/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a broad array of efforts designed to improve the public's accessibility to its agencies and ensure the department can function more effectively. The work is part of the Obama Administration's continued commitment to improved accountability, transparency and service to the American public.
"True progress is not something that happens to people. It happens because of them. And, it all begins with information that can be shared in a timely and effective manner," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "People deserve to know what their government is doing on their behalf, and what they can do to participate actively in that work. I am proud of the steps we are taking to make that possible, and I look forward to broadening our efforts further."
Previously, only the Labor Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration posted worker fatality data on its Web site. Now, the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also systematically publishing employer-specific information about occupational fatalities online and making these data available for easy download. Comprehensive, weekly reports on this topic are now available at https://www.osha.gov/dep/fatcat/dep_fatcat.html. Employers with reported fatalities will have an incentive to take steps to improve safety and prevent future accidents. In addition, responsible employers will be able to use the database to identify dangerous conditions and take precautions.
Other agencies at the department are also making additional information available to the public. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is contributing a vast array of new information to http://www.data.gov/, enhancing its already impressive searchable databases. The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, meanwhile, recently launched a Web-based competition at http://www.dol.gov/challenge. It enlists entrepreneurs and technology firms, workforce professionals and the public to help identify the best online tools to enable America's job seekers to quickly and easily connect with jobs.
The department's commitment to enhance participation also extends to the regulatory arena. On Monday, Dec. 7, the department rolled out its regulatory agenda entirely online. All of the information -- including more than eight hours of Web chats with the secretary of labor and other Department of Labor officials -- can be viewed at http://www.dol.gov/regulations. The Web page also contains links to resources and testimonials, and it even helps visitors submit comments to specific regulations.
"As a legislator, I always felt it was essential for people to take part in the processes of their government. As a regulator, I feel exactly the same way," added Solis.
The department also has launched an extremely successful weekly e-newsletter, which offers readers the latest details in everything from the department's enforcement and compliance assistance to job openings at its various agencies. Not content with one-way communication, however, the department is also using social media tools to engage the public online -- and tapping into the power of crowd sourcing. In fact, the Department of Labor's presence on Facebook and Twitter is already helping to link knowledge communities together and speeding up the sharing of valuable information among the department, state workforce agencies, a variety of stakeholders and, most importantly, the American public.
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Showing posts with label obama administration. Show all posts
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Deputy Attorney General David Ogden to Leave Department of Justice
/PRNewswire/ -- Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden announced today that he will leave the Department on February 5, 2010 to return to private practice. Prior to joining the Department as Deputy Attorney General in March, Ogden chaired the Obama Administration's transition team for the Department of Justice.
"David Ogden has been an invaluable leader for the Department of Justice and for this Administration," said Attorney General Eric Holder. "From leading the transition team that established early goals for the Department to spearheading major initiatives such as our effort to fight health care fraud, he has been an effective and diligent advocate for the American people. Through his work here, he has helped reinvigorate the Department's traditional missions, restore its reputation for independence, and make the country safer and more secure. I am sorry to see him go, and I thank him for his service to the Department and to the nation."
Prior to his confirmation, Deputy Attorney General Ogden was a partner at the law firm of WilmerHale, which he joined in 2001. He previously served in senior positions at the Department of Justice during the Clinton Administration.
Deputy Attorney General Ogden made the following statement:
"I took a leave from my practice of law thirteen months ago on Election Day to lead the Department of Justice transition for President Obama. My hope then was to identify the goals for a successful transition at a critical time for the Department, when its credibility was under attack and when its traditional law enforcement missions had suffered. During the transition, President-elect Obama and Attorney General-designate Holder asked me to serve as the Deputy Attorney General, which gave me the opportunity to complete the transition process and see the Department solidly on a path to achieving those goals. I accepted that challenge, with the intention of returning to my practice as soon as I felt the Department was firmly on that path.
"I believe the objectives established over a year ago have been accomplished. In order to afford the President and the Attorney General sufficient time to identify my successor and to ensure a smooth transition, I have agreed to continue to serve until February 5, 2010, when I will step down to return to private practice.
"The Department today is on the path we first set out over a year ago. First, we have reinvigorated the Department's traditional law enforcement mission with new resources and new initiatives. I am proud of the work we have done in establishing a Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to fight financial crime, leading a Health Care Prevention Task Force that has already pursued major prosecutions, establishing a Border Working Group to combat Mexican cartels, and attacking international organized crime through increased intelligence sharing with our partners. We have implemented new policies to stem the terrible tide of violence against women and children in Indian Country, crafted budgets that will provide critical new funding for law enforcement, civil rights and our nation's prison system, and we will soon make key recommendations for reforms of sentencing and corrections policy. I appreciate the Attorney General's having asked me to lead these initiatives and am proud of the progress we have made.
"Second, we have taken significant steps to ensure that we vigorously protect our national security consistent with the rule of law, including working closely with the FBI and the Intelligence Community on major counter-terrorism investigations, working on closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay and bringing perpetrators to justice in federal courts or military commissions, and developing a new policy for effective and lawful interrogations.
"Third, we have substantially restored the Department's historically strong relationship with state, local, and tribal law enforcement through outreach and inclusion on the Department's major initiatives including the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force and HEAT.
"And finally, we have put in place a terrific senior management team that under the Attorney General's leadership will build on this foundation. Through our work in each of these areas, the goals I hoped to achieve when I accepted this position either have been or soon will be fulfilled. The Department is in good hands, and I feel I can now return to the private practice I have missed these thirteen months.
"It has been a singular privilege to work alongside the Department's dedicated career professionals, whose commitment to the national interest and the cause of justice is an inspiration to me. I am very grateful to President Obama and Attorney General Holder for the opportunity to serve my country and the Department of Justice in this Administration, and I will continue to assist them in any way possible."
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"David Ogden has been an invaluable leader for the Department of Justice and for this Administration," said Attorney General Eric Holder. "From leading the transition team that established early goals for the Department to spearheading major initiatives such as our effort to fight health care fraud, he has been an effective and diligent advocate for the American people. Through his work here, he has helped reinvigorate the Department's traditional missions, restore its reputation for independence, and make the country safer and more secure. I am sorry to see him go, and I thank him for his service to the Department and to the nation."
Prior to his confirmation, Deputy Attorney General Ogden was a partner at the law firm of WilmerHale, which he joined in 2001. He previously served in senior positions at the Department of Justice during the Clinton Administration.
Deputy Attorney General Ogden made the following statement:
"I took a leave from my practice of law thirteen months ago on Election Day to lead the Department of Justice transition for President Obama. My hope then was to identify the goals for a successful transition at a critical time for the Department, when its credibility was under attack and when its traditional law enforcement missions had suffered. During the transition, President-elect Obama and Attorney General-designate Holder asked me to serve as the Deputy Attorney General, which gave me the opportunity to complete the transition process and see the Department solidly on a path to achieving those goals. I accepted that challenge, with the intention of returning to my practice as soon as I felt the Department was firmly on that path.
"I believe the objectives established over a year ago have been accomplished. In order to afford the President and the Attorney General sufficient time to identify my successor and to ensure a smooth transition, I have agreed to continue to serve until February 5, 2010, when I will step down to return to private practice.
"The Department today is on the path we first set out over a year ago. First, we have reinvigorated the Department's traditional law enforcement mission with new resources and new initiatives. I am proud of the work we have done in establishing a Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to fight financial crime, leading a Health Care Prevention Task Force that has already pursued major prosecutions, establishing a Border Working Group to combat Mexican cartels, and attacking international organized crime through increased intelligence sharing with our partners. We have implemented new policies to stem the terrible tide of violence against women and children in Indian Country, crafted budgets that will provide critical new funding for law enforcement, civil rights and our nation's prison system, and we will soon make key recommendations for reforms of sentencing and corrections policy. I appreciate the Attorney General's having asked me to lead these initiatives and am proud of the progress we have made.
"Second, we have taken significant steps to ensure that we vigorously protect our national security consistent with the rule of law, including working closely with the FBI and the Intelligence Community on major counter-terrorism investigations, working on closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay and bringing perpetrators to justice in federal courts or military commissions, and developing a new policy for effective and lawful interrogations.
"Third, we have substantially restored the Department's historically strong relationship with state, local, and tribal law enforcement through outreach and inclusion on the Department's major initiatives including the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force and HEAT.
"And finally, we have put in place a terrific senior management team that under the Attorney General's leadership will build on this foundation. Through our work in each of these areas, the goals I hoped to achieve when I accepted this position either have been or soon will be fulfilled. The Department is in good hands, and I feel I can now return to the private practice I have missed these thirteen months.
"It has been a singular privilege to work alongside the Department's dedicated career professionals, whose commitment to the national interest and the cause of justice is an inspiration to me. I am very grateful to President Obama and Attorney General Holder for the opportunity to serve my country and the Department of Justice in this Administration, and I will continue to assist them in any way possible."
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
Judicial Watch Files Lawsuit against HUD to Obtain ACORN Documents Seeks Records Related to HUD's Taxpayer Support
Judicial Watch Files Lawsuit against HUD to Obtain ACORN Documents
Seeks Records Related to HUD's Taxpayer Support of Controversial Community Organization
/Standard Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to obtain records related to federal grants provided to the controversial "community organization" Association for Community Reform Now (ACORN).
Judicial Watch filed its original Freedom of Information Act request on July 17. HUD acknowledged receipt of the request by letter on August 4th and granted itself additional time to process the request. However, HUD has not abided by its own extended deadline and has failed to provide Judicial Watch with a specific date by which it would respond, even after Judicial Watch agreed to limit the scope of the request to just seven states. (These states are California, Texas, Washington, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Louisiana.) By law, HUD had 20 days to respond to Judicial Watch's request. Judicial Watch filed its lawsuit on September 23, 2009.
Judicial Watch seeks the following records:
1. Any and all documents concerning money given to the ACORN and/or any of its affiliates (since January, 2000).
2. Any and all documents concerning any actions and/or disbarments against ACORN, for reasons including but not limited to abuse of grant money, misconduct, etc. (since January, 2000).
Over the last two weeks, the U.S. Senate has voted to deny ACORN access to housing funds, while the House of Representatives voted to deny ACORN all federal funds. The U.S. Census Bureau, meanwhile, has severed its partnership with the organization for the 2010 U.S. Census. The IRS also just severed a program relationship with ACORN. These actions were taken after videos surfaced depicting ACORN workers attempting to advise undercover reporters on how to evade tax, immigration and child prostitution laws. Most relevant to the lawsuit against HUD, are the videos depicting ACORN workers providing advice on purchasing a house to run as a brothel for underage, illegal alien girls.
"The Obama administration needs to come clean to the American people about its relationship with this disgraced organization, especially in light of President Obama's personal connections to ACORN," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "Given ACORN's scandalous record, the federal government has no business supporting the organization with taxpayer dollars. It is troubling, given President Obama's promises of transparency, we have had to sue to try to gain access to the ACORN documents."
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Seeks Records Related to HUD's Taxpayer Support of Controversial Community Organization
/Standard Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to obtain records related to federal grants provided to the controversial "community organization" Association for Community Reform Now (ACORN).
Judicial Watch filed its original Freedom of Information Act request on July 17. HUD acknowledged receipt of the request by letter on August 4th and granted itself additional time to process the request. However, HUD has not abided by its own extended deadline and has failed to provide Judicial Watch with a specific date by which it would respond, even after Judicial Watch agreed to limit the scope of the request to just seven states. (These states are California, Texas, Washington, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Louisiana.) By law, HUD had 20 days to respond to Judicial Watch's request. Judicial Watch filed its lawsuit on September 23, 2009.
Judicial Watch seeks the following records:
1. Any and all documents concerning money given to the ACORN and/or any of its affiliates (since January, 2000).
2. Any and all documents concerning any actions and/or disbarments against ACORN, for reasons including but not limited to abuse of grant money, misconduct, etc. (since January, 2000).
Over the last two weeks, the U.S. Senate has voted to deny ACORN access to housing funds, while the House of Representatives voted to deny ACORN all federal funds. The U.S. Census Bureau, meanwhile, has severed its partnership with the organization for the 2010 U.S. Census. The IRS also just severed a program relationship with ACORN. These actions were taken after videos surfaced depicting ACORN workers attempting to advise undercover reporters on how to evade tax, immigration and child prostitution laws. Most relevant to the lawsuit against HUD, are the videos depicting ACORN workers providing advice on purchasing a house to run as a brothel for underage, illegal alien girls.
"The Obama administration needs to come clean to the American people about its relationship with this disgraced organization, especially in light of President Obama's personal connections to ACORN," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "Given ACORN's scandalous record, the federal government has no business supporting the organization with taxpayer dollars. It is troubling, given President Obama's promises of transparency, we have had to sue to try to gain access to the ACORN documents."
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Friday, June 26, 2009
Libertarians reach out to gay, lesbian Democrats picketing DNC fundraiser
Representatives from America’s third-largest party greeted Democrats protesting the Obama administration’s legal arguments defending the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) outside a Thursday Democratic National Committee fundraiser aimed at gay and lesbian donors, and shared with them information on the Libertarian Party’s advocacy for marriage equality.
“The Obama administration extends their hand for donations from the LGBT community, and then slaps us in the face with the other hand with the defense of DOMA,” said Catherine Sumner, Libertarian National Committee Gay and Lesbian Policy Adviser.
“Libertarians agree that government should stay out of the marriage issue, and that DOMA should be repealed,” said Sumner. “We welcome Democrats who agree with us to join the only party that will defend their rights, the Libertarians.”
The activists voiced their disappointed over a legal brief filed by the Obama administration asking a federal court to uphold the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages. Standing outside the Madarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C., which hosted a DNC fundraiser featuring Vice-President Joe Biden aimed at collecting funds from gay and lesbian donors.
While the Obama administration has voiced its opposition to marriage equality and support for DOMA, and the DNC refuses to call on the administration to change its policy, Libertarians have no qualms about their support for marriage equality.
“White House lawyers take over two pages of documentation, citing case law, purposely not citing Loving vs. Virginia, that in so many words, indicates that gay marriage is not natural and thereby not an inherent constitutional right,” said Sumner.
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“The Obama administration extends their hand for donations from the LGBT community, and then slaps us in the face with the other hand with the defense of DOMA,” said Catherine Sumner, Libertarian National Committee Gay and Lesbian Policy Adviser.
“Libertarians agree that government should stay out of the marriage issue, and that DOMA should be repealed,” said Sumner. “We welcome Democrats who agree with us to join the only party that will defend their rights, the Libertarians.”
The activists voiced their disappointed over a legal brief filed by the Obama administration asking a federal court to uphold the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages. Standing outside the Madarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C., which hosted a DNC fundraiser featuring Vice-President Joe Biden aimed at collecting funds from gay and lesbian donors.
While the Obama administration has voiced its opposition to marriage equality and support for DOMA, and the DNC refuses to call on the administration to change its policy, Libertarians have no qualms about their support for marriage equality.
“White House lawyers take over two pages of documentation, citing case law, purposely not citing Loving vs. Virginia, that in so many words, indicates that gay marriage is not natural and thereby not an inherent constitutional right,” said Sumner.
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Tuesday, June 2, 2009
FDA Forms Transparency Task Force
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the formation of a task force to develop recommendations for enhancing the transparency of the agency’s operations and decision-making process.
To support the efforts of the task force, today the FDA issued a Federal Register notice announcing a June 24, 2009, public meeting to solicit recommendations on how the agency can make more available, useful and understandable information on its activities and decisions.
"Our administration is committed to making government open and transparent," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "The Transparency Task Force will give the American people a seat at the table and make the FDA more open and accountable."
"President Obama has pledged to strengthen our democracy by creating an unprecedented level of openness and public participation in government, and the FDA looks forward to participating in this process," said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “I have asked the Transparency Task Force to deliver recommendations to me for ways to make more information available and foster better understanding of decision-making.”
The task force will be chaired by Principal Deputy Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein, M.D., and will include center directors, the associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, chief scientist, and the chief counsel.
"Implementation of the Transparency Task Force’s recommendations should make agency actions and decisions, and their underlying processes and bases, more transparent to the public," said Sharfstein. "I look forward to chairing this task force and reporting our findings to Commissioner Hamburg."
The Transparency Task Force will:
* Seek public input on issues related to transparency;
* Recommend ways that the agency can better explain its operations compatible with the appropriate protection of confidential information;
* Identify information the FDA should provide about specific agency operations and activities, including enforcement actions and product approvals;
* Identify problems and barriers, both internal and external, to providing useful and understandable information about FDA activities and decision-making to the public;
* Identify appropriate tools and new technologies for informing the public;
* Recommend changes to the FDA’s current operations, including internal policies and guidance, to improve the agency’s ability to provide information to the public in a timely and effective manner;
* Recommend legislative or regulatory changes, if appropriate, to improve the FDA’s ability to provide information to the public; and
* Submit a written report to the commissioner on the Transparency Task Force’s findings and recommendations.
The establishment of the task force follows President Obama’s Jan. 21, 2009 memorandum directing executive agencies to find new ways of making information available to the public rapidly and in a form that is easily accessible and user-friendly.
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To support the efforts of the task force, today the FDA issued a Federal Register notice announcing a June 24, 2009, public meeting to solicit recommendations on how the agency can make more available, useful and understandable information on its activities and decisions.
"Our administration is committed to making government open and transparent," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "The Transparency Task Force will give the American people a seat at the table and make the FDA more open and accountable."
"President Obama has pledged to strengthen our democracy by creating an unprecedented level of openness and public participation in government, and the FDA looks forward to participating in this process," said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “I have asked the Transparency Task Force to deliver recommendations to me for ways to make more information available and foster better understanding of decision-making.”
The task force will be chaired by Principal Deputy Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein, M.D., and will include center directors, the associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, chief scientist, and the chief counsel.
"Implementation of the Transparency Task Force’s recommendations should make agency actions and decisions, and their underlying processes and bases, more transparent to the public," said Sharfstein. "I look forward to chairing this task force and reporting our findings to Commissioner Hamburg."
The Transparency Task Force will:
* Seek public input on issues related to transparency;
* Recommend ways that the agency can better explain its operations compatible with the appropriate protection of confidential information;
* Identify information the FDA should provide about specific agency operations and activities, including enforcement actions and product approvals;
* Identify problems and barriers, both internal and external, to providing useful and understandable information about FDA activities and decision-making to the public;
* Identify appropriate tools and new technologies for informing the public;
* Recommend changes to the FDA’s current operations, including internal policies and guidance, to improve the agency’s ability to provide information to the public in a timely and effective manner;
* Recommend legislative or regulatory changes, if appropriate, to improve the FDA’s ability to provide information to the public; and
* Submit a written report to the commissioner on the Transparency Task Force’s findings and recommendations.
The establishment of the task force follows President Obama’s Jan. 21, 2009 memorandum directing executive agencies to find new ways of making information available to the public rapidly and in a form that is easily accessible and user-friendly.
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Americans Agree With Republicans: Keep Terrorists Out of America
The Administration has been dealt yet another sharp blow this morning as it scrambles for a clear plan for what to do with more than 200 of the world’s most dangerous terrorists currently housed at the Guantanamo Bay prison. A fresh Gallup poll released today confirms that Americans’ opposition to importing the terrorists held at Guantanamo is solidifying, with 75 percent of Americans opposed to having them moved into prisons in their own states. USA Today reports:
“Americans are overwhelmingly opposed to closing the detention center for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay and moving some of the detainees to prisons on U.S. soil, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds.”
“By more than 2-1, those surveyed say Guantanamo shouldn’t be closed. By more than 3-1, they oppose moving some of the accused terrorists housed there to prisons in their own states.”
“The findings underscore the difficult task President Obama faces in convincing those at home that he should follow through on his campaign promise to close the prison in Cuba, especially in the absence of a plan of where the prisoners would go.”
In short, the American people have spoken loudly and clearly: they want to keep terrorists out of America. Republicans agree. That’s why House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and his GOP colleagues have introduced the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act (H.R. 2294), legislation aimed at stopping the importation of terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison by:
- Affirming Congress’ opposition to transferring or releasing terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison into the United States.
- Prohibiting the Administration from transferring or releasing any terrorist detainees at Guantanamo Bay to any state without express approval from the state’s governor and legislature, and certification to Congress that strict requirements have been met.
- Prohibiting the President from transferring or releasing a terrorist detainee into the United States without fulfilling strict congressional notification and certification requirements.
170 House Republicans support the legislation – including Ranking Members of the Armed Forces, Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees. As Members of Congress arrive back in Washington today, will House Democrats – who represent millions of Americans opposed to importing terrorists into their communities – finally join Republicans in supporting the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act and demanding a vote on the legislation? And, as the American people continue to say loudly and clearly that they want to keep terrorists out of America, will the Administration finally agree to develop a plan to do just that?
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“Americans are overwhelmingly opposed to closing the detention center for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay and moving some of the detainees to prisons on U.S. soil, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds.”
“By more than 2-1, those surveyed say Guantanamo shouldn’t be closed. By more than 3-1, they oppose moving some of the accused terrorists housed there to prisons in their own states.”
“The findings underscore the difficult task President Obama faces in convincing those at home that he should follow through on his campaign promise to close the prison in Cuba, especially in the absence of a plan of where the prisoners would go.”
In short, the American people have spoken loudly and clearly: they want to keep terrorists out of America. Republicans agree. That’s why House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and his GOP colleagues have introduced the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act (H.R. 2294), legislation aimed at stopping the importation of terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison by:
- Affirming Congress’ opposition to transferring or releasing terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison into the United States.
- Prohibiting the Administration from transferring or releasing any terrorist detainees at Guantanamo Bay to any state without express approval from the state’s governor and legislature, and certification to Congress that strict requirements have been met.
- Prohibiting the President from transferring or releasing a terrorist detainee into the United States without fulfilling strict congressional notification and certification requirements.
170 House Republicans support the legislation – including Ranking Members of the Armed Forces, Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees. As Members of Congress arrive back in Washington today, will House Democrats – who represent millions of Americans opposed to importing terrorists into their communities – finally join Republicans in supporting the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act and demanding a vote on the legislation? And, as the American people continue to say loudly and clearly that they want to keep terrorists out of America, will the Administration finally agree to develop a plan to do just that?
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Friday, May 22, 2009
Obama Administration Launches Food Safety Working
New Web Site, www.foodsafetyworkinggroup.gov, Will Serve as Hub for Citizens and Stakeholders to Stay Informed and Provide Input
Responding to President Obama’s directive to upgrade the nation’s food safety system, the White House Food Safety Working Group, led by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, launched a Web site to provide information about the group’s activities and progress.
“The Working Group will be an important tool for gathering ideas as to how we can strengthen the food safety system to be more accountable and accessible to the public it protects, flexible enough to quickly resolve new safety challenges that emerge, and able to meet the robust needs of our rapidly changing world,” said Vilsack.
“Families have enough to worry about. You shouldn’t have to wonder if the food you buy at the grocery store is safe,” said Sebelius. “Our Working Group is working hard to modernize our food safety system and protect the American people. The Web site will help ensure all Americans can share their thoughts and contribute to this important process.”
The Web site, www.foodsafetyworkinggroup.gov will be an important resource for people who want to stay apprised of the Working Group’s progress, learn about food safety tools and practices, and share their views on how to improve the food safety system. The Web site features social bookmarking tools including an RSS feed and a widget that can be downloaded to help individuals stay informed.
Last week, representatives from the White House Food Safety Working Group met and outlined principles to meet the President’s goal. In the weeks to come, the Food Safety Working Group will provide additional opportunities to engage stakeholders in conversations and help shape these principles.
A comprehensive approach to an improved national food safety system links statutory modernization to regulatory actions and public health outcomes. The public health approach that serves as the basis of the Working Group’s efforts focuses resources according to risk, applies the best available science and high quality data to the decision-making process, and strives for seamless coordination among federal agencies and their state, local and international public health partners.
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Responding to President Obama’s directive to upgrade the nation’s food safety system, the White House Food Safety Working Group, led by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, launched a Web site to provide information about the group’s activities and progress.
“The Working Group will be an important tool for gathering ideas as to how we can strengthen the food safety system to be more accountable and accessible to the public it protects, flexible enough to quickly resolve new safety challenges that emerge, and able to meet the robust needs of our rapidly changing world,” said Vilsack.
“Families have enough to worry about. You shouldn’t have to wonder if the food you buy at the grocery store is safe,” said Sebelius. “Our Working Group is working hard to modernize our food safety system and protect the American people. The Web site will help ensure all Americans can share their thoughts and contribute to this important process.”
The Web site, www.foodsafetyworkinggroup.gov will be an important resource for people who want to stay apprised of the Working Group’s progress, learn about food safety tools and practices, and share their views on how to improve the food safety system. The Web site features social bookmarking tools including an RSS feed and a widget that can be downloaded to help individuals stay informed.
Last week, representatives from the White House Food Safety Working Group met and outlined principles to meet the President’s goal. In the weeks to come, the Food Safety Working Group will provide additional opportunities to engage stakeholders in conversations and help shape these principles.
A comprehensive approach to an improved national food safety system links statutory modernization to regulatory actions and public health outcomes. The public health approach that serves as the basis of the Working Group’s efforts focuses resources according to risk, applies the best available science and high quality data to the decision-making process, and strives for seamless coordination among federal agencies and their state, local and international public health partners.
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Friday, May 8, 2009
Fox News Report Highlights House Republicans' Keep Terrorists Out of America Act
Fox News’ Special Report last evening highlighted House GOP legislation – the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act – aimed at stopping the Obama Administration from importing these terrorists into the United States. In January, the Administration made the political decision to close the prison within one year even though no backup plan was in place for what to do with the terrorists housed there. The House GOP measure unequivocally opposes releasing terrorists from the Guantanamo Bay facility and transferring them to the United States, makes clear that governors and state legislatures must pre-approve the transfer or release of any terrorist detainee into their respective states, and requires the Administration to meet strict criteria and certification standards before terrorists housed at the Guantanamo prison could be brought to the United States
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Dems Ditch Obama Tax Cut, Raise Taxes on Families & Workers
On the day before Democrats celebrate the staggering level of new government spending and national debt racked up during the President's "First 100 Days," Democratic leaders will bring their jobs-killing $3.6 trillion budget to the House floor – without the middle class tax relief promised by President Obama.
The Associated Press reported today that the Democratic budget allows the President's "signature tax.....http://www.freedomproject.org/Blog/Read.aspx?GUID=17f3c73e-17d8-4b25-815a-9bdac95d9124
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The Associated Press reported today that the Democratic budget allows the President's "signature tax.....http://www.freedomproject.org/Blog/Read.aspx?GUID=17f3c73e-17d8-4b25-815a-9bdac95d9124
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Friday, April 17, 2009
EPA Endangerment Finding Fuels Damaging Economic Uncertainty
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) today released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed decision to regulate Carbon Dioxide and other gases. Rep. Issa has twice written to the Obama Administration expressing concern about the endangerment finding but has yet to receive a response.
“Today’s decision adds uncertainty for businesses already struggling in the current economy. The prospect of new, yet uncertain, regulations on the use of energy will give pause to businesses considering new construction or investments.
“Administration officials themselves have described this new regulatory approach as problematic, an approach of second choice to Congressional action.
“By pushing forward a flawed approach, this Administration is playing a game of chicken with Congress over regulations and our economy: either pass legislation or force economically damaging new regulations on businesses.”
A U.S. Chamber of Commerce report explains that proposed regulations do not stop at power plants and factories. The report found that the following emit enough carbon dioxide to land in the crosshairs of new Federal permitting requirements:
100,000 schools and other educational facilities;
92,000 health care facilities;
71,000 hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities;
58,000 food service industry buildings;
37,000 houses of religious worship
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“Today’s decision adds uncertainty for businesses already struggling in the current economy. The prospect of new, yet uncertain, regulations on the use of energy will give pause to businesses considering new construction or investments.
“Administration officials themselves have described this new regulatory approach as problematic, an approach of second choice to Congressional action.
“By pushing forward a flawed approach, this Administration is playing a game of chicken with Congress over regulations and our economy: either pass legislation or force economically damaging new regulations on businesses.”
A U.S. Chamber of Commerce report explains that proposed regulations do not stop at power plants and factories. The report found that the following emit enough carbon dioxide to land in the crosshairs of new Federal permitting requirements:
100,000 schools and other educational facilities;
92,000 health care facilities;
71,000 hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities;
58,000 food service industry buildings;
37,000 houses of religious worship
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Reaching Out to the Cuban People
Yesterday, the Obama administration announced a series of changes in U.S. policy to reach out to the Cuban people in support of their desire to freely determine their country’s future. In taking these steps to help bridge the gap among divided Cuban families and promote the freer flow of information and humanitarian items to the Cuban people, President Obama is working to fulfill the goals he identified both during his presidential campaign and since taking office.
All who embrace core democratic values long for a Cuba that respects basic human, political and economic rights of all its citizens. President Obama believes these measures will help make that goal a reality.
Cuban American connections to family in Cuba are not only a basic right in humanitarian terms, but also our best tool for helping to foster the beginnings of grassroots democracy on the island. There are no better ambassadors for freedom than Cuban Americans. Accordingly, President Obama will direct the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Commerce to support the Cuban people’s desire for freedom and self-determination by lifting all restrictions on family visits and remittances as well as taking steps that will facilitate greater contact between separated family members in the United States and Cuba and increase the flow of information and humanitarian resources directly to the Cuban people. The President is also calling on the Cuban government to reduce the charges it levies on cash remittances sent to the island so family members can be assured they are receiving the support sent to them.
Specifically, the President has directed the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Commerce to take the needed steps to:
Lift all restrictions on transactions related to the travel of family members to Cuba.
Remove restrictions on remittances to family members in Cuba.
Authorize U.S. telecommunications network providers to enter into agreements to establish fiber-optic cable and satellite telecommunications facilities linking the United States and Cuba.
License U.S. telecommunications service providers to enter into roaming service agreements with Cuba’s telecommunications service providers.
License U.S. satellite radio and satellite television service providers to engage in transactions necessary to provide services to customers in Cuba.
License persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to activate and pay U.S. and third-country service providers for telecommunications, satellite radio and satellite television services provided to individuals in Cuba.
Authorize the donation of certain consumer telecommunication devices without a license.
Add certain humanitarian items to the list of items eligible for export through licensing exceptions.
REACHING OUT TO THE CUBAN PEOPLE
Supporting the Cuban people’s desire to freely determine their future and that of their country is in the national interest of the United States. The Obama administration is taking steps to promote greater contact between separated family members in the United States and Cuba and increase the flow of remittances and information to the Cuban people.
Lift All Restrictions on Family Visits to Cuba
We will lift all restrictions on family visits to Cuba by authorizing such transactions by a general license, which will strengthen contacts and promote American good will. We will ensure the positive reach of this effort by:
Defining family members who may be visited to be persons within three degrees of family relationship (e.g., second cousins) and to allow individuals who share a common dwelling as a family with an authorized traveler to accompany them;
Removing limitations on the frequency of visits;
Removing limitations on the duration of a visit;
Authorizing expenditure amounts that are the same as non-family travel; and
Removing the 44-pound limitation on accompanied baggage.
Remove Restrictions on Remittances
We will remove restrictions on remittances to a person’s family member in Cuba to increase Cubans’ access to resources to help create opportunities for them by:
Authorizing remittances to individuals within three degrees of family relationship (e.g., second cousins) provided that no remittances shall be authorized to currently prohibited members of the Government of Cuba or currently prohibited members of the Cuban Communist Party;
Removing limits on frequency of remittances;
Removing limits on the amount of remittances;
Authorizing travelers to carry up to $3,000 in remittances; and
Establishing general license for banks and other depository institutions to forward remittances.
Authorize Greater Telecommunications Links with Cuba
We will authorize greater telecommunications links with Cuba to advance people-to-people interaction at no cost to the U.S. government. This will increase the means through which Cubans on the island can communicate with each other and with persons outside of Cuba.
Authorize U.S. telecommunications network providers to enter into agreements to establish fiber-optic cable and satellite telecommunications facilities linking the United States and Cuba.
License U.S. telecommunications service providers to enter into and operate under roaming service agreements with Cuba's telecommunications service providers.
License U.S. satellite radio and satellite television service providers to engage in transactions necessary to provide services to customers in Cuba.
License persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to activate and pay U.S. and third-country service providers for telecommunications, satellite radio and satellite television services provided to individuals in Cuba, except certain senior Communist Party and Cuban government officials.
Authorize, consistent with national security concerns, the export or re-export to Cuba of donated personal communications devices such as mobile phone systems, computers and software, and satellite receivers through a license exception.
Revise Gift Parcel Regulations
We will expand the scope of humanitarian donations eligible for export through license exceptions by:
Restoring clothing, personal hygiene items, seeds, veterinary medicines and supplies, fishing equipment and supplies, and soap-making equipment to the list of items eligible to be included in gift parcel donations;
Restoring items normally exchanged as gifts by individuals in "usual and reasonable" quantities to the list of items eligible to be included in gift parcel donations;
Expanding the scope of eligible gift parcel donors to include any individual;
Expanding the scope of eligible gift parcel donees to include individuals other than Cuban Communist Party officials or Cuban government officials already prohibited from receiving gift parcels, or charitable, educational or religious organizations not administered or controlled by the Cuban government; and
Increasing the value limit on non-food items to $800.
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All who embrace core democratic values long for a Cuba that respects basic human, political and economic rights of all its citizens. President Obama believes these measures will help make that goal a reality.
Cuban American connections to family in Cuba are not only a basic right in humanitarian terms, but also our best tool for helping to foster the beginnings of grassroots democracy on the island. There are no better ambassadors for freedom than Cuban Americans. Accordingly, President Obama will direct the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Commerce to support the Cuban people’s desire for freedom and self-determination by lifting all restrictions on family visits and remittances as well as taking steps that will facilitate greater contact between separated family members in the United States and Cuba and increase the flow of information and humanitarian resources directly to the Cuban people. The President is also calling on the Cuban government to reduce the charges it levies on cash remittances sent to the island so family members can be assured they are receiving the support sent to them.
Specifically, the President has directed the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Commerce to take the needed steps to:
Lift all restrictions on transactions related to the travel of family members to Cuba.
Remove restrictions on remittances to family members in Cuba.
Authorize U.S. telecommunications network providers to enter into agreements to establish fiber-optic cable and satellite telecommunications facilities linking the United States and Cuba.
License U.S. telecommunications service providers to enter into roaming service agreements with Cuba’s telecommunications service providers.
License U.S. satellite radio and satellite television service providers to engage in transactions necessary to provide services to customers in Cuba.
License persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to activate and pay U.S. and third-country service providers for telecommunications, satellite radio and satellite television services provided to individuals in Cuba.
Authorize the donation of certain consumer telecommunication devices without a license.
Add certain humanitarian items to the list of items eligible for export through licensing exceptions.
REACHING OUT TO THE CUBAN PEOPLE
Supporting the Cuban people’s desire to freely determine their future and that of their country is in the national interest of the United States. The Obama administration is taking steps to promote greater contact between separated family members in the United States and Cuba and increase the flow of remittances and information to the Cuban people.
Lift All Restrictions on Family Visits to Cuba
We will lift all restrictions on family visits to Cuba by authorizing such transactions by a general license, which will strengthen contacts and promote American good will. We will ensure the positive reach of this effort by:
Defining family members who may be visited to be persons within three degrees of family relationship (e.g., second cousins) and to allow individuals who share a common dwelling as a family with an authorized traveler to accompany them;
Removing limitations on the frequency of visits;
Removing limitations on the duration of a visit;
Authorizing expenditure amounts that are the same as non-family travel; and
Removing the 44-pound limitation on accompanied baggage.
Remove Restrictions on Remittances
We will remove restrictions on remittances to a person’s family member in Cuba to increase Cubans’ access to resources to help create opportunities for them by:
Authorizing remittances to individuals within three degrees of family relationship (e.g., second cousins) provided that no remittances shall be authorized to currently prohibited members of the Government of Cuba or currently prohibited members of the Cuban Communist Party;
Removing limits on frequency of remittances;
Removing limits on the amount of remittances;
Authorizing travelers to carry up to $3,000 in remittances; and
Establishing general license for banks and other depository institutions to forward remittances.
Authorize Greater Telecommunications Links with Cuba
We will authorize greater telecommunications links with Cuba to advance people-to-people interaction at no cost to the U.S. government. This will increase the means through which Cubans on the island can communicate with each other and with persons outside of Cuba.
Authorize U.S. telecommunications network providers to enter into agreements to establish fiber-optic cable and satellite telecommunications facilities linking the United States and Cuba.
License U.S. telecommunications service providers to enter into and operate under roaming service agreements with Cuba's telecommunications service providers.
License U.S. satellite radio and satellite television service providers to engage in transactions necessary to provide services to customers in Cuba.
License persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to activate and pay U.S. and third-country service providers for telecommunications, satellite radio and satellite television services provided to individuals in Cuba, except certain senior Communist Party and Cuban government officials.
Authorize, consistent with national security concerns, the export or re-export to Cuba of donated personal communications devices such as mobile phone systems, computers and software, and satellite receivers through a license exception.
Revise Gift Parcel Regulations
We will expand the scope of humanitarian donations eligible for export through license exceptions by:
Restoring clothing, personal hygiene items, seeds, veterinary medicines and supplies, fishing equipment and supplies, and soap-making equipment to the list of items eligible to be included in gift parcel donations;
Restoring items normally exchanged as gifts by individuals in "usual and reasonable" quantities to the list of items eligible to be included in gift parcel donations;
Expanding the scope of eligible gift parcel donors to include any individual;
Expanding the scope of eligible gift parcel donees to include individuals other than Cuban Communist Party officials or Cuban government officials already prohibited from receiving gift parcels, or charitable, educational or religious organizations not administered or controlled by the Cuban government; and
Increasing the value limit on non-food items to $800.
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Biden Announces $2.3 Billion in Recovery Act Funds to Help Care for Children, Prevent Disease
Georgia is to receive over $82 million in total childcare funding, and over $6 million for vaccines.
Vice President Joe Biden announced last Thursday that the Obama Administration
will make $2.3 billion available for crucial health and human services
programs that help to provide care for children and prevent disease.
States will receive $2 billion in Recovery Act funding to support child
care for working families. The administration also plans to make $300
million in vaccines and grants available to ensure more underserved
Americans receive the vaccines they need.
The $2 billion in Recovery Act funds for the Child Care and Development
Fund will allow states across the country to support child care services
for more families whose children require care while they are working,
seeking employment or receiving job training or education. The funds
will be used by states to provide vouchers to families for child care or
to provide access to care through contracts with child care centers or
invest in quality improvements. Recovery Act dollars will support a
wide range of child care providers, including child care centers and
home-based programs.
"Parents are worried about finding a job or keeping the job they have
and they shouldn't have to worry about affording quality child care,"
said Vice President Biden. "Safe, affordable, high-quality child care
gives working parents the peace of mind they need to be stable,
dependable employees."
In addition to funding for child care programs, an additional $300
million in Recovery Act funding and grants will help to ensure more
underserved Americans receive the vaccines they need. The Vice
President's announcement came as Americans mark National Public Health
Week.
Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the majority of
these new resources will be used to purchase vaccines, which will be
distributed through the HHS' Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's (CDC) Section 317 immunization program to all 50 states,
several large cities, and U.S. territories. Funding will also be used to
support national public information campaigns regarding vaccines and
support grants to states that demonstrate innovative new ways to ensure
more Americans receive the vaccines they need.
"Vaccines help keep children healthy, prevent costly stays in hospitals,
and fight diseases that can lead to serious illness or death" added
Biden. "The Recovery Act will help to vaccinate more Americans, cut
health care costs, improve public health and save lives."
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Vice President Joe Biden announced last Thursday that the Obama Administration
will make $2.3 billion available for crucial health and human services
programs that help to provide care for children and prevent disease.
States will receive $2 billion in Recovery Act funding to support child
care for working families. The administration also plans to make $300
million in vaccines and grants available to ensure more underserved
Americans receive the vaccines they need.
The $2 billion in Recovery Act funds for the Child Care and Development
Fund will allow states across the country to support child care services
for more families whose children require care while they are working,
seeking employment or receiving job training or education. The funds
will be used by states to provide vouchers to families for child care or
to provide access to care through contracts with child care centers or
invest in quality improvements. Recovery Act dollars will support a
wide range of child care providers, including child care centers and
home-based programs.
"Parents are worried about finding a job or keeping the job they have
and they shouldn't have to worry about affording quality child care,"
said Vice President Biden. "Safe, affordable, high-quality child care
gives working parents the peace of mind they need to be stable,
dependable employees."
In addition to funding for child care programs, an additional $300
million in Recovery Act funding and grants will help to ensure more
underserved Americans receive the vaccines they need. The Vice
President's announcement came as Americans mark National Public Health
Week.
Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the majority of
these new resources will be used to purchase vaccines, which will be
distributed through the HHS' Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's (CDC) Section 317 immunization program to all 50 states,
several large cities, and U.S. territories. Funding will also be used to
support national public information campaigns regarding vaccines and
support grants to states that demonstrate innovative new ways to ensure
more Americans receive the vaccines they need.
"Vaccines help keep children healthy, prevent costly stays in hospitals,
and fight diseases that can lead to serious illness or death" added
Biden. "The Recovery Act will help to vaccinate more Americans, cut
health care costs, improve public health and save lives."
-----
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Federal Coordinating Council on Comparative Effectiveness Research to Hold Public Listening Session in Washington D.C.
The Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research
will hold a public listening session on April 14, 2009, in Washington
D.C. The council will hear public comment regarding comparative
effectiveness research and the Coordinating Council's activities.
"The Obama Administration is committed to openness and transparency,"
said HHS Spokeswoman Jenny Backus. "Comparative effectiveness research
will expand choices for patients, not limit them, and the council looks
forward to hearing from all parties as it moves ahead."
Individuals interested in addressing the council may nominate themselves
to deliver a three minute oral presentation before the council.
Individuals and organizations may also submit written comments for the
council's consideration. The public may also attend the session, listen
live via audio conference or watch the session online at
www.hhs.gov/recovery.
The 15-member council, created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009, will assist the agencies of the federal government,
including HHS and the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, as
well as others, to coordinate comparative effectiveness and related
health services research. The Recovery Act appropriated$300 million for
the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, $400 million for the
National Institutes of Health, and $400 million for allocation at the
discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support
comparative effectiveness research.
The council will provide input on priorities for the $400 million fund
in the Recovery Act that the Secretary will allocate to advance this
type of research and public input will shape the council's
recommendations. The council will not make final decisions about the
kind of projects that will be funded.
To register to attend the listening session, nominate a person to make a
three-minute oral statement, and/or submit a written statement for the
Coordinating Council's consideration, go to
http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/CER/index.html. Individuals should
register by Monday, April 13, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Space and audio
conference lines are limited.
DATE: Tuesday, April
14, 2009
LOCATION: Hubert H. Humphrey
Building,
Room 800
200
Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
TIME: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
EDT.
will hold a public listening session on April 14, 2009, in Washington
D.C. The council will hear public comment regarding comparative
effectiveness research and the Coordinating Council's activities.
"The Obama Administration is committed to openness and transparency,"
said HHS Spokeswoman Jenny Backus. "Comparative effectiveness research
will expand choices for patients, not limit them, and the council looks
forward to hearing from all parties as it moves ahead."
Individuals interested in addressing the council may nominate themselves
to deliver a three minute oral presentation before the council.
Individuals and organizations may also submit written comments for the
council's consideration. The public may also attend the session, listen
live via audio conference or watch the session online at
www.hhs.gov/recovery.
The 15-member council, created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009, will assist the agencies of the federal government,
including HHS and the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, as
well as others, to coordinate comparative effectiveness and related
health services research. The Recovery Act appropriated$300 million for
the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, $400 million for the
National Institutes of Health, and $400 million for allocation at the
discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support
comparative effectiveness research.
The council will provide input on priorities for the $400 million fund
in the Recovery Act that the Secretary will allocate to advance this
type of research and public input will shape the council's
recommendations. The council will not make final decisions about the
kind of projects that will be funded.
To register to attend the listening session, nominate a person to make a
three-minute oral statement, and/or submit a written statement for the
Coordinating Council's consideration, go to
http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/CER/index.html. Individuals should
register by Monday, April 13, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Space and audio
conference lines are limited.
DATE: Tuesday, April
14, 2009
LOCATION: Hubert H. Humphrey
Building,
Room 800
200
Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
TIME: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
EDT.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Eagle Forum Warns U.S. Treasury Secretary: 'The American People Do Not Want a New World Currency That China Would Control'
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eagle Forum, a leading conservative grassroots organization founded by Phyllis Schlafly, applauds Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN-6th) for introducing a resolution which would bar the U.S. dollar from being replaced by any foreign currency. Bachmann's legislation was prompted by a series of contradictory public remarks made by U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner last week.
During a House Financial Services Committee hearing last week, both Secretary Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke clearly stated that they "categorically renounce" the proposal offered by China's top central banker to replace the devalued U.S. dollar with a new global currency. But, just 24 hours later, while speaking at the liberal Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Geithner contradicted his previous statement and declared that the U.S. Treasury Department was "actually quite open" to the idea of a global currency.
"The American people do not want a new world currency that China would control," said Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly. "It is the Obama Administration's and the Federal Reserve's policies that are causing the dollar to take even bigger hits against other currencies."
"Simply replacing the dollar is not the solution," Schlafly said. "It would be yet another Band-Aide to cover up the real source of the problem which is Obama's tidal wave of unlimited bailouts, nationalization of the banks and the auto and mortgage industries, stimulus bills, and his proposed budget that will inevitably cause massive inflation and further strangle our economy."
"Eagle Forum commends Congresswoman Bachmann for aggressively questioning both Geithner and Bernanke during the committee hearing on Wednesday and for ensuring that they remain accountable for their sworn testimony," concluded Schlafly. "Congresswoman Bachmann is an example of the kind of leader that grassroots Americans are demanding from their elected officials, and we encourage even more Members of Congress to take direct action, like Michele, and to go on the offensive against this Administration's economic recklessness."
Rep. Michele Bachmann's resolution, H.J. Res. 41, was officially introduced on March 25, 2009. It currently has 29 cosponsors and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Because the U.S. Constitution allows the President to engage foreign governments in treaties, Bachmann's resolution provides for a constitutional amendment which would prohibit the President from entering into a treaty or other international agreement that would provide for the U.S. to adopt a currency issued by an entity other than the United States.
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During a House Financial Services Committee hearing last week, both Secretary Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke clearly stated that they "categorically renounce" the proposal offered by China's top central banker to replace the devalued U.S. dollar with a new global currency. But, just 24 hours later, while speaking at the liberal Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Geithner contradicted his previous statement and declared that the U.S. Treasury Department was "actually quite open" to the idea of a global currency.
"The American people do not want a new world currency that China would control," said Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly. "It is the Obama Administration's and the Federal Reserve's policies that are causing the dollar to take even bigger hits against other currencies."
"Simply replacing the dollar is not the solution," Schlafly said. "It would be yet another Band-Aide to cover up the real source of the problem which is Obama's tidal wave of unlimited bailouts, nationalization of the banks and the auto and mortgage industries, stimulus bills, and his proposed budget that will inevitably cause massive inflation and further strangle our economy."
"Eagle Forum commends Congresswoman Bachmann for aggressively questioning both Geithner and Bernanke during the committee hearing on Wednesday and for ensuring that they remain accountable for their sworn testimony," concluded Schlafly. "Congresswoman Bachmann is an example of the kind of leader that grassroots Americans are demanding from their elected officials, and we encourage even more Members of Congress to take direct action, like Michele, and to go on the offensive against this Administration's economic recklessness."
Rep. Michele Bachmann's resolution, H.J. Res. 41, was officially introduced on March 25, 2009. It currently has 29 cosponsors and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Because the U.S. Constitution allows the President to engage foreign governments in treaties, Bachmann's resolution provides for a constitutional amendment which would prohibit the President from entering into a treaty or other international agreement that would provide for the U.S. to adopt a currency issued by an entity other than the United States.
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Markets Offer Vote of No Confidence in Obama Spending Spree
America’s job creators offered the Obama administration’s economic plans another resounding vote of no confidence, with stocks plunging once again as President Obama refused to change the failed big-spending, big-government policies responsible for the current economic stagnation, Libertarian National Committee Communications Director Donny Ferguson pointed out Wednesday morning.
When markets opened after Obama’s economic address to Congress Tuesday night, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 90.64 points, or 1.23 percent, to 7,260.30. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index plummeted 9.41 points, or 1.22 percent, to 763.73. The Nasdaq Composite Index lost 16.26 points, or 1.13 percent, to 1,425.57.
“Each drop in the market represents real pain inflicted on working Americans by Obama’s dedication to policies that have been proven failures,” said Donny Ferguson, Libertarian National Committee Communications Director.
“Not only are they resounding votes of no confidence in Obama by the very people who create jobs, they are robbing Americans of their retirement savings and employment prospects.”
The stock market has lost more than 10 percent of its value since Obama took office, usually plunging on days when the administration announces more plans to make government bigger and more expensive.
“Americans are suffering through unemployment, underemployment, bankruptcy and foreclosure, and President Obama is adding to their pain by sticking with big spending that has never revived an economy. Americans don’t want welfare handouts financed by crippling tax hikes on their children, they want the kind of good-paying careers that only the free market can provide,” said Ferguson.
“Obama should stop exploiting our economic woes as a reason to expand government and make Americans dependent upon voting for him to put food on the table. Both Republicans and Democrats have put us in this situation by pushing bad home loans, racking up debt and regulating small employers out of business. The only prescription for economic recovery is tax relief for employers and taxpayers and to get the government out of the way of recovery,” said Ferguson.
“No nation has ever spent itself into prosperity. The Libertarian Party is the only party supporting the kind of fiscally responsible change America needs to empower employers and get our economy moving again,” said Ferguson.
-----
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When markets opened after Obama’s economic address to Congress Tuesday night, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 90.64 points, or 1.23 percent, to 7,260.30. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index plummeted 9.41 points, or 1.22 percent, to 763.73. The Nasdaq Composite Index lost 16.26 points, or 1.13 percent, to 1,425.57.
“Each drop in the market represents real pain inflicted on working Americans by Obama’s dedication to policies that have been proven failures,” said Donny Ferguson, Libertarian National Committee Communications Director.
“Not only are they resounding votes of no confidence in Obama by the very people who create jobs, they are robbing Americans of their retirement savings and employment prospects.”
The stock market has lost more than 10 percent of its value since Obama took office, usually plunging on days when the administration announces more plans to make government bigger and more expensive.
“Americans are suffering through unemployment, underemployment, bankruptcy and foreclosure, and President Obama is adding to their pain by sticking with big spending that has never revived an economy. Americans don’t want welfare handouts financed by crippling tax hikes on their children, they want the kind of good-paying careers that only the free market can provide,” said Ferguson.
“Obama should stop exploiting our economic woes as a reason to expand government and make Americans dependent upon voting for him to put food on the table. Both Republicans and Democrats have put us in this situation by pushing bad home loans, racking up debt and regulating small employers out of business. The only prescription for economic recovery is tax relief for employers and taxpayers and to get the government out of the way of recovery,” said Ferguson.
“No nation has ever spent itself into prosperity. The Libertarian Party is the only party supporting the kind of fiscally responsible change America needs to empower employers and get our economy moving again,” said Ferguson.
-----
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