ride Wall Street higher

    Posted: 03:48 AM ET

    (CNN) — A triple-digit rally on Wall Street pushed global
    markets solidly into positive territory Tuesday.

    


    US
    Stocks Jump, Capping S&P 500’s Best 10-Day Gain Since
    1938 

    Bloomberg

    “This is a significant rally,” Myles Zyblock, the Toronto-
    based chief institutional strategist for RBC Capital Markets,
    said in a note to investors. ...

    
CANADA:
    BC to set up private-sector pension plan

    
from CBC | Ticker 

    The B.C. government is moving to set up a pension plan for workers
    in the private sector who aren't currently covered.

    
U.S.
    Government Seeks Justice in Iraqi Court

    
from American Forces Information Services
    - News Articles 

    U.S. Army officials filed a formal complaint March 11 in the
    Central Criminal Court of Iraq in an effort to bring 12 suspects
    to justice for their roles in an ambush near Yusifiyah, Iraq,
    two years ago.
 

    
Experts
    Plant Seeds to Foster Agricultural Success in Iraq

    
from American Forces Information Services
    - News Articles 

    The food that finds its way onto the tables of Iraqi residents
    has its origins somewhere, and Team Borlaug researchers are on
    a mission to see where that journey begins.

    
Afghans
    Must Be 'Center of Gravity' in U.S. Strategy for Afghanistan,
    Mullen Says

    
from American Forces Information Services
    - News Articles 

    The U.S. strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan must "put
    the Afghan people at the center," as the United States and
    coalition provide them the support they need to build their country.

    
Missile
    Defense Requires New Focus, Vice Chairman Says

    
from American Forces Information Services
    - News Articles 

    The future of missile defense requires a new way of thinking
    that will benefit the American taxpayer and help America stay
    ahead of foreign threats.
 

    
UN
    condemns Lebanon killings

    
from AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (AJE) 

    Ban Ki-Moon calls for calm after blast kills senior PLO official
    and three others.

    
Netanyahu
    reaches deal with Ehud Barak

    
from AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (AJE) 

    Israel's prime minister-designate seals coalition agreement with
    Labor party.

    
US
    to appoint Afghan ‘PM’ to bypass Karzai

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

    Tuesday, March 24, 2009 News DeskLONDON: The US and its European
    allies are preparing to plant a high-profile figure in the heart
    of the Kabul government in a direct challenge to Afghan President
    Ham...
 

    
US
    President Obama Calls for Afghanistan Exit Strategy

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

    US President Barack Obama has said that the US army must have
    an "exit strategy" in Afghanistan, even as Washington
    sends more troops to fight Taleban militants. He was speaking
    as the White House pre...

    Vilsack
    Discusses How Recovery Act Will Benefit Minnesota, Rural America

    
Remarks
    to National Science Teachers Association

    
from U.S. Department of Education 

    Secretary Arne Duncan said he wants to "launch a new era
    of science education in America."
 

    U.S.
    European Command rebuilds school for Croatian children

    U.S.
    European Command hosts fourth international forum

    U.S.
    European Command commander discusses U.S. Air Forces in Europe
    role
 

    
White
    House tackles banking crisis head-on

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

    Washington: The Obama administration yesterday launched its much-awaited
    assault on the worst US banking crisis in 70 years, using billions
    of federal dollars to thaw the nation's frozen credit market...

    
Suncor
    to buy Petro-Canada

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

    New York: Suncor Energy., the world's second-largest oil-sands
    producer, agreed to buy Petro-Canada for about Canadian $17 billion
    (Dh51.38 billion) to diversify and gain assets in the North Sea,
    Nort...

    
UAE:
    Capital to invest US$230bn in tourism in next five years

    
from UAEinteract.com - News 

    Abu Dhabi is expected to pump nearly US$230 billion (Dh844bn)
    into tourism projects in the next five years within an ongoing
    drive to diversify its oil-reliant economy, a government official
    said yesterday. 

    The investments are in line with the em
 

    
Can
    We Move Carbon from the Atmosphere and into Rocks?

    
from USGS CoreCast by corecast@usgs.gov
    (U.S. Geological Survey - CoreCast Team)

    A new method to assess the nation's potential for storing carbon
    dioxide in rocks below the earth's surface could help lessen
    climate change impacts. The injection and storage of liquid carbon
    dioxide into subsurface rocks is known as geologic carbon sequestration.

    

    
Soda
    Ash in January 2009

    
from USGS Minerals Periodicals by USGS
    Minerals Information Team

    Category: Mineral Industry Surveys. (Published 3/17/2009)

    
Lead
    in December 2008

    
from USGS Minerals Periodicals by USGS
    Minerals Information Team

    Category: Mineral Industry Surveys. (Published 3/17/2009)
 

    
Chavez
    prohibits luxury in government spending

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

    CARACAS, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
    announced on Sunday he will sign a decree on Monday to prohibit
    the luxurious expenses in the government as part of the new anti-crisis
    m...

    
Swiss
    company to sue Venezuela over nationalisation

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

    Holcim, a Swiss cement supply company, Monday said it had opened
    international arbitration proceedings against Venezuela, after
    the South American government failed to pay compensation for
    the nationalisation of its branch there last year.

    
Vietnam
    Says To Set Up Hot Line With China

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

    have officially agreed to set up a hot line between leaders of
    the two countries, which fought a war in 1979, Vietnam's foreign
    ministry said Friday.
 

    
Olympus
    Increases Gold Resources in Vietnam to 1.61 Million Ounces

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

    HIGHLIGHTS:- A 64% upgrade of Gold Resources at Bong Mieu East
    has increased total Resources in Vietnam to 1.61 million ounces,
    thus, doubling the Company's Resource base in the last three
    years.- Thi...

    
New
    Alliances In Iraq Cross Sectarian Lines

    
from washingtonpost.com - Iraq -- Washington
    Post Continuing Coverage by Anthony Shadid

    BAGHDAD, March 19 -- Six weeks after provincial elections, Prime
    Minister Nouri al-Maliki has allied himself with an outspoken
    Sunni leader in several provinces and broached a coalition with
    a militant, anti-American cleric, suggesting the emergence of
    a new axis of power in Iraq centered on a...

    
Hundreds
    of New Civilian Employees Proposed for Afghanistan

    
from washingtonpost.com - Military News
    by Karen DeYoung

    Hundreds of additional U.S. diplomats and civilian officials
    would be deployed to Afghanistan as part of the new civil-military
    regional strategy that President Obama's top national security
    advisers plan to present for his signature next week, according
    to administration officials. 


    
Official
    Slams Pentagon on Major Weapons Purchases

    
from washingtonpost.com - Military News
    by Dana Hedgpeth

    A top government oversight official told the House Budget committee
    today that the Pentagon's weapons acquisition process is "fragmented
    and broken," creating cost overruns close to $300 billion
    with little oversight. 

    
Employees
    at AIG Agree To Return Bonuses

    
from washingtonpost.com - Today's Highlights
    by Brady Dennis

    Executives at insurer's troubled unit vow to give back $50M in
    payments, staving off threat from N.Y. attorney general to release
    names. 

    OPM
    Acting Director Whipple Announces Appointment of Elaine Kaplan
    as General Counsel
 

    OPM
    Authorizes Excepted-Service Appointments to Support Recovery
    Act

    Federally
    Employed Women’s National Training Program

    Blacks
    In Government Annual National Training Conference
 

    Rehiring
    Annuitants in Support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment
    Act of 2009

    Human
    Capital Forum on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
    2009 (ARRA): Grants Management and Human Resources Capacity

    Federal
    Register: Excepted Service
 

    Human
    Resources Line of Business (HR LOB) Communications Letter

    BAL
    09-201: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Handbook

    OPM
    Announces the Appointment of Tania Shand as Director of the Office
    of Congressional Relations
 

    
Arizona
    Wind Working Group Meeting

    
from Wind Powering America 

    Date: 3/25/2009

    Location: Phoenix , AZ

    
The
    Emerging Regulatory Environment for Offshore Wind Energy

    
from Wind Powering America 

    Date: 3/25/2009

    Location: Waltham , MA

    Wisconsin
    Renewable Energy Summit
 

    
6th
    Annual North Carolina Sustainable Energy Conference

    
from Wind Powering America: Wind Events


    Date: 4/14/2009 to 4/15/2009

    Location: Raleigh , NC

    
Senators:
    Water is a National Security Issue; Key to Foreign Assistance
    Reform

    
from Woodrow Wilson Center News by wwics@wilsoncenter.org
    (wilsoncenter.org)

    ECSP Director Dabelko praises historic week in Washington for
    water.

    
Workshop
    Opportunity for Junior Faculty and Scholars: Teaching Russian
    Heritage in a Global World

    
from Woodrow Wilson Center News by wwics@wilsoncenter.org
    (wilsoncenter.org)

    Planned for July 17-29 in Crimea, Ukraine
 

    
Weekly
    Weather and Crop Bulletin

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    NASS releases Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin...

    
Milk
    Production

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    February Milk Production down 2.5 Percent. Milk production in
    the 23 major States during February totaled 13.7 billion pounds,
    down 2.5 percent from...

    
Catfish
    Processing

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    Catfish Processing Down 21 Percent from Last Year....
 

    
Broiler
    Hatchery

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    Broiler-Type Eggs Set In 19 Selected States Down 7 Percent. Broiler
    Chicks Placed Down 6 Percent....

    
Potato
    Stocks

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    This report has been released by the National Agricultural Statistics
    Service.

    
Livestock

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    Lamb and Mutton Production at All-Time Record Low....
 

    
Dairy
    Products Prices

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    Cheddar Cheese prices received for US 40 pound Blocks averaged
    $1.22 per pound for the week ending March 14....

    
Peanut
    Prices

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    Peanut prices received by farmers for all farmer stock peanuts
    averaged 25.4 cents per pound for the week ending March 14....

    
Hop
    Stocks

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    March 1 Hop Stocks Up 24 Percent From Last Year...
 

    
Cold
    Storage

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    Frozen food stocks in refrigerated warehouses on February 28,
    2009 were greater than year earlier levels for turkey, cheese,
    and pork...

    
Cattle
    on Feed

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    U.S. Cattle on Feed Down 5 Percent....

    
Catfish
    Feed Deliveries

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    December 2008 Catfish Feed Deliveries Down 42 Percent from Last
    Year....
 

    
Chickens
    and Eggs

    
from USDA - National Agricultural Statistics
    Service Reports 

    February Egg Production Down 3 Percent. Egg-Type Chicks Hatched
    Down 2 Percent. Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Down 9 Percent....

    
U.S.
    to Help Investors Buy Bank Assets

    
from washingtonpost.com - In Congress by
    Neil Irwin and David Cho

    Financial markets roared ahead yesterday as investors reacted
    with near-euphoria to the Obama administration's new trillion-dollar
    plan to stabilize banks by relieving them of their troubled assets
    and risky loans. 

    
Russia
    Signaling Interest in Deal on Iran, Analysts Say

    
from washingtonpost.com - Middle East by
    Philip P. Pan and Karen DeYoung

    As President Obama seeks to recast relations with Russia and
    persuade it to help contain Iran's nuclear ambitions, he must
    win over leaders who are deeply suspicious of U.S. intentions
    and who have long been reluctant to damage what they consider
    a strategic partnership with Iran. But the Kremlin...

    


    
Civilians
    to Join Afghan Buildup

    
from washingtonpost.com - Middle East by
    Karen DeYoung

    A civilian "surge" of hundreds of additional U.S. officials
    in Afghanistan would accompany the already approved increase
    in U.S. troop levels there under a new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy
    being completed at the White House, according to administration
    officials. 

    
Israeli
    Military Probes Possible Troop Misconduct in Gaza War

    
from washingtonpost.com - Middle East by
    Howard Schneider

    JERUSALEM, March 19 -- The Israeli military said Thursday it
    had opened an investigation into possible troop misconduct during
    the Gaza war after the head of a school for future recruits relayed
    stories of civilian killings and property destruction told by
    graduates during a recent gathering.

    
Afghan
    Mayor Alleges More Civilian Deaths

    
from washingtonpost.com - Middle East by
    Amir Shah

    KABUL, March 22 -- U.S.-led coalition and Afghan troops killed
    five suspected insurgents during a raid in northern Afghanistan
    on Sunday, the coalition said in a statement. But the local mayor
    said his house was targeted and that the dead included his cook
    and driver. 


    
State
    Department to Boost Presence in Afghan Regional Capitals

    
from washingtonpost.com - National News
    and Headlines by Karen DeYoung

    The State Department will significantly expand its presence in
    regional capitals in western and northern Afghanistan in coming
    months, part of the Obama administration's plans for a "surge"
    in civilians going to the country. 

    
White
    House to Seek Power to Seize Non-Bank Financial Companies

    
from washingtonpost.com - Business by Binyamin
    Appelbaum and David Cho

    The Obama administration plans to send legislation to Congress
    this week granting the government new powers to seize troubled
    non-bank financial companies whose collapse would threaten the
    broader economy, according to three sources familiar with the
    matter. 

    
Daimler
    to sell near $2.7B in shares to Abu Dhabi

    
from washingtonpost.com - by AP

    BERLIN -- Abu Dhabi is poised to become the biggest shareholder
    in Daimler AG after the German maker of luxury cars, buses and
    trucks said it would sell nearly euro2 billion ($2.72 billion)
    in shares to the country's Aabar Investments PJSC.
 

    
PRIVATE
    EXPORTERS REPORT SALES ACTIVITY FOR SOUTH KOREA AND UNKNOWN DESTINATIONS

    
from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
    News Releases by info@fas.usda.gov

    Private exporters reported to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
    the following activity: -- Export sales of 110,000 metric tons
    of corn for delivery to South Korea during the 2008/2009 marketing
    year; -- Export sales of 20,000 metric tons of soybean oil for
    delivery to unknown destinations during the 2008/2009 marketing
    year.

    
VILSACK
    NAMES MICHENER FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR

    
from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
    News Releases by info@fas.usda.gov

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today named Michael Michener
    as Administrator of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service
    (FAS).

    
Farms
    With 10.0 or Less Base Acres

    
from USDA Farm Service Agency Notices 

    CM-637, Farms With 10.0 or Less Base Acres(FOR State and County
    Offices) DATE POSTED: 2009-03-23 DATE EFFECTIVE: 2009-10-01 STATUS:
    CURRENT
 

    Oil
    Crops Yearbook Data tables

    from USDA Economic Research Service - What's New 

    Oilseed, oilmeal, and fats and oils supply and use statistics.
    Includes oilseed acreage, yield, and production estimates and
    farm and wholesale price series.

    
Livestock,
    Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

    
from USDA Economic Research Service - Livestock,
    Dairy, and Poultry Outlook 

    Timely livestock, dairy, and poultry information, focusing on
    current and forecast production, price, and trade statistics
    for each of the sectors.

    UN
    SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS KILLING OF TOP PALESTINIAN OFFICIAL
 

    EXTENDING
    MANDATE OF UN ASSISTANCE MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN, SECURITY COUNCIL
    CONDEMNS ALL ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS, RECRUITMENT OF CHILD SOLDIERS

    UN
    SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES STAFFER'S RELEASE, CALLS FOR FREEING
    OF TWO OTHERS

    UN
    SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES RENEWAL OF MANDATE FOR UNITED NATIONS
    MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN
 

    WORK
    IN PROGRESS: HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE

    
U.S.
    Condemns Coup d'Etat in Madagascar and Suspends Non-Humanitarian
    Assistance

    
from U.S. Department of State - Press Releases


    The United States condemns the process through which Marc Ravalomanana
    was forced to resign as President of the Republic of Madagascar
    and Andry Rajoelina subsequently was installed as the de facto
    head of state as undemocratic and contrary to the rule of law.

    
DoD
    News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Salmon from Iraq

    
from Transcript - U.S. Dept. of Defense


    News Transcripts document all DoD news briefings and significant
    interviews.
 

    
SEC
    Obtains Emergency Asset Freeze to Halt Ongoing Fraud by California
    Company

    
from SEC.gov Updates: Press Releases 

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today obtained an emergency
    court order to halt an ongoing scheme by a Palmdale, Calif.,
    company and two individuals who defrauded investors through a
    series of false claims including that Warren Buffett is associated
    with the company.

    
U.S.
    says Iraqi prisoners to be freed or charged

    
from Reuters: International News 

    BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Thousands of Iraqi prisoners being held indefinitely
    without charge by U.S. forces will be freed or prosecuted in
    Iraqi courts by the middle of this year, the U.S. commander in
    charge of them said on Sunday.

    
Obama
    set to unveil Mexico border drugs/guns plan

    
from Reuters: Politics 

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama is poised to announce
    as early as Tuesday his plan to send more agents and equipment
    to the U.S.-Mexican border to fight violent trafficking in drugs,
    guns and money, government sources said.
 

    
Obama
    names Wolin as deputy Treasury secretary

    
from Reuters: Politics 

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama moved to fill three
    of the four most senior Treasury Department positions on Monday,
    including announcing his intent to nominate former department
    counsel Neal Wolin as deputy Treasury secretary.

    
Obama
    Met Gorbachev In Run-Up To Medvedev Talks

    
from Rferl.org 

    U.S. President Barack Obama has held talks with Mikhail Gorbachev,
    a spokesman for the former Soviet leader said, in the latest
    sign of Washington's efforts to "press the reset button"
    on ties with Russia.

    S.
    277, Serve America Act

    from Recent CBO Cost Estimates 

    Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate
    Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on March
    18, 2009
 

    
H.R.
    1575, End Government Reimbursement of Excessive Executive Disbursements
    (End GREED) Act

    
from Recent CBO Cost Estimates 

    Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee
    on the Judiciary on March 18, 2009

    
Geithner
    to call for new bonus system

    
from Politico.com: Politics by Mike Allen,Eamon
    Javers

    Geithner will call this week for financial institutions to replace
    their bonus systems.

    New
    York Fed accepts $3 billion through Term Securities Lending Facility
 

    New
    York Fed purchases $20 billion net ($28 billion gross) in agency
    mortgage-backed securities

    
New
    York Fed Releases Initial Results of First Round of TALF Loan
    Requests

    
from NY Fed | News 

    The Federal Reserve Bank of New York today released the initial
    results of the first round of loan requests for funding from
    the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) for the
    March 17-19 operation. The amount of TALF loans requested at
    the March 17-19 operation was: $4.7 billion. Funds for the loans
    will be disbursed on March 25.

    New
    York Fed purchases $2.692 billion in agency coupons
 

    
Costs
    Associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Iran's Activities
    and Influence in Iraq

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Iraq MiPAL has been updated with a Government Accountability
    Office report on the costs associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom,
    a Jamestown Foundation article assessing the insurgent threat
    to the Iraqi energy sector, remarks by the Secretary of Defense
    on the prospects for Iraq's security situation by the end of
    2011, a lecture by the Special Representative of the Secretary
    General for Iraq (SRSG) at the Center for Strategic and International
    Studies, and a Congressional Research Service report evaluating
    the impact of Iran's activities and influence in Iraq. Please
    see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this
    country - the newest updates are in bold.

    
Pakistan's
    Security Environment

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Pakistan MiPAL has been updated with an International Crisis
    Group report assessing Pakistan's efforts to combat Jihadi militancy,
    a Congressional hearing detailing Pakistan's security environment,
    and a Foreign Policy article evaluating the challenges associated
    with the rivalries and tensions in Pakistan's political system.
    Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest
    on this country - the newest updates are in bold

    
The
    Future of Joint Warfare

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Transformation MiPAL has been updated with reports from the
    Government Accountability Office emphasizing the need for a re-evaluation
    of the Army's Future Combat System Program and assessing the
    risks for the Government associated with the Joint Strike Fighter
    program, a speech by the Commander of the U.S. Joint Forces Command
    on the future of joint warfare, and a Foreign Policy Research
    Institute article analyzing the implications of the transformation
    of warfighting for the American military and its culture. Please
    see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this
    topic - the newest updates are in bold.
 

    
2009
    Posture Statement of the U.S. Africa Command

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Africa Regional Policy Overview has been updated with the
    2009 Posture Statement of the United States Africa Command, State
    Department statements on the European Union's peacekeeping operations
    in Chad and the Central African Republic and on the rising intensity
    of the political crisis in Madagascar, a Foreign Policy in Focus
    article assessing U.S. security policy in Africa, an Arab Reform
    Initiative article outlining the potential aftermath following
    the delivery of the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants
    for the President of Sudan, a Research Institute for European
    and American Studies report detailing appropriate methods to
    counter Somali piracy, and a lecture at the Center for Strategic
    and International Studies by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
    of Nigeria concerning Nigeria's role in Africa and in the international
    community. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for
    the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.

    
Morocco's
    Economic Reforms and Democratic Transition

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Near East and North Africa Regional Policy Overview has been
    updated with a State Department statement supporting the strengthening
    of the international community's efforts to prevent the smuggling
    of weapons into Gaza, a Washington Institute for Near East Policy
    article assessing the prospects of a Fatah-Hamas Palestinian
    Unity Government, an Arab Reform Initiative article detailing
    Morocco's economic reforms and democratic transition, a European
    Union Institute for Security Studies article on recent developments
    in the work towards a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine,
    a Dubai School of Government report on women in the parliament
    and politics of the United Arab Emirates, and a Century Foundation
    report arguing that the U.S. should take quick action to assist
    Lebanon in domestic peace-building efforts. Please see the Recently
    Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest
    updates are in bold.

    
Japan's
    Nuclear Policy, Political and Financial Reforms in South Korea,
    and East Asian Perspectives on America's Role in the Region

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The East Asia and the Pacific Regional Policy Overview has been
    updated with reports from the S. Rajaratnam School of International
    Studies on challenges facing the Association of Southeast Asian
    Nations Petroleum Security Agreement and on the impact of the
    Tablighi Jama'at Muslim missionary movement in Thailand, a Brookings
    Institution report evaluating the political and financial reforms
    taking place in the Republic of Korea and in Taiwan, a lecture
    at the Center for Strategic and International Studies by the
    President of Timor-Leste concerning East Asian efforts on nation
    building and peacemaking operations, a Congressional Research
    Service report analyzing Japan's nuclear policy, a transcript
    of a Brookings Institution event on democratization in the Republic
    of Korea, and a Foreign Policy Research Institute article assessing
    East Asian perspectives on America's role in the region. Please
    see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this
    region - the newest updates are in bold.
 

    
Military
    Operations and Reconstruction Efforts in Afghanistan

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Afghanistan MiPAL has been updated with a Washington Quarterly
    article analyzing current military operations and reconstruction
    efforts in Afghanistan, remarks by the Secretary of State and
    the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary on international strategies
    to assist Afghanistan, a Government Accountability Office report
    on the costs associated with Operation Enduring Freedom, a series
    of remarks by the Secretary of Defense emphasizing the importance
    of "getting the strategy right" in Afghanistan, an
    Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit report assessing the
    development of political parties in Afghanistan's new democratic
    system, a Center for American Progress report arguing for massive
    U.S. policy reforms in Afghanistan, and a Belfer Center for Science
    and International Affairs report outlining five major challenges
    in Afghanistan and proposing recommendations for the international
    community's efforts to tackle these challenges. Please see the
    Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country
    - the newest updates are in bold.

    
The
    Defense Department's Use of Soft Power and Foreign Assistance

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The National Security Strategy MiPAL has been updated with articles
    from the Washington Quarterly assessing techniques for communicating
    with insurgents and evaluating the U.S. military's adaptation
    to irregular warfighting, remarks by the Secretary of Defense
    on efforts to reform U.S. policy on the stop loss system, Congressional
    hearings on U.S. space security, the Defense Department's use
    of soft power and foreign assistance, and on the potential Department
    of Defense budget for fiscal year 2010, a Bulletin of the Atomic
    Scientists article analyzing Congressional perspectives on the
    President's national security agenda, a Defense Science Board
    report arguing for the consideration of human behaviors and cultures
    to be included in the development of military strategies, an
    Atlantic Council report on cooperative transatlantic efforts
    on energy security issues, and a Center for Strategic and Budgetary
    Assessments report evaluating the current state of the U.S. Navy
    and proposing strategies for improving the fleet. Please see
    the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic
    - the newest updates are in bold.

    
CIA
    Policies on Rendition, Detention, and Interrogation of Terrorism
    Suspects

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Terrorism MiPAL has been updated with a transcript of a Brookings
    Institution event examining the potential use of a National Security
    Court to prosecute and examine terrorism suspects, a message
    from the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency regarding
    CIA policies on rendition, detention, and interrogation of terrorism
    suspects, a Washington Institute for Near East Policy analysis
    of al Qaeda's perspective on the global economic crisis, a Congressional
    Research Service report detailing legislative proposals regarding
    the handling of terrorism suspects, and a Middle East Quarterly
    profile of the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist group. Please see the
    Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic
    - the newest updates are in bold.
 

    
The
    Merida Initiative and Challenges in Mexico

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Western Hemisphere Regional Policy Overview has been updated
    with a Congressional hearing assessing the potential of the Merida
    Initiative to meet challenges in Mexico, a Heritage Foundation
    article on the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN)
    party of El Salvador, testimony by a Department of Homeland Security
    official on the handling of Mexican drug cartels by U.S. law
    enforcement agencies, a Real Instituto Elcano report evaluating
    Brazil's role in organizing international political dialogue,
    remarks by the President with the President of Brazil, an American
    Enterprise Institute report assessing current U.S. policy in
    Latin America, and a Brookings Institution report examining the
    threat of violent drug markets in Mexico and Colombia. Please
    see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this
    region - the newest updates are in bold.

    
Saudi
    Arabia's Economic Outlook

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Saudi Arabia MiPAL has been updated with a RAND Corporation
    report evaluating Saudi Arabia's current relations with Iran
    and the resulting implications for U.S. policy and a Brookings
    Institution article detailing Saudi Arabia's economic outlook.
    Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest
    on this country - the newest updates are in bold.

    
Obama's
    Message to the People of Iran

    
from MERLN - Military Education Research
    Library Network 

    The Iran MiPAL has been updated with a message from the President
    to the people of Iran encouraging Iran to take on a positive
    role in the international community, articles from the Washington
    Institute for Near East Policy article on Iran's relations with
    Hizballah and on Iran's operations in Iraq, remarks by a Department
    of Defense official on the shooting down of an Iranian unmanned
    aerial vehicle by the Multinational Force in Iraq, a RAND Corporation
    report analyzing Iran's rivalry and cooperation with Saudi Arabia,
    and a Century Foundation report assessing the impact of Iran's
    policy in Iraq. Please see the Recently Added Documents section
    for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
 

    
Pope
    Urges Africans to Build Peace and Solidarity

    
by Zenit News Agency - Rome,Italy

    The Church "continues to proclaim that the time of hope
    has come," he said, and it "is committed to bringing
    peace and promoting the exercise of fraternal ...

    
France's
    PM Pushes Financial Reform Ahead of G-20 Meeting

    
by Voice of America - USA



    Voice of America 

    While in Washington, Mr. Fillon also met with Vice President
    Joe Biden and Lawrence Summers, the head of President Barack
    Obama's National Economic Council.

    
US
    Senator Reid backs Treasury "bad asset" plan

    
by Reuters - USA



    Reuters 

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on
    Monday backed the Treasury Department's plan for buying banks'
    "toxic assets" to help ...

    


    
French
    finance minister gets tough on bank executives

    
from France24 - France 

    France’s finance minister, Christine Lagarde, has urged
    the executives of bailed out French bank Société
    Générale to give up their stock options for 2009,
    calling for a general overhaul of what she described as a "flawed"
    payment system.

    
Geithner's
    Bank Plan: Winners And Losers

    
from Forbes.com: News by Joshua Zumbrun

    A guide to the many ways the latest effort to cleanse the banks
    of toxic assets could play out.

    03/23/09 from DOI Radio News Releases - Podcasts 

    Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and scientists from the
    U.S. Geological Survey briefed reporters on the latest conditions
    at Mount Redoubt Volcano. The volcano erupted explosively on
    Sunday March 22.
 

    
China
    to buy IMF bonds if issued

    
from China 

    China's central bank on Monday said it will consider buying the
    bonds issued by the International Monetary Bonds.

    
Hong
    Kong stocks soar 4.78% on Chinese shares upsurge

    
from China 

    Hong Kong stocks closed sharply higher on Monday, mainly boosted
    by the price upsurge of major Chinese shares listed in the market.
    The benchmark Hang Seng Index rose 168.04 points, or 1.31 percent,
    to open at the day's lowest 13,001.55 and extended its gains
    as much as 617.51 points, or 4.81 percent, to the day's highest
    13,451.02 before softening a tick to close at 13,447.42, up 613.91
    points, or 4.78 percent. Turnover jumped to 55.31 billion HK
    dollars (7.14 billion U.S. dolla ...

    
China
    to continue investing in U.S. Treasury bonds

    
from China 

    China will continue investing in U.S. government bonds while
    paying close attention to possible fluctuations in the value
    of those assets, said a deputy governor of China's central bank
    here Monday. "Investing in U.S. Treasury bonds is an important
    component of China's foreign currency reserve investments,"
    Hu Xiaolian, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, told
    a briefing about President Hu Jintao's participation in the Group
    of 20 financial summit in Britain scheduled for April 1 ...
 

    
Obama:
    Confident latest bank rescue plan will work

    
from Chicago Sun-Times :: News :: by BY
    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    WASHINGTON---- President Barack Obama on Monday voiced strong
    confidence that his administration's financial rescue plan will
    get toxic assets off the books of banks in a way that allows
    taxpayers to "share in the upside as well as the downside."

    

    
Ontario
    to spend $27.5B on infrastructure over 2 years

    
from CBC | Ticker 

    The Ontario government will spend $27.5 billion on roads, schools
    and transit over the next two years in effort to create 300,000
    new jobs, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Monday.

    AUSTRALIA:
    Government funds Responsible Investment Academy

    from Austrade 

    The Australian Government has funded the Responsible Investment
    Academy (RIA) with over $2.5 million to support the development
    of responsible investment education and training programs for
    investment professionals.
 

    
Gov.
    Togiola implements Hybrid Vehicle Purchasing Policy, trucks to
    hybrids

    
from American Samoa 

    Governor Togiola Tulafono has issued a General Memorandum to
    ensure immediate implementation of 2007 Executive Order on Climate
    Change.”

    
Iraqi
    Interior Ministry Reduces Corruption, Improves Rule of Law

    
from American Forces Information Services
    - News Articles 

    New systems and procedures within the Iraqi Interior Ministry
    have decreased corruption and increased professionalism in several
    divisions, a Navy officer said.

    
Iraqis
    Maintain Pace of Progress in Basra

    
from American Forces Information Services
    - News Articles 

    The Iraqi security forces are performing high-level and fast-paced
    operations in Basra, making progress in other areas possible.
 

    
Iraq
    in Arab Interior Ministers meeting

    
from Alsumaria TV Iraq, Iraq news | Iraq
    News | RSS feed 

    Fighting terrorism, corruption, crime and border coordination
    were main headlines addressed during the first day of Arab Interior
    Ministers Council meeting which opened its 26th session in Beirut
    under the sponsorship of General Michel Sleiman and in the presence
    of Arab Interior Ministers with the ...

    
Clinton
    to attend Afghan meeting

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

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department announced on Monday
    that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would attend a conference
    on Afghanistan next week but did not say whether she would meet
    I...

    
UN
    Security Council calls for credible and secure Afghan polls,
    extends UN mission

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

    The Security Council today extended the United Nations presence
    in Afghanistan for another year, while recognizing the key role
    played by the world body in coordinating international efforts
    in the co...
 

    
UN
    mission in Afghanistan to lead civilian aid

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

    UNITED NATIONS: The Security Council is authorizing the UN mission
    in Afghanistan to lead international civilian efforts to provide
    aid and promote reconstruction in the conflict-wracked nation.
    ...

    
AUSTRALIA:
    Petrol prices should be lower: economist

    
from ABC News: Top Stories 

    A leading economist says while motorists are paying the cheapest
    petrol prices in two months, they should be paying even less.

    
Australian
    PM Rudd arrives in US for banking talks

    
from ABC News: Breaking Stories 

    Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has arrived in Washington ahead of
    his first meeting with US President Barack Obama.
 

    
US
    bank buy-out plan rallies world markets

    
from ABC News: Breaking Stories 

    Share markets around the world have surged on the back of the
    US Government's announcement of a plan to unclog credit markets.

    
AUSTRALIA:
    Student stimulus payments start today

    
from ABC News: Breaking Stories 

    The National Union of Students says tens of thousands of students
    will finally be able to buy textbooks and other course materials
    once Federal Government handouts start to arrive in their bank
    accounts from today.

    
US
    outlines Afghanistan plan to NATO members

    
from ABC News: Breaking Stories 

    The United States has met NATO allies to outline its policy review
    of the Afghanistan war, after President Barack Obama declared
    an exit strategy is needed.
 

    


    
FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 24,
    2009

    House Meets At… Last Vote Predicted…

    
10:30 a.m.: Morning Hour

    12:00 p.m.: Legislative Business



    Unlimited “One Minutes” Per Side 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

    
Suspensions (8 Bills)

    1) H.R.
    1617 - Department of Homeland Security Component Privacy
    Officer Act of 2009 (Rep. Carney – Homeland Security)

    2) H.R.
    1148 - To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct
    a program in the maritime environment for the mobile biometric
    identification of suspected individuals, including terrorists,
    to enhance border security (Rep. Bilirakis – Homeland Security)

    3) H.R.
    730 - Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act (Rep. Schiff
    – Homeland Security)

    4) H.Res.
    182 - Expressing support for designation of the week of March
    1 through March 8, 2009, as "School Social Work Week"
    (Rep. Kennedy – Education and Labor)

    5) H.Con.Res.
    77 - Recognizing and honoring the signing by Abraham Lincoln
    of the law authorizing the establishment of collegiate programs
    at Gallaudet University (Rep. Woolsey – Education and Labor)

    6) H.Res.
    234 - Expressing support for designation of a "Welcome
    Home Vietnam Veterans Day" (Rep. Linda Sanchez – Veterans’
    Affairs)

    7) H.Con.Res.
    55 - Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations
    Act (Rep. Berkley – Foreign Affairs)

    8) H.Res.
    273 - Recognizing the 188th anniversary of the independence
    of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy (Rep.
    Ros-Lehtinen – Foreign Affairs)

    
ticker timeline 00:01 Eastern Time Tuesday
    March 24, 2009

    



    
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    Time Tuesday March 24, 2009

    
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for yesterday's news
    ticker (03/23/2009) click here
 

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