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CNN
Cable TV LIVE FEED
AM 1090 PROGRESSIVE TALK RADIO LIVE FEED
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GOV JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS are posted
at www.usdemocrats.com/ticker/jobs/
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SEC
and CFTC criticize parts of derivatives bill
from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories
Key market regulators tell lawmakers they're concerned that proposals
to expand the regulation of complex financial instruments known
as derivatives don’t go far enough.
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Joe
Biden to quell concerns in eastern Europe
from canada.com World News
Vice-President Joe Biden will visit Poland, Romania and the Czech
Republic this month, the White House said Tuesday, amid fresh
concerns over the U.S. commitment to eastern Europe's defense.
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Fed's
Hoenig sees need to tighten policy sooner
from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories
Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank President Thomas Hoenig sees
an imminent need to start tightening monetary policy, according
to remarks Hoenig prepared for an economic forum in Denver.
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CANADA:
Marc Garneau named top Liberal MP in Quebec
from canada.com National News
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has named former astronaut Marc
Garneau as the party's new top MP in Quebec.
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CANADA:
NDP youth back Ashton for premier
from CBC | Ticker
Young members of Manitoba's New Democratic Party have voted decisively
in support of Steve Ashton — and his unabashed commitment
to freeze tuition fees — to be their choice to be the province's
next premier and party leader.
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CFTC
criticizes parts of House derivatives bill
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The head of
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission said Wednesday he was
concerned about a provision in proposed legislation that would
require securities and futures regulators to determine whether
a particular swap needed to go through a transparent clearinghouse
on a contract-by-contract basis. "I believe it is best for
a clearinghouse that is managing its risk to determine if a particular
product should be cleared," said CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler
in prepared testimony to the House Financial Services Committee.
Gensler pointed out that an Obama administration proposal for
derivatives regulation has a presumption that if any standardized
product was accepted for clearing, it and all future iterations
of the product must go through a clearinghouse, which is an intermediary
between the buyer and seller of the swap. Gensler and legislators
support permitting tailored swaps to continue to trade on the
over-the-counter market as long as they meet new reporting, recordkeeping
and capital requirements.
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Crude
reduces gains after data, up 0.4% at $71.14
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
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Distillate
inventories rise 700,000 barrels
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
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Gasoline
inventories rise by 2.9 million barrels
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
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Ten-year
yields stay down at 3.21%
from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines
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Fed
buys $1.3 billion in long-term Treasurys
from MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The Federal Reserve
Bank of New York bought $1.3 billion in Treasurys on Wednesday,
the sole buyback this week as the central bank nears the end
of its purchase program. Dealers submitted $7.895 billion in
debt maturing between 2020 and 2026 to the Fed. Policy makers
plan to finish the buybacks later this month, which have been
an effort to keep down borrowing costs, particularly for companies
and homebuyers. After the buyback, yields on 10-year Treasury
notes , which move inversely to prices, remained lower by 5 basis
points at 3.21% ahead of an auction of more of the benchmark
securities.
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Administrator
Speeches from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Information has been updated. Administrator
Peter Rogoff Delivers Remarks at APTA Annual Meeting in Orlando,
FL now available.
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U.S.
Department of State Background Notes : Ghana (10/09)
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:16:45 -0500
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U.S.
Department of State Schedule for October 7, 2009
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:53:19 -0500
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adsense
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Updated
Guidance on Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace from the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:30:00 -0500
Updated Guidance on Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace from
the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
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Energy Department Announces New Private
Sector Partnership to Accelerate Renewable Energy Projects
New Financial Institutional Partnership Program will accelerate
deployment of billions in lending under Recovery Act
Washington DC --- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced
the Department of Energy (DOE) will provide up to $750 million
in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to
help accelerate the development of conventional renewable energy
generation projects. This funding will cover the cost of loan
guarantees which could support as much as $4 to 8 billion in
lending to eligible projects, and the Department will invite
private sector participation to accelerate the financing of these
renewable energy projects.
To this end, the Department announced the creation of its new
Financial Institution Partnership Program (FIPP), a streamlined
set of standards designed to expedite DOE’s loan guarantee
underwriting process and leverage private sector expertise and
capital for the efficient and prudent funding of eligible projects.
“A renewable energy economy is a true opportunity to create
new jobs, reinvigorate America’s competitiveness and support
the president’s goal of doubling renewable energy in the
United States,” said Secretary Chu. “American innovation
can be the catalyst that jumps starts a new clean energy Industrial
Revolution.”
The Recovery Act created a new Section 1705 under Title XVII
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Title XVII) for the rapid deployment
of renewable energy projects and related manufacturing facilities,
electric power transmission projects and leading edge biofuels
projects that commence construction before September 30, 2011.
This first solicitation under the new program will seek loan
guarantee applications for conventional renewable energy generation
projects, such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and hydropower.
Past solicitations for renewable energy generation projects have
focused on loan guarantee applications using new or innovative
technologies not in general use in the marketplace.
The goal of FIPP is to leverage the human and financial capital
of private sector financial institutions by accelerating the
loan application process while balancing risk between DOE and
private sector partners participating in the program.
Under this first FIPP solicitation, proposed borrowers and project
sponsors do not apply directly to DOE but instead work with financial
institutions satisfying the qualifications of an eligible lender
which may apply directly to DOE to access a loan guarantee. The
solicitation invites applications from eligible lenders for partial,
risk-sharing loan guarantees from DOE. The guarantee percentage
will be no more than 80% of the maximum aggregate principal and
interest during a loan term, and the project debt must obtain
a credit rating of at least ‘BB’ or an equivalent with
a nationally recognized credit rating agency.
This solicitation marks the eighth round of solicitations issued
by the Department’s Loan Guarantee Program since its inception.
Read more information on this solicitation and the Department’s
Loan Guarantee Program at www.lgprogram.energy.gov.
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ADM
Roughead Speech
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:36:17 -0500
CNO ADM Roughead discusses how the world's Navies can
work together toward a common goal.
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Texas
State College Democrats Meeting today- grassroots organizing
and a great job opportunity with Lloyd Doggett
"Today at 5:30 in LBJ 3-9.1 Carol
Wilder from San Marcos Area Democrats will talk to us a little
about grassroots organizing aa we look at precincts and last
elections turnout. I also have a great job opportunity for those
of you who are graduates or about to be alumni with US Rep. Lloyd
Doggett.
See you tonight!"
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VACANCY:
Emergency Management Program Specialist, GS-0301-12/13
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:56:42 -0500
AN286502 (Closing Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
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VACANCY:
Senior Program Specialist, GS-0301-13/14
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:46:23 -0500
AN280403 (Closing Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
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VACANCY:
Technological Hazards Program Specialist (Public Affairs), GS-0301-11/12
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:41:02 -0500
AN279666 (Closing Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT)
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IR-2009-088: Special Sales Tax Deduction
for Car Purchases Available through End of 2009
WASHINGTON — With 2010 models arriving
in dealer showrooms, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers
that purchasing a new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle
could qualify them for a special deduction for the state and
local sales and excise taxes on their 2009 tax returns.
Purchases made before Jan. 1, 2010, will qualify for this deduction
under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
The deduction is limited to the sales and excise taxes and similar
fees paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a new vehicle.
The deduction is reduced for joint filers with modified adjusted
gross incomes (MAGI) between $250,000 and $260,000 and other
taxpayers with MAGI between $125,000 and $135,000. Taxpayers
with higher incomes do not qualify.
Taxpayers who make qualifying new vehicle purchases this year
can estimate the deduction with the help of Worksheet 10 in IRS Publication
919, How Do I Adjust My Withholding? Lines 10a to 10k of
the worksheet show how to take into account purchases above the
$49,500 limit, as well as the reduced deductions for taxpayers
at higher income levels.
The special deduction is available regardless of whether taxpayers
itemize deductions on their returns. Taxpayers who do not itemize
will add this additional amount to the standard deduction on
their 2009 tax return.
For those that have questions about the deduction for sales tax
and other fees, these questions
and answers might help. A video
on the IRS Youtube.com channel and audio podcasts in English
and Spanish
are also available to help taxpayers take full advantage of the
deduction.
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College
Democrats at the University of Minnesota MEETING TODAY AT 1700
ET
"Hey Everyone!
We have a meeting today, Wednesday 5 PM at Coffman 326! We are
going to be talking about the homecoming parade and other future
events so come join us! Snacks and beverages and good times provided!
See you there!!!"
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Young
Democrats of Mississippi October Meeting
Hello Young Democrats:
The fall meeting will be this Saturday,
11 a.m. at Alcorn State University. I hope many of you will make
the trip to hear Congressman Bennie Thompson speak! Please feel
free to forward the meeting information to anyone you think may
be interested in attending. The meeting is open to all Democrats.
YDMS October Meeting:
Alcorn State University (JD Boyd Library Auditorium)
October 10, 2009
11:00 a.m.
Special Guest Speaker: Congressman Bennie Thompson
Kate Jacobson
YDMS Vice President
--------------------
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Economic
Recovery Act of 2009 for U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.
Latest data now available.
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Enforcement
News for U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.
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Young
Democrats of Georgia State University Event: Capitalism: A Love
Story
"New Film by Michael Moore"
What: Movie/TV Night
Start Time: Monday, October 12 at 6:55pm
End Time: Monday, October 12 at 9:30pm
Where: Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16
To see more details and RSVP
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Pres.
Obama Weighs Options on Anniversary of Afghan War
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 05:00 PM PDT
By BEN FELLER
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is gathering his national
security team for another strategy session on Afghanistan eight
years after the war started and as a new poll shows public support
declining.
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Sec.
Clinton: Government Violence in Guinea Is Criminal
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 05:00 PM PDT
WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is calling
violence by Guinea's government "criminality of the greatest
degree."
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Age
Bias Bill Responds to Supreme Court Ruling
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 05:00 PM PDT
WASHINGTON - Democrats want to counter a recent Supreme Court
ruling that makes it harder for older workers to prove they are
the victims of age discrimination.
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ADA.gov
Site Map (text only) for U.S. Department of Justice
A settlement agreement covering Wendy's
restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been added, and is now
available. The settlement agreement is available at this link:
www.ada.gov/parco_wendys.htm.
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Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces
2010 DCP and ACRE Signup Begins
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2009 - Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that enrollment for the
2010 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average
Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program has begun and will continue
through June 1, 2010. USDA urges producers to make use of the
eDCP automated website to sign up, or producers can visit any
USDA Service Center to complete their 2010 DCP or ACRE contract.
The electronic service saves producers'
time, reduces paperwork and speeds up contract processing at
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. It is available to all
producers who are eligible to participate in the DCP and ACRE
Programs and can be accessed at www.fsa.usda.gov/dcp. To access
the service, producers must have an active USDA eAuthentication
Level 2 account, which requires filling out an online registration
form at www.eauth.egov.usda.gov followed by a visit to the local
USDA Service Center for identity verification.
USDA computes DCP Program payments using
base acres and payment yields established for each farm. Eligible
producers receive direct payments at rates established by statute
regardless of market prices. For 2010, eligible producers may
request to receive advance direct payments based on 22 percent
of the direct payment. USDA will issue advance direct payments
beginning Dec. 1, 2009. Counter-cyclical payment rates vary depending
on market prices. Counter-cyclical payments are issued only when
the effective price for a commodity is below its target price.
The effective price is the higher of the national average market
price received during the 12-month marketing year for each covered
commodity and the national average loan rate for a marketing
assistance loan for the covered commodity.
The optional ACRE Program provides a safety
net based on state revenue losses and acts in place of the price-based
safety net of counter-cyclical payments under DCP. A farm's payment
is based on a revenue guarantee calculated using a 5-year average
state yield and the most recent 2-year national price for each
eligible commodity. For the 2010 crop, the 2-year price average
will be based on the 2008 and 2009 crop years.
An ACRE payment is issued when both the
state and the farm have incurred a revenue loss. The payment
is based on 83.3 percent (85 percent in 2012) of the farm's planted
acres times the difference between the State ACRE guarantee and
the state revenue times the ratio of the farm's yield divided
by the state expected yield. The total number of planted acres
for which a producer may receive ACRE payments may not exceed
the total base on the farm. In exchange for participating in
ACRE, in addition to not receiving counter-cyclical payments,
a farm's direct payment is reduced by 20 percent, and marketing
assistance loan rates are reduced by 30 percent.
The decision to enroll in the ACRE Program
is irrevocable. The owner of the farm and all producers on the
farm must agree to enroll in ACRE. Once enrolled, the farm shall
be enrolled for that initial crop year and will remain in ACRE
through the 2012 crop year.
The June 1, 2010, deadline is mandatory
for all participants. USDA will not accept any late-filed applications.
For more information on DCP or ACRE, please
visit your FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov.
#
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U.S.
Department of State Highlights: Women Entrepreneurs Conference
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0500
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DoD
Announces Replacement Units for Afghanistan Rotation
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:06:00 -0500
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DoD
Identifies Army Casualty
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:00:00 -0500
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Women
"Soon" Will Serve on Submarines, Navy Secretary Says
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:21:00 -0500
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Samarra
Handover
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:02:09 -0500
The U.S. military hands over the last of its bases outside of
Samarra, Iraq.
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Business.gov:
Guidance on Steps to Starting an Online Business
Interested in starting an online business? Regardless of where
you choose to operate your business, certain general requirements
always apply beyond registering a domain name and finding a web
host. Read more...
|
Business.gov:
Guidance on Accepting Debit and Credit Cards
Choosing to accept debit and credit card payments is a big step
but often necessary in running a successful business. It is important
to be aware of all the benefits, downfalls, and laws that regulate
their use. Read more...
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Exhibition
of the Great Seal of the United States opens at Independence
National Historical Park, Philadelphia
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 7, 2009
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ETA
- Advisories - Training and Employment Guidance Letters (TEGL)
for United States Department of Labor
This information has recently been updated.
TEGL 3-09, Change 1 -- Extension Period Granted to All State
Workforce Agencies (SWAs) and Employers for the Uninterrupted
Use of 2008 Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Processing Forms
has been added to the ETA Advisory database and is now available
at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2809.
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Transportation
for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities (5310) from
the Federal Transit Administration
Information has been updated to include
instructions on collecting and submitting Section 5310 program
performance measures and is now available.
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AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK AND ASSISTANT
TO THE PRESIDENT FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY JOHN HOLDREN ANNOUNCE
LAUNCH OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
WASHINGTON, October 7, 2009 "o Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack will be joined by Assistant to the President
for Science and Technology John Holdren and other federal science
officials to announce the creation of a new National Institute
of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) at USDA. Secretary Vilsack will
make extended remarks on the future of agricultural science and
research.
Event Details:
What: USDA National Institute of Food and
Agriculture launch
When:
Thursday, October 8, 2009
2:00 p.m.
Where:
National Press Club
Holeman Lounge, 13th Floor
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC
UPDATE: via webcast at www.visualwebcaster.com/NIFA-Rollout
Who:
Public Is Invited
NIFA, established by Congress in the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, will be the principal extramural
research program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agricultural
science at NIFA will integrate research, education, and extension
to ensure that groundbreaking research discoveries go beyond
the laboratory and make their way to people who can put the knowledge
into practice
#
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THE
DAILY WHIPLINE | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2009
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Former
CBP Officer Arrested and Charged with Bribery
|
Improving
U.S.-Islamic Relations
On September 30, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary-General
of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), the second largest
international organization after the U.N., discussed opportunities
to improve U.S.-Islamic world relations. He found much to admire
in President Obama's speech in Cairo, and expressed optimism
about a new era of constructive engagement based on mutual respect
and mutual interests. Join us on October 7 for a conversation
with His Excellency Dr. Ali Gomaa, Egypt's Grand Mufti, on U.S.-Islamic
relations.
|
How
FEMA Aid Applies To Undocumented Immigrants
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:34:49 -0500
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Everyone affected by the September Georgia flooding
can still apply for state and federal disaster assistance, including
foreign nationals here legally, said officials from the Georgia
Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
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Homeland
Security Advisory Council for U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.
Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) Task Force Report
Transmittal Letter
Meeting Minutes, September 15, 2009
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Antitrust
Federalism : Enhancing Federal/State Cooperation
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:20:03 -0500
Remarks as Prepared for the National Association of Attorneys
General Columbia Law School State Attorneys General Program by
Assistant Attorney General Christine A. Varney on October 7,
2009
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U.S.
Department of State Background Notes : Uruguay (10/09)
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:49:01 -0500
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Busy
day in politics
There's a ton of interesting stuff today
on Political Wire... please visit the site for details...
http://www.pwire.us/CT
Thanks for reading!
|
|
UN
Data Show Discrepancies In Afghan Vote: Report
from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Confidential United Nations' data on Afghanistan's disputed presidential
election show the official vote count in some provinces exceeded
the number of voters by 100,000 or more, "The Washington
Post" reported on October 7.
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U.S.
President Sees Progress In Fight Against Al-Qaeda
from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
U.S. President Barack Obama paid a visit to the National Counterterrorism
Center to praise the analysts who work in obscurity to keep the
United States and its allies safe from terrorist threats. In
his remarks, he cited progress against Al-Qaeda and said the
United States must continue to apply "focused and relentless
pressure" on extremist groups everywhere.
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Iraqi
Electoral Commission Urges Vote Law's Approval
from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Iraq's top election official has urged legislators of all parties
to ratify a new electoral law in order to accelerate preparations
for January national elections, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq (RFI)
reports.
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New
DOD Report on U.S. Plans to Train, Equip, and Field Afghan National
Security Forces, Plus a New SIGAR Report on Afghanistan's Electoral
Capacity and an NDU-INSS Report on Unified Efforts in Afghanistan
from MERLN - Military Education Research
Library Network
The Afghanistan MiPAL has been updated with a Congressional hearing
assessing Afghanistan's impact on Pakistan, a Government Accountability
Office report examining challenges in tracking contractor personnel
and contracts in Afghanistan, a report from the Institute for
National Strategic Studies (National Defense University) providing
policy recommendations for unified efforts in Afghanistan, a
White House readout of the President's national security meeting
on Afghanistan and Pakistan, a Department of Defense report on
the assessment of U.S. and coalition plans to train, equip, and
field the Afghan National Security Forces, a Council on Foreign
Relations article analyzing efforts to stabilize Afghanistan,
a report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
calling for a new strategy to sustain the Afghan electoral capacity,
and an Institute for the Study of War report evaluating strategies
for securing Helmand Province. Please see the Recently Added
Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest
updates are in bold.
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WMD:
Are Nuclear Weapons States Credible on Disarmament Issues? Plus
Reports on US Nuclear Posture/Forces and UNSC Res 1540, and Remarks
by the Secretary of Energy to the IAEA
from MERLN - Military Education Research
Library Network
The Weapons of Mass Destruction MiPAL has been updated with a
Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments report assessing
the role of U.S. nuclear forces in meeting the challenge of global
proliferation, a Lowy Institute for International Policy report
featuring recommendations for the establishment of a bilateral
nuclear dialogue between Australia and India in response to the
rise of global nuclear threats, remarks by the U.S. Deputy Permanent
Representative to the United Nations during a comprehensive review
of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, a transcript
of a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace event analyzing
the potential future directions for U.S. nuclear posture, a Foreign
Press Center briefing providing an overview of the Obama Administration's
policies and goals on nonproliferation and disarmament, remarks
by the Secretary of Energy at the 2009 International Atomic Energy
Agency general conference, a Hudson Institute report evaluating
the credibility of nuclear weapons states on the issue of nuclear
disarmament and the impact of that credibility issue on global
efforts to end the proliferation of nuclear weapons, a Henry
L. Stimson Center report examining the perspectives of Brazil,
Japan, and Turkey on nuclear weaponry, and a Stanley Foundation
report analyzing UN Security Council Resolution 1540 through
a case study approach. Please see the Recently Added Documents
section for the latest on this topic - the newest updates are
in bold.
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Africa:
State Dept Briefing on Crisis in Guinea, Remarks by President
of Somalia's Transitional Federal Govt, Plus a Congressional
Hearing Exploring Policy Options for Zimbabwe
from MERLN - Military Education Research Library Network
The Africa Regional Policy Overview has been updated with the
Secretary of State's remarks at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit,
remarks by the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
on the current crisis in Guinea, a Congressional hearing exploring
U.S. policy options towards Zimbabwe's transition, remarks by
the President of Somalia's transitional federal government at
the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Foreign
Press Center briefing providing an overview of the Obama Administration's
policies and priorities in Africa, a Chatham House report analyzing
the prospects for the development of a successful democracy in
Somaliland, a Small Arms Survey report examining arms flows in
Sudan in a post-Comprehensive Peace Agreement environment, and
an EGMONT: Royal Institute for International Relations report
evaluating international responses to state fragility in Africa.
Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest
on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
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New
RUSA Report: Military Strategic Options for the UK, Plus New
Congressional Hearing on Obama's Missile Defense Plans in Europe
from MERLN - Military Education Research
Library Network
The Europe and Eurasia Regional Policy Overview has been updated
with a Congressional hearing analyzing the new U.S. plans for
missile defenses in Europe, a Royal United Services Institute
report assessing the United Kingdom's military strategic options,
an International Crisis Group report evaluating efforts to reunify
Cyprus, remarks by the President with the new Secretary General
of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, remarks by a State
Department official detailing the Obama Administration's efforts
to encourage transatlantic cooperation, a hearing before the
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission)
examining policy responses to current challenges in the Western
Balkans, a State Department briefing providing an overview of
the recent U.S. meetings with representatives from Azerbaijan,
Armenia, and Turkey, remarks by Senator Lugar providing a Congressional
perspective on the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization,
a Council on Foreign Relations article analyzing a dramatic shift
in German politics, and a German Marshall Fund of the United
States article evaluating the implications of the new U.S. missile
defense plans for Turkey and its alliance relationships. Please
see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this
region - the newest updates are in bold.
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|
Russian
Federation: Passports Will Be Issued In-Person Only
from Law Library of Congress: Global Legal
Monitor
Administrative law - On September 8, 2009, the Supreme Court
of the Russian Federation confirmed as legal the existing practice
whereby an individual may only submit to police authorities his
application to receive or renew a passport in person....
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|
CONTRACT
OP: Jordan: Build and Deploy Concentrated Solar Power Plant
from USTDA Contracting Opportunities With USTDA Grant Recipients
by webmaster@ustda.gov (Webmaster)
The Grantee invites submission of qualifications and proposal
data (collectively referred to as the "Proposal") from
interested U.S. firms that are qualified on the basis of experience
and capability to develop a feasibility study for concentrated
solar power plant based on the technology of eSolar, Inc.
Open Date: 10/6/09 | End Date: 11/19/09
|
|
Senate
panel awaits report before health vote
from Reuters: Politics
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic hopes for a quick Senate Finance
Committee vote on a broad U.S. healthcare overhaul were dashed
on Monday as budget experts took longer than expected with their
estimate of the bill's cost.
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|
Biden
to visit Poland, Romania, Czech Republic
from Reuters: Politics
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Vice President Joe Biden will visit Poland,
Romania and the Czech Republic this month, the White House said
on Tuesday, amid fresh concerns over the U.S. commitment to eastern
Europe's defense.
|
|
House,
Senate negotiators fund second F-35 engine
from Reuters: Politics
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House and Senate negotiators defied
a White House veto threat and agreed on Tuesday to include $560
million in the fiscal 2010 defense authorization bill for an
alternate F-35 engine, several sources familiar with the talks
told Reuters.
|
|
Obama
urges Iraqis to adopt election law soon
from Reuters: Politics
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Tuesday urged
Iraqis to adopt an election law that would enable the country's
national polls to take place as scheduled in January.
|
|
U.S.
lawmakers press Obama on Afghan war strategy
from Reuters: Politics
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama told congressional
leaders on Tuesday his decision on a new Afghan war strategy
would not make everyone happy, while Republicans urged him to
heed his military commander's call for more troops.
|
Obama
praises intelligence community
from Politico.com: Politics by Jen DiMascio
Obama’s comments make clear that he is taking a different
tack than President Bush in fighting terrorism
|
|
Axelrod
meets with Ailes
from Politico.com: Politics by Mike Allen
W.H. senior adviser David Axelrod met with Fox CEO Roger Ailes
two weeks ago, sources tell POLITICO.
|
|
Report
highlights deforestation
from Politico.com: Politics by Lisa Lerer
A bipartisan coalition is asking the Senate to make deforestation
a centerpiece of the climate bill.
|
|
Bio
lobby scores in health debate
from Politico.com: Lobbyists by Patrick
O'Connor
The biotech industry wins lucrative tax credits during consideration
of the SFC bill.
|
|
Hoyer:
Financial reform hitting House floor next month
from Politico.com: congress by Victoria
McGrane
The House majority leader says he expects legislation overhauling
the nation's financial regulations will be brought to the House
floor in November.
|
|
Feingold:
Czars have too much power
from Politico.com: congress by Meredith
Shiner
"I think the public wants to know why there are people called
czars," Feingold says.
|
|
Senate
OKs $626B annual defense budget
from Politico.com: congress by David Rogers
The Senate approves a $625.6 billion Pentagon budget on Tuesday,
ending a weeklong debate.
|
|
Lecture
on the Hubble Telescope
from Library of Congress: Upcoming Events
David S. Leckrone, just-retired senior project scientist for
the Hubble Space Telescope Program, will present "The Hubble
Space Telescope: A New Beginning" at the Library of Congress
at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the Mary Pickford Theater on
the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence
Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.
|
|
Library
of Congress Research Orientation
from Library of Congress: Upcoming Events
The Digital Reference Section is conducting a free, one-hour
orientation webinar on conducting research at the Library of
Congress on October 14 at 11 a.m. Registration is on a first-come,
first-served basis. Confirmation, log on instructions, and the
handout will be sent via email.
|
|
Taiwan:
Former President Given Life Sentence on Charges of Corruption
from Law Library of Congress: Global Legal
Monitor
Criminal law and procedure - On September 11, 2009, Taiwan's
former President, Chen Shui-bian, and his wife, Wu Shu-jen, were
sentenced to life imprisonment by the Taipei District Court,
in a 1,415-page verdict (more than half of which comprises appended
tables... The Global Legal Monitor from the Law Library of Congress
covers legal news and developments worldwide.
|
|
Denmark:
Proposal to Compensate Businesses for Computer Hacking of Banks
from Law Library of Congress: Global Legal
Monitor
Banks and financial institutions - Denmark's Ministry of Commerce
has proposed that the country's Financial Supervisory Authority
consider a plan to require banks to compensate small businesses
for losses due to hacked online accounts. The businesses eligible
for the compensation would... The Global Legal Monitor from the
Law Library of Congress covers legal news and developments worldwide.
|
|
United
Nations: Treaty Signing Initiative Successful
from Law Library of Congress: Global Legal
Monitor
International law - The United Nations' annual push to have international
conventions signed by a large number of countries was highly
successful as of the end of September 2009, as 64 countries,
20 more than in 2008, took action... The Global Legal Monitor
from the Law Library of Congress covers legal news and developments
worldwide.
|
|
Qatar:
Constitutional Court Established
from Law Library of Congress: Global Legal
Monitor
Courts - On September 27, 2009, Qatar's Constitutional Court
began its work. Originally it was to begin functioning on October
1, 2008; administrative problems delayed the start date. It has
jurisdiction over disputes concerning constitutional interpretations
and is... The Global Legal Monitor from the Law Library of Congress
covers legal news and developments worldwide.
|
|
Cambodia:
U.N. Expert Decries Human Rights Situation
from Law Library of Congress: Global Legal
Monitor
Human rights - On October 1, 2009, Surya Subedi, an independent
United Nations expert, spoke of concerns about human rights in
Cambodia. The issues raised include the lack of independence
of the judiciary, restrictions on the freedoms of expression...
The Global Legal Monitor from the Law Library of Congress covers
legal news and developments worldwide.
|
GAO-10-58R,
Civilian Agencies' Development and Implementation of Insourcing
Guidelines, October 6, 2009
|
Federal
Reserve announces results of auction of $50 billion in 70-day
credit held on October 5, 2009
|
|
Commission
Extends Public Comment Period For Proposed Debt Relief Rulemaking
from Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - Consumer
Protection Press Releases
The Federal Trade Commission today announced an extension of
the public comment period for proposed Debt Relief Amendments
to the Telemarketing Sales Rule.
|
|
FTC
Settles with Six Companies Claiming to Comply with International
Privacy Framework
from Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - Consumer
Protection Press Releases
Six U.S. businesses have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission
charges that they deceived consumers by falsely claiming they
were abiding by an international privacy framework that provides
a means for U.S. companies to transfer data from the European
Union to the United States in keeping with EU and U.S. law.
|
|
VIDEO:
Lawrence Korb, Center for American Progress, Senior Fellow
from C-SPAN Recent Video
Lawrence Korb talks about the situation in Afghanistan, including
General Stanley McChrystal's recommendation that the U.S. send
40,000 more troops to Afghanistan, and reports that President
Obama and his advisers, are at odds with Gen. McChrystal over
this policy. Mr. Korb was also a former Assistant Defense Secretary
during the Reagan Administration from 1981-85.
Length: 25 min.
Published: Tuesday at 7:30am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
PowerPAC Health Care Ad
from C-SPAN Recent Video
PowerPAC, a coalition of African American and Latino groups release
a health care ad supporting reform efforts.
Length:
Published: Tuesday at 12am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Opening of New British Supreme Court
from C-SPAN Recent Video
The new British Supreme Court began work in London, hearing a
case involving terrorist financing and whether the government
has the power to create laws without a vote in parliament. The
program begins with an interview with Joshua Rozenberg, a legal
columnist for Standpoint magazine, who talked about the new court
and the case.
Length: 38 min.
Published: Monday at 10am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Presentation of Lantos Human Rights Prize to His Holiness the
Dalai Lama
from C-SPAN Recent Video
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) presented the Lantos Human
Rights Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Lantos Foundation
for Human Rights and Justice has established the Lantos Human
Rights Prize to raise awareness about human rights violations
and the individuals who are committed to fighting them throughout
the world.
Length: 1 hr. 14 min.
Published: Tuesday at 10am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Winter Fuels Outlook Conference
from C-SPAN Recent Video
The National Association of State Energy Officials and the Department
of Energy hosted an event in Washington to discuss the outlook
for winter heating fuels.
Length: 2 hr. 46 min.
Published: Tuesday at 8:30am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Pres. Obama Remarks to National Counterterrorism Center Staff
from C-SPAN Recent Video
President Obama traveled to the National Counterterrorism Center
in Washington, DC. He met with NCTC leadership and delivered
remarks to staff members.
Length: 10 min.
Published: Tuesday at 11:40am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
The Future of Music Policy Summit 2009
from C-SPAN Recent Video
Keynote by Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), REM Songwriter Mike Mills,
and FCC Chair Julius Genachowski participate in the Future of
Music Policy Summit 2009, which examines the direction of the
digital music industry.
Length: 54 min.
Published: Monday at 8pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk Press Conference
from C-SPAN Recent Video
USTR Ron Kirk held a press conference announcing a new initiative
to expand export opportunities for America's small- and medium-sized
businesses. The initiative is part of USTR's effort to use trade
as a tool for job growth and economic recovery in the United
States.
Length: 21 min.
Published: Monday at 9pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Tues Oct
6
from C-SPAN Recent Video
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs conducts a daily briefing at the
White House.
Length: 38 min.
Published: Tuesday at 1pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
State Department Press Briefing Tues Oct 6
from C-SPAN Recent Video
Spokesman Ian Kelly conducts a daily briefing at the State Department.
Length: 6 min.
Published: Tuesday at 1pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Association of the United States Army Speech by Gen. George Casey
from C-SPAN Recent Video
The Association of the United States Army conducted its 2009
annual meeting in Washington. U.S. Army Chief of Staff General
George Casey spoke about the state of the Army during the Dwight
David Eisenhower luncheon.
Length: 39 min.
Published: Tuesday at 1:30pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Senate Banking Cmte. Hearing on "Minimizing Potential Threats
from Iran"
from C-SPAN Recent Video
Recently, Iran agreed to allow the Int'l Atomic Energy Agency
access to its nuclear enrichment facility on Oct. 25. To assist
the Administration in its nuclear talks, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT)
held a hearing on legislation to expand Presidential powers to
impose economic & financial sanctions against Iran.
Length: 2 hr. 19 min.
Published: Tuesday at 9:30am (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Congressional Leaders on Afghanistan Strategic Options
from C-SPAN Recent Video
President Obama met with Congressional leaders from both the
House and Senate to discuss strategic military options in Afghanistan.
Afterwards, Sens. Harry Reid (D-NV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and
John McCain (R-AZ) along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
and Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) spoke with reporters about the meeting.
Length: 16 min.
Published: Tuesday at 4pm (ET)
|
|
VIDEO:
Association of the United States Army Speech by Gen. David Petraeus
from C-SPAN Recent Video
General David Petraeus, Commander of the U.S. Central Command
gave an operational update during the Association of the United
States Army 2009 annual meeting in Washington.
Length: 1 hr. 26 min.
Published: Tuesday at 4:15pm (ET)
|
President
Obama Nominates Judge Denny Chin for United States Court of Appeals
for the Second Circuit, Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson for United
States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
Today, President Obama nominated Judge Denny Chin for a seat
on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
and Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson for a seat on the United States
Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
|
Presidential
Nominations sent to the Senate, 10/6/09
Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate
the following individuals to key administration posts.
|
|
Readout
of the President's Call and Meeting with Iraqi President Talabani
President Obama called President Talabani on October 5, and spoke
with him at the White House on October 6 when he dropped in on
President Talabani’s meeting with National Security Advisor
General Jim Jones.
|
Statement
by President Obama on the Philippines
On behalf of the American people, I want to express my deep condolences
for the loss of life and devastation caused by recent storms
in the Philippines, particularly Tropical Storm Ketsana.
|
Readout
of the President's Call with Armenian President Sargsian
The President called Armenian President Sargsian yesterday to
commend him for his courageous leadership and to encourage continued
progress on normalization of relations with Turkey.
|
Remarks
by the President at the National Counterterrorism Center
|
White
House Announces Federal Register 2.0 Transforming the Chronicle
of the Executive Branch for the 21st Century
The Federal Register—the 73-year-old official chronicle
of White House and Executive agency activities and the public’s
window on proposed changes to federal regulations—emerges
today in a new 21st century format that for the first time will
allow readers to sift through, reorganize, and electronically
customize its daily contents.
|
Remarks
by the President at Health Insurance Reform Event with Doctors
from Across the Country
|
Leading
the Way in Sustainability
Posted by Nancy Sutley
|
|
TED@State:
New Ideas for a Better World
Posted by Rob Lalka
Ed. Note: TED is a small nonprofit devoted
to "Ideas Worth Spreading." It started out in 1984
as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology,
Entertainment, Design.
|
|
House
Call on Health Insurance Reform
Posted by Jesse Lee
As we discussed yesterday, the President
hosted doctors from all 50 states here at the White House, coming
together in a powerful testimonial to what reform is all about.
|
|
"Every
Morning I Look to You for the Latest Intelligence"
Posted by Jesse Lee
This morning the President paid a visit
to the National Counterterrorism Center in DC, meeting with leadership
before sending a simple but profound message to the staff:
|
|
One-on-One
with Colbert
Posted by Secretary Arne Duncan
Yesterday, I went on the Colbert Report
to discuss my goals for education in this country. We talked
about the importance of increasing our expectations for every
child. As I meet with teachers, students, parents and administrators
across the country on my Listening and Learning Tour, we all
agree that everyone has to take responsibility for our children.
After all, we all have a stake in their education, because they
are our future. While No Child Left Behind did a good job of
articulating the problems in education, we have to start focusing
on solutions. We have to recruit the absolutely best teachers,
inspire every high school student to graduate, and turn around
our low-performing schools.
|
|
VA
Goes Green
Posted by Brandon Friedman
"Wow. These are some fancy handouts."
|
|
White
House to Host Star Party
Posted by Rick Weiss
The White House has announced that on Wednesday,
after honoring 13 of the nation’s top innovators and inventors,
President Obama will host an Astronomy Night on the White House
South Lawn.
|
|
"College
Democrats at the 2009 Florida Democratic Party State Conference"
on Friday, October 9 at 3:00pm.
Event: College Democrats at the 2009 Florida
Democratic Party State Conference
"Get ready for a Democratic weekend in Orlando"
What: Convention
Start Time: Friday, October 9 at 3:00pm
End Time: Sunday, October 11 at 1:00pm
Where: Disney Yacht & Beach Club Hotel Orlando FL
To see more details and RSVP
|
Briefing
by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 10/6/09
|
|
National Infrastructure Advisory Council
for U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This information has recently been updated,
and is now
available.
Reports and Recommendations
Critical
Infrastructure Resilience Final Report (9/09) (PDF, 54 pages
- 287 KB)
Transmittal
Letter (9/09) (PDF, 2 pages - 30 KB)
Minutes from Past Meetings
Meeting
of September 8, 2009 (PDF, 16 pages - 73 KB)
Meeting
of July 14, 2009 (PDF, 19 pages - 103 KB)
|
President
Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts 10/5/09
Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate
the following individuals to key administration posts:
|
|
The White House, U.S. Government Printing
Office (GPO) and the National Archives' Office of the Federal
Register (OFR) achieved a breakthrough in making Government information
available and usable by the public
GPO converted the text of the Federal Register
(2000-2009) into XML (extensible markup language) and placed
it online in numerous Federal Government portals, which include:
GPO's Federal Digital System <www.fdsys.gov>,
The Federal Register Web site <www.federalregister.gov>
and the Government's new portal for Government data <www.data.gov>.
This project began when President Barack Obama challenged Federal
agencies to create a more open and transparent Government. GPO's
Federal Digital System (FDsys), a world-class information management
system for Federal publications, is instrumental in enabling
this enhanced capability for the Federal Register.
"The transformation, undertaken by
the Government Printing Office and the National Archives and
Records Administration, vastly increases the Federal Register's
usefulness to the American public and further opens the curtains
on the inner workings of Government, a major goal of the Obama
Administration," said Beth Noveck, Deputy Chief Technology
Officer for Open Government.
The change supplements the official publishing
formats with XML, a form of text that can be manipulated in virtually
limitless ways with digital applications. For example, people
who want to know about the workings of the Executive branch of
the Federal Government no longer need to sift through the Federal
Register in its traditional Department-by-Department and Agency-by-Agency
format. This new format will allow applications to be developed
that will support user needs and can rearrange the Federal Register's
contents in personalized ways to match their particular interests.
It will be possible, for example, to download the Federal Register
and easily see what proposed actions might affect one's community
or region, or what actions might have an impact on one's profession
or business interests.
"Providing ten years of Federal Register
data in a format that is easy to manipulate is an exciting and
ground-breaking development," said Ray Mosley, Director
of the Federal Register. "This paves the way for consumers,
rather than Government officials to be in charge of deciding
how to access critical information. The Government Printing Office
and the Office of the Federal Register accomplished a minor miracle
in warp-speed time."
"I want to congratulate GPO employees
who worked with The White House and the Office of Federal Register
in providing the American people the tools to provide openness
and transparency to the documents of our democracy," said
Public Printer Bob Tapella. "GPO's Federal Digital System
not only provides transparency to our Government, but provides
Americans a permanent repository of authentic Federal Government
information."
We look forward to seeing all of the new
digital applications created by resourceful citizens using the
XML files. You can access the Federal Register Bulk Data Repository
at <http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/bulkdata/FR>.
Let us know about any new applications you discover using the
XML files and what you think about this initiative by posting
your comments on the blog.
If you have questions or comments, please
use the askGPO help service at: <http://www.gpoaccess.gov/help>.
When submitting a question, please choose the category "FDsys:
Federal Digital System" in order to ensure that your question
is routed to the correct area.
|
Statement
by Secretary Geithner to the Plenary Session of the IMF and World
Bank Annual Meetings
October 6, 2009
TG-313
|
U.S.
Fire Administration Coffee Break Training Update 2009-40
|
GEN
Petraeus Interview
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:14:27 -0500
The Commanding General of U.S Central Command, General David
Petraeus, says today's battlefield requires the military
to move quickly in the development and delivery of weapons systems.
|
Under
Secretary Levey Written Testimony before the Senate Banking Committee
October 6, 2009
TG-314
|
Gullies
at the Edge of Hale Crater, Mars
Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0500
This image from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows gullies
near the edge of Hale crater on southern Mars. Martian gullies
carved into hill slopes and the walls of impact craters were
discovered several years ago. On Earth, gullies usually form
through the action of liquid water -- long thought to be absent
on the Martian surface. Whether liquid water carves gullies under
today's cold and dry conditions on Mars is a major question that
planetary scientists are trying to answer. Gullies at this site
are especially interesting because scientists recently discovered
actively changing examples at similar locations. Images separated
by several years showed changes in the appearance of some of
these gullies. Today, planetary scientists are using the HiRISE
camera on MRO to examine gullies such as the one in this image
for change that might provide a clue about whether liquid water
occurs on the surface of Mars. The view covers an area about
1 kilometer, or 0.6 mile, across and was taken on Aug. 3, 2009.
Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
|
Human
Rights Conference Highlights Iraq's Commitment
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:28:00 -0500
|
Deputy
Secretary Lute Discusses H1N1 Coordination
Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0500
Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute joined her
Mexican and Canadian counterparts in Mexico City to discuss continued
collaboration to confront the spread of global H1N1 flu and further
develop cooperative efforts to inform and educate the public
in preparation for the fall H1N1 season.
|
R.
E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant-Withdrawal Of An Amendment (TAC
No. MD9967)
ADAMS Accession: ML092750185
|
Defense
Department Launches Photography Widget
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:39:00 -0500
|
Sec.
Clinton, Sec. Gates Say U.S. Goals Steady in Afghanistan
Posted: 05 Oct 2009 05:00 PM PDT
By ANNE GEARAN
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's top defense and diplomacy
advisers said the United States retains the Afghanistan war goal
that he outlined just two months into his presidency - to sideline
al-Qaida - but changing circumstances require a reassessment
of how to get there.
|
Honduran
Coup Government Lifts Ban on Protests, Media
Posted: 05 Oct 2009 05:00 PM PDT
By BEN FOX
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras - The interim Honduran government has lifted
an emergency decree that prohibited protest marches and limited
other civil liberties, clearing the way for possible new demonstrations
over the political standoff in this Central American country.
|
Detained
Immigrants Could Be Categorized by Risk
Posted: 05 Oct 2009 05:00 PM PDT
By SUZANNE GAMBOA
WASHINGTON - Illegal immigrants awaiting deportation would be
confined according to the risk they may pose under a new plan
being proposed by the homeland security secretary.
|
Napolitano
and Ritter Unveil Video Encouraging Awareness of Signs of Terrorist
Activity
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0500
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano joined
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter yesterday to unveil "Recognizing
8 Signs of Terrorism"—a video produced with DHS grant
funding designed to educate Colorado citizens about the shared
responsibility of recognizing signs of terrorist activity.
|
|
USDA PUBLISHES ANNUAL REPORT ON FOREIGN
HOLDINGS OF U.S. AGRICULTURAL LAND
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2009 - USDA's Farm
Service Agency (FSA) today released the latest report on foreign
holdings of U.S. agricultural land. The publication contains
statistics through Feb. 28, 2008, regarding the 20.9 million
acres of U.S. agricultural land in which foreign persons hold
an interest.
The report, titled "Foreign Holdings
of U.S. Agricultural Land," is available on the FSA Website
at www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=ecpa&topic=afa.
The publication reports that foreigners
have an interest (partial or total ownership) in 1.6 percent
of all privately held U.S. agricultural land and 0.92 percent
of all land in the United States. This is a 1.4 million acre
increase from 2007.
The report includes a wide variety of figures
and statistics, including:
A breakdown of land held by foreigners
by the type of acreage:
Forest land - 58 percent
Cropland - 13 percent
Pasture and other agricultural land - 26 percent
Which countries have foreigners holding
the largest amount of land:
Canadians hold the largest amount of land: almost 7.3 million
acres, or 34 percent.
People from these three countries collectively
hold more than 6.7 million acres, or 31 percent of the foreign
held acres in the U.S.:
Netherlands, almost 3.9 million acres (18 percent);
United Kingdom, over 1.5 million acres (7 percent); and
Germany, almost 1.4 million acres (6 percent).
The proportions of foreign-owned agricultural
land to all privately owned agricultural land by state:
Maine has the largest amount of foreign
held U.S. agricultural land at 3.35 million acres, or 18.7 percent
of the privately held agricultural land in the state.
In Hawaii, 8.8 percent of private agricultural land is foreign
held.
Washington (7.2 percent), Nevada (5.2 percent), and Alabama (5.1
percent) have the next largest proportions of foreign held land.
The publication's findings are based on
reports submitted in compliance with the Agricultural Foreign
Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA). The law was created
to establish a nationwide system for the collection of information
pertaining to foreign ownership in U.S. agricultural land. The
AFIDA regulation requires foreign investors who acquire, transfer
or hold an interest (other than a security interest) in U.S.
agricultural land to report such holdings and transactions to
the secretary of agriculture on an AFIDA Report Form FSA-153.
The data gained from these disclosures is used in the preparation
of an annual report to Congress.
#
|
New FECTube Videos Available
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:35:36 -0500
A new three-part video series on best practices in internal controls
and recordkeeping has recently been posted on FECTube, the FEC's
YouTube channel. In these videos, FEC Audit Division Director
Joe Stoltz discusses recommended internal controls and recordkeeping
procedures for political committees. You can find the new videos
at http://www.youtube.com/user/FECTube.
|
A new tip for Federal Election Commission
treasurers has been posted at http://www.fec.gov/info/TipsforTreasurers.shtml#tip20091006.
|
|
"Educational
Workshop: Mortgage & Consumer Finance" on Monday, October
12 at 1:00pm.
Event: Educational Workshop: Mortgage &
Consumer Finance
"Taking out or modifying a mortgage, challenging errors
in a credit report, payday loans, and reverse mortgages"
What: Workshop
Start Time: Monday, October 12 at 1:00pm
End Time: Monday, October 12 at 3:00pm
Where: Acts 29 Fellowship Hamtramck MI
To see more details and RSVP
|
First
NASA Astronaut on Twitter Tops a Million Followers
Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0500
The first astronaut to tweet from space has passed another social
media milestone. NASA's Mike Massimino, known as @Astro_Mike
on Twitter, now shares his daily experiences with more than a
million followers on the micro-blogging service.
|
NASA
Media Briefing to Preview Major Antarctic Research Campaign
Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0500
NASA will hold a media teleconference at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday,
Oct. 8, to preview the agency's largest airborne research effort
ever to study Antarctic ice sheets, ice shelves and sea ice.
|
Update:
H1N1 Clinicians Questions and Answers
Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0500
|
NASA
Updates Tuesday Space Station News Conference Time
Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0500
The nine residents of the International Space Station will hold
a news conference Tuesday at 8:55 a.m. CDT, 15 minutes earlier
than previously announced.
|
Nuclear
Iran
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:29:07 -0500
The Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State spoke at George
Washington University October 5 concerning a nuclear Iran.
|
Humanitarian
Relief
Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:43:11 -0500
Military and civilian personnel are helping with disaster relief
in the Philippines and American Samoa.
|
SECDEF
Remarks
Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:45:29 -0500
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates speaking at the opening ceremony
of the Association of U.S. Army.
|
Seasonal
and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0500
Flu information; Protect your child; If your child is sick
|
NASA
Extends Engineering, Science and Technical Services Contract
Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0500
NASA has signed a contract modification with Jacobs Technology
Inc. of Tullahoma, Tenn., to exercise the final option of the
Engineering, Science and Technical Services Contract at NASA's
Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
|
VACANCY:
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY, ATTORNEY
ADVISOR / GS-13-GS-15 ANNOUNCEMENT: ODAG ATY-0409 Applications must be received by October 16, 2009.
|
Augustine
Space Flight Committee Announces Additional Meeting
Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0500
The Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee will hold
a public teleconference on Thursday, Oct. 8, from approximately
1 to 2 p.m. EDT.
|
New
Vista of Milky Way Center Unveiled
Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 -0500
A dramatic new vista of the center of the Milky Way galaxy from
Chandra exposes new levels of intrigue in the Milky Way.
|
|
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES
FUNDING TO 1890 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS TO PROMOTE JOBS AND BUSINESS
GROWTH
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2009 - Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 15 historically
African-American land-grant educational institutions in 14 states
to receive $1.5 million in economic development and business
promotion grants.
"These funds help provide entrepreneurship
training and benefits to rural youth," Vilsack said. "President
Obama believes our nation's economic competitiveness and the
path to the American dream depend on providing every student
with an education that will enable them to succeed in a global
economy. Using these funds, students will learn to take advantage
of existing economic development opportunities in their communities
- such as renewable energy resources - as well as the vast business
knowledge and connections that these schools and their faculty
members have."
The grants, provided through USDA Rural
Development, will help create businesses, promote cooperatives
and provide jobs. The recipients are among the 18 institutions
supported under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, a law providing
for the establishment of land-grant institutions focusing on
agriculture, home economics and the mechanic arts.
West Virginia State University, in Institute,
W.Va., plans to use part of its $100,000 award to help the West
Virginia Biofuels Farmers Cooperative collect used cooking oil
and refine it into renewable energy. It also will work with an
economic development agency in Webster County to provide office
space, shipping equipment and publicity for about 15 start-up
businesses.
The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff will
receive $115,000 to implement a rural entrepreneurial collaborative
between cooperatives and businesses in the Delta region of the
state. The University will support community-based efforts such
as the Rural Life Conference, which involves more than two dozen
organizations working on economic development strategies, education
and training for rural residents.
In 2008, Langston University, in Langston,
Okla., used a $100,000 USDA Rural Development grant to conduct
a rural business retreat for youth. The retreat featured an age-appropriate
curriculum to teach 10th-12th graders about potential entrepreneurship
opportunities associated with wind energy, biofuels and hydro
power. The program was developed in collaboration with professionals
in climatology and civil engineering.
Funding of recipients announced today is
contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the cooperative
agreement. The following is a complete list of the 1890 institutions
receiving USDA Rural Development awards:
Alabama:
Alabama A&M University - $115,000
Tuskegee University - $100,000
Arkansas:
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff - $115,000
Delaware:
Delaware State University - $115,000
Florida:
Florida A&M University - $114,681
Georgia:
Fort Valley State University - $100,000
Louisiana:
Southern University and A&M College
- $100,000
Maryland:
University of Maryland Eastern Shore -
$100,000
Mississippi:
Alcorn State University - $100,000
North Carolina:
North Carolina A&T State University
- $115,000
Oklahoma:
Langston University - $113,894
South Carolina:
South Carolina State University - $100,100
Tennessee:
Tennessee State University - $75,000
Texas:
Prairie View A&M University - $35,958
West Virginia:
West Virginia State University - $100,000
USDA Rural Development's mission is to
increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life
for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership,
finances business development and supports the creation of critical
community and technology infrastructure. Further information
on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development
office or by visiting http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/oa/1890.htm.
#
|
Gates
on CNN
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:27:58 -0500
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says the U.S. intends to remain
in Afghanistan.
|
NASA
Invites Reporters to Events for LCROSS Lunar Impact
Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0500
NASA is inviting journalists to events this week in Washington
and California to observe the twin impacts of the Lunar Crater
Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, and its rocket's
upper stage as they impact the moon.
|
FSIS
Notice 71-09
Export Library Revisions for September 2009
|
|
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES
$190 MILLION FOR RURAL WATER PROJECTS
Recovery Act Funds Will Help Improve Infrastructure
in Rural Areas of 17 States
WASHINGTON, October 6, 2009 - Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of $190 million
in water and environmental project loans and grants that are
being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Dallas Tonsager, Under Secretary for Rural Development, made
the announcement on behalf of Vilsack during a speech at the
National Rural Water Association meeting in Louisville, Ky.
"Recovery Act projects are putting
people to work and helping rural communities of all sizes build
a foundation for economic strength and future prosperity,"
said Tonsager. "The 27 water and wastewater projects we're
announcing today are helping to achieve the Obama Administration's
economic recovery goals to rebuild and revitalize the nation's
infrastructure while creating or retaining jobs."
Altogether, USDA has announced $1.8 billion
for water and environmental project loans and grants, benefiting
people throughout the country.
The City of Washougal in Clarke County,
Wash., will receive a $3 million loan to construct a one million
gallon water reservoir. This small community is located on the
Washington side of the Columbia River, with its lowlands and
famous prairie situated on the west entrance to the scenic Columbia
River Gorge. Recently, Washougal has experienced rapid growth
and is in need of additional water storage to meet the expanding
population. ARRA Funds will be used to fully fund the purchase
and installation of the new water reservoir.
In Tyner, Ky., the Jackson County Water
Association, Inc. was selected to receive $5.14 million in grant
and loan funding to construct water and environmental infrastructure
projects. The water association proposes to construct a supplemental
intake structure to increase the water supply, build two booster
pump stations and construct 14 miles of main transmission pipes.
Jackson County is located in southeastern Kentucky and is part
of the Appalachian Regional Commission chain and one of Kentucky's
persistent poverty counties. These improvements will provide
a reliable supply of drinking water for the association's 4,257
existing customers.
The ARRA funding announced today is being
administered by USDA Rural Development's Water and Environmental
Program which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary
investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to
deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural
areas.
Funding of individual recipients is contingent
upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.
Below is a complete list of award recipients, by state:
Arkansas
Ozark Mountain Regional Public Water Authority
- $55,728,000
Delaware
Sussex County Council - $6,400,000
Georgia
City of Jasper - $8,090,000
Illinois
Village of Bureau Junction - $146,000
Gateway Regional Water Company - $750,000
Highway 37 North Water District - $818,000
Kentucky
City of Barlow - $1,325,000
Jackson County Water Assoc., Inc. - $5,140,000
City of Jenkins - $750,000
Maryland
Caroline County Commissioners- $380,000
The Commissioners of Sudlersville, (New
WWTP), - $2,430,000
The Commissioners Sudlersville, (Storage
Tank) - $4,500,000
Michigan
Village of Sand Lake - $2,673,000
Mississippi
Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority
- $17,500,000
City of Ruleville- $414,436
Nevada
Mineral County - Hawthorne Utilities -
$6,185,020
Oklahoma
Clayton Public Works Authority - $3,741,800
Pennsylvania
Freeland Municipal Authority- $13,336,900
South Carolina
Pickens County - $3,148,000
Williamsburg County - $19,025,000
South Dakota
City of Armour- $ 1,700,000
City of Corsica - $ 299,000
Virginia
County of Louisa - $2,195,800
Washington County Service Authority - $26,580,000
Washington
City of Washougal - $3,030,000
Wisconsin
Village of Linden- $2,633,000
West Virginia
City of War - $1,118,000
President Obama signed The American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is
designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions
of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges
so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes
measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy
independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and
improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect
those in greatest need.
More information about USDA's Recovery
Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information
about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is
available at www.recovery.gov.
#
|
|
The
Bureau of Industry and Security has posted its seminar schedule
for FY10
These seminars give you the opportunity
to learn first hand from experienced U.S. Government officials
about export control policies, regulations, procedures and compliance.
For details, please visit our website at http://www.bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/elsem.htm.
We look forward to seeing you at a BIS event.
--------------------------------------
|
|
Meat,
Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory for USDA Food Safety
and Inspection Service
This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.
|
|
OCTOBER 2002 - IRAQ WAR RESOLUTION REVISITED
COMING TOMORROW...
"The Condition of
Health Care."
Download, print and circulate the petition
among friends and neighbors.
Dear Friends,
Seven years ago this week the House of
Representatives debated the Iraq War Resolution which was presented
by President Bush. I made the case for NOT going to war. I analyzed
the Bush war resolution, paragraph by paragraph, and pointed
out "Key Issues" which argued against Congress voting
to go to war. I distributed the attached analysis, personally,
to over 200 members of Congress from October 2, 2002 until October
10, 2002 when the vote occurred.
When you hear people say: "If only
we had known then what we know now," remember, some did
know of the false case for war against Iraq. And since so many
know now that we should not have gone to war against Iraq, then
why are we still there?
Please read this analysis and let me know
what you think.
Thank you.
Dennis J Kucinich
www.Kucinich.us
P.S. - The "Whereas" clauses
were verbatim from the 2003 Bush Iraq War Resolution. The "Key
Issue" represented my commentary.
Analysis of Joint Resolution on Iraq
by Dennis J. Kucinich
October 2, 2002
Whereas in 1990 in response to Iraq's war
of aggression against and illegal occupation of Kuwait, the United
States forged a coalition of nations to liberate Kuwait and its
people in order to defend the national security of the United
States and enforce United Nations Security Council resolutions
relating to Iraq;
KEY ISSUE: In the Persian Gulf War there
was an international coalition. World support was for protecting
Kuwait. There is no world support for invading Iraq.
Whereas after the liberation of Kuwait
in 1991, Iraq entered into a United Nations sponsored cease-fire
agreement pursuant to which Iraq unequivocally agreed, among
other things, to eliminate its nuclear, biological, and chemical
weapons programs and the means to deliver and develop them, and
to end its support for international terrorism;
Whereas the efforts of international weapons
inspectors, United States intelligence agencies, and Iraqi defectors
led to the discovery that Iraq had large stockpiles of chemical
weapons and a large scale biological weapons program, and that
Iraq had an advanced nuclear weapons development program that
was much closer to producing a nuclear weapon than intelligence
reporting had previously indicated;
KEY ISSUE: UN inspection teams identified
and destroyed nearly all such weapons. A lead inspector, Scott
Ritter, said that he believes that nearly all other weapons not
found were destroyed in the Gulf War. Furthermore, according
to a published report in the Washington Post, the Central Intelligence
Agency has no up to date accurate report on Iraq's WMD capabilities.
Whereas Iraq, in direct and flagrant violation
of the cease-fire, attempted to thwart the efforts of weapons
inspectors to identify and destroy Iraq's weapons of mass destruction
stockpiles and development capabilities, which finally resulted
in the withdrawal of inspectors from Iraq on October 31, 1998;
KEY ISSUE: Iraqi deceptions always failed.
The inspectors always figured out what Iraq was doing. It was
the United States that withdrew from the inspections in 1998.
And the United States then launched a cruise missile attack against
Iraq 48 hours after the inspectors left. In advance of a military
strike, the US continues to thwart (the Administration's word)
weapons inspections.
Whereas in 1998 Congress concluded that
Iraq's continuing weapons of mass destruction programs threatened
vital United States interests and international peace and security,
declared Iraq to be in "material and unacceptable breach
of its international obligations" and urged the President
"to take appropriate action, in accordance with the Constitution
and relevant laws of the United States, to bring Iraq into compliance
with its international obligations" (Public Law 105-235);
Whereas Iraq both poses a continuing threat
to the national security of the United States and international
peace and security in the Persian Gulf region and remains in
material and unacceptable breach of its international obligations
by, among other things, continuing to possess and develop a significant
chemical and biological weapons capability, actively seeking
a nuclear weapons capability, and supporting and harboring terrorist
organizations;
KEY ISSUE: There is no proof that Iraq
represents an imminent or immediate threat to the United States.
A "continuing" threat does not constitute a sufficient
cause for war. The Administration has refused to provide the
Congress with credible intelligence that proves that Iraq is
a serious threat to the United States and is continuing to possess
and develop chemical and biological and nuclear weapons. Furthermore
there is no credible intelligence connecting Iraq to Al Qaida
and 9/11.
Whereas Iraq persists in violating resolutions
of the United Nations Security Council by continuing to engage
in brutal repression of its civilian population thereby threatening
international peace and security in the region, by refusing to
release, repatriate, or account for non-Iraqi citizens wrongfully
detained by Iraq, including an American serviceman, and by failing
to return property wrongfully seized by Iraq from Kuwait;
KEY ISSUE: This language is so broad that
it would allow the President to order an attack against Iraq
even when there is no material threat to the United States. Since
this resolution authorizes the use of force for all Iraq related
violations of the UN Security Council directives, and since the
resolution cites Iraq's imprisonment of non-Iraqi prisoners,
this resolution would authorize the President to attack Iraq
in order to liberate Kuwaiti citizens who may or may not be in
Iraqi prisons, even if Iraq met compliance with all requests
to destroy any weapons of mass destruction. Though in 2002 at
the Arab Summit, Iraq and Kuwait agreed to bilateral negotiations
to work out all claims relating to stolen property and prisoners
of war. This use-of-force resolution enables the President to
commit US troops to recover Kuwaiti property.
Whereas the current Iraqi regime has demonstrated
its capability and willingness to use weapons of mass destruction
against other nations and its own people;
Whereas the current Iraqi regime has demonstrated
its continuing hostility toward, and willingness to attack, the
United States, including by attempting in 1993 to assassinate
former President Bush and by firing on many thousands of occasions
on United States and Coalition Armed Forces engaged in enforcing
the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council;
KEY ISSUE: The Iraqi regime has never attacked
nor does it have the capability to attack the United States.
The "no fly" zone was not the result of a UN Security
Council directive. It was illegally imposed by the United States,
Great Britain and France and is not specifically sanctioned by
any Security Council resolution.
Whereas members of al Qaida, an organization
bearing responsibility for attacks on the United States, its
citizens, and interests, including the attacks that occurred
on September 11, 2001, are known to be in Iraq;
KEY ISSUE: There is no credible intelligence
that connects Iraq to the events of 9/11 or to participation
in those events by assisting Al Qaida.
Whereas Iraq continues to aid and harbor
other international terrorist organizations, including organizations
that threaten the lives and safety of American citizens;
KEY ISSUE: Any connection between Iraq
support of terrorist groups in the Middle East, is an argument
for focusing great resources on resolving the conflict between
Israel and the Palestinians. It is not sufficient reason for
the US to launch a unilateral preemptive strike against Iraq.
Whereas the attacks on the United States
of September 11, 2001 underscored the gravity of the threat posed
by the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by international
terrorist organizations;
KEY ISSUE: There is no connection between
Iraq and the events of 9/11.
Whereas Iraq's demonstrated capability
and willingness to use weapons of mass destruction, the risk
that the current Iraqi regime will either employ those weapons
to launch a surprise attack against the United States or its
Armed Forces or provide them to international terrorists who
would do so, and the extreme magnitude of harm that would result
to the United States and its citizens from such an attack, combine
to justify action by the United States to defend itself;
KEY ISSUE: There is no credible evidence
that Iraq possesses weapons of mass destruction. If Iraq has
successfully concealed the production of such weapons since 1998,
there is no credible evidence that Iraq has the capability to
reach the United States with such weapons. In the 1991 Gulf War,
Iraq had a demonstrated capability of biological and chemical
weapons, but did not have the willingness to use them against
the United States Armed Forces. Congress has not been provided
with any credible information, which proves that Iraq has provided
international terrorists with weapons of mass destruction.
Whereas United Nations Security Council
Resolution 678 authorizes the use of all necessary means to enforce
United Nations Security Council Resolution 660 and subsequent
relevant resolutions and to compel Iraq to cease certain activities
that threaten international peace and security, including the
development of weapons of mass destruction and refusal or obstruction
of United Nations weapons inspections in violation of United
Nations Security Council Resolution 687, repression of its civilian
population in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution
688, and threatening its neighbors or United Nations operations
in Iraq in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution
949;
KEY ISSUE: The UN Charter forbids all member
nations, including the United States, from unilaterally enforcing
UN resolutions.
Whereas Congress in the Authorization for
Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution (Public Law 102-1)
has authorized the President "to use United States Armed
Forces pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution
678 (1990) in order to achieve implementation of Security Council
Resolutions 660, 661, 662, 664, 665, 666, 667, 669, 670, 674,
and 677";
KEY ISSUE: The UN Charter forbids all member
nations, including the United States, from unilaterally enforcing
UN resolutions with military force.
Whereas in December 1991, Congress expressed
its sense that it "supports the use of all necessary means
to achieve the goals of United Nations Security Council Resolution
687 as being consistent with the Authorization of Use of Military
Force Against Iraq Resolution (Public Law 102-1)," that
Iraq's repression of its civilian population violates United
Nations Security Council Resolution 688 and "constitutes
a continuing threat to the peace, security, and stability of
the Persian Gulf region," and that Congress, "supports
the use of all necessary means to achieve the goals of United
Nations Security Council Resolution 688";
KEY ISSUE: This clause demonstrates the
proper chronology of the international process, and contrasts
the current march to war. In 1991, the UN Security Council passed
a resolution asking for enforcement of its resolution. Member
countries authorized their troops to participate in a UN-led
coalition to enforce the UN resolutions. Now the President is
asking Congress to authorize a unilateral first strike before
the UN Security Council has asked its member states to enforce
UN resolutions.
Whereas the Iraq Liberation Act (Public
Law 105-338) expressed the sense of Congress that it should be
the policy of the United States to support efforts to remove
from power the current Iraqi regime and promote the emergence
of a democratic government to replace that regime;
KEY ISSUE: This "Sense of Congress"
resolution was not binding. Furthermore, while Congress supported
democratic means of removing Saddam Hussein it clearly did not
endorse the use of force contemplated in this resolution, nor
did it endorse assassination as a policy.
Whereas on September 12, 2002, President
Bush committed the United States to "work with the United
Nations Security Council to meet our common challenge" posed
by Iraq and to "work for the necessary resolutions,"
while also making clear that "the Security Council resolutions
will be enforced, and the just demands of peace and security
will be met, or action will be unavoidable";
Whereas the United States is determined
to prosecute the war on terrorism and Iraq's ongoing support
for international terrorist groups combined with its development
of weapons of mass destruction in direct violation of its obligations
under the 1991 cease-fire and other United Nations Security Council
resolutions make clear that it is in the national security interests
of the United States and in furtherance of the war on terrorism
that all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions
be enforced, including through the use of force if necessary;
KEY ISSUE: Unilateral action against Iraq
will cost the United States the support of the world community,
adversely affecting the war on terrorism. No credible intelligence
exists which connects Iraq to the events of 9/11 or to those
terrorists who perpetrated 9/11. Under international law, the
United States does not have the authority to unilaterally order
military action to enforce UN Security Council resolutions.
Whereas Congress has taken steps to pursue
vigorously the war on terrorism through the provision of authorities
and funding requested by the President to take the necessary
actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations,
including those nations, organizations or persons who planned,
authorized, committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred
on September 11, 2001 or harbored such persons or organizations;
KEY ISSUE: The Administration has not provided
Congress with any proof that Iraq is in any way connected to
the events of 9/11.
Whereas the President and Congress are
determined to continue to take all appropriate actions against
international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including
those nations, organizations or persons who planned, authorized,
committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September
11, 2001, or harbored such persons or organizations;
KEY ISSUE: The Administration has not provided
Congress with any proof that Iraq is in any way connected to
the events of 9/11. Furthermore, there is no credible evidence
that Iraq has harbored those who were responsible for planning,
authorizing or committing the attacks of 9/11.
Whereas the President has authority under
the Constitution to take action in order to deter and prevent
acts of international terrorism against the United States, as
Congress recognized in the joint resolution on Authorization
for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40); and
KEY ISSUE: This resolution was specific
to 9/11. It was limited to a response to 9/11.
Whereas it is in the national security
of the United States to restore international peace and security
to the Persian Gulf region;
KEY ISSUE: If by the "national security
interests" of the United States, the Administration means
oil, it ought to communicate such to the Congress. A unilateral
attack on Iraq by the United States will cause instability and
chaos in the region and sow the seeds of future conflicts all
other the world.
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE.
This joint resolution may be cited as the
"Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq".
SEC. 2. SUPPORT FOR UNITED STATES DIPLOMATIC
EFFORTS
The Congress of the United States supports
the efforts by the President to-
(a) strictly enforce through the United
Nations Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions
applicable to Iraq and encourages him in those efforts; and
(b) obtain prompt and decisive action by
the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy
of delay, evasion and noncompliance and promptly and strictly
complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions.
KEY ISSUE: Congress can and should support
this clause. However Section 3 (which follows) undermines the
effectiveness of this section. Any peaceful settlement requires
Iraq compliance. The totality of this resolution indicates the
Administration will wage war against Iraq no matter what. This
undermines negotiations.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED
STATES ARMED FORCES.
AUTHORIZATION. The President is authorized
to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines
to be necessary and appropriate in order to
(1)defend the national security of the
United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and
(2)enforce all relevant United Nations
Security Council Resolutions regarding Iraq.
KEY ISSUE: This clause is substantially
similar to the authorization that the President originally sought.
It gives authority to the President to
act prior to and even without a UN resolution, and it authorizes
the President to use US troops to enforce UN resolutions even
without UN request for it. This is a violation of Chapter VII
of the UN Charter, which reserves the ability to authorize force
for that purpose to the Security Council, alone.
Under Chapter VII of the Charter of the
United Nations, "The Security Council shall determine the
existence of any threat to the peace... and shall make recommendations
to maintain or restore international peace and security."
(Article 39). Only the Security Council can decide that military
force would be necessary, "The Security Council may decide
what measures... are to be employed to give effect to its decisions
(Article 41) ... [and] it may take such action by air, sea, or
land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international
peace and security." (Article 43). Furthermore, the resolution
authorizes use of force illegally, since the UN Security Council
has not requested it. According to the UN Charter, members of
the UN, such as the US, are required to "make available
to the Security Council, on its call and in accordance with a
special agreement or agreements, armed forces..." (Article
43, emphasis added). The UN Security Council has not called upon
its members to use military force against Iraq at the current
time.
Furthermore, changes to the language of
the previous use-of-force resolution, drafted by the White House
and objected to by many members of Congress, are cosmetic:
In section (1), the word "continuing"
was added to "the threat posed by Iraq".
In section (2), the word "relevant"
is added to "United Nations Security Council Resolutions"
and the words "regarding "Iraq" were added to
the end.
While these changes are represented as
a compromise or a new material development, the effects of this
resolution are largely the same as the previous White House proposal.
The UN resolutions, which could be cited
by the President to justify sending US troops to Iraq, go far
beyond addressing weapons of mass destruction. These could include,
at the President's discretion, such "relevant" resolutions
"regarding Iraq" including resolutions to enforce human
rights and the recovery of Kuwaiti property.
PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION.
In connection with the exercise of the
authority granted in subsection (a) to use force the President
shall, prior to such exercise or as soon thereafter as may be
feasible, but no later than 48 hours after exercising such authority,
make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination
that
(1) reliance by the United States on further
diplomatic or other peaceful means alone either (A) will not
adequately protect the national security of the United States
against the continuing threat posed by Iraq or (B) is not likely
to lead to enforcement of all relevant United Nations Security
Council resolutions regarding Iraq, and
(2) acting pursuant to this resolution
is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing
to take the necessary actions against international terrorists
and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations
or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorists
attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.
(c) WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REQUIREMENTS.
-
(1) SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION. -
Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution,
the Congress declares that this section is intended to constitute
specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section
5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.
(2) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
- Nothing in this resolution supersedes any requirement of the
War Powers Resolution.
SEC. 4. REPORTS TO CONGRESS
(a) The President shall, at least once
every 60 days, submit to the Congress a report on matters relevant
to this joint resolution, including actions taken pursuant to
the exercise of authority granted in section 2 and the status
of planning for efforts that are expected to be required after
such actions are completed, including those actions described
in section 7 of Public Law 105-338 (the Iraq Liberation Act of
1998).
(b) To the extent that the submission of
any report described in subsection (a) coincides with the submission
of any other report on matters relevant to this joint resolution
otherwise required to be submitted to Congress pursuant to the
reporting requirements of Public Law 93-148 (the War Powers Resolution),
all such reports may be submitted as a single consolidated report
to the Congress.
(c) To the extent that the information
required by section 3 of Public Law 102-1 is included in the
report required by this section, such report shall be considered
as meeting the requirements of section 3 of Public Law 102-1.
Dennis J Kucinich
www.Kucinich.us
|
|
Will Republicans Answer the Call to
Reform Health Care?
More than 100 days have passed since Republican
Leaders in Congress promised to produce a comprehensive health
reform alternative of their own. With senior members of their
own party urging them to support reform and the majority of Americans
calling for change, will Republican House Leaders finally recognize
the urgent need to reform America’s health care system so
that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health
care? Or will they continue to support the status quo and act
as the “Party of no?”
Click
here to read about Senior Republicans' calls on Congressional
Republicans to shed the “Party of no” and join reform
efforts.
###
|
The
FBI’s Efforts in Human Rights Enforcement
Arthur M. Cummings, Executive Assistant Director, National Security
Branch, FBI, before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee
on Human Rights and the Law
|
|
Atlanta
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation
This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.
|
|
Employment
for Federal Election Commission
This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.
A vacancy announcement for Supervisory
Auditor, Audit Manager/Deputy Assistant Staff Director for Presidential
Election Campaign Fund GS-0511-14 has been added.
|
Border
Patrol Law Enforcement Explorer Program
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:28:52 -0500
|
|
Houston
Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation
This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.
|
President
Obama Announces New Initiatives During National Disability Employment
Awareness Month
|
CFTC.gov.
The following Proposed
Rules have been published
|
DoD
Senior Executive Service Appointments And Reassignments
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:26:00 -0500
|
|
Ada
County Idaho Democrats District 15 Meet-and-Greet
"Get to know your neighbors and enjoy some great pizza!"
What: Informational Meeting
Start Time: Thursday, October 15 at 6:30pm
End Time: Thursday, October 15 at 8:00pm
Where: Morley Nelson Elem. Community Center Boise ID
To see more details and RSVP
|
U.S.
International Reserve Position
October 6, 2009
2009-10-6-14-48-34-5281
|
|
U.S.
Department of State Pathways to Prosperity Women Entrepreneurs
Conference
Washington, DC
October 6, 2009
|
|
Eligible
Foreign Establishments for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Eligible Foreign Establishment List
for Mexico has been revised. This information has recently been
updated, and is now available.
|
|
Santa
Clara County Democratic Party Annual Dinner
"as we surge to our 2010 election victories"
What: Dinner Party
Start Time: Friday, May 7, 2010 at 5:30pm
End Time: Friday, May 7, 2010 at 9:00pm
Where: San Jose Fairmont Hotel ~ Imperial Ballroom
To see more details and RSVP
|
Statement
from Joseph C. Szabo, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration,
concerning applications for grant funding for the development
of high-speed and intercity passenger rail programs from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
|
|
FOIA
Request Report for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
This information has been updated for September
2009, and is now available.
|
U.S.
Department of State Background Notes : Vietnam (10/09)
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:47:18 -0500
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|
Moscow
E6 Statement
Washington, DC
October 6, 2009
|
VACANCY: FOIA
and Privacy Act Specialist U.S. Department of Justice's National
Security Division
|
|
US-CERT Current Activity
Federal Bureau of Investigation Warns
Public of Fraudulent Spam Email
Original release date: October 6, 2009
at 3:13 pm
Last revised: October 6, 2009 at 3:13 pm
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
has released information
warning the public about fraudulent email messages purporting
to come
from the FBI or the Department of Homeland Security. These email
messages contain a malicious attachment that claims to provide
an
intelligence report or bulletin, but in reality attempts to launch
malware on the user's system.
More information regarding these messages
can be found in the Federal
Bureau of Investigation's New E-Scams and Warnings web site.
To help protect against this type of attack,
US-CERT recommends that
users avoid opening attachments contained in unsolicited email
messages. Additional tips regarding email attachments can be
found in
the US-CERT Cyber Security Tip - Using Caution with Email Attachments.
Relevant Url(s):
<http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm>
<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-010.html>
====
This entry is available at
http://www.us-cert.gov/current/index.html#federal_bureau_of_investigation_warns
|
|
US
DOT Secretary's Blog - Welcome to the Fast Lane, from the US
Department of Transportation
The blog has recently been updated and
is now available.
|
NIH
Grantees Win 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Telomere
Research
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0500
|
DoD
Contracts for October 06, 2009
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:59:00 -0500
|
Gates
on al Qaeda
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:45:34 -0500
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates comments on al Qaeda.
|
WHO
Director General Dr. Margaret Chan Address to the Regional Committee
for the Eastern Mediterranean (56th session)
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:30:00 -0500
|
|
Contract
Solicitations for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
(AHRQ)
This information has recently been updated,
and is now available.
|
Remarks by President Obama & National
Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Director Michael E. Leiter at
NCTC Headquarters in McLean, Virginia.
Transcript
| Video
|
|
YDA October Conference...details for
Young Democrats of Nevada members
If you are interested in attending the
YDA Conference in Orlando Florida, please email me ASAP!!
YDNV will be helping out with some hotel
accommodations in Florida, but I need to get a count by October
14th.
Additionally the conference registration
goes up after October 14th.
If you are interested in attending, please
register here: https://yda.wiredforchange.com/o/720/t/497/l/eng/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=13037
And then email me at: theheatherbrown@gmail.com
Thanks! I hope to see you in Orlando in
46 days!
Heather Brown
President of Young Democrats of Nevada
--------------------
|
Today
in the Department of Defense, 10/7/2009
|
U.S.
Department of State Highlights: U.S. Committed to an Enduring
Partnership With Pakistan
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0500
|
A
Discussion Panel with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary
of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the George Washington University
School of Media and Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:41:00 -0500
|
Financial
and Activity Report Weekly Update: October 5, 2009
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:02:04 -0500
|
|
As a reminder, here are the events for
the South Dakota Young Democrats Pow Wow on Sat.
Forum hosted by the state party: 9:30-3:30 Civic Center
5:00 State Party Chili Feed
Secretary of State Candidate Ben Nesselhauf,
who also happens to be a member of South Dakota Young Democrats,
will be around all weekend.
Representative Kevin Killer, another SDYD
member is planning on attending.
Other legislators, both state and federal,
have also been known to make an appearance at the Pow Wow as
well.
Hope to see you there!
Kristin Aschenbrenner
President
South Dakota Young Democrats
630-204-1423
sdyoungdemocrats@gmail.com
|
U.S.
Department of State Highlights: American Power and Persuasion
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0500
|
|
FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2009
House Meets At… First Vote Predicted… Last Vote Predicted…
10:00 a.m.: Legislative Business 12:00
– 1:00 p.m. 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
“One Minutes” (15 per side)
Conference Report on H.R.
2997 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration,
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (Rep. DeLauro –
Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule)
Suspensions (8 Bills)
H.J.Res.
26 - Proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen
of the United States posthumously (Rep. Kucinich - Judiciary)
H.R.
3590 - Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 (Rep.
Rangel - Ways and Means)
H.R.
1016 - Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency
Act of 2009 (Rep. Filner - Veterans' Affairs)
S.
1717 - To authorize major medical facility leases for the
Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2010 (Sen. Akaka
- Veterans' Affairs)
H.R.
3547 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 936 South 250 East in Provo, Utah, as the
"Rex E. Lee Post Office Building" (Rep. Chaffetz -
Oversight and Government Reform)
H.R.
2174 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 18 Main Street in Howland, Maine, as the "Clyde
Hichborn Post Office" (Rep. Michaud - Oversight and Government
Reform)
H.R.
2092 - Kingman and Heritage Islands Act of 2009 (Rep. Norton
- Oversight and Government Reform)
H.R.
1035 - Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National
Environmental Policy Amendments Act of 2009 as amended/S.1023
- The Travel Promotion Act of 2009 (Rep. Grijalva/Sen. Dorgan
– Education and Labor/Energy and Commerce)
Postponed Suspension Votes (3 Bills):
H.Res.
650 - Recognizing that country music has made a tremendous
contribution to American life and culture and declaring country
music to be a uniquely American art form (Rep. Stearns - Education
and Labor)
H.Res.
701 - To recognize the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve as a
unique and precious ecosystem (Rep. Moran (VA) - Natural Resources)
H.Res.
795 - Honoring the people of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and
the Flight 93 Ambassadors for their efforts in creating the Flight
93 temporary memorial and encouraging the completion of the National
Park Service Flight 93 National Memorial by the 10th anniversary
of September 11, 2001 (Rep. Shuster - Natural Resources)
* Conference Reports may be brought up at any time.
* Motions to go to Conference should they become available.
* Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.
|
|
HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR OCTOBER 6, 2009
Considered and Passed:
Motion to Go to Conference on H.R.
2647 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2010 (Rep. Skelton – Armed Services)
Motion to Instruct Conferees – Failed
· Offered by Mr. Forbes (VA) (178-234)
Bills Adopted Under Suspension of the Rules (4):
H.Res.
707 - Expressing support for designation of the week of September
13, 2009, as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (Rep. Polis
- Education and Labor)
H.Res.
167 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
supporting the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month (Rep.
Pascrell - Education and Labor)
H.Res.
741 - Expressing support for designation of October 8, 2009,
as national Jumpstart's "Read for the Record Day" (Rep.
Markey (CO) - Education and Labor)
H.Res.
710 - Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Estuaries
Day" (Rep. Castor - Natural Resources)
Bill Adopted By Unanimous Consent (1):
S.Con.Res.
42 - Providing for the acceptance of a statue of Helen Keller,
presented by the people of Alabama (Sen. Sessions – House
Administration)
Postponed Suspension Votes (3):
H.Res.
650 - Recognizing that country music has made a tremendous
contribution to American life and culture and declaring country
music to be a uniquely American art form (Rep. Stearns - Education
and Labor)
H.Res.
701 - To recognize the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve as a
unique and precious ecosystem (Rep. Moran (VA) - Natural Resources)
H.Res.
795 - Honoring the people of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and
the Flight 93 Ambassadors for their efforts in creating the Flight
93 temporary memorial and encouraging the completion of the National
Park Service Flight 93 National Memorial by the 10th anniversary
of September 11, 2001 (Rep. Shuster - Natural Resources)
|
|
U.S.
Department of State: Daily Press Briefing - October 6
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:10:37 -0500
Ian Kelly
Spokesman
Daily Press Briefing
Washington, DC
October 6, 2009
|
|
Reminder!
Young Democrats Mixer TONIGHT!
You are cordially invited to attend the
Young Democrats' Fall Mixer at the Brownstone Lounge & Event
Center Columbus OHIO on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 from 5:30pm-
9:00pm.
This event is a joint collaboration with
Ohio Young Black Democrats and Ohio Young Democrats. Come learn
more about both organizations & ways to affect change in
our communities.
This event is free and light hors d'oeuvres
will be provided.
--------------------
|
VACANCY:
MECHANICAL ENGINEER GS-0830-13/13 Army Corps of Engineers
|
VACANCY:
Construction Control Representative GS-0809-12/12 US General
Services Admin/Public Buildings Service
|
VACANCY:
AEROSPACE ENGINEER DB-0861-00/00 U.S. Army Research, Development
and Engineering Command
|
VACANCY:
CORRESPONDENCE ANALYST, GG-0301-09, CENSUS-D-FEGG-0301-09/09
Department Of Commerce/Bureau of the Census
|
VACANCY:
Hydrologist, GS-1315-9/11 (KP-DEU) GS-1315-09/11 Department Of
The Interior/U.S. Geological Survey
|
VACANCY:
Interdisciplinary (GIS Coordinator) DEUGS-1370-13 Department
Of The Interior/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
|
VACANCY:
Nursing Assistant (Palliative Care) GS-0621-04 Department Of
Veterans Affairs/Veterans Health Administration
|
VACANCY:
Statistician (Demography), GG-1530-13, CENSUS-D-LRCGG-1530-13/13
Bureau of the Census
|
VACANCY:
Administrative Assistant YB-0303-01 Air Force Personnel Center
|
VACANCY:
FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST GS-0401-09/11 Department Of The Interior/U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service
|
 
|
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October 7.
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