National Airspace System: Progress and Ongoing Challenges for the Air Traffic Organization

National Airspace System: Progress and Ongoing Challenges for the Air Traffic Organization.

Congress's formation of the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) and the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO), both within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), represent the latest efforts to address the monumental challenges of modernizing the national airspace system (NAS) during the first quarter of the twenty-first century. For more than two decades, FAA has been working to modernize the air traffic control (ATC) system, but projects have repeatedly missed cost, schedule, and performance targets. Consequently, ATC modernization has been on GAO's list of high-risk federal programs since 1995. The ATO's focus is on a rolling 10- year outlook to operate and modernize the NAS. By contrast, the JPDO's vision is longer term, focused on coordinating the research efforts of diverse federal agencies to achieve a common goal of meeting potential air traffic demands in 2025. This statement discusses (1) GAO's assessment of the ATO's efforts to date in addressing some of the key challenges for the ATC modernization program and (2) challenges that lie ahead for the ATO and options that it could consider in addressing the needs of the NAS over the next decade, as well as longer-term needs defined by the JPDO.

The ATO is taking a number of positive steps to address the legacy cost, schedule, and performance problems that have affected the ATC modernization program for the past two decades. For example, the ATO is beginning to involve stakeholders early and throughout a system's development; has demonstrated a willingness to cut major acquisitions that are not meeting their goals, even after investing significant resources; and has improved its management of information technology. However, the ATO does not use a knowledge-based approach to acquisitions, characteristic of best commercial and federal practices, which would help avoid cost, schedule, and performance problems. Additionally, the ATO has used a process improvement model in several software-intensive acquisitions. However, because the ATO has not mandated use of the model in all such acquisitions, it risks taking a major step backwards in its capabilities for ATC systems and software. Finally, the ATO is taking steps to change the culture of its component organizations by, for example, replacing a personality-driven culture with one that is more sustainable and stable. Continued management attention in this area will be important to the organization's success. The ATO faces the challenges of (1) modernizing and expanding NAS capacity to accommodate an expected 25-percent increase in the volume of air traffic over the next 10 years, (2) hiring thousands of air traffic controllers to replace those expected to retire over the next decade, (3) working with the new JPDO to coordinate the research efforts of diverse federal agencies to transform the NAS to meet potential air travel needs of 2025, and (4) addressing aging infrastructure. To fund its major system acquisitions through fiscal year 2009 while remaining within projected budget targets, the ATO has substantially reduced funding for other areas. However, the ATO does not provide administration and congressional decisionmakers with information about the impact of the reduced funding on NAS modernization. To deal with these challenges, some aviation experts suggested options that the ATO could consider, including contracting out more services and incurring debt to obtain multiyear funding for capital investments (an option requiring legislative change). Our work and some experts also suggest clarifying budget submissions to show decisionmakers how constrained budgets affect NAS modernization and how the ATO is working to live within its means. SOURCE: GAO

Subject Terms

Air traffic control systems, Cost analysis, Cost overruns, Federal procurement, Internal controls, Investment planning, Performance measures, Program evaluation, Schedule slippages, Strategic planning, FAA Air Traffic Control Modernization Program

GAO-05-485T - PDF, April 14, 2005 Highlights-PDF new items PDF

Information Security: Department of Homeland Security Statutory Requirements

Information Security: Department of Homeland Security Faces Challenges in Fulfilling Statutory Requirements.

For many years, GAO has reported that poor information security is a widespread problem that has potentially devastating consequences. Accordingly, since 1997, GAO has identified information security as a governmentwide high-risk issue in reports to Congress--most recently in January 2005. Concerned with accounts of attacks on commercial systems via the Internet and reports of significant weaknesses in federal computer systems that made them vulnerable to attack, Congress passed the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA), which permanently authorized and strengthened the federal information security program, evaluation, and reporting requirements established for federal agencies. FISMA requires that agencies report annually to OMB who issues guidance for that reporting process. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the third largest agency in the federal government, uses a variety of major applications and general systems in support of operational and administrative requirements. This testimony discusses DHS's progress and challenges in implementing FISMA as reported by the agency and its Inspector General (IG).

DHS has made progress in implementing key federal information security requirements, yet it continues to face challenges in fulfilling the requirements mandated by FISMA. In its fiscal year 2004 report on FISMA implementation, DHS highlights increases in the majority of the key performance measures (developed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to track agency performance in implementing information security requirements), such as the percentage of agency systems reviewed and percentage of employee and contractor personnel who received security awareness training. For example, DHS reported a substantial increase in the percentage of personnel that received security awareness training, rising from 14 percent in fiscal year 2003 to 85 percent in fiscal year 2004. However, DHS continues to face significant challenges in meeting most statutory information security requirements. For example, DHS has yet to develop a complete and accurate inventory or an effective remediation process. SOURCE: GAO

Subject Terms

Computer security, Electronic government, Employee training, Federal law, Federal regulations, General management reviews, Information resources management, Internet, Performance measures, Reporting requirements, Standards and standardization, Statutory law,

GAO-05-567T, April 14, 2005 Highlights-PDF, new items PDF

Taxpayer and Bank Secrecy Act Data

Information Security: Internal Revenue Service Needs to Remedy Serious Weaknesses over Taxpayer and Bank Secrecy Act Data.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) relies extensively on computerized systems to support its financial and mission-related operations. In addition, IRS provides computer processing support to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)--another Treasury bureau. As part of IRS's fiscal year 2004 financial statements, GAO assessed (1) the status of IRS's actions to correct or mitigate previously reported weaknesses at one of its critical data processing facilities and (2) the effectiveness of IRS's information security controls in protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of key financial and tax processing systems.

IRS has made progress in correcting or mitigating previously reported information security weaknesses and in implementing controls over key financial and tax processing systems that are located at one of its critical data processing facilities. It has corrected or mitigated 32 of the 53 weaknesses that GAO reported as unresolved at the time of our prior review in 2002. However, in addition to the remaining 21 previously reported weaknesses for which IRS has not completed actions, 39 newly identified information security control weaknesses impair IRS's ability to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its sensitive financial and taxpayer data and FinCEN's Bank Secrecy Act data. For example, IRS has not implemented effective electronic access controls over its mainframe computing environment to logically separate its taxpayer data from FinCEN's Bank Secrecy Act data--two types of data with different security requirements. In addition, IRS has not effectively implemented certain other information security controls relating to physical security, segregation of duties, and service continuity at the facility. Collectively, these weaknesses increase the risk that sensitive taxpayer and Bank Secrecy Act data will be inadequately protected from unauthorized disclosure, modification, use, or destruction. Moreover, weaknesses in service continuity and business resumption plans heighten the risk that assets will be inadequately protected and controlled to ensure the continuity of operations when unexpected interruptions occur. An underlying cause of these information security control weaknesses is that IRS has not fully implemented certain elements of its agencywide information security program. Until IRS fully implements a comprehensive agencywide information security program, its facilities and computing resources and the information that is processed, stored, and transmitted on its systems will remain vulnerable. SOURCE: GAO

Subject Terms

Computer security, Data integrity, Financial statement audits, Information resources management, Internal controls, Systems analysis, Tax administration systems, Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

GAO-05-482, April 15, 2005, Highlights-PDF, new items PDF

Plague Vaccine F1 and V antigens

New Plague Vaccine Agreement Signed

A joint, multi-nation project arrangement between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of National Defence of Canada, and the Secretary of State for Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was announced today for the cooperative development of a vaccine to protect against plague. Under this agreement, the three nations will work together to develop and produce a plague vaccine that will ultimately be licensed for human use.

The defense establishments of the United States and the U.K. have each maintained active plague vaccine research and development efforts since the 1990s. Relevant plague vaccine development information has been shared among the U.S., U.K., and Canada under provisions of a memorandum of understanding between the three nations since 2000.

The U.K. plague vaccine candidate is a purified subunit vaccine containing the F1 and V antigens purified separately from recombinant “Escherichia coli” and then mixed together, while the DoD vaccine candidate contains the F1 and V antigens linked together as a fusion protein. The F1V fusion protein candidate was pioneered by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. The DoD program is now managed by the Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program in the office of the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense.

Testing of the U.K. plague vaccine candidate in the United States under the joint project arrangement is expected to begin in late 2005 with a phase one clinical trial to be performed in accordance with regulations administered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The DoD plague vaccine candidate began phase one clinical trials, at the University of Kentucky, in the first quarter of 2005. This joint effort will continue until late 2005, at which time the DoD will evaluate both vaccine candidates and select one for continued advanced development.

U.S. Department of DefenseOffice of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)News Release defenselink.mil/releases/ Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131 Public contact: dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711 No. 367-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2005

chocolate stops cancer

Researchers find that chocolate compound stops cancer cell cycle in lab experiments

(Washington, DC)--Researchers from the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University have shown how an ingredient found in chocolate seems to exert its anti-cancer properties -- findings that might be used one day to design novel cancer treatments. The study, published in the April issue of the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, explains how pentameric procyanidin (pentamer), a natural compound found in cocoa, deactivates a number of proteins that likely work in concert to push a cancer cell to continually divide.
"There are all kinds of chemicals in the food we eat that potentially have effects on cancer cells, and a natural compound in chocolate may be one," said the lead author, Robert B. Dickson, Ph.D., professor of oncology. "We need to slowly develop evidence about the selectivity of these compounds to cancer, learn how they work, and sort out any issues of toxicity."

Chocolate, like many other foods, is the source of many possible anti-cancer compounds, but Dickson stresses that this research, which is part of a series of studies conducted at Georgetown on the chocolate-cancer connection, does not mean that people who eat chocolate will either reduce their cancer risks or treat a current case. Although the study was conducted in breast cancer cell cultures, the finding could potentially apply to other cancers, Dickson said. (The studies are being funded by MARS Incorporated.)

Chocolate is made from the beans of cacao trees, and, like some other plants, are rich in natural antioxidants known as flavonoids. These antioxidants may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals, which are thought to contribute to both heart disease and cancer development. The primary family of flavonoids contributing to the antioxidant benefit in chocolate is the procyanidins, and of the various types of procyanidins, pentamer seem to be strongest, according to a number of studies.

Given this, the Georgetown researchers looked at what happened when they used a purified preparation of pentamer on a variety of breast cancer cells, compared to treatment on normal breast cells. They used a variety of tests to find and identify proteins that were deactivated in the cancer cells.

What they located were two well known tumor suppressor genes as well as two other proteins known to be involved in regulating the "cell cycle" -- the progression of a cell from a state of being "quiet" into division and growth. They specifically found that the breast cancer cells stopped dividing when treated with pentamer and that all four proteins were inactivated. Furthermore, expression of one of the genes was reduced.

Dickson notes that "the novel aspect here is that a pattern of several regulatory proteins are jointly deactivated, probably greatly enhancing the inhibitory effect compared to targeting any one of the proteins singly. That is also why the compound seems to work on cancer cells, irrespective of whether any of these single genes are mutated, which often happens in cancer cells."

He adds that the researchers don't know why pentamer deactivates these proteins simultaneously, stopping the cell cycle. "We don't know at a fundamental level whether a master switch that triggers cell growth is turned off, or whether the chocolate compound exerts multiple independent effects on diverse cellular processes. That will be the subject of future studies here."

Co-authors of the study from Georgetown University are first author Danica Ramijak, Nicole Thompson, and Linda Metheny-Barlow. Leo Romanczyk from Masterfoods, USA, and other collaborators also contributed.

The full text of the study is available at gumc.georgetown.edu/. ###

The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Georgetown University Medical Center and Georgetown University Hospital, seeks to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer through innovative basic and clinical research, patient care, community education and outreach, and the training of cancer specialists of the future. Lombardi is one of only 38 comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, as designated by the National Cancer Institute, and the only one in the Washington DC area.

Contact: Amy DeMaria demariaa@georgetown.edu 202-687-5100 Georgetown University Medical Center

America’s Gift To The World, National Park Week

America’s Gift To The World, National Park Week to be celebrated April 18-24, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C.— “National parks are the best idea we ever had,” wrote famed western author Wallace Stegner. “Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”

What began as a uniquely American idea with the creation of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872 has been exported, adapted and adopted worldwide in the decades that followed.

“American’s Gift To The World” is the theme of National Park Week, celebrated the week of April 18-24, 2005.

The week-long celebration will kick off Monday, April 18th with the dedication of the Yosemite Falls Restoration Project, the largest public/private partnership project ever undertaken in Yosemite National Park. The event celebrates the completion of a ten year, $13.5 million dollar effort enhancing protection of and improving visitor access to the Lower Yosemite Falls area.

A variety of events will be held at national parks across the nation during the week including the 35th anniversary of Earth Day.

The celebration will conclude in Albuquerque, New Mexico with ceremony recognizing the Superintendent of Petroglyph National Monument. Dr. Joseph P. Sanchez will be presented with the Medalla del Merito Civil, an honor conferred by the King of Spain, in recognition of this life-long accomplishments promoting Spanish Colonial heritage.

“It is my privilege each spring to encourage people to visit their national parks,” said National Park Service Director Fran P. Mainella. “To paraphrase Stephen Mather, the first Director of the Service, visitors come away with a sense of pride, contentment and improved health after visiting our national parks.”

Many countries around the world look to the United States as a leader in park and protected area management. The agency’s Office of International Affairs facilitates cooperation between the National Park Service and park and protected area agencies around the globe to fulfill foreign policy objectives and international treaty and agreement obligations through a variety of programs, projects and activities.

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For details on National Park Week events that will be held at your nearby or favorite park, or for help planning your next national park vacation, you can visit our web site at www.nps.gov.

- SOURCE: National Park Service NPS For Immediate Release: April 15, 2005 Contact(s): David Barna, 202.208.6843 Al Nash, 202.208.6843

President and Mrs. Bush Release 2004 Tax Return

PRESIDENT AND MRS. BUSH RELEASE 2004 TAX RETURN

President and Mrs. George W. Bush reported taxable income of $672,788 for the tax year 2004. This resulted in a total of $207,307 in federal income taxes paid by President and Mrs. Bush.

The President's 2004 income included salary earned as President and investment income from the trusts in which their assets are held.

President and Mrs. Bush contributed $77,785 to churches and charitable organizations, including Evergreen Chapel at Camp David, St. John's Church, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army World Service Office, AmeriCares, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the Federal Government's Combined Federal Campaign.

### For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 15, 2005 President and Mrs. Bush Release 2004 Tax Return

Vice President Dick Cheney and Mrs. Cheney Release 2004 Income Tax Return

Vice President Dick Cheney and Mrs. Cheney Release 2004 Income Tax Return

Vice President and Mrs. Cheney filed their federal income tax return for 2004 today. The income tax return shows that the Cheneys owe federal taxes for 2004 of $393,518 on taxable income of $1,328,678. During the course of 2004 the Cheneys paid $290,855 in taxes through withholding and estimated tax payments. The Cheneys paid $102,663 upon filing their tax return.

The wage and salary income reported on the tax return includes the Vice President's $203,000 government salary. In addition, the tax return reports the payment of deferred compensation from Halliburton Company in the amount of $194,852. In December 1998, the Vice President elected to defer compensation earned in calendar year 1999 for his services as chief executive officer of Halliburton. This amount was required be paid in fixed annual installments (with interest) in the five years after the Vice President's retirement from Halliburton. That election to defer income became final and unalterable before Mr. Cheney left Halliburton. The amount of deferred compensation received by the Vice President is fixed and is not affected in any way by Halliburton's current economic performance or earnings. The tax return also reports Mrs. Cheney's wage and salary income from the American Enterprise Institute and compensation from Reader's Digest, on whose board of directors she served until her retirement in 2003.

The Cheneys donated $303,354 to charity in 2004, primarily from Mrs. Cheney's book royalties from Simon & Schuster on her books America: A Patriotic Primer, A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Woman, and When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots, and the exercise of stock options dedicated to charity pursuant to the Gift Administration Agreement which the Cheneys entered into in January of 2001. The book royalties and the proceeds from the stock options were donated to designated charities on a tax neutral basis.

For Immediate Release April 15, 2005 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Terrence O'Donnell or James T. Fuller of Williams & Connolly LLP at (202) 434-5000

Raymond Simon, Deputy Secretary of Education

Raymond Simon, of Arkansas, to be Deputy Secretary of Education, vice Eugene Hickok, resigned.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 15, 2005 Nomination Sent to the Senate 2005

National Park Week, 2005

National Park Week, 2005 by the President of the United States of America a Proclamation

America's system of national parks is dedicated to protecting our resources and preserving our cultural and natural treasures. During National Park Week, we celebrate these places and those who work to support and maintain them. This year's National Park Week theme, "National Parks: America's Gift to the World," reminds us that our country's parks serve as tributes to our Nation's history that are enjoyed by visitors from around the globe.

My Administration is dedicated to ensuring that our national parks remain a source of pride for our citizens, and we are expanding our ability to protect America's historical and natural wonders. By insisting upon management excellence, the National Park Service is ensuring that the most vital maintenance and conservation needs of our parks are met and that resources are spent where they are needed the most.

As we observe National Park Week, we recognize the vital contributions of National Park Service employees and volunteers. These dedicated men and women manage nearly 400 areas, covering more than 84 million acres in 49 states. Together with the 140,000 volunteers who donated over 5 million hours to these sites last year, National Park Service employees ensure that our National Parks are safe and enjoyable places where visitors can experience America.

America's national parks reflect our commitment to protect the land that God has entrusted to our care and to mark the milestones that have made us a better Nation. In being good stewards of these treasures, we maintain the legacy of our country for future generations.

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 April 18 through April 24, 2005, as National Park Week. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in recognizing the importance of our national parks and to learn more about these places of beauty, their cultural and historical significance, and the many ways citizens can volunteer to protect and conserve these precious national resources.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 15, 2005

Bush nominates one, designates two, and appoints thirteen 04/16/05

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual, designate two individuals, and appoint thirteen individuals to serve in his Administration:

The President intends to nominate Raymond Simon, of Arkansas, to be Deputy Secretary of Education. The President also intends to designate him Acting Deputy Secretary of Education. Mr. Simon currently serves as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the Department of Education. He previously served as Director of the Arkansas Department of Education. Earlier in his career, Mr. Simon served as Superintendent of the Conway School District in Arkansas. He previously taught at the University of Central Arkansas Graduate School, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and the Arkansas State University at Beebe. Mr. Simon earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree from the University of Central Arkansas.

The President intends to designate John A. Russack, to be the program manager, pursuant to section 1016(f) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, for a term of two years.

The President intends to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council:

Bruce Lawrence Bialosky, of California, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2009

Marek J. Chodakiewicz, of the District of Columbia, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

Itchko Ezratti, of Florida, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

Marilyn R. Fox, of Missouri, for the remainder of a five-year term January 15, 2010

JoAnne Ginsberg, of the District of Columbia, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

Constance B. Girard-diCarlo, of Pennsylvania, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

Norman Hascoe, of Connecticut, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

Marcia McCraw Horwitz, of Washington, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

Edward Koch, of New York, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

Michael I. Lebovitz, of Tennessee, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

Elena Neuman Lefkowitz, of Maryland, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

Steven M. Levy, of Connecticut, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

William F. Weld, of New York, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring January 15, 2010

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 15, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Freedom Calendar 04/16/05 - 04/23/05

April 16, 1862, President Lincoln signs bill abolishing slavery in District of Columbia; in Congress, 99% of Republicans vote yes, 83% of Democrats vote no.

April 17, 1823, Birth of Arkansas Republican Mifflin Gibbs, elected in 1873 as first African-American judge; later appointed by President William McKinley as Consul to Madagascar.

April 18, 1920, Minnesota’s first-in-the-nation anti-lynching law, promoted by African-American Republican Nellie Francis, signed by Republican Gov. Jacob Preus.

April 19, 1866, Thousands assemble in Washington, DC to celebrate Republican Party’s abolition of slavery.

April 20, 1871, Republican Congress enacts the Ku Klux Klan Act, outlawing Democratic Party-affiliated terrorist groups which oppressed African-Americans.

April 21, 1926, Death of George Murray, former slave who served as U.S. Rep. (R-SC) from 1893-97.

April 22, 1981, President Ronald Reagan establishes first annual Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust.

April 23, 1971, Republican appointee Herbert Choy becomes first Asian-American federal judge, named by President Richard Nixon to U.S. Court of Appeals.

“I believe the time will come when the sense of justice of this nation, when the enlightenment of this century, when the wisdom of our legislators, when the good feeling of the whole people will complete this grand work by lifting up out of degradation a race of men which has served long and faithfully by placing it, so far as the laws are concerned, upon an equal footing with all other classes. I have faith in this country.”

Rep. Joseph Rainey (R-SC), the first African-American in the U.S. House of Representatives (1870-79)

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar

bush radio address 04/16/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 04/09/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. American families and small businesses across the country are feeling the pinch from rising gas prices. If you're trying to meet a family budget or a payroll, even a small change at the pump can have a big impact.

America's prosperity depends on reliable, affordable and secure sources of energy. And today our energy needs are growing faster than our domestic sources are able to provide. Demand for electricity has grown more than 17 percent in the past decade, while our transmission ability lags behind. And we continue to import more than one-half of our domestic oil supply.

In the coming days and weeks I'll talk more about what we need to do in Washington to make sure America has an energy policy that reflects the demands of a new century. The first order of business is for Congress to pass an energy bill. Next week Congress begins debate on energy legislation and they need to send me a bill that meets four important objectives:

First, the energy bill must encourage the use of technology to improve conservation. We must find smarter ways to meet our energy needs, and we must encourage Americans to make better choices about energy consumption. We must also continue to invest in research, so we will develop the technologies that would allow us to conserve more and be better stewards of the environment.

Second, the energy bill must encourage more production at home in environmentally sensitive ways. Over the past three years, America's energy consumption has increased by about 4 percent, while our domestic energy production has decreased by about 1 percent. That means more of our energy is coming from abroad. To meet our energy needs and strengthen our national security we must make America less dependent on foreign sources of energy.

Third, the energy bill must diversify our energy supply by developing alternative sources of energy like ethanol or biodiesel. We need to promote safe, clean nuclear power. And to create more energy choices, Congress should provide tax credits for renewable power sources such as wind, solar, and landfill gas. We must also continue our clean coal technology projects so that we can use the plentiful source of coal in an environmentally friendly way. The bill must also support pollution-free cars and trucks, powered by hydrogen fuel cells instead of gasoline.

Finally, the energy bill must help us find better, more reliable ways to deliver energy to consumers. In some parts of the country, our transmission lines and pipelines are decades older than the homes and businesses they supply. Many of them are increasingly vulnerable to events that can interrupt and shut down power in entire regions of the country. We must modernize our infrastructure to make America's energy more secure and reliable.

Every source of power that we use today started with the power of human invention, and those sources have served us well for decades. Now it's time to apply our knowledge and technology to keep the American Dream alive in this new century. There is nothing America cannot achieve when we put our mind to it. And I urge Congress to work out its differences and pass an energy bill that will help make America safer and more prosperous for the years to come.

Thank you for listening.

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 16, 2005

Study uncovers bacteria's worst enemy

LOS ALAMOS, N.M., April 14, 2005 -- University of California scientists working at Los Alamos National Laboratory have found that the successful use of bacteria to remediate environmental contamination from nuclear waste and processing activities may depend more upon how resistant the bacteria are to chemicals than to how tolerant they are to radioactivity. The results of a recent Laboratory study may help make bacterial bioremediation a more widespread method for cleaning up sites contaminated with actinides and other radionuclides.

In research published in the journal Environmental Microbiology, Laboratory chemist Mary Neu and her colleagues describe their study of different naturally occurring bacteria used to treat actinide contamination. Actinides are the elements above atomic number 89 and are usually radioactive. The study's results indicate that actinide toxicity is primarily chemical, rather than radiological, and so a bacteria's resistance to radiation does not necessarily ensure a tolerance for radionuclides. In fact, the bacteria's worst enemy in a nuclear waste site may not be the radioactive elements, but rather, the other toxic metals that might also be found at the site.

The study also shows that contrary to the conventional wisdom, when it comes to these environmental bacteria, plutonium is less toxic than uranium and, in general, actinides are less toxic than other types of metals. This suggests that actinide toxicity will not impede bioremediation using naturally occurring bacteria.

"This study" said Neu, "is exciting because even though we've known for years that bacterial bioremediation can be a preferred method for cleaning up actinide contamination, we've never really known whether or not radioactivity or chemical toxicity will stifle the process. Our study found that actinides are chemically toxic to bacteria only at high levels far, far above concentrations at contaminated sites, and that common toxic metals, such as cadmium, nickel, and chromium, are more likely to cause problems for the bacteria."

Generally, bacteria used for bioremediation are selected to target a specific form and oxidation state of toxic pollutants, such as soluble hexavalent uranium carbonate for uranium contamination. However, a single chemical rarely contaminates soils and groundwater and combinations of actinides, radionuclides, organic chemicals and metal regularly exist at many nuclear sites. Based on the results of this study, if bioremediation is to be effective at these types of sites, the operative microorganisms must be able to grow, function and do better than other bacteria in the presence of all kinds of contaminants.

The study examined the effects of toxicity of actinides, metals and chelators on different bacteria being evaluated for radionuclide bioremediation, Deinococcus radiodurans and Pseudomonas putida, along with the toxicity of plutonium on the bacteria Shewanella putrefaciens.

In addition to Neu, the bacteria bioremediation study team includes Christy Ruggiero and Hakim Boukhalfa of the Chemistry Division, and Joseph Lack and Larry Hersman from the Laboratory's Bioscience Division.

SOURCE: Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to defense, energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.

Release of Foreign Relations Volume

Release of Foreign Relations Volume

The Department of State released today Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, volume XXXII, Dominican Republic; Cuba: Haiti; Guyana, the second volume in the 1964–1968 sub-series covering the foreign policy of the Lyndon Johnson Administration towards Latin America. The first, volume XXXI, South and Central America; Mexico, was released in September 2004. Together, these two volumes contain 989 documents and over 2,000 pages of key documentation of the Johnson White House, the National Security Council Staff, the Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Department of Defense.

Volume XXXII, released today, concentrates on the Caribbean. The Johnson Administration’s primary focus was on the Dominican Republic, which, after the fall of the Trujillo dictatorship, was marked by political instability and crisis. President Johnson was determined to avoid another “Castro-type takeover.” When the military government of Reid Cabral resigned and leftist forces threatened to take control in Santo Domingo, Johnson sent in the U.S. Marines. The volume documents the efforts of the Johnson Administration to seek evidence of Communist elements in the Dominican Republic, support U.S. intervention through Organization of American States contributions to a peace-keeping force, and negotiate a political settlement through the services of President Johnson’s aides and friends—Assistant to the President McGeorge Bundy, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States Ellsworth Bunker, and Abe Fortas. Drawing on Johnson presidential tapes, the volume demonstrates that the President himself maintained hands-on control of U.S. policy towards the Dominican Republic. In August 1965, the various political factions in Santo Domingo established a provisional government, which was to be followed by general elections for president and vice president. The Johnson Administration provided both overt encouragement and covert financial support to former President Joaquin Balaguer, the Johnson Administration’s favored candidate for president. When the other leading candidate, deposed President Juan Bosch, threatened to boycott the election, the Johnson Administration encouraged him to remain in the race. Balaguer’s solid victory over Bosch on June 1966 seemed to confirm the Johnson policy.

Cuba remained a central focus of Johnson Administration policy, but not at the same level of personal interest as it had been under Kennedy. Johnson continued the economic embargo against Cuba and sought to block Cuban subversion in Latin America; however, European allies were less enthusiastic about economic denial programs against Cuba, and U.S. efforts to enlist their support proved ineffective. When the Johnson Administration decided that the ongoing U.S. program of covert harassment of Cuba was not having any real impact, the Administration suspended U.S.-sponsored sabotage raids in April 1964. In March 1965, U.S-supported autonomous exile sabotage operations were shut down. The chapter on Cuba also covers the Guantanamo water crisis, U.S. overflights of Cuba to verify that offensive weapons were not being reintroduced by the Soviet Union, and a short-lived consideration of a possible Cuban-American rapprochement.

The volume's final two chapters cover Haiti and Guyana, both trouble spots for the Johnson Administration. In Haiti, the brutal dictatorship of “Papa Doc” Duvalier presented a dilemma: Duvalier’s regime was repressive and corrupt, but there was no Haitian opposition or a candidate to take his place. The United States was reduced to working quietly with Haitian exiles and examining contingencies should Duvalier die, be assassinated, or be overthrown.

The Johnson Administration also focused on Guyana, a small English-speaking country on the South American continent equally split between East Indians and Afro-Guyanese. Fearing “another Cuba” on the South American mainland, President Johnson continued President Kennedy’s policy of trying to discourage the leftist Indian Prime Minister of the then-colony of British Guiana, Cheddi Jagan, from becoming the Prime Minister of an independent Guyana. The U.S. Government covertly funneled financial support, and campaign advice and expertise to Jagan’s Afro-Guyanese opponent, Lester Forbes Burnham. In December 1964, Burnham won the parliamentary elections. In May 1966, Guyana received its independence from Great Britain and the United States provided economic support and assistance to Guyana. When elections were held again in 1968, Burnham received additional secret U.S. support and used absentee overseas Guyanese voters to increase his vote count. The documentation on Guyana demonstrates, as do the documents in the other compilations in this volume, how Cold War considerations—especially the fear of another Cuba—strongly influenced U.S. Latin America policy.

The text of the volume, the summary, and this press release are available on the Office of the Historian website (state.gov/johnsonlb/xxxii). Copies can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office, after April 28, 2005, at bookstore.gpo.gov/. For further information contact Edward Keefer, General Editor of the Foreign Relations series at (202) 663–1131; fax (202) 663–1289; e-mail: history@state.gov. 2005/423 Released on April 15, 2005 to the Press Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC April 15, 2005

Andes in the U.S.A. Conference

Department of State to Host the “Andes in the U.S.A.” Conference

The Department of State will host the ‘Andes in the U.S.A.’ (ANDUSA) Conference in the Loy Henderson Auditorium, on April 15, 2005. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roger F. Noriega, U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States John Maisto, and Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council Ambassador Thomas Shannon will address the group. Ambassador Charles S. Shapiro will moderate the conference, which will focus on the expanding the relationship between the United States and Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Of special interest is how free trade can strengthen economic ties and improve the livelihoods of the people of our region.

ANDUSA participants are U.S.-citizen and resident business executives and community leaders with ties to the Andean-American communities in the United States whose goal is to establish a more formal and productive dialogue between the United States and the Andean region.

Members of the press are invited to attend the opening session, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Those who do not have a Department of State building pass should arrive at the State Department’s 23rd street entrance by 8:30 a.m. to clear security procedures, and will be escorted to the event from the 23rd Street entrance at 8:45 a.m.

Media representatives who plan to attend must present one of the following press credentials: (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense, or Foreign Press Center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification (driver’s license or passport).

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/414 Released on April 14, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC

Panamanian Vice President's Visit to Washington

Panamanian Vice President's Visit to Washington

Panamanian Vice President and Foreign Minister Samuel Lewis Navarro and Minister of Commerce and Industry Alejandro Ferrer concluded a visit to Washington on April 14. The two Panamanian leaders met with Vice President Cheney, Secretary of State Rice, Acting United States Trade Representative Allgeier, and other U.S. officials.

Panama is an important friend, and we have a historic partnership built on a foundation of shared democratic values and an interest in promoting them in our hemisphere. Our two countries cooperate closely on a broad range of issues, including Panama Canal and transportation security, counter-narcotics and other law enforcement issues. We also have a strong economic and trade relationship and continue to be interested in concluding a free trade agreement at an appropriate time for both countries.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/422 Press Statement Tom Casey, Acting Spokesman Washington, DC Released on April 14, 2005

Advisory Committee, U.S. Section, Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission

Renewal of the Charter for the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission

On March 30, 2005, the Department of State renewed the Charter of the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) for an additional two years.

The IATTC was established pursuant to the Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, signed in 1949. The purpose of the Commission is to conserve and manage the fisheries and associated resources of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The United States is represented to the IATTC by the U.S. Section, which includes four Presidentially-appointed Commissioners and a Department of State representative.

The General Advisory Committee to the United States Section of the IATTC was established pursuant to Section 4 of the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 (16 U.S.C. 953, as amended), the implementing statute for the IATTC Convention. The goal of the Advisory Committee is to serve the U.S. Section to the IATTC, the Department of State, and other agencies of the U.S. Government as advisors on matters relating to international conservation and management of stocks of tuna and dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, and in particular on the development of U.S. policy and positions associated with such matters.

The Committee is composed of representatives of the major U.S. tuna harvesting, processing, and marketing sectors. Additionally, Committee membership includes representatives of recreational fishing interests and environmental interests formulating specific U.S. policy recommendations and positions.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/417 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC April 14, 2005

Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy (ACICIP)

Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy, Thursday, April 21, 2005

The Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy (ACICIP) of the Department of State will meet on Thursday, April 21, 2005, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Room 1105 of the Harry S. Truman Building of the U.S. Department of State. Mr. Richard E. Wiley of Wiley, Rein and Fielding LLP, will chair the meeting. Ambassador David A. Gross, Deputy Assistant Secretary and U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy and Randy Shriver, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs will speak.

The discussion will focus on U.S.-Asia political and economic relations, with an emphasis on China. The group will also discuss information and communications technology issues concerning China and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. A report from the member-organized Subcommittee on Emerging Technologies on Voice Over Internet Protocol issues will be presented for the Committee's consideration.

The meeting is open to the public, but public access to the Department of State is strictly controlled and space is limited. Members of the public wishing to take part in the meeting should telephone the Office of Telecommunications and Information Policy at (202) 647-4736 or e-mail the Executive Secretary of the Committee, Robert Watts, at wattsrm@state.gov by April 19 to make arrangements to enter the building. The public may take part in the discussion as long as time permits and at the discretion of the chairman.

2005/406 Released on April 13, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC April 13, 2005

James Wolfensohn as Special Envoy for Gaza

Remarks on the Appointment of James Wolfensohn as Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement

SECRETARY RICE: Good morning. Nearly three years ago, the members of the Quartet agreed to a roadmap for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. From the London conference in February to President Bush's meeting with Prime Minister Sharon this week, we have all worked to realize the vision of the roadmap: two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

Today we take another important step to realize that vision. On behalf of all the members of the Quartet, I am announcing the appointment of a Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement. We have an opportunity right now to help Israelis and Palestinians build trust with one another and achieve the peace and security they both desire. President Bush is determined to seize the opportunity to help both sides reach their goal.

The parties have shown good faith and political courage in recent months, but the obstacles before them remain substantial. Working for the cause of peace is the vital interest and moral duty of every free nation. Therefore, the United States, together with the United Nations, the European Union and the Russian Federation -- the Quartet -- are committed to making the difference for peace.

UN Secretary General Annan, EU High Representative Solana, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and I all agree that we must seize the moment and secure the very best person available for this critical mission of Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement. That is why we have agreed on one of the world's most skilled, experienced and dedicated public servants, Mr. James Wolfensohn, the President of the World Bank.

As Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement, Mr. Wolfensohn will focus his efforts on two areas: first, Palestinian-Israeli coordination concerning the non-military aspects of the withdrawal, including the disposition of the assets that will be left behind; and second, the revival of the Palestinian economy in the wake of the withdrawal.

The responsibility for peace ultimately rests with the two parties and Mr. Wolfensohn can only help them achieve what they are willing to achieve together. His mission is to work closely with Israeli and Palestinian officials to promote cooperation and ensure a smooth transition in Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. He will also encourage more direct contacts between the Israelis and the Palestinians themselves.

Mr. Wolfensohn will report to the Quartet. He will assume his duties on June 1 and he will continue his post throughout the duration of the year. But in view of the urgency of this mission, and taking into consideration the role that the World Bank has already played in the disengagement process, the Board of the World Bank has authorized Mr. Wolfensohn to begin preparatory work immediately, and we appreciate that very much.

Let me also add an additional word of gratitude, Jim. President Bush and I are deeply grateful for the service that you have agreed to give. I know that I speak for all of my Quartet colleagues in saying that we look forward to working closely with you as you embark on this important mission. Every one of us will give you our utmost support. Good luck and God speed.

MR. WOLFENSOHN: Madame Secretary, let me thank you and the members of the Quartet for the confidence that you have shown. I think there is no more important mission currently than working with the Israelis and the Palestinians to bring about a equitable and a just and a secure solution to the issues that they are facing. It's a real privilege to act on behalf of the Quartet and I do so with some humility since I've been in the area for ten years and have some idea of the difficulties.

But I do think the moment is now. I'm honored to have the support of the Quartet. I'm very pleased to have just had a personal discussion with President Bush and I look forward to this further stage of my retirement after I leave the World Bank.

Thank you all very much.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/415 Released on April 14, 2005 Secretary Condoleezza Rice Benjamin Franklin Room Washington, DC April 14, 2005 (12:00 p.m. EDT)