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Saturday March 28 2009 for yesterday's ticker entries click here



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March 28, 2009

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    FEMA
    Acting Administrator Touring Minnesota Today

    Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:50:18 -0500

    WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal
    Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator Nancy
    Ward today announced that she is in Minnesota to personally visit
    communities impacted by high flood levels.
 

    
Remarks
    at Planned Parenthood Federation of America Awards Gala 

    Hillary Rodham Clinton

    
Secretary of State

    
Houston, Texas

    
March 27, 2009

    
Secretary
    of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
    At The Women's Museum's Stories from the Top Program 

    Dallas, Texas

    
March 27, 2009

    Media
    Roundtable with DNI Blair 


    Intelligence
    Community Directive (ICD) 106 - Intelligence Community Strategic
    Enterprise Management 

    Intelligence
    Community Policy Guidance (ICPG) 801.2 - Contracting and Procurement
    Policy 

    
Secretary
    Salazar to Hold Press Conference To Highlight Upcoming Cherry
    Blossom Festival

    
from DOI News Releases 

    Washington, D.C. - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will
    hold a press conference Thursday, March 26 to highlight the 2009
    National Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual 16-day celebration
    that is expected to draw more than 1 million visitors to the
    nation's capital.
 

    
Salazar
    Expects More than 1 Million Visitors to Celebrate Annual Rite
    of Spring at National Cherry Blossom Festival

    
from DOI News Releases 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
    today announced that the National Park Service expects more than
    1 million visitors for the 97th National Cherry Blossom Festival,
    March 26-April 12, the most people for any event in the National
    Park System this year.

    
Secretary
    Salazar Applauds President’s Intention to Nominate Hilary
    Tompkins to be Interior Department Solicitor

    
from DOI News Releases 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
    today lauded the announcement by President Obama that he intends
    to nominate Hilary Tompkins as the Interior Department’s
    solicitor.

    
Secretary
    Salazar Commends President’s Intention to Nominate Rhea
    S. Suh as Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget

    
from DOI News Releases 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
    today lauded the announcement by President Obama that he intends
    to nominate Rhea S. Suh as Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management
    and Budget at the Department of the Interior.
 

    
Secretary
    Salazar Joins Australia’s Prime Minister And Secretary of
    Agriculture in Lauding Wildland Firefighters

    
from DOI News Releases 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
    today joined Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Secretary
    of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to thank U.S. wildland firefighters
    for their assistance during recent devastating fires in the State
    of Victoria, Australia.

    
Interior
    Department and its Agencies Assist Citizens Threatened by Midwest
    Floods

    
from DOI News Releases 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior and its
    agencies around the country, in cooperation with state and local
    partners, are acting to help citizens threatened by the record-setting
    Midwest floods in ways ranging from providing the streamgage
    and satellite data used in weather predictions to conducting
    search-and- rescue operations in boats usually used in national
    parks and wildlife refuges.

    
DISA
    Director, Lieutenant Governor Tour New Building Site

    
from DISA Press Releases 

    ARLINGTON, Va – The Director of the Defense Information
    Systems Agency welcomed Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony
    Brown and his BRAC Subcabinet today to the new DISA construction
    site on Fort George G. Meade.
 

    Obama:
    Safety of world at stake in Afghanistan

    from CNN.com 

    President Obama today announced he is sending another 4,000 troops
    to Afghanistan to confront what he called an "increasingly
    perilous situation" in the country and its neighbor, Pakistan.
    "The safety of people around the world is at stake,"
    Obama said. Obama has vowed to make Afghanistan the central front
    in the war on terror.

    
Afghan
    president praises Obama's new war plan

    
from CNN.com 

    Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Saturday praised U.S. President
    Barack Obama's new plan for the war in Afghanistan.

    
Bill
    Gates on Barack Obama

    
from CNN.com - Video 

    Bill Gates comments on President Obama's economic policy.
 

    
Bill
    Gates comments on AIG

    
from CNN.com - Video 

    Bill Gates comments on AIG and Wall Street.

    
Bill
    Gates backs Obama team

    
from CNN.com - Video 

    Bill Gates says he supports the Obama economic team's efforts
    to fix the economy. CNN's Dan Lothian reports.

    

    
Secretary
    Clinton in Mexico

    
from CNN.com - Video 

    The U.S. is willing to share responsibility for Mexico's drug
    violence. CNN's Jill Dougherty reports.
 

    
Obama
    to radicals: 'We will defeat you'

    
from CNN.com - Video 

    President Obama discusses fighting terrorists in Afghanistan
    and Pakistan.

    
Obama:
    Wild spending must end

    
from CNN.com - Video 

    While President Obama calls for more funding, he also is seeking
    tighter controls on the money going overseas.

    
Obama:
    No more 'blank checks'

    
from CNN.com - Video 

    As CNN's Reza Sayah reports, President Obama's speech contained
    three key messages for Pakistan.
 

    
VIDEO:
    U.S. options on N. Korea

    
from CNN.com - Video 

    CNN's Jill Dougherty looks what the U.S. is doing behind the
    scenes as North Korea prepares to launch another missile.

    
Napolitano:
    'It's all about border safety' for DHS

    
from CNN.com - Politics 

    Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano unveiled a $700
    million plan on Tuesday to help Mexico fight violent drug cartels,
    which includes a U.S. crackdown on the flow of weapons and money
    into Mexico.

    
Biden
    meets leaders ahead of G-20 summit

    
from CNN.com - Politics 

    Five days before world leaders meet in England for the G-20 Summit,
    Vice President Joe Biden is attending a two-day conference in
    Chile that includes seven Latin American and European heads of
    state.
 

    
AIG
    director named to Obama tax task force

    
from CNN.com - Politics 

    One of the people named this week to President Obama's new Task
    Force on Tax Reform is a member of the AIG board of directors.

    
Seniors
    to receive $250 stimulus check in May

    
from CNN Political Ticker by laurkorn

    Biden announced that seniors will receive their stimulus check
    in May. WASHINGTON (CNN) – An estimated 50 million Social
    Security recipients will receive their one-time $250 economic
    stimulus check in May — several weeks ahead of schedule,
    Vice President Joe Biden announced Thursday. Biden also announced
    the distribution of $3.2 billion in new funding for state [...]

    
DNC
    web ad takes aim at Karl Rove

    
from CNN Political Ticker by sarahbethparker

    The DNC released a scathing Web ad Thursday blasting Karl Rove,
    pictured above, for a his recent comments calling President Obama
    an 'arrogant guy.' (CNN) - The Democratic National Committee
    is taking aim at former Bush adviser Karl Rove. The DNC released
    a scathing Web ad Thursday blasting Rove for a his recent comments
    calling President [...]
 

    
Budget
    moves through Senate committee

    
from CNN Political Ticker by sarahbethparker

    Sen. Harry Reid, right, says he expects Sen. Kent Conrad's version
    of the budget to pass.. (CNN) – A tightened version of President
    Obama's $3.6 trillion budget moved through a key Senate committee
    Thursday night. The Senate and the House are expected to vote
    on different versions of the budget next week. "The budget
    we [...]

    
Obama
    Week 10: Rescue gains steam

    
from CNN Political Ticker by sarahbethparker

    The Obama administration's tenth week in office was a busy one.
    NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — The Obama administration's tenth
    week in office was a busy one. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner
    unveiled the next phase of the bank bailout. Congress took up
    the president's budget. And the government outlined a plan to
    overhaul regulation of the [...]

    
Podcast:
    Money and outrage

    
from CNN Political Ticker by sarahbethparker

    CNN=Politics Daily is The Best Political Podcast from The Best
    Political Team. (CNN) - In the latest installment of CNN=Politics
    Daily: President Obama unveils his Afghanistan strategy, vowing
    to "disrupt, dismantle, and defeat" that nation's al
    Qaeda network. CNN White House Correspondent Dan Lothian looks
    at the president's plan. Plus: The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
    of [...]
 

    
A
    Look Back ... Allen Dulles Becomes DCI

    
from CIA Featured Story 

    March 27, 2009 - President Dwight Eisenhower called on Deputy
    Director of the Central Intelligence (DDCI) Allen Dulles to lead
    the United States’ intelligence effort during the darkest
    times of the Cold War. At the time, it seemed impossible to outsmart
    the Soviet Union. The Soviets caught our spies and were very
    careful about protecting their secrets. The Iron Curtain seemed
    impenetrable. During DCI Dulles’ tenure, intelligence advancements
    were made that helped draw back the curtain.

    
VIDEO:
    Senate Banking Cmte. Hearing on the Regulation of Securities
    Markets

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman
    Chris Dodd, (D-CT) holds a hearing on ways to enhance investor
    protection and the regulation of securities markets. SEC Chair
    Mary Schapiro testifies on panel one. Two former SEC Chairmen
    and a former Commissioner testify on panel two and panel three
    is made up of investors’ advocates, self-regulatory organizations,
    hedge funds, investment advisors, and credit rating agencies.


    Length: 1 hr. 38 min.

    
Published: Thursday at 9pm (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    Feminist Majority Foundation Press Conference on Afghan Women
    and Girls

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Sima Samar, Chairman of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission
    and Elanor Smeal, Pres. and Founder of the Feminist Majority
    Foundation conducted a press conference to discuss human rights
    conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan.

    Length: 44 min.

    
Published: Friday at 9:30am (ET)
 

    
VIDEO:
    Tony Avirgan, Economic Policy Institute, Global Policy Coordinator

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Tony Avirgan discusses why many countries in the European Union
    are strongly opposed to the size of the Obama Administration
    stimulus package, and why he thinks that European Union nations
    should be spending much more on stimulus spending themselves
    to fight the global recession. He goes over key issues facing
    President Obama when he attends the G20 summit in London next
    week. 

    Length: 23 min.

    
Published: Friday at 7:30am (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    Attorney General Eric Holder Installation Ceremony

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    President Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder made remarks
    during the Attorney General's installation ceremony at the Department
    of Justice.

    Length: 18 min.

    
Published: Friday at 10am (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    Center for American Progress with Sen. Max Baucus

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Senate Finance Cmte. Chair Max Baucus (D-MT) discussed his priorities
    for health care reform at a forum sponsored by the Center for
    American Progress Action Fund. Pres. Obama has asked for $634
    billion in his budget for reforming the health care system.

    Length: 1 hr. 17 min.

    
Published: Friday at 12pm (ET)
 

    
VIDEO:
    Financial Executives Press Briefing on the Economy

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    After attending a meeting with President Obama, CEOs of several
    of the largest banks spoke to reporters about their meeting with
    the president, and the way forward for the economy.

    Length: 8 min.

    
Published: Friday at 1:30pm (ET)

    
VIDEO:
    White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

    
from C-SPAN Recent Video 

    Press Secretary Robert Gibbs conducts a daily briefing at the
    White House. 

    Length: 40 min.

    
Published: Friday at 2pm (ET)

    Stocks
    Rally, Led by Techs
 

    
Dell:
    China faster in economic recovery

    
from Business 

    Chief Executive Michael Dell of the Dell Inc. said Thursday that
    business conditions in China are among the best in the world,
    and the country's recovery will be one of the fastest from the
    worldwide economic slowdown. China has unrolled massive stimulus
    spending and launched a discount initiative for rural consumers
    buying computers and other electronics to spur growth, he said.
    Dell Inc's China sales grew 28 per cent in the year to January,
    accounting for about 5 per cent of the company' ...

    
Sinohydro
    signs large-scale project contract in West Africa

    
from Business 

    Sinohydro Corporation and the Benin Electricity Corporation (CEB)
    recently signed a commercial contract for the Adjarala hydropower
    station project in Lome, the capital of the Republic of Togo.
    The contract value is about 282 million euros, according to information
    from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission
    of the State Council. The Adjarala hydropower station project
    is located on the Mono River that borders Togo and Benin. The
    main construction of the project incl ...

    
France
    to ban bonuses at state-aided firms

    
from Business 

    The French government would issue a decree next week to ban bonuses
    for executives at state-aided firms, a French official announced
    Thursday. The French government planned to issue a decree next
    week, curbing stock options, bonuses or other advantages in companies
    receiving government help, said President Nicolas Sarkozy's chief
    of staff Claude Gueant. The topic of high pay for executives
    at state-aided firms have been a hot topic in France these days.
    Earlier this week, four top ex ...
 

    
Treasurer:
    Australian economy is better than others

    
from Business 

    Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan said on Friday the Australian
    economy is faring better than other industrialized countries.
    "There is resilience in the Australian economy that many
    other developed countries don't have. But having said that, because
    the rest of the world is contracting as sharply as it is, it
    does have impacts on this country," Swan said in a statement.
    Swan was speaking to reporters on Friday after the announcement
    of an expansion project at the Arnott's Virginia bakery ...

    
China
    loosens grip on short-term foreign debt to support trade financing

    
from Business 

    China raised its short-term foreign debt quota for financial
    institutions by 12 percent this year in an effort to support
    foreign trade financing of domestic businesses, said the State
    Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) here Friday. Financial
    institutions in China are able to borrow short-term foreign loans
    worth 32.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2009, SAFE said in a statement
    on its website. According to the statement, the foreign debt
    amount added this year should be used on ...

    
Four
    Chinese banks to lend Chinalco $21 bln to fund Rio Tinto deal

    
from Business 

    Four Chinese banks, including the Bank of China (BOC), have signed
    agreements to provide 21 billion U.S. dollars worth syndicated
    loans to the Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) to support
    its bid for Rio Tinto, the BOC announced Friday. 


    
China
    Construction Bank 2008 net profit up 34.1%

    
from Business 

    China Construction Bank reported a net profit of 92.6 billion
    yuan (13.6 billion U.S. dollars) in 2008, up 34.1 percent year
    on year, with earnings per share up 33.3 percent at 0.4 yuan,
    the bank said Friday. The growth was modestly lower than previous
    estimates by analysts. The board of directors recommended a final
    dividend of 0.0837 yuan per share, leading to a full-year total
    of 0.1942 yuan, compared with 0.132 yuan in 2007, the Chinese
    mainland-based commercial banking giant ...

    
Macao's
    GDP grows 13.2% in 2008 amid global financial crisis

    
from Business 

    Macao's economy sustained rapid growth last year as its GDP rose
    by 13.2 percent year-on-year in real terms although negative
    growth did occur in the fourth quarter, the SAR's Statistics
    and Census Service (DSEC) said on Friday. Entering the second
    half of last year, local economy was hit by the adverse impact
    of the global financial crisis and the mainland authorities'
    decision to limit the times of trips to Macao made by its residents,
    due to which local gaming and tourism sector start ...

    
U.S.
    consumer spending rises 0.2% in February

    
from Business 

    U.S. consumer spending rose 0.2 percent in February, a second
    straight month of increase after a record six consecutive months
    of declines, the Commerce Department reported Friday. The February
    gain followed an increase of 1 percent in January. Personal income,
    the fuel for future spending, declined by 0.2 percent in February,
    offsetting a 0.2 percent gain in January. Americans' disposable
    personal income, or after-tax income, decreased by 0.1 percent
    in February after ha ...
 

    
Obama
    administration to announce auto plan on Monday

    
from Business 

    Obama administration will unveil a new plan on the future of
    the country's crippled auto industry, White House spokesman Robert
    Gibbs said on Friday. "The president's autos task force
    is meeting today. I think they are winding down the decisions
    that have to be made and putting in place a plan that the president
    will announce on Monday," Gibbs said. "The president,
    I think, will outline what he thinks is the best way forward
    to achieve viability for the companies in both the shor ...

    
White
    House says CEO meeting productive

    
from Business 

    The meeting held on Friday between U.S. President Barack Obama
    and chief executives of some of the largest U.S. banks was productive,
    White House said. "The president believed they had a good,
    productive and frank conversation," said White House spokesman
    Robert Gibbs. During the meeting, they talked about the toxic
    asset plan and financial regulatory reform, he added. "Also
    discussed were issues of compensation and the importance of recognizing
    what the American public is going ...

    
Canada
    urges focused agenda on economy at G20 summit

    
from Business 

    Canada on Friday called for a focused agenda for next week's
    G20 summit to discuss economy and fixing the global financial
    system, saying that "timely, targeted and coordinated action
    from all major economies" is necessary. Canada will push
    for all countries to take action to remove toxic assets from
    banks to boost lending, as a prerequisite to economic recovery,
    Kory Teneycke, spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper told
    reporters. "This must happen before a broader economic ...
 

    
IDB
    to invest $18 billion in Latin America

    
from Business 

    The Inter-American Bank of Development (IDB) will approve 18
    billion U.S. dollars to boost economic and social projects in
    Latin America for 2009, IDB president Colombia Luis Alberto Moreno
    said on Friday. Details of the decision will be discussed during
    the Yearly Meeting of the Governors' Assembly which is being
    held from Fridayto Tuesday in Medellin, Colombia. Out of the
    18 billion dollars, 12 billion will come from ordinary capital
    of the IDB, while 6 billion from its liquidi ...

    
IDB
    to provide $1.3 bln loan for infrastructure in Colombia

    
from Business 

    The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced on Friday
    to provide a loan of 1.3 billion U.S. dollars to finance infrastructure
    projects in Colombia. The credit will be used for highways, airports,
    railways, mining, energy and improving drinking-water safety,
    and will create jobs to 830,000 people, Colombian Treasury Minister
    Oscar Ivan Zuluaga said during the IDB governors' assembly here.
    Zuluaga hailed that the IDB is the best form to guarantee the
    investors trust, and th ...

    
IMF
    offers Guatemala credit line of $950 mln

    
from Business 

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has offered a credit line
    of 950 million U.S. dollars to Guatemala, the Guatemalan Finance
    Minister Juan Alberto Fuentes said on Friday. According to information
    reaching here from Guatemala City, Fuentes said this will help
    the country reinforce its international reserves and better cope
    with the financial crisis. The line has to be officially approved
    by the IMF board in a meeting to be held in April in Washington,
    he added. The IMF ...
 

    
Geithner
    calls for overhaul of US financial system to tackle credit crisis

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

    Inch by in Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner speaks at the
    Council on Foreign Relations this week. Mr. Geithner believes
    regulation of the US financial system needs a broad overhaul
    to heal a crippl...

    
Bank
    execs vow to work with Obama on recovery plan

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

    Bank of America Corp. Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis, right, listens
    to Bank of New York Mellon Chief Executive Officer Robert Kelly
    speak to reporters outside the White House in Washington, Friday,
    Ma...

    
Iran
    and NATO end 30-year impasse

    
from BBC News | Middle East | World Edition


    An Iranian diplomat meets a Nato official for "informal
    talks" in Brussels for the first time in 30 years, Nato
    officials say.
 

    
Russia
    hints at Chechen changes

    
from BBC News Player | World 

    Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says the troubled republic
    of Chechnya may be stable enough to ease security restrictions
    there.

    
AUSTRALIA:
    Launch of the 2009 ACT Chief Minister's Awards

    
from Austrade Events 

    The ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards are the Territory's most
    prestigious business awards. They acknowledge the innovation,
    hard work and success of businesses, large and small, in reaching
    new markets.

    
VOA
    wins powerful base for broadcasts into N.Korea

    
from AP Top International News At 5:48
    a... by By JAE-SOON CHANG

    SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Voice of America has boosted its radio
    broadcasts into North Korea this year by transmitting from Seoul
    with support from a South Korean president who has taken a hard-line
    stance against the reclusive communist regime....
 

    
Obama
    team takes its climate change agenda abroad

    
from AP Top Science News At 5:42 a.m. EST
    by By DINA CAPPIELLO

    WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration has a single mission
    as it heads to the climate change negotiating table for the first
    time on Sunday: convincing other countries the United States
    cares about global warming....

    
Renewed
    calls for humanitarian truce in Sri Lanka

    
from Amnesty International USA: Most Recent
    English News Releases 

    Calls for a humanitarian truce between the Liberation Tigers
    of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan Armed Forces grow as
    fighting intensifies and the number of casualties increases.

    
Sri
    Lanka: Stop the War on Civilians in Sri Lanka: A briefing on
    the humanitarian crisis and lack of human rights protection

    
from Amnesty International USA: Most Recent
    English News Releases 

    A human rights crisis is unfolding in Sri Lanka where tens of
    thousands of people are trapped in the middle of heavy fighting
    between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri
    Lanka Armed Forces in the north eastern Wanni region
 

    
Mexico:
    Violent Crime and Insecurity in Mexico Are Rooted in Legacy of
    Impunity and Injustice from Past, Says Amnesty International,
    Commenting on Court Ruling on 1968 Student Massacre

    
from Amnesty International USA: Most Recent
    English News Releases 

    A Mexican court's finding that there is insufficient evident
    to prosecute former President Luis Echeverria for genocide in
    the 1968 massacre of students in Mexico City in effect condones
    the killings, disappearances and torture committed during Mexico's
    "dirty war" of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, Amnesty International
    said today.

    
Grassroots
    Support for the Employee Free Choice Act Grows

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by admin

    
Stewart Acuff, special assistant to the
    president, reports on the ongoing national campaign to pass the
    Employee Free Choice Act.

    

    
‘It’s
    Time to Regulate All Global Financial Markets’

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by James Parks



    The global financial meltdown demonstrates the need to regulate
    all international financial markets, not only the important institutions,
    says Damon Silvers, vice chairman of the Congressional Oversight
    Panel (COP). The COP is examining how the Treasury Department
    is spending taxpayer money to help rescue the financial system.

    


    
Trade
    Unions to G-20: Half Measures Will Not Fix Global Economy

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by James Parks

    As the G-20 governments get set to meet next week in London,
    where they will discuss strategies for pulling the global economy
    out of this recession, trade unions are demanding leaders of
    the world’s top economies take strong actions—including
    spending more of their nation’s gross domestic product (GDP)
    on addressing the global financial crisis.

    

    
Obama’s
    Budget Will Rebuild Economy on a Solid Foundation

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by Mike Hall



    A new ad (see
    video) backing President Obama’s budget
    blueprint hit the airwaves today as Senate and House budget
    committees unveiled their spending resolutions. Those resolutions
    followed much of the administration’s outline but made significant
    changes in some priorities.

    

    
House
    Panel OKs Paid Family Leave for Federal Workers

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by Mike Hall

    Federal workers could receive four weeks of paid family leave
    to care for a newborn or adopted child under a bill approved
    by a U.S. House subcommittee yesterday. If enacted, the bill
    also would allow federal workers to use up to eight weeks of
    accrued paid sick time or annual leave immediately following
    the first four weeks of parental leave.

    


    
Generations
    Must Stand United for Employee Free Choice Act

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by admin



    Barbara J. Easterling was elected president of the Alliance for
    Retired Americans in February. She was previously the secretary-treasurer
    of the Communications Workers of America. For more information,
    visit www.retiredamericans.org
    or call 1-888-633-4435.

    

    
Blue
    Green Alliance Reaches Historic Agreement on Climate Legislation

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by James Parks



    The Blue Green Alliance, a partnership of four unions and two
    environmental organizations, today announced support for comprehensive
    climate change legislation. The legislation is an effective way
    to rapidly put millions of Americans back to work building a
    clean energy economy and to reduce global warming emissions to
    avoid the worst effects of climate change.

    

    
Face
    Forward: The Employee Free Choice Act

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by Mike Hall



    The Employee Free Choice Act is going to get some major “face
    time” with the American public in the coming weeks.

    


    
10,000
    Flight Attendants at Southwest Voting on New Contract

    
from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by Mike Hall

    
The nearly 10,000 flight attendants at
    Southwest Airlines—members of Transportation Workers (TWU)
    Local 556—are voting on a new four-year agreement that includes
    a number of improvements, including pay raises.

    

    WEEKLY
    ADDRESS: President Obama Expresses Support for People Affected
    by Flooding in Upper Midwest

    In his weekly address, President Barack Obama stated his continued
    support for the people of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South
    Dakota and praised the volunteers who have come together to help
    one another.

    

    President
    Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 3/27/09

    Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate
    the following individuals to key administration posts: Ray Mabus,
    Secretary of the Navy, Department of Defense; Donald Remy, General
    Counsel of the Army, Department of Defense; J. Randolph Babbitt,
    Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration; Jose D. Riojas,
    Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security and Preparedness,
    Department of Veterans Affairs; John Trasviña, Assistant
    Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department
    of Housing and Urban Development; Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant
    Secretary for Communications and Information, Department of Commerce;
    and Cathy Zoi, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and
    Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. 

    


    Op-ed
    by Vice President Biden: 'A New Day for Partnership in the Americas'

    Vice
    President Biden Arrives in Latin America for first White House
    trip to the Region

    The Vice President arrived today for a four-day trip to South
    and Central America to consult with Latin American leaders gathered
    in Chile and Costa Rica to discuss the upcoming Summit of the
    Americas. Dr. Jill Biden has joined the Vice President on this
    trip

    

    Briefing
    by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 3-27-09
 

    Press
    Briefing by Bruce Riedel, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, and Michelle
    Flournoy on the New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan

    Statement
    by the President on the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

    PRESIDENT
    BARACK OBAMA'S WEEKLY VIDEO ADDRESS March 28, 2009

    President addresses the people of North Dakota, South Dakota,
    and Minnesota as they face down disastrous flooding. He speaks
    of what the government is doing, but also stresses that times
    of crisis like this are reminders of the need and opportunity
    Americans have to keep their dedication to service. (watch now)

    


    Weekly
    Address: Crisis and Service

    Around
    the Agencies: Back to Nature

    A
    Special Moment for Service
 

    A
    New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan

    
FBI
    In the News

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

    US National Libraries RDA Test Steering
    Committee has launched a Website for the RDA test project, at URL

    http://www.loc.gov/bibliographic-future/rda/
    


    National Center for Public Health Informatics
    (NCPHI) at the CDC will host a call to provide information and
    opportunity for discussion for potential applicants to HK09-001
    Centers of Excellence in Public Health. more>>
    

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

    Personal income decreased $29.1 billion, or 0.2 percent, and
    disposable personal income (DPI) decreased $10.5 billion, or
    0.1 percent, in February, according to the Bureau of Economic
    Analysis. 

    The full text of the release on BEA's Web site can be found at


    http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm
    

    
Economic
    Recovery updates for Federal Transit Administration

    
This information has recently been updated
    with updates to the State-by-State funding table and other revisions
    to the ARRA information, and is now available. 


    Coffee Break Training for U.S. Fire Administration.
    

    Last week, a small private plane crashed in a residential neighborhood,
    and the pilot walked away unharmed. 

    This unusual outcome was the result of new technology that creates
    a potential hazardous materials problem for first responders.
    Read about it in today's Warning: Hot Coffee! at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/coffee-break/hc_2009_0327.pdf
    . 

    Military
    Health System Leader Honored as Federal 100 President's Award
    Winner 

    Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:00:00 -0500 

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

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

    March 27, 2009 - DHS
    Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 21 pages -
    168 KB) 


    Expedition
    19 Lifts Off

    Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    The Soyuz TMA-14 launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan
    on Thursday, March 26, 2009, carrying Expedition 19 Commander
    Gennady I. Padalka,...

    
News
    & Updates from the FAA Homepage

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

    
New
    Attorney Vacancies for U.S. Department of Justice

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

    EXPERIENCED
    ATTORNEY(GS-0905-13/14/15) PUBLIC INTEGRITY SECTION WASHINGTON,
    DC 

    09-CRM-PIN-009 Applications must be postmarked by June 26, 2009.


    U.S.
    DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CRIMINAL DIVISION ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE
    UNIT TRIAL ATTORNEYS / GS-13 TO GS-15 

    09-CRM-OEO-008 Applications must be postmarked by April 1, 2009.
    


    U.S.
    HELSINKI COMMISSION TO HOLD HEARING ON THE WESTERN BALKANS

    Regional and State Employment and Unemployment
    news release

    (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/laus.pdf)

    was issued today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    
Boston
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    Convicted
    Offender DNA Backlog Reduction Program, Audit Report 09-23, March
    2009 

    VACANCY:
    Financial Analyst / Analytics Unit Lead, GS-0501-12/13 FEMA

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:52:44 -0500

    KAT-09-GCRO-7065-JAZ (Closing Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 00:00:00
    EDT)

    VACANCY:
    Electrical Engineer, GS-0850-13 FEMA

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:44:45 -0500

    WN/DEU-09-MW-034-EAH1 (Closing Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00
    EDT)
 

    
Military
    Medical Digest for Military Health System

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

    In
    Atlanta, Attoryney Gen. Holder Renews Civil Rights Commitment
    

    Posted: 25 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By ERRIN HAINES 

    ATLANTA - Attorney General Eric Holder said Thursday he is committed
    to a civil rights division in the tradition of the Department
    of Justice during the civil rights movement. 

    Sen.
    Reid Open to Fast-tracking Health Overhaul 

    Posted: 25 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By ERICA WERNER 

    WASHINGTON - Majority Leader Harry Reid indicated Wednesday he's
    willing to move sweeping health care legislation through the
    Senate with a procedural maneuver that would block a GOP filibuster.
    The prospect of the controversial tactic has already ignited
    Republicans' ire, and key Senate Democratic chairmen have said
    they don't want to do it. 


    Treasury
    Sec. Geithner Unveiling Regulatory Agenda 

    Posted: 25 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By MARTIN CRUTSINGER 

    WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is proposing an extensive
    overhaul of financial regulations in an effort to prevent a repeat
    of the banking crisis last fall that toppled once-mighty institutions
    and wiped out trillions of dollars in investor wealth. 

    U.S.
    to Probe Parents' Complaints of Bias in Philadelphia Area Schools
    

    Posted: 25 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By Bonnie L. Cook, The Philadelphia Inquirer 

    Mar. 26--The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil
    Rights will investigate complaints from South Ardmore parents
    that a redistricting plan for Lower Merion's schools discriminates
    on the basis of race. 

    Key
    Senate Panel Backs Pres. Obama's Budget Blueprint 

    Posted: 26 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT

    By ANDREW TAYLOR 

    WASHINGTON - A key Senate panel stacked with allies of President
    Barack Obama approved his ambitious budget blueprint Thursday,
    giving the president a symbolic endorsement of efforts to boost
    clean energy, fight global warming and improve access to health
    care. 


    DOT 36-09 

    Friday, March 27, 2009 

    Contact: Bill Adams 

    Tel.: (202) 366-4570 

    U.S. Department of Transportation Posts New Fuel Economy Standards
    for Model Year 2011 Cars and Light Trucks 

    U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced today that
    the Department of Transportation has posted the new fuel economy
    standards for cars and light trucks for the 2011 model year.
    Click here to view the final rule for the 2011 model year. 

    On January 26, 2009, President Barack Obama directed the Department
    of Transportation to review relevant legal, technological, and
    scientific considerations associated with establishing more stringent
    fuel economy standards, and to finalize the 2011 model year standard
    by the end of March. 

    "These standards are important steps in the nation's quest
    to achieve energy independence and bring more fuel efficient
    vehicles to American families," said Secretary LaHood. 

    The new standards will raise the industry-wide combined average
    to 27.3 miles per gallon (a 2.0 mpg increase over the 2010 model
    year average), as estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety
    Administration (NHTSA). It will save about 887 million gallons
    of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 8.3 million metric
    tons. 

    The 2011 standard will use an attribute-based system, which sets
    fuel economy standards for individual vehicle models, based on
    size. Secretary LaHood also noted today that work on the multi-year
    fuel economy plan for model years after 2011 is already well
    underway. 

    The review will include an evaluation of fuel saving technologies,
    market conditions and future product plans from the manufacturers.
    The effort will be coordinated with interested stakeholders and
    other federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection
    Agency. 

    Click
    here to view full rule. 

    # # # 

    
Contact: Dean DeBuck

    (202) 874-5770 

    OCC Reports Fourth Quarter Bank Trading Loss

    WASHINGTON — U.S. commercial banks reported a $9.2 billion
    trading loss for the fourth quarter of 2008, the Office of the
    Comptroller of the Currency reported today in the OCC's Quarterly
    Report on Bank Trading and Derivatives Activities. For 2008,
    banks reported an annual trading loss of $836 million, compared
    to trading revenues of $5.5 billion in 2007.

    “While banks reported reasonably strong client demand and
    wide intermediation spreads in the fourth quarter, large write-downs
    on legacy credit positions continued to take a toll on trading
    results,” Deputy Comptroller for Credit and Market Risk
    Kathryn E. Dick said. “Trading results continue to reflect
    large changes in the fair values of derivatives receivables and
    payables, based upon market participants’ views of the credit
    quality of both banks and their counterparties.”

    Ms. Dick noted that trading results suffered from an unfavorable
    combination of higher overall corporate credit spreads and lower
    bank credit spreads, each of which result in trading losses.

    The report shows that the notional amount of derivatives held
    by insured U.S. commercial banks increased by $25 trillion (14
    percent) in the fourth quarter to $200 trillion. The increase
    resulted from the migration of investment bank derivatives activity
    into the commercial banking system. Interest rate contracts increased
    $27 trillion to $164 trillion, while credit derivatives fell
    2 percent to $16 trillion.

    The OCC also reported that net current credit exposure, the primary
    metric the OCC uses to measure credit risk in derivatives activities,
    increased $364 billion, or 84 percent, during the quarter to
    $800 billion. “The sharp decline in interest rates continues
    to increase derivative exposures, both payables and receivables,”
    Ms. Dick said.

    She also noted that, similar to the notional derivatives increase,
    migration of derivatives activity from investment banks into
    the commercial banking system accelerated the growth in credit
    exposure.

    The report also noted that:

    Derivatives contracts are concentrated in a small number of institutions.
    The largest five banks hold 96 percent of the total notional
    amount of derivatives, while the largest 25 banks hold nearly
    100 percent. 

    Credit default swaps are the dominant product in the credit derivatives
    market, representing 98 percent of total credit derivatives.


    The number of commercial banks holding derivatives increased
    by 33 in the quarter to 1,010. 

    A copy of the OCC’s Quarterly Report on Bank Trading and
    Derivatives Activities: Fourth Quarter 2008 is available on the
    OCC’s Web site at: http://www.occ.gov/ftp/release/2009-34a.pdf.

    
###

    CDC
    Hosts 43rd National Immunization Conference 

    March 26, 2009 

    Thousands of health officials from around the country will gather
    to examine the latest developments in vaccine science, policy,
    education, technology, and planning issues related to immunization
    in general and vaccine-preventable disease. Topics will include
    the impact of new vaccines on health, addressing vaccine hesitancy,
    monitoring vaccine safety, effect of state laws on uptake of
    recommended vaccines and other important topics. 

    Scheduled speakers for the opening plenary session include Dr.
    Anne Schuchat, Interim Deputy Director for Science and Program,
    CDC and Dr. Judith Monroe, State Health Commissioner, Indiana
    State Department of Health, on Monday, March 30 at 9:00 a.m.
    


    Testimony
    on "Science and Technology Research and Transitioning Products
    Into Use"

    Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:00:00 -0500

    Testimony of Acting Under Secretary Bradley I. Buswell, Science
    and Technology Directorate, before the House Committee on Appropriations,
    Subcommittee on Homeland Security, "Science and Technology
    Research and Transitioning Products Into Use", given March
    26, 2009 at the Rayburn House Office Building.

    
Immigration
    Statistics -- Publications for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

    U.S.
    Legal Permanent Residents: 2008, March 2009 (PDF, 6 pages
    - 369 KB ) 

    Naturalizations
    in the United States: 2008, March 2009 (PDF, 4 pages - 396
    KB) 

    


    
Issue Number: TT-2009-60 

    Inside This Issue

    
Six Important Facts about Tax-Exempt
    Organizations 

    Every year, millions of taxpayers donate money to charitable
    organizations. Here are six things you should know about the
    tax treatment of tax-exempt organizations. 

    Tax returns are made available to public. Exempt organizations
    generally must make their tax return available for public inspection.
    This also includes the organization’s application for exemption.
    These documents must be made available to any individual who
    requests them, and must be made available immediately when the
    request is made in person. If the request is made in writing,
    an organization has 30 days to provide a copy of the information.


    Donor lists generally are not public information. The list of
    donors filed with Form 990 is specifically excluded from the
    information available for public inspection. There is an exception
    for donors to private foundations and political organizations,
    which must make their donor list available to the public. 

    How to find tax-exempt organizations. The easiest way to find
    out whether an organization is qualified to receive deductible
    contributions is to ask them, as most will be able to tell you.
    You can also search for organizations qualified to accept deductible
    contributions in IRS Publication 78, available online at IRS.gov.


    Which organizations may accept charitable contributions. Not
    all exempt organizations are eligible to receive tax-deductible
    charitable contributions. Organizations that are eligible to
    receive deductible contributions include most charities described
    in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and, in some
    circumstances, fraternal organizations described in section 501(c)(8)
    or section 501(c)(10), cemetery companies described in section
    501(c)(13), volunteer fire departments described in section 501(c)(4),
    and veterans organizations described in section 501(c)(4) or
    501(c)(19). For more general information on the rules for Charitable
    Contribution Deductions, you can go to the IRS Publication 78
    Help page, Part II, which is linked from the Search for Charities
    page on IRS.gov. 

    Requirement for organizations not able to accept deductible contributions.
    If an exempt organization is ineligible to receive tax-deductible
    contributions, it must disclose that fact when soliciting contributions.


    How to report inappropriate activities by a charity. If you believe
    that the activities or operations of a tax-exempt organization
    are inconsistent with its tax-exempt status, you may file a complaint
    with the Exempt Organizations Examination Division by completing
    Form 13909, Tax-Exempt Organization Complaint (Referral) Form.
    The complaint should contain all relevant facts concerning the
    alleged violation of tax law. Form 13909 is available at IRS.gov
    or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). 

    Links: 

    IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions (PDF)


    Search
    for Charities Using Publication 78 

    Form 13909, Tax-Exempt Organization Complaint (Referral) Form
    (PDF)
    


    
Immigration
    Statistics for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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

    


    Issue Number: N-2009-31 

    Inside This Issue

    
Notice 2009-31 provides
    guidance for sponsors of multiemployer defined benefit plans
    relating to the elections described in sections 204 and 205 of
    the Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008, P.L.
    110-458 (WRERA), and on the notice required to be provided if
    a plan sponsor makes an election under section 204. 



    Notice 2009-31 will be in IRB 2009-16, dated April 20, 2009.
    

    


    
Issue Number: RP-2009-21 

    Inside This Issue

    
Revenue Procedure 2009-21
    modifies and supersedes sections of Rev. Proc. 2007-66 and Rev.
    Proc. 2008-66 to reflect amounts to be used in 2008 and 2009
    for certain items under various provisions of the Code. Under
    recent legislation, the amounts are in lieu of the inflation
    adjusted amounts normally required under those provisions. This
    revenue procedure contains, among other items, new amounts related
    to the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, Qualified
    Transportation Fringe Benefits, and the American Opportunity
    Credit. 



    Revenue Procedure 2009-21 will be published in Internal Revenue
    Bulletin 2009-16 on April 20, 2009. 


    Astronauts
    Back at Goddard with Aim at Perfecting On-Orbit Repair Tasks

    Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0500

    On Thursday, March 12, Hubble astronauts John Grunsfeld and Andrew
    Feustel arrived at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center for
    one last practice round inside the Center’s large cleanroom.

    Preparations
    Continue for the May Mission to Hubble

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0500

    The first week of March was a busy and productive one for the
    Hubble Program. Testing and training continue for the Science
    Instrument Command & Data Handler (SIC&DH).

    United
    States Department of Defense Image Gallery
 

    
Current
    Funding Opportunities from the National Institute of Justice
    for Office of Justice Programs

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

    NIJ has released the solicitation Postconviction DNA Testing
    Assistance Program. 

    Application Deadline: May 29, 2009, 11:59 p.m. eastern time.
    

    
News Releases for Pension Benefit Guaranty
    Corporation (PBGC)

    
The following news release has just been
    posted to PBGC.gov: 

    PBGC
    Assumes Patton Corp.'s GAC/Flxible Pension Plan (March 27,
    2009) 

    From Fingerprints to Iris Scans 

    The retiring FBI fingerprint chief began as a print technician
    and went on to shepherd the Bureau into a new era of biometrics.
    Video
    


    
DHDSP Updates for Centers for Disease
    Control and Prevention (CDC)

    
This information has recently been updated,
    and is now available. Did you know that most Americans should
    consume less sodium? Read about it here.
    

    Napolitano
    Rolls out DHS Efficiency Review Initiative

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 06:00:00 -0500

    Secretary Napolitano unveiled the DHS Efficiency Review initiative,
    a major program to improve efficiency and streamline decision-making
    through a series of agency-wide initiatives ranging from eliminating
    non-mission critical travel to acquiring enterprise licenses
    for commonly used software, which are collectively expected to
    lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in cost avoidance.

    
What's
    New and/or Federal Register Items on the Federal Transit Administration
    website

    
This information has recently been updated
    with a Press release: Transportation Sec'y Ray LaHood Brings
    $36 Million in Federal Recovery Act Funds to Pay for Central
    Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail, and is now available. 


    VACANCY:
    Training and Exercise Specialist, GS-0301-09/11/12 FEMA

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:02:29 -0500

    AN236615 (Closing Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

    Remarks
    as Prepared for Delivery by Attorney General Eric Holder at His
    Installation Ceremony 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0500 

    Ours is a nation of laws, guided by principles that reflect the
    essential goodness of the American people. Many of these values
    -- adherence to the rule of law, equality before the law, and
    the applicability of Due Process -- are as well-known as they
    are timeless. And yet, these principles can only truly be the
    animating force of our legal system if we, both individually
    and collectively, make it so. 

    
Pittsburgh
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    Taxes:
    Federal and State page on USA.gov
    

    
Houston
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
Inspector
    General Financial Assistance (Grants) Reports for U.S. Department
    of Homeland Security

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


    
SurgeonGeneral.gov
    Speeches, News, & Events for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human
    Services

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

    
Memphis
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
Seattle
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    Guidance
    on the Lacey Act Declaration

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:20:11 -0500

    IntroductionThe Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq., the Act) as
    amended makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell,
    receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce
    any plant, with some limited exceptions, taken or traded in violation
    of the laws of the United States, a U. (more)

    U.S.
    Border Patrol

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:20:11 -0500

    The priority mission of the Border Patrol is preventing terrorists
    and terrorists' weapons, including weapons of mass destruction,
    from entering the United States.

    
Denver
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    eAPIS
    Information

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:20:11 -0500

    The Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) is
    a user-friendly, web-based interface designed by U.S. Customs
    and Border Protection (CBP). This system is used by commercial
    carriers and the private aviation community to provide required
    information to CBP electronically. (more)

    Private
    Flyers

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:20:11 -0500

    On November 18, 2008, CBP published the Advance Information on
    Private Aircraft Arriving and Departing the United States Final
    Rule. The new regulations became effective December 18, 2008
    with a 180-day voluntary compliance period. Beginning May 18,
    2009, private aircraft pilots must adhere to the requirements
    of the final rule.Private Aircraft

    Trade

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:20:11 -0500

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection will facilitate about $2 trillion
    in legitimate trade this year while enforcing U.S. trade laws
    that protect the economy, the health and the safety of the American
    people. We accomplish this through close partnerships with the
    trade community, other government agencies and foreign governments.
 

    Travel

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:20:11 -0500

    On a typical day, CBP welcomes more than 1.1 million international
    travelers into the United States at land, air and sea ports.
    CBP officers use the latest technologies and procedures to assure
    that travelers from throughout the world are processed rapidly
    while assuring that individuals who have ties to terrorism or
    a criminal background are barred from entry.

    
Dallas
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
Export Information for USDA Food Safety
    and Inspection Service

    
The Eligible Plant Lists for Mexico, Australia,
    and Japan (Cold Storage Facilities) have been revised. This information
    has recently been updated. 

    You may view a copy of the updated
    information. 


    
Export Requirements for Countries With
    Export Verification Programs for USDA Food Safety and Inspection
    Service.

    
The export requirements for Japan
    have been revised.

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

    
Export Requirements for Meat & Poultry
    Products for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

    
The export requirements for Japan
    have been revised. This information has recently been updated.


    You may view a copy of the updated
    information. 

    Chief
    Scientific and Technical Advisor, Office of Environment and Energy
    Dr. Lourdes Maurice before the House Science and Technology Committee,
    Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics concerning Aviation and
    the Emerging Use of Biofuels,
    is now available. 


    
NIOSH
    "What's New" list

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

    
Baltimore
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
Contact: Dean DeBuck

    (202) 874-5770 

    OCC Appoints FDIC Receiver for Omni National Bank

    
WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller
    of the Currency (OCC) today appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance
    Corporation (FDIC) as receiver for Omni National Bank, Atlanta,
    Georgia. Omni National Bank had six full service branches located
    in Atlanta and Dalton, Georgia, Chicago, Illinois, Tampa, Florida,
    and Houston and Dallas, Texas, and two loan production offices
    in Birmingham, Alabama, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The bank,
    with approximately $980 million in assets at December 31, 2008,
    was established in 2000.

    The OCC acted after finding that the bank had experienced substantial
    dissipation of assets and earnings due to unsafe and unsound
    practices. The OCC also found that the bank has incurred losses
    that have depleted most of its capital, and there is no reasonable
    prospect that the bank will become adequately capitalized without
    Federal assistance. 

    The FDIC will release information about the resolution of the
    bank.

    ###
 

    
Oklahoma
    City Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
UST
    Home Page for U.S. Department of Justice

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

    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: A listing
    of the latest

    publications from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is now available
    at

    http://www.bls.gov/opub/update.htm
    Please refer questions to

    blsdata_staff@bls.gov .
 

    Safer
    Landings

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0500

    NASA research resulted in grooved runways and highways.

    CSMS#
    09-000138 - Implementation of Lacey Act Declaration Update 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:59:03 -0500

    
Audio
    NASACast for NASA

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


    
Knoxville
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
Offers
    in Compromise for TTB.gov

    
We have recently updated this information,
    and is now available. 

    
HHS.gov
    News for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

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


    
Labeling
    News & Events for TTB.gov

    
We have recently updated this information
    to post the latest COLAs Online statistics, and is now available.
    

    Justice
    Department Announces Agreement to Protect Rights of Military
    and Overseas Voters in New York Special Congressional Election
    

    Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0500 

    The Department has reached agreement with New York officials
    to help ensure that military service members and other U.S. citizens
    living overseas have the opportunity to vote in the state's March
    31, 2009, special election in the 20th Congressional District.
    

    
Audio
    Files Available for Federal Election Commission

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


    
FDIC Makes Public February Enforcement
    Actions; No Administrative Hearings are Scheduled

    
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    March 27, 2009 Media Contact: 

    LaJuan Williams-Dickerson 

    (202) 898-3876 (office)

    
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
    (FDIC) today released a list of orders of administrative enforcement
    actions taken against banks and individuals in February. No administrative
    hearings are scheduled. 

    The FDIC processed a total of 45 orders in February. These included
    twenty-one cease and desist orders; seven removal and prohibitions;
    one order modifying section 8(E) order of prohibition; ten civil
    money penalties; one prompt corrective action; one termination
    of insurance; one Order Granting Permission to File Application
    and Approving Application for Consent to Participate in the Affairs
    of any Insured Depository Institution (Section 19); and three
    orders terminating orders to cease and desist. 

    Copies of the orders referred to above can be obtained from or
    inspected at the FDIC's Public Information Center, 3501 Fairfax
    Drive, Room E-1002, Arlington, VA (telephone 703-562-2200 or
    1-877-275-3342).

    
To view all orders online, visit the FDIC's
    Web page at http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/enforcement/index.html.

    
CDC Upcoming NIOSH Conferences

    
May 13-14, 2009 

    NIOSH Communications and Tracking Workshop 

    http://www.nioshevents.com/

    
May 19-20, 2009 

    NIOSH Communications and Tracking Workshop 

    http://www.nioshevents.com/

    
June 2-4, 2009 

    4th International Conference on Whole-Body Vibration Injuries


    http://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/home-vibrations-2009.html
    

    
C-SPAN Weekend Alert

    Programming Information for Fri. 3/27 - Mon. 3/30, 2009

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

    
C-SPAN Highlights

    
Friday:

    * Pres. Obama Remarks on New Afghanistan-Pakistan Strategy (8pm)

    * Financial Executives Press Briefing on the Economy (8:25pm)

    
Saturday:

    * Communicators: Report on the State of News Media (6:30pm)

    * America & the Courts: Panel Discussion on Justice Stevens
    (7pm)

    
Sunday:

    * Newsmakers: Budget Cmte. Ranking Member Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)
    (10am)

    * Q&A: Sharyl Attkisson, Investigative Reporter, CBS News
    (8pm)

    
Monday:

    * U.S. House: In Session (12:30pm) - LIVE

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

    C-SPAN 2 Highlights

    
Friday:

    * Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress News Conference
    (8pm)

    * U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Installation Ceremony (9pm)

    
Saturday/Sunday:

    * Book TV on C-SPAN2 All Weekend

    * Check the Book TV Schedule, Updated Daily: http://www.booktv.org/

    
Monday:

    * U.S. Senate: In Session (11am) - LIVE

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

    C-SPAN 3 Highlights

    
Friday:

    * House Hearing on the Salmonella Outbreak (10pm)

    
Saturday:

    * Smithsonian Institution Panel on Three Mile Island Anniversary
    (10am)

    
Sunday:

    * Professor William Lee Miller on Lincoln Symposium (10am)

    
Monday:

    * Heritage Foundation Discussion on the G-20 Summit (11:30am)
    - LIVE

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

    C-SPAN Radio Highlights

    
Saturday:

    * Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE

    * Supreme Court Oral Arguments (6pm)

    
 

    
Sunday:

    * Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE

    * Sunday Network News Shows (12pm)

    
Monday:

    * Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE

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

    Politics Highlights

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

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

    Washington Journal Highlights

    
Saturday:

    * Newspaper Articles

    * Viewer Calls

    * Discussion on Afghanistan

    * Discussion on AIDS Report

    
Sunday:

    * Newspaper Articles

    * Viewer Calls

    * Discussion on the Defense Department Budget

    * Discussion on the USO Anniversary

    
Monday:

    * Newspaper Articles & Viewer Calls

    * Discussion on the EPA's Regulation of Greenhouse Gases

    * Discussion on the U.S. Postal Service

    * Discussion on Education

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

    C-SPAN Capitol Spotlight

    
* Congressional leaders offered broad support
    for the new plans for Afghanistan and Pakistan that President
    Obama announced Friday, though some questioned parts of the overall
    strategy... - Full Story at http://www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight

    
* Of the five current Arizona House Democrats,
    how many represent districts John McCain won for president? -
    Answer at http://www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight
 

    
New
    Vacancies at the Federal Election Commission

    
This information has recently been updated,
    and is now available. Recently posted was Vacancy Announcement
    No. 09-016 Paralegal Specialist, GS-0950-9/11, Office of General
    Counsel, General Law and Advice Division, Closing Date: 04-14-2009.
    

    FBI's
    Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending March 27, 2009

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:18:22 -0500

    Read about our Top Ten news stories of the week, including Director
    Mueller's presentation of honorary FBI medals to recognize exceptional
    acts by FBI and other law enforcement personnel; the conviction
    of a Morgan Stanley executive director on securities fraud charges;
    and arrests in Operation Dual Identity, an automobile theft and
    car-cloning joint agency investigation.

    
Detroit
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    FAA
    Draft Airports Advisory Circulars

    
Washington
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    
San
    Antonio Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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


    NASA's
    Space Shuttle Atlantis to Move to Launch Pad Tuesday

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0500

    Space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad
    39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, March
    31, as preparations for the STS-125 mission move forward.

    
Buffalo
    Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

    Cms.hhs.gov-
    Mandatory Insurer Reporting for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
    Services (CMS)

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


    
Today's top Air Force stories include:

    
Today's stories include:

    
Servicemembers honored at annual USO-Metro
    gala 

    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123141800

    
Advanced field hospital put to test in
    Puerto Rico 

    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123141773

    
Airmen poised to support humanitarian operations
    in N.D. 

    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123141761

    
Air Force officials deliver first C-130
    to Polish military 

    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123141744

    
2 AF units named top supporters of minority
    institutions 

    http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123141738

    
Constituent
    Update for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

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

    CSMS#
    09-000139 - Carrier Code Reporting by Trade

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:53:31 -0500
 

    STS-119
    MCC Status Report #24

    Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    The astronauts on space shuttle Discovery will spend today getting
    themselves and their ship ready to wrap up their mission with
    a Saturday afternoon landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    Space
    Station Crews Hold News Conference From Orbit

    Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    The two crews aboard the International Space Station will answer
    questions about their upcoming change of command in a news conference
    April 1.

    STS-119
    MCC Status Report #25

    Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:00:00 -0500

    The astronauts on space shuttle Discovery are preparing to spend
    what is planned to be their final night in orbit, with wake up
    set for 4:13 a.m. Saturday to ready for a 12:39 p.m. landing
    at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
 

    We are pleased to inform you that we are accepting
    applications for Foreign Service Construction Engineer positions.


    Click here (http://careers.state.gov/specialist/opportunities/constructeng.html)
    for more information, and to start the online application process.
    Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications
    is April 17, 2009. 

    Applicants must be American citizens and at least 20 years old
    to apply and at least 21 years of age to be appointed. By law,
    all career candidates must be appointed to the Foreign Service
    prior to the month in which they reach age 60. 

    We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department
    of State.

    
EMI
    Training Opportunities and Bulletins for FEMA (Federal Emergency
    Management Agency)

    
This information has recently been updated,
    and is now available. Please remember the deadline for applications
    to the T&E Conference is April 3, 2009. 

    VACANCY:
    09-149, Supervisory Industry Economist, CT-0110-14 CTFC

    Division of Market Oversight, Washington, DC 

    Closes April 9, 2009 


    
Remarks
    At The Simeprode/Benlesa Biogas Plant 

    Hillary Rodham Clinton

    
Secretary of State

    
Monterrey, , Mexico

    
March 26, 2009

    


    
Contact: Katie Grant

    202-225-3130For Immediate Release

    March 27, 2009

    
Hoyer Statement on President’s
    Afghanistan/Pakistan Strategy

    
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
    Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after
    President Obama announced his strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan:



    “I applaud the Obama Administration for taking its time
    to develop a comprehensive strategy for the Afghanistan/Pakistan
    region. This plan was formed through a deliberative process,
    with many stakeholders consulted on the best path forward. This
    is a wise and realistic plan that represents a real change in
    strategy, and it has my support.



    “As Democrats have long cited, Afghanistan is where the
    real war on terror must be fought. Yet for seven years, our efforts
    in Afghanistan have been hampered by a widely-acknowledged lack
    of focus and resources. What President Obama outlined today is
    a new, robust strategy for this crucial fight, which includes
    for the first time a more limited and well-defined end goal for
    our mission there. I especially appreciate that the President’s
    strategy includes a new and more productive role for our allies,
    asking them to contribute civilians who are experts in fields
    critical to Afghanistan’s rebuilding. Finally, I appreciate
    that the President’s plan will ultimately include benchmarks,
    to ensure that our ongoing efforts are effective and that our
    funding is used for the purposes we intend.



    “I look forward to working with the President as we move
    forward on this strategy and as we work together to meet the
    challenges we face in Afghanistan, Pakistan and throughout the
    rest of the region.”

    
###

    VACANCY:
    Hazard Mitigation Branch Chief, GS-301-13 FEMA

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:54:49 -0500

    WN-09-2C-0103-MKB1 (Closing Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
 

    VACANCY:
    Environmental & Historic Preservation Branch Chief, GS-0028-13
    FEMA

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:15:05 -0500

    WN-09-2C-0099-MKB1 (Closing Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

    VACANCY:
    Individual Assistance Branch Chief, GS-301-13 FEMA

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:28:34 -0500

    WN-09-2C-0100-MKB1 (Closing Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

    VACANCY:
    Public Assistance Branch Chief, GS-301-13 FEMA

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:30:59 -0500

    WN-09-2C-0101-MKB1 (Closing Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
 

    VACANCY:
    Logistic Branch Chief, GS-346-13 FEMA

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:32:45 -0500

    WN-09-2C-0098-MKB1 (Closing Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

    VACANCY:
    Financial Analyst / Analytics Unit Lead, GS-0501-12/13 FEMA

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:52:44 -0500

    KAT-09-GCRO-7065-JAZ (Closing Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 00:00:00
    EDT)

    Today
    in the Department of Defense, 3/28/2009 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:07:00 -0500 


    03/27/09
    Presentation of FBI Honorary Medals 

    John G. Raucci, Assistant Director, Human Resources Division,
    FBI, Honorary Medals Ceremony, FBI Headquarters, Washington,
    D.C. 

    03/27/09
    Honoring Our Unsung Heroes 

    Robert S. Mueller, III, Director, FBI, Honorary Medals Ceremony,
    FBI Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 

    Commitments
    of Traders Reports for CFTC.gov

    The current reports for the week of March 27, 2009 are now available.


    See previous weeks in Historical
    Commitments of Traders Reports. 


    U.S.
    Department of State Background Notes : Hong Kong (03/09) 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:21:36 -0500 

    
Remarks
    At TecMilenio University 

    Hillary Rodham Clinton

    
Secretary of State

    
Monterrey, , Mexico

    
March 26, 2009

    
Planned
    Parenthood Honors Secretary Clinton 

    Bureau of Public Affairs

    
Office of the Spokesman

    
Washington, DC

    
March 27, 2009
 

    U.S.
    Department of State Background Notes : Indonesia (03/09) 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:41:31 -0500 

    U.S.
    Department of State OIG Reports and Publications: OIG Releases
    

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:06:32 -0500 

    
Statement
    by Participants in Zimbabwe Like-Minded Meeting 

    Bureau of Public Affairs

    
Office of the Spokesman

    
Washington, DC

    
March 27, 2009
 

    


    
Democratic Budget Shows Commitment to
    Health Care Reform

    
Spending on health care represents the
    fastest growing area of the American economy and our federal
    budget. Our nation currently spends $2.5 trillion a year on health
    care – 17.6% of our GDP – and spending on Medicare
    and Medicaid has grown to $422 billion and $255 billion, respectively.
    Without any change, government projections estimate that by 2018,
    healthcare spending will rise to $4.4 trillion – more than
    one-fifth of the economy – and the government share of that
    cost will be more than 50 percent. America faces many serious
    challenges, but the rising cost of health care represents one
    of the greatest threats to our economic growth and long-term
    fiscal stability.



    Click
    here to read more about how the Democratic budget addresses health
    care reform.

    
###

    U.S.
    Department of State Background Notes : Tajikistan (03/09) 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:34:27 -0500 

    DOE Announces More Key Administration Posts



    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced
    his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration
    posts: Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, Department of Defense;
    Donald Remy, General Counsel of the Army, Department of Defense;
    J. Randolph Babbitt, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration;
    Jose D. Riojas, Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security
    and Preparedness, Department of Veterans Affairs; John Trasviña,
    Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department
    of Housing and Urban Development; Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant
    Secretary for Communications and Information, Department of Commerce;
    and Cathy Zoi, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and
    Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. 



    President Obama said, “At this critical moment in our nation’s
    history, I am grateful that these exceptional public servants
    have chosen to help my administration bring the change our country
    needs today.” 



    President Obama made the following announcement today:



    Cathy Zoi, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency
    and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy

    In January 2007, Cathy Zoi joined the Alliance for Climate Protection
    as its founding CEO. Established and chaired by former Vice President
    Al Gore, the Alliance is a non-profit organization spearheading
    a multi-year, multimillion dollar effort aimed at persuading
    Americans of both the urgency and solvability of global warming.
    From 2003 until joining the Alliance, Zoi served as Group Executive
    Director at the Bayard Group. The firm, recently renamed Landis+Gyr
    Holdings, is a world leader in energy measurement technologies
    and systems, with operations in 30 countries and revenues in
    excess of $1.2 billion. Her work focused on the key role of smart
    metering to improving energy efficiency in markets in North America,
    Europe, India, China , Brazil and Australia. Prior to joining
    Bayard, Cathy was Assistant Director General of the New South
    Wales EPA in Sydney, Australia. She was also the founding CEO
    of the NSW Sustainable Energy Development Authority, a $50 million
    fund to commercialize greenhouse-friendly technology, from 1996-1999.
    Under her leadership, SEDA launched the world’s first nationwide
    Green Power program (1997) and the world¹s largest solar-powered
    suburb (1998). Cathy has served on boards and advisory committees
    of a variety of companies in the clean technology sector. Cathy
    was Chief of Staff in the White House Office on Environmental
    Policy in the Clinton-Gore administration, where she managed
    the team working on environmental and energy issues (1993-95).
    She was also a manager at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    where she pioneered the Energy Star Program. Ms. Zoi earned a
    B.S. in Geology from Duke University and an M.S. in Engineering
    from Dartmouth College. 



    Ray Mabus, Nominee for Secretary of the Navy, Department of Defense


    Ray Mabus has served as Governor of Mississippi, Ambassador to
    the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Chairman and CEO of Foamex,
    a large manufacturing company. As the youngest governor of Mississippi
    in more than 100 years at the time of his election, he stressed
    education and job creation. He passed B.E.S.T. (Better Education
    for Success Tomorrow), one of the most comprehensive education
    reform programs in America and was named one or Fortune Magazine's
    top ten education governors. During his tenure as Ambassador,
    a crisis with Iraq was successfully deterred and Saudi Arabia
    officially abandoned the boycott of United States businesses
    that trade with Israel. He was chosen CEO of Foamex to help lead
    it out of bankruptcy. Less than nine months after his appointment,
    Foamex successfully emerged from Chapter 11. Governor Mabus has
    been awarded the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Public
    Service Award, the U.S. Army's Distinguished Civilian Service
    Award, the Martin Luther King Social Responsibility Award from
    the King Center in Atlanta, the National Wildlife Federation
    Conservation Achievement Award, the King Abdul Aziz Award from
    the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Mississippi Association
    of Educators' Friend of Education Award. 



    Donald Remy, Nominee for General Counsel of the Army, Department
    of Defense 

    Donald Remy is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Latham
    & Watkins. From 1997-2000, Remy served as Deputy Assistant
    Attorney General for the Civil Division of the United States
    Department of Justice, where he handled numerous cases, including
    those arising out of the events at Waco and Ruby Ridge. In addition
    to Mr. Remy's practice experience, he currently serves in a management
    role at the firm as a member of the Global Training and Career
    Enhancement Committee. During his legal career, Remy also served
    as Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones on the
    United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and Assistant
    to the General Counsel for the Department of the Army. Remy has
    published, lectured and testified before Congress on legal topics
    relating to Torts, Constitutional Law, Employment Law, Diversity,
    Government Contracts, Litigation and Compliance. In 2005, Mr.
    Remy was recognized by Black Enterprise as one of America's most
    powerful executives under 40.



    J. Randolph Babbitt, Nominee for Administrator, Federal Aviation
    Administration

    J. Randolph Babbitt, known as Randy, is a partner in the worldwide
    aviation consultancy of Oliver Wyman. He was the former Chairman
    and CEO of Eclat Consulting until they were acquired by Oliver
    Wyman in 2007. Babbitt is internationally recognized as a leader
    in the field of aviation safety and policy, and labor relations
    with almost 40 years of experience in the industry. Babbitt began
    his aviation career as a pilot for Eastern Airlines and flew
    for more than 25 years. He served as President and CEO for US
    ALPA, the world’s largest professional organization of airline
    pilots. In 1993 he served as a Presidential appointee on the
    National Commission to Ensure a Strong Competitive Airline Industry.
    In 2008 Babbitt was named by the Secretary of Transportation
    to an independent review team of aviation and safety experts
    tasked with evaluating and crafting recommendations to improve
    the FAA's implementation of the aviation safety system and its
    culture of safety. Babbitt attended both the University of Georgia
    and the University of Miami.



    Jose D. Riojas, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Operations,
    Security and Preparedness, Department of Veterans Affairs

    Jose D. Riojas, began his military career after graduating from
    the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as a second lieutenant
    in the Field Artillery in 1976. He is also a 1997 graduate of
    the U.S. Army War College completing studies in National Security
    Strategy. His 30 year military career encompassed numerous and
    significant operational assignments throughout the world to include,
    Korea, Germany and Southwest Asia (Operations Desert Shield and
    Desert Storm). His assignments include: service with the U.S.
    Department of State, service as the Army’s representative
    on the Joint Requirements Oversight Panel, and Executive Officer
    to the Chief of Staff of the Army. He served in 5 different Army
    Divisions: the 2nd Infantry, 7th Infantry (Light), 2nd Armored,
    25th Infantry (Light), and the 3rd Infantry (Mechanized). He
    commanded for over 10 years at the battery, battalion, division
    artillery and task force levels. His last military assignment
    was as the Commanding General of Joint Task Force North (JTF-N).
    The mission of JTF-N was to provide Department of Defense resources
    throughout the continental U.S. in support of law enforcement
    agencies so that they could more effectively interdict Transnational
    Threats including: terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, aliens
    from special interest countries and narco-terrorism. His responsibilities
    at UTEP include strategic initiatives in support of Homeland
    Security/Border Security, Homeland Defense and economic development.
    Riojas serves as the Director of the DHS Center of Excellence
    for Border Security and Immigration. He also serves as the Executive
    Director for the Center for Defense Systems Research, a DOD research
    center headquartered at UTEP. Additionally, Riojas serves as
    Chairman of the UTEP National Security Advisory Board, is a member
    of the Border Biomedical Research Center advisory committee,
    serves on the El Paso Regional Economic Development Corporation
    Board of Directors and is serving, by appointment, on the Texas
    Governor’s Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee.




    John Trasviña, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Fair
    Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department of Housing and Urban
    Development

    John Trasviña has devoted his legal career to public service
    in civil rights and immigration policy. In the 1980s and 90s,
    he served as Chairman Paul Simon’s General Counsel &
    Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on
    the Constitution. Thereafter, he was appointed Deputy Assistant
    Attorney General for Legislative Affairs in 1993. In 1997, President
    Clinton appointed Trasviña as Special Counsel for Immigration
    Related Unfair Employment Practices. As Special Counsel, he led
    the only federal government office devoted solely to immigrant
    workplace rights and was the highest ranking Latino attorney
    at the U.S. Department of Justice. After returning to California,
    he taught immigration law at Stanford Law School. In 2006, he
    was named President & General Counsel of the Mexican American
    Legal Defense & Educational Fund (MALDEF). A native of San
    Francisco, Trasviña is a graduate of Harvard University
    and Stanford Law School. In recent years, he was a member of
    the San Francisco Elections Commission, president of the Harvard
    Club of San Francisco, and a board member of the La Raza Lawyers
    Association, CORO of Northern California, Lowell High School
    Alumni Association, League of Women Voters and Pacific Coast
    Immigration Museum. He serves on the boards of the Latino Issues
    Forum and Campaign for College Opportunity and recently served
    as Chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda.



    Lawrence E. Strickling, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Communications
    and Information, Department of Commerce

    Lawrence E. Strickling is a technology policy expert with more
    than two decades of experience in the public and private sectors.
    As Policy Coordinator for Obama for America, Strickling oversaw
    two dozen domestic policy committees and was responsible for
    technology and telecommunications issues. Prior to joining the
    campaign, Strickling was Chief Regulatory and Chief Compliance
    Officer at Broadwing Communications for three years. His private
    sector experience also includes serving in senior roles at Allegiance
    Telecom and CoreExpress, Inc. and as a member of the Board of
    Directors of Network Plus. In government, Strickling served at
    the Federal Communications Commission as Chief of the Common
    Carrier Bureau from 1998 to 2000. Prior to that, Strickling was
    Associate General Counsel and Chief of the FCC's Competition
    Division. During his tenure at the FCC, Strickling developed
    and enforced rules to foster competition and protect consumers
    in the telecommunications marketplace. Prior to joining the FCC,
    Strickling was Vice President, Public Policy at Ameritech. Before
    Ameritech, he was a litigation partner at the Chicago law firm
    of Kirkland & Ellis. Strickling earned his J.D. from Harvard
    Law School and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University
    of Maryland with a degree in economics. He serves on the Board
    of Visitors at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy,
    as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Chicago's
    Court Theatre, and on the Board of Directors of Music of the
    Baroque in Chicago. 



    -DOE-
 

    U.S.
    Department of State Background Notes : Japan (03/09) 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:38:32 -0500 

    DoD
    Contracts for March 27, 2009 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:02:00 -0500 

    Department
    of Defense, 3/30/2009 


    Department
    of Defense, 3/29/2009 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:08:00 -0500 

    Secretary
    Robert Gates Interview with Pentagon Channel 

    Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:49:00 -0500 

    


    
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2009

    First Vote of the Week… Last Vote Predicted…

    
Monday 6:30 p.m.

    Friday p.m.

    
Legislative Program - 51600 | Floor Information
    - 57400 | Whip Information - 63210

    
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2009

    On Monday, the House will meet at 12:30 p.m. for Morning Hour
    debate and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business with votes postponed
    until 6:30 p.m.



    Suspensions (16 Bills)

    1) Senate Amendments to H.R.
    1388 - Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education
    Act (Rep. McCarthy (NY) – Education and Labor)

    2) H.R. __ - Making technical corrections and conforming changes
    to the Higher Education Act (Rep. George Miller – Education
    and Labor)

    3) H.R.
    1171 – Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization
    Act of 2009 (Rep. Boozman – Veterans’ Affairs)

    4) H.R.
    1377 – To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand
    veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans
    Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department
    facility (Rep. Filner - Veterans’ Affairs)

    5) H.R.
    1513 - Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act
    of 2009 (Rep. Kirkpatrick – Veterans’ Affairs)

    6) H.Res.
    223 - Honoring the life, achievements, and contributions
    of Paul Harvey, affectionately known for his signature line,
    "This is Paul Harvey…Good Day” (Rep. Sullivan
    – Oversight and Government Reform)

    7) H.Res.
    282 - Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the peace treaty
    between Egypt and Israel (Rep. Fortenberry – Foreign Affairs)

    8) H.Res.
    152 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
    that the United States remains committed to the North Atlantic
    Treaty Organization (NATO) (Rep. Tanner – Foreign Affairs)

    9) H.R.
    1246 - Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2009
    (Rep. Capps – Energy and Commerce)

    10) H.R.
    756 - National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009 (Rep. Capps -
    Energy

    and Commerce)

    11) H.R.
    20 - Melanie Blocker Stokes Mom's Opportunity to Access Health,
    Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act
    (Rep. Rush – Energy and Commerce)

    
12) H.R.
    479 - Wakefield Act (Rep. Matheson – Energy and Commerce)

    13) H.R.
    1253 - Health Insurance Restrictions and Limitations Clarification
    Act of 2009 (Rep. Burgess - Energy and Commerce)

    14) H.R.
    1259 - Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2009 (Rep. Upton
    – Energy and Commerce)

    15) H.Con.Res.
    60 - Supporting the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness
    Month (Rep. Granger – Energy and Commerce)

    16) H.R.
    577 - Vision Care for Kids Act of 2009 (Rep. Gene Green –
    Energy 

    and Commerce)



    Dispose of H.Res. __ - Raising a question of privileges of the
    House (Rep. Flake – Privileged Resolution)



    TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2009 AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK

    On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:30 a.m. for Morning Hour
    debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Wednesday
    and Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative
    business. On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative
    business.



    Suspensions (7 Bills)

    1) H.Res.
    290 - Honoring the lives and mourning the loss of Sergeant
    Mark Dunakin, Sergeant Ervin Romans, Sergeant Daniel Sakai, and
    Officer John Hege, Members of the Oakland Police Department in
    California who were brutally slain in the line of duty (Rep.
    Lee (CA) – Judiciary)

    2) H.R.
    985 - Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 (Rep. Boucher
    – Judiciary)

    3) H.R.
    1029 – Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act
    of 2009 (Rep. Hill – Judiciary)

    4) H.R.
    838 - Miami Dade College Land Conveyance Act (Rep. Ros-Lehtinen
    – Judiciary)

    5) H.Con.Res.
    54 - Permitting the use of the Rotunda of the Capitol for
    a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
    of victims of the Holocaust (Rep. Waxman – House Administration)

    6) H.R.
    151 - Daniel Webster Congressional Clerkship Act of 2009
    (Rep. Lofgren – House Administration)

    7) H.R.
    1299 - Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections
    Act of 2009 (Rep. Brady (PA) – House Administration)



    H.Res.
    279 - Providing for the expenses of certain committees of
    the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Eleventh Congress.
    (Rep. Brady – House Administration) (Subject to a Rule)



    H.R.
    1664 – To amend the executive compensation provisions
    of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to prohibit
    unreasonable and excessive compensation and compensation not
    based on performance standards (Reps. Grayson/Himes – Financial
    Services) (Subject to a Rule)



    H.Con.Res. __ - The Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for FY
    2010 (Rep. Spratt – Budget) (Subject to a Rule)



    * Conference Reports may be brought up at any time.

    * Motions to go to Conference should they become available. 

    * Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.
 

    


    
majorityleader.house.gov · (202)
    225-3130

    
MESSAGE FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER

    
This week, the House Budget Committee marked
    up and passed the budget resolution, continuing the budget process
    between the White House and the Congress. The budget reflects
    the priorities set forth by the President in his budget outline
    with targeted, strategic investments that strengthen the economy
    and ensure economic stability over the long-term This budget
    makes a down payment on health care reform, creates a path to
    energy independence, and reforms and invests in education. While
    the budget makes these necessary investments, it also reduces
    the deficit by nearly two-thirds by 2013 and makes significant
    strides to restore our budget sustainability. I expect to bring
    the budget resolution to the House Floor for a vote next week.



    While the budget was being marked-up in committee this week,
    it was fitting that we also observed Cover the Uninsured Week.
    In this economy, America faces many serious challenges, but the
    rising cost of health care represents one of the greatest threats
    to our economic growth and long-term fiscal stability. Therefore,
    the Democratic budget demonstrates a commitment to reduce out-of-control
    health care costs, including deficit-neutral reform that will
    expand coverage, improve quality, and preserve choice of health
    plan and provider. Our short-term and long-term efforts will
    provide needed relief to millions of American families. To monitor
    the progress of this important issue, my office launched a new
    feature on national health care reform. If you would like to
    sign up to receive "The Daily Dose," please click
    here.



    Next week, the House will consider the Senate version of the
    Serve America Act, a top priority for President Obama, which
    will create new service opportunities for more Americans to volunteer
    and give back to their communities to help them through the current
    economic crisis. I expect that the House will pass this bill
    and quickly send it to the President for his signature.

    


    Sincerely yours,

    
STENY H. HOYER

    
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