Hipolitical: A Super Blend of U.S. Government News Feeds
Jimmy Fallon will emcee a special concert featuring the Foo Fighters and Michelle Branch on Saturday, July 4th, 2009 from the South Lawn of the White House. We'll be providing the exclusive live video at
whitehouse.gov/live beginning with President Obama's opening remarks at 7pm EDT.
The concert, put on by the USO honoring the hundreds of service members and their families who will be in attendance, will begin at 8:10 pm ET, followed by fireworks over the National Mall at approximately 9:10pm.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will officially reopen the crown of the Statue of Liberty to the public on July 4, 2009. About 20 lucky visitors will be among the first to climb the 354 steps to the crown on Saturday morning, but thanks to the power of technology, everyone can join in the celebration. The public can view photos of the day’s events on Flickr and follow Lady Liberty on Twitter.
July 4th marks the first time visitors can tour the crown since it was closed following the 9/11 attacks. About 240 visitors per day will be able to tour the crown, but you can visit the Statue of Liberty anytime from home by taking the new Statue of Liberty National Monument
virtual tour
Katelyn Sabochik is the Director of New Media for the U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Marines and Afghan security forces are continuing Operation Khanjar in Afghanistan's Helmand province.
CPI Foods, Inc of Dallas, TX is recalling approximately 15,000 (net wt. 20g) packets of non fat dry milk because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
NOW Foods has issued a voluntary recall for NOW Foods products containing whey protein concentrate due to potential Salmonella contamination. This is an extension of the voluntary recall being conducted by the company’s supplier Plainview Milk Products Cooperative.
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the United States will provide 420,000 treatment courses of Tamiflu (Oseltamavir) to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) to fight the novel H1N1 influenza in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Secretary made the announcement while attending a series of high-level meetings for health ministers throughout the Americas in Cancun, Mexico.
President Calderon, Minister Cordova, Governor Canto, Secretary Sebelius, Minister Aglukkaq, honourable ministers, distinguished participants, ladies and gentleman - Let me thank the ministries of health of Mexico, the United States of America, and Canada for organizing this high-level meeting. Our special thanks to the government of Mexico for hosting this meeting. President Calderon, your leadership in managing the H1N1 outbreak in Mexico is commendable.
Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher.
Download the free player.
download .mp4 (91.0 MB) | read the transcript
The President met with a group of innovative energy leaders today to discuss job creation and long-term plans for strengthening the industry which will play a key role in America’s economic future. CEOs from both small and large energy companies shared their own ideas about how to increase productivity through innovation and technology. Finding new ways of producing, saving, and distributing energy is not only good for our energy independence, but also presents opportunities to create millions of jobs for Americans.
In his remarks, the President explained that energy is one of the main pillars in our new economic foundation, which is why the administration has put it at the forefront of the recovery effort:
I'm pleased to say that we've achieved more in the past few months to create a new clean energy economy than we had achieved in many decades before. The recovery plan will double our country's supply of renewable energy, and is already creating new clean energy jobs. Thanks to a remarkable partnership between automakers, autoworkers, environmental advocates, and states, we also set in motion a new national policy to increase gas mileage and decrease carbon pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in this country, which is going to save us 1.8 billion barrels of oil.
And last Friday, the House of Representatives passed an extraordinary piece of legislation that would make renewable energy the profitable kind of energy in America. It will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It will prevent the worst consequences of climate change. And above all, it holds the promise of millions of new jobs -- jobs, by the way, that can't be outsourced.
The CEOs standing behind me know a lot about these kinds of companies. These are folks whose companies are helping to lead the transformation towards a clean energy future. Even as we face tough economic times, even as we continue to lose jobs, the CEOs here told me that they're looking to hire new people, in some cases to double or even triple in size over the next few years. They are making money and they are helping their customers save money on the energy front.
So these companies are vivid examples of the kind of future we can create, but it's now up to the Senate to continue the work that was begun in the House to forge this more prosperous future. We're going to need to set aside the posturing and the politics -- and when we put aside the old ideological debates, then our choice is clear. It's a choice between slow decline and renewed prosperity. It's a choice between the past and the future.
The American people I believe want us to make the right choice, and I'm confident that the Senate will. For at every juncture in our history, we've chosen to seize big opportunities -- rather than fear big challenges. We've chosen to take responsibility. We've chosen to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us -- and fulfill our obligations to generations to come. That's what we're going to do this time, as well.
The President went on to praise the innovation that is now taking place, from LED lighting to waterproof, long-lasting concrete. He added that although the economy continues to struggle, these are advances that will help us succeed both now and well into the future. "We always meet the challenges by moving forward," he said.
(President Barack Obama shakes hands with Energy Secretary Steven Chu following remarks about innovation
in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 2, 2009, following his meeting with business leaders. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is second from left. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Vice President Biden landed at Camp Victory, Iraq today to visit U.S. troops and to meet with Iraqi leaders. This is Vice President Biden’s second trip to Iraq this year and his first as Vice President.
(Vice President Joe Biden arrives at Camp Victory, Iraq, on an unannounced visit to the country,
Thursday, July 2, 2009. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
(Vice President Joe Biden greets Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari at Camp Victory, Iraq, on an
unannounced visit to the country, Thursday, July 2, 2009. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
(Vice President Joe Biden greets U.S. General Ray Odierno, at Camp Victory, Iraq, on an unannounced visit to
the country, Thursday, July 2, 2009. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
Federal Reserve advises bank customers on California registered warrants
Head over to the
OPE blog, where where Michael Blake
discusses Valerie Jarrett's speech at the Operation HOPE's Global Financial Literacy Summit. She discussed the important role financial literacy and education can play in our nation's economic recovery.
As
Disney's Hall of Presidents prepares for its grand reopening, President Obama tapes the audio for the debut of his life-size animatronic figure. Watch the behind-the-scenes video:
Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher.
Download the free player.
download .mp4 (26.0 MB)
This week, the Vice President announced a $4.7 billion program to develop and improve high-speed Internet access to rural areas. This is just one of many exciting projects funded by the Recovery Act that are helping to rebuild our communities and lead us into a more prosperous future. Read about some of the Recovery projects across the country being talked about this week:
National, Associated Press, 7/1/09:
"Vice President Joe Biden outlined a $4.7 billion loan and grant program Wednesday to develop the infrastructure needed to deliver broadband, or high-speed, Internet access to areas that are underserved or without access. America lags behind more than a dozen other countries in terms of Internet access and that has to change, Biden told about 200 people at Seneca High School, about 12 miles east of Erie. ‘The bottom line is, you can't function — a nation can't compete in the 21st century — without an immediate, high-quality access for everything from streaming video to information overline,’ Biden said. While Seneca has broadband Internet access, Biden said many students do not have access at home. Providing the means for access would improve educational opportunities, he said. He also spoke of the power of the Internet to create jobs in rural America. ‘We believe we are in the process of transforming rural America ... so it's integrated with the country, without losing its character,’ he said. The program also covers inner-city areas without broadband access. ‘Getting broadband to every American is a priority for this administration,’ Biden said. The $4.7 billion is part of $7.2 billion included in the federal stimulus package to improve rural Internet access."
"When built, HECA will bring clean power to over 150,000 homes in the local community, create new jobs and avoid the emissions of more than two million tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere every year. ‘California is a leader when it comes to innovation and clean technology, so it makes perfect sense that a hydrogen energy project be built here. This project is a fantastic use of Recovery Act dollars because it will not only create green collar construction jobs, but it will avoid greenhouse gas emissions and further propel us toward a clean energy future. The Schwarzenegger Administration has been working to get California’s fair share of federal stimulus funding and getting it out the door and into California’s economy as quickly and effectively as possible, and this project is a prime example of federal Recovery Act action in California.’ The HECA project is an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle power plant that will take petroleum coke, biomas, coal or blends of each, combined with non-potable water to convert them into hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2). The hydrogen gas will be used to fuel a net 250-megawatt power station that will provide new, clean electric power to 150,000 homes in the local community. The CO2 will be transported by pipeline to nearby oil reservoirs and injected for permanent storage which will enhance U.S. energy security and enable additional production from existing California oilfields. HECA will also boost the local economy. Hydrogen Energy International estimates that the project will create up to 1,500 construction jobs and up to 100 permanent green collar jobs."
"Central Florida community health centers received almost $6 million in federal grants this week to repair facilities, buy new equipment and implement electronic medical record-keeping. The grants come at an especially pressing time for these community centers, which have experienced increased use by area residents but decreased funding. At the Health Care Center for the Homeless — one of six Central Florida grant recipients — fundraising was down 40 percent from last year, while demand for services had increased by 28 percent. ‘Prior to receiving this, we were planning on reducing work staff,’ said Bakari Burns, executive officer. ‘The grant is almost like a godsend.’ On Monday, first lady Michelle Obama announced the disbursement of $851 million of the $2 billion promised to community health centers across the country as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."
"YouthBuild Louisville will receive $699,000 in federal economic-stimulus funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help provide vocational instruction to unemployed and undereducated Louisville youth, U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-3rd District, has announced. ‘The funds will go a long way toward providing a valuable education and training to Louisville youths who may not have otherwise had opportunities in this economy,’ Yarmuth said. YouthBuild works with numerous other agencies on job training for those aged 16 to 24, including Jefferson Community and Technical College, Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville Metro Government, the Metro Housing Authority, KentuckianaWorks and the Home Builders Association of Louisville. In the YouthBuild program participants learn the craft of constructing and rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income families in their own neighborhoods."
"Local schools will benefit from zero- or low-interest bonds for construction, established as part of the federal stimulus package. Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools and Edgecombe County Public Schools both have been allotted funds from the 2009 Qualified School Construction Bonds program. The program offers funds for the specific use of new construction, school rehabilitation or repair and land acquisition in conjunction with those projects. The state was issued $275,772,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to disperse to schools. Edgecombe Count schools were allocated $1,576,307.06. Nash-Rocky Mount schools were allocated $2,391,375.55. In Nash-Rocky Mount schools, the money potentially could be used for two upcoming construction projects, Special Assistant for Auxiliary Services Mark Strickland said. He said that the people selling bonds will receive a tax credit in lieu of the interest money they’d typically receive. A zero-interest bond would be a ‘win-win’ for the district, Strickland said. ‘It would just mean that we wouldn’t have to pay any interest, we’d just have to pay back the principal,’ Strickland said. ‘In the end, there could be significant cost savings.’"
"Governor Phil Bredesen is extending unemployment benefits with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Tennessee Extended Benefits Program adds a maximum of 20 weeks of benefits for claimants who exhausted their emergency unemployment compensation benefits on or after February 28, 2009. Unemployed Tennesseans who believe they may be eligible for state extended benefits can file online by accessing the department's Web site. The extended benefit application will be available online beginning July 15, 2009. The extended benefit program ends on December 26, 2009."
Immediately following the announcement of Michael Jackson’s sudden death, enterprising individuals began selling memorabilia online to take advantage of the increased demand. Better Business Bureau warns that the value of most memorabilia and commemorative items being sold is sentimental and the currently inflated prices for many items will drop over time.
The leg straps in the seat of the float can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into or under the water, posing a risk of drowning. The recalled inflatable baby floats were sold in a variety of styles and colors.
Starting now: Health Care Stakeholder Discussion on Primary Care. Watch it live and join the discussion on
Facebook or
WhiteHouse.gov/live.
[UPDATE: This event has now concluded.]
Agencies publish final rules and guidelines to promote accurate reports about consumers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Multaq tablets (dronedarone) to help maintain normal heart rhythms in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (heart rhythm disorders). The drug is approved to be used in patients whose hearts have returned to normal rhythm or who will undergo drug or electric-shock treatment to restore a normal heart beat.
Written agreement with First DuPage Bancorp
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano toured a U.S. Coast Guard cutter in Kuwait today and met with USCG personnel to thank them for their service
Iraqi officials are learning to accept modern inspectors general within their government and the investigative program is ready to stand on its own.
The American military contingent in Honduras has limited its contact with Honduran forces as the U.S. government evaluates the situation in the Central American country.
In his annual Independence Day message, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff evokes a speech Abraham Lincoln delivered in Chicago in 1858.
U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Timothy Maxwell, a founder of the Wounded Warrior Regiment, says his work for the military's wounded is not done even though he's retired.
Iraqi forces, aided by coalition advisors, detained an alleged senior leader of a terrorist group along with other suspected terrorists.
A giant, unmanned airship capable of hovering at about 70,000 feet promises to give future warfighters an unprecedented eye on the battlefield.
It's "so far, so good" in Iraq since U.S. combat forces withdrew from the country's cities and towns.
Thousands of American troops and hundreds of Afghan soldiers have launched Operation Khanjar to provide security to the Helmand River Valley in southern Afghanistan.
In an ongoing mission to provide support to the Afghan people, Afghan and coalition forces distributed humanitarian aid to several villages and a reconstruction team helped celebrate mothers in Afghanistan.
Navy Adm. James Stavridis has become the first admiral to serve as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe.
Tiger Woods took time to honor America's servicemembers at the beginning of the Pro-am golf tournament named for his father, who served as an Army officer during the Vietnam era.
President Barack Obama signed a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the first women in American history to fly military aircraft.
A partnership forged with the Helmets to Hardhats organization promises to translate into construction careers for Army Guard and Reserve soldiers.
Vice President Joe Biden has arrived in Iraq to visit U.S. troops and meet with Iraqi leaders to reinforce the United States' commitment to draw down forces there.
A Nebraska National Guard agriculture development team is helping Afghan farmers capitalize on their investments.
Members of the 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade, 2nd Battalion, couldn't leave Iraq in the troop drawdown without taking time to say a special goodbye to local orphans they had helped.
North Korea's launch of four short-range missiles didn't surprise Defense Department officials.
After
days of taking video questions online, and with massive online discussions unfolding during the event, the President took questions on health reform directly from the public in an online town hall.
Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher.
Download the free player.
download .mp4 (737.8 MB) | read the transcript
For a taste, here's the transcript of the first question:
MS. JARRETT: I'm going to be in charge. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
So in my opening remarks, Mr. President, I mentioned that when you released your YouTube video over the weekend, we received literally hundreds of video questions from all across the country. Your staff looked through all those questions and have selected a cross-section that represents a broad cross-section of the kinds of questions that came up.
I want to emphasize that the President has not seen the questions ahead of time. (Laughter.) Absolutely not.
And so we're going to begin with a video question, Mr. President, if you look at the screen.
THE PRESIDENT: All right.
VIDEO Q Hi, my name is Steve White. I'm in Spring Valley, New York. And my question for the President is: Why are we considering a health care plan which maintains the private insurance companies with their high overhead costs, instead of a single-payer plan, which would eliminate the high overhead costs, saving the American taxpayer hundreds of billions of dollars, while covering everyone in our country? Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: Sure. Well, it's a terrific question. I'm not sure if everybody could hear it, but the gist of the question is, why have we not been looking at a single-payer plan as the way to go?
As many of you know, in many countries, most industrialized advanced countries, they have some version of what's called a single-payer plan. And what that means is essentially that the government is the insurer. The government may not necessarily hire the doctors or the hospitals -- a lot of those may still be privately operated -- but the government is the insurer for everybody. And Medicare is actually a single-payer plan that we have in place, but we only have it in place for our older Americans.
Now, in a lot of those countries, a single-payer plan works pretty well and you eliminate, as Scott, I think it was, said, you eliminate private insurers, you don't have the administrative costs and the bureaucracy and so forth.
Here's the problem, is that the way our health care system evolved in the United States, it evolved based on employers providing health insurance to their employees through private insurers. And so that's still the way that the vast majority of you get your insurance. And for us to transition completely from an employer-based system of private insurance to a single-payer system could be hugely disruptive. And my attitude has been that we should be able to find a way to create a uniquely American solution to this problem that controls costs but preserves the innovation that is introduced in part with a free market system.
I think that we can regulate the insurance companies effectively; make sure that they're not playing games with people because of preexisting conditions; that they're not charging wildly different rates to people based on where they live or what their age is; that they're not dropping people for coverage unnecessarily; that we have a public option that's available to provide competition and choice to the American people, and to keep the insurers honest; and that we can provide a system in which we are, over the long term, driving down administrative costs, and making sure that people are getting the best possible care at a lower price.
But I recognize that there are lot of people who are passionate -- they look at France or some of these other systems and they say, well, why can't we just do that? Well, the answer is, is that this is one-sixth of our economy, and we're not suddenly just going to completely upend the system. We want to build on what works about the system and fix what's broken about the system. And that's what I think Congress is committed to doing, and I'm committed to working with them to make it happen. Okay?
Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra held a live chat yesterday to answer your questions from Facebook and WhiteHouse.gov on technology, information, and transparancy. He discussed the new IT Dashboard, which enables everybody to look at how the government is spending money for information technology, and allows you to analyze and evaluate these investments. Macon Phillips, Director of White House New Media, moderated the discussion. Watch the complete discussion here.
Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher.
Download the free player.
download .mp4 (159.8 MB)
Following notification from its manufacturer, The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has recalled the following Stop & Shop Non Fat Dry Milk products...
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 56 - Laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)
It wasn’t opening night at a smash hit on Broadway. And it wasn’t a swanky VIP reception with the First Family. But the guest list would have made you think it was just such an event, with representatives from institutions including Agnes Gund Foundation; Carnegie Hall; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Museum of Modern Art, NYC; Guggenheim Museum, NYC; Whitney Museum of American Art, NYC; Museum of Modern Art, NYC; Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta; Museum of Science, Boston; Smithsonian Institution; Birmingham Museum of Art; Art Beyond Sight Institute/Art Education for the Blind; National Gallery of Art, DC; Indianapolis Museum of Art; Institute of Museum and Library Services; North Carolina Museum of Life and Science; American Association of Museums; National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC; Cincinnati Museum Center; and American Institute for Research. Instead, these legendary arts institutions came to the White House to discuss accessibility to their institutions for people with disabilities. Such is the influence of the President, who has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to ensuring the inclusion of Americans with disabilities throughout the fabric of our country.
Hosted by Social Secretary Desiree Rogers and the Office of Public Engagement, these major institutions came together to discuss how they have succeeded and how they can further improve and help others succeed in making arts institutions more accessible to people with disabilities. Ms. Rogers opened the meeting by explaining the White House’s commitment to accessibility and expressing the importance of art in the White House and how it is important both to broaden the type of art that is displayed in the White House and broaden the range of people who visit the building.
(Photo credit: Trenton Arthur)
The meeting participants seemed to agree that no similar meeting in this industry had ever taken place at the White House. Significantly, the group expressed how simply bringing these institutions and groups together fostered discussion and idea generation on an unprecedented level. They discussed interpreting for the deaf, audio description for the blind, tactile maps and art work, and other mechanisms for making institutions accessible. Perhaps most importantly, the institutions engaged in discussions about developing a long-term permanent strategy for institutions to ensure accessibility. For example, they mentioned hiring or working with people with disabilities in their local communities to help develop accessibility plans.
The group departed from the meeting determined to keep the discussion alive in hopes of increasing accessibility for all Americans. Indeed, they plan to create an on-line dialog about these critical issues.
Kareem Dale is Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy.
Today, the White House publicly disclosed its Annual Report to Congress on White House Staff.
Since 1995, the White House has been required to deliver a report to Congress listing the title and salary of every White House Office employee. Consistent with President Obama's commitment to transparency, this report is being publicly disclosed on our website as it is transmitted to Congress. In addition, this report also contains the title and salary details of administration officials who work at the Office of Policy Development, including the Domestic Policy Council and the National Economic Council -- along with White House Office employees.
You can download the
report as a pdf, or view the searchable table below:
2009 Report to Congress on White House Staff
North Coast Seafood has voluntarily removed from sale Fresh Tuna Steaks that were sold at Shaw’s, Star Market and Big Y Stores in New England
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced that it is requiring manufacturers to put a Boxed Warning on the prescribing information for the smoking cessation drugs Chantix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion). The warning will highlight the risk of serious mental health events including changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, and suicidal thoughts when taking these drugs.
Journal of Virology -- The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus emerged from China in 1996 and has spread across Eurasia and Africa, with a continuous stream of new cases of human infection appearing since the first large-scale outbreak in migratory birds at Qinghai Lake. http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/JVI.00793-09v1
Cross-posted from the Department of Agriculture's new Rural Tour Blog.
The President announced yesterday that I will be leading the
Administration's rural tour, which will be visiting rural communities across the country over the coming weeks and months. At each event I will try to provide information about how the USDA and the Obama Administration are affecting the lives of rural Americans.
And just as importantly, I want to listen to the thoughts, concerns and stories about each community’s vision for its future. We will collect ideas about how the USDA could be better serving these communities.
To help people across the country follow our progress on the Rural Tour, we are launching a new
Rural Tour Web site to chronicle the sights, stories and activities of all the communities we visit over the course of the tour. The site will include a blog, videos and photos, RSS feeds, and other interactive tools so that folks across the country can participate by sharing stories and providing feedback about how the efforts of the USDA and the Obama Administration are making a difference in strengthening America’s rural communities. For those that want to follow the tour, we will be
twittering live from our Rural Tour events and also sharing news and information along the way.
We hope to see you at one of our stops or hear from you on our Web site!
Tom Vilsack is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Ed. Addition: White House photos of Vice President Biden kicking off the Rural Tour. He was joined today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski and Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper in annoucning the availability of $4 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loans and grants to help bring broadband service to un-served and underserved communities across America.
(Vice President Joe Biden speaks at an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act event on broadband investments
in Erie, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, July 1, 2009. The Vice President announced the availability of $4 billion in
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loans and grants to help bring broadband service to un-served
and underserved communities across America. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann.)
(Vice President Joe Biden answers a question from the audience at an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
event on broadband investments in Erie, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, July 1, 2009. The Vice President announced
the availability of $4 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loans and grants to help bring
broadband service to un-served and underserved communities across America.
Official White House Photo by David Lienemann.)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate announced the 14 lead organizations for the upcoming pilot phase of testing and evaluation (T&E) for the Multi-Band Radio project.
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba signed a Declaration of Principles formalizing the Immigration Advisory Program (IAP)—which allows for the identification of high-risk travelers at foreign airports before they board aircraft bound for the United States—at Madrid Barajas International Airport.
On Saturday
the President posted a video asking for your questions on health care reform. In just a few days, we’ve gotten hundreds of submissions. The questions spanned the ideological spectrum, and ranged from heart-breaking and personal to almost wonkishly policy-focused.
Today’s the day where the President will get to answer some of the best submissions.
But even if you didn't get a chance to submit a video question, the opportunities to participate have just begun. Watch, discuss, and engage through our Facebook live-stream chat application, watch and drop us comments at WhiteHouse.gov/live, or take part in the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #WHHCQ.
The event will begin around 1:15 EDT [UPDATE: This Event Has Now Concluded]
We'll not only be monitoring all of those conversations closely during the event and looking for ways to incorporate your feedback into the conversation, but following up after the event in the coming days to get to as many questions as possible from the ones the President couldn't get to, and to address follow-up questions to his answers there.
The Yellow Ribbon Fund is working to make sure wounded warriors and their families aren't bound to hospital grounds.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, meeting with wounded warriors and the staff that treats them.
A soldier who earned the Silver Star in Afghanistan wants his story to help younger soldiers understand the importance of motivation.
Coalition forces in Logar province have learned that outreach to residents can make a big difference in their ability to accomplish military operations.
It would be easy to confuse Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan with the NATO International Security Assistance Force there because they share the same commander. But the two have distinctly different missions.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Spanish Defense Minister Carme Chacon discussed operations in Afghanistan, counter-piracy initiatives and continuing military-to-military ties.
U.S. forces in Iraq helped to bolster Iraqi sovereignty with the opening of a new health care center and the return of two combat outposts to Iraqi control.
Soldiers serving with a medical task force completed nearly a year's worth of missions satisfied that they've helped to improve health care in Iraq's Wasit province.
A retired Army captain who survived third-degree burns over 30 percent of his body believes that through family, faith and a lot of hard work, anything can be overcome.
Several U.S. units took on new tasks in Afghanistan, and a reconstruction team helped to celebrate the opening of a new school.
The President
highlighted the work of innovative non-profits from across the country today at the White House. The event brought together lawmakers, non-profits, foundations, education leaders and leaders from the private sector. The diverse audience heard from the Harlem Children’s Zone, HopeLab, Bonnie CLAC and Genesys Works, who shared their stories about how their programs are improving their communities. These programs, and those like them, have demonstrated results in their neighborhoods and represent exciting opportunities for community solutions nationwide.
(President Barack Obama delivers remarks highlighting innovative non-profit programs from across the country, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)The President thanked the group for their hard work, noting that although their work is always important, there is no better time than now for creating innovative solutions to our nation’s problems:
And finally, I want to thank all of you here today for everything you're doing to find new solutions to some of our oldest, toughest problems. I know what you do is not easy. I know that for many of you, the hours are long, the pay could be better -- let's face it. But I also know the difference that each of you make. I know the lives that you change every single day. You teach us that there's no such thing as a lost cause if you're willing to be creative, and challenge the conventional wisdom, and take some risks -- if you're willing to try, and fail, and then try again until you find something that works. And today, I want to recognize that pioneering spirit and thank you all for the contributions that you're making to our communities.
Government can only do so much, so these organizations are critical to helping rebuild our country. The President explained that we need to take these creative programs and work to implement them nationwide:
The bottom line is clear: Solutions to America's challenges are being developed every day at the grass roots -- and government shouldn't be supplanting those efforts, it should be supporting those efforts. Instead of wasting taxpayer money on programs that are obsolete or ineffective, government should be seeking out creative, results-oriented programs like the ones here today and helping them replicate their efforts across America.
So if the Harlem Children's Zone can turn around neighborhoods in New York, then why not Detroit, or San Antonio, or Los Angeles or Indianapolis? If Bonnie Clac can help working people purchase cars and manage their finances in New Hampshire, then they can probably do it in Vermont or all across New England, or all across America.
To help do this, the President called on organizations to work together so that they will have the resources they need to make the biggest impact. This is the idea behind the $50 million innovation fund, which is included in the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act that the President signed earlier this spring. This fund will find and evaluate some of the most promising non-profits in communities across the country and help provide funding, with the help of private investments, for the most successful ones.
(People in the audience listen as President Barack Obama delivers remarks highlighting innovative non-profit
programs from across the country, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)Touching on another kind of service, the President also noted in his remarks that today American troops transferred control of all Iraqi cities to Iraqi security forces. He explained that the fact that Iraqis have been celebrating this milestone is a testament to the hard work of every American who has served in Iraq.
Last week cabinet secretaries and senior administration officials
participated in service projects across the country to kick off United We Serve, the President’s summer service initiative. Take a look at the slideshow to see how secretaries and officials answered the President’s call to service.
This podcast gives tips to stay healthy and help prevent infection with novel H1N1 flu if your child or someone you know is going to camp.
"Today I joined Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan and other senior advisors to meet with a select group of individuals who could speak knowledgeably about the lessons learned from the 1976 influenza so that we can further prepare this nation for the possibility of a more severe outbreak of H1N1 flu."
What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
This document provides updated, interim guidance on the use of influenza antiviral treatment of pregnant women who are sick with novel influenza A (H1N1). The highest priority message is to treat pregnant women with influenza-like illness as soon as possible; treatment should not be withheld pending results of testing for influenza, if testing is done.
The influenza virus that wreaked worldwide havoc in 1918-1919 founded a viral dynasty that persists to this day, according to scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. In an article published online on June 29 by the New England Journal of Medicine, authors Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Jeffery K. Taubenberger, M.D., Ph.D., and David M. Morens, M.D., argue that we have lived in an influenza pandemic era since 1918, and they describe how the novel 2009 H1N1 virus now circling the globe is yet another manifestation of this enduring viral family.
Starting now: CIO Vivek Kundra does the Facebook live-stream chat on a transparency breakthrough, the
IT Dashboard. Moderated by New Media Director Macon Phillips. Have a look around the site, and join the chat at
Facebook or
WhiteHouse.gov/live/discuss.
[UPDATE: This event has now concluded.]
Agencies seek comment on proposed interagency guidance on funding and liquidity risk management
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that it is seeking public input on the implementation of its historic new authority overseeing tobacco products in the United States. In a Federal Register notice, the agency invites the public to provide information and share views on a wide range of topics, from product content to advertising and marketing.
Learn how Listeria can grow on ready-to-eat foods, even if you keep them in the fridge
Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher.
Download the free player.
download .mp4 (159.8 MB) | read the transcript
The President and First Lady hosted the first-of-its-kind LGBT Pride Month reception at the White House yesterday. On the heels of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the reception brought together LGBT families, volunteers, community leaders, lawmakers and heads of LGBT organizations to celebrate the LGBT community.
In
his remarks, the President stressed that although we’ve made progress towards equality and fairness for all, there are still more challenges to face:
Now this struggle, I don't need to tell you, is incredibly difficult, although I think it's important to consider the extraordinary progress that we have made. There are unjust laws to overturn and unfair practices to stop. And though we've made progress, there are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors or even family members and loved ones, who still hold fast to worn arguments and old attitudes; who fail to see your families like their families; and who would deny you the rights that most Americans take for granted. And I know this is painful and I know it can be heartbreaking.
And yet all of you continue, leading by the force of the arguments you make but also by the power of the example that you set in your own lives -- as parents and friends, as PTA members and leaders in the community. And that's important, and I'm glad that so many LGBT families could join us today. (Applause.) For we know that progress depends not only on changing laws but also changing hearts. And that real, transformative change never begins in Washington.
He continued to say that even though these struggles continue today, the administration has refused to put aside issues of basic equality, and continues to fight against discrimination in a variety of ways:
And I know that many in this room don't believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that. It's not for me to tell you to be patient, any more than it was for others to counsel patience to African Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half century ago.
But I say this: We have made progress and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I've made, but by the promises that my administration keeps. And by the time you receive -- (applause.) We've been in office six months now. I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration. (Applause.)
Now, while there is much more work to do, we can point to important changes we've already put in place since coming into office. I've signed a memorandum requiring all agencies to extend as many federal benefits as possible to LGBT families as current law allows. And these are benefits that will make a real difference for federal employees and Foreign Service Officers, who are so often treated as if their families don't exist. And I'd like to note that one of the key voices in helping us develop this policy is John Berry, our director of the Office of Personnel Management, who is here today. And I want to thank John Berry. (Applause.)
I've called on Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act to help end discrimination -- (applause) -- to help end discrimination against same-sex couples in this country. Now, I want to add we have a duty to uphold existing law, but I believe we must do so in a way that does not exacerbate old divides. And fulfilling this duty in upholding the law in no way lessens my commitment to reversing this law. I've made that clear.
I'm also urging Congress to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, which will guarantee the full range of benefits, including health care, to LGBT couples and their children. (Applause.) My administration is also working hard to pass an employee non-discrimination bill and hate crimes bill, and we're making progress on both fronts. (Applause.) Judy and Dennis Shepard, as well as their son Logan, are here today. I met with Judy in the Oval Office in May -- (applause) -- and I assured her and I assured all of you that we are going to pass an inclusive hate crimes bill into law, a bill named for their son Matthew. (Applause.)
In addition, my administration is committed to rescinding the discriminatory ban on entry to the United States based on HIV status. (Applause.) The Office of Management and Budget just concluded a review of a proposal to repeal this entry ban, which is a first and very big step towards ending this policy. And we all know that HIV/AIDS continues to be a public health threat in many communities, including right here in the District of Columbia. And that's why this past Saturday, on National HIV Testing Day, I was proud once again to encourage all Americans to know their status and get tested the way Michelle and I know our status and got tested. (Applause.)
And finally, I want to say a word about "don't ask, don't tell." As I said before -- I'll say it again -- I believe "don't ask, don't tell" doesn't contribute to our national security. (Applause.) In fact, I believe preventing patriotic Americans from serving their country weakens our national security. (Applause.)
The President concluded by honoring the Stonewall protests, which occurred 40 years ago this week. A group of citizens, two of which were in attendance at the White House, stood up to defy an unjust policy at the Stonewall Inn, and this small protest inspired others to stand up against discrimination, helping to spark the gay rights movement. The President closed saying that we "must continue to do our part to make progress -- step by step, law by law, mind by changing mind," because even seemingly small gains can add up to monumental change for our families and our communities.
Federal Reserve announces results of auction of $150 billion in 28-day credit held on June 29, 2009
Written agreement with AMCORE Financial
MedicalNewsToday.com -- In a leading medical journal this week US researchers describe the 90-year history of swine flu and warn about working with "freezer" viruses, which they suspect is how an H1N1 virus that closely resembles a temporarily "extinct" 1950s strain resurrected some 20 years later and continues to circulate as a seasonal flu strain today. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155761.php
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano met with Portuguese Interior Minister Rui Pereira, Justice Minister Alberto Costa and Foreign Affairs Minister Luís Amado to sign a Preventing and Combating Crime (PCC) Agreement as part of her weeklong trip to Europe and Kuwait.
The U.S. Department of State today targeted North Korea’s nuclear proliferation network by designating Namchongang Trading Corporation (NCG) under Executive Order 13382. E.O. 13382 is an authority aimed at freezing the assets of proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters, and at isolating them from the U.S.
President Barack Obama hailed the completed withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraqi cities as "an important step forward" and a testament to the commitment of American troops.
U.S. servicemembers serving in Honduras face no current threats following the ouster of the Honduran president, U.S. Southern Command officials said.
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it has found E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that can cause serious food borne illness) in a sample of prepackaged Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough currently under recall by the manufacturer and marketer, Nestlé USA. The contaminated sample was collected at Nestlé’s facility in Danville, Va. on June 25, 2009.
Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher.
Download the free player.
download .mp4 (101.5 MB) | read the transcript
Amidst the tremedous progress being made in Congress on legislation to create a clean energy economy, today the President led by example and did his part here in the Executive branch. The President and Energy Secretary Steven Chu
announced today several innovative actions that will promote energy efficiency while saving Americans billions of dollars annually. This announcement highlights the fact that clean energy not only makes environmental sense, but it also makes smart economic sense. The President explained that this is why the administration has put energy at the forefront of our economic recovery, working to build a new, clean energy economy for the future:
So we've gotten a lot done on the energy front over the last six months. But even as we're changing the ways we're producing energy, we're also changing the ways we use energy. In fact, one of the fastest, easiest, and cheapest ways to make our economy stronger and cleaner is to make our economy more energy efficient. And that's something that Secretary Chu is working every single day to work through.
This announcement, which takes effect in 2012, includes major changes to energy conservation standards for household and commercial lighting. It mainly focuses on General Service Fluorescent Lamps, commonly found in residential and commercial builds, and Incandescent Reflector Lamps, commonly found in recessed and track lighting. Although these changes may not sound exciting, the President explained, the effects will be substantial:
The first step we're taking sets new efficiency standards on fluorescent and incandescent lighting. Now I know light bulbs may not seem sexy, but this simple action holds enormous promise because 7 percent of all the energy consumed in America is used to light our homes and our businesses. Between 2012 and 2042, these new standards will save consumers up to $4 billion a year, conserve enough electricity to power every home in America for 10 months, reduce emissions equal to the amount produced by 166 million cars each year, and eliminate the need for as many as 14 coal-fired power plants.
The President and Secretary Chu also announced that $346 million from the Recovery Act will go towards accelerating the development and use of energy efficient technologies in new and existing commercial and residential buildings. Improving building efficiency will not only create jobs, but it will also be a crucial step in reducing carbon emissions:
And if we want to make our economy run more efficiently, we've also got to make our homes and businesses run more efficiently. And that's why we're also speeding up a $346 million investment under the Recovery Act to expand and accelerate the development, deployment, and use of energy-efficient technologies in residential and commercial buildings, which consume almost 40 percent of the energy we use and contribute to almost 40 percent of the carbon pollution we produce.
We're talking about technologies that are available right now or will soon be available -- from lighting to windows, heating to cooling, smart sensors and controls. By adopting these technologies in our homes and businesses, we can make our buildings up to 80 percent more energy efficient -- or with additions like solar panels on the roof or geothermal power from underground, even transform them into zero-energy buildings that actually produce as much energy as they consume.
If you’d like to learn more about today’s announcement and how it will improve energy efficiency, you can read the White House
fact sheet.
Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)
We're two days away from President Obama's
National Discussion on Health Care Reform, and questions are still coming in as quickly as we can watch them. Get your question in, but in the meantime get some direct feedback from one of the leaders of Health Care Reform here in the White House.
Another day at the White House, another chance for President Obama to make history for people with disabilities. And, he did just that.
On Friday, June 26, 2009, President Barack Obama became one of the very few sitting American Presidents to personally greet and welcome persons who are deaf-blind to the White House Oval Office.
[View Full Size]
(President Barack Obama meets with a group from the Helen Keller National Center in the Oval Office
June 26, 2009. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
The group featured five young adults (Crystal Morales, Kelvin Crosby, Virginia Jordan, Divya Goel, and Jason Corning) affiliated with the Helen Keller National Center ("HKNC") including a musician with two CDs to her credit, a surfer and aspiring field goal kicker, a Cum Laude graduate who wants to start a school, an aspiring restaurant manager, and a winner of the Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children "Yes I Can" award for Advocacy and Independent Living. Two staff members and 3 volunteers from the HKNC also joined the young adults.
They were in D.C. to celebrate Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week. This year’s theme for the week was Deaf-Blindness Didn’t Stop with Helen Keller. The focus of the week was to demonstrate that successful deaf-blind persons are still thriving and excelling long after Helen Keller.
The week culminated with their visit to the White House. They visited the White House in the morning, where they received a tour of the public residence. From hanging out in the First Lady’s East Reception Room, to playing the same piano played by Stevie Wonder, to visiting the China Room, the tour was a major hit with the young adults. They returned in the afternoon for the icing on the already incredibly rich cake to take a photo with the President in the Oval Office. The President congratulated the young adults on their accomplishments and reminded them that we remain committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities.
This visit was not and should not be viewed as a sympathetic thing for the President to do. Rather, it reflects this President’s commitment to, and understanding of, the desire for all people with disabilities to be fully integrated into society. These young adults are proof that if provided with the necessary supports and services, people with disabilities can and will achieve anything they desire. Recognizing Deaf-Blind Awareness Week by inviting these young adults to the White House further solidifies the extraordinary commitment of this entire administration to all people with disabilities.
Kareem Dale is Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy.
Here at the
Middle Class Task Force, we have been working on ways to make college more affordable for families in America. The President, the Vice President and the Middle Class Task Force are committed to making sure that every student has the opportunity to earn a college degree.
In April, the Vice President hosted a Middle Class Task Force Meeting on
college affordability in St. Louis, Missouri to discuss ways to expand opportunities and help make the dream of a college education a reality for more families. In Missouri, we released
a staff report on ways that the administration can work to increase college affordability.
For high school seniors or aspiring college students facing the daunting task of applying for financial aid, the
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form can be a needlessly difficult obstacle on the path to higher education. Previous versions of the FAFSA have included as many as 153 questions, most of which had no relevance to financial aid packages.
On Wednesday, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan – a Task Force Member - followed up on our
Missouri findings and
announced a shorter, simpler, and more user friendly FAFSA form that will make it easier to apply for financial aid. Starting this summer, students will be able to access the new web based FAFSA that dramatically simplifies and shortens the application form, and by next January, the FAFSA application will be streamlined with the IRS for a one stop, easy and pain free application.
The new version will make it easier and less intimidating to apply for aid, and will increase access for hundreds of thousands of students who are eligible, but do not apply for aid.
Simplifying the financial aid application is a policy that members of the
Middle Class Task Force believe will help families benefit from important resources to cover the cost of college. We are continuing to work with Congress, the Treasury Department, the Department of Education, and the Administration to strengthen and affirm the opportunity for every student to pursue higher education.
As always, please continue sharing your ideas by visiting the Middle Class Taskforce
Website.
Terrell McSweeny is Domestic Policy Advisor to the Vice President.
Banking agencies issue host state loan-to-deposit ratios
The Education Department's summer reading campaign--"Read to the Top!" began on June 23rd. The initiative is in response to President Obama's "United We Serve" national volunteer campaign that calls for all Americans to serve in their communities over the summer.
Stephanie Valencia, Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement, tells us about the
Administration’s nationwide tour to get responsible Americans who need help engaged with the Making Home Affordable plan.
Ed. Note: Watch this event streamed live at 4:25 at WhiteHouse.gov/live.
As a gay kid growing up in rural Missouri – I never thought I would end up helping to organize an LGBT Pride event in the White House. Then again, I never thought I would ever realize my dream to work in the White House. But thanks to the historic election of Barack Obama, today I am honored to be working here.
To me, today’s event is more than just a reception honoring LGBT Pride month. It is an opportunity for the Administration to provide the world with a snap shot of the real heroes across the country that do the day-to-day work fighting for equality. People like State Representative Patricia Todd in Alabama to Sheriff Lupe Valdez in Dallas, and many other local LGBT elected officials that will be here today. And it’s people – ordinary families – that by simply living their lives openly are changing hearts and minds. It is also an opportunity to welcome the people upon whom shoulders we stand, people like Frank Kameny, as well as Phil Wilson, Bishop Robinson and Ambassador Hormel, who I know personally, and those who stood up to bigotry at Stonewall. I really wish people like Bayard Rustin could be standing here with us today. He would be up for the fight ahead of us and proud of the place we now stand.
People may not know this, but there hasn’t been a significant event since the President took office that hasn’t included the LGBT community -- discussions on the economy and the recovery, or health care -- but this event is special to me and to many of the people that haven’t been here for many years.
We have a lot of work ahead of us. We will work together to pass Hate Crimes and ENDA and to end DADT and DOMA, but today is an opportunity to celebrate who we are and affirm who we are as Americans. But the truth is that in this White House we do this every day. With over 60 out appointees working in this Administration already, we are free to be ourselves. But not everyone is in this country is able to do the same, and we are here to help change that.
I am here because I know the President and this Administration believe that too and are committed to fighting for equality – yes it will take time, and yes we should be pushing and yes you should too. We are all in this together and I am equally proud of both my President and my community.
I will take a little time out today to celebrate the diversity and depth of our community with my President. And we will get back to work. Everyone in this building is very clear -- from the President on down -- are committed to equality. So for a young, ok for a now aging and balding gay guy from rural Missouri, this is my way to celebrate Pride month and our community’s importance in the American fabric.
Brian Bond (bio) is Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement
WASHINGTON - EPA has presented Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) awards to two organizations for using highly efficient CHP systems to reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution
Federal Reserve offers $150 billion in 28-day credit through its Term Auction Facility
A registered nurse who directed an allergy testing health care fraud scheme, was sentenced to nine years in prison and ordered to pay $2.6 million in restitution, federal law enforcement officials announced today. John Froelich, 52, formerly of Harwood Heights, was the ringleader among nine defendants who pleaded guilty to federal charges for submitting fraudulent bills totaling $11.5 million to more than 200 insurance companies, which paid approximately $2.6 million in false claims.
FDA, USDA, CDC investigating; no link to human illnesses at this time. Plainview Milk Products Cooperative, Plainview, Minn., is voluntarily recalling all instant nonfat dried milk, whey protein, fruit stabilizers, and gums (thickening agents) that it has manufactured over the past two years, because they might be contaminated with Salmonella.
Beth Noveck, Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Open Government,
announces that Phase III of the Open Government Initiative will be extended.
Get your input in now.
The weather isn't the only thing heating up in DC this summer. Health care reform is already a hot topic, and as legislation moves through Congress, Americans across the nation have questions about how costs will be brought under control to make quality affordable health care accessible to everyone.
That's why the White House is taking another step to connect with people outside of Washington and answer some of the most common questions you have. In the coming days, we're going to focus on your questions about health care, with President Obama and some of his top health care advisors providing answers.
On Wednesday, the President will hold another online town hall to answer more of your questions. This online town hall will be a little different than the last one. This time around, we are engaging online networks outside of WhiteHouse.gov, such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
You can get started today by watching the President's video and posting your 20-30 second video response here:
Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher.
Download the free player.
download .mp4 (17.8 MB)
On Monday, Nancy-Ann DeParle will be hosting a live-streamed, online chat to discuss health care reform (like the recent one with Van Jones). Join the White House's Facebook page to get the time once it is finalized.
It is safe to say that we are going to get a ton of questions from a lot of sources and won't be able to answer every one. But over the coming days, we'll use this blog, online chats and the President's town hall on Wednesday to address some of the most common issues we see.
*******
Some tips:
Don't know how to respond to the President's video with your question? Check out this tutorial from YouTube about how to create your own and add it as a response.
If you are a Twitter user, you can also ask your question with this hashtag: #WHHCQ or head to Facebook and ask your question there.
City Baking LLC, of Long island City, NY is recalling 781 individually wrapped City Baking brand Apple Crumb Cakes, because they contain Walnuts, which were inadvertently omitted from the label.
For the 14th commemoration of National HIV Testing Day, we wanted to share this video of the President and First Lady with you:
Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher.
Download the free player.
download .mp4 (13.7 MB)
One in five Americans currently living with HIV doesn't know it. If our President and First Lady can get tested -- you can too.
To find a testing site near you visit http://www.hivtest.org or text your zip code to KNOWIT (566948).
And to learn more about HIV testing and what you can do to spread the message, visit cdc.gov and aids.gov.
On June 26, 2009, the U.S. Department of State released the 2009 Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 Report to Congress (PDF) describing U.S. Government efforts to expand access to safe drinking water and sanitation, improve water resources management and increase water productivity in developing countries.
On behalf of the United States and the American people, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the people of Djibouti as they celebrate their thirty-second anniversary of independence. We appreciate the strong partnership we enjoy with Djibouti as we cooperate on regional issues in the Horn of Africa.
The President praises historic energy legislation passed by the House of Representatives. The legislation will help America create green jobs, ensure clean air for our children, move towards energy independence and combat climate change.
Viewing this video requires Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher.
Download the free player.
download .mp3 |download .mp4 | read the transcript
Those of us here over at DOT want to set the record straight when it comes to whether or not Recovery Act money is getting out to states and putting people back to work. There are reports in the press, specifically in Thursday’s USA Today, that say only a fraction of stimulus dollars dedicated for construction projects is reaching states. This simply isn’t true.
So far all 50 states and the territories have obligated or dedicated $16 billion dollars of their highway stimulus money to over 5,000 construction projects. Of those projects, over 1,500 of them are underway - bids are being made, equipment and supplies are being purchased, contractors are hiring and workers are working.
The USA Today story said states have only received "$132 million from the stimulus package out of $27.5 billion earmarked for road construction funding." This is false and shows a misunderstanding of the way states get federal money for highway projects. Let me explain.
We fund highway projects through a reimbursement process, meaning states send us bills for highway work as it’s getting done. For example let’s say Virginia obligated or dedicated $200,000 of its Recovery dollars to resurface several miles of a road. Once Virginia awards a bid and the work gets underway the contractor will send the state a bill periodically for the work as it progresses. The state pays the bill then turns to us for reimbursement (which in government speak is referred to as an outlay) – in many cases they get the funds the same day.
This might sound like a funny way of doing business and we get lots of reporters who ask "why not just cut the state a check for the amount of money it will take to get the job done?" To do that would be a huge waste of taxpayer money! What if that $200,000 road resurfacing job wound up coming in under budget by $50,000? Our rigorous system of reimbursement protects taxpayer dollars because we can watch the money that is being spent. If money is wasted, the states won’t get reimbursed by us.
The $132 million figure mentioned in USA Today is an inaccurate total of how much we’ve reimbursed states for Recovery funded construction projects – our reimbursements are higher than that. But relying on those figures in no way accurately describes what is happening out in the states.
Whenever a state obligates or dedicates their Recovery dollars to a project that means it is green-lighted. States can start advertising the project and soliciting bids and once a bid is awarded contractors can buy supplies, bring workers on board and start breaking ground. It could be weeks before the reimbursement process starts so those outlays are in no way an indicator of how much money is getting to states, how much work is being done or how many people are working.
The $16 billion obligated to thousands of highway projects is the true measure of how much highway money is reaching states. There is still a lot of hard work left to do, but we here at DOT are incredibly proud of how fast, efficiently and transparently Recovery dollars are getting out the door.
John D. Porcari is the Deputy Secretary of Transportation. As Deputy Secretary, Porcari serves as the Department’s chief operating officer with responsibility for the day-to-day operations of 10 modal administrations and the work of more than 55,000 DOT employees nationwide and overseas.
Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)
Approval of proposal by Morgan Stanley to retain up to 9.9 percent of the voting shares of Herald National Bank
Approval of proposal by Morgan Stanley to acquire up to 9.9 percent of the voting shares of Chinatrust Financial Holding Company
Agencies issue interim final rule for mortgage loans modified under the Making Home Affordable Program
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, June 26, 2009) – 96th Civil Affairs Battalion families take center stage at the “Slice of Summer” information fair and family appreciation event set for Monday, June 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the battalion headquarters on Son Tay Street.
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, June 26, 2009)- The men and women of the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) will welcome a new commander July 2, as Col. Mark S. Lowe relinquishes command to Col. Jack J. Jensen during an 8:30 a.m., ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (USASOC News Service, Jun 24, 2009) – The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) welcomed a new regiment command sergeant major as Command Sgt. Maj. Jake Elliott relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. David L. Leamon during a ceremony on June 18.
FORT CARSON, Colo. (USASOC News Service, June 26, 2009) – The 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) welcomed its new commander during a change of command ceremony at Manhart Field, Jun. 24.
Question: Is Assistant Secretary Carson planning to travel to Eritrea in the future? Answer: At this time, Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson does not have a trip to Eritrea scheduled. In a continued effort to engage Eritrea in constructive dialogue, Assistant Secretary Carson has proposed travel to Asmara.
A Senior State Department Official will brief reporters on background on U.S. assistance to the Somalia Transitional Federal Government. This press backgrounder will take place in the Public Affairs Conference Room (Room 2208) at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thank you all very much for coming this afternoon. I know that many of you are very interested in what is happening in Somalia today, and most particularly interested in the U.S. position with respect to Somalia and why we have, in fact, taken that position.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano unveiled six new efficiency initiatives, marking the third milestone in the Department-wide Efficiency Review launched in March.
Timothy Keay Isaac, 47, of Scottsdale, Ariz., pleaded guilty earlier this week
to Conspiracy, Introducing Misbranded Drugs into Interstate Commerce, Making False Tax
Returns, Filing False Declarations in a Bankruptcy Proceeding and Theft of Government Money.
Nuts For You of Preston, ID is recalling up to 30 lbs of Roasted and Salted Peanuts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
U.S. Marshals Seize Drug Products Manufactured by Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd.
This guidance is to help employers with employees in OSHA's Lower Risk (Caution) Zone*: those employees who have minimal occupational contact with the general public and other coworkers (for example, office employees).
Map: Weekly Influenza Activity Estimates Reported by State and Territorial Epidemiologists
(Activity levels indicate geographic spread of both seasonal and novel influenza A [H1N1] viruses)
Federal Reserve announces extensions of and modifications to a number of its liquidity programs
Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)
Written agreement with IT & S of Iowa
1:00 p.m. EDT MR. KELLY: Okay. Listen, just a few things at the top if you don’t mind. Secretary Clinton worked from home this morning. I think you know she has a meeting with the President this afternoon – that will be closed press.
The restoration of the intricately carved stone sculpture of the Tusha Hiti and Bhandarkhal Tank at the Patan Royal Palace in Kathmandu, Nepal, is one of eight projects at World Heritage Sites to receive financial support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in 2009.
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano discussed President Obama's intention to nominate Rafael Borras as Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Management.
The jobless economy is taking a toll on a growing number of college grads who are behind on their student loans. Nearly 7 percent of student loans for fiscal year 2007 are expected to default, involving more than 231,000 borrowers, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Agencies announce proposed revisions to regulations implementing the Community Reinvestment Act
PHILADELPHIA (June 24, 2009) - For the first time, EPA is making available up to $10 million in Climate Showcase Communities grants to local and tribal governments
The former managing pharmacist at a Middlesex County pharmacy pleaded
guilty today to conspiring to defraud health insurers, including the federal Medicaid
program, by submitting phony claims for reimbursement for prescription drugs, Acting
U.S. Attorney Ralph J. Marra, Jr., announced.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic version of the emergency contraceptive Plan B (levonorgestrel) tablets, 0.75 mg. The generic product will be available by prescription only for women ages 17 and under.
Prompt corrective action directive against BankFirst
U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration will participate in a public panel discussion to share outcomes of the June 23 Forum for the Supporters of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The panel discussion will take place today, June 24, at 3:00 p.m., at the U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba signed a Letter of Intent to expand science and technology cooperation in order to enhance security and combat transnational threats.
La Mexicana, Inc., of Seattle, Washington, is recalling Solena Tortilla Chips with a June 03, 2009 code date, because they may contain undeclared milk and milk products
Administrator cites NW Denver community as a model, highlights new federal partnership to advance sustainable communities (Denver, Colo
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the department will pursue advanced
development of new way to make influenza vaccine. The work will be done by Protein Sciences Corporation, Inc.,
of Meriden, Conn., under a new $35 million contract. The contract could be extended up to five years at a
total cost of approximately $147 million.
WASHINGTON – As part of President Obama’s Clean Energy Week, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson joined Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper for a tour of Highlands’ Garden Village community in Denver
Premier Nutrition Announces Precautionary, Voluntary Nationwide Recall of selected ODYSSEY Branded Bars Containing Peanuts Due to Possible Health Risk
Termination of enforcement action against Bank of Canton
Written agreement with CCB Financial
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will host a daylong meeting on June 24, 2009. During this meeting, the FDA will seek recommendations on how to make information on FDA activities and decision-making useful, understandable, and more accessible to the public. The meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT at the National Transportation Safety Board Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20594.
Secretary Napolitano announced her decision to end the National Applications Office (NAO) program, after a five-month review conducted in coordination with the Department’s law enforcement, emergency management and intelligence partners. NAO was established to facilitate access to satellite imagery for homeland security and law enforcement purposes. Secretary Napolitano’s decision will not affect the ability of the Department or its state, local and tribal partners to use satellite imaging as currently allowed under existing policy in order to meet its many other responsibilities.
Following is the statement issued by participants at the conclusion of the Forum for Supporters of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, held June 23, 2009, in Washington, D.C. Begin Text: Thirty-three countries and organizations, representing the witnesses and other international supporters of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), met in Washington on 23 June 2009 to renew their commitment to the CPA, noting the substantial progress that has already been made by the parties to the Agreement, and reiterating the short time remaining in the Interim Period and the need to urgently address outstanding implementation issues.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat California Prime Produce and Orange County Orchards brands of pistachios repacked by Orca Distribution West Inc., Anaheim, Calif. Orca received and repacked pistachios recalled by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., Terra Bella, Calif.
Influenza A(H1N1) - Update 52 - Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as
officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005).
WASHINGTON – As part of President Obama’s Clean Energy Week, on June 23, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will join Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper for a tour and a press availability at Highlands’ Gardens Village, a smart growth development community
(ATLANTA – June 22, 2009) Today, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored CEM Corporation of Matthews, North Carolina in Washington, DC as one of five winners nationally to receive the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award
(ATLANTA – June 22, 2009) Today, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored Eastman Chemical Company of Kingsport, Tennessee in Washington, DC as one of five winners nationally to receive the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. For the 14th year, the U.S
Written agreement with 1st Financial Bank
Board seeks nominations for appointments to Consumer Advisory Council
MedicalNewsToday.com -- New data on the persistence of avian influenza viruses in the environment has allowed a team of University of Georgia researchers to create the first model that takes into account both direct and indirect transmission of the viruses among birds. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152473.php
TheRecord.com -- Humans, horses, dogs, whales, seals, birds, cats, ferrets and even raccoons are known to be susceptible to the tiny eight-gene viruses. Researchers in Tennessee have now added giant anteaters to that list. http://news.therecord.com/printArticle/546149
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced approximately $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of two new inline baggage handling systems at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
A federal grand jury yesterday indicted Pamela Arrey, age 48, Glenelg, Maryland, for health care fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney for District of Maryland Rod R. Rosenstein
Unilever United States, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Knorr® Kosher Soup Mix – Chicken Vegetable Flavor with Pasta imported from Israel because it contains undeclared egg...
Nestlé USA’s Baking Division is initiating a voluntary recall of Nestlé® TOLL HOUSE® refrigerated cookie dough products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are warning consumers not to eat any varieties of Nestle Toll House Refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that causes food borne illness).
Answering President Obama’s call to service, Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano will be joined by Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate volunteering their time and efforts to promote service across the country. The President’s 81-day summer service initiative, United We Serve, challenges all citizens to get involved in their communities and start building a better future for the nation.
BOSTON, MA - A Branchburg, NJ, woman was sentenced today for violating the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, for marketing the drug Bextra for uses and dosages that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Influenza A(H1N1) - Update 50 - Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as
officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005).
WASHINGTON - EPA today released a first-of-its-kind guide to help states save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by adopting clean energy practices in their facilities, operations and vehicle fleets
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced approximately $6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of a new inline baggage handling system at Jackson Hole Airport.
Secretary Napolitano and Attorney General Eric Holder issed a joint statement on the signing of a DEA-ICE drug trafficking enforcement agreement on June 18, 2009.
Sanofi-aventis to donate 100 million doses of pandemic H1N1 vaccine to WHO -
“We welcome this very generous gesture by sanofi-aventis. One hundred million doses of vaccine against the
pandemic H1N1 2009 virus is a sizeable and generous gesture to and on behalf of the world's less-developed
countries. WHO will now work to ensure that this vaccine gets to groups who otherwise would have no access to
pandemic vaccines.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted an exercise to test the readiness and capabilities of federal departments and agencies—coordinating with the White House—to execute their Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans on June 17, 2009.
Smith Dairy Products Company today announced a voluntary recall on SMITH’S Tea with Lemon in gallon size, lot no. 07/07/09
What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new
virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and
Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably
in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking steps to improve contact lens safety by reminding consumers of the importance of following proper cleaning and storing procedures. Consumers who do not follow instructions for contact lens care and use increase their risk of serious eye infections that can lead to blindness.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today advised consumers to stop using three products marketed over-the-counter as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell (anosmia). Anosmia may be long-lasting or permanent.
(New York, N.Y.) “Find Your Success” is Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) motto, and the school is doing just that by greening its campus through an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced nearly $1.8 billion in Federal Emergency Management Agency preparedness grants designed to help states, urban areas, tribal governments and non-profit agencies improve their readiness by enhancing protection, prevention, response and recovery capabilities for all disasters on June 16, 2009.
Secretary Napolitano discussed the nearly $1.8 Billion in FY 2009 FEMA Preparedness Grants on June 16, 2009 in Washington, D.C. These grant programs are a key part of how the Department of Homeland Security helps to prepare and strengthen our country against terrorism and against disasters.
WHO declaration points to global spread, not severe impact, of influenza outbreaks. For the
countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, the declaration of a full-fledged A (H1N1) influenza pandemic
means they should be on the alert for new cases but should not necessarily expect a dramatic increase in
severe illnesses or deaths, a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) spokesman said today.
As of 17:00 GMT, 15 June 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35,928 cases of influenza
A(H1N1) infection, including 163 deaths.
Hy-Vee Inc. is voluntarily recalling some 12-oz. bottles of Hy-Vee HealthMarket Organic Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.
This document provides interim guidance on suggested means to reduce the spread of the novel
influenza A (H1N1) virus in day, residential, or overnight camp settings. Recommendations are interim, based
on current knowledge of the H1N1 outbreak in the United States, and may be revised as more information becomes
available.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Matt J. Whitworth, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Nevada company and its owners pleaded guilty in federal court today to distributing a tainted ingredient used to make pet food, which resulted in a nationwide recall of pet food and the death and serious illness of countless pets across the United States in 2007.
Britain is reporting its first H1N1 swine flu death, the first known fatality outside the
Americas. Scotland's government said an unidentified patient died from swine flu at a hospital Sunday. It said
the patient had other health conditions, but it gave no details.
U.S. Attorney news release
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is enforcing the laws that protect consumers from illegal products marketed through the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and Mexican Minister of Finance and Public Credit Agustín Carstens signed a Letter of Intent on June 15, 2009 that aims to increase security in the U.S. and Mexico, and facilitate the flow of legal travel and trade.
Secretary Napolitano spoke after signing a bilateral agreement with Mexican Finance Minister Agustin Carstens regarding the Department's goals: strengthen enforcement cooperation, build capacity by training, and increase trade compliance and facilitation.
Secretary Napolitano describes the introduction of Pass ID in the Senate on June 15, 2009 as increasing compliance with federal standards for secure driver's licenses and offering better protection against terrorists.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched The Blog @ Homeland Security. It will feature frequent updates on the Department’s activities, including breaking news, public events and new initiatives.
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced approximately $26 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of two new inline baggage handling systems at Philadelphia International Airport.
June 15, 2009 - Norcross, GA - Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Hi-Tech”), 6015-B Unity Dr., Norcross, GA 30071, announced today that it is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of the company's product sold under the name Stamina-Rx.
Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese of Reading, Michigan announces the recall of all lots of various types of soft Mexican-style cheeses due to potential Listeria contamination.
As of 07:00 GMT, 12 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 29,669 cases of influenza
A(H1N1) infection, including 145 deaths.
The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and map.
The Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis says it has produced a first batch of a vaccine to
fight the H1N1 swine flu virus, weeks ahead of expectations.
The company said Friday that producing the vaccine proved to be quicker through cell-based production rather
than eggs, the usual method of producing vaccines.
More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This
number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or
were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects
the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.
The World Health Organization raised its global pandemic alert level to Phase 6 today. This
means that sustained community transmission of a new influenza virus has now been confirmed in more than one
WHO region, and that a global pandemic is now officially declared. Read the Director General's statement to
the press.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and U.S. Department of
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued the following statements today in response to the World
Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to raise the pandemic threat level on the novel H1N1 virus.
Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) will hold a press
conference at 18:00 hrs Geneva time, Thursday, 11 June 2009 on influenza A(H1N1) in the Executive Board room
at the WHO headquarters.
CDC hosts a press conference to discuss an update in the investigation of cases of novel
influenza A H1N1.
11 June 2009 -- As of 14:00 GMT, 11 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774
cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 144 deaths.
R. E. Kimball and Company, Inc. of Amesbury, MA is voluntarily recalling all approximately 1200 units of Clam Chowder and Corn Chowder, all lot numbers in 15 oz cans, because they contain undeclared Milk and Wheat...
With historically low rates, many homeowners are watching closely for the right time to refinance their mortgages. Those with good credit may well recall being showered with praise by a mortgage broker during the initial purchase for that solid credit score.That was then. This is now.
The Department of the Interior announced that the National Park Service will offer three fee-free weekends this summer to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to visit these national treasures.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of Palladia (toceranib phosphate), the first drug developed specifically for the treatment of cancer in dogs. Palladia is approved to treat canine cutaneous (skin-based) mast cell tumors, a type of cancer responsible for about 1 out of 5 cases of canine skin tumors.
FoodScience Corporation of Essex Junction, Vermont 05452 is voluntarily recalling a total of approximately 1,250 bottles of its Children’s Multi Vitamins...
June 11, 2009 - Peach Glen, PA - Knouse Foods, Inc. announced today that effective immediately, they have decided to voluntarily recall apple sauce (23.5 and 25 oz glass jars only) with the following Best By Dates for these specific UPC Codes.
Indian Groceries & Spices, Inc. of Skokie, IL is recalling Nirav Golden Raisins because it may contain undeclared sulfites.
10 June 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 10 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 27,737
cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 141 deaths.
Bao Ding Seafood of New York, NY 10002 is recalling Boiled Horse Mackerel, because it has the potential to be contaminated with clostriduim botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.
Sconza Candy Company Voluntarily Initiates Nationwide Recall of Trail Mix, Organic Chocolate Peanuts and Organic Toffee Cashews and Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk –SECOND RELEASE.
PHILADELPHIA (June 4, 2009) - - With summer and the high costs of cooling right around the corner, EPA is offering advice to help Americans reduce both energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by one-third through Energy Star
(New York, N.Y.) When the New York Jets and New York Giants kickoff their 2010 seasons, they won’t just have a new stadium to call home, they’ll be playing in one of the greenest venues in sports thanks to a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(Washington, D.C. – May 22, 2009) U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and Gov. Dave Freudenthal concluded a two day tour of several major energy production regions in Wyoming. Gov
(Boston, Mass. – May 21, 2009) – With summer and the high costs of cooling right around the corner, EPA is offering advice to help New Englanders reduce both energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by one third through Energy Star
(Washington, D.C. – May 18, 2009) Tomorrow, May 19, 2009, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will testify before a hearing of the House Appropriations Committee’s Interior and Environment Subcommittee on EPA’s 2010 budget proposal
(Washington, D.C. – May 18, 2009) U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson is scheduled to join Gov. Dave Freudenthal in a tour of several major energy production regions in Wyoming from May 20 through May 21. Gov
(SAN FRANCISCO 5/15/2009) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency employee and Bay Area resident Cara Peck has been nominated for the celebrated 2009 Service to America Medal by the Partnership for Public Service
(Washington, D.C. – May 15, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing new requirements for commercial griddles and ovens to earn the Energy Star label that will help protect the environment and reduce energy costs for businesses
(Washington, D.C. – May 14, 2009) The Home and Garden Television (HGTV) Green Home 2009 has earned EPA’s Indoor AirPlus and Energy Star labels
(Washington, D.C. – May 14, 2009) U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson is scheduled to join Gov. Dave Freudenthal in a tour of several major energy production regions in Wyoming from May 20 through May 21. Gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 09-OPA088 (Chicago, Ill. - May 14, 2009) With summer and the high costs of cooling right around the corner, U.S
(Washington D.C. – May 7, 2009) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson released EPA’s fiscal year 2010 budget blueprint, which takes significant strides to ensure that our air, land, and water are safe and clean
(Boston, Mass. – May 6, 2009) – For the third year in a row, the Ivy League won EPA’s College and University Green Power Challenge by purchasing the most green power among the schools competing
(Washington, D.C. – May 6, 2009) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will hold a conference call to brief reporters on EPA’s Fiscal Year 2010 budget blueprint which takes significant strides to ensure that our air, land and water are safe and clean
(04/27/09) LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S
(04/27/09) SAN FRANCISCO – By purchasing more than 1 billion kilowatt-hours of green power annually - enough green power to meet 47 percent of the organization's purchased electricity use - Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel Corporation has been honored as a Top 50 Purchaser by the U.S
Environmental News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Kansas City, Kan., April 23, 2009) - Pella Corporation of Pella, Iowa, has been honored by the U.S
(Boston, Mass. - Apr. 23, 2009) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded four New England organizations with 2009 Regional Energy Star Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing
Environmental News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Kansas City, Kan., April 23, 2009) - Hathmore Technologies, LLC, of Independence, Mo., has received the Energy Star for Homes Leadership in Housing Award
(Spokane, Wash.—4/22/2009) Gonzaga University students received national recognition this week for their work on green energy for a proposed new dormitory in Kenya
(Corvallis, Ore.—4/22/2009) Oregon State University is being recognized for its purchase of green power. OSU, a member of the Pacific-10 football conference, purchased 66,680,400 kilowatt-hours of green power, according to the Environmental Protection Agency
Federal courts in the U.S. District of the Virgin Islands came through Hurricane Omar without major incidents. The St. Croix courthouse is currently without power but is expected to reopen Friday, October 17th. There were no reports of any disruption to court operations for the U.S. District of Puerto Rico. Please check the individual court links for more detailed information and updates on operational status.
Federal court operations continue to be effected as the Texas coast recovers from Hurricane Ike. The Galveston court house will remain closed until further notice. In the Eastern District of Texas, the Beumont court house remains closed. Court houses in the Southern District of Texas are now operating normally in Houston as of this morning. Please check the individual court links for more detailed information and updates on operational status.
Several federal courts in Texas remain closed today as the cleanup and response to Hurricane Ike continues in the region. The following courthouse locations remain closed Tuesday, September 16, 2008. Please check the individual court links below for when each courthouse location may reopen.
Federal courts in Texas and western Louisiana are feeling the effects of Hurricane Ike. The list below includes links to each of the courts closed Friday, September 12, 2008, and information regarding when each location plans to reopen.
Some federal courts in Louisiana and Texas remain closed due to the effects of Hurricane Gustav, but they are scheduled to resume operations soon. Federal courts in the Western District of Louisiana, with the exception of in the cities of Alexandria and Lake Charles, reopened today.
Federal courts in three southern states are closed due to the affects of Hurricane Gustav. Links to each of the courts closed Tuesday, September 2, 2008, are provided.
Based on RSS feeds from several federal government agencies and organizations.
Hipolitical is a little experiment being conducted by
us.
