Michael Chertoff Secretary Homeland Security

(Michael Chertoff Resumé Follows Below)

Judge Michael Chertoff

President Nominates Michael Chertoff as Secretary of Homeland Security FULL STREAMING VIDEO The Roosevelt Room President's Remarks 10:03 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I'm pleased to announce my nomination of Judge Michael Chertoff to be the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Mike is a talented and experienced public servant. In his stellar career, he has been a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit; he's been an Assistant Attorney General of the United States; he's been the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, a federal prosecutor in New York City, and a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice William Brennan.

He's been confirmed by the Senate three times. In all of his roles, Mike has shown a deep commitment to the cause of justice, and an unwavering determination to protect the American people. Mike has also been a key leader in the war on terror. On September the 11th, 2001, he was managing the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, an 800-person operation devoted to enforcing our nation's criminal laws. In the days after September the 11th, Mike helped trace the terrorist attacks to the al Qaeda network. He understood immediately that the strategy on the war on terror is to prevent attacks before they occur. His energy and intellect put him at the center of many vital Homeland Security improvements, especially increased information sharing within the FBI and with state and local officials.

He's faced countless challenging decisions and has helped to protect his fellow Americans while protecting their civil liberties. I'm grateful that the Judge has agreed to bring his exceptional judgment and integrity to an urgent new responsibility. I'm confident that he will be a strong, effective leader for the Department of Homeland Security.

Two years ago, we created this new department to ensure a comprehensive, unified effort to protect the American people against new dangers. Since that time, the employees of the department have carried out the largest reorganization of the government in a half a century. Under the direction of Secretary Tom Ridge, the Department of Homeland Security has improved airline security, enhanced the protection of our borders and ports of entry, and taken vital steps to safeguard the nation's critical infrastructure. Tom Ridge has the gratitude of our entire nation. I thank him for his leadership. I appreciate his hard work.

The Department of Homeland Security will also continue working to reduce the nation's vulnerabilities to weapons of mass destruction and cyberterrorism. We are engaged in a daily mission to prepare effective responses to any future attack and to closely coordinate homeland security efforts with state and local officials. Our nation is still at war. We're focused. We're taking decisive actions on the home front that are critical to winning this war.

When Mike is confirmed by the Senate, the Department of Homeland Security will be led by a practical organizer, a skilled manager, and a brilliant thinker. As head of the Criminal Division, and as a U.S. Attorney in New Jersey, Mike built an impressive record of cutting through red tape and moving organizations into action. He's worked cooperatively with the federal and state and local law enforcement officials. He will always be a friend to America's first responders.

Mike is a strong and decent man. As an attorney, he has prosecuted organized crime and corporate fraud. He stood against racial profiling. He's worked with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to represent poor inmates on death row. He's earned the respect of lawyers of many backgrounds, and of politicians on both sides of the aisle. This is the third time I've asked Mike to serve our nation, and I'm grateful he's agreed. I'm also grateful to Meryl, Mike's wife, and his family. I urge the Senate to promptly confirm this outstanding nominee as America's second Secretary of Homeland Security.

Congratulations, Mike.

MR. CHERTOFF: Mr. President, I'm deeply honored that you are nominating me to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. If confirmed, it will be my privilege to serve with the thousands of men and women who stand watch across the country and overseas, protecting our security and promoting our freedom.

On September 11th, 2001, I joined members of dozens of federal agencies in responding to the deadliest single attack on American civilians ever. In the weeks and months that followed, we all worked under your direction to prevent further despicable acts of terror. If confirmed as Secretary, I will be proud to stand again with the men and women who form our front line against terror. Their job is law enforcement, and much more. They secure our ports and our airways, our borders and our buildings, our computers and our public utilities. They respond to natural and manmade disasters in our hours of greatest need.

Secretary Tom Ridge has preformed magnificently in launching this new department. He leaves some very big shoes to fill. I join the whole country in expressing gratitude to him for his service.

To Meryl and my children, I say, thank you for your love, for your support, and for your sacrifices, which have allowed me to shoulder the responsibilities of public service. Mr. President, I thank you for your leadership in protecting all of our families and our way of life. I appreciate the trust you have placed in me. If confirmed, I pledge to devote all my energy to promoting our homeland security, and as important, to preserving our fundamental liberties.

Thank you. END 10:12 A.M. EST
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 11, 2005

Michael Chertoff Resumé

Birth: November 28, 1953 Elizabeth, New Jersey

Legal Residence: New Jersey

Education: 1971 - 1975 Harvard University
A.B. degree magna cum laude

1975 - 1978 Harvard Law School
J.D. degree magna cum laude

Bar Admittance: 1980 District of Columbia
1987 New York
1990 New Jersey

Experience: 1978 Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin
Summer Associate

1978 - 1979 Law Clerk to the Hon. Murray Gurfein
United States Court of Appeals
Second Circuit

1979 - 1980 Law Clerk to the Hon. William J. Brennan, Jr.
Supreme Court of the United States

1980 - 1983 Latham & Watkins
Associate

1983 - 1987 United States Attorney’s Office
Southern District of New York
Assistant United States Attorney

1987 - 1994 United States Attorney’s Office
District of New Jersey
First Assistant United States Attorney, 1987-1990
United States Attorney, 1990-1994

1994 - 1996 United States Senate
Special Counsel for Whitewater Committee

1994 - 2001 Latham & Watkins
Partner

2001 - present United States Department of Justice
Assistant Attorney General
Criminal Division
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Policy

Entertainment 55th Inaugural performers

PIC Announces Entertainment Schedule for 55th Inaugural Events

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced the entertainment schedule for the Inaugural events.

“We are excited about what is a talented and diverse group of performers who will provide fantastic entertainment to enhance the Inaugural events. We’ve worked tirelessly to assemble a lineup that is not only unique, but represents the best and brightest of America’s talent,” said PIC Director Greg Jenkins.

Tuesday, January 18th
SALUTING THOSE WHO SERVE 2:00 p.m.
Artist Description
Kelsey Grammar (MC) Actor
Karri Turner (Reader) Actor
Don King (Reader) Boxing
Shandi Finnessey Miss U.S.A.
Richard Roundtree Actor
Gloria Estefan Singer
Bebe Winans Singer
John M. Montgomery Singer
Darrell Worley Singer
Heather Hedley Singer
Down Range Army Band
President’s Own String Duo-Marine Band
Color Guard Joint Armed Forces
3rd U.S. Infantry Presentation of Flags
Drill Team Soloists Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard
Navy Band Sea Chanters Navy Band

CHAIRMAN’S RECEPTION 5:00 p.m.
Harpist
Pianist
Strolling Strings
Jazz Ensemble

AMERICA’S FUTURE ROCKS TODAY 5:00 p.m.
Artist Description
JoJo Pop/ Top 40
Hillary Duff Pop/ Top 40
Ruben Studdard Soul
3 Doors Down Rock
Boxkar Rock
Jason Sehorn Athlete

Wednesday, January 19th

CHAIRMAN’S BRUNCH 10:30 a.m.
Harpist
Pianist
Strolling Strings
Jazz Ensemble

A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 4:00 p.m.
Artist Description
Kenny Chesney Singer
Gary Sinise Actor
Buzz Aldrin & Others Astronauts
Dale Earnhardt Jr. NASCAR
Daniel Rodriquez Singer
Billy Cerveny Singer
The Gatlin Brothers Singer
Eastern H.S. Choir of D.C. Singers
Temptations R&B
Kristen Chenoweth Singer
The Radio City Rockettes Dancers
Yolanda Adams R&B
Boxkar Rock

CANDLELIGHT DINNER #1 7:00 p.m.
Hartford Christian Academy Handbell Choir Bell Choir

CANDLELIGHT DINNER #2 7:00 p.m.
Ring of Fire Bell Choir Bell Choir

CANDLELIGHT DINNER #3 7:00 p.m.
Blue Ridge Bells Bell Choir

Thursday, January 20th

CONSTITUTION BALL 7:00 p.m.
Doug Sorenson Orchestra 12-piece big band
High Society Band 10-piece variety band
Tuxedo Junction 6-piece jazz ensemble

FREEDOM BALL 7:00 p.m.
The Gene Donnati 16-piece big band
Casablanca 10-piece variety show band
Larry Scott Jazz ensemble

INDEPENDENCE BALL 7:00 p.m.
The Guy Lombardo Orchestra 15-piece orchestra
Funkiphino 10-piece variety band
The Wonders 7-piece variety band

TEXAS/ WYOMING BALL 7:00 p.m.
Tyrone Super-T R&B Soul Show Band
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra 17-piece orchestra
Beatlemania Live Nostalgic Beatle Cover Band
Dance Express 14-piece variety band

LIBERTY BALL 7:00 p.m.
The Marty Conn Blue Lunch Orchestra w/Bob Frank Orchestra
Escapade Variety Band
Michael Andrews & Swingerhead 9-piece swing band

DEMOCRACY BALL 7:00 p.m.
Ben Stein Emcee/comedian
Kaleidoscope Variety band
Sidney’s Orchestra 13-piece big band

PATRIOT BALL 7:00 p.m.
Dennis Samsa Orchestra Orchestra
Fabulous Fantoms Variety Band

STARS & STRIPES BALL 7:00 p.m.
The Pat Dorn Orchestra Orchestra
Colours Variety Band
Doppelganger Variety Band

COMMANDER-IN- CHIEF BALL 7:00 p.m.
Ken Arlen’s Orchestra Variety Band
Wil Gravatt Band Country Band
Mark Wills Country Artist

SOURCE: PIC

Palestinian Elections

President's Statement on Palestinian Elections January 9, 2005

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I am heartened by today's strong turnout in the Palestinian elections. Palestinians throughout the West Bank and Gaza took a key step toward building a democratic future by choosing a new president in elections that observers describe as largely free and fair. This is a historic day for the Palestinian people and for the people of the Middle East.

America and all free nations strongly support the efforts of the Palestinian people to create lasting democratic institutions. These efforts -- including today's presidential elections and the parliamentary elections that will follow in several months -- are essential for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, viable, democratic, and peaceful Palestinian state that can live alongside a safe and secure Israel. These elections are further proof that when given a choice, all peoples seek to live in liberty and to choose their own government.

The United States stands ready to help the Palestinian people realize their aspirations. The new Palestinian president and his cabinet face critical tasks ahead, including fighting terrorism, combatting corruption, building reformed and democratic institutions, and reviving the Palestinian economy. We look forward to working with him and the Palestinian people to address these challenges and to advance the cause of Middle East peace consistent with the vision I set forth on June 24, 2002, of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Other countries also have constructive and vital roles to play. Israel must help to improve the humanitarian and economic situation in the West Bank and Gaza, and follow through with the Disengagement Plan. The Arab states must take concrete steps with all parties to create a regional environment conducive to peace, lend financial support to the Palestinian people, and refuse to assist or harbor terrorists. The United States is looking carefully at how we can best organize and fund our own efforts to help the parties achieve a lasting peace. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 9, 2005

Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement

President's Statement on Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement January 9, 2005

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I congratulate the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement on the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement. I thank all the officials of the United States Government who have worked hard to help achieve this agreement, including Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Special Envoy for Sudan, Ambassador John Danforth, and the Special Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios. I also thank the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, which sponsored the talks, and the government of Kenya, which hosted them, and the governments of Norway and the United Kingdom, and the African Union, which played constructive roles for peace.

Both sides should be proud of this accomplishment. The difficult work of implementation must now begin. Only the implementation of this agreement in good faith can result in long-term peace and development.

As we celebrate this positive movement toward peace in the longstanding North-South conflict, we remember the conflict in Darfur and the suffering it causes. This comprehensive peace agreement should serve as an inspiration and model for both sides in their work toward negotiating a peaceful resolution of the Darfur conflict. I call on the Government of Sudan and on all Darfur rebel groups to live up to their ceasefire commitments, to end atrocities, and to allow the free movement of humanitarian workers and supplies. The United States will continue to assist the people of Darfur in reaching a just and lasting peace. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 9, 2005

RELATED

• Sudan Peace Process - March 2001: President Bush directs a review of U.S.-Sudan policy. The review results in three policy objectives: counterterrorism cooperation, an end to regional destabilization, and the achievement of a just peace

CBS Ousts 4 For Bush Guard Story

CBS Ousts 4 For Bush Guard Story
FULL STREAMING VIDEO

Independent Panel Report in PDF format

• Complete Independent Panel report on CBS News
• Exhibits and Appendices for report
• Official CBS News reaction and actions taken

Independent Review Panel Examining CBS News '60 Minutes Wednesday' Broadcast of September 8 Issues Report of Its Findings

Leslie Moonves Issues Statement In Response To Panel Report

NEW YORK, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Independent Review Panel assigned to examine CBS News' "60 Minutes Wednesday" Broadcast of Sept. 8, 2004 has issued its report. The panel was comprised of the Honorable Dick Thornburgh, former US Attorney General, and Louis D. Boccardi, retired President and Chief Executive Officer of the Associated Press. The 224 page document can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.cbsnews.com.

Following is the statement from Leslie Moonves, Co-President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Viacom and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS:

Statement from Leslie Moonves

Sudan Peace Process

Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesman Nairobi, Kenya January 8, 2005

Chronology of U.S. Engagement in the Sudan Peace Process

March 2001: President Bush directs a review of U.S.-Sudan policy. The review results in three policy objectives: counterterrorism cooperation, an end to regional destabilization, and the achievement of a just peace.

May 2001: Secretary Powell directs Assistant Secretary Walter Kansteiner to quietly approach the Sudanese to discuss all three policy objectives, particularly the prospects for achieving a just peace in Sudan. President Bush appoints Andrew Natsios as U.S. Special Humanitarian coordinator for Sudan.

June 2001: The U.S. forms an informal Troika with the United Kingdom and Norway to support the peace process.

July 2001: U.S. Special Humanitarian Coordinator Natsios travels to Sudan to lay out a framework of humanitarian access, reinstitution of humanitarian neutrality, and preparing southern Sudan for peace.

September 2001: President Bush appoints former Senator Danforth as the Special Envoy for Peace in Sudan.

November 2001: Special Envoy Danforth travels to the region and sets out "four tests" for peace: a slavery commission, ending attacks on civilians, days of tranquility (vaccination program) and a Nuba Mountains ceasefire.

January 2002: Secretary Powell directs a U.S. team to assist parties with the Nuba Mountains ceasefire discussions. The parties agree to Ceasefire Agreement in the Nuba Mountains, Burgenstock, Switzerland.

Spring 2002: Assistant Secretary Kansteiner forms the Sudan Programs Group within the Department’s Bureau of African Affairs to support Special Envoy Danforth and the peace talks. The U.S. and the Troika stand up a Joint Monitoring Commission to monitor the Nuba Mountains ceasefire. Secretary Powell authorizes the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum to resume normal operations after a four-year hiatus.

May 2002: The U.S.-funded report of the International Eminent Persons Group on slavery in Sudan is issued. The U.S. participates directly in the Sudan peace talks for the first time.

July 2002: The parties sign the Machakos Protocol.

October 2002: The parties agree to a cessation of hostilities. The U.S.-led Civilian Protection Monitoring Team begins operations to monitor attacks on civilians. President Bush signs the Sudan Peace Act.

January 2003: Special Envoy Danforth travels to the region to monitor progress on the "four tests."

May 2003: Secretary Powell meets with Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Chairman Garang in Washington.

September 2003: The parties sign an agreement on security arrangements. Secretary Powell meets with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ismail in Washington.

October 2003: Secretary Powell travels to Naivasha, Kenya—the site of the peace talks.

November 2003: Secretary Powell meets with SPLM Chairman Garang in Washington. U.S.-sponsored UN Security Council President Statement is issued, authorizing pre-planning for a UN Peacekeeping mission.

December 2003: President Bush calls President Bashir and SPLM Chairman Garang. Secretary Powell places key call to parties on wealth-sharing, which results in a breakthrough agreement.

January 2004: Parties sign the agreement on wealth-sharing.

March 2004: The U.S. tables a compromise proposal to resolve the Abyei issue, which is accepted by the parties. President Bush calls President Bashir and SPLM Chairman Garang.

April 2004: The U.S. presses for the first UN Security Council press statement on Darfur.

May 2004: The parties sign agreements on power-sharing and the three conflict areas (Nuba Mountains/Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Abyei). The UN Security Council adopts a Presidential Statement condemning the violence in Darfur and demanding humanitarian access.

June 2004: Secretary Powell travels to Khartoum and Darfur, Sudan. President Bush nominates Special Envoy Danforth as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The U.S. and U.K. introduce UN Security Council Resolution 1547, establishing a UN Special Representative of the Secretary General and creating a UN political office in Sudan.

July 2004: The U.S. sponsors UN Security Council Resolution 1556 on Darfur.

September 2004: Secretary Powell meets with SPLM Chairman Garang in Washington. The U.S. sponsors UN Security Council Resolution 1564 on Darfur.

November 2004: Secretary Powell dispatches a U.S. team to discuss security arrangements with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army Front Commanders. Under the U.S. Presidency, the United Nations Security Council holds an extraordinary session in Nairobi, Kenya to discuss Sudan. The parties sign a Declaration, witnessed by the Security Council, to finish the final comprehensive agreement by the end of 2004. The Security Council adopts Resolution 1574. Secretary Powell meets with National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Chairman Mirghani. President Bush calls President Bashir and SPLM Chairman Garang.

December 2004: The parties complete the permanent ceasefire and implementation modalities. President Bush signs the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act.

2005/13

Bush Rice Robert B. Zoellick State

Bush Rice nominate Robert B. Zoellick to be Deputy Secretary of State. FULL STREAMING VIDEO

Personnel Announcement January 7, 2005

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual to serve in his administration:

The President intends to nominate Robert B. Zoellick to be Deputy Secretary of State. Mr. Zoellick has served as the 13th United States Trade Representative since 2001. During his tenure, he completed negotiations to bring China and Taiwan into the World Trade Organization (WTO) and has moved talks forward in the Doha Development Round. He completed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 12 nations, launched negotiations with 12 others, and worked with Congress to pass the Trade Act of 2002 to renew the President's trade negotiating authority.

During President George H.W. Bush's Administration, Mr. Zoellick served as Under Secretary of State for Economic and Agricultural Affairs, as well as Counselor to the Department. In 1992, Mr. Zoellick was appointed Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff. In 1993, he moved to Fannie Mae as an Executive Vice President. From 1985 to 1988, Mr. Zoellick served at the Department of the Treasury in various positions, including Counselor to the Secretary.

He received a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Mr. Zoellick graduated from Swarthmore College. ###

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 7, 2005

H.R.241 tax charitable contributions relief tsunami

To accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami. (Enrolled as Agreed to or Passed by Both House and Senate)

One Hundred Ninth Congress of the United States of America AT THE FIRST SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the fourth day of January, two thousand and five

An Act: To accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. ACCELERATION OF INCOME TAX BENEFITS FOR CHARITABLE CASH CONTRIBUTIONS FOR RELIEF OF INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI VICTIMS.

(a) IN GENERAL- For purposes of section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, a taxpayer may treat any contribution described in subsection (b) made in January 2005 as if such contribution was made on December 31, 2004, and not in January 2005.

(b) CONTRIBUTION DESCRIBED- A contribution is described in this subsection if such contribution is a cash contribution made for the relief of victims in areas affected by the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami for which a charitable contribution deduction is allowable under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.

RELATED:

• tax deduction tsunami relief donations - Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, today joined Sen. Max Baucus, ranking member, in announcing a plan to extend the period of time in which Americans can claim tax deductions for charitable donations to assist victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Southeast Asia on December 26.
• tsunami disaster relief tax deduction - U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined by Chairman Chuck Grassley, applauded the passage of tax legislation to allow extra time for Americans to make cash donations (deduction) to charities supporting relief operations in the Indian Ocean basin.
• Baucus and Grassley Applaud Passage of Proposal to Aid Tsunami Victims
• IRS Publication 3833, Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance through Charitable Organizations (PDF 507K), explains how the public can use charitable organizations to help victims of disasters, and how new organizations can obtain tax-exempt status.

barney finds miss beazley

barney has found miss beazley FULL STREAMING VIDEO

President George W. Bush and Laura Bush receive Miss Beazley, their new Scottish Terrier puppy, from breeder Bill Berry on the South Lawn of the White House Jan. 6, 2005. Miss Beazley is a birthday present from the President to Mrs. Bush. Beginning life at the White House in proper fashion, Miss Beazley's started her first day with a press conference.

barneys' bio

Breed:
Scottish Terrier
Birthday:
September 30, 2000 in New Jersey
Address:
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.
Owners:
President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush
Mother:
Coors, a Scottish Terrier owned by former Environmental Protection Agency Director Christine Todd Whitman.
Father:
Kelly of Champion Motherwell Stormwarning.
Other:
Barney is a much-loved First Family member. Barney loves to play with his soccer ball, his golf ball and most recently has become a fan of playing horseshoes. There are numerous web sites across the Internet devoted to Barney. He has been a part of four "films" on the White House web site: Barney Cam, Barney Cam II: Barney Reloaded, Barney and Spot's Winter Wonderland, and Barney Cam: Where in the White House is Miss Beazley?

President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform

President Names Senators Mack and Breaux on Federal Tax Reform Panel

Personnel Announcement January 7, 2005

President George W. Bush today signed the Executive Order establishing the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform. The bipartisan panel will advise the Secretary of the Treasury on options to reform the tax code to make it simpler, fairer, and more pro-growth.

The President intends to appoint this distinguished group of experts to the Panel:

Connie Mack III (Chairman), Senior Advisor, Shaw Pittman LLP and former U.S. Senator. Senator Mack served as Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee and was a member of the Finance and Banking committees.

John Breaux (Vice-Chairman), former U.S. Senator. Senator Breaux served on the Finance Committee and the sub-committee on Taxation and IRS Oversight.

William Eldridge Frenzel, former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Frenzel served on the Budget Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Frenzel is a Guest Scholar at the Brookings Institution.

Elizabeth Garrett, Professor of Law, University of Southern California. Ms. Garrett served as Legislative Director and Tax and Budget Counsel to former U.S. Senator David L. Boren.

Edward P. Lazear, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution and Professor of Human Resources, Management and Economics, Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Mr. Lazear is the founding editor of the Journal of Labor Economics.

Timothy J. Muris, Foundation Professor, George Mason School of Law and Of Counsel, O'Melveny & Myers LLP. Mr. Muris served as Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission from 2001 to 2004.

James Michael Poterba, Department of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Poterba serves as Associate Department Head. He has taught at MIT since 1982.

Charles O. Rossotti, Senior Advisor, The Carlyle Group. Mr. Rossotti served from 1997 to 2002 as Commissioner of Internal Revenue. He formerly served as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of American Management Systems.

Liz Ann Sonders, Chief Investment Strategist, Charles Schwab. Ms. Sonders joined U.S. Trust, a division of Charles Schwab, in 1999 as a Managing Director and member of its Investment Policy Committees. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 7, 2005

Executive Order President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to assist in reforming the Federal Internal Revenue Code to benefit all Americans, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment. There is established the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform (Advisory Panel).

Sec. 2. Membership. (a) The Advisory Panel shall be composed of up to nine members appointed by the President.

(b) The President shall designate one member of the Advisory Panel to serve as Chair and one member to serve as Vice Chair.

Sec. 3. Purpose. The purpose of the Advisory Panel shall be to submit to the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with this order a report with revenue neutral policy options for reforming the Federal Internal Revenue Code. These options should:

(a) simplify Federal tax laws to reduce the costs and administrative burdens of compliance with such laws;

(b) share the burdens and benefits of the Federal tax structure in an appropriately progressive manner while recognizing the importance of homeownership and charity in American society; and

(c) promote long-run economic growth and job creation, and better encourage work effort, saving, and investment, so as to strengthen the competitiveness of the United States in the global marketplace. At least one option submitted by the Advisory Panel should use the Federal income tax as the base for its recommended reforms.

Sec. 4. Administration. (a) The Department of the Treasury shall provide, to the extent permitted by law, administrative support and funding for the Advisory Panel. The Advisory Panel is established within the Department of the Treasury for administrative purposes only.

(b) The Chair of the Advisory Panel shall convene and preside at the meetings of the Advisory Panel, determine its agenda after consultation with the Vice Chair, and direct its work. The Advisory Panel shall have a staff headed by an Executive Director who shall be selected by the President and report to the Chair.

(c) Members of the Advisory Panel shall serve without compensation for their work on the Advisory Panel. Members of the Advisory Panel who are not officers or employees in the executive branch, while engaged in the work of the Advisory Panel, may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701 through 5707), consistent with the availability of funds.

(d) Consistent with applicable law, heads of executive departments and agencies shall provide to the Advisory Panel such assistance, including assignment or detail of personnel, and information as may be necessary for the Advisory Panel to perform its functions.

(e) The Advisory Panel may conduct meetings in appropriate locations throughout the United States to obtain information and advice from Americans of diverse backgrounds and experience and from a diverse range of American entities, including large and small for-profit and non-profit organizations, State, local, and tribal governments, and from other individuals and entities as appropriate. Public hearings shall be held at the call of the Chair.

(f) Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.) (the "Act"), may apply to the Advisory Panel, any functions of the President under that Act, except for those in section 6 of that Act, shall be performed by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with the guidelines that have been issued by the Administrator of General Services.

Sec. 5. Report. The Advisory Panel shall submit to the Secretary of the Treasury a report containing policy options in accordance with section 3 of this order as soon as practicable, but not later than July 31, 2005.

Sec. 6. Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budget, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees or agents, or any other person.

Sec. 7. Termination. The Advisory Panel shall terminate 30 days after submitting its report pursuant to section 5 of this order.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, January 7, 2005. # # #
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 7, 2005

Chris Matthews Nicolle Devenish Hardball

MSNBC Transcripts Hardball with Chris Matthews for Oct. 5 Read the transcript to the 10:30 p.m. ET Show Updated: 1:22 p.m. ET Oct. 6, 2004 Guest: Nicolle Devenish,

Let‘s go right now to the Chris Jansing, who is in the so-called spin room. I don‘t know how you can spin when you walk in a room called the spin room. It‘s too obvious.

She‘s with Bush-Cheney campaign communications director Nicolle Devenish—Chris.

CHRIS JANSING, NBC CORRESPONDENT: Yes, we used to call it the so-called spin room, Chris. But we don‘t even pretend that anymore. This is the spin.

But let‘s talk to Nicolle.

It‘s great to see you. Thanks for coming by.

NICOLLE DEVENISH, BUSH-CHENEY ‘04 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Any time.

JANSING: The conventional wisdom was that the vice president had to stop—some of the polls, which show that the president lost the first debate in Miami. John Kerry was gaining ground on the Republicans. Did Dick Cheney do that tonight?

DEVENISH: Well, I disagree with part of the premise, but I think that the Democrats are wandering around behind me dazed and confused. This was a decisive victory for Dick Cheney. I think this was where the rubber met the road.

I think this is where John Edwards got first client that he couldn‘t defend. And that record that the vice president had down cold, he was able to really impeach the credibility of every political attack John Edwards launched tonight.

JANSING: Well, let‘s talk about some of the specific attacks.

First, the war on Iraq, did he really make the case that this is part of the war on terror, because that Democrats have said very clearly and some of the American people are having trouble buying the fact that we went to Iraq has made us safer.

DEVENISH: Well, I think the Democrats are so desperate now. They have convoluted their own position so much.

And, look, two questions that John Edwards wasn‘t able to answer tonight. He wasn‘t able to answer Gwen‘s very appropriate and very legitimate question about what exactly the global test was. The second was an inability to articulate whether, 27 days before Election Day, he thinks and Kerry thinks that the invasion of Iraq and the removal of Saddam Hussein made us safer. Our record is clear. We do believe that.

Americans understand that our country is safer here and American cities are safer with Saddam Hussein out of power.

JANSING: What about the accusation that this administration is not being straight with the American people? There have been so many questions raised now about what‘s going on in Iraq. Can this administration continue to defend the progress that‘s being made?

DEVENISH: Well, look, I think that what the Kerry-Edwards ticket would like you to believe is that optimism and truth-telling can‘t coexist.

But we see plenty of debate within the administration. And we talk these policies through. But what wasn‘t truthful, what was the most dishonest thing we saw tonight was that John Edwards tackled with lies and political attacks and Dick Cheney was able to block those tackles with facts and substance.

JANSING: Well, let‘s talk about some of the facts: 45 million Americans without health care. We are standing in the city with the highest poverty rate. Do you think Dick Cheney really made the argument to a Clevelander who has lost his manufacturing job that the way to get more jobs is to be more business friendly?

DEVENISH: Well, I think he did.

And here‘s something else. We are in Ohio. We‘re in a crisis state for medical malpractice. And John Edwards, this was one fact that you would think he would have straight. He did not have his facts straight when he talked about the real savings and the real economic impact of an out-of-control and broken-down medical liability system. So I think people in Ohio will be most disturbed by the distortions that came out of John Edwards tonight.

This is a state that knows, that lives with the results of a broken medical liability system, and John Edwards just gave them spin and political attacks.

JANSING: Nicolle Devenish, communications director for Bush-Cheney ‘04, thanks very much—Chris, back to you.

MATTHEWS: Thank you, Chris Jansing.

Copy: Content and programming copyright 2004 MSNBC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Transcription Copyright 2004 FDCH e-Media Inc. (f/k/a/ Federal Document Clearing House Inc., eMediaMillWorks, Inc.), ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

bush radio address 01/08/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address FULL STREAMING AUDIO

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Americans continue to mourn the victims of the devastating tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. More than 150,000 lives are now feared lost, including tens of thousands of children.

Communities have been decimated from Indonesia, to Thailand, to India, to East Africa. Thousands are missing, or injured; and millions are thought to be homeless, or without food and clean water.

The world has united behind this urgent cause, and the United States is taking a leading role. We're working with other governments, relief organizations, and the United Nations to coordinate a swift and effective international response. We are rushing food, medicine, and other vital supplies to the region. And we are focusing efforts on helping the women and children who need special attention, including protection from the evil of human trafficking.

This past week, I sent a delegation led by Secretary of State Colin Powell and Governor Jeb Bush, of Florida, to the Indian Ocean region. They surveyed the damage in several countries, met with local and regional leaders, assessed the relief efforts in place and began to evaluate what more can be done to help. Secretary Powell reported that American relief efforts are making major visible progress.

We have made an initial commitment of $350 million in aid. And those funds are being distributed promptly to organizations on the ground. Navy vessels, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, have moved into the region to help provide, food, medical supplies and clean water. Helicopters and other military aircraft are meeting critical needs by airlifting supplies directly to victims in remote areas. As in so many other places, our servicemen and women are showing the courage and compassion of our nation to the world.

We're also seeing the good heart of America in an outpouring of generosity here at home. Private citizens are showing their compassion in creative and inspiring ways. On a rainy day in Washington state, children sold hot chocolate by the side of the road and gave their profits to charity. Seven professional basketball players pledged to donate a thousand dollars to UNICEF for every point they scored in a game. American businesses have contributed cash and products, and many are matching donations by their employees. Churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and other religious congregations are taking up special collections for disaster victims.

To draw even greater amounts of private donations, I asked former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush to lead a nationwide charitable fundraising drive. Their mission is to encourage contributions both large and small, directly to the organizations with recovery efforts underway in the disaster area.

I am grateful to the courageous relief groups that have responded so quickly to this catastrophe, including the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Salvation Army, Catholic Relief Services, Save The Children, CARE, AmeriCares and many others. Many of these organizations have long experience with natural disasters and in-depth knowledge of the recovery needs. They're in the best position to use donations wisely and effectively.

To encourage support for these groups, I have signed legislation allowing Americans to deduct from their 2004 federal income tax cash contributions made to tsunami relief efforts this month. I urge all Americans to contribute as they are able. More information about making a donation is available on the Internet at www.usafreedomcorps.gov.

In this time of grief for so many around the world, Americans have come together to pray for the victims and families of the tsunami disaster. We think especially of the children who have been lost, and the survivors searching for their families. And we offer our sustained compassion and generosity as the people of the devastated region begin to rebuild.

Thank you for listening. END

Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.)

Message to the Congress of the United States

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), I transmit herewith an Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation extending the Agreement Between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Russian Federation on Mutual Fisheries Relations of May 31, 1999, with annex, as extended (the "Mutual Fisheries Agreement"). The present Agreement, which was affected by an exchange of notes in Moscow on March 3, 2003, and January 30, 2004, extends the Mutual Fisheries Agreement to December 31, 2008.

In light of the importance of our fisheries relationship with the Russian Federation, I urge the Congress to give favorable consideration to this Agreement at an early date.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, January 6, 2005. # # #
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 6, 2005

Bush Kwasniewski White House

President to Welcome Polish President Kwasniewski to the White House

President Bush will host Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski at the White House for a meeting and lunch on February 9. Poland is a close friend and ally of America, and continues to play a vital role in bringing freedom and democracy to Iraq. President Kwasniewski has demonstrated his commitment to these same ideals through his recent involvement in helping further Ukraine's democratic process. President Bush and President Kwasniewski will discuss a range of issues, including ways to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Europe on the many common challenges we face. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 6, 2005

tsunami disaster relief tax deduction

Baucus and Grassley Applaud Passage of Proposal to Aid Tsunami Victims, disaster relief tax deduction

Senators Say Legislation Encourages Charitable Donations for Relief Effort

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined by Chairman Chuck Grassley, applauded the passage of tax legislation to allow extra time for Americans to make cash donations (deduction) to charities supporting relief operations in the Indian Ocean basin. The measure was passed by unanimous consent in both the Senate and the House. Baucus proposed this legislation on Tuesday.

Under the new law, taxpayers will be permitted to claim a tax deduction in tax year 2004 for cash donations made before January 31, 2005, for tsunami disaster relief. Under current law, taxpayers would have to wait until 2006 to claim a tax deduction for tsunami-related gifts made after December 31, 2004.

“The passage of this legislation will be a great benefit to those in need,” Baucus said. “I commend my Congressional colleagues for prompt and timely action on this bill. The American people are some of the most generous in the world, and this proposal will give them an extra incentive to support this great cause. Today, Americans have been given an even greater opportunity to support the relief efforts currently underway to help victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami.”

Grassley said, “I appreciate the quick action on this proposal. Americans continue to give generously to tsunami relief, and I hope this extension will encourage them to give even more.

Charitable organizations have been issuing support of the tax proposal since it was
announced earlier this week. Today, those coordinating relief efforts praised the legislation’s finalpassage. The Catholic Relief Services released this statement regarding the tax proposal.

“Catholic Relief Services supports this legislation and appreciates the efforts of Senators Grassley and Baucus in introducing it. Given the terrible effects of the tsunami, CRS believes it is critical to provide as much support as possible to victims of the region, particularly considering that the needs for long-term reconstruction will be enormous. Each year as the deadline for making taxdeductible
donations approaches, many donors express their preference to us to receive a tax
deduction for their charitable gift in the current tax year. By extending the 2004 deadline to January 31, we expect that many donors will choose to respond with giving patterns similar to the traditional deadline at the end of the calendar year.”

The legislation approved by Congress today will be sent to President for his signature. -30-

RELATED:

• tax deduction tsunami relief donations - Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, today joined Sen. Max Baucus, ranking member, in announcing a plan to extend the period of time in which Americans can claim tax deductions for charitable donations to assist victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Southeast Asia on December 26.
• Baucus and Grassley Applaud Passage of Proposal to Aid Tsunami Victims
• IRS Publication 3833, Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance through Charitable Organizations (PDF 507K), explains how the public can use charitable organizations to help victims of disasters, and how new organizations can obtain tax-exempt status.

Bush-Cheney '04, Inc. Announces Campaign Staff

Friday, May 30, 2003 Bush-Cheney '04, Inc. Announces Campaign Staff
Contact: Nicolle Devenish (703) 647-2700

Ken Mehlman, Campaign Manager for Bush-Cheney '04, Inc., announced several members of the senior campaign staff today.

Kelley McCullough will serve as Deputy to the Campaign Manager for Campaign Operations. Prior to joining the campaign, McCullough was the Republican National Committee's Regional Political Director for the South and Director of Political Education. McCullough served as Associate Director of Political Affairs for the White House from January 2001 to January 2002.  McCullough also worked as the Alabama Director for Karl Rove + Company from 1997 to 2000.

Terry Nelson will serve as Political Director. Nelson was the Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Political Operations for the RNC prior to joining the campaign. Nelson also worked as the Political Director for the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2000 election cycle. Previously, Nelson served as the NRCC's National Field Director and as a Regional Political Director. He was also Campaign Manager for Congressman Jim Nussle and served as Majority Staff Director of the Iowa Senate.


Nicolle Devenish will serve as Communications Director. Prior to joining the campaign, Devenish was Special Assistant to the President and Director of Media Affairs at the White House where she oversaw regional press strategy and outreach. Devenish was Florida Governor Jeb Bush's Press Secretary in 1999 and Communications Director for the Florida State Technology Office in 2000. Devenish also served California's Assembly Republican Caucus from 1997 to 1998 and worked for the California Republican Party in 1998.

Mathew Dowd will serve as Senior Strategist. Currently, Dowd is the Senior Advisor to the Republican National Committee. Dowd served as Director of Polling and Media Planning for the Bush-Cheney 2000 campaign. Prior to the 2000 campaign, Dowd served as President and Founding Partner of Public Strategies Inc., an international public affairs firm based in Austin, Texas.

Thomas J. Josefiak will serve as General Counsel to the campaign. Josefiak was the chief counsel to the RNC where he served from1992 to 2003. Josefiak was appointed to a six-year term as Commissioner on the Federal Election Commission in 1985. He served as FEC Chairman during the 1988 presidential election and as Vice Chairman of the FEC and Chairman of its Finance Committee in 1987. Prior to his appointment as FEC Commissioner, Josefiak was Special Deputy to the Secretary of the Senate and represented the Secretary at the FEC from 1981 to 1985.

Ben Ginsberg will serve as chief outside counsel, as he did for the 2000 Bush-Cheney campaign.

open, count, certify votes Electoral College

Congress in Joint Session witnesses the President of the Senate (Vice President of the U.S.) open, count, and certify the votes of the Electoral College from the 2004 general election.

1/6/2005: WASHINGTON, DC: 25 min. Joint Session of Congress on 2004 Electoral Vote Count FULL STREAMING VIDEO

Congress in Joint Session witnesses the President of the Senate (Vice President of the U.S.) certify the votes of the Electoral College from the 2004 general election.

1/6/2005: WASHINGTON, DC: 30 min. certify the votes of the Electoral College FULL STREAMING VIDEO

tax deduction tsunami relief donations

To: Reporters and Editors Re: Extended tax deduction proposal for tsunami donations Day: Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005

Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, today joined Sen. Max Baucus, ranking member, in announcing a plan to extend the period of time in which Americans can claim tax deductions for charitable donations to assist victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Southeast Asia on December 26.

The tax proposal comes a day after the announcement of the President’s naming of former Presidents Clinton and Bush to lead a massive fund-raising drive for the disaster. Under this proposal, taxpayers would be permitted to claim a tax deduction in tax year 2004 for donations made for tsunami disaster relief until Jan. 31, 2005.

Under current law, taxpayers would have to wait until next year’s filing season to claim a tax deduction for tsunami-related gifts made after Dec. 31, 2004.

The proposal would be limited to cash gifts made specifically for disaster relief. Sen. Grassley made the following comment on the new tax proposal. “Americans are giving generously to tsunami relief, as they did after Sept. 11. I hope this extension will encourage them to give even more. As they do, I hope they’ll make sure the charities they choose match their good intentions

Inevitably some con artists will try to turn this tragedy into a profit-making venture. Instead of falling victim to opportunists, Americans should consider the many good sources of information about legitimate charities. For example, the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and GuideStar both have resources online to guide donors. A little research can go a long way toward stopping crooks in their tracks.”

Baucus Pushes for Prompt Passage of Tsunami Relief Relief Organizations Throw Support Behind Baucus’ Tax Proposal to Aid Relief Effort

For Immediate Release Contact: Jon Selib Wednesday, January 5, 2005 202-224-4515

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont), continued to push for the
quick passage of legislation that would extend the period of time Americans can make charitable donations in order to assist victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Southeast Asia on December 26. The Baucus/Grassley measure has received widespread support from both parties in Congress as well as backing from the charitable organizations coordinating the relief efforts in the region.

Under this proposal, taxpayers would be permitted to claim a tax deduction in tax year 2004 for donations made before January 31, 2005 for tsunami disaster relief. Under current law, taxpayers would have to wait until 2006 to claim a tax deduction for tsunami-related gifts made during January 2005.

“Americans are rising to the occasion and leading the world in assisting disaster victims in Southeast Asia,” Baucus said. “Giving the American people an added incentive to make a donation to those in need will give us the opportunity to live up to its image as being a compassionate and benevolent country.”

Aid for Tsunami Victims May be Tax Deductible

Contributions to domestic, tax-exempt, charitable organizations that provide assistance to individuals in foreign lands qualify as tax-deductible contributions for federal income tax purposes provided the U.S. organization has full control and discretion over the uses of such funds.

Publication 3833, Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance through Charitable Organizations ( PDF 507K), explains how the public can use charitable organizations to help victims of disasters, and how new organizations can obtain tax-exempt status.

Contributions are deductible for the year in which they are actually made.
SOURCE: IRS

Margaret Spellings Education nomination hearings

Message from Senator Mike Enzi, Chairman:
Welcome to the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The policies we shape on this committee have a profound impact on people's lives...from ensuring that every child in America receives a quality education to making sure all Americans have access to quality health care, to protecting workers and their pensions.

FULL STREAMING VIDEO Margaret Spellings Education nomination hearings. more on margaret spellings

Michael Johanns Agriculture Nomination Hearing

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Room SR-328A Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC. 20510-6000 Telephone: 202-224-2035 TTY/TDD: 202-224-2587

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Nomination Hearing FULL STREAMING VIDEO c-span created by cable offered as a public service

Thursday, January 6, 2005 from Senate Dirksen Office Building Room 106. Mr. Michael Owen Johanns of Nebraska - President Bush's nominee for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. more mike johanns

Daniel Bartlett Nicolle Devenish Communications.

President George W. Bush today announced that he has named Daniel Bartlett Counselor to the President, and he has named Nicolle Devenish Assistant to the President for Communications.

"Dan Bartlett has been a trusted adviser for more than ten years. I appreciate his good judgment and sound counsel and his continued service in a second term," stated President Bush.

"Nicolle Devenish played a vital role in coordinating my campaign's communications strategy. Her expertise will be a huge asset to my Administration," stated President Bush.

Bartlett currently serves as Assistant to the President for Communications. Prior to that, he was Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Communications Director. Before being named Communications Director, he was Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy to then Counselor to the President, Karen Hughes.

Before joining the Bush Administration, Bartlett served as a senior spokesman and the Director of Rapid Response for the Bush for President campaign in Austin, Texas. He has served President Bush since 1993, working on both successful campaigns for Governor of Texas. From 1994 to 1998, Bartlett worked in the Governor's Office as Deputy to the Policy Director. During the 1998 reelection campaign, he served as Issues Director. Earlier in his career, Bartlett worked for Karl Rove + Company, an Austin-based public affairs firm. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Texas at Austin.

Nicolle Devenish: Hometown—Orinda, Calif. served as Communications Director for Bush-Cheney '04. Prior to joining the campaign, Devenish was Special Assistant to the President and Director of Media Affairs at the White House where she oversaw regional press strategy and outreach. Before joining the Bush Administration, Devenish was Florida Governor Jeb Bush's Press Secretary and later Communications Director for the Florida State Technology Office (some evidence of that Governor Bush Appoints Robert A. Rosenberg To The 17th Judicial Circuit).

Devenish also served California's Assembly Republican Caucus from 1997 to 1998 and worked for the California Republican Party in 1998 (a Former Sacramento press agent fired by the state Assembly Republican caucus for getting too cozy with reporters. "I was seen talking and laughing and looking too trusting of the California press corps," said Ms. Devenish, who at the time, 1998, was a spokeswoman for the Republican caucus of the California State Assembly. She was dismissed by a staff member for an assemblyman - she won't say who - and responded by crying for an hour and a half in the car of a friend, Dan Schnur, a Republican political strategist who has worked on four presidential campaigns. Nicolle, 32, told Elisabeth Bumiller of the New York Times. SOURCE: SacBee).

She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkley and her master's degree from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

# # #
Personnel Announcement For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 5, 2005

RELATED:

• Chris Matthews Nicolle Devenish Hardball FULL TEXT Transcript
• Kerry Statement on Terry Holt Nicolle Devenish - “In two sentences, Nicole Devenish and Terry Holt articulated why George Bush is unfit for another four years in the White House.
• Nicolle Devenish on Social Security (Real Audio) March 16, 2005 Nicolle Devenish, Assistant to the President for Communications, talks with Bill Lumaye, WPTF, Raleigh, NC.

Claude A. Allen Domestic Policy

UPDATE: March 12, President Briefed by Joint I E D Task Force - THE PRESIDENT: If the allegations are true, Claude Allen did not tell my Chief of Staff and legal counsel the truth, and that's deeply disappointing. If the allegations are true, something went wrong in Claude Allen's life, and that is really sad. When I heard the story last night I was shocked. And my first reaction was one of disappointment, deep disappointment that -- if it's true -- that we were not fully informed. But it was also one -- shortly thereafter, I felt really sad for the Allen family.

UPDATE: March 11, 2006 Bush Shocked by Arrest of Former Adviser - WASHINGTON - President Bush on Saturday said he was shocked to learn that his former domestic policy adviser was charged with theft for allegedly receiving phony refunds at department stores. "I was shocked and my first reaction was one of disappointment, deep disappointment — if it's true — that we were not fully informed,"

UPDATE: March 10, 2006 Former White House Adviser Arrested - COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- A former White House adviser and Bush administration nominee to the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has been arrested and charged with theft for receiving phony refunds at department stores.

UPDATE: February 9, 2006 President Thanks Domestic Policy Advisor Claude Allen for Service - Claude Allen has been a trusted advisor since 2001. As Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, he worked hard to improve the health and welfare of all Americans. During the past year, he has served as my top domestic policy advisor at the White House and has helped develop policies that will strengthen our Nation's families, schools, and communities.
Personnel Announcement

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to name Claude A. Allen Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy. He will fill the position held by Margaret Spellings.

Claude A. Allen

"Claude Allen has been a valuable member of my Administration since 2001, helping to improve the health and welfare of all Americans. He is a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for those in need. I look forward to his continued service in this new role as my domestic policy advisor," stated President Bush.

Mr. Allen currently serves as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services. He previously served as Secretary of Health and Human Resources for the State of Virginia and served in the Virginia Attorney General's Office. He was an associate at Baker & Botts in Washington, D.C., from 1991 to 1995 and served as a professional staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1985 to 1987. Mr. Allen is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and Duke University Law School.

###
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 5, 2005

Biography of Claude A. Allen

Claude A. Allen was confirmed by the Senate as the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services on May 26, 2001.

As Deputy Secretary, Allen works closely with the Secretary on all major policy and management issues, and he serves as the department's chief operating officer.

Prior to joining HHS, Allen was Secretary of Health and Human Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, leading 13 agencies and 15,000 employees. Allen led Governor Gilmore's initiative for Virginia's new Patients Bill of Rights passed in 1999, allowing patient appeals for adverse coverage decisions made by health plans, and direct access to physician specialists. Allen also spearheaded Virginia's welfare reform initiative and provided leadership to overhaul the state's mental health institutions and community services. Additionally, Allen was responsible for implementing the Governor's private health insurance program for children and families, offering lower-cost coverage options to thousands of uninsured Virginians.

Before joining the Gilmore administration, Allen was Counsel to the Attorney General, and later, Deputy Attorney General for the Civil Litigation Division in the Office of the Attorney General, Virginia. He reported directly to then-Attorney General Gilmore on legal, legislative, and policy matters, including all health, education and welfare issues. Before joining the Office of the Attorney General, Allen practiced law in Washington, D.C., specializing in government contracts, litigation, and legislative affairs.

Allen holds both a Juris Doctorate and a Masters of Law in International and Comparative Law from Duke University Law School. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning degrees in Political Science and Linguistics.

Allen is married to the former Jannese Mitchell and is father of Claude Alexander III, Lila-Cjoan, and Christian Isaiah.
Last revised: January 21, 2005
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 Memorandum

Memorandum for the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense
Presidential Determination No. 2005-16

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

SUBJECT: Provision of Emergency Disaster Relief Assistance to Twelve Countries Affected by the Asian Tsunami, including the Drawdown Under Section 506(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended, of Articles and Services

Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including my authority as Commander in Chief, I hereby direct the Secretary of Defense to provide such disaster assistance to Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Malaysia, Burma, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Bangladesh, and the Seychelles as is necessary to prevent further loss of life, as determined by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State.

In addition, pursuant to section 506(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2318(a)(2) (FAA), I hereby determine that it is in the national interest of the United States to draw down articles and services from the inventory and resources of the Department of Defense, for the purpose of providing international disaster relief assistance to countries affected by the Asian tsunami.

I therefore direct the drawdown of up to $65 million of defense articles and services from the inventory and resources of the Department of Defense for these countries for the purposes and under the authorities of chapter 9 of part I of the FAA related to international disaster assistance.

The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to report this determination to the Congress and to arrange for its publication in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 4, 2005

bush tort legal reform

Legal Reform: The High Costs of Lawsuit Abuse

Today's Presidential Action

• Today, President Bush highlighted the need for common-sense medical liability reform to protect patients, to stop the sky-rocketing costs associated with frivolous lawsuits, to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans, and to keep necessary services in communities that need them most.
• The President's plan will help reduce the rising cost of health care while improving quality and safety. President Bush's framework for addressing the medical liability crisis in America seeks to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans by making the medical liability system more stable and predictable, and to protect patients by reducing the disincentives for reporting medical errors and complications.
• The President also stressed the need for class action lawsuit reform and asbestos litigation reform, and he urged Congress to enact proposed reforms. Class action lawsuits are an important part of the U.S. legal system. However, when the ability to bring a class action lawsuit is abused, it truly harms injured parties and undermines the American judicial system. The growing problem of asbestos litigation is similarly hurting workers, bankrupting businesses, and delaying relief for the truly sick claimants.

Background on Today's Presidential Action

The costs of litigation per person in the United States are far higher than in any other major industrialized nation in the world. Lawsuit costs have risen substantially over the past several decades, and a significant part of the costs from lawsuits goes to paying lawyers' fees and transaction costs -- not to the injured parties. This explosion in litigation is creating a logjam in America's civil courts and threatening jobs across America. Small businesses spend, on average, about $150,000 per year on litigation expenses. The President is urging Congress to pass legislation that reduces the burden of frivolous lawsuits on our economy. President Bush supports enactment of medical liability reform, class action lawsuit reform, and asbestos litigation reform to expedite resolutions and curb the costs of lawsuits for all Americans.

Curbing Lawsuit Abuse with Needed Medical Liability Reform

• Frivolous lawsuits and excessive jury awards are driving many health care providers out of communities and forcing doctors to practice overly defensive medicine. This reduces access to medically necessary services and raises the costs of health care for all. The President has proposed proven reforms, such as common-sense limits on non-economic damages, to make the medical liability system more fair, predictable, and timely.
• The President's framework for addressing the medical liability crisis includes:
• Securing the ability of injured patients to get quick, unlimited compensation for their "economic losses," including the loss of ability to provide unpaid services like care for children or parents;
• Ensuring recoveries for non-economic damages do not exceed a reasonable amount ($250,000);
• Reserving punitive damages for egregious cases where they are justified, and limiting damages to reasonable amounts;
• Providing for payments of judgments over time rather than in a single lump sum, to ensure that appropriate payments are made when patients need them;
• Ensuring that old cases cannot be brought to court years after an event; and
• Providing that defendants pay judgments in proportion to their fault.

Returning Justice to the Truly Injured with Class Action Reform

• The President supports class action reforms to limit the abuse of large, nationwide class action cases and return justice to the truly injured parties. Class action lawsuits are an important part of the U.S. legal system. However, the class action system is heavily abused, which in turn does not benefit injured parties and undermines the American judicial system. In particular, injured parties often receive awards of little or no value while lawyers receive large fees. The proposed class action reform legislation recognizes that large interstate class action lawsuits deserve Federal court access because they typically affect more citizens, involve more money, and implicate more interstate commerce issues than any other types of lawsuits. These reforms do not alter the right of a plaintiff to bring a legitimate claim, or change controlling substantive law, but they do provide additional protection and information to class members.

Aiding Asbestos Victims with a Fair System and Long-Term Solution

• Victims of asbestos-related diseases deserve a fair system and a long-term solution. The current system may leave little or no funds to pay current and future asbestos victims; is costly to administer (future transaction costs are estimated at between $145 and $210 billion); will impose large, indirect costs on the economy; and has driven exposed defendants, including small businesses, into bankruptcy. Asbestos, as the longest-running mass tort litigation in U.S. history, has led to the bankruptcies of at least 74 companies. Within the past few years, there have been sharp increases in the number of asbestos claims filed annually. The President has stressed the need for reform and commended Congress for aggressively working on this problem, but more work needs to be done to pass legislationfor the President to sign that provides a fair and permanent solution.

###

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 5, 2005

Susan Collins Homeland Security

SENATOR COLLINS RE-ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF SENATE HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today was re-elected by her peers in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to serve as Chairman for the 109th Congress. Senator Collins received unanimous support from the Republican members of the Committee to maintain the role in which she has served since January 2003.

“My goal this year is to continue promoting a bipartisan working environment in the Committee so that we can focus on tackling the important issues facing this country. I hope that the success we had at the end of last year with the bipartisan Collins-Lieberman intelligence reform legislation will start us off on the right foot this year,” said Senator Collins.

“I anticipate building on our work in the last Congress to strengthen our national security by, among other things, overseeing and improving the Department of Homeland Security and investigating sources of terrorism financing. I also plan to investigate wasteful government spending, modernize the United States Postal Service, investigate the United Nations “Oil for Food” Program, and enhance federal employee benefits,” Collins added.

Senator Collins first became Chairman of the Committee on Governmental Affairs on January 15, 2003. The Committee was renamed this year as the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to reflect its expanded oversight of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Senator Collins is the first woman to Chair the Committee and the 15th woman in history to serve in the U.S. Senate. Prior to becoming Full Committee Chairman, she chaired the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Senator Collins has been a member of the Senate since 1996. ###

January 05, 2005 Contact: Elissa Davidson (202) 224-4751

426th Civil Affairs Battalion Mosul Iraq

Northern Iraq Village has Electricity for First Time in Years

Mosul, Iraq -- The 426th Civil Affairs Battalion worked with local Iraqis in northern Iraq to provide Alkishki Village with much needed electrical lines.

The $50,000 project provided 250 residents of Alkishki Village electricity. It is the first time the village’s school has had electricity.

“Throughout the construction schedule we received excellent support from the Dahuk Electrical Power Department,” said Maj. Robert Schultz, 426th team leader. “They had inspectors at the site on a regular basis to make sure the work was being done properly so the effort wouldn’t be wasted.”

More than a thousand meters of high capacity aluminum electrical wiring has been run to the village. A junction box and transformer added the finishing touch to the project. Release #050105w

Civil Affairs helps Blanket the Cold

Mosul, Iraq -- The 426th Civil Affairs Battalion has provided new shelter, blankets and kerosene heaters to the Amedi District in northern Iraq.

Computers, copiers and fax machines were also provided to the mayor’s office. These donations will enable communication to be more effective, and the new office equipment increases the office’s efficiency in assisting the displaced people of Amedi.

About 300 blankets and 60 kerosene heaters were purchased with funds from the Commander’s Emergency Response Program and handed out to internally displaced persons in the area.

Fifteen concrete homes are currently being erected for IDP’s. The project began in September and crews have been working to complete the construction before winter. The three-room structures provide a living room, kitchen and bedroom with working bathroom. Electricity will also be in the structures to power lights and heat the home. Release #050105t