usdemocrats.com political news ticker/weblog
May 30, 2009 for yesterday's ticker entries click here
Saturday
May 30, 2009
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Obama
Biden Approval Holds Steady Gallup finds that President Obama's approval rating has averaged 65% during his first four months in office -- a very similar rating as compared to other recent presidents. |
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Franken,
Boxer Form Joint Fundraising Effort Al Franken (D-MN) is forming a fundraising committee with Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) to raise money for his ongoing MN-Sen court fight and her 2010 reelection bid, the Minnesota Independent reports. The first fundraiser is scheduled for July. |
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Americans
Back Sotomayor by Large Margin A new Quinnipiac poll finds American voters approve of President Obama's pick of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court by a 54% to 24% margin, with 22% still undecided. |
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Sestak
(D-PA) Gets Key Primary Endorsement Sen. Arlen Specter's (D-PA) last general election challenger -- former Rep. Joe Hoeffel (D-PA) -- told the Delaware County Daily Times that he would back Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) in a primary against Specter. |
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Democrats
launch national Sotomayor effort From CNN Political Editor Mark Preston
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Senator
Chris Dodd releases first 2010 ad From CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart
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Obama
creates 'cybersecurity coordinator' position |
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WH
to ask high court to review release of detainee abuse photos From CNN Supreme Court Producer Bill Mears WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Obama administration
is turning to the Supreme Court as it seeks to block public release
of photos apparently depicting abuse of suspected terrorists
and foreign soldiers in U.S. custody. |
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Poll:
Majority approve of Sotomayor nomination From CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser
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Dean
to release book on health care reform From CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart
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Levin:
Memos don't show what Cheney says they do From CNN's Ed Hornick
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CNN
Poll: Americans OK with more government influence in return for
lower health care costs From CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser
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In
her own words: Sotomayor's 'policy is made' comment in depth From CNN Political Research Director Robert Yoon
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VIDEO: Education Sec. Arne Duncan at the National Press Club from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 10am (ET) |
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VIDEO: William Corr, Health & Human Services, Deputy Secretary from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 9am (ET) |
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VIDEO: Kevin Hassett, American Enterprise Institute, Economic Policy Studies Director from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 9:30am (ET) |
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VIDEO: State Department Press Briefing from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 12:30pm (ET) |
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VIDEO: Pres. Obama at Five Guys Burgers & Fries in Washington from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 1:30pm (ET) |
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VIDEO: White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 2pm (ET) |
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VIDEO: Pres. Obama Remarks on FEMA Hurricane Preparedness from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 2:30pm (ET) |
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VIDEO: Brookings Institution Discussion on Strategies for International Engagement from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 9am (ET) |
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VIDEO: Homepage Cyber Security 60-day Review from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 10:55am (ET) |
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VIDEO: TechAmerica Briefing on Obama Administration's Cyber Security Review from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Friday at 1pm (ET) |
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Weekly
Address: President Obama on Judge Sotomayors Experience The President discusses the breadth and depth of experience held by his nominee for the Supreme Court. In the course of a life that began in a housing project in the South Bronx and brought her to the pinnacle of her profession, Judge Sonia Sotomayor accumulated more experience on the federal bench than any incoming Supreme Court Justice in the past 100 years, touching nearly every aspect of our legal system. May 30, 2009. (Public Domain) |
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President
Obama Calls for Thorough and Timely Confirmation for Judge Sonia
Sotomayor WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Barack Obama called for a rigorous, principled and swift confirmation for his Supreme Court nominee, Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Judge Sotomayor’s extraordinary professional career, as a New York City prosecutor, a litigator, and as a judge for 17 years, is matched only by her remarkable life story, from growing up in a housing project to graduating from Princeton University and Yale Law School |
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Statement
by the President on Beginning of Negotiations on Fissile Material
Cut-off Treaty |
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Statement
from the New York State Law Enforcement Council on the Sotomayor
Nomination |
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Conference
Call with Senior Administration Officials to Discuss President
Obama's Trip Next Week Today at 7:00PM EDT the White House will hold a conference call with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Denis McDonough, and Deputy National Security Advisor and National Security Council Chief of Staff Mark Lippert to discuss President Obama’s upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Germany, and France. |
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Cybersecurity
event fact sheet and expected attendees In February 2009, President Obama directed the National Security Council (NSC) and Homeland Security Council to conduct a 60-day review of the plans, programs, and activities underway throughout government that address our communications and information infrastructure (i.e., “cyberspace”), in order to develop a strategic framework to ensure that the U.S. government’s initiatives in this area are appropriately integrated, resourced, and coordinated. |
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Biden
Hosts Conference Calls With Governors And Local Officials To
Discuss Recovery Act Implementation, 5-28-2009 Earlier today, the Vice President hosted two conference calls with Governors and Mayors/County Executives from across the country to discuss implementation of the Recovery Act. |
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Briefing
by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 5-29-09 |
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Remarks
by the First Lady during Bancroft Elementary School Visit, 5-29-09 |
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Remarks
by the President after hurricane preparedness meeting at FEMA
Headquarters |
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Remarks
by the President on Securing Our Nation's Cyber Infrastructure |
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“Most of the Work Takes Place Before a Hurricane Hits” As we mentioned earlier today, the administration
has been working hard on a coordinated effort to prepare for
hurricane season. This afternoon, the President met with FEMA
at the National Response Coordination Center to discuss hurricane
preparedness. The President stated that he had no greater responsibility
than the safety of the American people, and emphasized the importance
of planning in ensuring that safety: |
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Update
on Recovery Act Lobbying Rules: New Limits on Special Interest
Influence |
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Director
Orszag on Health Care and Fiscal Discipline |
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Melissa Hathaway, Cybersecurity Chief at
the National Security Council, discusses securing our nation's
digital future: |
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Meeting
with Abbas |
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Posted by Elizabeth Vale with the Department
of Commerce |
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Weekly
Address: The Experience of Judge Sotomayor |
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Press Release# 5663-09, CTFC.GOV
Workshop Planned to Discuss Contract Design in Futures Markets,
May 28, 2009 |
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DoD
Identifies Army Casualty Fri, 29 May 2009 07:24:00 -0500 |
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Return
SBA Loan Application Promptly Thu, 28 May 2009 09:31:31 -0500 SOUTH CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- Disaster applicants who have received a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application must fill it out - even if they do not want a loan. A completed loan application is the gateway to determining the type of assistance a homeowner or renter may be eligible for. |
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Gates
Downplays Rhetoric on North Korea Fri, 29 May 2009 07:56:00 -0500 |
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U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has
issued the following news release today: Real gross domestic product -- the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States -- decreased at an annual rate of 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2009, (that is, from the fourth quarter to the first quarter), according to preliminary estimates released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter, real GDP decreased 6.3 percent. The full text of the release on BEA's Web site can be found at http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdpnewsrelease.htm. |
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May
29, 2009 - DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 17 pages - 153 KB) |
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Text
of Secretary Napolitano's Call to Mexican Interior Secretary Thu, 28 May 2009 06:00:00 -0500 Readout of Secretary Napolitano's May 28, 2009 call to Mexican Secretary of the Interior Fernando Gomez-Mont, discussing the importance of collaboration and information sharing between the U.S. and Mexico to crack down on contraband trafficking and illegal immigration. |
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Addendum
to the FY 2009 Annual Performance Plan
(PDF, 40 pages - 618 KB) |
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US-CERT Current Activity VMware Releases Security Advisory Original release date: May 29, 2009 at
9:02 am
VMware has released a security advisory
to address multiple US-CERT encourages users and administrators
to review the VMware Relevant Url(s): ==== |
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FDIC Makes Public April Enforcement Actions; No Administrative Hearings Scheduled FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC) today released a list of orders of administrative enforcement
actions taken against banks and individuals in April. One administrative
hearing is scheduled. |
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NRC
Honored as a 2009 Top Supporter of the Engineering Programs of
the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving
Institutions |
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FDIC Makes Public April Enforcement Actions; One Administrative Hearing is Scheduled for June FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC) today released a list of orders of administrative enforcement
actions taken against banks and individuals in April. One administrative
hearing is scheduled. |
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DHS
Begins Test of Biometric Exit Procedures at Two U.S. Airports Thu, 28 May 2009 06:00:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today began collecting biometrics—digital fingerprints—from non U.S. citizens departing the United States as part of a pilot program at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. |
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North
Korea: Can North Korea be Relisted as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC May 29, 2009 |
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FDIC Board Approves Creation of Advisory Committee on Community Banking
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The FDIC Board of Directors today approved
establishing the FDIC Advisory Committee on Community Banking
to provide the FDIC with advice and guidance on a broad range
of important policy issues impacting small community banks throughout
the country, as well as the local communities they serve, with
a focus on rural areas. |
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High-intensity
Training Helps Soldiers Improve Strength, Endurance Fri, 29 May 2009 10:52:00 -0500 |
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NASA's
Space Shuttle Atlantis Set to Return to Florida Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 -0500 Space shuttle Endeavour now is planned to be moved from Launch Pad 39B to 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Sunday, May 31, weather permitting. |
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FDIC Issues Third Quarter 2009 CRA Examination Schedule FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC) has issued the public list of institutions that it has
scheduled for a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examination
during the third quarter of 2009. This list is published pursuant
to revised CRA regulations published in May 1995 that require
each federal bank and thrift regulator to publish a quarterly
CRA examination schedule at least 30 days before the beginning
of each quarter. |
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NATO,
Afghan, Pakistani Troops Share Workspace to Coordinate Security
Fri, 29 May 2009 11:25:00 -0500 |
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Military Medical Digest for Military Health System This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Experiment
to Examine Joint Operations Concept Fri, 29 May 2009 11:50:00 -0500 |
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Iraqi
Police Take Operations to New Level in Mosul Fri, 29 May 2009 11:56:00 -0500 |
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Fort
Campbell Suicide Prevention Fri, 29 May 2009 10:48:17 -0500 Fort Campbell, Kentucky is in the final day of a three-day standown to focus on the pressing issue of suicide prevention. |
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Ride
to Recovery Fri, 29 May 2009 10:48:14 -0500 This weekend thousands of wounded veterans and their supporters are set to wrap up a week long journey. |
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This page has recently been updated with
a link to the following report: |
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This page has recently been updated with
links to the following reports: |
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This page has recently been updated with
links to the following reports: |
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Region 9 Texas Young Democrats: June 2 - Protest Rick Perry's 200th Execution In case you haven't heard, on Tuesday June 2nd there will be a protest in Huntsville marking the 200th execution by the state of Texas under Governor Rick Perry, organized by Sarah Hannah. For more details, visit the links below: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=105538816140&ref=ts http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://abolishtexasdeathpenalty.ning.com/events/huntsville-protest |
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ASLB
to Hear Oral Arguments on License Renewal Application of Wyoming
Uranium Recovery Facility |
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New
VA Website Fri, 29 May 2009 12:07:31 -0500 The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new website to connect veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with their college mental health care professionals. |
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Office of Disability Employment Policy - In Focus for United States Department of Labor Learn about the Asset Development Report.
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United
States Department of Defense Image Gallery |
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National Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Attorney
General Announces Center to Fight International Organized Crime
Fri, 29 May 2009 09:00:00 -0500 Today, Attorney General Eric Holder announced a new International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2) that will marshal the resources and information of nine U.S. law enforcement agencies, as well as federal prosecutors, to collectively combat the threats posed by international criminal organizations to domestic safety and security. |
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NRC
Schedules Meeting to Discuss Improvements to Fuel Cycle Oversight
Process |
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Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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National Infrastructure Protection Plan for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Audit Reports for Unauthorized Committees for Federal Election Commission This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Release No. 0187.09 Census of Agriculture Data Now Available at Watershed Level WASHINGTON, May 29, 2009 - For the first time, results from the Census of Agriculture have been published at the watershed level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
"Our data users in the agricultural and environmental communities have expressed the need for watershed data and NASS is proud to meet their needs," said Carol House, NASS deputy administrator for programs and products. "The new watershed publication presents agricultural data that conforms to geographic boundaries, rather than state and county boundaries."
In the new publication, NASS reports selected data from the 2007 Census of Agriculture according to watershed boundaries set by the U.S. Geological Survey. The information is available for all 20 major water sources in the United States, as well as for each of the 376 water basins.
Information from the 2002 Census of Agriculture is published alongside the 2007 Census results to demonstrate changes in land use, production practices and livestock distribution over the past five years.
The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of the nation's farms and ranches and the people who operate them. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every state, county, and now water basin in the nation.
For more information about the Census of Agriculture and to access the watershed publication, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.
# |
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Army
Reserve Offers Military, Civilian Return on Investment Fri, 29 May 2009 13:51:00 -0500 |
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Obama
Announces Cyber Security Office Fri, 29 May 2009 14:06:00 -0500 |
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NASA
Dryden to Host 2009 Power Beaming Challenge July 14 Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 -0500 NASA's Centennial Challenges Program and the Spaceward Foundation will hold the 2009 Power-Beaming Challenge, part of Spaceward's Space Elevator Games, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center on Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on July 14. |
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U.S.
Concern About Niger's Democratic Processes Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC May 29, 2009 |
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FDIC Tightens and Clarifies Interest Rate Restrictions on Institutions That are Less Than Well Capitalized FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today issued a final rule changing
the way the FDIC administers its statutory restrictions on the
deposit interest rates paid by banks that are less than well
capitalized. |
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Interest
Rate Restrictions on Institutions That are Less Than Well Capitalized
Summary: The FDIC has issued the attached final rule making certain revisions to the interest rate restrictions under Part 337.6 of the FDIC Rules and Regulations. Under the final rule, the "national rate" is a simple average of rates paid by U.S. depository institutions as calculated by the FDIC. When evaluating the Part 337.6 compliance of an institution that is less than Well Capitalized, the FDIC will deem the national rate to be the prevailing rate in all market areas, unless it agrees with evidence provided by the institution that it is operating in an area where prevailing deposit interest rates are higher. The final rule is effective January 1, 2010, but the FDIC does not object to the immediate use of the newly defined national rate by an insured depository institution.
Distribution: |
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Egypt:
Under Secretary Burns Travel to Egypt Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC |
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Palestinians:
Unity Government Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC |
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VACANCY:
Information Technology Specialist TREAS.GOV |
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VACANCY:
Human Resources Assistant TREAS.GOV |
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VACANCY:
Lead Contract Specialist TREAS.GOV |
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Interior
Democrats of Alaska: Weekly Interior Democratic Party Lunch To see more
details and RSVP |
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Marines
Headlines Fri, 29 May 2009 10:39:22 -0500 A weekly update on news and information from around the Marine Corps. |
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This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Healthy
Military Fri, 29 May 2009 14:00:20 -0500 This month, the Defense Commissary Agency has stepped up its effort to get military members and their families to be healthier. |
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Army
Investigates Misconduct Allegations Fri, 29 May 2009 15:03:00 -0500 |
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Secretary Chu to Visit Fort Wayne, Indiana,
to Discuss Federal Recovery Efforts for Auto Communities and
Workers Will make stops at heat pump manufacturing plant and deliver remarks at IPFW Washington, DC – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu will visit Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, June 2, to discuss federal recovery efforts for auto communities and workers. As part of his visit, Secretary Chu will tour WaterFurnace International, a leading manufacturer of ground source heat pumps whose business has added 144 staff since the beginning of 2007. Secretary Chu will later discuss the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. WHAT: Secretary Steven Chu tours WaterFurnace International Inc. and delivers remarks at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 11:15 am EST Tour of WaterFurnace International ***Tour is open press WaterFurnace International Inc. 9000 Conservation Way Fort Wayne, IN 46809 1:30 pm EST Remarks at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne ***Media availability to follow announcement. Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 2101 E. Coliseum Boulevard Fort Wayne, IN 46805 -DOE- |
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OCC
Issues Third Quarter 2009 CRA Examination Schedule ### |
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TRICARE
Reserve Select Numbers Increase |
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U.S.
Department of State Background Notes : Iceland (05/09) Fri, 29 May 2009 14:05:41 -0500 |
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Commitments
of Traders Reports for CFTC.gov. The current reports for the week of May 29, 2009 are now available. |
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Global
Conditions, Trends Indicate Years of Conflict, Army Chief Says
Fri, 29 May 2009 15:41:00 -0500 |
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Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Legislative Program - 51600 | Floor Information - 57400 | Whip Information - 63210 MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2009 |
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FEC
Digest for the Week of May 25 - 29 Fri, 29 May 2009 11:00:14 -0500 |
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USCIRF Letters to Obama on Muslim World Speech WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent, bipartisan federal agency advising the Administration and Congress, sent letters to President Obama on May 28, urging him to raise pressing concerns about religious freedom in his speech to the Muslim world and with his private meetings with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah and Egyptian President Mubarak, respectively. “The Commission respectfully urges
[President Obama] to raise publicly and repeatedly the importance
of the freedom of religion or belief, as this fundamental human
right is severely limited in many countries with Muslim majority
populations,” said Felice D. Gaer, USCIRF chair.
*****
May 28, 2009
The President Dear Mr. President: I write today on behalf of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent U.S. government commission created by Congress to monitor religious freedom worldwide and make policy recommendations to the Executive Branch and Congress. The Commission seeks to comment on your announced plan to address the Muslim world in a speech. The Commission respectfully urges you to raise publicly and repeatedly the importance of the freedom of religion or belief, as this fundamental human right is severely limited in many countries with Muslim majority populations. The Islamic faith is of course of central importance to citizens of such countries. The Commission encourages you to speak about the United States’ commitment to religious freedom for persons of all faiths, including Muslims, which is not well understood in the Muslim world. The United States has repeatedly advocated for the religious freedoms of Muslims, whether for the Uighur Muslims in China, Rohingya Muslims in Burma, Shi’a Muslims in Saudi Arabia, or others. Indeed, U.S. government actions demonstrate this commitment through the designations of Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia as “countries of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, in part for the severe human rights abuses directed against individual Muslims. Your highlighting of U.S. government support for religious freedoms and freedom of thought within Islam will not only show that our country is not at “war” with Islam, but in fact respects it. In fact, the U.S. government works to protect those individual Muslims who face repression for expressing dissenting views. In your speech and other interactions, the Commission also urges you to stress the importance of protecting the religious freedoms of minority religious communities, as well as the freedom of thought and conscience, so that every individual is free to dissent and explore freely views that may differ from orthodox interpretations. Religious tolerance is a key component in building democratic societies that respect international standards, and is based on our commitment to commonly shared international norms, such as to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Constitutional laws are not the problem
generally, as the Commission found through its 2005 study of
Constitutional provisions on freedom of religion or belief in
Muslim majority countries that compare favorably with international
legal standards. Instead, religious tolerance and religious freedom
should be government policy which would go a long way in fostering
a culture of tolerance While constitutions may not be problematic per se, laws do need to be changed in several countries, such as provisions dealing with apostasy and blasphemy. Removing these provisions would do much to advance religious freedom, as it would prevent the prosecution of individuals for internationally protected religious activity and help lead societies to value and respect religious diversity. Notably, more than half of the world’s Muslim population lives in countries that are neither Islamic republics nor countries that have declared Islam to be the state religion. Thus, the majority of Muslims worldwide reside in countries that either proclaim the state to be secular, or that make no pronouncements concerning Islam as an official state religion. Your voice raising the importance of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion would energize these discussions across the region. As you know from Indonesia, adherents to
the Islamic faith can be found around the world, not just in
the Middle East, as they live and worship in Europe, Africa,
Central and South Asia, and in our own country. The Commission
is a reflection of the United States’ commitment to freedom
of religion or belief. The International Religious Freedom Act
made promotion and protection of the freedom of religion or belief
a more visible component of U.S. foreign policy. Raising the
importance of this human right, and in particular U.S. activities
for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, should find a receptive
audience and will go far in informing them about the United States’
historic commitment to religious freedom for all.
*****
May 28, 2009
Dear Mr. President: Regarding your bilateral visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt next week, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom respectfully urges you to raise concerns about religious freedom and related human rights during your meetings with King Abdullah and President Mubarak, respectively.
Saudi Arabia The Commission has reported on the status of freedom of religion and belief in Saudi Arabia for years, repeatedly finding that the Saudi government continues to be one of the world’s worst abusers of religious freedom. As a consequence, Saudi Arabia has been designated by the U.S. State Department since 2004 as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. However, since 2005 the U.S. government has kept in place a waiver of any action to “further the purposes” of IRFA. The Commission believes it is time to lift the waiver as a consequence of CPC designation, and take action as mandated under IRFA due to the continuance of systematic abuses. Despite King Abdullah undertaking some
limited reform measures and promoting inter-religious dialogue
in international fora over the past year, the Saudi government
persists in banning all forms of public religious expression
other than that of the government’s own interpretation of
one school of Sunni Islam and even interferes with private religious
practice. This violates the rights of the large communities of
Muslims from other schools of Sunni Islam, as well as members
of the Shi’a community, including Ismailis, who comprise
10-15 percent of the population in Saudi Arabia, and the 2 to
3 million Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and other expatriate workers
residing in the Kingdom. In fact, churches, temples, and all
other non-Muslim places of worship are prohibited in Saudi Arabia,
the only country in the Muslim world where this is the case.
Restrictions on public religious practice are officially enforced
in large part by members of the Commission to Promote Virtue
and Prevent Vice, or religious police, who regularly overstep
their authority with impunity and are not subject to judicial
review. For example, despite commitments to improve
the Saudi government-controlled school curriculum by 2008, the
Commission has found that textbooks used in Saudi Arabia continue
to contain inflammatory language. In its annual report released
earlier this month, the Commission recommended that the U.S.
government should undertake and make public an assessment of
the Ministry of Education textbooks used during the 2008-2009
school year in Saudi Arabia to determine if they have been revised
to remove passages that teach religious intolerance or hatred.
The Commission is also concerned that the Saudi government has
made insufficient efforts to stop the spread of extremist ideology
from the Kingdom around the world. We urge you to request that
the King spearhead Saudi government efforts to halt the dissemination
of intolerant literature and extremist ideology, both within
Saudi Arabia and around the world. In addition, over the past
few years, abuses by the religious police have become the subject
of unprecedented attention by the public and in international
media. Numerous cases have gone to trial, including alleged beatings
and deaths of Saudi citizens, yet in the recent cases that have
been prosecuted, members of the religious police have not been
held accountable. We urge you to press King Abdullah to ensure
that members of the religious police are held accountable for
such abuses.
Egypt Concerning Egypt, the Commission has closely
monitored developments there throughout its ten-year history
and has repeatedly expressed concern about the serious limitations
on the freedom of religion or belief perpetrated through law
and policy, or permitted by the government. These limitations
on religious freedom have encouraged extremist elements in Egyptian
society and undermined the growth of civil society. In addition, the government has not eliminated
bureaucratic hurdles preventing Egyptians from updating identity
documents to reflect a change in religion from Islam to Christianity
or to permit members of the Baha’i faith to identify their
religion on official documents. The government also has not responded
adequately to combat widespread and virulent anti-Semitism in
the government-controlled media. Sincerely, Felice D. Gaer
*****
To interview a USCIRF Commissioner, contact
Tom Carter, Communications Director, at tcarter@uscirf.gov or
(202) 523-3257. |
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Secretary
Geithner Designates Richard L. Gregg as Acting Fiscal Assistant
Secretary May 29, 2009 TG-151 |
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VACANCY:
Contract Specialist, GS-1102-13 FEMA Fri, 29 May 2009 13:38:07 -0500 AN260483 (Closing Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
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National Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Recall Case Archive for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service This information has recently been updated.
Case 017-2009, Michigan Firm Recalls Frozen Meat and Poultry
Pasta Products Produced Without Inspection, has been moved to
the archives. |
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Cash
Bonus to Replace 'Stop Loss' for Deploying Guard Soldiers Fri, 29 May 2009 16:35:00 -0500 |
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The Record for Federal Election Commission The June 2009 issue of the Record is now
available. |
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Constituent Update for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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U.S.
Department of State : Daily Press Briefings - May 29 Department Spokesman Washington, DC May 29, 2009 |
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NASA
360: Johnson Space Center In episode 10, Johnny and Jennifer tour NASA's Johnson Space Center -- and see how Astronauts train for space. |
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NASA
TV's This Week @NASA, May 29 Fri, 22 May 2009 11:00:00 -0500 |
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Napolitano,
Fugate Brief President Obama on Hurricane Preparedness Fri, 29 May 2009 06:00:00 -0500 Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate briefed President Obama on DHS preparedness efforts and the seasonal forecast for the 2009 hurricane season. |
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President
Obama and DHS Secretary Attends Hurricane Preparedness Briefing
at FEMA Fri, 29 May 2009 15:51:10 -0500 President Barack Obama and Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Janet Napolitano today attended briefings at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the nation?s preparedness for the 2009 Hurricane Season beginning June 1. |
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HHS.gov Homepage Updates for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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DoD
Contracts for May 29, 2009 Fri, 29 May 2009 17:14:00 -0500 |
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05/29/09
Inside the FBI - Mortgage Fraud
|
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FBI's
Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending May 29, 2009 Read about our Top Ten news stories of the week, including the sentencings of the Holy Land Foundation and five of its leaders for providing material support to Hamas; the indictment of a former New York City Police Commissioner on false statements charges; and the surrender of a fugitive financier wanted in connection with a massive mortgage fraud investigation |
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Department
of Defense, 5/31/2009 Fri, 29 May 2009 17:28:00 -0500 |
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Today
in the Department of Defense, 5/30/2009 Fri, 29 May 2009 17:28:00 -0500 |
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ACE
Entry Summary Process and Policy Fri, 29 May 2009 16:25:57 -0500 ACE Entry Summary Process and Policy documents are in Draft form. The ACE Entry Summary Process is being rolled out in Pilot form for select importers. These documents will be updated as necessary. |
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ESA - Key Wage Hour News for United States Department of Labor This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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CDFI
Public Engagements June 1 - 5, 2009 May 29, 2009 |
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What's New at AHRQ for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Trade Fri, 29 May 2009 16:25:57 -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 econoby, the health and the safety of the American people. We accomplish this through close partnerships with the trade community, other government agencies and foreign goverments. |
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Gates
on North Korea Fri, 29 May 2009 14:30:38 -0500 Defense Secretary Robert Gates is downplaying the rhetoric stirred up by this week's North Korean missile tests. |
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Today's
Top News Fri, 29 May 2009 16:07:51 -0500 Fort Campbell, Kentucky is in the final day of a three-day standown to focus on the pressing issue of suicide prevention. |
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U.S. Health Information Knowledgebase for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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USBP
in the News Fri, 29 May 2009 16:25:57 -0500 For archived news releases, please visit CBP News Releases located under Newsroom. |
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Around
the Services Fri, 29 May 2009 14:06:04 -0500 |
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Scheduled Events for U.S. Department of Homeland Security This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Hello College Democrats, If you are planning to got to The College Democrats of America Convention then please register ASAP!! I just wanted to remind you that early registration for the discounted rate of $50 ends this Sunday, so be sure to REGISTER TODAY. http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://partybuilder.collegedems.com/page/content/cda2009/ Register so you can join us as we celebrate our 50th convention! As a reminder, it will be held on the campus of George Washington University, from Thursday, July 23 until Sunday, July 26. A tentative agenda featuring great trainings and even a Nationals game is online and we will be announcing more exciting speakers and activities in the near future, so stay tuned. Should you have any questions regarding convention, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C. this summer! Thanks! |
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Department
of Defense, 6/1/2009 Fri, 29 May 2009 19:15:00 -0500 |
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New
VA Website Fri, 29 May 2009 12:09:06 -0500 The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new website to connect veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with their college mental health care professionals. |
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DODEA
Policy Change Fri, 29 May 2009 13:28:33 -0500 A policy change is being made at the Department of Defense Education Activity, aimed at making life a bit easier for a child who has lost their mother or father while on active duty. |
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Today's top Air Force stories include: Joint team moves critically ill infants
over holiday weekend President announces cyber security office AFSOUTH set to begin Operation Southern
Partner in Caribbean Airmen, F-22s support Pacific presence
mission AF dermatologist uses laser to treat wounded
warrior scars |
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An update on our Joint
Terrorism Task Forces. |
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This
Week in the Pentagon Fri, 29 May 2009 20:59:50 -0500 A Marine opens up and talks candidly about his struggle with PTSD as the Pentagon launches its Real Warriors Campaign. |
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President
Declares Major Emergency For The Commonwealth Of Kentucky Fri, 29 May 2009 20:35:50 -0500 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, and mudslides during the period of May 3-20, 2009. |
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Federal
Aid Programs For Commonwealth Of Kentucky Emergency Recovery Fri, 29 May 2009 20:39:47 -0500 Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama's major disaster declaration issued for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. |
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Downrange Fri, 29 May 2009 17:47:56 -0500 Afghan reporters take advantage of spreading the news and Iraqi soldiers graduate as mechanics. |
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The
Bahamas, the Republic of Liberia, the Republic of Marshal Islands
and the Republic of Panama Announce Their Commitment to Best
Practices to Avoid, Deter or Delay Acts of Piracy Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 29, 2009 |
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Third
Plenary Meeting of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast
of Somalia Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 29, 2009 |
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U.S.
Department of State Memorandum of Agreement Signed with Afghanistan
Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 29, 2009 |
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NASA
Sets Briefing About Shuttle Endeavour's Readiness to Launch Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 -0500 NASA managers will hold a news conference on Wednesday, June 3, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to discuss the status of the next space shuttle launch. |
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NASA
Awards Contract for Airspace Concept Evaluation System Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 -0500 NASA has selected the Raytheon Company of Waltham, Mass., to receive an Airspace Concept Evaluation System, or ACES, follow-on contract valued at $29 million. |
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NASA's
"Astro_Mike" Set for TV Interviews, Web Appearance
June 3 Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 -0500 Astronaut Mike Massimino will be available Wednesday, June 3, for media satellite interviews and questions from the public via a special interactive Internet appearance. |
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NASA
Awards Liquid Nitrogen and Liquid Oxygen Contracts Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 -0500 NASA has selected three companies to provide liquid nitrogen, or LN2, and liquid oxygen, or LOX, to six agency facilities supporting activities for the Space Operations Mission Directorate and Exploration System Mission Directorate. |
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NASA's
Space Shuttle Atlantis Set to Return to Florida Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 -0500 Space shuttle Endeavour now is planned to be moved from Launch Pad 39B to 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Sunday, May 31, weather permitting. |
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Healthy
Military Fri, 29 May 2009 19:48:25 -0500 The Defense Commissary Agency has stepped up its effort this month to get military members and their families to be healthier. |
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Gates
on North Korea Fri, 29 May 2009 19:48:29 -0500 Defense Secretary Robert Gates is downplaying the rhetoric stirred up by this week's North Korean missile tests. |
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Region 9 Texas Young Democrats: Senate candidate to swing through East Texas June 13-14 For those of you not attending the YDA Spring Conference in Houston who still want to take part in some Democratic action that weekend, this message was sent to the SFAYD's by President Laura Barry and now I'm passing it on to all Region 9 TYD's: Bill White's campaign will be heading to the Blueberry & Tomato Festivals June 13th & 14th and needs help to pass out bumper stickers and fact cards, talk to voters, and spread the word about Bill. For more information, and to sign up to volunteer, visit: http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://http://www.facebook.com/l/;bw4tx.com/easttxjune Volunteers will be contacted and assigned
to one of the following cities: Questions? Email volunteer@billwhitefortexas.com |
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ticker timeline 03:25 Eastern Time Saturday
May 30, 2009 |
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