Senate Roll Call Votes Condoleeza Rice

U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 109th Congress - 1st Session

as compiled through Senate LIS by the Senate Bill Clerk under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate

Vote Summary

Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation Condoleeza Rice, of California, to be Secretary of State )
Vote Number: 2
Vote Date: January 26, 2005, 11:40 AM
Required For Majority: 1/2
Vote Result: Nomination Confirmed
Nomination Number: PN8
Nomination Description: Condoleezza Rice, of California, to be Secretary of State

Vote Counts:
YEAs 85
NAYs 13
Not Voting 2

Alphabetical by Senator Name Akaka (D-HI), Nay

Alexander (R-TN), Yea Allard (R-CO), Yea Allen (R-VA), Yea Baucus (D-MT), Yea Bayh (D-IN), Nay Bennett (R-UT), Yea Biden (D-DE), Yea Bingaman (D-NM), Yea Bond (R-MO), Yea Boxer (D-CA), Nay Brownback (R-KS), Yea Bunning (R-KY), Yea Burns (R-MT), Not Voting Burr (R-NC), Yea Byrd (D-WV), Nay Cantwell (D-WA), Yea Carper (D-DE), Yea Chafee (R-RI), Yea Chambliss (R-GA), Yea Clinton (D-NY), Yea Coburn (R-OK), Yea Cochran (R-MS), Yea Coleman (R-MN), Yea Collins (R-ME), Yea Conrad (D-ND), Yea Cornyn (R-TX), Yea Corzine (D-NJ), Yea Craig (R-ID), Yea Crapo (R-ID), Yea Dayton (D-MN), Nay DeMint (R-SC), Yea DeWine (R-OH), Yea Dodd (D-CT), Yea Dole (R-NC), Yea

Domenici (R-NM), Yea Dorgan (D-ND), Yea Durbin (D-IL), Nay Ensign (R-NV), Yea Enzi (R-WY), Yea Feingold (D-WI), Yea Feinstein (D-CA), Yea Frist (R-TN), Yea Graham (R-SC), Yea Grassley (R-IA), Yea Gregg (R-NH), Not Voting Hagel (R-NE), Yea Harkin (D-IA), Nay Hatch (R-UT), Yea Hutchison (R-TX), Yea Inhofe (R-OK), Yea Inouye (D-HI), Yea Isakson (R-GA), Yea Jeffords (I-VT), Nay Johnson (D-SD), Yea Kennedy (D-MA), Nay Kerry (D-MA), Nay Kohl (D-WI), Yea Kyl (R-AZ), Yea Landrieu (D-LA), Yea Lautenberg (D-NJ), Nay Leahy (D-VT), Yea Levin (D-MI), Nay Lieberman (D-CT), Yea Lincoln (D-AR), Yea Lott (R-MS), Yea Lugar (R-IN), Yea Martinez (R-FL), Yea

McCain (R-AZ), Yea McConnell (R-KY), Yea Mikulski (D-MD), Yea Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Murray (D-WA), Yea Nelson (D-FL), Yea Nelson (D-NE), Yea Obama (D-IL), Yea Pryor (D-AR), Yea Reed (D-RI), Nay Reid (D-NV), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Yea Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea Salazar (D-CO), Yea Santorum (R-PA), Yea Sarbanes (D-MD), Yea Schumer (D-NY), Yea Sessions (R-AL), Yea Shelby (R-AL), Yea Smith (R-OR), Yea Snowe (R-ME), Yea Specter (R-PA), Yea Stabenow (D-MI), Yea Stevens (R-AK), Yea Sununu (R-NH), Yea Talent (R-MO), Yea Thomas (R-WY), Yea Thune (R-SD), Yea Vitter (R-LA), Yea Voinovich (R-OH), Yea Warner (R-VA), Yea Wyden (D-OR), Yea

Grouped by Home State Alabama: Sessions (R-AL), Yea Shelby (R-AL), Yea

Alaska: Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Stevens (R-AK), Yea Arizona: Kyl (R-AZ), Yea McCain (R-AZ), Yea Arkansas: Lincoln (D-AR), Yea Pryor (D-AR), Yea California: Boxer (D-CA), Nay Feinstein (D-CA), Yea Colorado: Allard (R-CO), Yea Salazar (D-CO), Yea Connecticut: Dodd (D-CT), Yea Lieberman (D-CT), Yea Delaware: Biden (D-DE), Yea Carper (D-DE), Yea Florida: Martinez (R-FL), Yea Nelson (D-FL), Yea Georgia: Chambliss (R-GA), Yea Isakson (R-GA), Yea Hawaii: Akaka (D-HI), Nay Inouye (D-HI), Yea Idaho: Craig (R-ID), Yea Crapo (R-ID), Yea Illinois: Durbin (D-IL), Nay Obama (D-IL), Yea Indiana: Bayh (D-IN), Nay Lugar (R-IN), Yea Iowa: Grassley (R-IA), Yea Harkin (D-IA), Nay Kansas: Brownback (R-KS), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Yea Kentucky: Bunning (R-KY), Yea McConnell (R-KY), Yea Louisiana: Landrieu (D-LA), Yea Vitter (R-LA), Yea Maine: Collins (R-ME), Yea Snowe (R-ME), Yea Maryland: Mikulski (D-MD), Yea Sarbanes (D-MD), Yea Massachusetts: Kennedy (D-MA), Nay Kerry (D-MA), Nay Michigan: Levin (D-MI), Nay Stabenow (D-MI), Yea Minnesota: Coleman (R-MN), Yea Dayton (D-MN), Nay Mississippi: Cochran (R-MS), Yea Lott (R-MS), Yea Missouri: Bond (R-MO), Yea Talent (R-MO), Yea

Montana: Baucus (D-MT), Yea Burns (R-MT), Not Voting Nebraska: Hagel (R-NE), Yea Nelson (D-NE), Yea Nevada: Ensign (R-NV), Yea Reid (D-NV), Yea New Hampshire: Gregg (R-NH), Not Voting Sununu (R-NH), Yea New Jersey: Corzine (D-NJ), Yea Lautenberg (D-NJ), Nay New Mexico: Bingaman (D-NM), Yea Domenici (R-NM), Yea New York: Clinton (D-NY), Yea Schumer (D-NY), Yea North Carolina: Burr (R-NC), Yea Dole (R-NC), Yea North Dakota: Conrad (D-ND), Yea Dorgan (D-ND), Yea Ohio: DeWine (R-OH), Yea Voinovich (R-OH), Yea Oklahoma: Coburn (R-OK), Yea Inhofe (R-OK), Yea Oregon: Smith (R-OR), Yea Wyden (D-OR), Yea Pennsylvania: Santorum (R-PA), Yea Specter (R-PA), Yea Rhode Island: Chafee (R-RI), Yea Reed (D-RI), Nay South Carolina: DeMint (R-SC), Yea Graham (R-SC), Yea South Dakota: Johnson (D-SD), Yea Thune (R-SD), Yea Tennessee: Alexander (R-TN), Yea Frist (R-TN), Yea Texas: Cornyn (R-TX), Yea Hutchison (R-TX), Yea Utah: Bennett (R-UT), Yea Hatch (R-UT), Yea Vermont: Jeffords (I-VT), Nay Leahy (D-VT), Yea Virginia: Allen (R-VA), Yea Warner (R-VA), Yea Washington: Cantwell (D-WA), Yea Murray (D-WA), Yea West Virginia: Byrd (D-WV), Nay Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea Wisconsin: Feingold (D-WI), Yea Kohl (D-WI), Yea Wyoming: Enzi (R-WY), Yea Thomas (R-WY), Yea

Iraqi Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) Program

Amman, Jordan: A total of 17,694 expatriate Iraqis registered to vote on the eighth day of registration for the International Organization for Migration’s Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) Program for Iraq’s Transitional National Assembly Election. This brings the total number of registrants to 255,611.

On 17 January, Iraq OCV opened 75 registration facilities in the 14 countries hosting the Program across the Middle East, North America, Europe and Australia. Registration is necessary for any expatriate Iraqi wanting to participate in the Out-of-Country Vote. Facilities will be open every day from 08:00 to 19:00, local time (except in the Netherlands where centres still close at 17:00). Additionally, registration has now been extended until Tuesday, 25 January.

To be deemed eligible to participate in the Out-of-Country Voting Program, Iraqis have to prove their identity, their Iraqi nationality, and must have been born on, or before, 31 December 1986. They must present at least two acceptable forms of documentation to registration officials. This could include be a passport or any other relevant document issued by a state, state agency or international institution.

Once people have successfully registered to vote, they will be issued with a registration receipt which they must present on polling day, together with a photo ID. Voters must return to the same station they registered in to cast their vote. Polling takes place from 28 to 30 January, with the last day coinciding with Election Day in Iraq.

IOM is conducting an OCV Program on behalf of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI). The IECI is the exclusive electoral authority for the Iraq elections. It is an independent, non-partisan body, which has the authority to legally enforce rules and procedures relating to elections held throughout the Transitional Period.

Click here for a more detailed breakdown of registration numbers.

For full information on registration locations, voter eligibility criteria, or procedures for becoming accredited to observe or cover Iraq OCV’s registration, polling and counting processes, please visit http://www.iraqocv.org/.

Monique De Groot IOM OCV Iraq Spokesperson +962 (0)79 640 0436

Darren Boisvert IOM OCV HQ Media Officer +962 (0)79 640 0392

Sarah Tosh IOM OCV HQ Media Officer +962 (0)79 640 0399

60th Anniversary Liberation of Auschwitz

60th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, 2005

At the Auschwitz concentration camp, evil found willing servants and innocent victims. For almost 5 years, Auschwitz was a factory for murder where more than a million lives were taken. It is a sobering reminder of the power of evil and the need for people to oppose evil wherever it exists. It is a reminder that when we find anti-Semitism, we must come together to fight it.

In places like Auschwitz, evidence of the horror of the Holocaust has been preserved to help the world remember the past. We must never forget the cruelty of the guilty and the courage of the victims at Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration camps.

During the Holocaust, evil was systematic in its implementation and deliberate in its destruction. The 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is an opportunity to pass on the stories and lessons of the Holocaust to future generations. The history of the Holocaust demonstrates that evil is real, but hope endures.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 27, 2005, as the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. I call upon all Americans to observe this occasion with appropriate ceremonies

and programs to honor the victims of Auschwitz and the Holocaust. May God bless their memory and their families, and may we always remember.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentyfifth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentyninth. GEORGE W. BUSH

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 25, 2005

RELATED:

• commemorate liberation Nazi concentration camps - January 21, 2005 President George W. Bush today announced his designation of a Presidential Delegation to a special session of the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps on January 24, 2005.
• Auschwitz-Birkinau death camps - Vice President Cheney will lead the United States delegation to Poland for the 60th commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkinau death camps.

S. 50 Tsunami Preparedness Act of 2005

Commerce Committee to Hold Tsunami Hearing

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has scheduled a Full Committee hearing on S. 50, the Tsunami Preparedness Act of 2005, introduced yesterday by Senators Inouye and Stevens (copy attached (not at GPO yet)), and the U.S. Tsunami Warning System on Wednesday, February 2, 2005, at 10 a.m. in Room 253 of the Russell Building. The witnesses are as follows and subject to change:

Panel I

The Honorable Bill Frist, M.D., Senate Majority Leader, United States Senate The Honorable Mary Landrieu, Senator, United States Senate

Panel II

Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Administrator National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Mr. Jack Marburger, III, Ph.D, Director, Office of Science & Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President

Dr. Charles Groat, Director, United States Geological Survey

Dr. Arden Bement, Jr., Director, National Science Foundation

Panel III

Dr. Roger Hansen, Professor, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Director, Tsunami Warning and Environmental System for Alaska

Ms. Eileen Shea, Project Coordinator, East West Center, Honolulu, HI

(order of witnesses within panels is subject to change)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: January 25, 2005 Contact: Melanie Alvord Phone: (202) 224-8456

Iraqi Troops Elections Camp Liberty, Baghdad

Iraqi Troops Risking Their Lives for Elections

Camp Liberty, Baghdad, Iraq – Members of the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi police force have a big job ahead of them. They are the glue in the democracy model. Their responsibility is to guarantee citizens are able to safely cast their vote for the new Iraqi National Assembly, a group of representatives who will elect a leader of Iraq at the end of this year.

iraqi guard

With less than a week to go before the election, Soldiers of the 303rd Iraqi Army Battalion patrol the streets of Al Ameryiah in a flatbed truck filled with 12 Soldiers; one mans a pedestal-mounted machinegun on top of the truck and the other 11 carefully watch from the back of the truck for insurgents.

They are protected by flak vests, Kevlar helmets and black ski masks to conceal their identities from insurgents who could recognize them and possibly threaten or kill them or their families. None of their names are used in this report for security reasons.

The unsung heroes of Iraq, these Soldiers and the Iraqi police, will act as the security force at each of the 1,405 polling stations in-and-around the Baghdad area. They have selflessly made the decision to put their lives in danger to protect their fellow Iraqi voters who want change and improvement in their lives.

Currently, the 303rd Battalion’s main concern is to ensure a safe place for Iraqis to vote at the 24 polling stations in their area of operation Jan. 30. They will be providing security in the streets surrounding the polling stations, as well as the polling stations itself.

The battalion’s plans officer previously served in the Iraqi Army for 20 years. He said that holding the elections is the first step toward a peaceful future for his four children and an end to the insurgency in Iraq.

“The election will be a strange and unique situation because we have never had an election before,” he said. “This is the first election by the Iraqi people for a leader who will work for the Iraqi people. I hope the new government will be a true government. If it is true, they will help protect the Iraqi people from insurgents.”

These Iraqi troops not only fight insurgents with weapons, they also encounter the terrorists who choose to attack the Iraqi people with words. At three of the polling stations in Al Ameryiah, threats and warnings against voting at these particular polling stations have been spray painted on the walls. Some read “Long live the resistance!” and “Down with the decision council!”

Others are more violent in nature, threatening jihad and beheadings for those who participate in the elections.

A female Soldier in the 303rd said she is excited to have the opportunity to vote in the upcoming elections. She said her neighborhood polling station has received many threats, but that will not stop her from doing what she can to improve her country‘s future. She believes the main focus of the new president should be to work with multinational forces to end the insurgency and unnecessary killing of Iraqi citizens.

“The new government may be good, depending on the character of the person chosen,” she said. “The new president will provide a safe and secure area for all of Iraq. I hope he will aid the poor people and not distinguish between the different classes of people when aid is being given; equal treatment for all citizens in Iraq.”

Another Iraqi Army troop, a young 20-year-old with a perpetual smile on his face, joined the Iraqi National Guard last April. He said he will vote because he wants to be part of the decision-making process for his new government. He agreed that nobody should be treated differently because of the tribe they belong to, or their status in society.

“The new president should not discriminate against the people because they are not Sunni or they are not Shia,” he said. “He will have to provide power and water to all citizens and make the laws (apply to) everybody.”

This young Soldier became the sole-provider for his wife, one-year-old child and two smaller brothers after his parents died. He joined the ING to protect his fellow Iraqis and his newly freed nation. His family asked him to leave, though, because a note was left on his front door stating he and his family would be beheaded if he continued to work with the Americans.

“I can’t leave this job because it is a good job, and I am proud to be a ...Soldier alongside the other ...Soldiers,” he said. “It is an important thing to make people feel safe while they go to work. I am here to protect the Iraqi people.”

Most of the Soldiers of the 303rd Battalion were prior-service members, but wanted to remain in the military to help build a peaceful land for their people to live. One sergeant said protecting the people of Iraq and ensuring their safety was one reason he wanted to stay in the ING. He said he hopes the new government will bring humility to the country, so they can experience the taste of real freedom.

“Sure the insurgents will continue to attack after the elections, but the new government will build a stronger army and end the insurgency,” he said. “Democracy is good for Iraq because it means we will be able to have a better life and to be able to see life the way it should be.”

Despite the constant fears and threats voters and troops alike receive, the plans officer maintains an optimistic outlook for the elections. He said he is confident the elections will take place and they will bring a new leader to Iraq who will make Iraq a better place for its citizens.

“Our new president must see the Iraqi suffering; the suffering in everyday life, such as no water or electricity and the fuel lines. We hope the bad situation will change,” the plans officer said. “I hope the time comes when I can wear my uniform in public without having to worry for my life, and the time when outsiders can come to our country and not be afraid of being kidnapped.”

(Editor’s note: This release was provided by Spc. Brian Schroeder 10th Mountain Division Pubic Affairs.) Release #050124j

Supplemental Budget Request

President's Statement on Supplemental Budget Request
January 25, 2005 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

When we decided to protect America from a gathering threat by removing Saddam Hussein from power, I made two fundamental pledges: First, our troops will have whatever they need to protect themselves and complete their mission; and second, the United States will stand with the Iraqi people and against the terrorists trying desperately to block democracy and the advance of human rights.

This supplemental budget request will fulfill these important pledges and again makes clear to terrorists that our resolve is firm and we will complete our mission.

Most of these funds will support American troops on the ground by continuing to provide them with the equipment and other supplies they need. The request also provides for the continued pursuit of al-Qaida and other terrorist elements in Afghanistan and elsewhere, while supporting the great progress Afghanistan has made toward joining the community of free nations. And resources are included to accelerate efforts to train and equip Iraqi and Afghan forces, so they can assume greater responsibility for their own security.

The supplemental also includes funding for other important priorities of American foreign policy, such as helping the Palestinian people build a democratic state, improving the economic and humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people, and bridging differences between Israelis and Palestinians.

I am grateful that Congress, in a strong bipartisan fashion, has consistently voted to support our troops, and I urge it to do so again. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 25, 2005

National Security Agency, Central Security Service Extensible Configuration Checklist

National Security Agency, Central Security Service, NSA, CSS, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland 207755-6000

NSA PRESS RELEASE 24 January 2005 For further information, contact: NSA Public and Media Affairs, 301-688-6524

NSA and NIST Announce Public Availability of the Extensible Configuration Checklist Description Format (XCCDF)
The National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) jointly announce the public availability of the specification for the Extensible Configuration Checklist Description Format (XCCDF). To promote the use, standardization, and sharing of effective security checklists, the NSA and NIST collaborated with representatives of private industry to develop the XCCDF specification.

The specification is vendor-neutral, flexible, and suited for a wide variety of checklist applications. The intent of the XCCDF is to provide a uniform foundation for expression of security checklists, benchmarks, and other configuration guidance, thereby fostering a more widespread application of good security practices. Such checklists can markedly reduce the vulnerability exposure of an organization when combined with well-developed guidance, accompanied with tools, and leveraged with high quality security expertise, vendor product knowledge, and operational experience.

The Cyber-Security Research and Development Act of 2002 tasked NIST to “develop and revise, as necessary, a checklist setting forth settings and option selections that minimize the security risks associated with each computer hardware or software system that is, or is likely to become, widely used within the Federal Government.” The XCCDF effort was born out of this mandate. A uniform and widely used format for security benchmarks, checklists, and related documents will help to improve security of government and private IT installations by enabling more timely and effective knowledge sharing and by fostering automated security testing and monitoring. NSA and NIST offer the XCCDF format to the public and the security community as such a format, and are prepared to work with the community to improve the specification.

The XCCDF specification document is available for download from the NIST security checklists web site. The site also offers access to a mailing list where industry and the public can make suggestions and comments about the specification. NSA and NIST look forward to working with the security community to make XCCDF a practical and useful data format for the security needs of the public and private sectors.

About the Organizations:

As a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Technology Administration, the NIST develops and promotes measurement, standards and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade and improve the quality of life.

NSA has served as America’s codemakers and codebreakers for over 50 years. Under its mandate to protect national security communications, the agency conducts research and development activities in the area of information technology and network security.

America's Codemakers and Codebreakers ##

Under Secretary Asa Hutchinson’s Resignation

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge on Under Secretary Asa Hutchinson’s Resignation

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security Asa Hutchinson today announced his resignation effective March 1, 2005.

“Asa Hutchinson has served his country and the Department with great energy, integrity and distinction. He has been an integral and tireless member of my leadership team. Under Secretary Hutchinson championed our biometric technology entry/exit system with the implementation of US-VISIT and has overseen increased detection, detention and removal of illegal immigrants throughout the country. His leadership efforts to provide the latest technology and tools to the 110,000 employees of the Border and Transportation Security directorate, the largest in the Department, have enabled us to keep our country safe and secure. Additionally, he strengthened relationships with foreign governments which has enhanced our partnerships in the fight against terrorism. I thank Asa for the selfless and effective service rendered for his country and wish him and Susan all the best for the future,” said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. ###

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact: 202-282-8010 January 24, 2005

Auschwitz-Birkinau death camps

Vice President to Lead U.S. Delegation to Poland

Vice President Cheney will lead the United States delegation to Poland for the 60th commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkinau death camps.

In addition to attending the official commemoration ceremonies on January 27, 2005, Vice President Cheney, accompanied by Mrs. Cheney, will participate in an event honoring survivors of the Holocaust who are now American citizens, deliver remarks to an international forum, and tour Auschwitz.

The Vice President's agenda will include bilateral meetings with Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski, Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka, and Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Vice President January 24, 2005

death of Johnny Carson

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Laura and I are saddened by the death of Johnny Carson. Born in Iowa and raised in Nebraska, Johnny Carson was a steady and reassuring presence in homes across America for three decades. His wit and insight made Americans laugh and think and had a profound influence on American life and entertainment. He was a patriot who served in the United States Navy during World War II and always remembered his roots in the heartland of America. We send our prayers and condolences to the entire Carson family. ###

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 24, 2005 Statement by the President

President Bush Jacques Chirac Brussels

President to Meet with French President Jacques Chirac in Brussels

President Bush will host a working dinner for French President Jacques Chirac in Brussels on February 21, 2005. The President plans to be in Brussels for meetings with NATO and EU leaders on February 22, 2005. The President looks forward to working together with President Chirac and all our European allies and partners to strengthen freedom, democracy, and security throughout the world. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 24, 2005

RELATED:

• President Brussels, Belgium 2/21/05 - THE PRESIDENT: Guy, or Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your kind introduction and thank you for your warm hospitality. Distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen. Laura and I are really glad to be back.

Iraqi Army Election Security

211th Iraqi Army Battalion Conducts Election Security Training

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq -- The 211th Iraqi Army Battalion conducted election security training here on Jan 19.

elections 1

Iraqi Security Forces will do everything in their power to provide for a safe and secure environment on Election Day. The 211th Iraqi Army Battalion recently conducted a review of their mission essential tasks in preparation for the Jan. 30 elections.

المقدم (كريستوفر غيبسون) الظاهر الى اليمين يتناول الطعام مع قادة قوة التدخل العراقية أثناء وليمة أقيمت للقادة في الموصل يوم 16 كانون الثاني 2005. المقدم غيبسون يضيف هذه الوليمة المشتركة بين وحدته و وحدة التدخل العراقية.

Battalion leadership ensured that each Soldier was trained to standard and proficient in all tasks. This final round of refresher training ensured the battalion is ready for the upcoming elections.

elections 2

ضابط عراقي يستعرض الطريقة الصحيحة لحمل السلاح لأعضاء سرية (حديثة) للحرس الوطني العراقي رقم 503 أثناء تدريب على المواجهات في المناطق المغلقة في قاعدة العمليات (هت) يوم 16 كانون الثاني 2005.

The training these Soldiers have received will not only help benefit the people of Iraq during the upcoming elections but give the people a sense of security for the future, as well. Release #050122e

elections 3

المقدم محمد من قوة التدخل العراقية الظاهر الى اليسار يتحث مع حارس مدرسة أثناء تفتيشها في الموصل يوم 17 كانون الثاني 2005 حيث تبحث قوة التخل العراقية عن مقاتلين مناوئين للعراق و معداتهم.

Senior Iraqi military Leaders Meet to Finalize Security for Elections

Mosul, Iraq -- Iraqi military leaders met across northern Iraq on Jan. 20 to discuss security plans for the Jan. 30 elections.

Gen. Babakir, Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Abdul Qater, Commander of the Iraqi Army, and Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Security Transition Command met in northern Iraq in order to hear election security plans from other Iraqi military leaders.

The group of Generals first met with Col. Mohammed, Commander of the Iraqi Commando Battalions at Forward Operating Base Blickenstaff. Col. Mohammed gave his assessment of the security situation for the elections to the Generals.

The Generals then traveled to Al Kindi where they met with Maj. Gen. Khalil, Commander of the 2nd Division Iraqi Army. Maj. Gen. Khalil also assessed the security situation in northern Iraq, and told of the different missions his unit has performed.

Following lunch at the Joint Coordination Center with local government officials, including Nineveh Governor Duraid Kashmoula and Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq representatives, the Generals traveled to Al Kasik. There they met with Maj. Gen. Khoursheed, Commander of the 3rd Division Iraqi Army, and Col. Thomas Thaler, Commander of Al Kasik Military Training Base. Maj. Gen. Khoursheed and Col. Thaler each assessed their forces’ readiness for election time.

The meetings helped military forces operating in northern Iraq make their final security plans for the election. Release #050122d

Colin L. Powell Victor Yushchenko Kiev, Ukraine

Remarks with Ukrainian President-Elect Victor Yushchenko

Secretary Colin L. Powell Kiev, Ukraine January 23, 2005

PRESIDENT-ELECT YUSHCHENKO: (in Ukrainian) Dear friends, we have just completed our bilateral negotiations. I would like to thank Secretary of State Mr. Colin Powell for a very productive discussion. I’ve indicated the processes that have occurred in Ukraine over the past two years have definitely been because of Ukraine. And I’ve indicated that I’m particularly happy that I’ve lived until the times when the Ukrainian president is elected not in Moscow, not in Washington, but here in Ukraine. On the other hand, however, the international assistance, the assistance and support from our partners was very essential for enrooting the democratic…the democracy in Ukraine.

I would like to once again thank the Ukrainian side for being so committed to the democratic principles which they have, once again, demonstrated in the context of Ukrainian events.

We also touched upon a number of issues that have to do with activation of Ukrainian efforts toward international integration. This includes: the prospects for Ukraine acquiring market-based economy status; this is the problem that has to do with the World Trade Organization; the problem of Ukrainian goods’ access to U.S. markets; the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, and a good wealth of other issues that included Iraq and other bilateral and international aspects of our relations.

SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you very much, Mr. President-elect. It’s a great pleasure for me to be here on this historic day to share in the joy of the Ukrainian people as a new president is elected, who has been elected on the basis of a free, fair and open election.

President Bush hopes that you will be able to visit the United States in the not-too-distant future, and I will pass on to the President your invitation for him to visit Ukraine. As the President-elect noted, we had a good discussion on all of the bilateral issues between our two nations, but we also talked about broader issues of Euro-Atlantic integration and how Ukraine will be moving to make sure that it becomes a valued member of the Euro-Atlantic communities. And Mr. President, on this very important day, I thank you for taking time to meet with me, and I just want to assure you that you will continue to enjoy the full support of the American government and the American people, as you move forward now to undertake the efforts that the Ukrainian people are expecting.

PRESIDENT-ELECT YUSHCHENKO: Thank you.

SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you. ###

dennis hopper late from the ball ?

Anonymous said...
Why was Dennis Hopper asked to not come to the ball?

oft quoted lurid details (and i mean that as a complement) like those found in this foxnews.com report aside, no official comment from PCI, The Creative Coalition or Dennis Hopper is yet available. consider this eye witness report,

"Hill Harper, an actor on "CSI New York," attended a sold-out event hosted by the Creative Coalition, a nonpartisan advocacy group for actors, writers, singers and other members of the entertainment industry.

Harper looked at an empty dance floor at 10:45 p.m.: "It doesn't seem like the most exciting crowd. Maybe we'll see some table dancing, maybe some stripping, maybe somebody will show some leg."

this seems to be a generally held opinion, i heard things like "has been ball" so maybe dennis knew and demurred.

the washinton post runs a quote attributed to hopper, about half way down the page.

"We were dismayed this week when my invitation to participate in the 'Celebration of Freedom' event . . . was withdrawn by the Presidential Inaugural Committee,"

Hopper's rep said he would not comment beyond the statement, which also expressed his "deep regret" over not being here. "However," the actor added, "I would still like to express my support for President George Bush and our next four years"

so he then boycotted the ball in this theory.

while the new york post reports,

January 20, 2005 -- MACY Gray is still showing up to the Creative Coalition's Inauguration party tonight, but co-chair Dennis Hopper isn't. One source said Hopper canceled his trip to Washington when he was "uninvited" from the official presidential party after "religious groups complained about his [sketchy] history." But Hopper, a longtime George Bush supporter, isn't going, a close pal said, because of work reasons. "He is right in the middle of a huge movie deal," the friend said. Another celeb not going to the bash because of work is Sylvester Stallone, who had to cancel because he's filming "Duplicity."

and then this from WOW,

Inside Deep Throat's narrator, Dennis Hopper, abruptly pulled out of attending the Sundance premiere of the film because he, um, FORGOT that he had to go to the Inaugural Ball in Washington.

stay tuned.

Presidential Message: Eid Al-Adha

Presidential Message: Eid Al-Adha

I send greetings to Muslims around the world as you celebrate Eid al-Adha.

Abraham's sacrifice and service to God teach us the importance of devotion, and God's mercy encourages us to share His blessings with others. The kindness and charity practiced by Muslims during this holiday strengthen friendships, help those in need, and exemplify the compassionate spirit that makes America and the world a better place.

As Americans of Muslim faith celebrate Eid al-Adha, our Nation is reminded of the contributions that Muslim Americans have made to our religious and cultural heritage. Your values of family, service, and community enrich our society and reflect the ideals on which our country was founded.

Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a joyous celebration.

GEORGE W. BUSH ###

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 21, 2005

Inauguration Viktor Yushchenko Ukraine

Personnel Announcement January 21, 2005

President George W. Bush today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Inauguration of his Excellency Viktor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine, on January 23, 2005.

The Honorable Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation are:

The Honorable John E. Herbst, United States Ambassador to Ukraine The Honorable Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Mrs. Vera M. Andryczyk, President, Ukranian Federation of America Mrs. Nadia Komarnyckyj McConnell, President, U.S.-Ukraine Foundation Mr. Myron Kuropas, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, Northern Illinois University # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 21, 2005

commemorate liberation Nazi concentration camps

January 21, 2005

President George W. Bush today announced his designation of a Presidential Delegation to a special session of the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps on January 24, 2005.

The Honorable Paul Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary of Defense, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation are:

The Honorable Anne Patterson, Acting Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations Henry R. Kravis, Founding Partner, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Bryce Sandler, President, Sandler and Associates # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 21, 2005 Personnel Announcement
RELATED:

• 60th Anniversary Liberation of Auschwitz - At the Auschwitz concentration camp, evil found willing servants and innocent victims. For almost 5 years, Auschwitz was a factory for murder where more than a million lives were taken. It is a sobering reminder of the power of evil and the need for people to oppose evil wherever it exists. It is a reminder that when we find anti-Semitism, we must come together to fight it.
• Auschwitz-Birkinau death camps - Vice President Cheney will lead the United States delegation to Poland for the 60th commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkinau death camps.

Death of Jan Nowak-Jezioranski

Statement on Jan Nowak-Jezioranski Recognizing the Death of Jan Nowak-Jezioranski

President Bush mourns the passing in Warsaw of Jan Nowak-Jezioranski, a great Polish freedom fighter and American patriot. Jan Nowak's life was devoted to freedom's cause. He was a leader in freedom's struggle in the 20th century from Poland's resistance to the Nazis in World War II through the return of democracy to Poland after 1989, in which he played important roles. Jan Nowak-Jezioranski pursued his values tenaciously, and contributed greatly to the building of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. A longtime leader in the Polish-American community, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996 in recognition of his achievements on behalf of liberty. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 21, 2005

Freedom Calendar 01/22/05 - 01/29/05

January 22, 2001
Republican Condoleezza Rice becomes first woman and second African-American to serve as U.S. National Security Advisor

January 23. 1993
Death of Judge John Robert Brown, leader in fight for Southern desegregation; appointed by President Eisenhower to U.S. Court of Appeals

January 24, 2001
Republican Mel Martínez, appointed by President George W. Bush as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, becomes first Cuban-American in Cabinet

January 25, 2001
U.S. Senate Republican Policy Committee declares school choice to be “Educational Emancipation

January 26, 1922
House passes bill authored by U.S. Rep. Leonidas Dyer (R-MO) making lynching a federal crime; Senate Democrats block it with filibuster

January 27, 1964
U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME), first woman to be considered for nomination by a major party, announces candidacy for President; she finishes 2nd at Republican National Convention

January 28, 1818
Birth of anti-slavery activist George Boutwell, a founder of Massachusetts Republican Party; later served in Congress and as U.S. Treasury Secretary

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar

bush radio address 01/22/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 01/22/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning.

My fellow Americans, earlier this week I had the honor of taking, for the second time, the oath of office as your President. The inaugural ceremony is simple, yet its meaning is profound. Every four years, the American people hold an inauguration to reaffirm our faith in liberty, and to celebrate the democratic institutions that preserve it. To place one's hand on the Bible and swear the oath is a humbling experience, and a reminder of the high trust and great responsibility that the presidency brings. With deep appreciation for your support, and mindful of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I'm eager to begin the work of a new term.

In the years since I first swore to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution, our nation has been tested. Our enemies have found America more than equal to the task. In response to attacks on our home soil, we have captured or killed terrorists across the Earth. We have taken unprecedented steps to secure our homeland from future attacks, and our troops have liberated millions from oppression.

At home, thanks to pro-growth policies and the hard work of the American people, we overcame a recession and created over 2 million new jobs in the past year alone. Now we move forward. We remain in a war the United States will continue to lead -- fighting terrorists abroad, so we do not have to face them here at home. We will strive to keep the world's most dangerous weapons out of the hands of terrorists and tyrants. And our nation will stand by the peoples of Afghanistan and Iraq as they build free and democratic societies in their own lands -- because when America gives its word, America must keep its word.

As I stated in my inaugural address, our security at home increasingly depends on the success of liberty abroad. So we will continue to promote freedom, hope and democracy in the broader Middle East -- and by doing so, defeat the despair, hopelessness and resentments that feed terror.

At home, too, we will expand freedom. We will continue to bring high standards and accountability to our public schools, so that every child can learn. We will transform our retirement and health systems, reform the legal system and simplify the tax code, so that all Americans enjoy the dignity and independence that comes from ownership. In this ownership society, every citizen will have a real stake in the promise of America. And our most valued institutions will be better prepared to meet the new challenges of a new time.

This week, Washington has been marked by pomp and circumstance. In a free nation, these ceremonies are more than pageantry. They underscore that public office is a public trust. America's elected leaders derive their authority from the consent of the American people, whom we serve. This is a high privilege, and that privilege carries a serious responsibility: to confront problems now, instead of passing them on to future generations.

As long as I hold this office, I promise that I will serve all Americans and will work to promote the unity of our great nation. And working together, we will secure the blessings of liberty, not only for ourselves, but for generations of Americans to come.

Thank you for listening.

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 22, 2005