Deep Impact spacecraft comet Tempel

DEEP IMPACT STATUS REPORT FULL STREAMING VIDEO

Launch Services - Why launch anything into space?
Calling All Astronomers - Discover how you too can participate in the Deep Impact mission.
Comets -- the Cosmic Nomads - Throughout history, comets have inspired curiosity, fear, fascination and dread.
What is a Comet Made Of? - NASA's Deep Impact mission to begin a new era of comet exploration
Journey to a Comet Begins in Florida - The Deep Impact spacecraft gets a pre-launch check-up at the Kennedy Space Center.

NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft is out of safe mode and healthy, and on its way to an encounter with comet Tempel 1 on July 4, 2005.

Launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Wednesday, the Deep Impact spacecraft entered a state called safe mode soon after separation from the launch vehicle. When a spacecraft enters safe mode, all but essential spacecraft systems are turned off until it receives new commands from mission control. When Deep Impact separated from the launch vehicle, the spacecraft computer detected higher than expected temperatures in the propulsion system.

While in the safe mode, the spacecraft successfully executed all mission events associated with commencing space flight operations. Data received from the spacecraft indicate it has deployed and locked its solar panels, is receiving power and achieved proper orientation in space.

"We are out of safe mode and proceeding with in-flight operations," said Deep Impact project manager Rick Grammier of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "We're back on nominal timeline and look forward to our encounter with comet Tempel 1 this summer."

Deep Impact is comprised of two parts, a "fly-by" spacecraft and a smaller "impactor." The impactor will be released into the comet's path for a planned collision on July 4. The crater produced by the impactor is expected to be up to the size of a football stadium and two to 14 stories deep. Ice and dust debris will be ejected from the crater, revealing the material beneath.

The fly-by spacecraft will observe the effects of the collision. NASA's Hubble, Spitzer and Chandra space telescopes, and other telescopes on Earth, will also observe the collision.

Comets are time capsules that hold clues about the formation and evolution of the Solar System. They are composed of ice, gas and dust, primitive debris from the Solar System's distant and coldest regions that formed 4.5 billion years ago.

The management of the Deep Impact launch was the responsibility of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Deep Impact was launched from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Delta II launch service was provided by Boeing Expendable Launch Systems, Huntington Beach, Calif. The spacecraft was built for NASA by Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation, Boulder, Colo. Deep Impact project management is by JPL.

For more information about the mission on the Web, visit nasa.gov/deepimpact or deepimpact.jpl.nasa.gov.

For information about NASA and other agency programs on the Web, visit nasa.gov.
- end -

DC Agle (818) 393-9011 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

Gretchen Cook-Anderson (202) 358-0836 Dolores Beasley (202) 358-1753 NASA Headquarters, Washington 01.13.05 RELEASE: 2005-016

2005 Freedom Calendar

January 14, 1975
Republican William T. Coleman nominated as first African-American to be U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

January 15, 1901
Republican Booker T. Washington protests Alabama Democratic Party’s refusal to permit voting by African-Americans.

January 16, 1954
Consuelo Bailey (R-VT) announces her ultimately successful candidacy to become nation’s first woman elected Lt. Governor of a state.

January 17, 1874
Armed Democrats seize Texas state government, ending Republican efforts to racially integrate government

January 18, 1815
Birth of Republican Gov. Richard Yates (R-IL), who prevented Democrat-controlled legislature from withdrawing state troops from the Union Army.

January 19, 1818
Birth of anti-slavery activist Alvan Bovay, who organized first meeting of Republican Party in 1854, to oppose Democrats’ pro-slavery policies,

January 20, 2001
Mississippi Republican Rod Paige is confirmed as first African-American U.S. Secretary of Education; calls for school choice to allow poor and minority children to “throw off their chains”.

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA tsunami relief

DLA at forefront of tsunami relief

Hundreds of thousands of pounds of supplies winging in on hundreds of U.S. military sorties are finding their way to those hardest hit by last month’s catastrophic tsunamis in South Asia. The death toll exceeds 150,000 people with another 1.5 million displaced by the disaster.

In size and scope, Air Force Brig. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, director of Combined Support Force 536’s air component coordination element at Utapao, Thailand, said this is "the largest humanitarian relief effort since the Berlin Airlift of 1947." He told reporters during a Pentagon teleconference Jan. 9 that the challenges include the great distances that have to be covered and the complexities of working from assorted locations in Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

At the foundation of the operation are myriad essentials ranging from first-aid equipment and goods to pre-prepared rations, all arranged through Defense Logistics Agency activities and contractors around the world.

In its normal activities, DLA provides supply support, and technical and logistics services to the U.S. military services and several federal civilian agencies. Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, the agency is the one source for nearly every consumable item, whether for combat readiness, emergency preparedness or day-to-day operations. The unprecedented tsunami-relief operation shows, according to officials, how DLA can jump into a huge humanitarian-relief operation while still supporting far-flung troops in the ongoing global war on terrorism.

Calling from his newly set up post, Marine Brig. Gen. Christian B. Cowdrey, commander of Combined Support Group-Indonesia, described to Pentagon reporters Jan. 8 how all the military services are working together to deliver supplies to people most in need. Less than two weeks after the Dec. 26 disaster, C-130 aircraft had reached out on an air bridge created from Medan near Banda Aceh, Indonesia, to sites near devastated costal areas, from which helicopters fly the last legs to make direct deliveries to tsunami victims.

"All the services are playing a part," the senior military lead for all U.S. military efforts in Indonesia said. "We’re getting better at it every day."

Just during the 24 hours closing out Jan. 9 in Indonesia, Marines and sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Group and USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Group flew 60 sorties to the towns of Kalang, Lamno, Kuede Tennom, Meulaboh, Lhdong, Kreung Raya and Panga Jaya, transported 98,600 pounds of water, food and relief supplies, and medically evacuated 30 Indonesians.

Through Jan. 9, Combined Support Group-Indonesia had flown 266 sorties to deliver 479,600 pounds of relief supplies, transported 200 relief workers, supported 264 reporters and evacuated 158 seriously injured Indonesians.
"We’ve got a lot of people, both in and out of uniform, doing great things for a devastated area," Cowdrey said, talking with reporters Jan. 8.

During his teleconference, which he shared with U.S. Agency for International Development officials, Cowdrey was asked how well Defense Logistics Agency supported what is now designated as Operation Unified Assistance. The general said, at that point, his focus was on delivering the goods rather than the warehousing aspect. However, he added, the end result speaks for DLA’s success.

"We’re taking planeloads of [humanitarian daily rations] to everybody, and we pay attention to those in need," Cowdrey said. "We defer to what they say and deliver what they need, and we’re getting better at it every week. The AID officials with me are nodding in the affirmative."

Less than 24 hours after the widespread tsunami struck South Asia, the U.S. military mobilized its forces for the huge recovery operation, drawing on the Defense Logistics Agency for support and supplies to aid the injured and homeless and even attending to the deceased.

U.S. Pacific Command took the lead in the relief operation, anticipating the need for drinking water, shelter, food and medical support. For these essentials, the Defense Logistics Agency was already on the job.

Fortunately, only weeks before the tsunamis struck, DLA had evaluated its Pacific Command Deployment and Distribution Operations Center concept with DLA-Pacific employee Allen Frenzel, DLA’s liaison officer for U.S. Pacific Command, playing a key role in the exercise. The center unexpectedly switched from concept to reality when the tsunamis roared ashore.

Suddenly, Frenzel was again called on to coordinate DLA support for disaster relief supplies.

Frenzel was far from alone. The operations center was initially staffed by people within DLA-Pacific, including Danny L. Baker, Jose B. Bermudez, Mary K. Horimoto and Janice M. Niizawa from Defense Distribution Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Lt. Col. Cal Reid, DLA’s liaison officer to U.S. Forces Korea.

Together they teamed to draw from Defense Logistics Agency’s vast stockpiles of supplies stored around the world to support any emergency. The agency’s Far Eastern branch, DLA-Pacific, based at Camp Smith, Hawaii, is now the focal point for Indian Ocean operations. DLA-P routinely provides customer assistance, liaison, services, war planning interfaces and logistics support to U.S. Pacific Command.

While the United States has officially pledged $350 million to tsunami relief, that figure does not include millions of dollars per day pouring into the stricken region in the form of $65 million worth of articles and services now being drawn down, at presidential directive, from Defense Department inventories and resources.

This support includes not only massive ships and multitudes of aircraft, all powered by fuel arranged through DLA’s Defense Energy Support Center, but also large stocks of medical supplies already on scene and aboard the USNS Mercy, a Navy hospital ship en route from San Diego to the Indian Ocean.

Medical supplies are contracted through the Medical Directorate at DLA’s Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, which is the wholesale-level partner in the Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support program. Items supplied include thousands of bandages, surgical gear and equipment, first-aid kits, water purification equipment, blankets and disinfectants.

Besides medical supplies, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia calls on its Clothing and Textiles Directorate to provide clothing, textiles and equipment. Human remains pouches are also being delivered in the tens of thousands to the disaster area.

To keep survivors fed, the supply center’s Subsistence Directorate serves as the key link between the armed forces and the U.S. food industry. For Operation Unified Assistance that means providing humanitarian daily rations, also known as Meals Ready to Eat, for the thousands of hungry tsunami victims. In Singapore alone, almost 40,000 humanitarian daily rations had arrived by Jan. 7.

Putting all this together is the task of Defense Supply Center Philadelphia’s Pacific Region office at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, working with DLA-Pacific to support U.S. Pacific Command.

Other DLA activities at the forefront include the Defense Energy Support Center, which has tapped existing fuel stocks and modified fuel-servicing contracts to surge airport fueling capacities at Colombo, Sri Lanka; Medan; and Utapao, Thailand. At Banda Aceh, DESC has worked with the local fuel company to put in place an 11,000-gallon refueler to increase capacity. The airport at Banda Aceh is operational, but supply is very limited. Truck deliveries to Banda Aceh are bringing in 23,000 liters of fuel per day, having to make continuous roundtrip cycles taking six days each due to poor road conditions.

Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service’s Operations Asia Pacific Forward Support Team, Pacific Command Customer Support and Defense Reutilization and Marketing Offices are providing global coverage to support requests for critical medical equipment and life-support items, and other requested property in DRMS stocks. DRMS people are also helping the Defense Department by researching DRMO inventories and processing requisitions for supporting activities in the shortest time possible.
Other Defense Logistics Agency activities at the forefront include Defense Supply Centers Columbus, Ohio, and Richmond, Va., which have provided critical consumables and repair parts. Water purification and reverse osmosis water purification units were foremost on their list of contributions.

The Defense Distribution Center at New Cumberland, Pa., was instrumental in overcoming time and distance challenges of an operation more than 10,000 miles and 12 time zones away, most of which is over water. Workers at Distribution Depots in San Joaquin, Calif.; Pearl Harbor; and Yokosuka, Japan, had many items palletized and ready for air shipment long before customers began to think of their requirements.

Even Celia Pinkston and others at DLA Operations Research and Resources Analysis in Richmond have played a large role as that office helps DLA Pacific capture requirement data to not only document and improve current operations, but also help the agency further improve support of similar operations in the future.

DLA provides supply support, and technical and logistics services to the U.S. military services and several federal civilian agencies. Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Va., the agency is the one source for nearly every consumable item, whether for combat readiness, emergency preparedness or day-to-day operations.

January 13, 2005 05-05 Media Contact: Dawn Dearden 703-767-6310 dawn.dearden@dla.mil
SOURCE: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

Ramadi, Fallujah

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

U.S. Soldiers Near Ramadi Assist Injured civilians; Iraqi citizens in Fallujah Assist U.S. Marines

Camp Blue Diamond, Iraq – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division currently assigned to the 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, provided medical assistance to Iraqi civilians, who were involved in a two-vehicle accident on a main thoroughfare near Ramadi at approximately 6:45 a.m., Jan. 12.

U.S. Army medics from the unit responded to the scene and provided medical care to the injured people. One man was taken by military ambulance to a Multi-National Forces medical facility for treatment. He was later flown to Baghdad for follow-on treatment.

Meanwhile in Fallujah, Iraqi citizens reported two separate weapons caches in the southern part of the city to a U.S. Marine patrol at approximately 12:30 p.m.

A citizen stopped the Marine patrol and reported that he had discovered an RPK machinegun next to his house. As the Marines retrieved the weapon, another resident approached the Marines and reported a cache near his home.

The second individual led the Marines to a buried cache that consisted of (4) RPG rounds, (2) 57mm rockets, (1) RPK machine gun, (2) RPG launchers, (1) mortar tube, (2) gas masks and numerous magazines. All of the weapons and munitions were collected for future demolition.

The Marines, Soldiers and Sailors of the 1st Marine Division of the I Marine Expeditionary Force continue to enhance security in the Al Anbar Province in advance of the upcoming elections. Release #050112x

Status of Preparations for Elections in Iraq

Status of the Out-of-Country Voting Program for Iraqi Citizens in the United States and the Accelerating Pace of Preparations for Elections in Iraq

Ambassador Michael Kozak , Acting Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Special Briefing Washington, DC January 12, 2005 (2:40 p.m. EST)

MR. ERELI: Hello, everyone. Welcome. Pleased you could join us for what I'm sure will be a very informative briefing with our Acting Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, who will talk to us about what the U.S. -- cooperation with the U.S. Government, the Independent Election Commission of Iraq and the International Organization of Management to facilitate Out-of-Country voting in the United States by Iraqis in the elections and then be able to answer, perhaps, hopefully, other questions you might have about the electoral process from a human rights perspective.

Mike, welcome. Thank you

AMBASSADOR KOZAK: Thanks, Adam. Thank you. I'm glad to have the opportunity.

I thought I might just briefly describe the different ways in which the U.S. Government is interacting with the Iraqi Independent Electoral Commission. As you probably know, this Commission is something that's separate from the executive branch or the legislative or judicial branches in Iraq. Under the Transitional Administrative Law, it was set up as a -- it was kind of like our SEC or something. It's an element of the government, but it's not subordinate to any of the political or judicial branches.

So they have control over the elections. They have been staffed up or receiving technical assistance in this from the United Nations, which has the lead, but also the American NGO, IFES, which is always the International Foundation for Electoral Systems -- I know acronyms better than I do names -- has been working under that UN aegis also in providing technical assistance.

So this is the whole range of things, from helping them write the regulations and write the rules for the elections, setting up the training courses and so on for poll workers and that whole range of activity. And it's been going on for some time. So that's one element in which you've got U.S. involvement but it's in that business of supporting the UN and supporting the Iraqi Election Commission.

Another aspect that we've been working with is that there is a group of electoral officials from a number of different countries led by Canada and Yemen, but where they have a steering committee with, I think, 11 different countries and then officials from a lot of other countries that are going to provide sort of an assessment of the election. The UN doesn't observe elections that itself is running. And if it were in this hemisphere, you'd have the Organization of American States or the Carter Center watching after it. If it were in Europe or Eurasia, you'd have OSCE doing it. But there isn't such a critter in the Middle East area, so this has come together and we've been very supportive of that effort, as well.

And then the final element is this Out-of-Country voting where up until mid-November, I think the initial UN recommendation to the Iraqi Independent Electoral Commission had been, don't do overseas voting, it's just a complicated deal and you've got plenty on your plate already. But the Iraqi parties basically came and said, we really want to have this aspect, and the Iraqi Central Election Commission made the decision to do that.

They have made an arrangement with the International Organization for Migration to administer on their behalf, or help them create and administer and assist them to do this. They, after looking at where populations of Iraqis were located, the system they came up with involves having polling places in 14 different countries outside of Iraq. Again, I emphasize, this was not a decision made by the U.S. or that we had any particular part in; it's made by the Iraqis, they are financing this themselves out of their budget and they've contracted with, you know, a worldwide expert, IOM, to do this. IOM had done it in Bosnia, and most recently, in Afghanistan, so they do have some idea of what they're doing.

Where U.S. Government comes in in this in terms of the U.S. part of it; obviously a significant Iraqi population is resident in the United States. I think the first biggest is in Iran and Syria and Jordan and you've got, you know, the immediately neighboring countries. We have got a big chunk, and then there are some in Europe as well. But with each of those countries, IOM, acting on behalf of the Iraqi Commission entered into a memorandum of understanding, and, in our case, we joined with them in that. But our obligation is to facilitate their efforts. We're not the ones making the rules; we're not the ones selecting the sites, but we've facilitated them. In this case, Department of Homeland Security, for example, gave them the U.S. data about where Iraqi residents, as best we can tell, are located around the United States so that they could take that into account in trying to find, you know, the places that would be most convenient to people to be able to vote.

The procedures for voting and, you know, the days and the eligibility, again, all of that is being governed by them. We've been active and the White House has been active in working with, through the intergovernmental liaison with local authorities on issues like security and finding appropriate locales for these voting sites.

I think probably in that -- this is a somewhat unprecedented step. Normally, when countries do overseas elections in the United States or elsewhere, either they do them like we do with the mail, or, a lot of them do it in their embassies and/or their consulate. But here, because Iraq doesn't really -- they had not had very many embassies or consulates when the change of regime occurred, and, I guess, don't even have some in some of these places, they decided to go and just set up sites for those specific days that IOM is arranging. But our job has been facilitation, helping them get in touch with the right people to do security, giving them data and that type of thing.

On the details of, you know, who can vote, what the dates are, and that kind of thing, I'd refer you to the International Organization for Migration. They've got a website called -- what is it -- www.iraq.ocv -- for Out-of-Country voting -- .org.

MS. JOHNSTONE: No dot. It's iraqocv.org.

AMBASSADOR KOZAK: Yeah, iraqocv.org. I put one too many dots in there. Okay. And then they have a hotline as well that's listed there where people can call in to explain their own situation and get information.

But that's sort of the parameters of that part. I think it's an important step that they're taking. We were just talking. There are 14 million estimated voters in Iraq and they're estimating somewhere around a million in the exterior that are -- you know, it's always hard to tell who's going to turn up or who will claim eligibility, but potentially a million people that are in these other countries, including the United States.

So with that, maybe I'll go to questions. Status of the Out-of-Country Voting Program for Iraqi Citizens in the United States and the Accelerating Pace of Preparations for Elections in Iraq FULL TEXT

Bush Tsunami Relief, War on Terror

President Briefed on Tsunami Relief, War on Terror
The Pentagon 11:21 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for the briefing that we just had. The Secretary arranged for a briefing from Admiral Fargo and our commanders on the ground who are providing organization and handling the relief effort for the victims of the tsunamis. I got to tell you our military is making a significant difference in providing relief and aid and help and compassion for those who have suffered. I am very impressed, Mr. Secretary, by how quickly we have responded and the assets that you have ordered deployed to help these people. And there's a lot of talk about how some in the world don't appreciate America, well, I can assure you that those who have been helped by our military appreciate America.

We also talked about the war on terror. We're constantly reviewing our strategy as to how to defeat the enemy -- fully recognize that the war on terror will require a coordinated effort within our own government, as well as a coordinated effort with the countries around the world which understand the stakes of this war. I am pleased with the response from around the world, appreciate so many nations understanding that we must work together to defeat these killers. I'm mindful of the fact that we have -- constantly have got to review our plans and never lose our will.

So, Mr. Secretary, thanks for the briefing. It was a very good briefing, and you're doing a fine job on behalf of the American people.

SECRETARY RUMSFELD: Thank you, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. END 11:24 A.M. EST
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 13, 2005

Tsunami Relief Contributions Tax Deductable

A new law allows taxpayers who itemize to deduct on their 2004 tax returns certain contributions to charities to aid the victims of the tsunami even if the contribution was made during January 2005. For more information, see New Law Encourages Tsunami Relief Contributions.

Generally, contributions are deductible for the year in which they are actually made.

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.

New Organizations

New organizations seeking tax-exempt status to provide relief to victims of the December 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia should apply by filing Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption (PDF 882K) and write "Tsunami Relief" at the top of the form. The IRS will give these applications immediate attention.

No Child Left Behind High School Initiatives

President Discusses No Child Left Behind and High School Initiatives J.E.B. Stuart High School Falls Church, Virginia

No Child Left Behind: High-Quality, High School Initiatives Fact Sheet

Presidential Action

• President Bush on January 12, 2005 highlighted the need to do more to prepare our high school students for the future. His education proposals would ensure that every high school student graduates with the skills needed to succeed in college and in a globally competitive workforce


• The President’s Fiscal Year 2006 budget will provide $1.5 billion in funding for a new High School Initiative to help states hold high schools accountable for teaching all students and to provide effective and timely intervention for those students who are not learning at grade level. This initiative includes requirements for state assessments in high school to ensure that diplomas are truly meaningful.
• The President’s plan for high schools will help to ensure excellence for every student.
• President Bush will propose to increase funding for his Striving Readers program to $200 million annually, and will propose $269 million for the Mathematics and Science Partnership program.


• To reward teachers who demonstrate success in preparing their students through increases in student achievement and teach in low-income schools, he will propose a $500 million incentive fund for states and school districts.


• The President’s support for Advanced Placement programs will not only encourage the growth of AP and IB courses, but also serve as a mechanism for upgrading the entire high school curriculum for all students. President Bush will also propose the State Scholars Initiative for states to develop and promote strong courses of study to increase student achievement.

Background on Presidential Action

President Bush’s plan to reform our Nation’s elementary and secondary schools to ensure that all children are proficient in reading and math by the 2013-14 school year was passed in Congress with bipartisan majorities. The President signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) so that testing, accountability, and high standards will join with record new funding to help ensure educational excellence for every child. The early grades are seeing progress across America, but we must finish the job with American high schools.

According to the latest results from the Program for International Student Assessment, America's 15-year-olds performed below the international average in mathematics literacy and problem-solving, placing 27th out of 39 countries. These disappointing results should be a call to action so that our graduates are prepared for a lifetime of achievement and active participation in our country. To build on America’s education reforms, the President’s high school initiatives will increase the quality of secondary education and ensure that every student graduates from high school prepared to enter college or the workforce with the skills to succeed.

• The President’s New High School Initiative: High School Intervention and State Assessments
• The President’s new High School Initiative will provide $1.5 billion in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 budget. $1.2 billion will be used for High School Intervention to help states hold high schools accountable for teaching all students and to provide effective interventions for those students who are not learning at grade level. In return for a commitment to improve academic achievement and graduation rates for secondary school students, states will receive the flexibility to choose which programs will be most effective in serving the needs of their high school students. And $250 million will be used for State Assessments to ensure that high school diplomas are truly meaningful with required state assessments in high school.


• To make the taxpayer dollar work smarter, and still provide funding for states under the High School Initiative, programs with a narrow focus and programs that have not proven effective in improving our secondary students’ academic achievement will be consolidated.
• Increasing Reading Skills for America’s Striving Readers
• Students who fall behind in reading have a greater chance of dropping out of high school altogether. The President’s Striving Readers initiative provides a focus on improving the reading skills of high school students who read below grade level. This Presidential initiative, first funded in 2005, builds on the No Child Left Behind elementary school reading initiatives. The President’s FY 2006 budget will provide $200 million, an increase of $175 million, eight times the 2005 level to improve the reading skills of these high school students.
• Enhancing Mathematics and Science Achievement
• To accelerate mathematics and science achievement for our high school graduates, the President will again propose a total of $269 million in the FY 2006 budget, for the Mathematics and Science Partnership program authorized in the No Child Left Behind Act. $120 million will be dedicated to support projects to accelerate the mathematics achievement of all secondary students, and especially low-achieving students. The program works to ensure that states and school districts implement professional development projects for mathematics teachers that are strongly grounded in research, and that help mathematics teachers strengthen their skills.


• The President also supports partnerships between school districts and public-private institutions to create an Adjunct Teacher Corps, with opportunities for professionals to teach middle and high school courses in the core academic subjects, particularly in mathematics and science. Many school districts are in need of personnel to strengthen instruction in middle and high schools in the core academic subjects, especially mathematics and science.
• Accelerating Student Achievement with Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate
• President Bush will propose $52 million in the FY 2006 budget for the Advanced Placement program authorized in the No Child Left Behind Act – an increase of 73%. This funding will help ensure that teachers in low-income schools are well-trained to teach Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The President’s support for Advanced Placement programs will not only encourage the growth of AP and IB courses, but also serve as a mechanism for upgrading the entire high school curriculum.
• Promoting Scholastic Achievement with State Scholars
• President Bush will propose $45 million to encourage students to take more rigorous high school courses. Under the President’s State Scholars Initiative, 12 states have already received assistance to create the State Scholars program which requires high school students to take at least three years of math and science, three and one-half years of social studies, four years of English, and two years of foreign language courses.


• In addition, low-income high school students will be eligible for up to $1,000 in additional Pell Grant aid for the first two years of college if they complete the State Scholars curriculum.

###

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 12, 2005

Security Planning 2005 Presidential Inaugural

Media Advisories
Metropolitan Police Department Inauguration Information (Street Closures)
(Courtesy of Metropolitan Police Department)
Riding Metro to the Presidential Inauguration
(Courtesy of WMATA)
U.S. Capitol Police Inauguration Information (Swearing-In Ceremony)
(Courtesy of U.S. Capitol Police)

Security Planning Underway for 2005 Presidential Inaugural

The United States Secret Service, under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and in cooperation with its local, state and federal security and public safety partners, has developed an overall security plan for the 55th Presidential Inauguration.

Files are in PDF format
Press Release
Initial Security Information
Event Maps
General Public Entry Points for the 2005 Inaugural Parade
Road Closures for 2005 Presidential Inaugural
Additional Information
List of Street Closings for 2004 Presidential Inaugural
(Courtesy of Metropolitan Police Department)
SOURCE: The United States Secret Service
RELATED

• 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee announced participants to perform - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) Executive Director Greg Jenkins announced the initial list of participants invited to perform in the 55th Inaugural Parade.
• Presidential Inaugural Committee - The following is a list of the Members of the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Committee: The committee will be responsible for planning and coordinating all official activities associated with the President's upcoming Inauguration
• 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee - "On January 20, 2005, George W. Bush and Vice President Cheney will be inaugurated for a second term as President and Vice President of the United States. The 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) organizes, plans, and executes most Inaugural celebration activities as well as works to select participants for the Inaugural parade and assign credentials to media covering the Inauguration and surrounding festivities. All Americans are invited to share in this historic celebration."

Mineta Announces Laser Warning System

Norman Y. Mineta

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta Announces New Laser Warning and Reporting System for Pilots Measures to Safeguard Pilots and Passengers, Support Timely Enforcement

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today announced new measures designed to alert and better prepare pilots to handle incidents of lasers being shined at their aircraft and to speed notification about such crimes to law enforcement investigators. The measures are designed to respond to a recent increase in the number of reported laser incidents.

“Shining these lasers at an airplane is not a harmless prank. It is stupid and dangerous,” said Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. “You are putting other people at risk, and law enforcement authorities are going to seek you out, and if they catch you, they are going to prosecute you.”

The measures, which are outlined in an Advisory Circular from the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), recommends that pilots immediately report any unauthorized laser events to air traffic controllers. As soon as personnel with the FAA get these reports, they will notify appropriate law enforcement and security agencies through the Domestic Events Network. The changes will provide police with more timely and detailed information to help them identify and prosecute those who are shining lasers at planes.

The new measures also include requirements that air traffic controllers immediately notify pilots about the laser events. If pilots have a laser pointed at them, the circular strongly advises pilots and air crew to avoid direct eye contact given the health and safety risks posed by some types of lasers.

The Department also will be working with the Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and others to improve product labeling and better educate the public.

“We are treating lasers in the cockpit as a serious aviation safety matter,” the Secretary said. “We must act now before someone’s reckless actions lead to a terrible and tragic incident.”

The Secretary announced the new measures today because of a recent spike in the number of incidents of laser being shined at airplanes. Since December 23, there have been 31 reported lasers incidents involving aircraft, seven in the past weekend alone. Since 1990 there have been over 400 similar incidents.

The Secretary noted that there are no indications that the people shining lasers at planes are anything other than careless individuals who are using commercially available lasers in a manner that is reckless and illegal. “There is no specific or credible intelligence that would indicate that these laser incidents are connected to terrorists.”

FAA research has shown that laser illuminations can temporarily disorient or disable a pilot during critical stages of flight such as landing or take-off, and in some cases, may cause permanent damage. However, given the relatively small number of incidents, there is no need to require new equipment for aircraft and aircrew at this time, the Secretary said.

The Secretary announced the new measures today during a simulator demonstration of the dangers posed to pilots from shining lasers into cockpits. The demonstration was held at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, OK, where the FAA conducts research on a range of aviation-related health and safety issues. The FAA will continue to conduct research to determine if there are technological solutions for enhancing air crew safety during laser events, the Secretary added.

A copy of the FAA’s advisory circular is available at faa.gov/. ###

DOT 08-05 Contact: Robert Johnson, Tel.: (202) 366-4570 Wednesday, January 12, 2005

bush H.R. 241 tax deduction tsunami relief

Statement on H.R. 241, Accelerating Income Tax Benefits for Charitable Contributions for Tsunami Victims

On Friday, January 07, 2005, the President has signed into law;

H.R. 241, which accelerates income tax benefits (deductions) for charitable cash contributions for relief of Indian Ocean tsunami victims. ###

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

"Contributions are deductible for the year in which they are actually made. However, under a new law enacted on Jan. 7, donors who itemize are allowed to claim on their 2004 tax returns charitable donations made during Jan. 2005 for the relief of the tsunami victims."
SOURCE: IRS

RELATED:

• H.R.241 tax charitable contributions relief tsunami - 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.
• 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.

Rumsfeld Sergey Ivanov.

Rumsfeld, Russian Minister Discuss Tsunami Relief, Security Issues
By Terri Lukach American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2005 -- Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld today expressed America's sympathy to the loved ones of those missing or killed by the recent tsunami in Asia and praised the ongoing recovery efforts by the international community.

"We have seen the worst of nature and the best of humanity, Rumsfeld said in the Pentagon during a joint press conference with Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Ivanov.

"Americans and Russians are working alongside thousands of others throughout the region to aid the recovery effort," Rumsfeld said. "The American people can be extremely proud of the professionalism and skillful assistance that is being provided by America's uniformed men and women."

Russia has sent teams of medical and rescue personnel to Sri Lanka at that country's request and has provided airlift for tents, blankets, water purification systems, and more than 25 tons of humanitarian goods. Russia is also assisting in distributing relief goods and searching for survivors.

Ivanov's visit today marks the 18th time in four years he and Rumsfeld have met to discuss U.S. and Russian defense and security cooperation and other issues of mutual interest to their two countries.

After meeting for more than two hours, Rumsfeld and Ivanov made brief statements and took questions from the media in the Pentagon Briefing Room. "As always, we have had good meetings," Rumsfeld said.

Ivanov agreed, saying the talks had been "meaningful, constructive and fruitful."

Rumsfeld said the U.S. and Russia share a continuing commitment to waging a global struggle against extremism and praised Ivanov's prescience about the terrorist threat.

"One month before the Sept. 11 attacks," Rumsfeld said, "Minister Ivanov spoke about the dangers of terrorism. In the last three years, we have seen extremists behead aid workers in Iraq, slit the throats of women hoping to vote in Afghan elections, and shoot Russian children in the back on their first day of school.

"These are times of great consequence for the entire civilized world," Rumsfeld said.

Ivanov said he and Rumsfeld were pursuing a "checklist" of items assigned to them by Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin to advance bilateral cooperation in the areas of defense, security and non-proliferation. As a result of the meetings, Ivanov said, the two countries now have "more cooperation, more confidence, and better transparency" in those sensitive areas.

Rumsfeld spoke briefly about the upcoming presidential elections in Iraq, saying that on Jan. 30, Iraqis will finally have the opportunity to choose their own leaders and their own future.

"The Iraqi vote," Rumsfeld said, will mark still another success for democracy and a defeat for the pro-dictatorship and extremist elements. The entire civilized world has a stake in these elections."

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Secretary Rumsfeld Joint Media Availability with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov

New Law Encourages Tsunami Relief Contributions

New Law Encourages Tsunami Relief Contributions IR-2005-6, Jan. 10, 2005

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service alerted taxpayers who itemize deductions that they may claim on their 2004 tax returns charitable donations made during Jan. 2005 for relief of the victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

The new law enacted on Jan. 7 allows these donations to be deducted as if they were made on Dec. 31, 2004.

“There are no extra forms to fill out or any additional burdens for taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. “As long as you send your check by the end of the month, the donation will be treated just like it was still 2004.”

The new law only allows for cash contributions. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami in the Indian Ocean. The new law gives taxpayers the option of deducting the contributions on either their 2004 or 2005 returns, but not both.

The IRS advises taxpayers to be sure their contributions go to qualified charities. Taxpayers who have a specific charity in mind can make sure that it is a qualified charity by doing a search on IRS.gov. Some organizations, such as churches or governments, may be qualified even though they are not listed on IRS.gov. Donors can find out more about organizations helping the victims of the tsunami from agencies such as USAID and USA Freedom Corp.

The IRS reminds donors that contributions to foreign organizations generally are not deductible.

IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, provides information on making contributions to charities. Publication 3833, Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance through Charitable Organizations, explains how the public can use charitable organizations to help victims of disasters, and how new organizations can obtain tax-exempt status. Both publications are available on IRS.gov.

When donors make contributions to assist the victims of the tsunami, they should notate their records to that effect. Donors may want to notate the memo field of checks they send that it is a contribution to help tsunami victims. SOURCE: IRS

Related Items:

• IRS Charity Search
• USAID Tsunami Relief
• USA Freedom Corps

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?