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September 18, 2009 for yesterday's ticker entries click here
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September 18, 2009
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U.S.
envoy seeks to resume Mideast peace talks From CNN's Kevin Flower JERUSALEM (CNN) – The hopes for renewed
Israeli-Palestinian talks dimmed Friday despite the fast-paced
shuttle diplomacy efforts of top U.S. diplomat George Mitchell.
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CNN
Poll of Polls: Obama approval holding steady From CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser
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New
DNC campaign targets GOP health care critics From CNN Political Producer Rebecca Sinderbrand
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Clinton
outlines sweeping agenda for U.N. conference Posted: September 18th, 2009 01:25 PM ET Secretary of State Hillary Clinton outlines sweeping agenda for U.N. conference. WASHINGTON (CNN) – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton laid out an ambitious U.S. agenda Friday for next week's United Nations gathering, citing issues such as nuclear non-proliferation, climate change, women's rights and ongoing wars. |
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First
Lady comments on health insurance Posted: September 18th, 2009 01:50 PM ET |
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House
Democrats outraise GOP in August From CNN Political Editor Mark Preston WASHINGTON (CNN) – The House Democratic
and Republican campaign committees Friday each reported raising
more than $3 million last month, but Democrats maintain a significant
cash-on-hand advantage over the GOP one year before the midterm
elections. |
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THE LEADER'S REPORT: WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 MESSAGE FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER This week, Congress continued its progress
on legislation to reform America’s health care system. With
Senator Max Baucus’s release of a draft health care bill,
we have seen a proposal from each of the five committees with
jurisdiction—now, we will continue our work to combine them
into a final product that President Obama can sign. Democrats
share a strong consensus on the goals that health insurance reform
must satisfy: security and peace of mind that people can get
and keep affordable health care regardless of pre-existing conditions,
without going broke, and without being denied help when they
get sick. I also think it’s essential that this legislation
bring down health care costs in the long run, to keep our country
from sliding even further into debt. I’m proud of the progress
we’ve made, and I look forward to taking this work the rest
of the way. STENY H. HOYER |
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House Oversight Hearing on Private Health Insurance Companies from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 2pm (ET) |
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Press
Conference by Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon at United Nations
Headquarters |
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Marking
International Day of Peace on 18 September, 1,000 Students Will
Gather at UN Headquarters to Discuss 'Disarm Now for Better World' |
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Treasury
Issues Debt Management Guidance on the Supplementary Financing
Program |
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TREASURY
INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL DATA FOR JULY |
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What
Democrats Want to Change in the Baucus Health-Care Bill from TIME.com Top Politics Stories Montana Senator Max Baucus unveiled his much anticipated health-care bill with confident declarations that he could still gain some Republican support, but his bigger problem may be Democrats who don't like many aspects of his centrist plan |
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SEC and UK FSA Discuss Approaches to Global Regulatory Requirements from SEC.gov Updates: Press Releases |
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SEC Announces New Division of Risk, Strategy, and Financial Innovation from SEC.gov Updates: Press Releases |
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SEC Votes on Measures to Further Strengthen Oversight of Credit Rating Agencies from SEC.gov Updates: Press Releases |
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from SEC.gov Updates: Press Releases |
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Financial crisis panel may call Paulson as witness from Reuters: Politics |
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U.S. bill will help CFTC prosecute manipulation in new introduced legislation from Reuters: Politics |
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Student loan market overhaul approved by U.S. House from Reuters: Politics |
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Biden presses Iraqis to agree on oil, land from Reuters: Politics |
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U.S. bill would apply antitrust to medical insurers from Reuters: Politics |
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Senate passes big boost for housing, transport from Reuters: Politics |
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Senate Democrats urge ending telco wiretap immunity from Reuters: Politics |
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NATO proposes new era of cooperation with Russia from Reuters: Politics |
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H.R. 1881, Transportation Security Workforce Enhancement Act of 2009 from Recent CBO Cost Estimates |
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H.R. 3045, Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2009 from Recent CBO Cost Estimates |
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S. 1451, FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act from Recent CBO Cost Estimates |
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Frank: Start credit card rules earlier from Politico.com: congress by Victoria
McGrane |
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Conservatives using liberal playbook from Politico.com: congress by Andie Coller,Daniel
Libit |
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from Peace Corps: News, Photographs and
Stories |
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New
York Fed purchases $25.5 billion net ($31.2 billion gross) in
agency mortgage-backed securities |
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New
York Fed announces $1.4 billion in Legacy CMBS TALF loans requested
at September 17 facility |
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from National Nuclear Security Administration
- Press Releases |
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NNSA
Issues Request for Proposal for the Next Great Supercomputing
Platform |
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New Wise Guide: Law and the World from Library of Congress: New on the Web
Site |
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China / Singapore: Cooperation Agreements Signed and Double Taxation Agreement Amended from Law Library of Congress: Global Legal
Monitor |
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RUSSIA: CONVERSATION-ISRAEL-PRIME MINISTER-NETANYAHU from Kremlin.Ru: Unified Wire Service |
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RUSSIA: CONVERSATION-JAPAN-PRIME MINISTER from Kremlin.Ru: Unified Wire Service |
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Dmitry
Medvedev's statement in response to the new U.S. approach to
missile defence |
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RUSSIA: DECLARATION-USA-MISSILE DEFENCE from Kremlin.Ru: Unified Wire Service |
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GAO-09-1013T,
Secure Border Initiative: Technology Deployment Delays Persist
and the Impact of Border Fencing Has Not Been Assessed, September
17, 2009 |
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GAO-09-898,
Reserve Forces: Army Needs to Finalize an Implementation Plan
and Funding Strategy for Sustaining an Operational Reserve Force,
September 17, 2009 |
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GAO-09-949,
Nuclear Nonproliferation: National Nuclear Security Administration
Has Improved the Security of Reactors in its Global Research
Reactor Program, but Action Is Needed to Address ... |
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GAO-09-865,
Depot Maintenance: Improved Strategic Planning Needed to Ensure
That Army and Marine Corps Depots Can Meet Future Maintenance
Requirements, September 17,
2009 |
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Written
agreement with Century Bank of Florida |
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Written
agreement with Security Financial Services Corporation and Security
Financial Bank |
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FRB
Approval of proposal by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce |
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USSGL Board Meeting Minutes: May 14, 2009 from FMS Publications |
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September 17, 2009 TREASURY TAX AND LOAN from FMS Publications |
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September 17, 2009 TREASURY TAX AND LOAN from FMS Publications |
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from FMS Publications |
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from FMS Publications |
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from FMS Programs and Services |
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FTC to Host Public Roundtables to Address Evolving Consumer Privacy Issues from Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - Consumer
Protection Press Releases |
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FTC Announces New Enforcement Actions In Continuing Crackdown On Mortgage Relief Services Scams from Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - Consumer
Protection Press Releases |
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Fact
Sheet: Continued Progress in Reforming Intelligence |
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Wall
Street Journal Spotlights ODNIs Information Integration Program |
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USA
TODAY Highlights DNI's Commitment to Civil Liberties |
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Virtual
Networking Improving Collaborative Terrorism Analysis |
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President
Taps ODNI Expert to Lead Government-wide Cybersecurity Review |
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ODNI
Releases 2008 IC Employee Climate Survey |
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National
Counterproliferation Center Launches CounterWMD.gov |
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DNI Blair Selects Christopher Kojm as Chairman of the National Intelligence Council (NIC) from DNI Recent Speeches |
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Intelligence
Community Named One of the Best Places to Work in the Federal
Government |
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National
Intelligence, A Consumers Guide |
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Intelligence
Community Joint Duty Program Highlighted in Nationwide Public
Television Series |
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New
General Counsel Joins the ODNI |
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Students
Tackle Hands-On Problems During ODNI's First-Ever Summer Intelligence
Seminar |
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"Growing
Diversity" - Federal Times Op-Ed by Ronald Sanders and Patricia
Taylor |
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DNI
Message to Intelligence Community Employees |
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DNI
Unveils 2009 National Intelligence Strategy |
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Media
Conference Call with DNI Blair on the 2009 National Intelligence
Strategy |
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Senate
Subcommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Statement
for the Record by Mr. David R. Shedd - Security Clearance Reform |
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Sen.
Rockefeller Awarded National Intelligence Distinguished Public
Service Medal |
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DNI
McConnell Interviewed on the Charlie Rose Show |
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USTDA by webmaster@ustda.gov (Webmaster) |
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Discover the CIA with The Work of a Nation from CIA Featured Story |
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VIDEO: Pres. Obama Statement on Missile Defense from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 10:15am (ET) |
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VIDEO: Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) 7th District, Progressive Caucus Co-Chairman from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 8am (ET) |
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VIDEO: Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) 1st District, Education & Labor Cmte. Member from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 9:15am (ET) |
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VIDEO: Defense Dept. Briefing on Ballistic Missile Defense from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 10:30am (ET) |
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VIDEO: House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Weekly Legislative Briefing from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 10:45am (ET) |
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VIDEO: White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Thurs Sept 17 2009 from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 10:30am (ET) |
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VIDEO: State Department Press Briefing Thurs Sept 17 2009 from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 1pm (ET) |
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VIDEO: Treasury Sec. Geithner News Conference on Consumer Fraud from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 10am (ET) |
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VIDEO: Pres. Obama Health Care Reform Rally from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 11:40am (ET) |
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VIDEO: Senate Foreign Relations Hearing on Afghanistan from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 9:30am (ET) |
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VIDEO: House Oversight Hearing on Private Health Insurance Companies from C-SPAN Recent Video Published: Thursday at 2pm (ET) |
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Unions Call for Action for a Fairer Global Economy from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by Seth Michaels
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Harkin: We Will Pass the Employee Free Choice Act from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG by Seth Michaels |
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Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi calls for Afghanistan exit from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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Berlusconi says it's best to leave Afghanistan from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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Afghanistan makes plans for election run-off from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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UK commander says dialogue with Taliban insurgents necessary to end Afghan war from Afghanistan News latest RSS headlines
- Big News Network.com |
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Coakley
Way Ahead in Race to Replace Kennedy Massachusetts voters expect Martha Coakley (D) to be elected to the U.S. Senate in the January 2010 special election, but prefer Joe Kennedy (D) to succeed his uncle, the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, according to a Suffolk poll. |
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Hutchison
Catches Perry in Texas GOP Primary Race A new Rasmussen Reports poll in Texas finds Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) leading Gov. Rick Perry in their GOP gubernatorial race, 40% to 38%, with 19% undecided. |
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Obama
Approval Stays Steady A new Pew Research survey finds President Obama's approval rate steady at 55% after several months of sliding. |
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Poll
Finds Virginia Race Toss up A new Rasmussen Reports poll in Virginia finds it's effectively a toss-up between Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D) in the gubernatorial race. |
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Paterson
Staffs Up for Campaign Despite basement-level approval ratings and calls for him to step aside in 2010, New York Gov. David Paterson (D) is moving forward with his election campaign, CQ Politics reports. |
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Bill
to Name Kennedy Replacement Passes After a long day of often spirited debate,
the state House voted 95 to 58 to pass legislation that would
give Gov. Deval Patrick the power to appoint an interim senator
to fill the seat of the late Edward Kennedy. |
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Obama
Backs Bennet in Colorado Primary President Obama endorsed Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), "throwing the force of the White House into a Democratic primary battle that officially is just over a day old," the Denver Post reports. |
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Race
and politics in the age of Obama From CNN's Candy Crowley and Ed Hornick
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Obama
hits the road with health care reform message "We will get this done," he said
at a campaign-style rally at the University of Maryland. "In
the United States, nobody should go broke because |
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House
passes bill nixing private lenders in student loans The House voted 253-171 for the bill that,
if also passed by the Senate and signed into law, would effectively
end the role of private lenders in making student loans. Instead,
the government would become the sole direct lender for student
loans. |
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Congress
to Gen. McChrystal: Come on down! From CNN Supervising Producer Adam Levine
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Michelle
Obama goes green From CNN's Lauren Pratapas
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House
passes amendment to cut government funding for ACORN The House of Representatives approved an amendment Thursday that calls for halting government funding to the community organizing group ACORN. |
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Opposition
chants rise at pro-Palestinian rally in Tehran Posted: 04:00 AM ET (CNN) — Large crowds gathered in the Iranian capital Friday to march in an annual pro-Palestinian rally, among them thousands of green-clad supporters of the opposition movement, according to CNN sources in Tehran. |
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Berlusconi
says he wants Italian troops out of Afghanistan ROME, Italy (CNN) — Italian Prime
Minister Silvio Berlusconi said it would be “best”
for the country’s troops to leave Afghanistan as soon as
possible after six were killed in a car bombing in Kabul. |
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North
Korea says it wants multilateral nuclear talks Posted: 06:30 AM ET BEIJING, China (CNN) — North Korea would like to have bilateral and multilateral talks on the nuclear issue, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported Friday. |
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U.S.
envoy seeks to resume Mideast peace talks JERUSALEM (CNN) — The U.S. envoy for
the Middle East engaged in fast-paced shuttle diplomacy Friday
in Israel and the West Bank, hoping to broker a deal that will
resume peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. |
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NATO
chief suggests linking missile defense system in cooperation
with Russia Posted: 07:40 AM ET (CNN) — Russia, the United States and NATO should consider linking their missile defense systems in Europe, the NATO chief said Friday. |
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Videotaped
Remarks by the President on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah As members of the Jewish faith here in America and around the world gather to celebrate the High Holidays, I want to extend my warmest wishes for this New Year. |
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Presidential
nominations sent to the Senate, 9/17/09 Ben S. Bernanke, of New Jersey, to be Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for a term of four years. (Reappointment) |
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Statement
from the President on House Passage of Historic Education Reform
Bill I want to thank the House of Representatives for the progress they made today on the reforms I’ve proposed to strengthen higher education and our early education system. |
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President
Honors Nation's Top Scientists and Innovators President Obama today named nine eminent researchers as recipients of the National Medal of Science, and four inventors and one company as recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest honors bestowed by the United States government on scientists, engineers, and inventors. |
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President
Announces Plan to Expand Fight Against Global H1N1 Pandemic Today, President Obama announced the United States will continue to act aggressively to stop the global spread of the pandemic 2009-H1N1 influenza virus and is prepared to make 10 percent of its H1N1 vaccine supply available to other countries through the World Health Organization (WHO). |
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FACT
SHEET U.S. Missile Defense Policy A Phased, Adaptive Approach
for Missile Defense in Europe President Obama has approved the recommendation of Secretary of Defense Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a phased, adaptive approach for missile defense in Europe. |
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FACT
SHEET: Patient Safety and Medical Liability Reform Demonstration On September 9, 2009, President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress to announce his proposals for health insurance reform. One component of such a plan includes investing in new ways to manage medical liability claims. |
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Remarks
by the First Lady from farmer's market |
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Remarks
by the President at Presentation of the Medal of Honor to Sergeant
First Class Jared C. Monti |
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Remarks
by Joe Biden at a joint statement to the press with President
of the Kurdistan regional government Massoud Barzani |
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Remarks
by the President at Rally on Health Insurance Reform in College
Park, MD |
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Remarks
by the President on Strengthening Missile Defense in Europe |
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Remarks
by the President at the CHCI's 32nd Annual Award Gala, 9/16/09 |
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Windows
into the Clean Energy Economy Posted by Greg Nelson This morning on a factory floor Bensalem, PA (just outside of Philadelphia), the topic will be windows – and a window into the jobs being created in the Clean Energy Economy. |
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Rally
for Reform with College Students At around 11:40 EDT this morning the |
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"Stronger,
Smarter, and Swifter Defenses" Posted by Jesse Lee |
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Chat
with Austan Goolsbee on the Economy Posted by Jesse Lee |
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Warm
Wishes for Rosh Hashanah Posted by Danielle Borrin |
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Sneak
Peak at "America's Best Idea" Posted by Dan Wenk |
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The
President to the Youth: "It's about what kind of country
you want to be" |
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Outsourcing
Industry News and Updates - September 16, 2009 |
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UST Home Page for U.S. Department of Justice This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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NIJ Training Announcement: for Office of Justice Programs This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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FDA
Generic Drug Roundup: September 2009 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:38:00 -0500 Every year, FDA approves many new generic drugs. Here are some of the noteworthy approvals so far during 2009. |
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U.S.
Department of State Highlights: U.S.-Estonia Relations Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500 |
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Convention, meeting and destination planners group hotel bookings module Individual hotels can be booked at www.usdemocrats.com/travel |
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center
for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Small Business Assistance,
is announcing a public workshop on the Investigational New Drug
Process on October 15, 2009. There is no registration fee. The
workshop will be at FDA's Center for Food Center for Food Safety
and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) at 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College
Park, MD 20740. Information regarding the workshop is attached.
There is no registration fee. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm182606.htm |
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NEW VACANCIES AT THE US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 9/17/2009 Supervisory Equal Opportunity
Specialist GS-0360-13 |
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Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report for the U.S. Department of Labor This information has recently been updated.
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Military Medical Digest for Military Health System This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Biden:
Criminal Terrorists Will Fail in Iraq, Democracy Will Prevail
Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:37:00 -0500 |
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This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Houston Top Stories for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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DOT Fines Spirit Airlines for Violations
of Consumer Rules The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today assessed a civil penalty against Spirit Airlines for violating DOT consumer regulations. Spirit was assessed a civil penalty of $375,000 for failing to comply with rules governing denied boarding compensation, fare advertising, baggage liability and other consumer protection requirements. The civil penalty to be paid is a record for these kinds of violations. “Protecting airline consumers against unfair and deceptive practices is an important part of the Department’s mission,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We will continue to take enforcement action when airlines violate our rules.” The Department’s Aviation Enforcement Office found that Spirit bumped passengers from oversold flights but did not provide compensation or a written notice of their rights to compensation, as required by DOT rules. The investigation also revealed that Spirit failed to resolve baggage claims within a reasonable period, on one occasion taking 14 months to provide compensation. Spirit also was found to violate DOT rules by providing compensation for delayed baggage only for the outbound leg of round-trip flights and only for purchases made more than 24 hours after arrival. In addition, Spirit violated baggage liability laws governing international travel by refusing to accept responsibility for missing laptop computers and certain other items it accepted as baggage. Spirit also violated DOT rules requiring airfare ads to state the full price to be paid by omitting carrier-imposed fees from the base fare. It also failed to make available on request a copy of the Department’s rule prohibiting discrimination against disabled passengers. The Aviation Enforcement Office also cited Spirit for referring to DOT and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations when responding to consumer complaints even though the complaints did not concern DOT or FAA rules. Spirit also violated DOT rules by failing to retain copies of consumer complaints and by failing to file required reports in a timely manner. The Aviation Enforcement Office’s investigation of Spirit involved a review of complaints filed with the Department by consumers as well as inspections at airports and a review of records at Spirit headquarters. The Aviation Enforcement Office will conduct a follow-up investigation of Spirit during the coming year. The consent order against Spirit is available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2009-0001. ### |
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Camp
Bucca Closing Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:50:46 -0500 The detention facility at Camp Bucca Iraq is now closed. |
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Obama Administration Delivers More than
$36 Million to Pennsylvania Communities for Energy Efficiency
Projects Bensalem, Pa. – At a Clean Energy Economy Forum with Governor Rendell in Bensalem today, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that DOE is awarding more than $36 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support energy efficiency and conservation projects in communities across Pennsylvania. Under DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, these funds are being awarded to Pennsylvania’s State Energy Office and local cities and counties to help lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution, and create green jobs across the Keystone State. “With these Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, communities across Pennsylvania will be able to make major investments in energy solutions that will strengthen America's economy and create jobs at the local level,” said Secretary Chu. “It will also promote some of the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies we have - energy efficiency and conservation - which can be deployed immediately. Local communities can now make strategic investments to help meet the nation's long term clean energy and climate goals." The following cities and counties are receiving their Recovery Act EECBG awards today: Pennsylvania’s State Energy Office, Abington Township, Allegheny County, Altoona, Cheltenham Township, Delaware County, Middleton Township and York. The Department of Energy is continuing to review applications and will be making awards to additional cities and counties in the weeks to come. The EECBG program was funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and provides formula grants to states, cities, counties, territories and federally-recognized tribes nationwide to implement energy efficiency projects locally. Energy efficiency and conservation projects that are eligible for awards include the development of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy, energy efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programs, the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and installation of renewable energy technologies on municipal buildings. Transparency and accountability are important priorities for the EECBG Program and all Recovery Act projects. All grantees have specific measures they must take before spending the full amount of awarded funding, such as ensuring oversight and transparency, submitting a conservation strategy to the Department of Energy, and complying with environmental regulations. Throughout the program’s implementation, DOE will provide strong oversight at the local, state, and tribal level, while emphasizing the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies. Communities will be required to report regularly to DOE on the progress they have made toward successfully completing projects and reaching program goals. The following Pennsylvania EECBG awards are being made today: PENNSYLVANIA’S STATE ENERGY OFFICE will receive more than $23.5 million to spur economic growth, while accelerating the deployment of market-ready energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in communities across the Keystone State. The state’s Office of Energy and Technology Development will use Recovery Act funds to establish the PA Conservation Works! Program, which will award grants to local governments and non-profit entities that can demonstrate shovel-ready projects that promise energy efficiency improvements of at least 25 percent. To maximize the return on investment, all grantees will be competitively selected. Eligible projects include installation of energy-efficient streetlights; retrofitting of high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners; efficiency upgrades at wastewater treatment plants; and the deployment of renewable energy technologies on or in government buildings. At least 60 percent of the funding will be reserved for local cities and counties that are not eligible for direct EECBG grants from the Department of Energy. These Recovery Act-funded projects will improve air quality and related environmental and health indicators; increase the security, resilience, and reliability of Pennsylvania’s energy infrastructure; and are expected to generate or retain over 200 green jobs statewide. ABINGTON TOWNSHIP will receive $500,400 to upgrade the energy performance of urban lighting, municipal buildings, and governmental data processing operations. EECBG funding will be used for the replacement of incandescent and mercury vapor street light fixtures with energy-efficient light emitting diode (LED) equipment. The retrofitted fixtures will be specially tagged as energy efficient, in order to raise awareness and demonstrate to the public how energy and tax savings have been achieved with Recovery Act EECBG dollars. Abington will use additional funds to conduct energy audits at buildings owned by the township and to implement the most promising improvements identified through those audits. A portion of today’s award will also go toward reducing the energy consumption of data center operations within the township’s central administration facility. The upgrade to a “virtualized environment array” is expected to lower network power consumption by 50 percent. · ALLEGHENY COUNTY will receive more than $8 million to undertake several initiatives to substantially improve energy efficiency, including an energy savings performance contracting program for county facilities. EECBG funds will be used to implement energy conservation measures prescribed by an Energy Service Company following an investment-grade energy audit of county buildings. This program will accelerate the implementation of energy efficiency projects and measures in county-owned facilities by using EECBG funds as up-front capital. Potential measures that will be implemented include lighting upgrades and occupancy sensors, HVAC controls improvements, water conservation, and boiler replacements. With this Recovery Act funding, Allegheny County will be able to significantly reduce the county’s energy use while creating new jobs. · ALTOONA will receive $205,700 to improve the energy efficiency of urban lighting and public safety facilities. The city will convert 179 street lights from high-pressure sodium equipment to light emitting diodes (LEDs), which is expected to reduce energy usage more than 40 percent. These lights will be connected to dedicated meters, which will enable the city to confirm energy savings that resulted from the technology upgrade. Altoona will also upgrade 40 windows at its Fire Station #1, employing low-e-argon triple pane glass with foam filled frames; these windows are projected to save 10 percent off existing annual natural gas usage at this location. · CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP will receive $147,400 to install efficient mechanical and lighting systems at municipal buildings. Based on previous energy audits, the township proposes to replace aging equipment that in some instances has been in service for nearly a century. The Rowland Community Center will receive a new heating plant, replacing a current system that is controlled by antiquated pneumatic mechanisms that do not allow for individual room temperatures. The Rowland facility will also be outfitted with new, high-efficiency lighting and a building automated system (BAS) that will permit heating and cooling levels to be programmed according to facility usage. A BAS will also be retrofitted at the LaMott Community Center. With these upgrades, both the Rowland and LaMott centers will be able to serve the community at reduced tax-payer cost. · DELAWARE COUNTY will receive nearly $3.7 million to complete several projects that will improve energy efficiency and expand renewable energy use in the county. Among its EECBG activities, the county plans to install a photovoltaic solar power generation system at the Government Center Complex in Media, PA. This system will decrease the burden on the local utility and is intended to be a model project, spurring regional interest in alternative energy. Once implemented, it will be the largest public solar energy project in the area. Recovery Act funding will also be used to establish a grant program for municipalities within Delaware County that have requested assistance for energy efficiency projects but were ineligible for direct EECBG allocations. In looking to leverage funds, municipalities will be encouraged to partner with PECO, the electric utility serving Delaware County. The county expects its EECBG activities to create new jobs and produce substantial energy and cost savings. · MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP will receive $189,200 to lower the energy consumption and associated costs of its community center. The community center serves as the home of the Middletown Seniors Association, and also provides recreation and classroom space for the township’s Park and Recreation Department. Recovery Act EECBG funding will facilitate the installation of a new HVAC system, which by itself is expected to lead to a 20 percent reduction in the facility’s energy costs. · YORK will receive $190,200 to implement a Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESA) that will significantly improve the efficiency of six city-owned facilities, including City Hall, Fire Headquarters, the Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Building, and the York City Ice Arena. With Recovery Act dollars and over $2 million in leveraged funding, York will fund lighting system upgrades at all six facilities, a low-emissivity ceiling at the ice arena, thermostatic valve replacements at four facilities, building management system temperature controls at all facilities, and many other energy efficiency improvements. Over the fifteen-year life of the program, these changes are expected to achieve at least $2 million in energy savings. These energy saving measures were previously identified by an energy audit conducted by an energy service company, and the savings are guaranteed as a part of the GESA agreement. Each year, the energy service company will provide the city with a report detailing the actual energy and dollars saved. If the energy conservation measures do not meet the predetermined savings, the energy service company will be responsible for either taking corrective action at the buildings or for compensating the city. In addition to substantial energy and tax-payer savings, it is estimated that this program will create and save green jobs locally. For a full list of awards to date, visit www.eecbg.energy.gov. ### |
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FEMA HAZUS Software and Updates for FEMA
(Federal Emergency Management Agency). HAZUS-MH MR4 Released The much anticipated MR4 release is now available! Click here to order HAZUS-MH MR4 now. Click here to get the MR4 User and Technical Manual for the different models. Click here for the HAZUS-MH hardware and software requirements. The anticipated release date for Patch 1 and Comprehensive Data Management System (CDMS) 2.5 will be at the end of September, 2009. Both will operate on Windows XP SP3, ArcGIS 9.3 SP1 and 9.3.1, and use the same version of SQL. Visit the HAZUS Web site at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus for other available resources. |
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CFC
Kickoff Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:08:03 -0500 The 2009 Combined Federal Campaign is underway. |
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CDC
Asthma Information for Patients and Parents of Patients Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 -0500 Anyone with asthma is at higher risk for flu-related complications, such as pneumonia. |
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FDA
Approves Vaccines for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 -0500 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that it has approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccines will be distributed nationally after the initial lots become available, which is expected within the next four weeks. |
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Secretary
Sebelius Announces Medicare to Join State-Based Healthcare Delivery
System Reform Initiatives HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, along with Vermont Governor Jim Douglas and Director of the White House Office of Health Reform Nancy-Ann DeParle today announced an initiative that will allow Medicare to join Medicaid... More... |
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The
New Numbers -- Health Insurance Reform Cannot Wait Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released a new state by state analysis of last weeks U.S. Census numbers regarding the uninsured. More... |
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U.S. Department of State Remarks Upon Arrival in Tokyo, Japan Kurt M. Campbell Tokyo, Japan September 17, 2009 |
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Convention,
meeting and destination planners group hotel bookings module |
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The Bureau of Industry and Security will conduct
a "Complying with U.S. Export Controls" seminar in
Santa Clara, California, on September 23-24. This two day-program
will explain the important information you need to know to comply
with controls on the export of items subject to the Export Administration
Regulations. This is the last BIS seminar scheduled in California
this year. For additional information, please visit our website at www.bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/san_jose_sep_23_24_09.htm. |
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Secretary Chu Names 2009 Enrico Fermi Award
Winners University of Texas and Stanford University Professors to Share Presidential Award WASHINGTON, DC – US Energy Secretary Steven Chu has named Dr. John Bannister Goodenough and Dr. Siegfried S. Hecker as the winners of the Enrico Fermi Award, one of the most prestigious science and technology awards awarded by the U.S. Government. The Presidential award carries an honorarium of $375,000, which will be shared equally, and a gold medal. The award is administered on behalf of the White House by the U.S. Department of Energy. “The 2009 Enrico Fermi Award will go to two scientists who have selflessly devoted themselves to our nation’s energy and national security challenges,” said Secretary Chu. “These two individuals are pioneers in innovative research and I want to thank them for their work and congratulate them on this award.” The Fermi Award is one of the oldest and most prestigious science and technology awards given by the U.S. Government, and honors the memory of Nobel Laureate Enrico Fermi. Secretary Chu will present the Fermi Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., at a date to be announced. 2009 Enrico Fermi Award Winners Dr. John Bannister Goodenough Dr. Goodenough, 87, is currently a professor at the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, where he holds the Virginia H. Cockrell Centennial Chair in Engineering. He will receive the Fermi award in recognition for his lasting contributions to materials science and technology, especially the science underlying lithium-ion batteries. Dr. Goodenough, a physicist, identified and developed the cathode materials for the lithium-ion rechargeable battery that is ubiquitous in today’s portable electronic devices. This material has proven to be inexpensive, environmentally friendly, safe, sustainable, and capable of thousands of charge cycles with a constant output voltage without a loss of capacity. Batteries incorporating this cathode material are used worldwide for cell phones and other portable wireless devices, power tools, hybrid automobiles, small all-electric vehicles, as well as increasingly for electrical energy storage for alternative energy, such as wind and solar power. As this technology continues to develop, it can be expected to have an enormous impact on the U.S. economy and the environment by helping to reduce carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. Goodenough received his Ph.D. in Physics in 1952 at the University of Chicago. He was a research engineer at Westinghouse before moving to the MIT Lincoln Laboratory as a research scientist and group leader from 1952 through 1976. He continued his career as Professor and Head of Inorganic Chemistry at Oxford University and, after retiring from Oxford, returned to the United States in 1986 to join the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Siegfried S. Hecker Dr. Hecker, 65, was director of DOE’s Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1986-1997 and remained at Los Alamos as senior fellow until 2005. He currently is a research professor in the Department of Management Science and Engineering, a senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, and the co-director of Center for International Security and Cooperation, all at Stanford University. He will receive the Fermi award in recognition for his contributions to plutonium metallurgy, his broad scientific leadership and for his energetic and continuing efforts to reduce the danger of nuclear weapons around the globe. Dr. Hecker is credited with resolving a long-standing controversy involving the stability of certain structures (or phases) in plutonium alloys near equilibrium that arose from significant discrepancies between U.S. and former USSR research on plutonium metallurgy. Dr. Hecker also contributed to the understanding of plutonium aging, which is of pivotal importance in assessing the reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. In addition, Dr. Hecker was one of the principal architects of the science-based stockpile stewardship approach, still in use today to certify the safety and reliability of America’s nuclear deterrent. During the latter part of his tenure at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Dr. Hecker was a pioneer in global nuclear nonproliferation and threat reduction, establishing collaborative research and mutual cooperation with the nuclear weapons laboratories in Russia and other former Soviet Republics. Dr. Hecker received a B.S. in Metallurgy in 1965, an M.S. in Metallurgy in 1967, and a Ph.D. in Metallurgy in 1968, all from Case Western Reserve University. Additional information about the Fermi Award is available at: http://www.sc.doe.gov/fermi/ -DOE- |
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Ambassador
Lauds Construction Training in Afghanistan Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:36:00 -0500 |
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AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OUTREACH GRANTS IN SIX STATES Funding for Pilots to Reach Underserved Elderly and Working Poor WASHINGTON, September 17, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced grants totaling $3 million to six State agencies for pilot outreach programs to increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation in eligible seniors age 60 and older and working poor households. "President Obama has made it a top priority to ensure that all Americans facing economic hardship have access to nutritious food," Vilsack said. "Historically, seniors and the working poor participate in SNAP at lower levels than the general population, and these important outreach efforts can help close that gap." The approaches that will be tested for reaching SNAP-eligible elderly include a simplified phone application process; a locally stationed call center; and assistance from a faith-based organization serving different segments of low-income seniors. Models for reaching SNAP-eligible working poor households include assistance from a network of partners with existing relationships among the working poor; mobile applications specialists whose services will be marketed through new partners such as libraries and job centers; and a combination of strategies focused on working poor Latinos. SNAP is the primary source of food assistance for low-income elderly persons, but just three of 10 elderly in this country who qualify for benefits participate. The national participation rate among eligible working poor has been about ten percent less than all eligible persons. The pilots will be conducted in rural and urban counties and are expected to run two to three years. The six State agencies awarded grants, by target population, include: State Agency and Target Population: Massachusetts Department of Transitional
Assistance (Latino Working Poor) For more information on USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, please visit www.fns.usda.gov. # |
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Hillary Rodham Clinton September 17, 2009 |
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NASA
Sets Media Credential Deadlines for Ares I-X Flight Test Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 -0500 NASA has set media accreditation deadlines for the Ares I-X flight test targeted to launch Oct. 31 from Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. |
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Camp
Bucca Detention Center Closes in Iraq Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:57:00 -0500 |
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Federal,
State Partners Convene to Discuss Ongoing Anti-Fraud Efforts
in Housing Markets September 17, 2009 TG-291 |
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OIP FOIA Post for U.S. Department of Justice This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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AGRICULTURE DEPUTY SECRETARY MERRIGAN ANNOUNCES $8.6 MILLION IN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS TO HELP SMALL AND UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS Producers Can Learn New Risk Management Strategies Through 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' Initiative WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2009 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced that the Risk Management Agency (RMA) has awarded $8.6 million in partnership agreements to provide producers with opportunities to learn more about managing risk in their businesses, which provides an important educational opportunity for limited-resource and underserved farmers and ranchers. This announcement comes as part of the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, a USDA-wide collaboration that will connect people more closely with the farmers who supply their food. "The partnerships we are announcing today will provide opportunities for underserved, small and limited-resource producers to become better risk managers," said Merrigan. "For these small farmers in particular, risk management often means understanding direct marketing and for this they need legal, financial, and food safety tools and information appropriate for the scale of their operation and the markets that they serve." Many of the partnerships that RMA is offering can help farmers diversify production and marketing practices, or to provide planning tools to help farmers obtain the insurance and credit that are often critical to their ability to stay in business or to diversify their existing business. Federal Crop Insurance and Risk Management Education programs together provide a safety net to ensure that farmers and ranchers will survive the perils of nature and the marketplace and continue in business, thus ensuring the food supply. RMA administers these projects as well as the federal crop insurance program, with funding and authority from the Federal Crop Insurance Act. The new partnership agreements announced today include: Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States: $4,470,075 is being awarded to deliver crop insurance education and information to agricultural producers in 16 states designated as historically underserved with respect to crop insurance. These targeted states include: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Commodity Partnerships for Small Agricultural Risk Management Education Sessions: $697,875 is being warded to fund 70 commodity partnership agreements across the country, delivering training to U.S. agricultural producers in managing production, marketing, and financial risk. The program gives priority to educating producers of crops currently not insured under Federal crop insurance, specialty crops, and underserved commodities, including livestock and forage. Community Outreach and Assistance Partnerships: Up to $3.4 million is being awarded for collaborative outreach and assistance programs for limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally under-served farmers and ranchers, who produce priority commodities. Complete listings of the agreements can be found on the RMA Web site at: www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements . # |
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AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR RESEARCH ON FOOD SECURITY IN NORTHEAST WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $230,000 in funding for studies to assess the capacity of the northeastern United States to produce enough food locally to meet market demands, rather than relying on food transported long distances to feed the burgeoning East Coast population. These studies will be conducted as part the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative launched this week by USDA to connect people more closely with the farmers who supply their food, and to increase the production, marketing and consumption of fresh, nutritious food that is grown locally in a sustainable manner. "This research project will help identify and quantify the capacity to produce food locally that meets the needs of large urban populations in different seasons of the year," said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. "The lessons that we learn and the information that we glean from this project also will give us important insights into how we build and sustain local production systems elsewhere in the United States and abroad." Although low fuel prices have contributed to the globalization of the U.S. food system, with food transported to market over long distances, the ARS scientists contend that relying more on the strategic production of locally grown food can counter the challenges of rising transport costs, growing population demands and vanishing farmlands. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency, will provide $200,000 in additional funding to its laboratories in Orono, Maine, and Beltsville, Md., to hire two scientists to model and determine the suitability of East Coast soils for agricultural production, as well as land availability in the Northeast for local production of fruit and vegetables. ARS is also providing $30,000 to Tufts University in Boston for a new cooperative agreement to conduct an assessment of marketing and processing options for local food production, and also to determine how land-use policies could further encourage such production. ARS scientists at the Orono and Beltsville laboratories are mapping an array of county-level data from Maine to Virginia on factors such as weather, soil, land use, water availability, which they will use to model potential crop production along the Eastern Seaboard to find out where local food production could meet current and projected demand, and where it might fall short. In addition to the work conducted at the Orono and Beltsville laboratories, ARS' laboratory at University Park, Pa., is participating in the research. Two other USDA agencies-the Economic Research Service and the Agricultural Marketing Service-will also participate in this project. The team is modeling actual crop production practices and the flow of agricultural products into supply chains, including all the associated handling and transportation costs, from farm field to market. This will help identify how the costs and benefits of locally grown produce compare with product transported over long distances to the Eastern Seaboard market.
ARS funded cooperative research agreements in 2008 totaling $47,000 with university partners at Tufts University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop databases on local production and consumption of 130 agricultural products, and to assess cost-effectiveness of government conservation programs on organic dairy production. Other research partners in this work include Pennsylvania State University, Cornell University and Iowa State University.
# |
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Secretary
Napolitano's Remarks at the Domenici Legacy Conference on Public
Policy Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0500 Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano delivered remarks at the Domenici Legacy Conference on Public Policy in Las Cruces, N.M. |
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U.S.
Commander 'Ecstatic' at Iraqi Coordination Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:51:00 -0500 |
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U.S.
International Reserve Position September 17, 2009 2009-9-17-11-21-57-27132 |
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DNI NAMES DAWN MEYERRIECKS HEAD OF ACQUISITION & TECHNOLOGY Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair announced today that he has selected Dawn Meyerriecks, an expert in technology and operations management, to be the new Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Acquisition and Technology. Meyerriecks has extensive experience in designing, building and fielding intelligence and information technology solutions for the government and private industry. She was formerly the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) chief technology officer and the senior vice president for AOL Product Technologies. “Dawn is well respected for her work in designing, acquiring and delivering effective intelligence and information systems for the Department of Defense, and for providing some of the best commercial products for the public and private sector,” Blair said. “Her understanding of the entire end-to-end process of acquisition will help us deliver state of the art technology efficiently and when it is needed to maintain our advantage over our adversaries.” The DDNI for A&T is the DNI’s senior acquisition executive and science and technology advisor responsible for integrating science and technology across the IC enterprise, and for ensuring excellence in achieving cost, schedule and performance in acquisition. The office also is responsible for generating and developing research and development advances capable of transforming U.S. intelligence, and providing intelligence advantage over future adversaries. “Dawn will help us keep pace with the leading edge of technology which is critical to the IC’s ability to deliver better intelligence,” Blair added. The recently published 2009 National Intelligence Strategy places emphasis on science and technology and research and development by leveraging the explosive pace of technological innovation to improve the IC’s productivity, effectiveness and agility for the entire community. Since 2006, Meyerriecks has worked as an independent consultant for government and commercial clients. Previously, she was the senior vice president for AOL Product Technologies where she was responsible for full lifecycle development and integration of all consumer-facing AOL products and services, including the relaunch of aol.com, AOL Instant Messenger, and the open client platform. Prior to AOL, Meyerriecks worked for seven years beginning in 1998 at DISA where she was the CTO and technical director for the Joint Interoperability and Engineering (JIEO) Organization. Her last assignment was to charter and lead a new Global Information Grid Enterprise Services (GIG) organization. Meyerriecks worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory from 1983 to 1998 as a senior engineer and product manager before her tenure at DISA. Meyerriecks holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University with a double major in business and management science, and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Loyola Marymount University. She co-chaired a soon-to-be-released acquisition reform study for the National Academy of Sciences, and has served on advisory boards to the National Counterterrorism Center, Sun Federal, Cranite Systems, and the Defense Science Board Summer Studies. Meyerriecks holds numerous honors and awards
for her government service work and for work in private industry
including the Government Computer News, Department of Defense
Person of the Year for 2004; InfoWorld, 2002 and 2001 CTO of
the Year; CIO Magazine, 2002 20/20 Vision Award; Business Week
2.0, 20 Young Execs You Need to Know, 2001; Federal Computer
Week, 2000 Top 100 of the year for the government sector; the
Presidential Distinguished Service Award, November 2001; the
Senior Executive Service Exceptional Achievement Award in 1998,
1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003; and the National Performance Review
in August 1996. In November 2001, she was featured in Fortune
magazine as one of the top 100 intellectual leaders in the world.
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FDIC
Chief Financial Officer's (CFO) Report to the Board In an effort to streamline the financial reporting process and provide the Board with more timely and meaningful financial information, the finance team consolidated and redesigned most of the financial reports being forwarded to the Board. Specifically, in the past, the Board received three separate quarterly reports, often at different intervals: Investment Portfolios Status Report — investment activities and results for the DIF and the National Liquidation Fund; Financial Analysis Report (FAR) — financial statements for the DIF and FRF; and Budget Variance Report — year-to-date budgeted vs. actual results, broken out both by major categories of expenditures as well as by divisions and offices. The Second 2009 Quarter CFO Report to the Board was recently updated and published. For more information on the CFO Report to the Board, visit http://www.fdic.gov/about/strategic/corporate/index.html |
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The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
announces the following: You can now access the September 2009 Survey of Current Business at http://www.bea.gov/scb/index.htm |
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Alabama
ALL Kids - Children's Health Insurance Program Update |
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Alaska
Denali Kid Care (SCHIP) Update |
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Arizona
KidsCare Update |
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Arkansas
ARKids First! Update |
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California
Healthy Families (SCHIP) Update |
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Colorado
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) Update |
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Connecticut
HUSKY Healthcare (SCHIP) Update |
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Delaware
Healthy Children Program (SCHIP) Update |
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District
of Columbia Healthy Families Insurance (SCHIP) Update |
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Georgia
PeachCare for Kids Update |
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Florida
KidCare (SCHIP) Update |
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Hawaii
Quest Update |
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Idaho
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Update |
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Illinois
KidCare (SCHIP) Update |
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U.S.
Department of State Background Notes : Namibia (09/09) Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:28:21 -0500 |
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Connecticut Oil Company Pays Fine for Clean
Water Violations (Boston—September 17, 2009) A West Hartford oil company has agreed to pay a fine of $30,000 for violating the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). During oil deliveries in late 2007, Viking Oil Company pumped oil from an oil delivery truck into a monitoring well rather than into the underground storage tank used for heating oil. As a result, oil was discharged into the environment, causing a visible oil sheen to appear in waters of a wetland in close proximity to one of their clients. The oil sheen was also seen on a tributary of Rattlesnake Brook, a perennial stream that flows into the Farmington River. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) was the first to respond after the initial report of oil sheen. Viking’s insurance carrier immediately hired a response team to contain the spill and investigate its impact. The team was able to contain most of the oil before it entered the wetlands or waterways. To date, the insurance company has spent over one million dollars intercepting the remaining oil and remediating the wetlands. The remaining cleanup activities are being completed with CT DEP’s oversight. Although the oil impacted the vegetation and soil in the area, there were no signs that wildlife was harmed or threatened as a result of the spill. In addition, CT DEP determined that all of the closest drinking water wells were uphill from the affected area and that there was no indication of well water contamination. More information: EPA's enforcement of the Clean Water Act in New England (epa.gov/region1/enforcement/water) Prevention of oil spills (www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/spcc/index.htm) ### |
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City
of Jeffersonville, Indiana, Agrees to Upgrade Sewer Systems to
Comply with Clean Water Act Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:41:03 -0500 The city of Jeffersonville, Ind., has agreed to make extensive improvements to its sewer systems that will significantly reduce the city’s longstanding sewage overflows into the Ohio River in a comprehensive Clean Water Act settlement with federal and state government. |
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Iowa
- Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i) Update |
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Indiana
Hoosier Healthwise Update |
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Kentucky
Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) Update |
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Louisiana
LaCHIP Program Update |
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Kansas
Healthwave (SCHIP) Update |
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Maryland
Children's Health Program (SCHIP) Update |
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Maine
MaineCare (SCHIP) Update |
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Massachusetts
MassHealth (SCHIP) Update |
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Michigan Child Health Insurance Program update This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Mississippi Health Benefits (SCHIP) update This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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MinnesotaCare
Update |
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Montana
Children's Health Insurance Plan Update |
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Missouri MC+ for Kids (SCHIP) for GovBenefits.gov This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Nebraska
Kids Connection (SCHIP) Update |
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VACANCY:
Civil Engineer, GS-0810-12 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:46:58 -0500 WN-09-2C-0312-MKB1 (Closing Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
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Nevada
Check Up (SCHIP) Update |
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New
Hampshire Healthy Kids Program (SCHIP) Update |
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U.S.
Department of State Background Notes : Equatorial Guinea (09/09)
Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:15:05 -0500 |
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New
Jersey FamilyCare (SCHIP) Update |
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New
Mexi k i d s Update |
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New
York Child Health Plus (SCHIP) Update |
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North
Carolina Health for Choice for Children Update |
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United
States Department of Defense Image Gallery |
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North
Dakota Healthy Steps Update |
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Ohio
Healthy Start (SCHIP) Update |
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Oklahoma
Childrens Health Insurance Program Update |
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Oregon
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Update |
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Pennsylvania
Children's Health Insurance Program Update |
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Rhode
Island Rite Care (SCHIP) Update |
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South
Carolina Partners for Healthy Children Update |
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South
Dakota Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Update |
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TexCare
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Update |
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Tennessee
Families First Update |
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Utah
CHIP Program Update |
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Vermont
Dr. Dynasaur (SCHIP) Update |
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Washington
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Update |
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West
Virginia Children's Health Insurance Program (WV CHIP) Update |
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Wisconsin
BadgerCare (SCHIP) Update |
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Wyoming
Kid Care CHIP (SCHIP) Update |
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Energy Secretary Chu to Receive Chairman’s
Award at Alliance to Save Energy’s Annual Awards Dinner WASHINGTON, D.C. – US Energy Secretary Steven Chu will receive the Chairman’s Award at the Alliance to Save Energy’s 17th annual Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency awards dinner. Founded in 1993, the Evening With the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner recognizes individuals, organizations, companies, learning institutions, state offices, and government programs who have demonstrated a significant and tangible commitment to the cause of energy efficiency domestically and overseas. Media should contact Ronnie Kweller at 202-530-2203 or rkweller@ase.org WHAT: Secretary Steven Chu to receive the Chairman’s Award at the Alliance to Save Energy 17th Annual Awards Dinner. WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2009 7:00 PM EDT WHERE: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium 1301 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC -DOE- |
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Afghanistan
Mission Remains Complex, Mullen Says Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:32:00 -0500 |
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September
18, 2009 - DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF, 25 pages - 172 KB) |
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Pennsylvania Young Democrats: Our Friend Senator Casey and October 5th Registration Deadline Hey YD's, The last day to register to vote is October 5, 2009 for this years election. Please be sure you are registered or try and get some new folks registered. Here is the link to help you with that: https://www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us/Pages/SurePortalHome.aspx I am also writing you today because we need your help supporting our friend Senator Bob Casey, Jr. Danny Bauder, a fellow young Democrat, is co-hosting a fundraiser for Senator Casey next Monday September, 21st at the Waterworks in Philadelphia. If possible please donate $50.00 to Senator Casey. http://www.facebook.com/l/9d9ff;https://contribute.bobcasey.com/events/philly0921.html Please type, "Danny Bauder" at the bottom left hand side that states "Who will be using these tickets," so they know it is from a Young Democrat. Thanks so much! Tim Brennan, Esq. |
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September
Is National Preparedness Month Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:12:11 -0500 SEATTLE, Wash. -- September is National Preparedness Month, and this year the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is using the calendar observance to focus on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness, and helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Being Ready is all about taking four simple but all-important steps: get an Emergency Supply Kit; make a Family Emergency Plan; be informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses; and get involved in community preparedness initiatives. According to FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, the time to make proper provisions for pets is before disaster strikes. |
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Flag
Officer Assignments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:37:00 -0500 |
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NASA
Lunar Satellite Begins Detailed Mapping of Moon's South Pole Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 -0500 NASA reported Thursday that its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, has successfully completed its testing and calibration phase and entered its mapping orbit of the moon. |
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U.S. Department of State: Afghanistan Bombing Ian Kelly September 17, 2009 |
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USBP
in the News Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:19:32 -0500 For archived news releases, please visit CBP News Releases located under Newsroom. |
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HHS
Secretary Sebelius Announces Cornerstone Funding of the $650
Million Recovery Act Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:01:00 -0500 Creating ways for healthful lifestyle habits to be the natural first choice for Americans is the goal of a $650 million initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be used to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, decrease obesity, and decrease smoking in U.S. communities. |
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Genomics & Health Weekly Update is
published by the Office of Public Health Genomics at the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. It provides weekly updates of information about the impact of human genomic research on disease prevention and population health. Thursday, September 17, 2009 Volume 23 Number 12 |
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U.S. Department of State Congratulations to European Commission President Barroso Ian Kelly September 17, 2009 |
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The OALJ Pittsburgh District Office will be
closed on September 23, 24 and 25, 2009 due to the G-20 Summit.
For more information see www.g20safety.org. |
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The Office of Administrative Law Judges' Pittsburgh
District Office will be closed on September 23, 24 and 25, 2009
due to the G-20 Summit. For more information see www.g20safety.org. |
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OIG-09-87
- Status of Disaster Recovery Planning for Information Systems
at the Nebraska Avenue Complex (Unclassified Summary) (PDF, 3 pages - 209 MB) |
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FAA’s
Office of Audit and Evaluation Fact Sheet |
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FAA’s
Consistency and Standardization Initiative Fact Sheet |
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FAA
Airworthiness Directive Compliance Fact Sheet |
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FAA
Launches New Accident Prevention Office |
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FAA
Announces New Efforts to Respond to Safety Concerns |
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President
Announces Plan to Expand Fight Against H1N1 Flu Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:17:00 -0500 |
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Obama
Announces Changes for European Missile Defense Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:08:00 -0500 |
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Pentagon
Briefing Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:51:20 -0500 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen James Cartwright speak with reporters at the Pentagon. |
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US Energy Secretary Chu Announces Finalized
$5.9 Billion Loan for Ford Motor Company Washington, DC – Today, Secretary Steven Chu announced that the Department of Energy has closed on its loan offer of $5.9 billion to Ford Motor Company to transform factories across Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio to produce more fuel efficient models. The loan is part of the Department’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program, which supports the development of innovative, advanced vehicle technologies to create thousands of clean energy jobs while helping reduce the nation’s dangerous dependence on foreign oil. The loan for Ford Motor Company is the first to be finalized since the program was appropriated in the fall of 2008. This announcement builds on steps taken by the Obama Administration earlier this week to require an average fuel economy of 35.5 miles per gallon in the year 2016. That standard will reduce oil consumption by an estimated 1.8 billion barrels, prevent greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 950 million metric tons, and save consumers more than $3,000 in fuel costs. The funding announced today will help Ford meet those targets. “This investment is part of our commitment to creating the clean energy jobs of the future while supporting American innovation," US Energy Secretary Steven Chu said. "We can revitalize the American auto industry and at the same time reduce our dependence on oil and cut our carbon pollution." On June 23, 2009, DOE issued a conditional loan commitment to Ford to finance up to 80 percent of qualified expenditures to improve the efficiency of light vehicles by using technologies that improve internal combustion engines and transmissions, reduce vehicle weight, reduce vehicle drag with more aerodynamic designs, and improve vehicle efficiency through the development of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles. The loan proceeds will enable Ford to raise the fuel efficiency of more than a dozen popular models, representing close to two million new vehicles annually, and save more than 200 million gallons of gas a year. The Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program is focusing on helping domestic manufacturers apply the best available technologies to improve the efficiency of the vehicles they produce. In June of this year, the Department of Energy announced conditional loan offers to Ford Motor Company, Tesla Motors, and Nissan Motors for a total of $8 billion. The program was appropriated $7.5 billion by Congress to support up to $25 billion in loans to companies making cars and components in US factories that increase fuel economy at least 25 percent above 2005 fuel economy levels. The Department plans to make additional loans under this program over the next several months to large and small auto manufacturers and parts suppliers up and down the production chain. Applications for the loan program have included vehicles running on electricity, biofuels, and advanced combustion engines, and were submitted by both car and component makers, US automakers, US manufacturing subsidiaries of non-US-based companies, major US auto parts suppliers, and innovative startups. The intense technical and financial review process is focused not on choosing a single technology over others, but is aimed at promoting multiple approaches for achieving a fuel efficient economy. -DOE- |
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Publications for Federal Election Commission September supplements to the Campaign Guide
series are now available. |
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Washington, DC September 17, 2009 |
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This information has recently been updated |
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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) has approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) revising
its regulations to provide that an individual seeking protection
under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establish that
he or she has a disability consistent with the original, expansive
intent of Congress when it enacted the ADA in 1990. The NPRM
makes several significant changes to the definition of the term
disability necessitated by enactment of the ADA Amendments Act
of 2008. The NPRM, approved by 2-1 vote, carries a 60-day period
for public comment. Read the Q&A
Guide about the proposal and instructions for submitting
public comments. |
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European
Missile Plan Offers Better Defense, Gates Says Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:06:00 -0500 |
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AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES 86 GRANTS UNDER THE FARMERS MARKET PROMOTION PROGRAM Additional $4.5 million in Funding for 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' Initiative WASHINGTON, September 17, 2009 - As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the awardees of the 2009 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) at the opening of the FRESHFARM Market by the White House on Vermont Avenue with First Lady Michelle Obama. Deputy Secretary Merrigan, who chairs USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, was also in attendance at the event. Reaching into communities across America, 86 grants totaling more than $4.5 million were awarded to encourage and support the viability of farmers markets and direct marketing projects nationwide. A national directory of farmers markets is available at www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets. "Farmers markets have an important role in local and regional food systems by helping consumers have access to healthy, nutritious foods," said Vilsack. "These grants will help continue the recent expansion of farmers markets across the country to increase access to locally grown foods for consumers, and increase incomes for farmers." Vilsack emphasized that low-income consumers will particularly benefit through the program's emphasis on increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables through the use of electronic benefit transfers (EBT). This year, USDA exceeded its mandate to fund at least 10 percent of the total FMPP grant funds for new EBT projects at farmers markets. Thirty of the 86 grants promote the use of new EBT projects, and funding directed towards new EBT amounts to a little more than 18 percent of the total being announced today. These projects will help increase access to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers using funds provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Through FMPP, USDA is committed to promoting local and regional food systems that help to boost local economics, eliminate child hunger, and increase access to fresh produce in low-income neighborhoods, thereby improving community health and nutrition. Funds will be used to establish, expand and promote farmers markets and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities by eligible entities in 37 states. This announcement is just one component of USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative to help develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity. By successfully restoring the link between consumers and local producers there can be new income opportunities for farmers and generate wealth that will stay in rural communities; a greater focus on sustainable agricultural practices; and families can better access healthy, fresh, locally grown food. Under the funding announced today, the grantees are as follows: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska New Mexico New York North Carolina Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Texas Vermont Virginia Washington Wisconsin Eighty-six grants were awarded to 37 states for a total of $4,563,000, of which $833,116 of that amount is targeted to funding new EBT (electronic benefits transfer) projects. # |
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U.S. Department of State : Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Before Their Meeting Hillary Rodham Clinton Washington, DC September 17, 2009 |
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NEW
USA.GOV LINK: Federal News, Articles, and Tweets, where GovExec.com
aggregates news by agency |
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DoD
News Briefing with Secrretary Gates and Gen. Cartwright from
the Pentagon Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:51:00 -0500 |
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Salt Lake City Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Cotton-on-Call
for CFTC.gov. The Cotton On-Call Report # 37 is now available. See previous weeks in Historical Cotton On-Call Reports. |
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Gen
Cartwright Remarks Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:11:32 -0500 Gen James Cartwright discusses new missile defense policy with reporters at the Pentagon. |
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AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN USDA, NFL, AND DAIRY FARMERS FOR NATIONAL NUTRITION AND FITNESS CAMPAIGN WASHINGTON, September 17, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture will work with the National Football League (NFL) and the nation's dairy farmers to promote good nutrition and fitness in the nation's schools. The collaboration will help support President Obama's effort to promote good nutrition and physical fitness for America's children. "Childhood obesity is a very serious issue that endangers the long-term health and welfare of our nation's youngsters," said Vilsack. "To reverse this dangerous trend and give our kids the opportunity to eat smarter, exercise more and lessen their risk of disease, both the public and private sectors will have to work together to marshal their combined expertise and resources." Vilsack met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Thomas Gallagher, chief executive of Dairy Management, Inc., which runs the National Dairy Research and Promotion Program. The NFL and DMI are launching Fuel Up to Play 60, an innovative nutrition and fitness program based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, in some 60,000 schools this fall. The social marketing program empowers students to assume leadership in being more active and eating more healthy foods. The campaign will inspire kids to "fuel up" with the nutrient-rich foods they often lack-fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low- or no-fat dairy products-and "get up and play" with 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Student teams will evaluate their school's "wellness" and choose the healthy eating and physical activity programs on which the school will focus. At the meeting, Secretary Vilsack discussed a plan to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between USDA, the NFL and DMI to allow USDA programs and Fuel Up to Play 60 to collaborate and collectively tackle the critical issue of children's health. "USDA is excited to bring this partnership the experience and resources of our successful school-based health education efforts like Team Nutrition schools and the HealthierUS School Challenge," Vilsack said. "NFL is a proud partner of Fuel Up to Play 60. It is an important component of our overall NFL Play 60 campaign," says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "Our goal is to raise awareness about the importance of staying fit and eating right, especially for America's young people. This partnership is a powerful alliance linking the USDA, National Dairy Council and the NFL to address childhood obesity and emphasize the role of daily physical activity in a healthy lifestyle." "National Dairy Council is honored to work together with USDA and the NFL on Fuel Up to Play 60," said Thomas P. Gallagher, chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc., the managing organization for National Dairy Council. "Child nutrition, particularly in schools, has been a cornerstone of National Dairy Council for nearly a century. This program centers on youth taking the lead in changing the school environment through increasing opportunities for eating healthier and getting more physical activity." USDA manages 15 nutrition programs, which touch the lives of one in five Americans each year. And across the country, USDA designated 'Team Nutrition' schools have worked to forge the link between classroom nutrition activities and healthy meals served in the cafeteria. USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge recognizes 'Team Nutrition' schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. USDA is also the one of the lead agencies along with the Department of Health and Human Services, working to develop the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the nation's official dietary advice. # |
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U.S. Department of State Remarks With Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Before Their Meeting Hillary Rodham Clinton Washington, DC September 17, 2009 |
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U.S.
Department of State Background Notes : Senegal (09/09) |
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Obama
on Afghanistan Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:59:18 -0500 Commander in Chief Barack Obama tells reporters at the White House a decision on sending more troops to Afghanistan won't be made anytime soon. |
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DOJ
Six New Videos from the 2009 NIJ Conference (9/15/09) |
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Pentagon
Briefing Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:03:58 -0500 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen James Cartwright speak with reporters at the Pentagon. |
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U.S.
HELSINKI COMMISSION STATEMENT WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin
(D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation
in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), and Co-Chairman Congressman
Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement today
regarding the Obama Administration's decision to abandon plans
for missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic.
"The decision having been made, I trust the Administration offered strong assurances to our NATO allies regarding America’s commitment to their security as provided for in the North Atlantic Treaty and will back up its words with actions. The U.S. Helsinki Commission, with our long-standing commitment to Central and Eastern Europe spanning more than three decades, looks forward to further information about this particular decision. The Commission is committed to see human rights and democracy at the core of U.S. policy. We are equally committed to a strong and vibrant relationship between the United States and other OSCE participating States,” Co-Chairman Hastings said. # # # |
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FEMA 2009 All-Hazard Incident Management
Team Training and Education Conference Registration and additional information is at the following website: www.ahimt.net Conference Schedule: Tuesday November 3, 2009 Early Check-In: 1530 - 2000 Weary Traveler Reception: 1900 - 2200 Conference Starts Wednesday November 4, 2009 Wednesday: 0800 - 1700 Thursday: 0800 - 1700 Friday: 0800 - 1200 Registration Includes: Breakfast buffet – Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday Lunch – Wednesday, Thursday Conference Topics: Incident Management Teams - Where are we today? This general session will review outcomes from last year’s conference and the report that was generated as a result of the research conducted. What has been achieved and what still needs to be done? Lessons Learned This general session will look at three different AHIMT responses nationally and the lessons the teams learned from them. It will include an overview of their tasking, what went well, what did not, and how they would it next time. Funding – Incident Business Management Where are we headed on the training and funding of IMTs? This panel will discuss national, state, and local movements towards funding and support of teams and integrating them into local, state, and national standard operating procedures. Training Opportunities and best practices What type of training is offered and at what levels? This discussion will focus on training beyond NIMS including an interactive discussion of what training is of value for teams in real world deployments. The industry perspective – our partners How do teams respond to the needs of industry and partner with them at the same time? This discussion will detail the movement to incorporate industrial partners in responses. It will be lead by industry experts who are actively involved in planning and response in our communities. Memorandums of Understanding – Why you need them. This session will focus on the formal paperwork necessary to successfully develop and sustain an AHIMT. It will cover why these simple documents are very valuable to the team and protects not only the members of the team but their home agencies as well. Deployment Models – What works and what does not. Ok, so you got the call to go…..now what? This panel discussion will cover how to actually get your team moving and be successful downrange. The panel will include various responders with lessons learned. Succession Planning – What happens when you retire? So now you are all grey haired and will be retiring. What happens to your local team? This session will be a discussion of the need, procedures, and best practices to make sure we are mentoring replacements for our team members. Communications – The next generation. So what is Twitter? Why do I even care about facebook? What’s up with all of these new social networking things I keep hearing about and why do I need to know? This session will discuss the use and ramifications of using social networking to get your message out during an incident. Web EOC and other tools of the trade. This session will be a demonstration of selected tools that have work for AHIMTs and a discussion of real-world experiences with those products in the field. This is not a sales oriented session so don’t expect any door prizes, e-mails, or vendor calls afterwards. Shadowing and Task Books This breakout session will cover shadowing opportunities and how to find them. Maybe your area just never seems to have the “big one” - which is not a bad thing. However, you may want to get involved with larger incidents to hone your skills, to work on your Position Task Book. How to accomplish those objectives will be discussed during this session. Working Group Breakouts Note: These breakout sessions are offered twice so that those individuals who routinely fill more than one role on a team can attend two sessions. Command and General Staff Working Group This breakout session will be a facilitated discussion for individuals who are assigned, normally get stuck with, or are interested in the Command and General Staff positions. Operations Working Group This breakout session will be a facilitated discussion for individuals who are assigned, normally get stuck with, or are interested in the Operations Section. Plans Working Group This breakout session will be a facilitated discussion for individuals who are assigned, normally get stuck with, or are interested in the Planning Section. Logistics Working Group This breakout session will be a facilitated discussion for individuals who are assigned, normally get stuck with, or are interested in the Logistics Section Finance/Administration Working Group This breakout session will be a facilitated discussion for individuals who are assigned, normally get stuck with, or are interested in the Finance / Admin Section. Safety Officer Working Group This breakout is for safety officers and will discuss the best practices on how to ensure the safety of all without stepping on toes during the incident. PIO and Liaison Working Group This breakout will focus on the duties and tasks of the public information officers and liaisons on an incident or event. It will also discuss JIC issues as well as navigating the local political scene. Qualifications and Standards – Where are we headed? This general session will discuss the hot topic of qualification and standards for IMT personnel. It will include a panel with representation from various agencies who are involved in this matter and discussion. We expect it to be a very interactive session |
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Democracy for America Night School Campus Organizing Hey folks, I wanted to make sure that you've heard
about this month's Night Tune in this Wednesday September 23rd for
this month's Night School on Campus Organizing We will be joined by three of the most
talented student organizers RSVP today, and listen next Wednesday,
to hear how today's college |
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SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES MILES McEVOY WILL SERVE AS DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Miles McEvoy has been hired to serve as Deputy Administrator of the National Organic Program (NOP). McEvoy assumes his position on Oct. 1. Vilsack also announced that the NOP will become an independent program area within AMS because of the increased visibility and emphasis on organic agriculture throughout the farming community, evolving consumer preferences, and the enhanced need for governmental oversight of this widely expanded program. Organically grown and marketed agricultural products are of key interest to the Obama Administration, and the NOP will be receiving increased funding and staffing in the new fiscal year. "Miles McEvoy has worked in the field of organic agriculture for more than two decades and has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the organic community," Vilsack said. For more than 20 years, McEvoy led the Washington State Department of Agriculture's (WSDA) Organic Food Program, one of the nation's first state organic certification programs. In 2001, he helped establish the WSDA Small Farm and Direct Marketing Program. From 1993 until 1995, McEvoy was the founding Director of The Food Alliance, a program that blends sustainable farming practices and social welfare components into an eco-label program. McEvoy helped establish the National Association of State Organic Programs in 1998 and currently serves as its President. He also assisted the Montana Department of Agriculture to develop the state's organic certification program and has been helping the Oregon Department of Agriculture in developing its own organic certification program. The NOP is responsible for regulating the fastest growing segment of U.S. agriculture, the organic industry. U.S. sales of organic foods have grown from $1 billion in 1990, when the Organic Foods Production Act established the NOP, to a projected $23.6 billion in 2009. Congress increased NOP funding to $2.6 million in FY08 and to $3.2 million in FY09. # |
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DOT News for Department of Transportation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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TSA
Issues Rule to Achieve 9/11 Act Air Cargo Screening Mandate Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 |
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USDA RELEASES PUBLICATION ON OPENING FARMERS MARKETS ON FEDERAL PROPERTY WASHINGTON, September 17, 2009 - The U. S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service today released "Opening a Farmers Market on Federal Property: A Guide for Market Operators and Building Managers." The publication was jointly published by the Urban Development/Good Neighbor Program of General Services Administration, which administers most federal buildings. This publication discusses the issues involved in locating a farmers market on federal property: security, insurance needs, parking, the use of utilities and amenities, and all the other things you need to consider. It tells who to contact for information, points to some helpful government Web sites and offices, and offers case studies of successful farmers markets on public property. Federal properties may be good places for farmers markets, because they can boost traffic, since many federal buildings are prominently positioned in central business districts. Sites in buildings, on grounds or in parking lots are frequently available for minimal or no cost. "Opening a Farmers Market on Federal Property: A Guide for Market Operators and Building Managers" is available online at www.ams.usda.gov/MarketingServicesPublications or www.gsa.gov/goodneighbor, and in print form by request from Velma Lakins, Marketing Services Division, Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, Room 2646-South, STOP 0269, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250; by phone at (202)720-8317; fax at (202)690-0031; or e-mail to Velma.Lakins@usda.gov. # |
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VACANCY:
US Department of Justice Librarian |
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The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
has issued the following announcement today: State personal income statistics for the second quarter of 2009 and comprehensive revisions to those statistics for earlier periods that had been scheduled for release tomorrow, Friday, September 18, instead will be released on Friday, October 16. BEA had accelerated the production of the revised state personal income statistics that are consistent with the recently-released comprehensive revision of the GDP statistics, with the aim of releasing those statistics more quickly than in previous comprehensive revisions. Due to discrepancies just discovered in the data, we are unable to meet the accelerated schedule. We apologize for the delay; but the statistics BEA produces must meet our standards for accuracy. |
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VACANCY:
Administrative Support Assistant, GS-0303-06/07 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:43:26 -0500 WN-09-2C-0311-MKB1 (Closing Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
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VACANCY:
Public Assistance Program Specialist, GS-301-12 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:04:56 -0500 WN-09-2C-193-LDW1 (Closing Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT) |
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CDC Public Health Law News, Thursday, September 17, 2009 From the Public Health Law Program, Office
of Strategy and Innovation, CDC |
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Contact: Katie Grant Hoyer Statement on Historic College Aid Bill WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after
the House of Representatives passed the Student Aid and Fiscal
Responsibility Act:
### |
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U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations to Receive Golden Shears Award Office of the Spokesman September 17, 2009 |
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All official correspondents and owner/operators
of active medical device establishments were sent information
about the upcoming FDA FY2010 Device Establishment Annual Registration
period which goes from October 1 to December 31. That document
can be found here. For those firms who have to pay the registration fee, the device establishment registration user fee for FY 2010 is $2008 per facility. You cannot complete your FY 2010 annual registration until after October 1, 2009. You may not pay your FY 2010 annual registration fee, if required, until after October 1, 2009. The electronic registration and listing system (FURLS) will be undergoing scheduled maintenance and will be unavailable to all users from September 28, 2009 through September 30, 2009. During this time you will be unable to register a new facility or make any updates to your firm's FY 2009 registration. |
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Administration Officials Visit Chicago,
Dubuque on Sustainable Communities Tour EPA, DOT, HUD and White House Urban Affairs officials learn from local efforts and announce proposals to support sustainable communities WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and White House Director of Urban Affairs Adolfo Carrion kicked off their three-city Sustainable Communities Tour today. The officials, representing the administration’s DOT-HUD-EPA Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities, announced proposals during stops in Chicago and Dubuque that will help communities to improve access to affordable housing, provide additional low-cost transportation options, and protect the local environment. Administrator Jackson, Secretary LaHood, Director Carrion and HUD Senior Advisor for Sustainable Communities Shelley Poticha first joined Chicago Mayor Richard Daley to tour the Bethel Center in West Garfield Park, a community that is being redeveloped with a focus on affordable energy-efficient homes, traffic reduction strategies, brownfield redevelopment, and close proximity to schools and jobs. The officials then delivered keynote addresses at the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Council’s annual luncheon. In her remarks, Administrator Jackson made several announcements designed to further the partnership’s and administration’s commitment to sustainable communities. Those announcements included: · EPA will soon launch an Urban Waters initiative to help urban communities - particularly disadvantaged communities - reconnect with and revitalize their waterways. EPA will work directly with HUD and DOT and other federal, state, and local officials to coordinate work to help communities clean up urban waters and restore the surrounding neighborhoods. · EPA will work to help states better target State Drinking Water and Clean Water Revolving Fund investments to cost-effective, sustainable approaches to water infrastructure. EPA will also provide technical assistance to three pilot states that wish to explore the flexibility they have to achieve these goals. · Four state and local governments will receive technical assistance through the agency’s Smart Growth Implementation program. The State of California, the cities of Las Cruces, N.M., and Louisville, Ky., and Montgomery County, Md. will receive technical assistance on sustainability issues from a team of EPA, HUD, DOT staff and national experts, which EPA will pay for and coordinate. “We have a vision of vibrant, diverse communities that are environmentally sustainable and economically resilient. Chicago and Dubuque offer some of the nation’s best examples of Smart Growth, and these visits give us a chance to see first hand how we make our vision real for communities everywhere,” said Administrator Jackson. “Sustainable communities require the coordination of environmental strategy, transportation planning, and housing policy – which is why President Obama has brought together this interagency partnership to get it done.” “Today we saw first-hand how Chicago and Dubuque are figuring out what works - and where additional support is needed - to build livable and sustainable neighborhoods,” said Secretary LaHood. “We’ll return to Washington inspired by the successes of these cities and guided by the lessons they’ve learned. And working together with HUD, EPA and the White House, the DOT will take every opportunity to coordinate federal investments that will make American communities cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.” “The President has made it very clear,” said Director Carrion. “The present path of development for many of our urban areas is unsustainable. When 80 percent of Americans live in urban centers, and these communities serve to a great extent as the economic and cultural life blood of our country, we have to identify the best ideas that allow us to uplift these areas with a goal of long-term sustainability and increased quality of life. We simply cannot accept anything less.” The secretaries and the administrator also jointly announced their work with the administration to develop a fully coordinated legislative and regulatory strategy. This coordinated effort will focus on ensuring that all three agencies programs are fully aligned and working effectively together to attain the goals set out in the partnership’s Sustainable Community Principles. The tour continued in Dubuque with a tour of the historic Millwork District, which the city is transforming into a sustainable neighborhood with a focus on mixed income housing, multiple transportation options and minimized environmental impact. Local officials described their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas and other harmful emissions, cut transportation costs, and build more affordable homes near employment centers. The day concluded with a town hall meeting at the Grand River Center - a revitalized former brownfields site - where the officials discussed the city’s sustainability efforts with Dubuque residents. In Dubuque, Secretary Donovan announced new steps that HUD is taking toward achieving the goals of the Sustainable Communities Partnership. The secretary announced new HUD guidelines to make it easier to recycle land and develop multifamily housing in communities across the country, while ensuring the environmental health and safety of future residents. The new guidelines remove a policy barrier to development in towns and cities across the country, often in places near jobs and transportation infrastructure where affordable housing is badly needed. “There are properties across the country with good access to affordable transportation and jobs that could be developed into affordable housing but aren’t developed because of the federal red tape involved,” said Secretary Donovan. “The new guidelines being announced today will cut the red tape and provide more opportunities to develop affordable housing in communities across America.” The two-day, three-city tour continues tomorrow in Denver, where the officials, joined once again by Director Carrion, will tour a housing complex and participate in a White House Office of Urban Affairs community forum focusing on sustainable communities in urban areas. The tour is a part of the work that the agencies have committed to through the DOT-HUD-EPA interagency partnership the three agencies announced in June. The partnership, working closely with the White House Domestic Policy Council, is focused on bringing a new level of interagency collaboration and ensuring that housing and transportation goals that help attain sustainable growth are met while simultaneously protecting the environment, promoting equitable development, and addressing the challenges of climate change in rural, suburban and urban communities nationwide. R264 |
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KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE FLU WEBCAST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES LIVE ON FLU.GOV SEPT 18 13:00 EDT WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services will co-host a Know What to Do About the Flu Webcast FRIDAY September 18th. Top experts from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, U.S. Small Business Administration, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses Legal Foundation will discuss what small businesses can do to help keep themselves and their employees healthy this flu season. WHO: Alexander Garza, M.D., Assistant Secretary
for Health Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland Security WHAT: Know What to Do About the Flu Webcast WHEN: FRIDAY September 18th at 1:00 PM EDT WHERE: Live on www.flu.gov
For more information on how to take steps to prevent the flu, visit www.flu.gov. ### |
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VACANCY:
D94202 Program Analyst, GS-0343-09/11/12 Opens: 17 Sep 2009 Closes: 28 Sep 2009 Location: Ft. Belvoir, VA |
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State
Employee Charged with Making Threatening Calls to Trooper |
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Gates
Calls for Patience on Afghanistan Troop Decision Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:58:00 -0500 |
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OCC Releases CRA Evaluations For 35 National
Banks WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today released a list of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance evaluations that became public during the period of August 15, 2009 through September 14, 2009. The list contains only national banks and insured federal branches of foreign banks that have received ratings. The possible ratings are outstanding, satisfactory, needs to improve, and substantial noncompliance. Of the 35 evaluations made public this month, 5 were outstanding, 30 were satisfactory, none were needs to improve, and none were substantial noncompliance. Evaluations are available from links on http://www.occ.treas.gov/cra/sept09.htm. The OCC’s World Wide Web site (http://www.occ.treas.gov) also offers access to a searchable list of all public CRA evaluations (http://www.occ.treas.gov/cra/crasrch.htm). Copies of the actual evaluations may be obtained by submitting a request electronically through the OCC's online FOIA site https://appsec.occ.gov/publicaccesslink/. You can also obtain copies by writing to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Communications Division, Mailstop 2-3, Washington, DC 20219. When requests are made electronically, remember to include your postal mail address. Facsimile requests may be sent to (202) 874-5274. This month's list of ratings is attached. ### |
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Guidance
for Industry: Considerations for Allogeneic Pancreatic Islet
Cell Products 9/2009 |
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IRS Special Edition Tax Tip 2009-10: Ten Facts about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit Ten Facts about the First-Time Homebuyer
Credit |
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FBI
NEW NATIONAL INITIATIVE: Using Highway Billboards To Identify
Sex Offenders Do you recognize this man? A digital billboard in Rhode Island featuring him is part of a new national initiative to find sex offenders. Details |
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VACANCY:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR U.S. TRUSTEES
WASHINGTON, D.C. (1) EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY (GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE
AND BANKRUPTCY LAW)/GS-14/15 ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 09-37-1400 Applications must be postmarked by the closing
date of October 2, 2009. Applications must be postmarked by the
closing date of October 2, 2009. |
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FBI
Corruption Alert on Potential Economic Stimulus Fraud Our mission today includes seeing and being ready to respond to possible crime threats on the horizon. Here's one. Story |
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Department
of Labor Newsletter - September 17, 2009 |
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HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR SEPTEMBER 17,
2009 |
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FDA
Manual of Policies and Procedures (MaPP) 6720.2 Procedures for
Handling Requests for Proprietary Name Review |
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New York Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Secretary Clinton Presents Awards to Inaugural Class of Democracy Video Challenge Winners Office of the Spokesman September 17, 2009 |
|
CDC's News: Immunization-related MMWRs This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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U.S.
Department of State : Daily Press Briefing - September 17 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:17:07 -0500 |
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DoD
Contracts for September 17, 2009 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:17:00 -0500 |
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U.S. SEN. SHAHEEN OF N.H. TO SPEAK TO LOCAL
FIRMS ABOUT EXPORTING WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a former small business owner, will address New England businesses about expanding their sales in foreign markets and creating U.S. jobs. The presentation will be made at a half-day interactive seminar organized by six federal agencies Oct. 6 at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. Shaheen, who serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, will be a featured speaker at "Exports Live! Real Deals, Real Profits," an eight-city seminar series. The meetings will review strategies and partnerships used by local small and medium-size businesses that already have discovered how to increase profitability through exporting. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and enormous opportunities await them if they tap the export services provided by federal, state and local trade organizations to widen their reach in the global marketplace," said Shaheen. "I look forward to talking with many local companies at this seminar about how to realize these opportunities and help our economy grow." The seminars will feature presentations and Q & A sessions by successful small-business exporters that have benefitted from government export services and solutions. Representatives of the same government organizations also will be on the program and available later in the day to offer one-on-one sessions. The Boston Seminar follows one in New York on Oct. 5, and will be followed by similar sessions in Miami (Oct. 26), Houston (Oct. 27), Detroit (Nov. 9), Chicago (Nov. 10), Los Angeles (Nov. 16), and Seattle (Nov. 17). Leading the meetings will be the heads of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the U.S. Trade Representative. "Although 95 percent of the world’s customers are located outside of the United States, the vast majority of American companies aren't currently accessing this global market because of perceived difficulties in successfully finding and financing foreign sales," said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. “We plan to show seminar participants how to overcome these difficulties." Shaheen is the first woman in history to serve both as a governor and a U.S. senator. She served as governor of New Hampshire from 1997 to 2003 and was sworn-in as a member of the U.S. Senate in January 2009. In addition to the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, she also serves on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and the Committee on Foreign Relations where she chairs the Subcommittee on European Affairs. For more information and to register for the nearest "Exports Live!" seminar, visit www.export.gov/exports_live/ or call toll-free 1-(888) 966-2009. Please note that space is limited. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> |
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U.S.
Fire Administration Training, Resources and Data Exchange Network
(TRADENET) Update |
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Mullen
Reveals Lessons that Shaped His Stance on Diversity Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:46:00 -0500 |
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Contact: Hoyer Statement on Health Care Rally with President Obama WASHINGTON, DC – Majority Leader Steny
H. Hoyer (Md) joined President Barack Obama today for a health
insurance reform rally at the University of Maryland - College
Park. He released the following statement: ### |
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What's New at AHRQ for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Denver Press Releases for Federal Bureau of Investigation This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
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Connecticut Young Democrats: Congressman Murphy at CCSU to Announce Progress on Largest Student Aid Bill in History! Congressman Murphy at Central Connecticut State University TODAY to Announce Progress on Largest Student Aid Bill in History!
TODAY, Friday, September 18th at 2PM, Congressman Chris Murphy will hold a press conference at Central Connecticut State University to announce action in Washington on the single largest investment in aid to help students and families pay for college in history -- and at no cost to taxpayers!
The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) will save $87 billion through simplifying the federal loan process, use approximately $10 billion to help pay down the deficit, and use the remaining funds for Pell Grants, Perkins Loans, community colleges, and early education programs. Additionally, the bill simplifies the application process for federal loans, making it easier for families to apply.
EVENT Details: WHO: Congressman Chris Murphy, and Andrew Fronig, CCSU Student Body President WHAT: Murphy to Announce Progress on Largest Student Aid Bill in History WHEN: Friday, September 18, 2009 at 2pm WHERE: Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, Student Center - Devil's Den *CCSU will post signs directing attendees to location of Murphy press conference
We hope you can make it out to show your support of Congressman Murphy and this bill aimed at helping students TOMORROW at CCSU! ________________________________________________________ ALSO... Our Bi-Annual Convention to elect our CTYD leaders for the next 2 years will reconvene THIS MONDAY, September 21, 2009. All are welcomed to attend, but only delegates will be permitted to vote. Delegates not able to attend, be sure to contact Matt Salner (mattsalner@sbcglobal.net) for proxy rules so that your vote can still be counted. Meeting starts at 7:00pm Monday night at State Central's NEW LOCATION: 330 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Hartford, CT. Here is the link to a map showing where the NEW State Central office in Hartford is located. PARKING is available in a garage located on Prospect St. which runs parallel to Main St. There is a door to the building off the parking garage, but the front doors of the building are actually on Charter Oak St if anyone is getting dropped off or anything. Here is a list of the candidates seeking Executive Board positions:
President Executive Vice President VP of Organization and Development VP of Political Affairs VP of Finance National Committeewoman (special election
to fill vacancy - election for full term in January)
Thank You! We hope that you can make both Congressman Murphy's local press conference TOMORROW, as well as our Bi-Annual Convention to elect our new CTYD leaders on MONDAY! The Connecticut Young Democrats |
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Next
Station Commander Shares Training, Flight on Twitter and Blog Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 -0500 NASA astronaut Jeff Williams, who will command the next International Space Station mission, is using Twitter, a blog and short video clips to provide a unique, behind the scenes insight into his training in Russia. |
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NRC
Schedules Public Meeting on Inspection Results for Uranium Pellets
Reported Missing at Westinghouse Columbia Plant |
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DoD
Identifies Army Casualties Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:15:00 -0500 |
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DoD
Identifies Army Casualty Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:07:00 -0500 |
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FDA
Warns Consumers Not to Use Stolen Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation
Solution and Ipratropium Bromide Inhalation Solution Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:44:00 -0500 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today advised consumers not to use certain respiratory medications purchased after Sept. 8, 2009 and manufactured by Dey L.P., a subsidiary of Mylan Inc., because the medications might have been part of a shipment being transported on a tractor-trailer stolen in Tampa, Fla., on Sept. 8, 2009. |
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Medal
of Honor Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:09:51 -0500 Sergeant 1st Class Jared Monti is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan. |
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DoD
Top News Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:12:12 -0500 The U.S. revamps its missile defense plans. Also, Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan. |
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NRC
Names New Senior Resident Inspector at Perry Nuclear Power Plant |
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Citizen Corps supports weekly and monthly
outreach themes which encourage and promote civic engagement,
public safety, preparedness, resilience, and volunteerism. The
outreach themes are intended to be used as an opportunity to
jumpstart work with additional Citizen Corps Affiliates and Partners
on promoting awareness, planning events, and media outreach to
strengthen community preparedness at the state and local level.
Local Citizen Corps Councils and partners may contact local representatives
from the organizations below to learn how the community can benefit
from involvement, reach out to citizens about participation,
and involve the local media in distributing information on these
events. These events will help raise awareness for local Citizen
Corps activities and ultimately increase community preparedness,
training, and volunteer participation. Crime Prevention Month: More than twenty-five million Americans are victims
of crime each year. October is Crime Prevention Month, a time
to recognize and celebrate the practice of crime prevention while
promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization,
volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities. The
month-long recognition highlights successful crime prevention
efforts on the local, state, and national levels. Visit the “What
You Can Do” webpage of the National
Crime Prevention Council to find out how your community can
support this month’s efforts to combat crime. Also, participate
in Celebrating Safe Communities to kick-off Crime Prevention
Month on October 1-3, 2009 (see below). Diversity Awareness Month: October is Diversity Awareness Month. Consider
meeting with area minority leaders – in businesses, schools,
churches, and local organizations – to discuss their role
in promoting community preparedness and Citizen Corps. You can
also organize public speaking opportunities or radio interviews
for leaders in your community to promote increased participation
in preparedness from across the diverse sectors of your community.
Visit the website for the National
Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally
Diverse Communities for additional ideas, training materials,
and resources. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month: This October marks the fifth annual National
Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The Department
of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity Division (NCSD)
is once again actively engaging public and private sector partners
through events and initiatives to increase overall awareness
and minimize vulnerabilities. National Cybersecurity Awareness
Month is a campaign designed to educate all citizens and key
public and private sector partners on cyber threats and how to
safeguard themselves at home, work and school. Visit the DHS
Cybersecurity Awareness Month webpage to learn more about
how you can help contribute to your community’s cybersecurity
awareness. 28th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Weekend (October 2-4, 2009): This
year, the National Fallen
Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department
of Homeland Security's U.S. Fire Administration will recognize
the 28th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
on October 2-4, 2009. Plaques with the names of more than 3,300
firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty will surround
the memorial in Emmitsburg, MD, which was established in 1981.
Visit the National Fallen
Firefighters Memorial Weekend website for more information
on this important event to honor America’s heroes. Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10,
2009): Fire Prevention Week 2009,
sponsored by the National Fire
Prevention Association (NFPA), focuses on burn awareness
and prevention, as well as keeping homes safe from the leading
causes of home fires. Visit the NFPA's
Fire Prevention Week website to see more about what fire
and life saving educators will be doing to promote fire safety
this week, and learn how fire prevention focused outreach and
education can be conducted in your community. America's Safe Schools Week (October
18-24, 2009): Join your local school
district and the National School Safety Center in observing America’s
Safe Schools Week. The goal for this campaign is to motivate
key education and law enforcement policymakers, as well as students,
parents and community residents, to vigorously advocate school
safety. Work with your local educators, policymakers and community
at large to support local school safety efforts. To find out
more visit the National
School Safety Center. National School Bus Safety Week (October
19-23, 2009): The National
Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) promotes National
School Bus Safety Week the third week in October. During this
week, the NAPT hosts the National School Bus Safety Poster Contest,
which allows students to artistically represent a safety theme
and have a chance to win a prize. This nationwide contest for
students in grades K-8 is a great way to get youth involved in
preparedness and safety education in their own education institutions.
This year’s theme, "Avoid Harm, Obey the Stop Arm",
and the winning poster can be seen on the National
School Bus Safety Week website. National Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31,
2009): The mission of the Red Ribbon
Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards
the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA. The National Red Ribbon
Week, sponsored by the National
Family Partnership (NFP), is an ideal way for individuals
and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance
abuse. The NFP helps citizens across the nation come together
to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and
drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring
the Red Ribbon Campaign. Visit the NFP’s
National Red Ribbon Week website for more information and
resources. Make a Difference Day (October 24, 2009): Each year, the Points
of Light Institute/Hands on Network sponsors Make A Difference
Day. This year marks the 18th year for Make A Difference Day,
which will be celebrated on the fourth Saturday of October. Last
year, more than three million people served on the 2008
Make A Difference Day. The day connects people with opportunities
to serve, increases the strength of communities and promotes
civic engagement. Anyone can participate in this national day
to help others. Visit the Make
a Difference DAYtaBANK to find an opportunity in your community
or engage your Citizen Corps Council or partners in continuing
their service to the community through a project. |
|
Updated
CMS Quarterly Provider Update (QPU) -- 09/04/2009 through 09/16/2009 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:10:00 -0500 Date: 09/17/2009 Subject: Updated CMS Quarterly Provider Update (QPU) -- 09/04/2009 through 09/16/2009 Content: The CMS Quarterly Provider Update (QPU) was updated on 09/04/2009 through 09/16/2009 to include recently published instruction(s) and/or regulation(s). Please view the July 2009 QPU What's New Page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/QuarterlyProviderUpdates/03_WhatsNew.asp for more details. |
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
is warning Veterans not to give credit card numbers over the
phone to callers claiming to update VA prescription information. Veteran Service Organizations have brought to
VA's attention that callers are misrepresenting the VA to gain
personal information over the phone. They say VA recently changed
procedures for dispensing prescriptions and ask for the Veteran's
credit card number. Veterans with questions about VA services
should contact the nearest VA medical center or call, toll-free,
1-877-222-8387. |
|
U.S.
Department of State Highlights: U.S. Extends Condolences for
Afghan and Italian Deaths in Kabul Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500 |
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Department
of Defense Media Schedule for 9/18/2009 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:11:00 -0500 |
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College
Democrats of Wisconsin: Vote For your favorite 2010 candidate
for Governor |
|
Visit
Our Newly Redesigned Houston FBI Field Office Website Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:42:52 -0500 Our Houston Division's website has a new look. |
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Colorado
Company Sentenced for Trading with Cuba Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:15:46 -0500 Platte River Associates, a Boulder, Colorado company that sells software that aides in oil and gas exploration, was sentenced for trading with Cuba. |
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New
York Doctor Sentenced for Illegal Medicaid Kickback Scheme Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:37:55 -0500 Muhammad Ejaz Ahmed, a physician with an office in Brooklyn, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to forfeit over $1.7 million for his role in a scheme to pay illegal kickbacks to Medicaid recipients. |
|
Cms.hhs.gov- Mandatory Insurer Reporting for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) This information has recently been updated,
and is now available. |
|
Today's top Air Force stories include: Wilford Hall opens new PTSD Clinic CMSAF holds open forum for Airmen at AFA
Air Force Association honors Doolittle
Raiders, Tuskegee Airmen Air Force officials announce criteria for
basing of joint strike fighter President announces plan to expand fight
against H1N1 flu |
|
How
many POW/MIA servicemembers are there? Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:05:44 -0500 More than 88,000 servicemembers, from World War II to the Iraq War, remain missing. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is September 18, to honor prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. Visit the FAQ at USA.gov for more information. |
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Eligible Foreign Establishments for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service The Eligibe Foreign Establishment lists
for Mexico and Canada have been revised. This information has
recently been updated, and is now available. |
|
Export Requirements for Meat & Poultry Products for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service The export requirements for Australia have
been revised. This information has recently been updated. |
|
Medal
of Honor Ceremony Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:53:11 -0500 Commander in Chief Barack Obama posthumously awards the Medal of Honor to SFC Jared Monti for his heroic actions in combat in Afghanistan. |
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Missile
Defense System Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:03:40 -0500 The U.S. is modifying its current plan to build a missile defense system in eastern Europe. |
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U.S.
Department of State Highlights: Swearing-In Ceremony for Global
AIDS Coordinator and Ambassador-at-Large Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500 |
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Statement from the President on House Passage of Historic Education Reform Bill THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _________________________________________________________ September 17, 2009 Statement from the President on House Passage of Historic Education Reform Bill I want to thank the House of Representatives for the progress they made today on the reforms I’ve proposed to strengthen higher education and our early education system. Today, the House delivered a historic set of reforms to the financial aid system that will offer relief to students and families. This bill will end the billions upon billions of dollars in unwarranted subsidies that we hand out to banks and financial institutions, and will use that money to guarantee access to low-cost loans, and strengthen Pell Grants and Perkins loans that make college more affordable. This bill also follows through on our plan to shore up our community college system, simplifies the complicated financial aid forms to make it easier for students to apply for and get the help they need, and will strengthen standards and improve outcomes in early learning programs. I look forward to signing these reforms into law. ## |
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The FDA Data Standards Council’s website was updated Thursday, September 17, 2009, to include updated terminology:
A. UNII update - http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DataStandards/StructuredProductLabeling/ucm162523.htm
|
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Support Marriage Equality in Maine! As you know, Maine is one of the latest states to approve full marriage equality for same-gender couples. Unfortunately, the right secured enough signatures to place an anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment on the Maine November ballot. The forces of hate are already running ads full of misinformation and scare tactics. Let's all do our part to Protect Equality in Maine. Click on the link and make a donation I just did! Please do an e-mail blast to your membership and/or post this link on your chapter websites! Forward this e-mail to your friends! Maybe this time, Maine will prove to be the Right's "Waterloo" when it comes to these hateful discriminatory state constitutional marriage amendments! Thanks, Daniel Graney |
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VACANCY:
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, MRI/CTGS-0647-9/10 Department
Of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration |
|
VACANCY:
HUMAN RESOURCES SPEC (MILITARY) YA-0201-02/02 Department Of The
Army/Army Reserve Command |
|
VACANCY:
INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANT (OA) GS-1802-05/07 Dept of Homeland Security/Immigration
and Customs Enforcement |
|
VACANCY:
Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer Supervisor WS-5803-09/09 Department
Of The Army/Army Reserve Command |
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VACANCY:
Contract Specialist GS-1102-12/13 Department Of The Army/U.S.
Army Contracting Command |
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VACANCY:
Housekeeping Aid WG-3566-01 Department Of Veterans Affairs/Veterans
Health Administration |
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VACANCY:
Supervisory Criminal Investigator GL/GS-1811-9/11/12/13GS-1811-09/13
Department Of The Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs |
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VACANCY:
Security Specialist (Information) IA-0080-03/03 Department Of
The Army/Army Training and Doctrine Command |
|
VACANCY:
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT GS-0603-12/12 Department Of The Army/Army
Medical Command |
|
VACANCY:
PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS-0301-09 Department Of Veterans Affairs/Veterans
Health Administration |
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North Texas Democrats: Dinner with The Dems this evening at 7:30pm Join the CDNT Officers for dinner today (9/18/09) at Katz at 7:30pm. (Katz is behind maple next to chicken-e) Both non-members and members welcome! |
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Conference Call with senior members of the Obama Administration Hello Young Dems, This is so all of us can stay in the loop with the National chapter. Thanks! Sincerely,
Dear Adam, Thank you so much for taking the time to sign the YDA Health Pledge. The action you are taking through the pledge and in your communities is going to be what helps to pass comprehensive health insurance reform that benefits all Americans. Members of the Administration in the White House have noticed the effort young Democrats, like yourself, are putting into making sure this legislation passes, and they have invited us to be on a special briefing conference call. Tomorrow (Friday, September 18th) we will join Senior members of the Administration to discuss the results of a report out today from the Department of Health and Human Services on giving young Americans the stability and security they need when it comes to health insurance. No RSVP is necessary, to join the call simply use the call-in number provided.
WHAT: Call with senior Administration officials
on the report "Young Americans and Health Insurance Reform" Thank you again for all your hard work, like President Obama said in today's rally, "We need the voice of young people to change the world." Best, Crystal Crystal Strait |
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Bill
White for Texas Phoneathon To see more details and RSVP |
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Treasury
to sell $112 billion in notes next week NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The Treasury
Department said Thursday it will issue $112 billion in notes
next week. A record $43 billion in 2-year notes will be sold
on Tuesday, followed by $40 billion in 5-year debt on Wednesday.
The final offering will be $49 billion in 7-year notes on Thursday.
The amounts are each $1 billion more than last month -- the most
ever for each security -- and in line with estimates of some
of Wall Street's biggest bond dealers. The government will also
sell $85 billion in shorter-term bills. After the announcement,
2-year note yields, which move inversely to prices, remained
up 1 basis point on the day, at 1%, the highest this month. |
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World's
key polluters start climate talks in U.S. from The Province - Technology / Environment Representatives of the world's 17 biggest carbon polluters were due Thursday to kick off a week of high-level and high-stakes talks on climate change at a meeting in Washington. |
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Obama
gets praise, questions at health rally from MarketWatch.com - Top Stories President Barack Obama appeals to his younger supporters at a health-care rally at the University of Maryland, and gets praise -- and lots of questions -- about his plan to revamp the system. |
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SEC
approves rule seeking multiple ratings from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
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SEC
seeks new disclosure to limit rating shopping from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
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SEC
votes 5 to 0 to approve new rating rules from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
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SEC
proposes to ban flash trading WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The Securities
and Exchange Commission on Thursday voted to propose draft rules
seeking to ban "flash trading," an inequity in the
trading system where high frequency traders can get information
just before it becomes public. Commissioners voted 5-0 to propose
barring exchanges and trading platforms from allowing their high
frequency trader clients to see data about stock orders one second
or less before the market gets the information. With the existing
approach, a select group of market participants use high speed
technology to see the buy order and respond often within a fraction
of second. |
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U.S.
senators target Bush-era surveillance laws from canada.com World News A group of U.S. Senators unveiled legislation Thursday aiming to strip telecommunications firms that took part in a hugely controversial Bush-era spying program of immunity from lawsuits. |
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South
Korea's Kospi up 0.3% in opening minutes from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
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Obama
Shifts Focus Of Missile Shield President Obama's decision to abandon a Bush-era plan for a missile defense system in Europe and establish a partly ship-based shield against Iranian rockets could tighten U.S. pressure on the Islamic republic and ease a simmering rift with Russia. (By Michael D. Shear and Ann Scott Tyson, The Washington Post) |
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Swiss
Exchange investigating UBS from MarketWatch.com - Real-time Headlines |
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Goldman
Sachs swaps Europe insurance ratings LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Goldman Sachs upped
Standard Life to buy from neutral, cut Amlin and Banca Generali
to neutral from buy and upgraded St. James's Place to neutral
from sell in a note on the European insurance sector, where it
points out the operational headwinds, notably in property and
casualty, where the pricing outlook appears challenging. "While
life stocks have justifiably rallied on the back of improving
markets, we remain somewhat sceptical of the sustainability of
this for all, given the low velocity of balance sheets, and ongoing
challenges from limited capital generation and limited financial
flexibility in the face of an uncertain regulatory outlook,"
the broker said. |
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a new ticker page has started for Friday September 18. Yesterday's ticker items are archived here |
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ticker timeline 04:31 Eastern Time September
18, 2009 |
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new ticker page started 00:01 Eastern Time September 18, 2009 today's ticker page 1 |
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